*vm^t&3%y
• ,f«p& -
To the Reform Advocate Subscribers
I call your attention to my line ot special decora*
tions, with few flowers and a gorgeous display,
It takes original artists, which I have, and the
best that money can secure. 1 handle (he largest
quantity and choicest quality of cut flowers in
Chicago, and do the business, Never do I per*
mit myself to be undersold by my competitors
in the same line of goods. I will pie ass you, and
you will be pleased by giving me a trial order,
I know I can always save you 25 per cent. This
is my motto of doing business.
Northeast Corner Slate
Opp. Palmer Hguse
A, LANGE,,,,,FLORIST
TELEPHONE 2522 CENTRAL.
51 Monroe Street
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
241
Nothing Succeeds Like Success
Federal Lite insurance Gonanu
OF CHICAGO
The success of the FEDERAL LIFE has been phenomenal. It is an Illinois legal reserve
company with a cash capital of $150,000.00 fully paid. It is an institution organized on BEST
PRINCIPLES and conducted in accordance with MODERN METHODS. Its policies are
actuarially sound. Its methods are progressive and aggressive. Its rates are as low, and its
policy conditions are as liberal as consistent with safety and prudence.
Best Is None Too Good.
The FederaJ [offers only the best, writes all standard forms
of policies, participating and non-participating, Optional Life,
Endowment, Annuity, and Bond; also Provident policies with premiums payable monthly. Ita
Continuous Life Endowment Policy, copyrighted and written bv no other company, is the most
modern and attractive policy ever written. Literature furnished on application.
Capable Agents Wanted £t following State Agencies: Marquette Bldg Chicago;
- «- - — - Mack Block, Milwaukee; Carew Bldg., Cincinnati; Hammond
Bldg., Detroit.
ISAAC MILLER. HAMILTON. President.
D. B. AINGER, Vice-Pres. and Treas.
Home Offices: MARQUETTE BUILDING. CHICAGO
J. C. DENISON, Secretary.
R. M. WILBUR.. Asst-Sec.
FRED L MECKEL
Manufacturer of
High Grade
| Business
j Waggons
PaJrvtmg
Repairing
j 67-71 E. 13th St.
j Between State St. and Wabaslt Ave.
| Telephone So. Chicago, 111.
i»»»»»»»»m»»«»»»»
242
T HE REFORM ADVOCATE.
Kabo
Corsets
102 Models of
Marvelous Merit
including 48 straight-front and box
effects. All creations of fascinating
grace and surpassing excellence.
Foremost in
Design, Accomplishment
and Finish.
Retailing at from $1.00 to $5.00
The Form R.ed\icing
KABO
that Gibraltar among Corsets, is yet the only
Corset in all the world that reduces a too
high abdomen without harm or discomfort,
and makes a straight front effect possible, so
that it is surely best for large figures.
Price of Form-Reducing (superb
English Coutil) $2.50
Bvist Perfectors
weakly imitated, remain the only garments that infallibly
create a faultless form, and mask every deficiency.
FO*R SALE A T ALL LEADING 'D'Ry GOODS STOKES
CHICAGO CORSET COMPANY
CHICAGO: 200 Monroe Street NEW YORK: 388 Broa.dwa.y
REFORM ADVOCATED
243
WHEELER & WILSON
Dewing PlacHines
ex-re the best for factory and family use
Th« New
Hi$n speed Vertical Hook
is a power machine un-
equaled for Durability,
Range of Work. Qual-
ity of Stitch.
Special Machines
a.nd
Special Attachments
for all classes of cloth
and leather work.
Estimates given on
power plants complete.
THE NEW NO. 9
for household use is
twenty years in advance
of all others.
It ij tb* only locK. flitch
machine tvithout aj huttle
It sews one - third
faster and one-third
easier than any vibrat-
ing shuttle machine. It
makes a perfect, elastic
stitch on all materials.
Try one and be con-
vinced.
Wheeler & Wilson M'f'g Co.
72 and 74 Wabash Avenue
Chicago
DAYLIGHT PRISMS
They Light Your Dark Rooms.
Make Them Bright and Cheerful.
Prices Made So You Can Afford to Buy Them.
Head What One of Many Thousands Say:
OFFICE OF
MAURICE R08ENFELD
76 Fifth Avenue
Chicago, June 9, 1899.
Daylight Prism Company,
Chicago, 111.
Gentlemenn : — I enclose you check for bill rendered,
which please receipt and return to me.
The Daylight Prisms which you installed in my
building. 76 to 82 Fifth Avenue, for the offices occupied
by the County Assessor's office, are a success in every
sense of the word, and particularly unique in design, and
I cannot speak too highly of the results obtained, as they
far exceed anything which your president claimed for
the Daylight Prisms.
I congratulate you upon your success, and your
business methods are to be approved most highly.
Very truly yours,
MAURICE ROSENFBLD.
You are invited to ca.ll or write for information
SEND FOR CATALOGUE:
Daylight Prism Co.
1114 Chamber of Commerce, Chicago
Electricity
•the Light ^Problem
Keep abreast of the times and use elec-
tricity to light your home and the office.
Electric Fa.ns, a summer luxury at
small expense. New and novel effects in
ornamental and decorative lighting-.
Absolutely safe, no danger of its explod-
ing, igniting costly curtains or draperies,
or asphyxiating any member of the family.
We supply the current for lighting or
power. A postal card to this office and
our representative will call.
CHICAGO EDISON CO.
EDI30N BUILDING
Phone Main 1280 139 Adams St., CHICAGO
Established 1885
. C. Loomi'j
Tel. Harrison 1957
Commercial and Architectural
¥3hotographer
Pioneer of
Commercial
Glace
PKotog r a. p Ks
331-333
Wa.ba.sh Ave.
Corner
Congress Street
Mammoth 14 Foot Freight Elevator
f lease send postal and oar Agent tviil call
WE WAJVT y OVR 5
•24-i
REFORM ADVOCATE..
"Safe as 1he 'BanK. of England"
No money proposition can be safer. The security is absolute. But suppose you add
the Bank of France, and the Imperial Bank of Germany and the Bank of Russia.
There you have the four great banks of the World. Security heaped on security.
Yet the united ca.pita.ls of all of them is but little more than half the
•urn held for the payment of its policies by the
MutuaJ Life
Insurance Company
of New York
RICHARD A. McCURDY. President
Bank of England,
Bank of France,
Imperial Bank of Germany,
Bank of Russia,
Total,
$ 86,047,935
36,500,000
28,560,000
25,714,920
$176,822,855
Assets of the Mutual
Life, $325,753,152.
On the 31st of December, 1900, the cash assets of the United States government, including the
$150,000,000 of gold reserve, were $290,107,072, or $35,646,080 less than the assets of the flutual Life
at the same time.
The Mutual Life is the largest, strongest, and most progressive Life Insurance Company in the world.
Its policies are without technicalities, their provisions are liberal, their variety meets every requirement of
investment or protection, they provide insurance at the lowest possible cost consistent with security and mutual
interest. The vast business of the company is conducted solely for the benefit of policy holders. Every cent
of the profits is theirs.
Income for 1900, $60.582.802.31
PaJd Policy Holders in 1900, $26.361.863.83
Insurance e^nd Annuities in force, $1,141.497,888.02
During the 57 yea rs of its existence The Mutual Life Insurance Co. of New York has returned to
policy holders the enormous sum of
$540,497,810.44
No more profitable field
can be found by the man
of energy and intelligence
than to represent the
Mutual Life as an agent.
B. Carlisle*
Tacoma Bldg.
Chicago
REFORM ADVOCATE.
245
Any man choosing the Northwestern
may feel confident of three things: first,
that his money is safely and honestly in-
vested; second, that he will receive fair and
honorable treatment; and third, that no
Life Company can do so much in reducing
the cost of life insurance or making large
returns on money invested as the North-
western. Sincerely yours,
PHILIP D. ABMOUB.
I 2
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Old
Life
Age
Irvsura.nce
po«<, orator or tage may tan of it.
Old age it ttill old age." — Longfellow,
Yes, but how it mitigates the asperities if you have been wise,
and In earlier years provided yourself an annual income during
old age; thus saving yourself from being dependent on anyone.
Refrains from the Poets
WITHOT7T SUCH PROVISION
"My days are In the yellow leaf:
Toe flowers and fruits of love are
gone:
The worm, the canker and the grief
Are mine alone '." —.Byron.
WITH SUCH PBOTIilOli
"Bat an old age serene and bright.
And lovely u a Lapland night
Shall lead thee to thy grave."
— Wordsworth.
"When he 1« forsaken.
Withered and shaken, "The very staff of my age,
What can an old man do but Met" My very prop: and I will MM."
—Hooa. —Shakespeare,
Yes, It does make all the difference In the world whether you did
or did not. Shakespeare's reference to his annuity is touching.
A most excellent provision and the best thing obtainable in those
days. It takes however a large lump.some cash down to purchase
an annuity, while the new Policy Contract of the
Northtuestern Life
of Milwaukee, requires an annual premium equal only to a fair
interest on the principal sum. These new Contracts may be se-
cured in amounts from Jl.ilOO to $100,000, and secured by Cash
Assets and Surplus, J133.00 1,003.
The one single contract combines in itself these advantages:
Life Insurance for wife If you die 1
Endowment Insurance for yourself If you live I
Arvnual Income till you die !
Then Annua.1 Income to wife till she dies 1
Then full fa.ce amount to children 1
It is in all reRpects a flexible, business-like, comprehensive
contract. It is what you need to-day, and twenty years from to-
day. Send your exact nge to A. W. KIMBALL, General
Agent. C. 'D. NORTON, Associate General Agent. 8th
Floor Chicago Stock Exchange.
s
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I have been a trustee of the Northwestern
Mutual Life Insurance Company for twenty
years. I have several times made an examina-
tion of its assets and investments, and know the
manner in which the company transacts its
business. There is not a more careful, conserva-
tive or safe company in the country than that. '
I have two policies in it, and would take more
if I could afford to carry them.
Yours very truly,
D. J. BREWER,
Associate Justice U. S. Supreme Court.
Was an excellent showing, and I congratulate
your company on being able to do so well for its
customers. No other company has done so well
for me.
Yours very truly,
E. BUCKINGHAM,
Prest. N. W. National Bank.
Turn REFORM ADVOCATED
D R. IN K
-/IkALTINE
OUR TONIC Strengthens a^nd Vivifies the
Entire Organism
A Fine Table Beer, Family Trade Supplied
TKe P. SchoenKofen Brg. Co.
•Phone Canal 9
18th St. and CaLnaJport Ave.
Conraa $eipp Brewing Co/
Celebrated
Extra,
Sa.lva.tor,
Ba,va.ria,n
a.nd
Pa.tervt Stopper
Bottled
. Beers.
Mail and Telephone orders
promptly attended to.
Telephone South &69.
Kjeeley
Company
Lager Beer
Fool of 28th St. and Gro-Ocland farX.
Telephone South 3+9
REFORM ADVOCATE.
f. H. RICB SVtAl-TING
247
INDEPENDENT BREWING ASS'N.
586612
North
HalstedSt
ERNST BROTHERS, managers.
' When merit talks the world must listen '
It is conceded on all sides that the celebrated and popular
"BEERS" brewed and bottled on improved and hygienic
principles and known as
"Prima" and
"Burg Brau"
are unequaled as the finest table beers
PR.IMA TONIC
A highly concentrated extract of Malt, Sops and Honey. In-
valuable to nursing mothers; gives health and vigor to the
sick and convalescent.
Delivered Free to a.11 parts of the city.
WWV^WVVWWWWVV
THE FINEST PALE
BEER ON EARTH
YOU SHOULD TRY
A CASE AT YOUR
HOME
Telephone Monroe 44-
The Wackcr & Birk
Br'.g and M'lt'g Co.
•vx v -v w w w •wwww w
The Largest Malting Concern Now In the World.
The P. H. Rice Malting Company erected a magnificent new
malting-house last year, which in capacity placed it well to the
front among the great mailing-houses of the world. This fall they
have by the stress of business been compelled to contract for the
exact duplication of their plant, thus doubling their capacity.
Bith P. H. Rice and his brother, T. J. Rice, are veteran malsters,
having been in the business all their lives. They are most ably
seconded by William P. Rice, son of Mr. P. H. Rice, who has charge
of the entire works. Mr. Rice, jr., is thoroughly qualified for thii
position, having been carefully trained for years. He possesses
both a practical and a scientific knowledge of the business, being a
graduate with high honors of the Massachusetts School of Tech-
nology of Boston.
With their thorough knowledge of the business and their floor
capacity, they are enabled to produce the best malt In any market.
First-class malt must be bright, sweet and light colored. These
results are obtained by this company, first, by having the floor
space to spread the barley thinly while germinating and, second,
by drying the malt by fresh, warm air instead of over-heated air
which invariably browns the product. The new addition to their
plant will be finished next June. They will then have a capacity
to make 4,000,000 bushels of malt per annum. The elevators will
then hold, 1,500,000 bushels of barley. Even this will not be suffi-
cient, as they can today sell more malt in a month than they can
manufacture in a year.
BOXES BOUGHT AND SOLD
P. J. Welsh Box Co.
DEALER IN ALL KINDS OF
Boxes, Barrels, Casks,
Tierces, Etc
OPPI&E and YARD, 79-S1-83 Bast 12th Street
MAIL ORDERS PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO.
1315 State Street. CHICAGO.
ESTABLISHED 1884
STAR BARREL AND BOX CO.
...Dealers in...
Barrels and
Boxes . . .
Wabash Avenue
and Peck Court
W. P. HAPNBR, Manager
W. B.CRAWFORD, Salesman
248
REFORM ADVOCATE.
THE SAHLIN
Cultivates naturally ibe fashionable Straight Front Effect
and also the erect Hgure so much desired.
Sahlin Perfect Form and Corset combined
Pat'd July 26, 1898.
and Feb. 20, 1300.
Is Identified by having NO HOOKS. NO CLASPS, xo LACES, NO STRINGS, NO HEAVY
STEELS. Avoid Imitations and accept no substitutes. The Sahlin Perfect
Form ann Corset combined retains all the good and avoids the evil of tbe
ordinary corset. Nothing Is lost In style or shape. Bust will not cave In, and
therefore padding or Interlining Is avoided. The effect as here shown Is an exact
reproduction of a perfect form obtained only by wearing "THE SAHLIN;" no
corset Is necessary as It Is a corset and form combined. Approved and endorsed
DT physicians and health reformers. Only to be worn to be appreciated. Every
garment guaranteed. Made In corset coutll, white and drab. Also white sum-
mer Netting. Price 11.00 and II 50. ASk your dealer; IF he cannot supply von
order direct, adding 18 cents for postage. Write for free catalogue.
SAHLIN CORSET COMPANY
251 Franklin Street
CHICAGO. U.L.
atbograpbp
PUTS LIFE INTO YOUR
ADVERTISEMENTS
and Is the ONLY satisfactory process for the getting of
special color effects, bringing out all the finer details, and
absolutely true to life. Lithography is standard: it has
none of the uncertainty of experiment:
It Gives the Best Results.
We are specially equipped to execute your Booklet and Cat-
alogue Covers, Show-Cards, Posters, Labels, Calendars,
Office Stationery, etc. Our prices compare favorably with
any. We would like to show you samples of our work.
Send for our representative before placing your next or-
der. Good work means good advertising, that will make
you business.
Edwards, Deutsch & Heitmann
..LITHOGRAPHERS...
Telephone
Harrison 472.
194-202 South Clinton Street
...CHICAGO...
JOHN V. FARWELL
...COMPANY...
NOTIONS
WHOLESALE
DRY GOODS
CARPETS
WOOLENS
UPHOLSTERY
Monroe and Market Streets
CHICAGO
A few of My customers
in Chicago
Warner Bros. Corset Co.
Gage-Downs Corset Co.
Mandel Bros.
Carson, Pirie Scott & Co.
Siegel-Cooper & Co.
Schlesinger & Mayer,
The Hub
John T. Shayne
Chicago Cloak Co.
D. Lelewer & Sons
Phillipsborn
Anisfleld Co.
National Clothing Co.
Chicago Corset Co.
Detroit References
Newcomb & Endicott
Hunter & Hunter
Siegel Bazaar
Figures
— -
Agent for the best manufac-
turers of Wax Figures and Paper
Mache Forms, and can furnish them at lowest trade prices.
I make a specialty of renting figures
for opening displays of Millinery, Dress-
making, Tailoring, etc., etc.
The Dressing of Corset and Display Figures a Specialty
Special Attention Given to the Repairing and •
Cleaning of French Dolls
All Work Done Under My Personal Supervision and a
Guarantee That My Colors Will Not Fade
Estimates on all Work In my Line Promptly Submitted
Mrs. G. Oberlander, 40 D?»°rbo!
Telephone 8818 Central
Rooms 303-305
St.. Chicago
Turn REFORM ADVOCATES.
249
A STRONG HOME COMPANY
THIRTY YEARS OF PROSPERITY
CAPITAL
SURPLUS
, $50O,OOO.OO
$ 1 ,5 1 5,272.24
OFFICERS
E. BUCKINGHAM, President.
J. J. MITCHELL, Vice-President.
S. A. ROTHEKMEL, Secretary.
S. T. COLLINS, Ass't Secretary.
A. D. SMITH, 1. W. ROCKEY, Sup'ts of Agencies.
E. S. WHITTLESEY, Cashier.
Caterer
Weddings and Receptions
A Specialty
Pure Ice Creams
Fancy Cakes
Fine Table Decorations, Linen , Silvers
•ware. Etc,, furnished,
Telephone Oakland 672
579 E. 43d Street, 722 E, 47th Street.
1845 RECORD 1901
The Mutual Benefit
Life Insurance Co.
NEWARK, N. J.
AMZl DODD, President.
Premium Receipts to January I, 1901, $215,271,971.95
Of this sum there has already been returned
to Policy Holders:
For Policy Claims 46.2 per cent., $99,381,402.82
For Surrendered Policies 12.8 " 27,598858.24
ForDividends 25.8 " 55,528,928.99
Total 84.8 per cent., $182,509,190.05
Leaving still in the Company's possession $32,762,78 1 .90
The Company's investments have yielded
sufficient returns to pay all Expenses and
Taxes, and still to add to the Policy Hold-
ers' Fund for the fulfillment of existing
contracts $41,548,686.35
Total Assets, Jan. 1, 1901, Market Values, $74,311,468.25
Strength. The Mutual Benefit's assets are over Seventy-four
Million Dollars: insurance in force is $278,171,436. It docs nu
foreign business
Earnings. The Mutual Benefits interest receipts during 1900
paid all expenses and taxes and added over $1,355,000 to its assets.
Mutuality. The Mutual Benefit paid in 1900 in dividends to
policy holders, over SI ,720,341 or SEVENTEEN PEB CENT of its
premium income for the year.
For Illustration or Agency address
Home Office, or
R. D. BOKUM, State Agent
Marquette Building, CHICAGO.
The effective way in which the
Jews care for their poor and suffering,
affords to other religions an example
worthy of emulation.
Munger's Laundry
Applies common sense to the busi-
ness of Laundering, and handles the
goods of its patrons in a careful,
painstaking manner, which is effec-
tive in producing good work.
LAUNDRIES!
2408-10-12 INDIANA AVENUE .
518-20 W. MADISON STR.EET
5203-05 LAKE AVENUE
SEE TELEPHONE BOOK
WAGONS CALL EVERYWHERE
250
THEI REFORM ADVOCATE.
<•
Importers and Manufacturers
WHOLESALE & RETAIL.
S* ESTABLISHED 1888.
189 Wabash Ave., Chicago, 111.
M. SCHOSBERG. Manager.
Seal, Sa.ble, Mink, BrosvdtaLil e^rvd JPersia.n La^mb Garments
Our Specialty. V V V Best Facilities for Fine F\ir R-emodeling artd
Repairing. V V V Fur Storage. NgsgNgNgsg^NgsgNgNgvgNgvgx
Borden's Pure Wholesome Milk
Produced from HEALTHY
COWS, under the most hy-
gienic principles.
DO YOU KNOW that your
supply is free from Contamina-
tion, both in the country and
city?
TRADE: MARK.
Milk:
Food for the In-
fant; Nourishment
for the Invalid. Consumed
Daily by every member of your
family.
THF
I IIC
Mild
miLIX
has given the production of pure milk much careful study during the past forty-
three years, inaugui ating and enforcing principles at its dairies, located in the
wagon passes your door every day delivering.
Burden's (unsweetened and sterilized) Condensed Milk: Burden's Pure Bottled Milk: Borden's Rich Cream; Borden's Pure Fresh Buttermilk.
All Bottled and Hermetically Sealed in the country into Steam Cleaned and Sterilized Jars and Bottles.
627-633 EdSt 47th St.
•Phones Oakland 5O3
546-554 West Van Buren SL
1081-1095 W. Ravenswood Park.
153 North Park Ave.
Monroe 8S6
Lake View 581
Austin 21
REGISTERED
These tra.de marks sttvnd for Superiority. "ELK
BRAND" and "Longley" Ha.ts are the best
LONGELY. LOW & ALEXANDER
TRADE MARK
CHICAGO.
THE RKFORM ADVOCATE.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••A*
251
Removal Notice
TO OUR PATRONS:
In order that we may be able to give our undivided
attention to our large and growing family trade, we
have concluded to dispense with our retail establish-
ment, (wine room) and from May 1st, will transact
our entire business in our building,
222-224 E. INDIANA STREET
between N. Clark St. and Dearborn Ave. , where our
spacious cellars will be constantly stocked with the
choicest and rarest of Hungarian Wines which for
medicinal and table purposes are unsurpassed.
Orders by telephone or mail will receive the
promptest attention. Soliciting a continuance of your
past favors, we remain Very respectfully yours,
H. TALLERT 6. SON
P. S. — In addition to our Hungarian Wines we also
carry a complete stock of Ehines. Ports and
Sherries of our importation. H. T. & S.
True F\imit\ire
The existence of a class of people not satisfied with
anything less than the best that can be made ia re-
sponsible for the creation of
Tobey
Ma.de
Fxirnitvire
Economical men and women, who do not SPEND
money but who INVEST it, cannot afford to buy
any other kind, because nothing else in furniture
offers such real value.
To all men the ideas of beauty and service appeal:
Add to the rarest natural grains of •wood a marvelous
finish, and bu.ild furniture adjusted to every demand
of climate and artificial heat — constructed to last a
century — and yon have the Tobey Hand Made
Furniture, the kind which is true economy to buy.
To see our great store is worth a visit to Chicago.
Send for our free booklet — it tells what Tobey
Hand Made means.
Tobey Fxirnitvire Co.
CHICAGO
10.000 PeJrs of Shoes
made daily in our factories
Life Means Progress
If you are a retailer, you appreciate
the necessity of keeping abreast of
the times. We are exclusive manu-
facturers of shoes and sell only to
retailers. You save the jobbers' ex-
penses and profit in buying directly
from us. We are near the tanneries
and near you. The saving in freight
charges is yours. Send for our cat-
alogue and have your name put on
our "Helpful Hints" list. ::::::
C. M. Henderson ^ Co.
Cor. Market a.nd Quincy St.. Chicago
CORSETS
Can be had in all of
the prevailing
shapes at prices from
$1 upward
Ask your dealer for
them. If he cannot
supply your de-
mands write to us
for catalogue.
GAGE DOWNS CO.
262-264 5th Ave, Chicago.
252
Turn REIKORM ADVOCATE.
BioMGRen BROS.* co.
Thomas & Smith
Stea.m and Waiter
Hearting
Ve t\ t i I
Wrought Iron Pipe, Fittings, Valves, etc.
Heating Specialties or all kinds.
16 North Canal Street
CHICAGO
The only Air Washing and Purifying Apparatus invented
that successfully cleans and purifies the air.
Kravit
Pra.cticaJ
Cutlers...
Importers and Dealers
of fine
Cutlery
202 S- Clark Street.
CHICAGO. ILL.
Practical Instruments suit-
able for gifts, high grfvde goods
only.
M. Schimmeyer
...Manufacturer of
HARPS
And Expert fLep&lrirvg
on V V ^•
Pipe Orga.ns
Pia.nos
Violins
Gviitatrs
Zithers
Mevndolins
Music Boxes
Etc.
220 WABASH AVENUE
4th Floor
Telephone Harrison 1372
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
253
The crowning glory of life is HEALTH and STRENGTH.
Use Your Body
to Develop Your
No Mechanical Appliance
Whatsoever Used or Needed
I Increase your Shoulders,
Biceps, Chest. Limbs.
Reduce svrvd Increa.se yoxir
Flesh, relieve you of Nerv-
ousness, Constipation. Irx-
somonia. and all Stoma.cn
troubles arvd give you Per-
fect Form— Perfect H.-;xlth.
SIMON'S
Natural
Development
System.
For Men
For Women
Individual Treatments only.
Send for Pamphlet.
Correspondence Solicited.
S. J. SIMON, Originator, Suite II07-II08-II09 Champlain Bldg,, 126 State St.
Treatments by Mail Also
Taylor
Market and Adams
Chi ctxgo
Manufacturers of
tKe celebrated
"Kingsbury"
"Taylor"
"King"
HATS
•Send _ for catalogue
•Apply for agency
PLAITING
ACCORDION AND KNIfE TUCKING,
CORDING, HEMSTITCHING, ETC.
Having modern high speed machines
and a corps of expert operators, we are
able to turn out your work promptly
and in first class style.
Special attention to mail orders
Linden & Stevens
Tel. Central 935
52 State St., Chicago, 1.1.
Reference, Cbas. A. Stevens & Bros.
HARNESS SADDLES PDLO GOODS
STABLE REQUISITES
CHAS. MEURISSE & Co.
f •• ' *
Telephone Calumet 2882
I7O4 Wabash Ave., Chicago; And Lake Forest, III.
PHOTO JEWELRY MFG. CO.
195-197-199 State Street, CHICAGO
Manufacturers, Jobbers, Wholesalers
Photo Buttons Photo Jewelry
Premium Novelties
Advertising and Campaign Buttons
Button Machines
-. Findings. Etc., 'Etc.
254
THAT'S IT!
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
The Greet! "Majestic"
MeJIesyblo Iron
eknd Steel Range.
Qires entire tatisfaction, because they are riveted, not bolted
(as others). All joints are tight. Heat water more quickly
for bath. Bake better. Use less fuel than any others.
Call and interview our range experts, or send for booklets.
REFRIGERATORS
To the "Majestic," add the Alaska. R_efrigera.tor to your
kitchen equipment and you will be happy. The warm air
from the provision chamber falls directly over the center of
the ice, making the driest, coldest and most p3rfect circula-
tion. It is the vital point of the Alaska Patent. No other
refrigerator has it. Prices from 86.73 up. Star Refrigera-
tors from 85.00 up. We build to order portable refrigerators
and cooling rooms for private residences, clubs, hotels, hos-
pitals, meat markets, etc. With over twenty-five years' ex-
perience, we guarantee results. Send for catalogues.
ORR <St LOCKETT HARDWARE CO.
71-73 Randolph St. CHICAGO
Ftirth <<& Co.
\7Jf'DE'R TAKJZ'RS
Telephone ~/~oat/> 962
2931 COTTAGE, G-ROVt. AVEJVVE
Elias China Repairing Co.
v LOANING v
CHINA. GLASS. LINENS.
SILVERWARE. TABLES. Etc.
For a.11 occasions on short notice.
NEVERTOO I *TETb MEND*
....2132 MICHIGAN AVENUE....
Opposite Lexington Hotel
TELEPHONE 478 SOUTH
DAV/2) H. WEI*R,
.<. Caterer...
Than* South 1129
If you want to borrow China and Silverware
get my prices.
3O19 Michigan A-Ce. J» J» CHICAGO.
TABLE BY WEIR— First Prize at Chrysanthemum Show, 1895.
THE. REFORM ADVOCATED
255
r
The J
Instantaneous
and Portable
Water Heater
Possesses merits never before attained by
any water heater, as you will discover
by reading the following:
This heater will heat water from 70 to 120 de-
grees in one minute and keep a stream of water
at that temperature running one gallon a minute.
Cooler water, if wanted, can be had by in*
creasing the flow.. Itcanbensed in the Bath-
* room, Kitchen or Laundry or wherever there is
gas, and can be moved readily from room to room,
• as all connections may be made with rubber hose
W / &s shown in the picture.
The Heater is hung on supports fastened to the
wall by four screws; with each heater an extra pair
of supp'.rcs is furnished free.
Within the Heater the water passes through a 40 foot coil of
1 • inch brass tubing placed in a steel frame above a powerful
burner. As the water does not come in contact with the products of
combustion it is perfectly wholesome for cooking or drinking.
There is a place for a 4 inch flue connection at the top, to be used if desired.
The burner can bo pulled out to heat 'the room. When burning under
the coil the water absorbs all the heat.
The Heater is small and com part, about one foot square, and just one foot high.
' The water connections can be made at either end. This heater will burn man-
ufactured, natural and gasoline machine gas — in ordering state the kind to be
used. With gas at $1.00 per 1000, it costs but 2 cents to heat enough water for a bath.
In addition toils adaptability to Bath-room, Kitchen and Laundry Uses, it is invaluable because of its prompt-
ness and efficiency, in the Sick Hoom, Hospital, Barber Shop, Office, Restaurant, Drug Store, Buffet, Laboratory,
Luncli Counter, Surgeon's office, the Nursery and for Dentists' use, as well as many other places.
Three six foot lengths of cloth insertion rubber tubing and one reducer (to attach to gas fixture) are furnished
with each heater. Any one can attach it. It can be set on floor or stand if preferred. Every one guaranteed.
LOWEST PRICED WATER HEATER ON THE MARKET.
our dealer doesn't have the "Jewel" send to us and we will see that you are supplied. Illustrated
The Chicago Chronicle
The best "Daily fletvs paper!
Altvays publishes all the netets !
Alterays preserves the best moral tone I
Al&rays the favorite family netarspaper!
Altvays the best for business and industrial men I
Al&jays shotvs profitable returns to advertisers!
It is a twentieth century netvspaper for all the people !
HJDMS, Grsrs,
S;c.
A SPECIALTY
Telephone No. 2756 Main
•'
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
Educators
This pa.ge contains a.dvertise-
ments of some of Chicago's
Leading Educators whom the
Reform Advocate recommends
to its readers a.s reliable.
Chicago Auditorium Conservatory
THIS institution offers unexcelled advantages for the study of Music in
all its branches, Elocution, Modern Languages, Oratory, Physical
Culture, Delsarte and Stage Training. Private and professional
courses. Pupils may enter at any time. All Concerts, Lectures, Recitals,
and Dramatic Entertainments free to students of the Conservatory.
Frederic Grant Gleason, Director Roy Arthur Hunt. Acting Manager
AUDITORIUM BUILDING
ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE SENT FREE
Telephone Harrison 1910
RUSH
MEDKAL (OLLEfiE
In affiliation with the
University of Chicago
Organized 1837
The academic year of the Rush Medical Col-
lege Is divided Into lour quarters, correspond-
ing with those recognized with the University
of Chicago. They are designated as Summer,
Autumn, Winter and Spring Quarters, begin-
ning respectively the first of July, first of Octo-
ber, first of January, and first of April, each
continuing for twelve weeks. A recess of one
week occurs between the end of each Quarter
and the beginning of the neit following. In-
struction in all departments of medcine will be
riven in each quarter.
The general course of Instruction requires
four years of study in residence, with a mini-
mum attendance upon three Quarters of each
year. A student may begin his college work on
the first day of any Quarter, and may continue
In residence for as many successive Quarters
M he desires. Credit will not be allowed, how-
ever, for more than three successive Quarters.
At least 45 months must elapse between the
date of a first matriculation and the data of
graduation.
For further information, address correspond-
ence to
Rush fledical College, Chicago, III.
Watson's Institute
SHORTHAND and
TYPEWRITING
648 Garfield Boulevard
(W. 55th Street)
CEO. WATSON. Prln.
It will pay you to attend a private school
where you will get individual attention, and
more thorough instruction than in crowded
colleges. Save time and money. Write for
catalogue. .......
SARAH SABOLSKY, Ass't
Telephone Harrison 1736
Mrs. H. Harshman
Retouching Studio
Instructions Given
Auditorium Building
Room 91
CHICAGO
STANDARD
TEXT- BOOKS
FOR SCHOOLS. ACADEMIES
AND COLLEGES : : :
TH« LATEST AND BUST TEXT-BOOKS m ALL
BRANCHES OF INSTKUCTION. : : : : :
SEND FOR CATALOGUE AND CIRCULARS.
NEW YORK
CINCINNATI
CHICAGO
AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY
521-531 \V ABASH AVB., CHICAGO
American Method of Singing
MARY M. SHEDD
Selrvway Hall.
CHICAGO
This method develops voices into tones
the same with which Pattl, DeEeszke,
and all great artists were born.
Sand for Bookie;
VOUNG -MEN AND YOUNG WOMEN
Who are preparing for a life of usefulness and look-
Ing forward to a profession, or a successful business
career, will find
THE WALLACE J-» J»
COMMERCIAL COLLEGE
52 DEABHOKS ST., CHICAGO, a stepping stone that
they cannot well afford to omit, opening tbe way,
as It does, to a self-earned course In law or medicine,
or to lucrative employment In the business world.
Tbe school Is prepared to do all that It claims.
H MSh School of music.
H hi$h School of Elocution.
HAHMONr, THEORY. SCIENCE, ART AND GENERAL CULTURE.
Sight Singing, Unite*! Composition, Iformtl Training,
Conducting UMurn, BteluU, ConMrl*.
DR. HENRY SOUTHWICK PERKINS,
DIRECTOR.
An /UuitrateJ Catalan*
Mailtd (D).
Number 11.
MAY 4 1901.
-' HE
REFORM
ADVOCATE
rrxicicifiLKX
i ic A x x :r
...WE OWN AND OFFER...
$485.000 United States of Mexico
Government 5 per cent Gold Bonds
SPECIALLY SECURED BY EXPORT AND IMPORT DUTIES. AND FREE
FROM ALL MEXICAN TAXES, PRESENT AND FUTURE.
The bonds are in coupon form, engraved in English, Spanish,
French and German, and are payable — principal and quarterly
interest coupons — in United States Gold Dollars at our office,
or at the office of J. P. Morgan & Co., New York; ^.Iso in
London, Berlin, Frankfort, O.-M., and Amsterdam. They
can be readily converted into cash in this country or abroad,
and we recommend them as a safe investment and as the
cheapest bond on the market.
PRICE 100 AND ACCRUED INTEREST; NET 5$,
OTIS, WILSON * Co.,
...BANKERS...
182-84 La Salle Street— The Temple— CHICAGO.
258
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
LEONARD MANDEL DRY GOODS CO.
218-226 THIRTY-FIRST ST., near Indiana Ave.
of \7nderlzvear and Hosiery
ts complete in e^ery de-fail. An inspec-
tion Refill convince you o_f -this _facl.
Charge Accounts solicited.
Tel. 2791 Calumet.
Japanese Curiosity.
COMPRESSED AIR CARPET CLEANER
We are the only compressed air carpet cleaners in this city — the only
perfect compressed air carpet cleaners in the world. The machinery and
equipment of our Chicago plant will cost about $30,000. Our Carpet clean-
ing machine is a wonder. They go in one side dirty and come out on the
other side thoroughly cleaned and aired with
NAP RAISED, COLORS BRIGHTENED, NOTHING FRAYED OR TORN
The American Pneumatic Carpet Gleaning Go,,
Telephone, Monroe 14-96.
Cor. Lake and Carpenter Sts., CKica go.
£roy Caundry Jflacbincry
OUR LINE IS THE LARGEST, BEST AND MOST COMPLETE.
We make a spec-
ialty of Steam Dry-
ing Closets for
apartment houses
and flat buildings.
Catalogues upon
application. j> ' j*
San Trancisco
Chicago
new York
"A characteristic which has been po-
tent in the modernizing of Japan is
that insatiable curiosity, an intense
desire to see and understand anything
new. While the present day Chinese
attitude is tnat of contempt for any
beings or institutions not evolved in
China, the Japanese are eager to know
of everything connected with our form
of civilization, and to adopt it if -it is
good. Sometimes their great recept-
iveness and power of imitation and
adoption, lead them to adopt innova-
tions which they afterward find it
wiser to discard. Hence the accusation
of fickleness. A perusal of Japanese
history shows that the people have
ever progressed by impulses, by ac-
tion and reaction, and that in the end,
good judgment seems to become su-
preme. The foreigner traveling in
Japan is soon made aware of the qual-
ity of curiosity. On every railroad
platform he is surrounded by a crowd
of people who, with their mouths as
wide open as their eyes in their effort
to lose no detail of interest, regard him
slowly from head to foot, and comment
upon him amongst themselves the
while. These people may have seen
hundreds of foreigners — they may see
them every day — but they continue to
act as if they had never seen one be-
fore. I visited some Americans in
Tokio who had lived in the same house
with the same Japanese neighbors for
about a year. Yet each time that we
went out to drive, the people in the
little Japanese house nearby would
rush to their windows and stand there
watching as eagerly as a small Yankee
at the circus. This happened every
day. It is always posible to tell whe-
ther a foreigner happens to be in his
garden, for a good-sized crowd of Ja-
panese gathered about the gate an-
nounces the important fact. I gave sev-
eral talks and lectures to school chil-
dren and young men and women in
Japan. They were interpreted, I, of
course, speaking in English, so that
half of the address was understood by
only a few. Yet I have never seen
audiences more absolutely attentive.
Not a word was lost, and the same
concentration was shown while I was
speaking as when the interpreter was
turning it into Japanese. Little school
children — boys and girls — sat drinking
everything in, with their eyes popping
out of their heads until I had finished.
I never nattered myself that this was
due to the fascination of my discourse,
but merely to the great curiosity of my
audience, their power of concentration
and their receptiveness." — Anna N.
Benjamin in Ainslee's.
THE REFORM
259
Wickes' Refrigerators
Porcelain-lined Inside and outside, or oak exter-
iors, are now for the first time offered to pri-
vate families. Can be had In all wi/«>s. Tncy
easily pay for themselves In the Raving of ice.
The leading packing houses every where reeogr-
nlze Wickes* system as the acme of perfection
inrefrtgerators and all their refrigerator cars.
This Is the best test of their merit.
HONE BILLIARD TABLES
We make Billiard Tables for private home use a
specialty. The table asillustrated above »86. with
our guarantee that It Is equal to any of our $200
tables for playing purposes. A smaller size, $65.
adjusta
By means of the
table is readi
library table.
.
table top which we supply, this
table is readily converted into a handsome dining or
SOLD ON EASY PAYMENTS.
Catalogue showing different size tables on application and
we will mail book showing 100 new "shots" on receipt of 80
cents. Address
Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co., Dept. D, Chicago, III. Branch oncost Hew?ort, Cincinnati.
' ' I St. Louie, San Francisco.
ft SflrFE PLftGE, /¥T SM/YLL COST
TO KEEP YOUR
BANK BOOKS,
TAX RECEIPTS,
DEEDS, NOTES, BONDS
AND OTHER VALUABLE PROPERTY IS THE
Illinois Trust Safety Deposit
Co.'s Vaults.
j La Sillo Ct. 4 Jackson Blvd. BOBEBT EOVD, Manager,
STORAGE FOR TRUNKS AND SILVERWARE AT REASONABLE RATES.
HART & ^RANK,
MORTGAGE BANKERS
I28-I3O WASHINGTON STREET.
MONEY LOANED ON CITY REAL ESTATE, VACANT OR IMPROVED. LOWEST RATES.
FIRST COLD MORTGAGES FOR SALE.
Established 1871.
First-Class Work Only.
THE PHILIPS <& OSBORINE
Carpet Cleaning and Upholstering Works.
MATTRESSES RENOVATED AND MADE.
2551 Wentworth Avenue. 461 East Forty-Seventh Street,
Telephone South 300. Telephone Drexel 6142.
Reception: a Socially
Telephone
Oakland 672.
679 E. 48d STREET*
7B2 E. 47th STREET.
Pure Ice Creams.
Fancy Cakes.
"IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED," TRY
SAPOLIO
FOREIGN NOTES.
The famous Synagogue of Toledo,
which for several centuries past has
been used as a church, is to be re-
stored as a Jewish house of prayer.
The Synagogue was erected under the
government of Don Pedros, of Castile,
in 1357, at a time when Jewish schol-
arship in Spain had reached its high-
est. After the expulsion of the Jews
the building was converted into a
church. Recently a commission, ap-
pointed by the Spanish Academy of
Science and Arts in Madrid, has re-
ported in favor of it being once more
transformed into its original purposes.
The Hebrew inscriptions, many of
which are still in excellent condition,
are to be preserved, and excavations
will be undertaken for the purpose of
finding the Beth Hamedrash and other
rooms. — Ex.
Although Italy is a Catholic country
the Jews in Florence enjoy unrestrict-
ed social and political liberties. Its
synagogue is one of the finest in Eu-
rope, and its rabbi, Dr. Margulies, is
one of the most highly esteemed of
Florentines. Here on the beautiful
banks of the Armoanti, Semitism is a
thing wholly unknown. The superin-
tendent of police is a Jew, and many
other lucrative and honorable offices
are held by Jews. Florence is one of
the most progressive cities in Italy,
and it cannot be gainsaid that the ab-
sence of anti-Semitism has had much
to do with this advancement. — Ex.
About two years ago a Jewish ia-
stitution was established in Paris to
assist young girls in finding employ-
ment as teachers, in commerce and in-
dustry, and to provide with a home,
until they obtain employment, such
ladies as have no relatives or friends
in that city. The institution has
proved a great success, 400 persons
having been assisted to procure a
livelihood. The temporary home has
become inadequate for the den-.auds
made upon it, and a second house has
been rented. Among the contributors
toward the maintenance of the borne
fivhich is available for foreigners as
well as for French women) are Bar-
oness Salomon de Rothschild, Mm.
Rothschild brothers and the Alliance
Israelite Universelle.
FOR OVER FIFTY YEARS
An Old and Well-Tried Remedy. Mrs
Winslow'a Soothing Syrup has been
used for over Fifty Years by millions of
mothers for their children while Teeth-
ing, with perfect success. It soothes
the Child, softens the Gums, allays all
Pain; cures Wind Colic, and is the best
remedy for Diarrhoea. Sold by druggists
in every part of the world. Be sure and
ask for Mrs. Winslow'e Soothing Syrup
and take no other kind.
Twenty-Five Cent* • Belli*.
260
THIS REFORM ADVOCATE.
EDUCATIONAL.
M. SCHIMMEYER,
. Manufacturer of
..HARPS..
and expert repairing on Pipe Or*
ifan*i. I 'latins, Violins, Guitars,
Zithers. Mandolins. Music Boxes,
etc- 220 Wabash Ave.,
4th floor. Ti.ephone Hirrison 1372.
The
Gregg
Shorthand
School
A simple, sensktlf
modern system; no
(hading or position
writing. v
Write or call for
catalogue.
Tuition-
Day or Evening
57 WASHINGTON ST
College of Caw
LAW Department of Lake Foreit University.
Hon. Thos, A. Moran, LL, D., Dean.
Three year course leading to degree LL. B.
Sessions each week day evening. For further
Information, address Secretary,
ELMER E. BARRETT, LL. B.,
tf 01 Title and Trust Bldg., CHICAGO
P
HOSPHATE-CALISAY
A
COMPOUND TABLETS
Efficacious in Nervous troubles, and
affections of the Liver. In constipation,
flatulence, gastric irritation, or fer-
mentation, it will be found to go to the
seat of the trouble. Unlike other prepara-
tions it is not a palliative or corrective, but
arouses the dormant juices of the liver so
they will secrete, thereby causing the food to
be properly assimilated. *
A FOOD FOR BRAIN WORKERS.
IN ALL FORMS or NCRVOU* TROUBLES IT WILL BC
FOUND TO ALLAY AND CURC, BUILDING UP
ALL NERVE CENTERS.
Phosphate Caltsaya Co. Chicago, Aug. 12, 1900.
Have always recommended to alt my friends your Phos-
phate Caltsaya Compound. It is the best thin? 1 have ever
used for Liver and Nervous troubles. 1, A. NEWSOME.
with White Sewing Mch. Co.
Price.. ..Small size, 50c Large size. $1.00.
ISend your address and we will send you sample I
package, postpaid, with absolutely no expense. |
FOR SALE BY
ALL DRUGGISTS, or CAN BE MAILED
Phosphate Calisaya Co,,
362 Wabash Ave., Chicago.
M. WALSH,
Livery and Boarding Stable
I 30-1 22 TWENTY-FIFTH ST.
Bet. Prairie and Indiana Aves.
The l.atrNt In Rabb«r Tire Hansom Cabi
Carriage* and Broughams.
Telephone SOf.'TH ISO.
D.T.JOHNSON
Express Storage and Van Co,,
3505 Cottage Grove Ave.
Storage Warehouse, 17 Bryant Ave.
FURNITURE MOVER
Baggage checked to all depots,
two-trips, Daily at 9 A. M. and 3
P. M.
Telephone. Oakland 717.
MATTERS MUSICAL.
CONDUCTED BV MAURICE ARONBON.
D. H. S. Perkins gave a concert in
Medina Temple (A. F. and A. M.) at
Oak Park last Saturday evening by
six juvenile performers from the Chi-
cago National College of Music. Mas-
ter Harry Dushoff, soprano, thirteen
years of age; Master William McCon-
nell, fourteen and the Mozart String
Quartette: Hazel G. Welsh, first violin;
Wayne Osborn, second violin; George
Hall, violin and Ralph Hall, cello, as-
sisted by Miss Ethel Stillwell, soprano
and accompanist and Miss Maude M.
Campbell, the brilliant piano student
of the college. Master Harry and Wil-
liam sang solos and the duet "Robin
Ruff and Gaffer Green." These young-
sters have fine voices and are well
received wherever they sing. The
string quartette plays with remarkable
accuracy, and each one is also a solo
performer of considerable merit. It
is interesting to see young people de-
veloping their musical talent so early
in life. The Mozarts are pupils of
A concert of far more than passing
interest was the popular four o'clock
concert on Sunday afternoon at the
Studebaker by an orchestra of 50 mu-
sicians under the direction of Theodore
Spiering, assisted by David Bispham,
baritone. Mr. Spiering has been known
for many years as a violinst of most
excellent attainments and as the leader
of the popular string quartet bearing
his name. Of late Mr. Spiering's am-
bition has been in the field of con-
ducting, and it is but just to state, that
with the results of the concert of Sun-
day last he has at once and for ever
set aside any doubt as to his ability to
conduct a large orchestral body. If
the impressions of Sunday last and his
recent appearance in Milwaukee as a
conductor do not deceive, Spiering is
destined to wield a baton in the near
future over a body of musicians wor-
thy of his talent and his ambition.
There is a movement on foot to make
the Sunday four o'clock popular con-
cert a permanent feature of the next
season and it is to be hoped that the
new management of the Studebaker,
headed by the able and popular Louis
Francis Brown, will succeed in making
these concerts a lasting success. Mr.
Spiering is the right man and the only
one in Chicago who has a right to as-
pire to the position of conducting these
concerts.
Herr Ludwig Gero of Grosswarden,
an important town in Hungary, has
been appointed chief of police. He is
the only Jew who holds so high a posi-
tion in that district.
EDUCATIONAL.
Maurice Aronson
•> ii f Auditorium Bldg.
rianiQt \ (Tower. 140t
• IfllllMifrnisir.PPTSj
Recitals : musicales .- Cccturw
For the past four years chief asssistant J|
LEOPOLD GODOWSKY in the Chicago COM
servatory of Music. Instruction along the pear,
gogical ideas and methods originated by the k&
ter. Technic and interpretation. —*
Four Competent Assistants. Wrltefor Circul'
DVORAK
DRAMATIC SCHOOL
Klmball Hall, 243 Wabash Ave., Chicago
Acting, Elocution, Physical Cultu
Oratory, Fencing. Catalogue mailed
Edward Dvorak, Director
MRS. LEOPOLD WEIL'S
Boarding ?nd Day Sehoo)
F"0a OIIiL.3.
109 and III West 77th Street. New York
Thorough Preparation for Colleges
School Opens Sept. 26, 1900.
Chicago
College of
Commerce,
63d STREET
& YALE AVE.
This inst itut ion
ranks with the lead-
injf commercial col-
leges of the country.
It offers courses in
Commerce, Business,
Finance, Stenogra-
phy, Typewriting,
Penmanship.
Young people seek-
ing to prepare them*
selves in a short time
for a good position in
business will find
here unsurpassed
facilities. Students
may enroll at any
time for a full or a
partial course.
Send for catalogue to
GRANT ORR,
President.
ROBERT PELZ,
VIOLIN MAKER,
301 STEINWAY HALL,
17 VAN BUREN STREET.
Artistic Repairing a Specialty
ALL WORK GUARANTEED.
DR. H. IN. MEYERS
SCIENTIFIC OPTICIAN.
Call and have your eyes thoroughly examined
with tae latest appliances. Popular Prices. Ex-
amination Free. Dr. H. N. Meyers, feH E. Wash-
inirton St., with Clapp A Cowl, Jewelers.
KINSLEY'S
105-107
Adams St...
Ladies' Restaurant, 2d floor.
Newly Decorated and Furnished.
Schildkret'i Orchestra, 6 to 12 p. m.
Special attention given to After-Theater Suppers
Table d'Hote, Cafe 5:30 to 8 p. m . Ji.oo.
German Restaurant, - - Hani's frrcbestrs.
REFORM
261
CELINE
IMPORTED MILLINERY
4652 Grand Blvd.
CHICAGO.
CARPET CLEANING
Fine Carpets, Rugrs. etc., cleaned, repaired, re-
laid, etc. Perfect work; colors restored and will
not fade; prompt service, lowest prices. Send for
estimates; all work guaranteed, and all gotxJs in-
sured while in our possession. Phone Main 133.
IMPERIAL CARPET CLEANING CO,
C. K.. JVicholj. Mgr.
Main Office, I2OI Stock Exchange Bldg.,
HO La Salle St., Chicago.
DO YOU
Most Headaches come from eye strains. 1 give
the most scientific examination of eyes
and correct all defects
CONSULTATION FREE
Dr. C. D. Strow,
Ophthalmologist.
1516 MASONIC TEMPLE.
BRAUNSCHWEIGER
'CAFE'
H. SPECKMANN, Proprietoi.
JE" Braie Delicatessen
EVERYTHING OF THE BEST.
637 FORTY - THIRD STREET,
Bet. Indiana and Prairie Aves,
Meals at all Hours. Telephone, Oakand 480.
A Telephone
In the House
permits instant speech with all
the tradespeople with whom you
deal — enables you to converse
with THEM at the office and store
at pleasure.
A Modern Convenience,
A necessity in everv complete home.
Business and Residence
Telephones I6c Per Day -"p1!
The new measured service costs only
ior outgoing calls. Ask us about it.
PKirarfn Tolonhrmo Cn f<"*tr*rt Prpjirimpnt,
^.mcago i eiepnone 1,0., t»iaitJSSm»C
Superstition and Folklore of the
the South.
During a recent visit to North Caro-
line, after a long absence, I took oc-
casion to inquire into the latter-day
prevalence of the old-time belief in
what was known as "conjuration" or
"goopher," my childish recollection of
which I have elsewhere embodied into
•
a number of stories. The derivation of
the word "goopher" I do not know, nor
whether any other writer than myself
has recognized its existence, though it
is in frequent use in certain parts of
the South. The origin of this curious
superstition itself is perhaps more
easily traceable. It probably grew, in
the first place, out of African fetichism,
which was brought over from the dark
continent along with the dark people.
Certain features, too, suggest a dis-
tant affinity with Voodooism, or snake
worship, a cult which seems to have
been indigenous to tropical America.
These beliefs, which in the place of
their origin had all the sanctions of re-
ligion and social custom, became in the
shadow of the white man's civilization,
a pale reflection of their former selves.
In time, too, they were mingled and
confused with the witchcraft and ghost
lore of the white man, and the tricks
and delusions of the Indian conjurer.
In the old plantation days they flour-
ished vigorously, though discouraged
by the "great house," and their po-
tency was well established among the
blacks and the poorer whites. Educa-
tion, however, has thrown the ban of
disrepute upon witchcraft and conjur-
ation. The stern frown of the preacher,
who looks upon superstition as the ally
of the Evil One; the scornful sneer of
the teacher, who sees in it a part of
the livery of bondage, have driven this
quaint combination of ancestral tradi-
tions to the remote chimney corners
of old black aunties, from which it is
difficult for strangers to unearth them.
Mr. Harris, in his Uncle Remus stories,
has, with fine literary discrimination,
collected and put into pleasing and en-
during form the plantation stories
which dealt with animal lore, but so
little attention has been paid to those
dealing with so-called conjuration,
that they seem in a fair way to dis-
appear, without leaving a trace be-
hind. The loss may not be very great,
but these vanishing traditions might
furnish valuable data for the sociolo-
gist, in the future study of racial de-
velopment. In writing, a few years
ago, the volume entitled "The Conjure
Woman," I suspect that I was more in-
fluenced by the literary value of the
material than by its sociological bear-
ing, and therefore took, or thought
I did, considerable liberty with my
subject. Imagination, however, can
A. FLESHAM
UNDERTAKER
GRADUATE
PHILA. TRAINING SCHOOL
FOR
EMBALMER
Personal Service
I>ay and Night.
t en-
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Philadelphia
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529 E. 47th St. 'Phone Prexel 7593
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1118 Masonic Temple. CHICAGO. ILL
MitcKell &
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36 Monroe Street, Chicago.
Palmer House.
IYIADOCQUE
Imported Millinery.
574 East 43d Street,
S. E. Cor. Calumet Ave.
Formerly with Mandel Bros.
We furnish everything
complete and make you
a stylish costume after
the latest Parisiennes'
modes, strictly man-
tailored, from
$50 up.
or you can furnish your
own (foods and we will
cut, trim and make you
costume from
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Perfect fit and work-
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Samples and selfmea-
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Joseph Husak
Merchant Tail-
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Established 1875.
The Goold Storage House
AND
Safe Deposit Vaults,
J. E. GOOLD & CO., Proprs.
STORAGE
FOR FURNITURE,
PIANOS, ETC.
Goods Packed for Shipment.
Fire and Burglar Proof Vaults for Silver-
ware and Valuable Goods.
2219-2221 Cottage Grove Ave.
Tel. 1222 South.
iim
262
REFORM ADVOOATR.
The Best Shoes for Women.
SorosU Shoes have ninny Imitators— they have no equals. They fit and wear perfectly— are
stylish and comfortable. "A perfect shoe at a popular price," S3. 50 — never more — never
less. The Sorosls Shoes are distinctly unrivaled, and are sold In Chicago exclusively by
SCHLESINOER & MAYER. State St. Annex.
P. D. MADIGAN & CO.
Importers and Retailers of DRY GOODS.
183, 185, 187, 189 and 191 THIRTY-FIRST STREET.
THE BOULEVARD PRY GOODS STORE.
DRY GOODS AND GENTS' > WplfplH &
FURNISHINGS. « . . . . < W ClieiU Ct
558-558 EAST FORTY-THIRD STREET.
157 STATE, STREET.
ON DISPLAY A COMPLETE LINE OF
STRAIGHT FRONT CORSETS.
FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC MODELS, correct in every
detail. We can fit any figure. All corsets purchased
from us kept in repair free of charge.
MUNGER'S LAUNDRY.
TELEHONE, SOUTH 1175.
OFFICE TOWEL SUPPLY DEPARTMENT
St. Louis, Mo., Kansas City, Mo.
Des Moines, la-
Fine Hand Work a Specialty.
2410 Indiana Ave., Chicago.
Borden's
UNSWEETENED, STERILIZED,
Condensed Milk
ABSOLUTELY PURE AND CLEAN
MILK AND CREAM
Also PEERLESS BUTTERMILK.
All bottled In the country at our own plants, Elgin and
Belvldere, 111., Into steam-cleaned and sterilized bot-
tles. Orders by mall or telephone will receive prompt
attention.
BORDEN'S CONDENSED MILK CO.,
Telenbone Oakland SOS— Telephone Monroe £56—
627-633 EAST 47th ST. 546-554 WEST VAN BUREN ST,
MERCHANTS' LOAN AND TRUST
SAFE DEPOSIT COMPANY.
ADAMS AND CLARK STS. CHICAGO.
BOXES $3 PER YEAR AND UPWARDS.
AB80HJTEH.TT KlRB AND BUHOLAR PROOF SAFES.
FOB DEEDS, BONDS, SECURITIES, JEWELRY, SILVERWARE AND VALUABLES.
SEPAHATB VAULTS FOK STOKAGE OP LAKGE PACKAGES AND TRUNKS.
ALFREDiL. GOLDSMITH, Manager.
only act upon data — one must have
somewhere in his consciousness the
ideas which he puts together to form
a connected whole. Creative talent, of
whatever grade, is, in the last analysis,
only the power of rearrangement —
there is nothing new under the sun.
I was the more firmly impressed with
this thought after I had interviewed
half a dozen old women, and a genuine
"conjure doctor;" for I discovered that
the brilliant touches, due, I had
thought, to my own imagination, were
after all but dormant ideas, lodged
in my childish mind by old Aunt This
and old Uncle That, and awaiting only
the spur of imagination to bring them
again to the surface. For instance, in
the story, "Hot-foot Hannibal," there
figures a conjure doll with pepper feet.
Those pepper feet I regarded as pecu-
liarly my own, a purely original cre-
ation. I heard, only the other day, in
North Carolina, of the consternation
struck to the heart of a certain dark
individual, upon finding upon his door-
step a rabbit's foot — a good omen in
itself perhaps — to which a malign In-
fluence had been imparted by tying to
one end of it, in the form of a cross,
two small pods of red pepper.
Most of the delusions connected with
this belief in conjuration grow out of
mere lack of enlightenment. As prime-
val men saw a personality behind ev-
ery natural phenomenon, and found a
god or a devil in wind, rain, and hail,
in lightning, and in storm, so the un-
taught man or woman who is assailed
by an unusual ache or pain, some
strenuous symptom of serious physical
disorder, is prompt to accept the sug-
gestion, which tradition approves, that
some evil influence is behind his dis-
comfort; and what more natural than
to conclude that some rival in business
or in love has set this force in mo-
tion ?— Charles W. Chestnutt, in Mod-
ern Culture Magazine for May.
The Hebrew Free Loan Association
of New York presents a brief report of
its activity during the three months
since its last annual report. During
the months of January, February and
March of 1901, 3610 new applications
for loans were filed. Out of these 719
were rejected, 2891 applications were
granted with loans amounting to $58,-
881 as follows: January, 1901, 803 per-
sons borrowed f 16,591; February, 1901,
972 persons borrowed $20,365; March,
1901, 1116 persons borrowed $21,915.
These figures illustrate how much good
can be done in this great metropolis,
helping from misery and poverty with-
out humiliation; it pictures to us that
there is a respectable class of people,
who can be helped and made to feel
their self-respect.
THE REFORM ADVOCATE,
263
TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF AMERICA WHO HAVE HEARTS:
TO ALL WHO ARE INTERESTED IN CHARITY:
I am not ambitious to become a rich man; all I want is enough for a rainy day, and I
have almost enough now.
On the first day of May, 1901, I will open a HAT STORE, and I propose to give oneshaU
the net profits to charity, and I agree not to draw anything for my services, directly or indirectly.
The half donated to charity to be divided between the Masonic, Hebrew, Catholic and
Protestant needy ones in equal amounts.
In a few days I will name three prominent men and women to represent their respective
charities, they to appoint an expert to examine my books on the first day of April, 1902,
and they (not the expert) to decide to what charities the money shall be paid.
This is not for one year only, but to be continuous. Examination and payments to be
made every six months thereafter, and it is my intention to give, as soon as possible, one-
half of the profits of my Furnishing Goods business to the same cause. And I will not stop
at this. As the business grows I will give a still greater percentage to charity.
I am prompted to do this for two reasons:
FIRST — I hope to leave behind me a well organized business, that will continue after
my death to pay the greater share of profits to the suffering and poor.
SECOND — I trust that this example will be followed by others, more particularly, some
of our Chicago millionaires in the mercantile business; also the millionaires of other cities
in our great and glorious America,
/ always do as I agree.
With all sincerity, I am, Yours truly,
March 8, 1901. TOM MURRAY.
Jackson Boulevard, near Board of Trade,
!
•
THE MAGAZINES.
The contents of the May issue of
Everybody's Magazine are very varied.
They range from a superb character
study of Chief Croker of the Fire De-
partment, of New York, contributed
by Lindsay Denison, to a compilation
of opinions of prominent actors and
managers on "How to go on the
Stage," gathered by Franklin Fyles.
An admirable story of deer's life, "Ter-
ror," by Maximilian Foster, "Making
Rain by Electricity," a study of Elmer
Gates' curious experiments in Wash-
ington; stories of the newspaper world,
"Adventures in Newsgathering," by
Allen Sangree, a study of Mrs. Piper,
the famous medium, by Mary C. Blos-
som. The Novel Bequests, by Eugene
P. Lyle, Mrs. Kasebier's photographs,
J. P. Mowbray's "Making of a Country
Home" — all will be found readable, en-
tertaining and informative.
The mere enumeration of the articles
and writers that appear in the
Woman's Home Companion for May is
sufficient evidence of the value of the
number without any word of comment.
"Memorial Day in the South," by Mrs.
V. Jefferson Davis; "The Countess von
Waldersee," by Mabel Percy Haskell;
"Two Meetings with Garfield," by
Clara Morris; "A vacation Tour in an
Old Street-Car;" "Woman's Part in
the Pan-American Exposition;" "Two
Odd Chicago Clubs;" fiction by Lillian
Bell, Leroy Scott and Onoto Watanna;
household articles by experts in every
department, and the usual number of
reproductions from great paintings.
Published by the Crowell & Kirkpat-
rick Co., Springfield, Ohio; one dollar
a year; ten cents a copy; sample copy
free.
"Two Bosses: Platt ana Croker" is
the leading article in Ainslee's for
May. The name of the author is not
given, but whoever he is, he knows his
subject well and handles it masterful-
ly. "The Men that Control Our
Railroads," by Earl D. Berry, is
a readable and important study of the
eight men that control the two hun-
dred thousand miles of railway in the
United States. "The Word to the Water
People," by Bliss Carmen, is an origin-
al poem, describing the advent of
spring in the depths of the rivers and
of the sea. "The New Japan," by
Anna Northend Benjamin, is a richly
illustrated study of Japanese life from
the viewpoint of a woman. "Rubber,"
by H. E. Armstrong, a well-written ac-
count of this enormous industry, con-
tains a graphic detail of tne dramatic
career of Charles Goodyear, that pov-
erty-stricken, ambitious Yankee to
whom all rubber millionaires are in
eternal debt. "Topics of the Theater"
is unusually well illustrated; and there
is a batch of exceedingly good fiction.
Of these stories the best are "Money
Maze,'' by O. Henry; "Laviny Saun-
ders," by Mary Sherburne; "The
Forged Suicide," by H. T. Gardner,
and "A Wall Tent Bewitchment," by
Gwendolen Overton.
Modern Culture for May is a maga-
zine for nature-lovers. "An Ohio May
Time" by Austin Matlack Courtenay
is a dainty bit of spring poetry full of
the rhythmic music of the May. "In
the Garden with Shakespeare" by Mrs.
E. A. Matthews, "Wood-Notes" by
Nora Archibald Smith (the sister of
Kate Douglas Wiggin), and "Birds in
Literature" by C. A. Urann form a tri-
ology of nature articles of enticing
interest to the lover of birds and trees
and flowers. A Nature Department be-
gins in this number also, and Mr. Or-
lando J. Stevenson in his "Rambles
Out of Doors" will take the reader
with him into the depths of his Cana-
dian wilderness through all his sum-
mer outing. "Some American Sculp-
tors" form the subject of N. Hudson
Moore's art article, while the Muse of
History is cultivated by Jane W. Guth-
rie in the first of a series of notable
articles on "Chillicothe— the Cradle of
a Commonwealth" and by David Gar-
dyne in a sketch of "Daniel Boone in
Missouri." The historic Muse inspires
264
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
Established 1838
120 WABASH AVE.
Table China, Earthenware,
Hand Polished Cut Glass, Lamps,
also Art Pottery.
Bronzes and Lamps, Quaint
and Odd Decorative Plates,
Placques, and all the Latest Nov-
elties for the Breakfast, Lunch-
eon and Dining Table.
Wedding Gifts — the most
complete assortment in the north-
west. Rookwood, Royal Copen-
hagen, Hawkes and Libbey Cut
Glass.
THE RIENZI. o *• EM1L GASCH-
CONCERT EVERY EVENING AND SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
I BOO imrRB»FY.BOTTT,FT4RI>. Cornftr Ewnsf-nn \v». n»"l rio^v c» *
J. M. Ooodell, Prescription Druggist
Cor, 45th St, and St, Lawrence AVI,
•'KSIJKIPTIONS ACCCRATEIT AND CJ» RKFCLI-Y COMPOUNDED.
Teiei: &
Oakland H82.
E. HOBBS,
GREENHOUSES, 3112-3114 INDIANA AVE.
A choice selection of Plants and Fresh Cut Flowers con-
stantly on band. Floral designs of every description.
..FLORIST..
PLANT DECORATION A SPECIALTY.
. . RUPTURE . .
Positive cure with my new improved Tiuss;
also all Deformities cured, as Spine Curved,
Bow Legs, Knock Knee, Weak Ankles, Round
Shoulders, etc.. We keep the largest stock in
Trusses, Elastic Stockings, Abdominal Sup-
porters, Crutches, Suspensory Bandages, De-
formity Apparatus, etc. The largest establishment of its kind in the
West. Wholesale prices. Competent lady assistant in attendance.
Attention given to crvjtomer personal!^- by
DR. ROB'T WOtFERTZ, Mfr. and Specialist for Rupture and
Deformity. 6O Fifth A ve., near Randolph St.. Chicago
AUG. OBERDIECK. . .Caterer
WEDDINGS, RECEPTIONS, DINNERS. ETC.
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IP YOU WANT TO BORROW
CHINA AND SILVERWARE
GET HY PRICES.
301 9 Michigan Ave., Chicago.
also Florence Estelle Little, the first
installment of whose illustrated serial
story "The Squire" — a romance of the
.Underground Railway — appears in this
number. Vivid description and a dash
of scientific interest give flavor to Cal-
van Gale Home's article Pen Pictures
of Three Eclipses," and a familiar
problem of science suggests the short
story "A Collection of Meteorites" by
the Editor. , jj- J
• Paul Laurence Dunbar's new novel,
"The Sport of the Gods," is published
entire in the May "New" Lippincott
Magazine. This is by far the strong-
est and best fiction from a pen noted
for its humor and pathos. In addition
to the complete novel there is plenty
of good short fiction, varied in theme,
in the May '"New" Lippincott. A
story of Mexico, by Edwin Knight
Buttolph called "The Slavery of Mo-
ses," gives a glowing instance of man's
sacrifice for one he loves. "The Su-
preme Court of Love," by Julia Mac-
Nair Wright, is an amusing prose farce
in an apartment house. Jesse Van
Zile Belden's little story called "Tony"
has to do with the softer side of a
United States Senator. In this some
violets, a lovely woman, and innocent
little "Tony" are important factors.
The college tale this month is in hon-
or of Chicago. It is called "The Head
Marshal of the University of Chicago,"
and is written by James Weber Linn,
assistant in the department of rhetoric
at Chicago. He has written other tales
of undergraduate life, but none to ex-
cel this lively one. Much has been
told about China, but nothing has been
written at once so dramatic and so
convincing in regard to missionary life
as the two incidents given under the
title "In the Dragon's Grip." They
are recorded by Frederick Poole, for
many years missionary, to whom and
his wife they befell. Mr. Poole is now
working among the Chinese in this
country. His signature in Chinese
characters at the close of the article is
typical. Poetry takes a forward place
in the May "New" Lippincott: "Can
Such Things Be?" a sonnet of rare fe-
licity, is by Madison Cawein; "The
Loss of the First-Boru," by Mabel
Thornton Whitmore. Edith M. Thomas
contributes "Masts in Harbor," and C.
W. Doyle, M. D., "The Two Brothers."
Willa Sibert Gather sings of "In Media
Vita," and Edmund Vance Cooke, "The
Tomb of Shakespeare." "The Monu-
ment" is a Memorial Day Poem by Dal-
lett Fuguet.
Bound volumes 19 and 20 of the
Reform Advocate are now ready for
delivery. Two vols. bound in one, $4.
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
265
Annual Meetlng'orjAnshaf Emeth
Congregation of Peorla, III.
The regular annual meeting of the
congregation of Anshai Emeth, of
Peorla, III., was held Sunday after-
noon and all the old officers were re-
elected unanimously. They are as fol-
lows: President, Samuel Woolner;
vice-president, David Ullman; secre-
tary, A. Raffman; treasurer, M. Sal-
zenstein.
Rev. Dr. Levy, who has been the
pastor of the congregation for the
past three years, was unanimously re-
elected for another term of three years,
notwithstanding the fact that he sent
in his resignation several days ago.
He is reported as still insisting on
leaving the city for other fields, it be-
ing said that he has received a call
that is very hard to decline, such ac-
tion upon his part being a great sacri-
fice.
At the meeting it was decided by a
unanimous vote of the congregation
that a committee of three be appointed
to use their best efforts to obtain the
consent of Dr. Levy to accept the re-
election. The chair appointed William
F. Wolfner, David Ullman and Henry
Schwabacher, and this committee will
wait on the doctor during the coming
week and endeavor to have him stay
'with the congregation for at least
three years longer.
Great stress was laid upon the grand
work performed by Dr. Levy during
his stay here. The model Sunday
school under his care and direction is
second to none in the United States.
His wise leadership has attracted a
large number of new members to the
congregation and his able lectures
have edified all his lesteners. Peoria
cannot afford to lose such a public
spirited minister and every effort
shoud be made to retain him in Peoria.
The report of the officers of the con-
gregation showed that the finances
were in good shape and that with the
aid of the ladies a large part of the
indebtedness, had been paid.
The firm of Sidney 'Wanzer & Sons,
dealers in high-grade milk, cream and
butter, 305 and 307 Thirtieth street,
RACINE
WJGOH ft CARRUGE Co.
365-361 W ABASH A?S., COBNEB
SABBISON mttT.
Telephone Main 3838
The Latest Styles High Grade
Carriages, Buggies and Wagons.
tlluntrnlf.it Catalogue
THE WISE SPEND MONEY FOR RECREATION, THE FOOLISH FOR DISSIPATION.
ARE YOU GOING TO WASTE****
YOUR SUMMER BY NOT BEING PRE-
PARED TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT?
YOUR OUTING WILL BE A FAILURE
IF YOU ARE NOT PROPERLY ** ** **
EQUIPPED. IT IS AS IMPORTANT
TO BE WELL PREPARED FOR PLAY
AS FOR WORK. ****************
GOOD TOOLS DO NOT MAKE**,***
******GOOD WORKMEN, BUT YOU
WOULD NOT GIVE A SOLDIERJTA
LEADEN GUN, NOR RIDE ON A TIN
BICYCLE YOURSELF IF YOU KNEW
IT. THERE ARE SOME THINGS****
THAT MUST BE PERFECT TO BE
FIT TO USE. ******************
A. G. SPALDING AND BROS.
NEW YORK.
147-149 WABASH AVENUE CHICAGO.
DENVER.
NOTHING LESS THAN A FIRST-CLASS
BICYCLE IS SAFE OR ENJOYABLE.
IT'S POOR ECONOMY TO PAY $35 FOR
$10 WORTH OF WHEEL, WHEN $50
WILL BUY THE VERY BEST, AND YOU
WILL NOT BE ASHAMED TO SHOW
YOUR FRIENDS THE NAMES COLUM-
BIA—SPALDING^C LEVEL AND— IMPE-
RIAL. ************
WHEN THE LARGEST HOUSE IN THE
WORLD IN ANY SPECIAL LINE PUTS
ITS NAME ON ITS PRODUCT, IT'S
"RIGHT." THE NAME "SPALDING"
MEANS PERFECTION ON SUPPLIES
FOR GOLF, BASE BALL, TENNIS, CRO-
QUET AND ALL PARAPHERNALIA
FOR RECREATION AND SPORT.
The Automobile Store
Electric, Steam. Gasoline Vehicles
Stanhopes, Drag*, Runabout*, Dondoj, Park Traps, Doctors'
Carriages, Brakes, Delivery Wagons.
Motor Cycles and Bike Wagons
Manufacturers' Supplies and Accessories of AH Kinds Furnished.
Expert Repair Men Constantly on Duty.
RALPH TEMPLE
293-295 WABASH AYE.
Harlem Jockey Club
HARLEM RACE TRACK.,
Commencing June 1O.
Six or More Races Daily.
Stake, Steeple Chase and other High-class Events.
ADMISSION, ONE DOLLAR.
FOR TIME TABLE AND PARTICULARS SEE DAILY PAPERS.
SPECIAL LOW PRICES AT
On \7p-to-date Styles
and "Best Quality
of Jackets, S"u/tsr
K^indly Gt'-tte u-r a
Urial and you
STATE STREET.
J.^ffetvman^Jr.
266
THE
ADVOCATE.
35c per
Pound.
Li W. HIMMEL, Proprietor.
$1:00
Formerly
Consumers Tea Co.
Coffee Roasted and
Delivered Daily.
46 Randolph St.
P. J. NORTON,
CONTRACTOR FOR %
Steam and Hot Water Heating:
and Ventilating.
By High or Low Pressure Steam or Hot Water Circulation.
ENGINES, BCHLERS, PUMPS, PIPE.
FITTINGS, BRASS GOODS, RADIATORS.
ASBESTOS MATERIALS, PIPE COVERING,
ETC. ALSO REPAIR WORK. J* <* <* J* J* 4*
Telephone Central 2658. g N, STATE ST., CHICAGO.
When You
Haven't A
Minute to
Spare — •
-She
MONO
ROUT
BETWEEN
CHICAGO
IND1
CINCINNATI
HAVE
4 TRAINS
DAILY
ctrv TICKET omee
aaa CLARK ST
DEPOT
DEARBORN STATION
CHICAGO
CHAS. PRETSCHOLD
Makers of
AWNINGS,
TENTS,
Horse and Wagon
Covers.
2963-65 STATE STREET,
Telephone South 282.
608 E. 63D STREET,
Telephone, Oakland 1213.
Chicago, is composed of Mr. Sidney
Wanzer, Sr., and his two sons. The
business was first started in this city
in 1857 by Mr. S. Wanzer, Sr., and his
long experience makes him an author-
ity on all matters pertaining to this
business. Their trade has rapidly in-
creased, not from luck or chance, but
because of the purity and high quality
of their goods. Their plant is always
open to the inspection of visitors, and
family trade is especially solicited.
The milk is delivered to customers
right off the ice. They are now serv-
ing over 4,000 families per day. A
postal card will bring one of their
wagons to your door before breakfast
every morning.
Substitutes for the Saloon.
Whatever the effects of prohibition
may be on political agents, experi-
ence goes to show that a law aimed at
the evils of drinking generally over-
shoots the mark and hits feebly, if at
all, the manufacturing brewer. To
take the saloons away from a man
who wants to drink does not, in my
opinion, reform his views or make it
appreciably harder for him to get
what he wants to drink. In addition,
it does not take into account the man
who all his life has been accustomed
to the use of alcoholic beverages with-
out any visible harm to himself, his
prospects, or his family, and has a
tolerably well-grounded belief that it
is his right to do so if he chooses,
whether it is in the back room of a sa-
loon or at his own table.
One naturally turns, as public opin-
ion seems to be turning, from the
theory of prohibition to the question
of a substitute for the saloon, which,
shorn of its bad influences, will retain
the social features that appeal to
workingmen in their times of idleness
and relaxation. Considerations of this
sort, assuming that the saloon is the
workingman's club, and that environ-
ment and a desire for social satisfac-
tions drive or coax men to their drink-
ing places, is somewhat new, but al-
ready thinking men of the human sort
are discussing it, and it is along this
E.W.SILSBY,
Manufacturer of PLEATING, PINKING, TUCKING, CORDING, Etc
BUTTONS COVERED (Cloth and Ivory Rims).
CHICA60
uuiunuu
OFFICES' 18
III I IVLOi
WESTERN AVE
Davenport:
w- ™" * st-
Ryan's Blcck.
Sole Manufacturer of Silsby's Pleating and Button Machines, sold in all parts of the World.
THE REFORM ADVOGATR, ,267
A NEWS SERVICE
E
WITHOUT
PARALLEL
/ I A HERE) is ample justification for the claim made by THE
1 CHICAGO RECORD-HERALD that its readers enjoy every
day in the week, Sundays included, a news service that is without
parallel in range and completeness. The reason is obvious — the
combination of the varied and extensive facilities of the two great
dailies, The,Chicago Record and The Chicago Times-Hearld. In ad-
dition to the independent news facilities of both papers, THE REC-
ORD-HERALD receives the complete news service of The New York
Herald, The New York Tribune and The Associated Press; and when
it is considered that its news columns are supplemented by all the spec-
ial features so popular in The Record and The Times-Herald it will be
seen that THE RECORD-HERALD holds a unique place among the
great newspapers of the United States. In the Sunday issues, especially,
the great advantages of the combination of all the resources and world-
wide facilities of the two papers united in the combination are
made manifest. The world's news is covered with unexampled
fullness, due to the fact that never before in the history of jour-
nalism did an American newspaper possess news facilities so varied
and extensive.
The circulation of THE CHICAGO RECORD-HERALD is
the largest — very much the largest — 2-cent newspaper circulation
in the United States.
268
THE REFORM ADVOCATE,
Spring Medicine
There's no season when good
medicine is so much needed as in
Spring, and there's no medicine
which does so much good in Spring
as Hood's Sarsaparilla.
Do not delay taking it.
Don't put it off till your health
tone gets too low to be lifted.
Hood's Sarsaparilla
Will give you a good appetite,
purify and enrich your blood, over-
come that tired feeling, give you
mental and digestive strength and
steady nerves.
Be sure to ask for HOOD'S, the
best medicine money can buy. It is
Peculiar to Itself
Bad Feelings In Spring -"In toe
spring I was feeling very badly. My blood
was very poor. I began taking Hood's
Sarsaparilla. It did me much good. I
think it is a wonderful spring medicine and
recommend it to all sick and suffering."
KTHP. L. Brui. Baton Center, N. H.
line that we may expect development,
at least in our large cities.
But one does not get very far in his
consideration of the substitute before
he encounters difficulties which bid
fair to create violent partisanship and
more or less feeling. You can substi-
tute for the saloon warm, comfortable
buildings, reading rooms, billiards and
pool games ad lib., but will your sub-
stitution of coffee or tea for beer at-
tract the men you want to reach who
insist on having beer? Are you com-
promising with the devil if you give
them beer? — From "Saloons," by
Robert A. Stevenson, In the May
"Scrlbner's."
Why Jesus was Mocked as King.
Recently some data, largely from
papyrus finds, have come to light that
explains why it was that the soldiers,
after the condemnation of Jesus to
crucifixion, mockingly derided him as
king. The philologian and Philo-edi-
tor, Paul Wendland, in Hermes (Vol.
XXXIII), has drawn attention to the
custom of celebrating the Saturnalia
by the Roman soldiers by the appoint-
ment of a mock king, who was then
slain. Every year the festival of
Kronos, or Saturn, was celebrated, es-
pecially in the army. One of the num-
ber was selected by lot to act as king,
and upon him royal robes were placed,
and for a certain number of days this
king directed the wildest carousals of
his subjects, after which he was put
to the sword. Mock imitations of
these riotous celebrations of the Sat-
'Brand Food 'Products
Each -the Finest of its KJnd.
Prepared and Fully Guaranteed by
Steele-Wedeles Company,
Wholesale Grocers, Importers and Manufacturers.
If your dealer refuses to supply them ask us to furnish the
name of another in your neighborhood who will.
urualia king were evidently a favorite
amusement among the Roman soldiers
in the c;.se of culprits who had been
condemned, and, according to the man-
ner of the times, were handed over to
the executioner as objects of sport, as
also in the case of other persons who
had incurred the displeasure of the
soldiers.
Philo narrates such a mock celebra-
tion on the part of the soldiers par-
ticipating in an anti-Semitic riot in
Alexandria, directed against King
Agrippa, to whom the Emperor Cali-
gula had given the tetrarchy of Philip.
A dirty Jewish beggar is taken from
the street to represent King Agrippa;
he is dressed up as a king, escorted
by soldiers, is the recipient of royal
salutations, while he, with a crown ou
his head, carries a stick picked up
from the street as a scepter, and then
is cast out. The description is almost
verbally the same as that of the mock-
ery of Jesus.
In the light of these facts, it is evi-
dent that the mockery of Jesus by the
soldiers of the cohort in the barracks
was a specimen of sport which they
were accustomed to engage in when-
ever they could. For them it was a
mock celebration of a festival of sport,
and Jesus was to them a Saturnalia
king. That just this was the favorite
sport in the case of one condemned to
death was natural. The Saturnalia
king dies as the earthly reproduction
of Saturn, who dies when his mission
has been fulfilled. Saturn was the dy-
ing god among the heathens, and him
who was the dying God of the Chris-
tians, the heathen mocked by imitat-
SAUCE
THE ORIGINAL AND GENUINE WORCESTERSHIRE.
All dishes, such as soups, fish, meats,
gravy, game, salads etc. are doubly
appetising and digestible when fla-
vored with — Lea &Perrins' sauce. «
BEWARE Of IMITATIONS.
StONATLrRr
On E.v«,ry Bort ~
JohnDuncan'sStms
THE REFORM ADVOCATE,
269
tt
The Store of Quality,
Scholle's occupies an unique
position among retail stores,
It Is the Largest Exclusive Furniture Store in this country
A store where nothing that is
not worthy in furniture mating
can hare a place, and a most
interesting place for people who
demand the best of ererything in
furniture making as in all else.
It will interest the readers of this
work, many of whose palatal homes
hare been furnished with
"Scholle's Good Furniture
A broad welcome awaits visitors who come to Scholle's, to gire
its Good Furniture Exhibit, leisurely and critical inspection.
H, E. SCHOLLE & COMPANY,
222 Wabash Ave. Sr/S±SK CHICAGO, ILL.
FREDERICK
and L. M.
PARKER,
Accordion, Side or
Knife Plaitings.
Fancy Dress Plaitings
of All Kinds.
1 55 STATE ST,A CHICAGO.
FOR RENT
HOUSES
AND
FLATS
ON
CALUMET AND FOREST AYES.,
Near 33d Street.
Strictly Modern; every con-
venience. Apply to
V, 0, SAN60RN,
Room 99
140 Dearborn Street,
Telephone Central 1692.
ing the cultus of their dying god. —
Prof. Geo. H. Schodde, Ph. D., in Sun-
day School Times.
Wood carpet and parquet flooring
is not, as many people suppose, a
temporary floor to be laid down and
taken up at pleasure, but is a perma-
nent new floor on top of the old one,
carefully fitted and firmly! nailed down
with small brads, and when finished
has the appearance of a thick Euro-
pean floor. They are made up in the
various colored hard woods worked
in a hundred different styles and pat-
terns. The Chicago Floor Co., 155
Wabash avenue, this city, manufacture
their own goods, employing competent
workmen, and are pre-eminently in a
position to lay and finish new floors
and repolish old ones. A visit to their
show rooms will delight the intending
purchaser. Should any of our readers
be in need of any work of this kind,
drop them a line and they will send
a catalogue, or if desired an experi-
enced salesman.
The Acme Parquet Foor Company
are prepared to show special designs
in hardwood flooring and grilles. Es-
timates cheerfully submitted. They
have on hand a large supply of hard
wax and floor material. They will
also take your order for renovating old
floors. Address 4703 Cottage Grove
avenue, or call up Oakland 1015.
AS LONG AS WE ARE ENGAGED IN
botoptapbE
We shall continue to progress in
Artistic Excellence.
This year we are making permaner t
PLATINUM AND CARBON PHOTOS,
Exquisite MINIATURES, beautifully tinted, on
very. We also carry a line of high art novelties
in frames of all sizes. OUR PHOTOGRAPHS
are seen in the homes of all the first families on
the South Side.
3937
Drexel Blvd
'Phone— Drexel 8562;
Varney
l'/i«f ojfraplier.
JjjITITTlIJ IIIITTTTTTTTTTTTV1
DR. ELKAN W. FISHELL, =
DENTIST
• *•«• I'D
mw«<> tin
J448 WABASH AVE. M
CHICAOO
:iiiiiitiiiiiiiiiiiiini\
We might advertise It as a tonic, and you'd
pay more for It because you were buying
medicine. Because HOFBRAU costs only
what you'd expect to pay for a high grade
beer, is a.n additional reason why you should
have It. Delivered to your door.
SCHOENHOFEN BREWING COMPANY,
Phone: Ca.ua! 234. Burllnfton & 16th Sts.
270
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
$10,000
to be given
a. w a. y i t\
PRIZES
What Will *Be the Population of the
Dominicn of Canada April 1st, 1901?
Census noto being taf^en and completed by July 14-.
The first prize of $5,000
Every Subscriber to The Inter Ocea.n who takes advantage of
the following liberal offers will be given FREE GUESSES.
Our Offers:
Every one who subscribes for the daily and Sunday Inter Ocean for one
month, and pays in advance at our regular price, 75c, will be entitled to
ONE GUESS free. You may send in your subscription for as many months
as you wish, and you will be entitled to one free gness for every month's subscription paid in advance.
SPECIAL OFFER ON THE SUNDAY INTER. OCEAN
Every one who subscribes for The Sunday Inter Ocean for three months at our regular subscription price of 65c
will be entitled to one guess free. For a six months' subscription we will give two guesses, for a nine months' sub-
scription we will give three guesses, and for a twelve months' subscription we will give four guesses.
Headers who have their subscription paid in advance may take advantage of this liberal offer, and we will
extend their subscription from present date of expiration.
SPECIAL NOTICE TO STATE READERS
Send your orders direct to us with cash to pay for same. If you are at present taking our paper from any of
our State Agents, please state from whom, and, if paid in advance, give us the date. We will then notify the agent
for how long you have paid us in advance and see that his account gets proper credit for your remittance.
THIS OFFER. IS LIMITED. DO NOT DELAY. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT AT ONCE.
The Following Is a Fvill Explanation of the Guessing Contest:
We have made arrangements with THE PRESS PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION to enable our subscribers to
participate in the distribution of prizes, amounting to 810,000. The 810,000 is deposited in the Central Savings Bank,
Detroit. , Mich. , for the express purpose of paying these prizes.
VALUABLE INFORMATION
To aid subscribers ID forming their estimate we furnish the
following data of Canadian population;
Total
Year. Population. Increase. Perot.
1871 3,688,257
1881 4,324.810 635,553 17.23
1891 4,833,239 5'J8.429 11.19
The population for 1901 at an increase of 12 per cent over
the population of 1891 would be 6,413,227
(An increase of 579.988.)
At an increase of 15 per cent it would be 6,558,224
(An increase of 724,985.)
At an increase of 80 per cent it would be 6,799,836
(An Increase of 966,647.)
At an increase of 26 per cent it would be 6,041.543
(An increase of 1,208,309.)
RRIZES TO BE AWARDED AS FOLLOWS:
To the nearest correct guess 85,000
To the 2d 200J
TotheSd 700
To the 4th 300
To the 5th 100
To the 8th 50
To the next 12 nearest correct guesses $1" each, nm't'g to.. . 120
To the next 42 nearest correct guesses $5 each, am't'g to .. 210
To the next 100 nearest eoi reel guesses J3 each, am't'g to... 80J
To the next 380 nearest correct guesses $2 each, air.Vg to. . . 760
To the next 460 nearest correct guesses $1 each, am't'g to ... 460
Total, 1,000 prizes, amounting to J10.00J
In case of a tie, or that two or more estimators are equally cor-
rect, prizes will be divided equally between them.
^When you send in your subscription you make your guess. Be sure and write your
name, address, and guess as plainly as possible. As soon as we receive your subscrip-
tion we(will fill out and send you a certificate corresponding to guess made by you, which will entitle you to any prize that
you may draw. Be sure to keep your certificate. We will file the duplicate with the Press Publishing Association.
SUBSCRIPTION BLANK
THE CHICAGO IKTEB OCEAN, Chicago, 111. :
You will find inclosed $ , for which please send me THE.
INTER OCEAN for months.
Name
Town
My Guess State
CASH MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR ORDER.
ADDRESS THE INTER. OCEAN CHICAGO. ILL.
THE REFORM ADYOCATE.
CHICAGO MAY 4, 1901.
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY
IN THE INTEREST OF REFORM JUDAISM.
" EMIL G. HIRSCH, EDITOR.
BLOCK & NEWMAN, - - - PUBLISHERS.
204 Dearborn Street, Chicago.
Subscription Price,
$2.00 per Year
Entered at the Chicago Post-Office as Second-Class Matter. *
EDITORIAL PREFACE.
The editor in ordinary of "The Reform
Advocate" takes great pleasure in inviting the
readers to peruse the contents of this week's
issue. The work of gathering the data and
of putting them into shape was done by
Mr. Eliassoff. To him is due whatever credit at-
taches to the labor, as he is responsible for the ac-
curacy of the statements and the facts collected.
By some inadvertency the statement was permitted
to pass the scrutiny of the proof-reader, that the un-
dersigned had edited Mr. EliassofFs paper. This is
a mistake. Time and talent were both wanting to
undertake the task. On the surface it would seem
as though "The Reform Advocate," in publishing a
detailed account of the trials and triumphs of the
Jews in Illinois, had laid itself open to the just
criticism of inconsistency. For all along it has con-
tended that the Jews, their religion excepted, consti-
tute no distinct element in our population. They are
marked by the same traits and are under the im-
pulse of the same helpful or hurtful influences as are
the rest of humanity. "The Reform Advocate" does
not propose to abandon this, its fundamental con-
tention, but it has recognized the fact that as yet its
opinion is not generally accepted. Perhaps under
the circumstances now unfortunately prevailing the
round world over it is not a work of supererogation
to demonstrate the correctness of our thesis by in-
voking certain indisputable facts. Our columns to-
day speak most eloquently in corroboration of our
proposition. One who will read this issue with un-
prejudiced eyes cannot but come to the conclusion
that the Jews are not peculiar either in their virtues
or their vices. The experience of the pioneers of
our- Jewish communities has been none other than
that through which the pathfinders of other religious
organizations had to pass. The story of their strug-
gles or their gradual rise to 'comfortable affluence
can easily be duplicated by the records preserving
the accounts of the deeds, the failures and the suc-
cesses of early settlers in our State, whose religious
affinities bound them to the church, or whose opin-
ions perhaps led them to form no connection with
any creed or sect.
The Jews of Illinois have no cause to blush for
their record. They have done their full share in the
development of our beloved State. Many of them
took an active part, even if it was in a restricted
circle of influence, in the debates and discussions pre-
ceding the outbreak of "the inevitable conflict."
Many knew personally the great men who went forth
from Illinois to guide the nation and to fight its bat-
tles, and in the regiments that marched out in obedi-
ence to Lincoln's, Illinois' greatest son's, call there
were many whose ancestral faith quivered with the
traditions of remote Palestine. And as during this
fateful period, so in every crisis of our political life,
affecting the nation or the State, the Jews of Illinois
have been found at their post of duty. Only one
deaf to the truth and blind to its light may, in view
of these incontrovertible proofs, maintain that the
Jews lack in patriotism or fail to act in response to
the calls of a delicate and active civic conscience.
In commerce and the channels of industry the
Jews of Illinois have also demonstrated their in-
fluence. Many business houses witness to their en-
terprise and attest their integrity in the management
of mercantile ventures. Theirs has been a moderate
share of the rewards which come to honest and de-
voted labor. On the whole the Jews of Illinois have
again proven that the influences of Judaism make for
thrift, economy, temperance and independence.
In the domain of philanthropy the Jewish citizens
of Illinois have not been laggards. While, As their
co-religionists always and everywhere, contributing
to the maintenance of public institutions, under what-
ever denominational auspices, they have never
neglected to provide for the nearer needs of their
own dependent classes. In certain ways the Jews of
Chicago may claim the credit of having been among
the first to inaugurate the better methods according
to the truer standard of the new philanthropy in the
dispensation of relief or the provision for the educa-
tion of the young. The Michael Reese Hospital de-
servingly has come to be known as a model institu-
tion of its kind. The Jewish Manual Training School
is on an altitude attained by none other of its class.
It has won the recognition of educators throughout
the world, and the prophecy is certainly not too bold
that in very near years its system is bound to be-
come the pattern after which our public schools will
be re-constituted. The Jews of this city can proudly
point to the fact that they were the first to bring
about systematic co-operation among the various
agencies for the administration of the charities.
While writing these lines the report reaches us
that one, who for many years was prominently as-
sociated with the work of our United Hebrew Chari-
ties, has passed to his Heavenly reward. In the his-
tory of the Jews of Chicago Mr. Francis E. Kiss
will always hold a prominent place. In his hands
was, for many 3ecades, the direction of public assist-
ance as organized under the Hebrew Charities. He
brought to his task enthusiasm and capacity of a
5:72
REFORM ADVOCATE.
high order. Where he failed the blame was not his.
Laboring under peculiar difficulties, incidental to
those early days, and always more or less hampered
by limited resources, he did his utmost to mitigate
the evils which could not be remedied. None other
could have done better ; most would have done worse.
To his memory posterity owes a debt of gratitude
which cannot be paid in words.
Perhaps in the domain of Jewish religious thought
the Jews of Illinois occupy a position peculiarly their
own ; but this very fact demonstrates again the truth
of the proposition that Jewish life is, after all, only
a reproduction of the life of those with whom the
Jews come in daily contact. It is not merely in the
Synagogues that Chicago has wielded an influence
for greater religious liberalism. Our city is the
home of many so-called independent churches.
Professor Swing of blessed memory wasi a Chicagoan.
Doctor Thomas could nowhere else have found con-
ditions as favorable for his new development as he
did in our own city by the lake. Sinai Congregation
and the radical tendency pervading the Judaism of
Illinois generally is the effect in the same manner
of the telling influence of a broad and liberaliz-
ing spirit undoubtedly cradled in the broad
prairies of our State. Chicago is a cosrrio-
politan center. It extends hospitality to every
opinion honestly held and candidly stated. It
is hostile to bigotry, unhospitable merely to fanat-
icism. The Jewish community is characteristically
Chicagoan in this also, that whatever the opposition
and the bickerings, the distrusts and the denuncia-
tions which have assailed the positions of one or the
other teacher among us elsewhere, within this State,
and more particularly within our city, men of all
shades of religious opinions agree to disagree, allow-
ing each one to seek his own salvation as knowledge
or conscience suggests, but co-operating in all things
making for the better and the nobler life.
Fifty years is but a small measure of time. What
has been accomplished during this limited period is
an earnest of what the next century asks
us to bring about. If the spirit that inspired the
pioneers and the founders of our Jewish institutions
in this State will be transmitted to their sons and
successors, no doubt will ever lodge in open minds
that the unborn future will not be true to the achieve-
ments of the remembered past. With grateful recog-
nition of the debt which the living owe to those that
have passed beyond, in the joy that many of the
veterans are still among us to cheer us on while tell-
ing us of their trials and their triumphs, let us, hav-
ing learned of the past, turn our faces to the future,
determined to do our share as conscientiously as did
they who prepared the way for us, theirs.
EMIL G. HIRSCH.
A Card from the Publishers!
publication of this number of the REFORM
ADVOCATE, containing- the history of "The
Jews of Illinois" was unavoidably delayed for
a few days. We therefore beg the indulgence
of our friends and readers, and hope that the
contents of this edition will amply repay for the
disappointment caused by its non-appearance
on time.
BLOCH & NEWMAN.
Their Religious and Civic Life, their Cha.rity and Industry, their Patriotism and
LoyaJty to American Institutions, from their earliest settlement
in the State xinto the present time.
By Hermann EUassof .
Edited by Dr. Emil G. Hlrsoh.
INTRODUCTION.
The marvelous progress of the
American people and its rapid rise to
national importance and political power
have surely surpassed the most san-
guine expectations of the founders of
the independence of the colonies. The
ethnological and historical develop-
ment of nations is generally a very
slow process. The fathers of the Amer-
ican nation could only have measured
institutions and events according to
the standards established by time and
history, and the infant nation, the
child of the revolution of the colonies,
broke all the records of history and
the confines of time. The main cause
of these unforeseen attainments was,
without doubt, the constant influx of
a heterogeneous immigration, which
the young nation assimilated during
the years of its growth. The rare ad-
vantage of adding to the population a
continual current of mature elements
enabled the American people to speed
on eagle wings in achievements of
civilization, in national development
and in the attainment of political pow-
er. Each of the component parts of
the assimilated mass of immigrants
contributed its share of valuable
building material for the construction
of a vigorous national character, for
the rearing of ramparts in protection
of liberty and for the strengthening
of the edifice of equality. Each com-
ponent part helped to hasten the prog-
ress of the young American nation.
To the Jews of America must be as-
signed a place among the very best
and most desirable immigrants. The
Jew possesses the capability of assim-
ilation in a higher degree than many
other people. His appreciation of lib-
erty is keener and deeper, for his love
of freedom was born In the flames of
the auto-da-fe; his thirst for right and
his hunger for justice took firm roots
In the depths of his soul, in the dark-
ness of dungeons, during centuries of
cruel persecutions. Indeed, the Jew
fitted well in the new conditions of the
new world, and he quickly fell in line
with the builders of the free American
institutions, American civilization and
commercial and industrial power.
Peddlers though many of them
were, in the first years of their
settlement in America, the Jews at
once upon their arrival rendered val-
uable service to the undeveloped coun-
try. As the Jew trudged along on the
highways and by-ways of the new
world, with his heavy peddler's pack,
he carried civilization and commerce
from the large cities, the market cen-
ters, across the vast prairies, over the.
steep mountains and through the wild
woods, to the rural towns, to the ham-
lets and villages, to the isolated log
cabins and to the lonely farm houses.
Wherever he passed, the Jewish pio-
neer left a message of the new life
which was unfolding itself in the
cities; of the new industries which
were established in the land and of
the general progress of the nation. He
brought hope and encouragement to
the lonely laborer on the outskirts of
civilization, and the recluse toiler
worked with a new-born ambition and
brighter prospects. So the Jew helped,
often perhaps unconsciously, to widen
the clearings in the forest primeval
of the new life, to spread the bright
light of the broader thought until it
penetrated into the narrow sphere of
the children of nature in field and for-
est, on the high hill top and in the
deep valley.
But they were not all peddlers. The
American Jew has made his mark in
the history of the country of his
adoption. The history of the revolu-
tion, the civil and the Mexican wars,
and later of the Spanish war, tells the
story of the patriotism, the loyalty
and the 'bravery of the American Jew.
On the battlefields of the American
nation, wherever Old Glory floated in
the breeze, leading the American sol-
dier to victory or to a patriot's death,
were heard the footsteps of the Amer-
ican Jew, as he marched along side
by side with his American brothers,
in the ranks, or as officer and leader,
and like all the rest he willingly shed
his blood and gave his life for the life
of his country. Nearly 8,000 Jews
served in the civil war and 4,000
fought against Spain.
It cannot be denied that the advent
of the Jews in noted numbers in the
new Republic was a severe test of the
value of the American constitution
and the sincerity of the young nation
in its promise of liberty and equality
before the law to all comers. Before
the arrival of the Jews in large num-
bers, the young American people, the
austere principles and the stubborn re-
ligious convictions of the pioneer Purl-
tans still fresh in its midst, had to deal
almost entirely with an immigration
consisting of members of a kindred
race and of sects and factions of a
common church. The Jew came as
the scion of an alien race and as an
adherent of a religion considered by
the world as a living protest against
Christianity, the religion of nearly all
the inhabitants of the young Repub-
lic. The American constitution was
only a few years old, while the preju-
dices against the Jew, social and re-
ligious, were hoary with the age of
centuries. But the constitution tri-
umphed, the young American nation
established 'before the world its faith-
fulness to the teachings of true liber-
ty and the life of the American Jew
demonstrates more convincingly every
day that the bitter accusations of his
enemies have absolutely no foundation
in truth.
When the history of the Jews of the
United States of America will be writ-
ten, it will positively prove that the
Jewish genius asserted itself to the
benefit of the country of his adoption
wherever and whenever it found fav-
284
REFORM ADVOCATED
orable opportunity. For many decades
the Jews arrived in the new world In
very small numbers. There may have
been a few secret Jews, Spanish Ma-
ranos, with Columbus. Dr. Kayserling,
the noted writer on the history of the
Spanish and Portuguese Jews, claims
that there were five Jews in Colum-
bus' fleet. The entire register of the
men who sailed with Columbus has
been lost, but a great many of the
names of the men who sailed with him
have been recovered and among them
are undoubtedly five Jews. The inter-
preter whom Columbus took with him,
Luis de Torres, was a Jew. A nephew
of the Treasurer-General of Aragon,
Sanchez, was delegated to go with Co-
lumbus by the special request of Queen
Isabella. The surgeon of the ship was
a Jew and there were two other Jews
upon the ship. Some few Jews may
have arrived, from time to time, from
Brazil, Barbadoes, Jamaica, Spain and
Portugal, who settled in New Amster-
dam (New York), in Newport, Rhode
Island, the Roger Williams Colony
and in Charleston, S. C.* But the in-
flux of Jewish immigration from
Germany in large numbers did not be-
gin until about the middle of the XIX.
Century. Most of them hailed from
the Rhenish Palatinate and from Ba-
varia. Still almost in every state of
the Union the Jews are today not be-
hind their American fellow citizens,
not only in commerce and industry,
but also in their religious and social
life. Their distinctive institutions and
organizations are models of economic
management and useful administra-
tion. Led by the Jewish genius they
have succeeded in a comparatively
shorter time than many other denomi-
nations, to reach the true American
standard of excellence. The American
spirit dwells in their hearts and their
homes, and united with the Jewish gen-
ius It helped to build up their congre-
gations, their religious schools, their
benevolent institutions and social or-
ganizations on a grand and magnifi-
cent scale.
The first attempt to gather statis-
tics of the Jews of the United States,
was made by a committee representing
the Board of Delegates of American
Israelites and the Union of American
Hebrew congregations. The chairma'n
of that committee was Mr. William B.
Hackenburg, a prominent Jewish citi-
zen of Philadelphia. The result of the
labors of this committee was pub-
lished in September, 1880, by the Union
of American Hebrew congregations, In
a pamphlet of 59 pages entitled "Sta-
tistics of the Jews of the United
States." According to this pamphlet
the Jewish population of Illinois In
•!">••. B. Felsenthal, in a letter to Judge
Duly, of New York, calls the attention of
Jewish historians to the fact, .that while
the Jews In the colonies were admitted
to full citizenship already In 1740. yet In
some of "the states" they were excluded
from the enjoyment of the rights of cltl-
xenshlp by constitutional provisions. He
names Maryland and North Carolina.
Vide Appendix II to The Settlement of the
Jews In North America, by Judge Charles
P. Daly, p. 1B6.
1SSO was 12,625, ten thousand of whom
lived in the city of Chicago. Jewish
congregations were in the following
five cities: Chicago, Rock Island, Peo-
rta, Qulncy and Springfield. The total
nurrfber of Jewish congregations in the
state was ten, and their entire mem-
bership 567; number of Jewish chil-
dren attending religious schools 675.
Two years ago the Jewish Publication
Society of America undertook to con-
tinue the work of collecting statistics
of the Jews of the United States. The
Publication Society has issued two vol-
umes of The American Jewish Year
Book, one each year. The "Year
Books" are edited by Prof. Cyrus Ad-
ler of Washington, President of the
American Jewish Historical Society,
and contain much valuable informa-
tion. We thankfully acknowledge that
the "Year Book" of 1900-1901 was of
great help to us in compiling the data
for this history.
We do not claim that in this work
we have furnished a complete history
of the Jews of Illinois. The Jewish
communities, their organizations and
institutions in the state, are all yet
too young for such an undertaking.
Not even seventy years, the allotted
span of life for one individual man,
has passed since Jews first settled in
Illinois, and this is, indeed, too short
a period of which to write a complete
history, with philosophical research of
cause and effect and historical analysis
of character. Events have not had
time to clarify and to reach historical
strata, and character had as yet no
chance to become purified in the cru-
cible of time to reflect historical light
and luster. We have simply sketched
a certain number of events, often in
mere outline, venturing here and there
also to depict the life of some leaders,
in their relation to the development
of communal and Institutional life,
in a superficial biographical form,
endeavoring in the main, to collect
material for the future historian of
the American Jews.
Our aim has been to give accurate
statements of facts and to be just and
impartial to individuals and institu-
tions. If we have erred In any of our
estimates and representations, we
must solicit the indulgence of our
readers and critics, and request them
to take into consideration the facts,
that in many instances we had to rely
entirely for our information upon the
contradictory statements of a few old,
very old, people, whose memory is suc-
cumbing to the feebleness of old age.
Especially in regard to the history of
the Jews of Chicago prior to the great
fire, it was a very difficult matter to
obtain authentic information, as all
the documents bearing upon the sub-
ject were consumed in the terrible
conflagration of 1871.
We cheerfully invite impartial crit-
icism and convincing correction, for
the sake of truth, -syh pan na« net?
"The lip of truth shall be established
forever." H. Bliassof.
Chicago, March 15, 1901.
General Review.
The history of the Jews of Illinois
furnishes ample evidence in substan-
tiation of the facts, that wherever the
Jew finds a welcome reception and
rightful treatment, he quickly rises to
the full understanding of his environ-
ment and readily fulfills his full duty
to his surroundings; that he works
out his destiny to his benefit and to
the profit of his neighbors.
Not quite a century has passed
since a part of the northwest territory
was organized into the state of Illi-
nois. It was in the year 1818, and to-
day the progress of her people and the
development of her institutions are In-
deed the great wonder of the world.
The vast stretch of prairie land which
but a few decades ago was carpeted
only with wild grass, where the
deer and the bear roamed and played
hide and seek, is now dotted with fer-
tile farms, bearing a rich harvest of
golden grain, and is studded with
cities, like precious gems, teeming with
a population of nearly five millions.
The plowshare has furrowed millions
of miles of the rich soil and God has
blessed the toils of his children with
the "dew of heaven and the fatness of
the earth." The western spirit has
imbued the sturdy inhabitants of Illi-
nois with tireless activity and the till-
ers of the soil and the builders of the
cities have produced untold wealth.
Commerce and industry have flour-
ished beyond description; palatial
homes have been erected in many parts
of the state, where art brings Its ben-
ediction and institutions established
where learning leads and lofty
thoughts hold sway as unrivaled rul-
ers, where civilization points the way
to man's higher destiny, where benev-
olence beckons to the heart and illu-
mines the soul with lessons of love,
teaching to aid and assist, to encour-
age and to redeem.
"Wer kennt die Voelker, nennt die
Namen,
Die gastlich hier zusammenkamen?"
Who knows the nationalities, who
can tell the names of all the different
denominations who came to seek
homes and happiness in the hospitable
boundaries of this great and glorious
commonwealth? For nearly a quarter
of a century the Jew was missing. But
he, too, was at last attracted by the
new country and the new promise. He
came from the east and from the north
to join hands with the sturdy sons of
the western prairies; he came to help
and to hope, to plan and progress, and
although he arrived several decades
later, and at first in very small num-
bers, he did not lag in the rear. Work-
ing with extra energy he soon pushed
ahead until he gained a place in the
front ranks of the advancing hosts.
Today the Jews of Illinois are factors
in the commerce and manufacture of
the state and their financial Influence
and power manifest themselves in
many directions. Political life is the
only field where the Jew gained less
prominence than the Germans or the
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
285
Irish people. Political ambition was
not to his taste. The Jew shunned
politics. The bitter experiences which
fell to his lot in the old country were
yet too fresh and too vivid in his
mind. But in this direction, too, the
Jews of Illinois are gradually emerg-
ing from their wanted retirement.
Their courage and ambition are grow-
ing with their numbers and they have
lately been recognized by both of the
leading political parties of the coun-
try. Mr. Samuel Alschuler of Aurora,
Illinois, was nominated for Governor
of the State by the Democratic party
in the campaign of 1900, and although
he failed of election, the extraordinary
large vote of 518,966 which he received,
is highly complimentary. Dr. Emil G.
Hirsch was chosen Republican elec-
tor at large for the state by a
popular vote some years previous.
Judge Philip Stein is now
serving a second term ou the bench of
the Superior Court of Cook County
and Governor Yates has lately ap-
pointed Dr. E. G. Hirsch a member of
the State Board of Charities. The rev-
erend gentleman has also filled sev-
eral other posts of honor, such as a
member of the Library Board and
Board of Education of the city of Chi-
cago. A number of Jews held the of-
fice of mayor in smaller towns of the
state. At one time the city of Quincy
had a Jewish chief of police. The
present city clerk of Chicago, William
Loeffler, under the Democratic mayor,
is a Jew, and the late Mr. Joseph Pol-
lack, who was very prominent in Jew-
ish congregational and charity circles
of Chicago, was once clerk of Cook
County and afterwards justice of the
peace. Since his time several Jews
held, and some are still holding, office
as county commissioners and alder-
men in several counties and cities of
the state. In 1892 Abram E. Frankland
was superintendent of compulsory
education of the city of Chicago. Even
as far back as the fifties Abraham
Kohn was city clerk of Chicago. Gen-
eral Edward S. Salomon, of Chicago,
was clerk of Cook County and governor
of Washington Territory. In 1883 Pres-
ident Arthur appointed Mr. Max Pola-
chek, a Jewish citizen of Chicago, as
Consul General at Ghent, Belgium.
The United States paid him the high
compliment of confirming his nomina-
tion, without reference to the proper
committee, as is usually done in such
cases. Mr. Berthold Loewenthal, now
living in Chicago, was alderman of
Rock Island, 111., from 1855 to 1857;
supervisor of the South Town of Chi-
cago from 1871 to 1873, and a member
of the Public Library Board from 1875
to 1882.
Mr. Leopold Mayer was supervisor
of the Second Ward in Chicago from
1868 to 1S69. Herman Felsenthal was
member of the Board of Education, and
many others held public offices of hon-
or and trust. Chas. Kozminski, Frank-
cnthal and Edward Rose were a'so
members of the Board of Education,
and Dr. Joseph Stolz is now a very ac-
tive member of the same board. In
1867 Henry Greenebaum was appointed
by Gov. Oglesby a member of the State
Board of Equalization.
Julius Rosenthal was Public Admin-
istrator for many years. Adolph Kraus
was president of the Chicago School
Board and corporation counsel under
the old Mayor Harrison.
In 1818 there were only 3,000 Jews
all told in the United States* and
hardly any Jews west of the Alle-
ghany mountains. Today the Jewish
population of the United States is es-
timated at 1,058,135 and in the state
of Illinois it surely reaches the 100,-
000 mark, of which Chicago takes the
lion's share. There are at present in
Chicago not less than 75,000 Jews, 20,-
000 German, 50,000 Russo-Polish and
5,000 Jews from Austro-Hungary and
other countries, the rest of the Jewish
population is scattered through the 102
counties of the state. Peoria and
Quincy have the largest Jewish popu-
lation outside, of Chicago, the former
city close on 2,000 and the latter not
less than 600. In commerce and in-
dustry, in charitable, religious and so-
cial institutions, in attainments of
wealth and in professional life the
Jews of Illinois rank next to the
Jews of New York. More than $150,-
000 is annually collected by the Jews
for non-sectarian institutions in the
state of Illinois. Hardly any Jews
ever become a burden upon the state
and the state alymosinary institutions
have hardly ever contained Jewish in-
mates. The Jews of the state have al-
ways taken care of their own poor,
even before they entered the period of
communal organization. The Asso-
ciated Jewish Charities of Chicago
alone collect over $100,000 annually
for the support of the five main Jew-
ish charity institutions of the city, the
United Hebrew Relief Association,
Michael -Reese Hospital, Home for
Aged Jews, Jewish Orphans' Home and
Jewish Training School. This is done
without resort to charity balls, fairs
and such like means for raising money.
The Jewish residents of Illinois carry
more than $75,000,000 life insurance,
the Jews of Cook County alone are
holding policies amounting to more
than $58,000,000. Nearly $1,000,000
were donated and bequeathed to Jewish
charities within the last twenty years
by Chicago Jews, besides their regu-
lar annual contributions. ' Mr. Leon
Mandel gave $75,000 to the Chicago
University, the Standard Club collect-
ed from Jews $27,000 for the same in-
stitution and Sinai congregation
collected from some of its members
$5,000 more for a Semitic Library,
making a total of $107,000. The sums
of money expended by the Jews in the
main cities of Illinois, for cemeteries,
synagogues, temples, homes, asylums
and social clubs reach away up into
the millions of dollars. The Jew con-
tributes liberally to all charities, Jew-
ish and non-Jewish, and receives very
little from outsiders, he seems to take
• As estimated by Mordecai Noah.
it as a settled matter and does not
expect it to be different. His Chris-
tian friends and neighbors rarely
think of offering a contribution to a
Jewish institution. They, too, seem
to take it for granted that the Jew is
able to carry a double burden with
ease and comfort.
There are today in the state of Illi-
nois 78 Jewish congregations, 45 be-
nevolent associations, 25 ladies' soci-
eties, for charity and social purposes,
10 social clubs and 25 cemeteries, most
of these institutions and organizations
are located in the city of Chicago and
many of them are only a few years
old and small in membership. Most
of the congregations were established
by the immigrants from Russia, Po-
land, Roumanla and Austro-Hungary.
A commendable feature of these con-
gregations, especially of the Russian
Jews of Chicago, are the loan associa-
tions, which are connected with the
older and richer of these religious in-
stitutions. These loan associations
are doing much good, they save many
a family from ruin and from becom-
ing paupers in consequence of reverses
in their small 'trade ventures.
The Jews of Illinois are well rep-
resented in the. professions. The law-
yers, physicians, architects, engineers,
pharmacists, professors, teachers, den-
tists and journalists will add up into
many hundreds and a number of them
have been successful and stand very
high in their respective lines. We will
only mention a few names to prove our
statement. Lawyers: Julius Rosen-
thai, Adolph Moses, Adolph Kraus,
Samuel Alschuler, Levy Mayer, Jacob
Newman, Simeon Straus, Max Pam
and Sigmund Zeisler. Physicians:
Drs. Edwin J. Kuh, Joseph Zeisler,' J.
L. Abt, Hy. Gradle, L. Frankenthal.
Dr. Meyerowich, who is a member of
the State "Board of Health, and of the
younger ones we mention Drs. Greens-
felder and Daniel N. Eisendrath,
and some of those who passed into
eternity, but whose names are still
mentioned with honor by all and with
gratitude by many, like Drs. M. Man-
heimer and S. D. Jacobson. Archi-
tects: Dankmar Adler, whose death
was mourned by the entire city of Chi-
cago and who left enduring monu-
ments to his great talents in many of
the public buildings of Chicago and
other cities. Of the living architects
we mention Simeon Eisendrath, the
ex-building commissioner of Chicago,
and H. L. Ottenheimer, the dainty de-
signer of beautiful homes. There are
in Chicago also a number of Jewish
designers and engravers for plate
printing and lithographing, who are
very skillful and artistic in their work.
The best results in the new three-
color process printing have been at-
tained by a Jewish firm in this city,
consisting of several brothers. Their
exact copies from nature and their
wonderful reproductions of articles in
their natural colors, havs won for them
high admiration in Europe as well as
in America.
286
Turn REFORM ADVOGATB..
There are in Chicago at present
three Jewish justices of the peace, E.
C. Hamburgher, on the north side;
Adolph J. Sabath, on the west side,
and L. Wolf, on the south side. Ham-
burgher and Sabath have also served
an police justices.
Jews have worked on the streets as
day laborers in Illinois, and some of
the very same Jews rose to honored
and important positions by their own
merit of thrift, integrity and energy.
We have had quite a number of Jew-
ish bankers, whose business transac-
tions amounted to many millions an-
nually and who reflected credit on the
Jews by their honesty and integrity.
The number of Jewish bankers in
the state has decreased in the last
twenty years, but the number of arti-
sans, of skillful mechanics and of
hardy handicraftsmen has greatly in-
creased. There are even some black-
smiths among the Russo-Polish Jews,
in the Ghetto of Chicago, who are
good, honest workmen, and of whom
we may be proud indeed.
But it is mainly in the commercial
life of the state where the Jew gained
the greatest prominence. In Chicago,
Peoria, Quincy, Bloomington and other
cities in the state Jewish brains and
Jewish capital have- accomplished
wonders in creating commercial and
manufacturing establishments of great
magnitude and immense proportions,
giving employment to many thou-
sands of salesmen, saleswomen, ac-
countants, mechanics and laborers.
Jewish business ability helped and is
still aiding in the management of the
"Fair," the giant department store of
Chicago and the oldest emporium of
its kind. From the first jabbing dry
goods business of Rosenfeld & Rosen-
berg, established in Chicago in 1842,
to the present magnificent retail dry
goods stores of Mandel Brothers,
Schlesinger & Mayer and A. M. Roths-
child, there was a gradual develop-
ment which 'has kept pace with the
city's growth. Many were and still
are the firms and houses which have
grown up in the intervening time and
have gained name and fame in the
commercial world of the country. We
can only mention a few of them here.
In Chicago, for instance, the following
names will sound familiar and com-
mand great respect: Kohn Brothers,
Rosenbaum Brothers, Joseph Beifeld,
Selz, Schwab & Co., Cahn, Wampold
& Co., Bach, Becker & Co., Sllberman
Brothers, Foreman Brothers Banking
Co., Greenebaum Sons, Adolph Loeb
& Son, M. Born & Co., Eisenstaedt
Brothers, Hart. Schaffner & Marx,
Hasterlik Brothers, Stein Brothers &
Baumgartl, Hart Brothers, W. N. Ei-
sendrath & Co., Stein & Ellbogen Co.,
Hyman, Berg & Co., J. L. Gatzert &
Co., Stein, Hirsch & Co., Strouss, Ei-
sendrath & Co., Kozmlnski & Yondorf,
B. Kuppenheimer and N. A.
Mayer. In Peoria there are the
Woolners, Schwabacher, and Greenhut.
The Lesems in Quincy and the Liv-
ingstones in Bloomington. These
firms represent an aggregate capital
of many millions of dollars, they
command the highest confidence and
respect in the business circles of the
entire country. There are many more
such well-known mercantile establish-
ments in the state and were we to
name them all they would fill an entire
volume.
We close our "General Review" with
extracts from a paper entitled "Jews
and Judaism of Early Chicago Days,"
published in the Chicago Journal of
Nov. 14, 1899. This paper was pre-
pared and read by Mr. Leopold Mayer,
the well-known banker and old set-
tler of Chicago, before the Chicago
Council of Jewish Women, on Nov. 13,
1899. Mr. Mayer was an eye-witness
to many of the events of tho early
days and his vivid description of the
beginnings and progress of the Jew-
ish community of Chicago will >be read
with absorbing interest not only by
the old, but also by the young gener-
ation.
Mr. Mayer said, in passing: "I re-
. late what I remember, and offer my
reminiscences as a slight but perhaps
not entirely valueless contribution to
the history of the beginnings and
progress of our people in Chicago.
"Fifty years ago, on the 19th day of
this month, on a cold, rainy morning,
at about 5 a. m., with my sister and
sainted father, I boarded a Rhine
steamer. After some delay I reached
Antwerp, and here, I saw for the first
time, a Jewish burial from the syn-
agogue, instead of from the home. The
funeral was that of the president of
the congregation, chief of the branch
house of the Rothschild; otherwise,
the rites would have been of the same
character as in my home, a small town
in the interior of Germany.
"Finally, after a stormy voyage of
65 days, I arrived on Friday, Feb. 15,
1850, in New York. I gave my first
exhibition of 'greenness' during the
ride in an omnibus to see so much
twist bread, used in Germany, only
for the Sabbath, and I remarked that
Jews must be numerous, as Sabbath
bread was so in evidence.
"How happy I was when I reached
the promised land of freedom, where
the laws, at least, are the same for
Jews as for non-Jews.
"At that time, the stigma of ine-
quality burned in me like a fiery coal,
because I felt its sting and suffered
its pangs. In New York, my best
friend and former teacher, known to
many of you, Moses Spiegel, took me
to the first Jewish Reform temple I
had ever visited; situated in Christie
street, Dr. Mezbacher was Us rabbi.
There I found the male attendants di-
vided, one class composed of those
with hats, the other of those with
caps. The women were then still in
a separate part of the temple, but
whether they, also, were classified as
to headgear, I can not say. From the
observations of later years, I might
say 'yes.' Reform Judaism deserves
credit for the redemption of the wom-
en from separation during the divine
service. In Chicago, Sinai congrega-
tion granted equality to the women
from its inception.
"April 23, 1850, when I came to Chi-
cago, the Jews numbered possibly 200.
The congregation had 28 contributing
members, and on the very first day I
was introduced to most of them, in-
cluding the president and minister.
The congregation provided for a read-
er, a chasen, and a shochet — a man
able to kill cattle and fowl according
to Jewish rites. The German arrange-
ment of prayers was in vogue, but it
was so diversified that it dften de-
pended on the reader what prayer was
read, although the addition or omission
of a prayer was an infringement upon
•the religion, and so I remember that
as late as 1858 the omission of a certain
prayer created a row in the synagogue.
"The duties of a minister were
manifold. He was the reader, he had
to perform the marriage ceremony, he
had to be present at funerals and read
the prayer there as well as in the
'house of mourning, and he had to act
as shochet.
"Instruction in both the tenets and
the morals of Judaism were lacking.
Every Jew was his own teacher and
rabbi. A religious school for chil-
dren was not necessary, as there were
but few children of school age here.
"The two previous years, 1848-9, had
been trying for the Jewish colony, on
account of the cholera, which not only
bore away several of its members, 'but
left the survivors in constant dread
of its return. A burial ground had
been purchased from the city as early
as 1846. It is remarkable how anxious
the Jews are to provide a resting
place for their dead, when, as yet, they
have scarcely a foothold for the liv-
ing; this is noticeable through all their
history. To the praise of the Jews
then here, I must say, that they clung
together in sorrow and in joy. The
good fortune of one was the happiness
of the other, while the gloom of one
cast a shadow over all. Thus, on my
first Friday night in Chicago, I
watched, with one of my brothers, at
the bedside of the sick child of a
friend.
"The place of worship was then lo-
cated on the southwest corner of Lake
street and what is now Fifth avenue,
on the third floor. The narrow, unin-
viting entrance was unpleasantly ob-
structed by the goods of an auctioneer,
who occupied the store floor below.
Already at this period the Sabbath was
more or less violated. It is true that
most of the women and many of the
men were regular attendants, but the
latter, as a usual thing, left hurriedly
for their places of business. Many
stores were already open, and the
younger men, engaged as clerks, were
invisible In the synagogue. The young-
er women, likewise, were few, and of
children under 15 there were scarcely
any.
"When I left Europe, my intention
was to seek another occupation than
Turn REFORM ADVOCATE.
287
that of a teacher, out necessity com-
pelled me to return to my first love
among life's vocations. Encouraged by
my friends, Messrs. Elias and Henry
Greenebaum, who introduced me to
the several private schools, I began to
teach German, privately. But, alas, I
had no means of communication! I
could neither speak or understand
English, and were I to tell you of my
attempts at correct pronunciation, you
would laugh just as heartily as did the
young ladies that listened to them.
"During the fall of 1850 I tried to
organize a religious school from the
few scholars I already had and the
few more I might gather round me. To
show the necessity for this, one In-
cident will suffice. To make known
my purpose, I went to the president of
the congregation to ask leave to post
on the door of the synagogue a notice
to the effect that I would open a
school to teach religion. In all se-
riousness he, the president, asked me
what I intended to teach, and I found
that my first lesson must be given to
the head of the congregatfon.
"The year 1851 was important in
the religious development of Jewish
•life. In June the first Chicago syn-
agogue, on Clark street, between
Adams and Quincy, was dedicated by
Mr. Isaacs of New York. The exer-
cises were well described by Mr. Elias-
of in -his history of K. A. M. Mr.
Isaacs, in his Saturday morning ser-
mon, charged the congregation with
neglect of the purity laws, and then
declared that the punishment of God
was visible in the death of young mar-
ried women, several of whom had re-
cently died. To the credit of the pres-
ident be it said that he at once left
the synagogue.
"A second important movement was
the organization of the young men into
a benevolent society. The first at-
tempts at organization had failed be-
cause of the wish of some, to incor-
porate in the Constitution, clauses ex-
cluding those who married Non-Jews
and those who would violate the sanc-
tity of the day of Atonement. But
among some of the young men there
was no abandonment of purpose, and
some months later, ten or twelve of
them organized the Hebrew Benevolent
Society, with those exclusive laws in
the Constitution. Severe, was the
struggle before the society gained in-
fluence over Jewish Life, but under the
prudent guidance of its President, the
sainted Michael Greenebaum, it soon
became a power in both religious and
social life. Ladies, to this organiza-
tion, we can trace the beginnings of
Sinai Congregation. There, were united
the youths who strove to follow the
precepts learned in the old German
home. But soon they observed, that to
follow, to the letter, the Jewish law,
meant a return to the ghetto of the
middle ages. They quickly learned tti»*
religion is for the living and not for
the dead, and recognized the fact that
in order to live a religious life they
must first lighten the ship of its bal-
last. More-over, some had imbibed the
progressive ideas then spreading in
Germany and had read the minutes of
the Convention of Rabbis in Braun-
schweig, Frankfort and Breslau. The
earliest serious question arose when
candidates were proposed who were
known to violate the sanctity of Yom
Kippur. After a long and hard strug-
gle the question was decided in favor
of progress.
"Let us now turn to the social and
political life. Our people were far
from being a political unit. Some
were hard-shell Democrats and some
were ardent Whigs; Free-soilers, there
were hardly any. My first political
knowledge came from the Free-soilers,
and I readily adopted their doctrines,
as they coincided closely with the
ideas of liberty I had imbibed in Ger-
many during the stormy times of '48.
"The relations between Jews and
non-Jews were cordial, and many of
the former not only belonged to the
various political and fraternal organ-
izations, but also held offices therein.
Numbers belonged to the volunteer
fire department, and Henry Greene-
baum was captain of engine company
No. 6, when he was scarcely 21 years
old. The balls and festivities given
by the non-Jews were often attended
by the Jews, who were never in the
least looked upon as undesirable. The
Germans, Jews and non-Jews, were
one, and the prejudices from the fath-
erland, if not dead, were at least hid-
den. For myself, I must say that I
was made welcome in every American
household in which I had scholars or
where I had been introduced. I was
invited to all the parties given by the
young people of my acquaintance, and
it was to an American lady that I
owed my success.
"Among the Jews themselves social
entertainments gradually increased in
number as the number of young men
and women grew. Engagements were
still few, but the young folks longed
for diversion. In summer, carriage
rides and joint walks in the fields, and
in winter, sleigh-rides were in order;
sometimes there were even theater
parties given.
"The visiting day was Sunday, and
it was always prearranged at whose
house the following Sunday should 'be
spent. There were no whist nor poker
parties — as yet, the ladies did not play
cards. Dances, today called balls,
were difficult to arrange; but we had
them.
"The first affair which might be com-
pared to our present entertainments
was arranged by the Hebrew Benevo-
lent Society, and was held during the
Fall Festivals of 1853. It took place
in the State Street Market Hall, and
was a failure owing to the death of one
of our members on that very night.
"Now a word to the commercial and
financial condition of the Jews. La-
dies, please remember, that most were
German immigrants and that rich peo-
ple seldom emigrate. Hence, in com-
parison with their standing in the
fatherland, the Jews in Chicago were
fairly well situated. They were already
engaged in the various branches of
commerce. Some had dry goods, others
clothing stores; many were engaged
in the cigar and tobacco business, and
there were already a plumber and
joiner, and even a carpenter, here.
Some — loading their goods upon a
wagon, others upon their shoulders —
followed the honorable vocation of
peddling. Honor to them! They were
respected and liked by their custom-
ers, who every season awaited their ar-
rival before laying in a stock of nec-
essary goods. Whether or not to com-
pare them to the renowned Yankee ped-
dler, I leave to you. At all events,
they made a good living for their fam-
ilies, and while gathering money, at
the same time established a business
that grew with the country. At that
time there were no millionaires among
the Jews, but all felt independent. The
words and acts of the charity of to-
day were not then in vogue, for each
lived by his 'own exertion.
"Far be it from me to convey the Idea
that the Jews then were uncharitable.
They were always ready to help the
needy and when in 1855 the Yellow
Fever was raging in Norfolk, Va., the
Chicago Jews within a few days raised
in answer to Mayor Bloome's appeal,
almost $400.
"In order to give my picture tone
and color, I must take up one more
subject, the last but not the least—
the home. What had the Jews pre-
served of the old home traditions of
the fatherland, so often lauded and
cited as the greatest cause of the pre-
servation of the Jews in spite of cen-
turies of persecution? The home was
the cement which bound child to par-
ent and parent to child. The bond
between brother and sister. We might
call It a three-stranded thread which
could not be torn asunder. If the
Englishman called his house his cas-
tle, the Jew could with justice call his
home his religion, his comfort, and
his delight.
"To give you an idea of the Jewish
home in Germany, let me lead you
into one. We will make our visit on
neither a festive day nor a Friday eve-
ning, for of these you have doubtless
heard or read very often.
"Let us step over the threshold si-
lently, lest we disturb the inmates.
We enter a gloomy room with but one
light on the so-called Sabbath lamp,
just bright enough to bring out the
darkness.
"Our first glance discloses a man of
about 45 years, sitting at the table and
surrounded by his children. His face
and the silence and tears of the chil-
dren, all express dismal grief and sor-
row. A closer inspection reveals the
cause of the gloom. On the bed lies
a sick woman, emaciated by the dread
disease, consumption. The body is
nothing but skin and bones. Disturbed
by our entrance, she turns to the light,
her eyes still -bright. In a hushed
voice, scarcely audible, she asks for
her boy; he is not only her nurse, but
iiss
REFORM ADVOCATE.
her angel, and in her suffering her
comfort. She desires him to com-
mence his usual vocation during the
long, dreary nights, to read to her.
There, my friends, you see a Jewish
home in distress. The oldest child,
the staff and support of his sick moth-
er, reading to her night after night to
while away the dreary, dreary hours,
when sleep does not come to relieve
the patient sufferer whom the angel
of death has already marked for its
victim. Such devotion, such filial love,
you found among the Jews of the fath-
erland, and it is not remarkable that
with such memories to spur them on
the Jewish pioneers in America, to
some degree, at least, emulated their
parents.
"The houses in which we lived in
those days in Chicago were modest
one or two story frame dwellings.
Samuel Cole was the only one occupy-
ing a brick home, though Mr. Schu-
bert lived over his brick store. The
dietary laws were strictly observed
and the Sabbath and festivals were
celebrated with Jewish rites. Business
houses were at no great distance from
the homes and the men were generally
to be found with their families after
business hours. The women occupied
themselves with needlework, house-
hold duties, and reading. The chil-
dren were reared to honor and obey
their parents. The father had not yet
attained to the dignity of 'governor,'
nor was the mother mentioned as the
'old woman.' If the Jewish home was
not quite what it was in Germany, it
was still founded on filial love and re-
spect.
"Now, members of the Council, allow
me to make but one suggestion: You,
as mothers of Israel, should include
among your aims, the resurrection of
the Jewish home. Let us return once
more to the good old times and enjoy
once more the home life of the last
generation! Write in capitals in the
second article of your Constitution:
"OUR PURPOSE IS TO BRING TO
LIFE, ONCE MORE THE IDEAL
JEWISH HOME." If you have.at hand,
no method of producing this end,
search for one. It is worthy of a des-
perate effort! Rekindle, if you can, the
love of the daughter and the respect
of the son, for the parent. If you ac-
complish this, then, indeed, will future
generations bless you and your organ-
ization."
II.
FIRST JEWISH SETTLERS.
Prior to 1838 there were hardly any
Jews in Illinois, at least no records
can be found of their presence in the
state. The first Jewish settlement was
in the city of Chicago. The first Jew
who settled here was J. Gottlieb. He
came to Chicago in 1838. He was fol-
lowed in 1840 by Isaac Ziegler, the
brothers Benedict and Jacob Schu-
bert and Phillip Newberg. The follow-
ing settled in Chicago' between the
years 1840 and 1844: H. Fuller, Jacob
Fuller, Marx L. Mayer, Rosbach, Isaac
Engle, B. Stern, A. Frank, Marcus
Peisser, Levi Rosenfeld, Jacob Rosen-
berg, Morris Einstein, the brothers
Julius, Abraham and Moses Kohn,
James Marks, two brothers Benjamin,
. H. Meyer, and Mayer Klein. Isaac
Ziegler peddled for many years in and
around Chicago. Benedict Schubert
was the first Jewish merchant tailor
and he built the first brick house in
Chicago. Ph. Newberg was the first
Jewish tobacco dealer in the state. H.
Meyer was the first Jewish real estate
dealer. Mr. Meyer 'bought of the gov-
ernment 160 acres, situated in the
town of Schaumburg, Cook County,
where he remained until he was ad-
vanced in years, when he removed to
Chicago. His brother-in-law, M. Kling,
who lived near him, in Shaumburg,
stayed there some years longer.
Mayer had sold his farm and
invested all his funds in Chicago real
estate. The following arrived here in
1845 and 1846: Morris Kohn, B. Weig-
selbaum, Samuel Cole, M. Braunschield,
M. Leopold, Louis Leopold, Martin
Clayburg, Henry Leopold, Michael
Greenebaum, Louis Mayer, Ben
Schlossman and wife, Joseph Schloss-
man and wife, Simon Schlossman,
Samuel Schlossman and wife, Levi
Cline and wife, Hirsch Kohn, Mrs.
Dilah Kohn and Miss Clara Kohn, her
daughter. Mrs. Dilah Kohn was the
mother of the five Kohn brothers, who
then lived in Chicago. A sixth broth-
er, Joseph, came in 1847. In the same
year arrived Elias Greenebaum, the
Rubel family, consisting of the father,
four daughters and five sons, Gabriel,
Abraham, Isaac, Ruben and Moses;
Isaac Luckey and wife, Isaac Wolf and
sisters, Henry Homer, Louis and
Samuel Haas, Jacob Friedman, Isaac
Louis and Simon Wormser, Mr. Greene-
baum with his sons, Leon, Abraham,
Herman, Jacob and Moses, with three
sisters, and their cousins Leon Greene-
baum and Abraham Becker. The last
two went to California, where they lost
their lives in the big fire of 1851 at
San Francisco. Mr. B. Barbe and family
came about this time (1847). The
main Jewish boarding house where, in
later years, nearly all the unmarried
Jews made their home, was kept by
Mr. B. Brunemann, who died in
New York a few years ago
at a very old age. M. M.
Gerstley, E. Frankenthal and Max
Weineman came in 1848. Of the very
first settlers only six are still living in
Chicago and they are: Marx L. Mayer,
Isaac Wolf, Mayer Klein, Morris Kohn,
Elias and Henry Greensbaum. M.
L. Mayer is a brother of Leopold
Mayer, the well-known teacher and
banker of Chicago. Mr. M. L. Mayer
came to Chicago in 1843. He was born
Aug. 7, 1817, in'Abenheim, near Worms.
Germany. On April 20, 1897, he cele-
brated his golden wedding surrounded
by children and grandchildren. Isaac
Wolf came to Chicago in 1847. Before
that he lived in Jollet, 111., for one
year. He came to America in 1845,
"hen the Mexican war was in prog-
ress. He was the first to peddle with
a horse and wagon around Chicago,
and was the first Jew to join the Free
Masons in Joliet. He married a sis-
ter of the Rubel brothers, and they
raised a numerous family of good chil-
dren, who are making life easy for
them in their old age. Mayer Klein
landed in New York on Sept. 1, 1840.
Mr. William Renau, a cousin of his,
who was very popular at that time
among the Jews of New York city,
took him into his house and treated
him very kindly. Mr. Renau was one
of the organizers of the Order of B'nai
Brith in the east and his pet scheme
was to establish a Jewish colonization
society for the purpose of settling the
Jewish immigrants on farms, and so
establish agricultural pursuits among
the Jews. He called meetings of prom-
MARX L. MAYER.
inent co-religionists and traveled
through the country lecturing, en-
deavoring to interest the American
Jews in his plans and projects. He at
last succeeded, the colonization soci-
ety was organized and Mr. Henry May-
er was sent to Chicago to find a suit-
able location for a Jewish colony. Mr.
Mayer wrote to New York to send
some families; that the land which he
bought at Schaumburg, Cook County,
Illinois, was good and promising. A
number of Jews came to Chicago in
consequence of Mr. Mayer's report,
but only two settled in the vicinity of
Shaumburg, the rest scattered through-
out the state and drifted back into
their old occupation of trading.
Mr. Mayer Klein came to Chicago in
1S43. Chicago was then such an in-
significant place that he did not think
he would be able to earn a living
there, and he soon removed to Troy
Grove in La Salle County, Illinois. In
Grundy County of this state, the
brothers, Benjamin, formerly known
under the name of Bentleben, and a
Mr. Vogel kept general stores. They
all moved to Chicago a short time
after he left. A daughter of this Mr.
Vogel married Mr. Nelson Morris, who
became one of the richest men of Chi-
cago. Mr. Klein was the first baal-
tephilla, cantor, in Illinois. He re-
REFORM ADVOCATE.
289
lates that in 1846 he came from Troy
Grove to Chicago for the fall holidays,
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The
few Jews living in Chicago had no
place of worship of their own, but they
rented a. room where services were
•held. The brothers Kohn 'brought
along a Sepher Torah and Mr. Klein
officiated as reader. As just enough
MAYER KLEIN.
men were present to constitute a
Minyan (ten male adults, the requis-
ite number for public worship), the
services had to be discontinued when-
ever one of the congregation left the
room, and the assembly had to wait
until the absent member returned. Mr.
Klein was assisted by Mr. Ph. New-
berg at these services. Mr. Newberg
shortly after moved to Cincinnati,
Ohio. Mr. Klein married a sister of
the Rubel brothers and on the 12th
of December, 1899, they celebrated
their golden wedding. They live with
their children and the days of their
old age pass quietly and peacefully.
Morris Kohn is the only one living
of the six brothers who came to Chi-
cago in the early days of Jewish set-
tlement. He was born, as were all his
brothers, in Moenichsroth, Bavaria.
His brothers were in the dry goods
business. No. 85 Lake street, in the
Tremont House building, Chicago.
MORRIS KOHN.
When he arrived he joined his broth-
ers in the business which became very
popular. He relates that he took a
ride on the first boat which com-
menced to run from Chicago to Joliet
in 1848, after the Illinois and Michi-
gan canal was completed. Drinking
water had to be brought from the lake
and was sold at Z5 cents per barrel.
Only a few blocks were supplied with
water from a hydraulic mill, corner
Lake street and Michigan avenue,
through wooden pipes. The country
roads were, so bad that very few
farmers were able to come to the city.
The prices of produce were very small.
Wheat sold at 37% cents per bushel
and corn was worth 10 cents, half
cash and half in store goods. It fre-
quently happened that a farmer who
brought a load of farm produce from
some distance did not have money
enough after he sold his goods to pay
his expenses to return home and he
had to borrow money for that purpose.
The Jewish merchants generally
loaned the money to these farmers and
gained their confidence and their trade.
Mr. Kohn has retired from business
and himself and wife are living with
their children, enjoying their old age
in rest and peace. Some old settlers
state that about that time a Jewish
farmer used to come into the city with
kitchen vegetables which he raised on
a farm near Chicago.
The first Jewish auction store in
the state was kept by Edward A.
Jessel under the firm name of Jessel
& Co. His son-in-law, I. Jones, was
his partner. He came here in 1855,
opened his 'business in 1856 and con-
tinued it to 1874.
Mr. Edward Jessel was born in Lon-
don, 89 years old, and today, being
nearly 90 years old, he is a fine look-
ing old man. He is an inmate of the
Old People's Home of Chicago and
seems to, enjoy life there. He is hale
and hearty and satisfied with his lot.
He claims to be a 'brother of Sir Geo.
Jessel of London, who was knighted
by the late Queen Victoria.
There were two other Jews in the
auction business in the early days of
the Chicago Jewish settlement. They
were the Levi Brothers. The auction
store of Levi Brothers was well known
in the city and vicinity. One of the
brothers was stricken with total
Kindness and they had to give up
their business.
The first Jewish importer of fancy
goods was a man by the name of
Abrahams. He imported his stock, es-
pecially albums, direct from Europe
and was very prosperous in his un-
dertaking.
The first Jewish printers to estab-
lish printing offices in Chicago were
M. Hoffman and Max Stern, and the
first binders were Kiss & Ringer. Both
the bindery and Stern's office is still
in existence but Mr. Kiss has long
ago retired. Mr. Ph. Ringer is an artist
in his line.
In the neighboring states, Indiana,
Michigan and Wisconsin, Jews settled
at an earlier date than In Illinois. In
Indiana there lived several Jews even
as far back as 1820. A Jew by the
name of Samuel Judah lived at Vin-
cennes, Indiana, about 1830, and he
was then already known as a success-
ful lawyer and as a prominent poli-
tician. General Usher F. Linder in
his "Reminiscences of the Early Bench
and Bar of Illinois" devotes a chapter
to "Mr. Samuel Judah, a Jewish Law-
yer of Indiana." General Linder
writes: "Samuel Judah of Vincennes,
Indiana, one of the oldest lawyers of
Indiana. I don't know where he was
born, but I know that his father was
a Jew, and that he, himself, was a
Jew. This was in the summer of
1835. As a land lawyer I don't know
that I ever knew his equal. Judah
was once Speaker of the House of
Representatives in the legislature of
Indiana and I have understood made
a good one. He died at a very ad-
vanced age and I revere his memory
as one of the greatest lawyers of the
northwest."
We mention this because we have
-been informed that this Mr. Samuel
Judah of Vincennes, Indiana, was the
father of a prominent lawyer and poli-
tician now living in Chicago. Both,
father and son, married outside of the
synagogue, and the son takes no part
in the life of the Chicago Jewish
community.*
III.
FIRST COMMUNAL ORGANIZATION
With the year 1846 closes the primi-
tive period in the history of the Jews
of Illinois. Chicago was still the only
city in the state where Jews lived in
numbers sufficient to be called a Jew-
ish settlement. There were a few
Jews in the state outside of Chicago,
but they were scattered in different
towns and isolated in various country
villages. Even in Chicago there were
not enough Jews to make communal
organization possible until the yea»
1847.
Religious services were held for the
first time in the Jewish settlement of
Chicago, on the day of Atonement,
1845. The temporary congregation ~st
in a private room above a store on
Wells street, now Fifth avenue. The
following persons were present and
constituted just the requisite number
of adults for public worship, the so-
called Mlnyan: Benedict Shubert,
Jacob Rosenberg, S. Friedheim, who
lived at Pigeon Woods, west of Elgin,
111., the brothers Julius, Abraham,
Morris and Mayer Kohn, Harry Benja-
min, Philip Newberg and Mayer Klein.
The last two officiated as readers.
The Judah family Is of Knglish origin,
very old and prominent. It was well rep-
resented In Canada and the United States.
One of the first Jews who entered Canada
with General Amherst In 1759, as commis-
sary officer, was Aaron Hart, who after-
wards settled at Three Rivers, Canada.
He was born In London In 1724. Dorothea
Judah was his wife. When Edward,
Duke of Kent, father of the late Queen
Victoria, visited Three Rivers, he was
entertained there in sumptuous style by
Monsieur Hart.
290
REFORM ADVOCATE.
The second public services were held
on Torn Kippur, 1846, also in a pri-
vate room, above the store of Messrs.
Rosenfeld & Rosenberg, 155 Lake
street The cantors this time were
Philip Newberg and Abraham Kohn.
Not many more persons were present
at this service than at the first.
In the same year the Jews of Chi-
cago formed an organization under
the name of "Jewish Burial Ground
Society," of which Isaac Wormser was
President. This was the first public act
by which the Jews of Illinois demon-
strated their existence in the state as
a body corporate. This society pur-
chased from the city one acre of
ground for a cemetery, for which it
paid $46.00. This parcel of ground was
located east of the then city limits,
along the shore of Lake Michigan and
now part of Lincoln Park. This so-
ciety existed but a short time as an
Independent organization, when it be-
came merged In the first congregation,
which was organized soon after.
FIRST JEWISH CONGREGATION.
The population of Chicago was
growing rapidly and the Jewish set-
tlement, too, increased in numbers.
The desire and necessity to establish
a congregation strongly manifested it-
self. The leaders of the Jewish com-
munity met to discuss the question,
and they decided that the number of
Jewish families was as yet too limited
to support two institutions, a Burial
Ground Society and a congregation.
The members of the Burial Ground So-
ciety, who were anxious to have a con-
gregation established then offered to
donate their burial ground to the con-
gregation to be established and the
leaders again took up their delibera-
tions and resolved to organize a con-
gregation.
On the 3d day of November, 1847,
about twenty co-religionists assembled
in the dry goods store of Rosenfeld &
Rosenberg, 155 Lake street, and
formed a congregation under the name
of
"KEHILATH ANSHE MAYRIV.
This is the first Jewish congregation
in the entire northwest. The Burial
Ground Society turned over its prop-
erty to the new congregation and
finally ceased to exist. On Nov. 4,
1847, a constitution was adopted and
signed by the following fourteen mem-
bers: Abraham Kahn, Jacob Rosen-
berg, Samuel Cole, Morris L. Leopold,
Philip Newberg, Benedict Schubert,
Leon Greenebaum, Lev! Rosenfeld, Ja-
cob Fuller, M. Becker, Isaac Worm-
ser, B. Stern, M. Braunschild, Judah
Kohn.
The following oflicers were elected:
President, Morris L. Leopold; vice-
president and treasurer, Abraham
Kohn; secretary, Philip Newberg;
trustees, Benedict Schubert, Lev! Ros-
enfeld and Leon Greenebaum.
The president was at the time of his
election a young man of 26 years. He
was born in Laubenheim, Wurtem-
berg, April 10, 1821, and came to
America in 1839, being then in his
*"In transcribing the Hebrew n^np
'tWM 21JJD the mistake was made of ren-
dering in the English wording "Kehilath
Anshe Mayriv," instead of "Kehillath
Anshe Maarabh," meaning "Congregation
of the Men of the West." The charter was
obtained for the misspelled name, which
is the legal title of Congregation K. A.
M. to the present day. We use the in-
corporated name wherever It is unavoid-
able, otherwise we render the correct
paraphrase.
19th year. In 1845 he married Rose
Goodheart of Cincinnati, Ohio, and in
the same year he moved to Chicago.
In 1851 he returned to Cincinnati,
where he remained until 1867, and
then moved to New York, where he
died October 22, 1889. His widow still
resides in New York. He was a man
of tact, of good administrative ability
and he managed affairs of the young
congregation with wisdom and to the
satisfaction of the members. This was
no light task, for the members were
not all united in regard to the tenden-
cies of the congregation. Each mem-
ber had ideas of his own and was
eager to see his opinions followed and
carried out.
TEMPLE K. A. M.,
Indiana Ave. and 33d Street, First Congregation Organized in the State.
MORRIS L. LEOPOLD,
First President K. A. M.
From the start Minhag • Ashkenas,
the ritual of the German Jews, was
adopted, 'but it did not take long be-
fore demands were made for a more
reformed ritual and more modern serv-
ices for the synagogue. The leaders
of the congregation yielded gradually,
granting few concessions from time to
time. The Piyutim and Selichoth were
first abolished, then the hymns were
sung in the vernacular of the country,
the organ was introduced in the syn-
agogue and then a few more such
slight reforms were adopted. The die-
tary laws were still strictly adhered to
by most of the members of the con-
gregation and they were in need of a
schochet, a slaughterer according to
the Jewish ritual. The vice-president,
Abraham Kohn, went to New York,
and there he made the acquaintance of
Rev. Ignatz Kunreuther, whom he
recommended to the Chicago congre-
gation. Rev. Kunreuther was elected
its rabbi, shochet and reader on Nov.
5, 1847, and remained with this con-
gregation for six years. He was ultra-
orthodox in his views, and although
he was not fanatically intolerant, when
he noticed that the congregation was
leaning towards liberal views of re-
ligion, he resigned his position
and retired to private life. He en- •
gaged later in the real estate and loan
business, and was quite successful. He
died in Chicago June 27, 1884, 73 years
REFORM ADVOCATE.
291
old, and is still remembered by many
as an unassuming and quiet old
gentleman. His widow died a few
years ago. Their two married daugh-
ters are still living in Chicago.
Mr. Godfrey Snydacker was then
engaged by the congregation as reader
and teacher. Mr. Snydacker was a
man of modern education and pro-
gressive ideas. It was to be expected
that he would teach the children in
his new way and imbue them with his
new thoughts of Judaism, and his en-
gagement was quite a step in advance
for a congregation which was then still
strictly orthodox. Prom Kunreuther
to Snydacker was a long stride in the
direction of reform; it opened new
possibilities in the way of more mod-
ern tendencies, of breaking away from
old traditions and established customs
and ceremonies, which were entirely
out of harmony with the spirit of the
times and the life of the new world.
What influence Induced the congrega-
tion to take such a far-reaching step?
It was the influence of a man who was
a graduate of a German teachers' sem-
inary and who brought with him and
within him from the mother country
the force and power of a modern edu-
cation and a systematic training.
In 1850 there arrived in Chicago a
gifted young Jewish teacher by the
name of Leopold Mayer. He was born
in Abenheim, Germany, a village in
the Grand duchy of Hesse, on March
3, 1827. He was educated in the teach-
ers' seminary at Bensheim, and for
four years he taught in his native
country. His first work in Chicago
was as a teacher of German and He-
brew in private families. In 1853 the
Garden City Institute was opened, and
Mr. Mayer was taken into the faculty
as teacher of these languages. In the
Jewish community Mr. Mayer at once
became a power, and he used his influ-
form Judaism in Chicago made it pos-
sible for later friends of reform to
establish the "Reform Verein," in
which society Mr. Mayer was one of
the main moving spirits, and which
subsequently culminated in the organ-
ization of the Sinai Congregation, the
strong bulwark of reform Judaism in
America today. It was this Mr. Mayer's
influence which induced Congregation
Anshe Maarabh to entrust the instruc-
tion of its children to a progressive
man like Mr. Snydacker.
In 1851 Mr. Mayer established in
Chicago a religious private school, and
for the first time in Illinois he publicly
conferred the right of confirmation
upon a Jewish boy, one of his pupils,
in the Anshe Maarabh synagogue. The
confirmant spoke his part in English,
and the teacher addressed the con-
gregation in German. The confirma-
tion ceremony found great favor with
the congregation, and Mr. Mayer was
REV. IGNATZ KUNREUTHER.
ence to bring about more enlightened
and progressive conditions. To him
must be awarded the laurel wreath for
having paved the way for reform
Judaism in Chicago and in the state
of Illinois. His early, energetic and
sincere agitation in the interest of re-
LEOPOLD MAYER.
invited in 1852 to deliver a sermon on
the first day of the Passover and he
accepted. In his sermon he strongly
advocated the necessity of systematic
religious instruction, which is of great-
er consequence than a prayer meeting.
He spoke in favor of introducing Ger-
man prayers and he recommended the
engagement of a trained rabbi. The
first day of Passover, 1852, fell on a
Sunday and the synagogue was crowd-
ed, while on the previous day, the Sab-
bath, it was deplorably empty. Mr.
Mayer raised his voice in his
sermon against the neglect of
the Sabbath, and his words
made a deep impression on the
congregation. A religious school was
established without delay, and Mr.
Snydacker was engaged as a teacher
and reader. The last two offices were
separated from the functions of the
shokhet and a new spirit en-
tered into the life of the congrega-
tion. Of course we must not deceive
ourselves, the congregation was still
adhering to the tenets of the regula-
tion orthodoxy of that day and was far
from the desire to enter the field of
reform Judaism. We do not intend to
create the impression that with the
engagement of Mr. Snydaoker, con-
gregation Kehilath Anshe Maara'bh be-
came at once a reform congregation.
We only anticipated somewhat in or-
der to point out the very first attempt
at religious freedom and to designate
the men who gave the very first feeble
impulse to religious emancipation in
the midst of the Chicago Jewish com-
munity.
The first boy who was publicly con-
firmed in the old style niVO 13 in
the state of Illinois was Julius New-
berg, a son of Philip Newberg. In Jan-
uary, 1851, he was admitted to the
duties of an Israelite during the Sab-
bath services in the Anshe Maarabh
Congregation of Chicago.
The first regular services of Con-
gregation K. A. M. were held on the
second floor of a 'building on the south-
west corner of Lake and Wells streets,
in a room which was appropriately
fitted up as a synagogue. This room
was soon found to be too small, and in
1849 the congregation leased a lot for
five years on Clark street, between
Adams and Quincy, where the post-
office is now being built. Here a syna-
gogue was to be erected.
This first synagogue of K. A. M. and
the first Jewish house of worship in
the state of Illinois, was dedicated on
Friday, June 13, 1851. The auditorium
was crowded to excess. The most in-
fluential citizens of Chicago were pres-
ent, and several co-religionists traveled
hundreds of miles in order to partici-
pate in the consecration. Rev. S. M.
Isaacs of New York was the minister
invited to deliver the dedicatory ser-
mon. All the city papers teemed with
paragraphs laudatory of his address.
We quote from the Daily Democrat's
report of the dedication:
"No person that has made up his
mind to be prejudiced against the
Jews ought to have heard such a ser-
mon preached. It was very captivat-
ing, and contained as much of real re-
ligion as any' sermon we have ever
heard preached. We never could have
believed that one of these old Jews
we have heard denounced so much
could have taught so much liberality
towards other denominations. The ser-
mon was appropriate and eloquent,
and was preached from the text: 'They
shall make unto me a sanctuary, so
that I may dwell among them.' The
Jewish ladles cannot be beaten in
decorating a place of worship. The
flowers, leaves and bushes were woven
into the most beautiful drapery that
Chicago ever saw before."
The following hymn was sung at the
dedication by a temporary choir to the
tune of Old Hundred:
HYMN.
Be thou, 0 God, exalted high,
And as Thy glory fills the sky,
So let it be on earth displayed,
Till here on earth, as there, obeyed.
This temple to Thy hallowed name
Is raised, Thy glory to proclaim;
Here we our sins' forgiveness crave,
Our hearts from secret pangs to save.
292
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
Vouchsafe this house Thy kind regard.
Aud to our prayers incline Thine ear:
0, let its founders meet reward,
And blessings its supporters cheer.
O grant that Israel soon may see
Jerusalem to its site restored;
When all men's hearts, from sin set
free,
Shall sound Thy praise with one ac-
cord.
The congregation prospered, the
membership increased and the syn-
agogue was soon too small, and it be-
came necessary to have a larger house
of worship.' K. A. M. then purchased
the northeast corner of Adams and
Wells streets, on which the building
from Clark street was moved and a
basement built under it for a school
and meeting rooms.
THE FIRST JEWISH SCHOOL.
The day school established by con-
gregation K. A. M. of Chicago in 1853
was the first Jewish school in the
state of Illinois. The building was of
frame, the entrance to the synagogue
was on the level with Wells street,
which was about eight feet higher ,
than Adams street. Adams street was
not filled up until later, and the en-
trance to the school was on the level
with Adams street. The school was
conducted in three rooms, or rather
in two rooms, one of which was very
large and was divided into two by
folding doors. The older scholars
were In the east, the younger in the
west of these two rooms, while the
pupils of the primary class were in-
structed in a small room to the west.
This day school of congregation
Anshe Maarabh existed for twenty
years, from 1853 to 1873. A
number of non-Jewish teachers
were engaged to instruct in
the common English school
branches and Hebrew and German
were taught by the reader and teach-
er of the congregation. Among the
non-Jewish teachers were Mr. Brews-
ter and Mr. Gleason. The latter taught
In this school for many years and is
still well remembered by the younger
Jewish generation of Chicago.
In 1854 Rev. Isidor Lebrecht was en-
gaged by the congregation as reader,
and shochet and he succeeded Mr. Sny-
dacker. Mr. Lebrecht was succeeded by
Rev. Marx Moses, from Alsheim, Rhen-
ish Hessia, who 'had charge of the
school under Dr. Mayer Mensor, who
was elected Rabbi of the Congregation
in 1857. Rev. Marx was an excellent
teacher and good Hazan. Mr. B.
Schlossman, the President of the Con-
gregation induced the Trustees to con-
sent to female singing, and a new
mixed choir was engaged, consisting of
Misses Engal, Alschuler and H. Adler.
Rev. Marx was succeeded by Mr. Lip-
man Levi.
Mr. Levi was an excellent
teacher and under his instruction the
school was in a very good condition.
Dr. Mensor was succeeded by Dr. Sol-
omon Priedlander. He was first elect-
ed as teacher and then as Ilabbi of
congregation Anshe Maariv. He, too,
was a very good school man and ac-
complished very much in the school.
He met with a sad and sudden end
which cast a veil of gloom on the en-
tire Jewish community.
In 1861 Rev. Liebman Adler came
from Detroit to Chicago to take charge
of the pulpit and the school of K. A.
M., and his work and influence will
live forever in the midst of the Chi-
cago Jewish community.
Under his management the school
attained the zenith of its usefulness
and prosperity. He trained the older
pupils of the school to sing in- the
choir during divine service. Teacher
Gleason, who was an Irishman, be--
came the choirmaster. For weeks be-
fore Rash Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Rabbi Adler and Mr. Gleason drilled
the children of the school choir in the
Hebrew responses. The choir had to
attend services in those days as early
as six o'clock in the morning. It must
have been a strange sight indeed to
behold a number of Jewish boys and
girls being led in chanting the Hebrew
responses by an Irish-American.
In that choir were among others
Ben Goodkind, brother of Dr. Good-
kind, Jacob and Joseph Bauland, Wil-
liam N. Eisendrath, Joseph Bateman,
Maurice Rosenfield, now county com-
missioner; Moses Rothschild, Simon
Wineman, Joseph Rosenberg, Julius
Rosenberg, Simeon Straus, Max
Frank, Aaron Shubert, Joseph Homer,
Isaac Horner, Abe Adler, Charles and
Philip Axman, Solomon Witkowski,
Joe and Mark \veigselbaum and Joe
Schlossman."
Among the girls were: Emma
Frank, now Mrs. Joseph Rosenbaum;
Nannette Frank,, now Mrs. Eugene
Arnstein; Rosa Fuller, now Mrs. M.
M. Rothschild; Ida Leopold, now Mrs.
Henry N. Hart; Paulina Wineman,
now Mrs. Adolpli Loewenthal, Sarah
Straus, now Mrs. Samuel Despres;
Leah Adler, now Mrs. Joseph Weisel,
and Lena Clayberg, now Mrs. Asa F.
Leopold.
In 1873 this day school was discon-
tinued and a Sabbath school for re-
ligious instruction exclusively was es-
tablished. A paid choir, consisting of
professional non-Jewish singers, has
displaced the children's choir some
years previous and such a choir has
been in charge of the musical part of
the services ever since. It is perhaps
a remarkable fact worth mentioning
that since a number of years the leader
of the K. A. M. choir, Mr. Erst, a Bo-
hemian, and a Roman Catholic has
been singing the Hebrew responses as
impressively as any old Jewish Haz-
zan.
IV.
FIRST REFORM MOVEMENT.
The year 1857 marks the beginning
of very Important events in the life
of Congregation Anshe Maarabh. The
consequences of these agitations,
movements and achievements had
much to do with the shaping of the
subsequent religious life of the entire
Jewish community of Chicago and
even of the Jewish communities of the
entire state of Illinois.
The founders of Congregation Anshe
Maarabh were men of deeply rooted
religious convictions. They organized
the congregation upon an orthodox
basis. The flood of new ideas with
which the rushing years deluged the
advancing world, did not pass over
them altogether unheeded. The pow-
erful force of progress moved them a
short distance in the onward march
of humanity and at the end of the
first decade of the life of the con-
gregation they found themselves
standing upon the platform of a more
rational conservatism. To this day
held on with main and might. They
reluctantly made concessions to the
wishes of the younger and more pro-
gressive members of the congregation.
The order of worship was improved.
An organ and choir were introduced.
The prayers were recited by the read-
er in the vernacular and a number of
other reform measures were adopted.
But as men of prudence and circum-
spection, they advanced slowly and
cautiously, always endeavoring to re-
main within the lines of conservatism,
never losing sight of their main aim
and their original intention, to perpet-
uate Judaism, Jewish life and Jewish
thought and to leave their religion to
their children as they themselves In-
herited it from their fathers. From
their standpoint they were perfectly
right, for their religious ideas and
their conception of Judaism were
formed by orthodox training and the
deep impressions of their childhood
days in the sdhools and_ synagogues' of
the German Ghetto. But the young-
er members of the congregation, who
had thrown themselves with the ar
dor of youth into the rushing waves
of the new life in the new world, who
drank thirstily and eagerly from the
fresh waters of the new wells dug by
the hands of time in the new era of
emancipation and human liberty, were
not satisfied. To their effervescent
spirit this cautious conservatism was
too slow and inadequate. They want-
ed to ride on the wings of tne whirl-
wind of reform, to rush onward in the
chariot race of innovation, to create
a new Judaism on the basis of the
modern dispensation of the new era
of progress. The two elements of the
congregation could not agree on a
compromise. The feeling of union was
constantly disturbed, opposition par-
ties formed themselves in the ranks
of the members, and the continued
agitation retarded for a time the
growth and development of the con-
gregation. "Reform" became the
slogan of the day with a number of
the members of $he Chicago Jewish
community. Dr. Einhorn's burning
eloquence, which he used with full
force in the periodical "Sinai," which
he published at that time in Baltimore,
Md.,setthesouls of the Chicago enthu-
THE REIKORM ADVOCATE.
293
siasts on fire and "Light, more light!"
was the cry on all sides. At that time
Mr. B. Felsenthal, a German-Jewish
teacher, a young man of considerable
Hebrew knowledge and rabbinical
learning, published ihis "Kol Kore
Bammidbar" (a voice calling in the
wilderness), and his strong plea for
reform aroused the progressive ele-
ment of the Chicago Jewish commu-
nity to feverish activity. A new con-
gregation by the name of "Ohabe Or"
(Lovers of Light) was formed, In
which the brothers Leon and Samuel
Straus were the leading spirits. They
engaged a minister, a certain Rev. Dr.
Cohen, and instituted a temporary syn-
agogue in which they held public serv-
ives. This congregation existed only
a few months, but it helped to influ-
ence the members of K. A. M., who
were now divided into two camps, the
conservative and reform parties, to
stand in more determined antagonism
to each other. The "Ohabe Or" con-
gregation was the precurser of the
"Reform Verein" and the "Reform
Verein" became the basis upon which
"Sinai congregation" was built four
years later.
The election of officers of the year
185,7 was a very stormy one. There
were two candidates for president in
the field. The conservative party nom-
inated Samuel Cole for re-election, and
the candidate of the reform faction
was Ellas Greenebaum. The election
took place on the 27th of September.
The fight was hard and bitter, for in
those days the Jews took a warm in-
terest in the affairs of their religious
institutions. Finally the reform party
won the day by electing the following:
President, Elias Greenebaum; vice-
president, Benedict Schlossman; sec-
retary and first trustee, Leopold May-
er; second trustee, Joseph Lleben-
stein; third trustee, Bernhard Barbe;
fourth trustee, Jacob Benjamin; fifth
trustee, Henry Foreman. The watch-
word of the conservative leader was,
"Peace, Harmony and Moderate Re-
form."
"Equality, Reform and Education"
was the motto of the successful can-
didate.
In 1859 a Christian gentleman, hav-
ing visited the synagogue of K. A. M.,
gives the following account in the
Daily Democrat:
"It gives me great pleasure to in-
form you that I visited last Saturday,
the synagogue of the Israelite Congre-
gation.'Kelilath Anstoe Maarabh.'on the
corner of Wells and Adams Streets,
Chicago, and that I have 'been so well
satisfied with the changes Which the
mode of worship in the synagogue has
undergone, that I feel obliged to com-
municate this to you and the readers
of your valuable paper.
"The said congregation was happy
In engaging the services of Rev. Marx
Moses, late of New York, as minister
and reader, who is a great musician,
and possesses a very rich voice, and
such an excellent manner of reading
the Holy Scriptures, that I must con-
fess I felt amazed about his perform-
ance of the sacred duties. He has also
introduced a choir of ladies and gen-
tlemen, who sing the Psalms of David
so sweet and beautiful that one believes
ihimself to be within the walls of the
Temple in Jerusalem, listening to the
harp of the pious King. When I en-
tered the ihall, which has been rebuilt
and enlarged, a gentleman showed me
to a seat and let me have his prayer
book, which is in the Hebrew lan-
guage, translated into English. He was
also kind enough to point out to me
the several prayers which were offered
by the minister aid choir. These
prayers manifest and contain the
strongest wish for the welfare of man-
kind, and the highest praise and thanks
unto Him, the Maker of all. I can hard-
ly describe how much I was moved
when the reverend gentleman, aid-'
by the president and vice president,
advanced toward the Ark, to take out
the scroll of parchment upon which
the 'Torah," that is, the Pentateuch, is
written. The sweet songs of the choir
on that occasion, and afterwards, when
the Torah was replaced, made such an
impression upon my mind that I would
wish my Christian friends would pay
attention to the worship of said con-
gregation, held every Saturday morn-
ing after half-past 8 o'clock, and I am
sure they will all feel, like me, well
satisfied and pleased.
"I understand tihat the new Board of
Administration has caused all this
change in the mode of service; when
some time ago, a stranger, who visited
their synagogue would hardly believe
he was among a civilized people. The
butcher of the congregation, who killed
the cattle for the Jews according to
their rites, was then the reader, and
of course, butchered the service stil
more. But now everything is so nice
and acting harmoniously, that all
prejudice against these, our fellow cit-
izens, must give way; and my sincerest
wish for them is that they will con-
tinue to do as they have commenced,
and they will soon fill their place in
public society, since they show by their
worship that they are 'better men than
many think them to be. The hall is
fine and airy, and plenty of seats are
provided for visitors, both ladies and
gentlemen."
The year 1861 will forever remain a
memorable one in the annals of K. A.
M. In that year Mr. M. M. Gerstley
was elected president, and Rev. Dr.
Liebman Adler was called from De-
troit to the office of Rabbi and teach-
er. These two men, so well beloved
and so highly respected, came to lead
the congregation just in time, when
their efficient services were most
needed.
The question or ritual was still agi-
tating the minds of the members. Res-
olutions were adopted in one meeting
and reconsidered in another. Minhag
Hamburg was proposed by one group
and the Merzbacher prayer-book by
another. As a compromise Minhag
Frankfort was re-introduced, but
shortly afterwards again discarded.
The reform party of the congregation
was now restless and dissatisfied, and
the conservative element unyielding
and persistent. Towards the close of
1861- twenty-six members seceded K.
A. M. and formed a new organization
under the name of "Sinai Congrega-
tion." Among the withdrawing mem-
bers were some of the brightest and
most liberal supporters of K. A. M.,
men like Henry Greenebaum, Elias
Greenebaum, Leopold Mayer and
others. But Congregation Anshe Maar-
abh stood the shock bravely. Peace
now reigned in its midst, and under
the guidance of President Gerstley and
Rabbi Adler, K. A. M. started hope-
fully on the road to new triumphs.
The membership kept on increasing so
that the synagogue proved inadequate
to accommodate the many worshipers.
In November, 1868, the congregation
purchased the northwest corner v of
Wabash avenue and Peck court, with
the church building standing upon it,
lor the sum of $50,000. The church
was remodeled and changed into a
synagogue, and the congregation soon
moved into the new edifice. The or-
der of worship was again improved, a
new organ, an excellent choir and
other reforms were introduced, and
the congregation was once more
united.
On the 9th day of October, 1871, an
ocean of fire swept over the Garden
City. Churches, synagogues, privatn
dwellings and public buildings were
laid in ashes. Innumerable documents,
the most valuable public records and
registers of private possession were
buried in the smoking ruins, consumed
by the unchained element and irre-
trievably lost. Fortunately the Tem-
ple of K. A. M., corner Peck court
and Wabash avenue, was untouched
by the all-consuming conflagration.
But all its books and documents were
irrecoverably gone. The officers of
the congregation for 1871-1872 were:
President, M. M. Gerstley; vice-presi-
dent, Jacob Rosenberg; treasurer, H.
A. Kohn; secretary, Joseph Pollack.
To the indomitable energy, liberality,
circumspection and strict business tact
of these men it is due that the con-
gregation escaped with little loss. Jo-
seph Pollack, the secretary of
the congregation, was at that time
clerk of Cook County; he had all the
papers, books and refords belonging
to the congregation in a vault in the
Court House, and there they were
burned with all the registers and deeds
of the county. The books, which were
in the hands of the treasurer, H. A.
Kohn, were also consumed by the
great fire, and the congregation found
itself without any proof of outstand-
ing indebtedness, even without a pew
register indicating the ownership of
seats in the temple. In spite of these,
as it seemed, unsurmountable obsta-
cles, order was soon restored without
hardly an interruption in the regular
run of the congregation's affairs. At
29i
REFORM ADVOCATES.
a general meeting held October 29,
1871, the second meeting after the flre,
the members showed their readiness
to stand by the congregation, to assist
with might and main to bring it back
to the usual standard of financial pros-
perity. Mr. Jacob Rosenberg, the ven-
erable vice-president, with his usual
liberality, refused to accept interest
due him on a loan which he had ad-
vanced to the congregation; even the
Collector of the Congregation, Marks
Jackson, in a letter addressed to the
board of administration, requested to
have $200 deducted from the annual"
salary voted to him at his last elec-
tion. Of course this was declined,
with thanks, but it indicates the spir-
it prevailing at that time among all
those who were connected with
K. A. M.
The question of a change in the rit-
ual now became the main topic for
discussion. At a meeting of the board,
December 18th, on motion of Samuel
Cole, it was resolved to recommend the
adoption of Dr. Einhorn's prayer-book
in the English translation. At a meet-
ing of the congregation on January
9, 1872, this was complied with, but
action was postponed.
On March 21, 1872, Dr. M. Machol of
Leavenworth, Kansas, was unani-
mously elected minister of the con-
gregation, to take the place of Adler,
who was released from preaching.
On April 4, 1872, it was resolved
that the congregation again open a
day school. This school was discon-
tinued in April, 1875, for want of
scholars. School was held in a house
on Thirteenth street, between Wabash
and Michigan avenues, belonging to
Lazarus Silverman.
The Merzbacher prayer-book was
adopted in January, 1873, and the
same is still in use today.
A motion to have Friday evening
services, with choir and sermon, was
also adopted at the same "meeting.
The congregation joined the Union
of American Hebrew Congregation
January 4, 1874.
In the second Chicago fire of July,
1874, the congregation lost its syna-
gogue, on corner Peck court and Wa-
bash avenue, and was now homeless.
The trustees of the Methodist Epis-
copal church, on corner Wabash ave-
nue and Fourteenth street, generously
granted the use of their church to
K. A. M., and j-egular Sabbath serv-
ices were held there until the congre-
gation had a house of worship of its
own. In December, 1874, the congre-
gation purchased the lot and church
building from Plymouth Church, on
the southeast corner of Indiana ave-
aue and Twenty-sixth street, and
changed it Into a synagogue. This
property, with all furniture, etc., was
purchased by Nathan Elsendrath for
K. A. M. for $20,000. The lot on the
corner of Peck court and Wabash ave-
nue was sold for $32,000.
The synagogue, corner Twenty-sixth
street and Indiana avenue, was dedi-
cated on Friday, February 5, 1875.
On Kol Nidre Eve of the same year,
the practice of collecting in the syn-
agogue contributions for the support
of the United Hebrew Charities vas,
for the first time, introduced.
In a meeting of the congregation
held September 9th, Henry N. Hart
moved that the gentleman remove
their hats during worship, and his mo-
tion was adopted by a good majority.
Dr. Samuel Sale of Har Sinai Con-
gregation, Baltimore, Md., was elected
minister of the congregation August
5, 1883. He assumed charge of the
pulpit during the following month of
September. He remained with the
congregation for four years. He was
then tendered a re-election, which he
declined, and accepted a call from
Shaare Emeth congregation of St.
Louis.
Financially the congregation was
then in an excellent condition; it re-
ceived more revenue in that year than
in any previous one.
In the month of April, 188S, Rabbi
Isaac S. Moses of Nashville, Tenn.,
was elected minister of the congre-
gation, and occupied the pulpit of K.
A. M. for eight years from 1888 to 1896.
For several reasons he declined a
re-election, and in September, 1896, he
organized a People's Synagogue in
Chicago, on the basis of minimum con-
tributions, thus creating for himself
an independent pulpit. He is now the
minister of Congregation Ahavath
Chesed, in New York.
On December 5, 1889, the southeast
corner of Thirty-third street and In-
diana avenue, was bought for the sum
of $36,000, and the present temple was
erected thereon, furnished and
equipped at a cost of $110,000. The
synagogue, on corner Twenty-sixth
street and Indiana avenue, was sold
to Congregation B'nai Shalom on
March 16, 1890.
The new temple was planned and
erected under the supervision of
Messrs. Adler & Sullivan, the well-
known architects. It has 190 pews in
the auditorium, 90 pews in the gallery,
and a seating capacity of about 1,500
persons.
According to the annual report of
the president, submitted in 1890, the
congregation had a membership of
155, and 30 widow members, a total
of 185.
The new temple was dedicated June
11, 1891, and Drs. Adler, Felsenthal,
Hirsch, Stolz, Austrian, Messing and
Norden, assisted Dr. Moses in the ded-
icatory ceremonies.
The congregation then had a total
membership of 194.
In December, 1896, Rev. M. P. Jacob-
son of Youngstown, Ohio, was elected
to fill the vacant pulpit of K. A. M.,
dating from March 1st, 1897, for a
term of three years. Before his term
expired he sent in his resignation to
the board of directors and it was ac-
cepted.
In April, 1896, Mr. A. Sinks, who
was teacher of the K. A. M. Sabbath
Echool for over twenty years, was pen-
sioned, with full salary, for life. Mr.
Sinks removed to New York, where he
died in 1900.
During the absence of a minister,
from July, 1896, to March, 1897, Mr.
H. Eliassof, for many years teacher in
the K. A. M. Sabbath school and then
principal of the same, officiated as
reader.
On November 4, 1897, Congregation
Anshe Maarabh celebrated its golden
jubilee. In the afternoon special di-
vine services were held in the temple.
An elaborate programme, consisting of
excellent vocal and instrumental
music and eloquent addresses by the
president, Mr. Henry N. Hart, Rabbi
Jacobson, Dr. Samuel Sale of St. Louis,
Dr. E. G. Hirsch and Rabbi I. S. Moses.
In the evening the members of K. A.
M. and their honored guests assembled
at the Lakeside club to partake of a
grand- banquet, arranged by the con-
gregation Among the guests were:
Judge John Barton Payne, Hon.
Thomas B. Bryan, Prof. W. R. Har-
per, president of the Chicago Univer-
sity, and others. Mr. H. Elias-
sof, with the assistance of the
venerable Dr. B. Felsenthal, wrote
and published, under the auspices of
the congregation, a History of K. A.
M. This work contains a complete
record of the organization and devel-
opment of Congregation Anshe Maar-
abh. It also contains an ode, on the oc-
casion of the golden jubilee, written
in classic Hebrew, and an English
translation of the same by the author.
Congregation Anshe Maarabh Is en-
titled to a share of the credit for this
contribution to the history of the Jews
and Judaism of America.
In January of this year Dr. Tobias
Schanfarber was called to the pulpit
of K. A. M. and on the 15th day of
last March he delivered his inaugural
address before a large and apprecia-
tive audience. Dr. Hirsch, Dr. Stolz
and a number of other rabbis of Chi-
cago assisted at the installation of the
new minister of K. A. M. and the cor-
dial reception and warm welcome
DR. TOBIAS SCHANFARBER.
which they extended to their honored
colleague, marked a new epoch in the
life of the Chicago rabbis.
REFORM ADVOCATED
295
DR. TOBIAS SCHANFARBER.
was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Decem-
ber 20, 1863. He attended the public
schools of that city and graduated
from the Cleveland High School in
1881. He pursued a course of study in
Hebrew under Rev. Dr. Aaron Hahn,
then Rabbi of Tiffereth Israel Con-
gregation, Cleveland. In 1881 he ma-
triculated at the University of Cin-
cinnati and the Hebrew Union College,
being admitted to the highest grade
of the preparatory department of the
latter. He received his degree of
Bachelor of Arts from the Cincinnati
University in 1885 and his rabbinical
degree from the Hebrew Union Col-
lege in 1886. During the year 1885 the
college authorities permitted him to
assume temporary charge of the con-
gregation of Toledo, Ohio, he having
completed his course at the university.
This is the only instance in which the
college authorities allowed a ^tudent
to assume charge of a congregation
before he had finished his full course
at the college. In 1886, he was elected
as permanent rabbi of the Shomer
Emoonim congregation of Toledo,
Ohio. In 1887 he received a call to the
Achduth Vesholom congregation of
Fort Wayne, Ind. After remaining
there about a year and a half, Har
Sinai congregation of Baltimore ten-
dered him a call to its pulpit. He
was rabbi of Har Sinai Temple for ten
years. While Rabbi of Har Sinai con-
gregation he introduced Sunday serv
ices. For five years he attended a
course of study in Semitics under Pro-
fessor Paul Haupt of the Johns Hop-
kins University. In May, 1899, he was
called to the pulpit of Shaarai Sho-
mayim congregation of Mobile, Ala.,
having been elected without the cus-
tomary trial sermon. He was editor
of the Jewish Comment of Baltimore
for five years and contributed leading
articles to the Baltimore Sun and Bal-
timore American. While in Mobile he
edited and published the Mobile Jew-
ish Chronicle.
Dr. Schanfarber Is a scholar and a
thinker. He is a fluent and pleasant
speaker, an able, earnest and conscien-
tious teacher in Israel, who deserves
the full support and encouragement
of the entire Jewish community of
Chicago.
V.
LEADERS OF K. A. M.
We devote a little more space than
we first intended to the history of
Congregation Anshe Maarabh, because
we think that the first and the oldest
congregation of the state, the mother,
so to say, of some of the younger con-
gregations of Chicago, is entitled to
some extra consideration. In 'the glor-
ious record of the proud history of
the mother, the children will read the
record of their own origin and the rec-
ognition of some of their own achieve-
ments.
The history o" Congregation Anshe
Maarabh can never be called complete
•without th« special mention of some
of its brave and blessed leaders, whose
manly characters and faithful devotion
to Israel's cause have forever endeared
them to the hearts of their brethren
in faith. Nearly all of them are slum-
bering in their eternal homes these
many years, but their memories still
linger with us and we can never forget
ABRAHAM KOHN.
them. The first of these departed
eons of K. A. M. is
ABRAHAM KOHN.
Mr. Kohn was the third president
of K. A. Mk He was born in 1819, in
Moenichsroth, Bavaria. He came to
America with his brother Moses. For
a time they lived in New York, where
they were joined by a third brother,
Judas, and the three brothers then
peddled in the state of Massachusetts.
The section of the state in which they
peddled was mostly inhabited by Mil-
lerites, a religious sect founded by
William Miller of Massachusetts, hoH-
ing peculiar millenial views. About
1843 the millenium was expected by
as many as 50,000 believers in the doc-
trines of Miller. Business suffered
very much in that section, as the Mil-
lerites were preparing for the millen-
ium and bought nothing. The three
traveling merchants determined to go
west. They read in the papers that
far in the western country there was
a promising town of the name of Chi-
cago, a good point where to start in
business. They bought a stock of
dry goods and notions, and went to
Chicago.
Abraham Kohn became very popu-
lar in the Chicago Jewish communi-
ty. He was a man of excellent qual-
ities. He was a truly religious man,
endowed with a fine mind and admin-
istrative ability, which he cheerfully
devoted to the service of his congre-
gation. He received a very good edu-
cation in his native town and was
quite a Hebrew scholar. He was a
diligent reader, and ruickly acquired
knowledge of the English language.
He was truly public spirited. All this
fitted him admirably to be a leader
among men. The Chicago citizens rec-
ognized his superior abilities and he
was elected to the office of city clerk
in 1861, under Mayor John Went-
worth.
In 1861, while Abraham Lincoln waa
on his way to Washington, Mr. Kohn
presented him with a beautiful flag
inscribed with the following words
from Joshua (verse 9, chapter I): "Be
strong and of a good courage; be not
afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for
the Lord thy God is with thee whith-
ersoever thou goest." Abraham Lin-
coln was very much pleased with this
flag, and acknowledged the receipt of
the same in an autograph letter to Mr.
Kohn.
He took an active part in arousing
his American co-religionists to pro-
test against the Swiss treaty, which
excluded the Jewish citizens from the
treaty rights accorded to citizens of
other faiths. He was also an enthu-
siastic advocate of the establishment
of a rabbinical college in this country,
and wrote several spirited articles on
4&e subject.
He died in Chicago in March, 1871.
deeply mourned by the entire commu-
nity.
SAMUEL STRAUS.
Mr. Straus was born at Kirchheim-
bolanden, in the RJhein-Pfalz, on Janu-
ary 22, 1823. He graduated from the
seminary at Kaiserslautern and was a
teacher in Germany prior to his leav-
ing for America. He came to Chicago
in July, 1852, married in 1853, moved
to Milwaukee, Wis., in 1855, and re-
turned to Chicago in 1856. He joined
K. A. M. in 1854 and was often re-
quested by the board of administration
to assist in reading the prayers, es-
pecially on New Year's day and Day
of Atonement. In August, 1853, he
was one of the collegium of three
rabbis who officiated at the conversion
to Judaism of Mrs. C. F. Spiegel, wife
> . SAMUEL STRAUS.
of Colonel M. Spiegel. The other two
rabbis were Rev. Isidor Kalish, who
came to Chicago from Cleveland ex-
pressly for the purpose of officiating
at this ceremony of conversion, and
Rev. I. Kunrenther, Rabbi of K. A. M.
Mr. Straus studied law and was ad-
mitted to the bar some years later.
He died in Chicago July 8, 1878. He
296
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
left two sons, Simeon and Joseph
Straus and one daughter, Mrs. Sam-
uel Despres.
M. M. GERSTLEY.
Mr. M. M. Gerstley, the eighth pres-
ident of K. A. M., was born in the vil-
lage of Fellheim, Bavaria, August 17,
1812. He received for those days a
good education. In early youth he
went to his brother In Vienna, Aus-
tria. There he became very much dis-
satisfied with the laws restricting the
M. M. GERSTLEY.
Jews, and in 1839 he came to America.
After living for several years in Penn-
sylvania, chance led him to Chicago
In 1848, and he made this city his
home. He gave much of his time and
attention to the various organizations
with which he was connected. Soon
after his arrival he joined Congrega-
REV. LIEBMAN ADLER.
tlon K. A. M., in 1849. In 1856 he
was secretary of the congregation, and
for a number of years he was chair-
man of the school board. For thirty
years, from 1861 to 1891, he held the
office of president, and his strict busi-
ness methods, his great tact, prudence
and integrity were of inestimable
benefit to the congregation. He took
a warm interest in charitable work,
and was for some years vice-president
of the Hebrew Relief association, and
was actively Identified vith the work
of that Institution until old age and
falling health forced him to retire.
In 1891 he declined to be re-elected
president of the K. A. M. for the same
reason.
After a long and useful life he was
gathered unto his fathers Saturday,
April 29, 1893.
REV. LIEBMAN ADLER.
Rev. Liebman Adler was born on
the 9th of January, 1812, at the town
of Lengsfeld, in the Grand Duchy of
Saxe-Weimar. His father, Judah Ad-
ler, was also a teacher. Until his
thirteenth year he received instruc-
tion partly at his father's school and
partly at a preparatory school in the
vicinity, presided over by a clergy-
man. He also received Hebrew In-
struction from Rabbi Isaac Hess, then
Rabbi at Lengsfeld. His later studies
in Talmud and Rabbinica he continued
under Rev. Kunreuther, the father of
Rev. Ignatz Kunreuther, who was
Rab'bi at .Gelnhausen, then at the Jew-
isn high school, in Frankfort-on-the-
Main, under Rabbi Solomon Trier and
Rabbi Aaron Fuld, and later in the
teachers' seminary at Weimar. After
two years' study here he graduated
as teacher and was given charge of the
Jewish congregational school of his
native town, Lengsfeld. In 1849 this
school was united with the public
school at Lengsfeld, and . Adler was
appointed head teacher of the amal-
gamated school.
In the year 1854 he left his native
country and emigrated to America. A
few months after his arrival in this
country he was elected preacher In
the Detroit congregation, where he re-
mained until the spring of 1861. In
that year he was called to Chicago by
Rehillath Anshe Maarabh, and here he
preached and taught for many years,
and became a blessing to the whole
community. His entire activity, all
the rich treasures of his great mind,
his golden thoughts and his vast
knowledge, he devoted to his congre-
gation and to its school. He held the
light of truth aloft, and showed the
leaders and members of K. A. M.,
who became his warm admirers and
faithful friends, the path of righteous-
ness and uprightness. A whole gener-
ation grew up to manhood and wom-
anhood under his guiding love and in-
struction, and their hearts overflowed
with affection, gratitude and venera-
tion for their true-hearted and learned
teacher until the name of Adler be-
came a household word in the entire
Chicago community. He possessed the
gift of endurance and patience In a
very high degree, and was kind to
every one. His spirit overflowed with
sparkling humor, yet he could be ear-
nest, and his words of wisdom made
the deepest impression. He could win
the most hardened heart with his gen-
tleness, and soothe the weeping soul
with the magic of his sympathetic ut-
terances of consolation.
Liebman Adler was a warm patriot
in the truest sense of the word. Dur-
ing the year of doubt and suspense,
when the fate of the Union hung In
the balance, and the stoutest hearts
failed and faltered, he flashed rays
of hope and enthusiasm into the
hearts of his fellow-citizens. He raised
his voice against shameful slavery,
and spoke most earnestly for the
cause of union and liberty. He in-
spired the souls of his congregation
from the pulpit with the justice of
emancipation, and sustained with
hope the sympathies he aroused. A
pamphlet containing five of his pa-
triotic speeches, delivered in the pul-
pit of K. A. M., was published in 1866,
and these speeches give evidence of
his abhorrence of the institution of
slavery and his love of freedom. The
fact that he sent his oldest, at that
time very young, son to enlist in the
Union army, to offer his life for the
preservation of the Union, is the
strongest proof of the sincerity of his
utterances.
As a religious teacher and preacher
he was consistently conservative,
clinging to old-time customs and
usages, but he never was an obscur-
ant. His thoughts were clear and free
from bigotry; he fully understood the
demands of modern times, and was
therefore tolerant to the opinions and
claims of the young generation. He
gathered his inimitable sermons and
published them during the last years
of his life In a work consisting of two
volumes, which he called fM'im rtJ'KX
after the name of a well-known
religious book, which, during the last
two centuries, had been very popular
among the Jews of Germany and ad-
jacent countries. The press through-
out the country paid him a just trib-
ute of praise for this monumental
work.
Rev. Adler was a frequent contribu-
tor to the Jewish journals of this
country. He wrote many scholarly ar-
ticles on a variety of subjects. It is
especially the "Deborah" of Cincin-
nati, to which he was a steady con-
tributor for many years, and in which
some of his very best efforts were
published.
On February 20, 1872, Rev. Adler
was released by the congregation from
preaching, and elected as teacher and
reader. This was done in order to
enable the congregation to engage an
English-speaking minister, as Rev.
Adler preached mostly In the German
language. In the following month of
March, Dr. M. Machol of Leavenworth,
Kansas, was elected minister, and he
occupied the pulpit of K. A. M. until
1876, and when he resigned, Rev. Adler
was again elected minister, reader and
teacher, which position he held until
1883.
At a meeting of the congregation
held November 5, 1882, the following
resolution was unanimously carried:
Whereas, This congregation, fully
recognizing the long and faithful serv-
ices performed by . Its honored and
much esteemed minister, Rev. Lieb-
man Adler; be it, therefore,
THE. R&FORM ADVOCATED
297
Resolved, That this congregation, in
meeting assembled, hereby pensions
said Rev. Liebman Adler during the
balance of his life.
On the 15th of January, 1882, Dr.
Adler was 70 years of age, and the
congregation celebrated his seven-
tieth birthday in a befitting manner.
On the 29th of January, 1892, Rev.
Liebman Adler, at the high age of 80
years, closed forever his peaceful and
blessed career on earth, to abide with
the immortals in the realms of bliss.
As he lived so he died, patiently en-
during the pangs of a painful illness,
thinking more of others than of him-
self and uttering with his last breath
words of submission to the will of
God, and sentiments of love and ad-
monition to his beloved wife and dear
children.
During the week preceding his de-
mise and at a time when he was in-
tensely suffering from very acute
pains, Rev. Dr. Liebman Adler wrote
a paper which he headed "Mein letz-
ter Wille" (My last Will). The docu-
ment is a brief one, and yet rich In its
contents. On reading his plain but
touching words one cannot help being
deeply impressed with the outpouring
of a grand soul and of a truly pious
heart. We deem it proper to publish
here an English translation of the
same. K characterizes the man; it mir-
rors clearly his inner life; it reflects his
ideas in its simplicity. It is the magic
melody of a dying Paganini, flooding
the soul with joy and the eyes with
tears. It is a work created by a mas-
ter favored with rare inspiration, an
idealized reality, an ideal realized.
Our forefathers in former times
used to call such a document nxix
(Tzava'ah), modern writers name it
"Last Will" or "Ethical Testament."
Truly, Liebman Adler's Last Will is
such an "Ethical Testament," which
deserves to be printed here, — as a
mark of honor to the venerated teach-
er, as a grateful remembrance of the
departed Rabbi and as an inspiring
word for us who are still among the
living.
Adler and Gerstley! The death of
these two illustrious and faithful
friends, leaders and benefactors of K.
A. M., closes an epoch in the history
of the congregation. To K. A. M.
Gerstley and Adler are not dead. No,
they are not mere shadows that
flitted around for. a while and then
floated away into the darkness to be
heeded no longer. To K. A. M. they
are brilliant rays of light that will
forever shine on its path to lead it on-
ward and upward to God's truth and
Israel's duty.
REV. LIEBMAN ADLER'S LAST
LETTER TO HIS FAMILY.
MY LAST WILL.
I desire that there be no haste in
my interment. If there are no signs
of decomposition sooner, the funeral
should not be until forty-eight hours
after my death.
If the physician who treated" me
should find it desirable in the interest
of science to hold a post-mortem ex-
amination, I would like that he be not
interfered with.
My coffin shall not cost more than
*7.
No flowers.
My funeral to be directly from the
place of demise to the cemetery.
No funeral oration.
Dear Hannah: In view of your del-
icate health, I desire that you remain
at home and not join the funeral if the
weather is the least inclement.
Not more than three days' mourn-
ing in domestic retirement.
I cherish the kaddisch — prayers of
mourning in the synagogue — of my
sons and daughters as it deserves, but
I do so only if you, after the expira-
tion of the year of mourning, do not
omit attendance at the synagogue
without necessity.
If financial conditions permit, each
of my married children should join a
Jewish congregation, the fittest being
the K. A. M.— Kehillath Anshe Maar-
aoh, "Congregation of the Men of the
West," corner of Indiana avenue and
Thirty-third street.
Those children who do not live too
distant should, if the weather permit,
and if it can be done without disturb-
ing their own domestic relations,
gather every Friday evening around
the mother.
My children, hold together. In this
let no sacrifice be too great to assist
each other and to uphold brotherly
and sisterly sentiment. Each deed of
love you do to one another would he
balm to my soul. The example of
eleven children of one father who
stand together in love and trust would
be to his grave a better decoration
than the most magnificent wreath of
flowers, which I willingly decline, but
leave to your judgment.
The small savings which I leave will
come to you only after the death of
the mother. I know you; I trust that
you will not meet in an unfilial way
about possession and disposition. The
heritage which is already yours is a
good name and as good an education
as I could afford to give. It does not
look as if anyone of you had a dis-
position to grow rich. Do not be wor-
ried by it. Remain strictly honest,
truthful, industrious and frugal. Do
not speculate. No blessings rests upon
it even if it be successful. Throw your
whole energy into the pursuance of
the calling you have chosen. Serve
the Lord and keep Him always before
you; toward men be amiable, accom-
modating and modest, and you will
fare well even without riches. My
last word to you is: Honor your
mother. Help her bear her dreary
widowhood. Leave her undisturbed In
the use of the small estate, and assist
if there should be want.
Farewell, wife and children!
Another point, children. I know
well you could not, if you would,
practice Judaism according to my
views and as I practiced it. But re;
main Jews and live as Jews in the
best manner of your time, not only
for yourself, but also where it is meet
to further the whole.
JACOB ROSENBERG.
Mr. Rosenberg was one of the four-
teen who, in 1847, signed the first con-
stitution of Kehillath Anshe Maarabh,
and for over fifty years he was an able
JACOB ROSENBERG.
and faithful officer of the congrega-
tion. He was born at Altenmuhr, Ba-
varia, March 25, 1819, and came to
America in 1837. He was eighteen
years old when he arrived in New
York. For four years he traded through
New England and New York state,
parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indi-
ana. In 1841 he came to Chicago. Here
he found Lev! Rosenfeld, and with him
formed a copartnership under the firm
name of Rcsenfeld & Rosenberg. They
were very successful, and in 1845, they
were recognized as the most prosperous
retail and wholesale dry goods mer-
chants in the West. Mr. Rosenfeld had
married a sister of Michael Reese. An-
other sister, Miss Hannah Reese, came
to Chicago to visit Mrs. Rcsenfeld, and
in 1849, she became Mrs. Rosenberg.
Theirs wss the first Jewish wedding
ever known in Chicago. For ten years
Jacob Rosenberg was a volunteer fire-
man, mejnber of Company I, or the
Fire King. In 1876, he was selected by
the municipal reformers of that year to
stand in the second ward for alderman.
He was elected by a handsome major-
ity and served for two years with cred-
it He was auditor of the Chicago In-
dustrial Exposition for several consec-
utive years. By the will of his brother-
in-law, Michael Reese of San Francis-
co, $200,000 were given in trust to Mr.
Rosenberg and Mrs. Rosenfeld, jointly,
for benevolent objects in Chicago. They
determined to build and endow a hos-
pital, to be called Michael Reese Hos-
pital. This they accomplished, and it
If now very justly the pride of the Jew-
ish community of Chicago.
At a special meeting of the congre-
gation, held July 16, 1888, Mr. Rosen-
berg offered to donate to K. A. M. a
tract of land in the town of Jefferson,
298
THE. REFORM ADVOCATE.
containing twenty acres, for a burial
ground, and his generous offer was
gratefully accepted. The ground was
properly inclosed and laid out in family
lots. This burial ground is now known
as "Mount Maariv Cemetery," In Dun-
ning station, on the Northwestern rail-
road.
Mr. Rosenberg died March 31, 1900.
In his will he bequeathed nearly $ 10,000
to charity. The congregation reserved a
large plot of ground in the center of
the cemetery for the Rosenberg fami-
ly. Here Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberg, his
noble wife, who was a true mother In
Israel, who died January 16, 1890, are
now resting side by side In eternal
slumber. A beautiful monument of
white marble stands in the center of
the lot and the Hebrew Inscriptions en-
graved on the stone tell the story of
their good deeds In plain but earnest
words of truth.
Pour children, two sons and two
daughters, survive them. They are
Julius, Bernard, Mrs. Dr. M. Man-
helmer and Mrs. Maurice Rosenfeld.
HENRY N. HART.
To tell the story of the past good
life of the noble dead~and to recount
their deeds of kindness and benevo-
lence, is the duty of the historian
which he owes to their sacred memory.
But to record the unselfish devotion of
the living leaders of Israel to Judaism,
to Jewish life and Jewish thought, is a
HENRY N. HART.
privilege and a pleasure which the
reader shares with the writer, for the
Interest of man is deeper and warmer
in the achievements of the living than
in the closed account of the once ac-
complished deeds of the dead.
Mr. Henry N. Hart, the present pres-
ident of Congregation Anshe Maarabh,
has always taken such a lively interest
in the welfare of the congregation that
no step of importance was ever under-
taken in K. A. M. since he became a
member, without his wise and watchful
co-operation. In fact, many of the best
and most beneficial measures which ths
congregation has adopted during the
last twenty-five years, were intro-
duced or instigated by Mr. Hart. While
he zealously watched with his fellow
members over the preservation of the
congregation; while he earnestly
sought with them to retain the true
Jewish spirit in the midst of K. A. M.,
he at the same time endeavored to
place his beloved congregation within
the reach of the rays of modern life,
of progressive decorum and decorous
progress. Truly the mantle of Elijah,
(Gerstly), has fallen upon a worthy
Elisha!
On September 6, 1891, Mr. Hart was
unanimously elected president of K.. A.
M. During the nine consecutive years
he was annually re-elected to this hon-
orable office, and often against his ex-
pressed wish to retire.
Henry N. Hart was born in Eppels-
heim, Rhenish Hessia, in 1838. He
came to America in 1854 with his eld-
er brother, Abraham, and they settled
in Chicago. Twenty-seven years ago
he joined K. A. M.. Since a number of
years he has been a member of the
board of directors of the United He-
brew Charities, and chairman of the
Michael Reese Hospital Committee.
He is also a director of the Humane
Society and devotes much of his valu-
able time to charitable work.
President Hart is assisted in the
management of the affairs of the con-
gregation by four officers and ten di-
rectors, who, with the president, con-
stitute the Board of Administration.
The present officers are: David Worm-
ser, vice-president; Henry Gerstley,
treasurer; Israel Cowen, recording sec-
retary, and Jacob Newman, Jr., finan-
cial secretary. The directors are: Jo-
seph M. Schnadig, J. Aaron, David
Pfaelzer, Leo Polachek, J. N. Strauss,
Samuel Spitz, L. H. Freiberger, Louis
Benjamin, Sig. Silberman and A. H.
Kohn.
V.
NEW ORGANIZATIONS.
THE HEBREW BENEVOLENT
SOCIETY.
This institution was organized in
Chicago by a number of young Jews
in 1851. The aims and objects of the
society can best be learned from the
preamble to the first constitution and
by-laws of the association. The title
page is missing in the printed copy
which we have before us, and we are
therefore unable to give the year of
its publication. The preamble reads as
follows:
PREAMBLE.
"Whereas, the hand of Providence Is
held over us we are prompted by a
sense of duty and brotherly love to pro-
mote our interest and mutual assist-
ance for the- welfare, happiness and
protection to each other; and as the
republican laws of the United States,
founded on equality and toleration to
all men, either citizens or sojourners,
grant the right to associate for lawful
and good purposes; therefore, we
signers, do associate together to pro-
vide in time of health for each other;
for times of need and sickness to which
the human frame is liable; and also
to pay the last duty and homage in
what all living must fall; and being
anxious while we are able to do good
and to assist our brethren and fellow-
men while life Is granted to us; there-
fore, we have formed ourselves into a
body corporate by the name and style
of the Hebrew Benevolent Society of
Chicago, in the county of Cook, state
of Illinois, and have agreed, and by
these presents do agree, that the fol-
lowing shall be our constitution and
by-laws by which we mutually assent
to be governed."
Prom this document we learn plainly
that the Hebrew Benevolent Society
was organized for the mutual benefit
of its members, to aid each other In
need, to nurse the sick and to give
proper burial to the dead. Following
are the names of the organizers : Moses
Rubel, Michael Greenebaum, Mayer L.
Klein, Ellas Greenebaum, Levi Klein,
and Isaac Wolf.
This society purchased for $600
three acres of ground in the town of
Lake View, a little south of Graceland
Cemetery and laid it out as a burial
ground. The society was about to dis-
solve in 1852 for want of support, when
new members, partly of those who
lived here for some time and partly
new arrivals, among whom were:
Ralph Guthman, J. Liebenstein, I.
Greensfelder, Henry Greenebaum, A.
Hart, B. Schoeneman, Moses Shields.
J. M. Stine, Leopold Mayer, Lazarus
Silberman, Julius Rosenthal, Ben and
Aaron Caihn, L. Wampold and Mar-
cus M. Spiegel.
For nearly twenty years the Hebrew
Benevolent Society was actively en-
gaged in the good work. It was an
essential factor in the development of
the Chicago Jewish community. Mr.
Michael Greenebaum was the first
president of this society. The mem-
bers met once a month and their meet-
ings were well attended and orderly,
In contrast to other Jewish meetings of
those times. The members were ani-
mated by an earnest desire to do good,
to learn and to improve. The society
became a strong support in the subse-
quent organization and growth of the
United Hebrew Relief Association, and
as a promoter of Jewish reform In the
congregation.
Mr. Isaac Greenefelder, the president
of the United Hebrew Charities of Chi-
cago, relates that at a festival cele-
brated at his house by the members
of the Hebrew Benevolent Society In
1861 one of the members, Anton Her-
zog, bought the privilege of "Bensch-
en," saying grace after meal, for which
he paid $25.00. This sum was the
nucleus of a fund for a hospital.
The Hebrew Benevolent Society still
owns the burial ground near Graceland
and exists nominally. It meets once
a year, in March, to elect officers. The
present officers are: President, Simon
Rubel, son of the first member, Moses
Rubel; vice-president, Jos. R. Beiers-
dorf; treasurer, L. E. Lebolt; secr»-
REFORM ADVOCATED
tary, L. Sonnenschein. The society
has 123 members.
CONGREGATION B'NAI SHOLOM.
Until about the year 1850 the Jewish
community of Chicago consisted almost
entirely of emigrants from southern
Germany, Bavaria and the Rhenish
Palatinate. In 1850 a number of Jews
arrived, who hailed from the Prussian
province of Posen and adjacent parts
of Germany. Their numbers kept on
Increasing from year to year. Among
the first to come to Chicago were the
following: Solomon Harris, J. Lewis,
the Jewish settlement in Chicago there
was no affiliation between the Polish
Jews or the "Herzogthuemer," as the
Jews coming from the Prussian prov-
ince of Posen were called, and the
German Jews as a body, neither In
charitable matters nor otherwise, and
therefore In May, 1852, the Posner Jews
organized a congregation for them-
selves under the name of "B'nal Sho-
lom."
The second Jewish congregation was
organized by eleven members on a
strictly orthodox basis. The first ser-
vices were held in a room above the
TEMPLE B'NAI SHOLEM.
C. Sunrmerfield, Jacob Peiser, M. Mor-
ris, S. Marks, Jonas Moore, David Wit-
kowski and Jacob Frost. A little later
came: Charles Kozminski, Charles
Cohn, J. Gelder, E. Henoch, the Hefter
brothers, and Isaac Glogosky; after-
wards Livingston.
The entire population of Chicago at
that time did not exceed 20,000, and the
Jewish community consisted of about
30 families and a few young unmarried
men. Third and Fourth avenues were
the main Jewish residence streets. Sil-
vester Hotel, on Randolph near Wells
•treet, was the only Jewish hotel in the
City. During the first decade or so of
clothing store of S. Harris, on Clark
street between Washington and Mad-
ison streets. Rev. Alexander officiated.
The congregation adopted Minhag Po-
len. Mr. S. Harris was elected first
president. Mr. Henry Greenebaum,
who was a member of Congregation
Anshe Maarabh, became also a member
of this congregation for the purpose of
filling the office of secretary. He never
attended the services of Kehllla B'nai
Sholom. In 1855 the Anshe Maarabh
congregation passed a law forbidding
its members from holding member-
ship in any other congregation, and
Mr. Greenebaum resigned his member-
ship In Congregation B'nal Sholom.
In 1855 the congregation worshiped in
rooms over Kendall's bakery, corner
Dearborn and Washington streets;
they then removed to the building cor-
ner Clark and Jackson streets, where
the Grand Pacific Hotel now stands.
In 1864 they bought 75 feet on Harri-
son street, near Fourth avenue, and
there they built and dedicated their
first synagogue at a cost of $20,000.
This structure was in its time the most
beautiful synagogue in Chicago. This
house of worship was destroyed In the
great fire of 1871. The congregation
rented a church on Wabash avenue,
corner Harmon court. The congregation
suffered much by the fire, but It rallied
again and through the efforts of Mr.
Joseph Peiser, at that time president
of the congregation, they exchanged
the lot on Fourth avenue for 75 feet on
Michigan avenue, between Fourteenth
and Fifteenth streets, and erected a
synagogue at a cost of $23,000. In 1886
they sold this property to the Russo-
Jewlsh congregation, Beth Hamedrash
Hagodol Ubnal Yacob, for $31,000, and
bought from Congregation Anshe
Maarabh the frame synagogue and lot
corner Twenty-sixth street and In-
diana avenue for $28,000. This syna-
gogue they still occupy.
The following Rabbis officiated In
Congregation B*nai Sholom; M. Loe-
venthal, S. Kohn, N. Havre, A.
J. Messing, Henry Gersonl, Kauf-
man, and again A. J. Messing.
In 1853 the congregation bought
one acre of ground from the Hebrew
Benevolent Society for $400 for a ceme-
tery, and this cemetery Is still used by
them.
The progressive spirit of the last
thirty years has also reached this Jew-
ish institution and the congregation
was forced to yield to the reform
movement and to make some improve-
ments in their worship. In 1880 they
discarded Minhag Polen and adopted
Minhag America. A mixed choir and
family pews were Introduced some
time before. The congregation con-
sists of about 100 members, and
they maintain a Sabbath school,
where about 125 children receive
instruction in Hebrew, religion
and Jewish history, on Saturdays and
Sundays. The present officers of the
congregation are: S. Richter, presi-
dent; I. Peiser, vice president; Chas.
Cohen, recording secretary; L. Living-
ston, financial secretary, and Chas.
G. Livingston, treasurer. Rev. A. J.
Messing is the present minister of the
congregation." An auxiliary society
was organized by the ladles of the con-
gregation in 1859 under the name of
"B'nal Sholom Ladles Social Society."
This society is still In existence and
Is of great help to the congregation.
Mrs. Chas. Cohen was the first presi-
dent of this society.
Shortly after the organization of
Congregation B'nal Sholom and in con-
nection with it, was organized a La-
dies' Relief Society and Relief Society
No. 2.
300
REFORM ADVOCATED
LEADERS OF KEHILLA B'NAI SHO-
LOM.
RABBI A. J. MESSING.
Toward the end of the sixties and for
some time during the seventies Rabbi
Messing was a power in Chicago, espe-
cially with his countrymen of Prussian
Poland. At that time German was the
language used in many of the syna-
gogues of the country for prayer and
for sermon. Even in New York city
the great Dr. Einhorn, Dr. Kohut and
many other of the bright lights' of the
REV. A. L. MESSING.
Jewish ministry in other large cities,
preached their eloquent sermons in the
German language. Dr. Einhorn's great
prayer book, the ritual of many Jew-
ish reform temples, which has touched
and stirred thousands of Jewish hearts
to their very depths by its inimitable
eloquence, that burns like celestial fire
and inspires like the outpourings of
the undying prophets of Israel, this
masterpiece of a master mind was
originally written by Dr. Einhorn in
the German language. Many of the
Jewish school books of that time were
also compiled in the language of the
Fatherland. Most of the rabbis and
preachers of the Jewish- American con-
gregations were imported from Ger-
many and the Jewish congregations of
the United States were nearly all Ger-
manized to the core. Rabbi Messing
could preach a German sermon in a
manner that appealed strongly to the
sentiments of his countrymen.
Congregation B'nai Sholom owes
much to this once very
popular rabbi and it has shown
its appreciation of his services In many
ways. He left the B'nai Sholom con-
gregation repeatedly to accept other
calls, but he always returned to his old
love and the congregation was always
happy to take him back. He is now
permanently located In Chicago as
minister of Congregation B'nai Sho-
lom, where he expects to remain dur-
ing the rest of his life.
. Rabbi Messing is a native of Ar-
genau, Germany, and was born on
June 18, 1840. He is a son of the well-
known Hebrew author, Rabbi Joseph
Messing, who died in London in 1881,
and is the oldest of three brothers,
Rev. M. Messing, rabbi at Indianapolis,
Ind.; Rev. Henry J. Messing, rabbi
United Hebrew Congregation, St. Lou-
is, and Simon J. Messing, a well-known
merchant of Pittsburgh. From his
earliest youth Rabbi A. J. Messing was
educated for the ministry. He received
his Hebrew education under Gutt-
macher and Graetz, and studied in Ber-
lin under Ettlinger and Zunz. When
not quite twenty years of age he be-
came minister of the congregation in
Militch, Schlesien. After remaining in
this position three years he was called
to Mecklenburg Schwerln, where he re-
mained for five years and left that
place to accept a call from the Christy
street synagogue In New York, to
which position Dr. Zunz had recom-
mended him.
After but one year's connection with
this last mentioned congregation, he re-
turned to Europe, and shortly after his
return he received a call from the
B'nai Sholom Congregation of Chicago,
in which position he remained for
three years and would have remained
with them longer, had he not thought
best to accept a call to San Francisco,
where he went June 2, 1870. In June,
1873, he returned to Chicago and again
resumed his position as minister of the
B'nai Sholom Congregation. When
the second fire broke out in '76 and left
the rabbi and his congregation without
a home he accepted a call to the Peoria
Temple, but only remained there a
short time, when he responded to an-
other call from San Francisco and as-
sumed charge of the Congregation Beth
Israel in March, 1877. While on the
coast he founded a number of congre-
gations and established religious
schools throughout California, and in
the interest of this mission he under-
took a journey to Australia, which was
quite successful. Shortly after his re-
turn from this journey he left San
Francisco and returned to Chicago. A
son of Rabbi Messing, Abraham J.
Messing, is also a Jewish minister, a
graduate of the Hebrew Union College
of Cincinnati, who has charge of the
Jewish Congregation in Montgomery,
Alabama.
RABBI HENRY GERSONI.
If any Jewish teacher has a right to
be called "rabbi," Henry Geraonl cer-
tainly was entitled to It He was a
great scholar, a linguist, a journalist
and especially one of the best. If not
the best, Hebrew writers of his time In
this country. His life, alas, was a
failure, and he died in poverty, unap-
preciated and unnoticed by the very
men who should have tried their ut-
most to help and to encourage a man
of his genius, for the sake of his vast
erudition, his great rabbinical learning,
his journalistic talent and his various
other glorious gifts of mind. If he
was a misanthrope, quarrelsome and
even abusive to a high degree, all
these faults, grave as they were, were
not fundamental in his nature, they
were rather the effects of his many
bitter disappointments, the total lack
of appreciation by the Jewish leaders,
the Jewish teachers, the popular idols
of the day, for whom it was a very
easy matter to crush, to humble and to
humiliate, a deformed, weak and fee-
ble little body like Gersonl.
This sensitive little man, who walked
In the midst of his people under the
black shadow of the unfounded accu-
sation of apostasy, was easily goaded
by the constant call of "Meshumod,"
hurled at him from certain directions,
as the savage hurls the poisoned arrow
on its mission of death, into writing
the uncalled-for articles like "Wises"
Heder" and "Jew Against Jew," in the
Jewish Advance, and the "Historical
Sketch" of the Russian career of the
sainted Dr.Lilienthal,in the "Independ-
ent." During Gersoni's stay in Chicago,
the writer had the pleasure of seeing
him often and at last to become inti-
mately acquainted with him. Gersonl
has often poured out his aching and
breaking heart to the writer and laid
bare his whole past before him. We
can testify that Gersoni was not a
"Meshumod," that he never left the
faith of his fathers to bend before
strange gods.
His first article, onn> anjn rrnoi pub-
lished in "Hameliz," of St. Petersburg,
Russia, while he was yet in London,
and the second article, pvh ruya
which Gersoni sent from New
York to the same Hebrew journal,
do not contain a single word of
confession of apostasy on his part.
If anything, every word of these
two articles, which have been so often
used against him, breathes the spirit
of true love for and of unshaken loy-
alty to Judaism and his Jewish breth-
ren. It is due to the memory of this
misjudged scholar to set at rest the
rankling rumors and to wash out the
dark stain from the name of a faith-
ful son of Israel. Professor Marx of
London, the venerable editor of the
Jewish World, has testified once, that
Gersoni came to London as a political
fugitive from Russia, that he was
helplessly walking the streets of the
British Babylon in a starving condition
and was picked up by one of the Chris-
tian soul catchers, taken to the Chris-
tian Bible House and given some food,
which the hungry young man greedily
devoured. He was set to work first In
the bindery of that institution, and
then at translating *he bible into the
several languages with which he was
familiar. As soon as Gersoni found
out the character of the house and the
nature of that which was expected of
him, he at once appealed to Dr. Marx,
for help, to be rescued from the snare
of the fowlers. Dr. Marx immediately
released him and helped him to emi-
grate to America. This Is all there is
to the whole "meshumod" story, and
no just man will deny that Gersoni
was to all intents and purposes as good
a Jew in this country as anyone of us.
THE. REFORM ADVOCATE,
301
Perhaps any other Jew, living among
his own countfymen, could have easily
outlived this unwarranted accusation.
But Gersoni had drafted away from the
narrow confines of the ghetto and
sought to gain a recognition in more
refined circles, to which he was fully
entitled by virtue of his education, his
tastes and his talents. But like many
other educated countrymen of his, he
lost the sympathy of his own country-
men and failed to attain the apprecia-
tion of those Jews who pride them-
selves upon the fact that their cradles
stood on the Main, on the Rhein or in
the Grand Duchy of Posen. Yes, the
greatest fault of Gersoni was, indeed,
the fact that he was — a Russian Jew.
Taking his high education and his bril-
liant talents into consideration, the
fact that he was born in darkest Rus-
sia and raised in the gloomy atmos-
phere of superstition and fanaticism
of the Heder and Yeshi'ba, sihould have
redounded to his credit. But this was
not the case. Only one great and good
man understood him, appreciated him,
in Chicago and helped him while he
was fighting the wolf from the door In
New York. This man was our vener-
able Dr. B. Felsenthal, who has a great
mind and a big, warm and sympathetic
heart.
Henry Gersoni was born In 1844 in
Wilna, Russia, he being the youngest
child of a family of eleven children —
seven sons and four daughters. Three
of his brothers are rabbis of different
towns In their native country. At the
age of six he started to go to Heder,
studied Talmud up to the age of 16
years, then he entered the Rabbinical
Seminary of Wilna. In 1864 he went
to St. Petersburg, became a student at
the university, where he remained for
two years. He was then appointed
tutor to Count Uvaroff's only daughter.
For political reasons he left St. Peters-
burg in 1866 and went to England. In
1869 he arrived in the United States
and became teacher in Temple Eman-
uel of New York, holding that position
to 1874. He was elected rabbi of the
congregation at Atlanta, Ga., in the
same year, where he remained two
years. In 1876 he accepted a call to
the pulpit of Congregation B'nai Sha-
lom of Chicago, holding this position
until 1880. While in Chicago he edited
a weekly paper ia English and Ger-
man, called "The Jewish Advance." In
1881 this paper was discontinued and
Gersoni published and edited in Chi-
cago a monthly magazine under the
name of "The Maccabean." In 1882 he
returned to New York, where he sup-
ported himself by literary work.
In 1873 he published a volume of
stories, "Gersoni's Sketches of Jewish
Life and History," mostly from Jewish
life in Russia. In later years he trans-
lated into English some of the best
stories of Ivan Turgenieff, the celebrat-
ed Russian writer, who was called the
Russian Auerbach. Henry Gersoni die
in New York on June 17th, 1897, aged
54 years. He left a widow but no chil-
dren. A sister and two nephews, Henry
M. Shabad, a lawyer, and A. M. Sha-
bad, a physician, are living in Chicago.
SOLOMON HARRIS.
Mr. Harris was the first president of
Congregation B'nai Sholom, and the
services which he rendered to the con-
gregation during its struggles for ex-
istence, were of inestimable value. Mr.
Harris was born in 1825, at Felelhne,
Grand Duchy of Posen, Germany.
He came to America in 1844, and
lived for three years in New York City.
In 1847 he went to St. Louis, Mo.,
where he married, and in 1851 he
moved to Chicago.
For many years he held the office
of president in the congregation, al-
ways filling some office after that, and
his interest in the walfare of Congre-
gation B'nai Sholom never flagged. He
became very popular in Chicago, made
many friends and was always esteemed
by young and old. He is a man of a
very pleasant disposition and to hear
him tell his reminiscences of men and
measures of the old days of the Chi-
cago Community, is indeed a treat. He
seems to have known personally every
prominent Jewish inhabitant of Chi-
cago, from the time he came here up to
the present day. On April 5th. 1900,
Mr. and Mrs. Harris celebrated their
golden wedding, at the Auditorium,
surrounded by six children, twelve
grandchildren and a host of relatives
and friends. He is now retired from
business and is leading a tranquil life,
in company with his good and faithful
helpmate, finding full satisfaction in
looking back upon a past of many
years spent in the interest of his fellow
men, and the service of Judaism.
SIMON RICHTER.
Mr. Richter, the president of B'nai
Sholom Congregation, is a son of Isi-
SIMON RICHTER.
President B'nai Sholem Congregation.
dor and Hannah Richter, and was born
Jan. 10, 1850. He came to America as
a boy of ten years, and has since been
in various occupations, such as clerk
and merchant. He has been actively
identified with congregational work
and has been president of the B'nai
Sholom Congregation for eleven years,
prior to which time he served as vice-
president and trustee. He is a contri-
butor to the Associated Charities and
to the Altenheim. • Mr. Richter mar-
ried Jennie Rosenthal and they have
four children living. '
Institutions $ Q raanizations
VII.
FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS.
INDEPENDENT ORDER B'NAI
BRITH.
The influence for good exerted toy the
Order of B'nai Brith upon tlhe Jewish
communities of Illinois, was certainly
deep and far reaching. The lodges es-
tablished by the order in the state be-
£ame schools for citizenship, for patri-
otism, for education and enlightenment.
At the lodge meetings the members
learned order and decorum, parliamen-
tary rules and regulations, speaking
and debating, and they were imbued
with a higher conception of religion,
charity and benevolence. The Jews of
Illinois, as well as all the Jews of this
country, owe a debt of gratitude to
the Order of B'nai Brith, which can
never be fully paid; for the benefits
which the Jews of America in general
have derived from this order cannot
be limited to any particular line or
sphere. They were universal and ex-
erted their influence for many years
over the home, social and religious
life of the American Jews. The mission
of the order was from its incipency,
a lofty and ideal one. For over a half
century the noble leaders of the order
worked with untiring zeal for the spir-
itual union and material benefit of
Israel and the highest interests of hu-
manity, and their good work is not yet
done. The order has not yet out-
Hved its mission. As long as the Czars
of Russia and the tyranny of the Rom-
anoffs will drive away thousands of
Jews, to seek homes in this land of
Liberty, and other enlightened coun-
tries; as long as Anti-Semitism will
brazenly resurrect the dead accusa-
tions of the middle ages against the
Jewish people; as long as the barbari-
ans of Roumania will treat the native
Jews of that country as aliens; as long
as fanatics will defy the enlightenment
of the twentieth century and persecute
our Jewish brethren, there will be
plenty of work for the Order of B'nai
Brith.
RAMAH LODGE, NO. 33, I. J. B. B.
The first lodge of the Order of B'nai
Brith established in Chicago was Ra-
man Lodge. The facts concerning the
history of this lodge we quote from
a paper written by Henry Greenebaum
and read by him before the Zion
Literary Society of Chicago on
Feb. 16th, 1883. In this connec-
tion we improve the opportunity
to extend our thanks to Mr. Greene-
baum for placing at our dis-
posal a book containing a collection of
documents bearing upon the history
of the Chicago Jewish community. This
book has been of great help to us in
our work.
In regard to Raman Lodge, Mr.
Greenebaum states: "Ramah Lodge
was instituted June 15th, 1857. The in-
stalling officers were Rev. Dr. Lilien-
thal, Mr. Renau, one of the leaders of
the order, and myself. I had become
a member of the order two years be-
fore that time by joining Solomon
Lodge, No. 16, at Cleveland, Ohio,
where I went to be initiated, and re-
turning there again one month later,
to receive all the degrees under dis-
pensation. Immediately after the in-
stitution of Ramah Lodge, I applied
for a card of withdrawal from Solomon
Lodge, and joined Ramah Lodge,
whose first president and vice president
were respectively, G. M. Cohen and
Rudolph Rosenthal. I consider the in-
stitution of Ramah Lodge as the most
important factor in the subsequent
rapid development of Judaism in Chi-
cago, and of an incalculable influence
upon the glorious progress since at-
tained by the order at large.
Under the able guidance of Brother
B. Felsenthal, ways and means to pro-
mote the intellectual and moral status
of the members, and the Jewish So-
ciety generally, were made legitimate
objects of inquiry, at weekly meetings
of RamaJh Lodge, which were regularly
attended by all the members, and an
earnestness prevailed, akin to that
which animated the leading spirits of
the French Revolution. Here some
of the best minds of German and Polish
Jews joined hands to remove the mis-
erable provincial barriers existing in
Chicago, and the motto of the order,
"Benevolence, Brotherly Love and Har-
mony," became the living motive of all
their actions in the outside world. The
members of Ramah Lodge co-operated
In every true and noble movement
that was urged, either in the Hebrew
Benevolent Society or in the existing
congregations; and after a term of two
302
years of self-imposed preparation, Ra-
mah Lodge had the proud satisfaction
of uniting our existing Jewish Organi-
zations, Polish and German, in one
common organization. Jewish reform
was systematically inculcated in Ra-
mah Lodge, literary culture stimulated
and refinement of manner cultivated.
The idea of the brotherhood of men
was rooted deeply in the souls of the
members, and a determination acquired
to battle honorably for the elevation
and appreciation of Israel, which has
left indelible marks on the minds of
many of the members of the Chicago
Jewish Community.
All subsequent "Jewish Organiza-
tions have been influenced by the im-
proved and advanced spirit, that hal-
lowed the sacred precincts of Ramah
Lodge. This same spirit has been felt
ever since in the councils of the order,
state and national.
Among the most prominent members
of Ramah Lodge were the following:
B. Felsenthal, Herman Felsenthal,
Charles Kozminski, H. Goldsmith, A.
Hart, J. L. Gatzert and L. Solomon.
Many of the older members have since
left the order, and some have left the
city, some have died and ethers have
joined other lodges in the city, in the
interest of the order.
Ramah Lodge is still in existence in
the city of Chicago, and is continuing
in the good work, which it has chosen
for its aim from the very start. The
membership has considerably increased
and so has its general fund which
amounts today to many thousand dol-
lars. Some years ago it had created
a special widows' and orphans' fund,
the interest of which is devoted to
helping poor widows of members, and
to the education of their orphaned
children.
Prior to 1858, efforts were made in
Chicago to establish different societies.
There was also organized about that
time a society which flourished a few
years under the leadership of Ed S.
Solomon, and was discontinued after
Mr. Solomon entered the United States
Army of Volunteers in 1861. The name
of this society was "Young Men's Fra-
ternity." It was a secret organization,
and had two sister lodges outside of
Illinois, one at Milwaukee, Wis., and
one .at Detroit. Mich.
In the meantime the Jewish popula*
TXHK
ADVOOATfie
303
tion of Chicago (had materially in-
creased by immigration from Europe
and different states of the Union, and
the constant additions of new comers
Boon enabled the Chicago Jewish Com-
munity to expand in all directions,
and to create new organizations and
institutions, and the Order of B'nai
Brith found ample material for new
lodges.
HILLEL LODGE, NO. 72, I. O. B. B.
The second lodge of the Order
B'nai B'rith in the State of Illinois was
Hillel Lodge, also in Chicago. Dis-
trict Grand Lodge, No. 2, granted the
charter for this lodge on January 28,
1866. The following were its charter
members: Henry Greenebaum, Isaac
Greenebaum, Abraham Newberger,
Mayer Hirsch, Gabriel Rubel, Moses
Goodman, Solomon Rothschild, Levi J.
Unna, Dr. Bernhard Felsenthal and
Michael Newgass. The first President
was Henry Greenebaum, who took a
withdrawal card from Romah Lodge
for the purpose of organizing Hillel
Lodge. It was installed by Lewis
Abram, Grand Nassi Ab., and other
officers of the Grand Lodge.
Hillel Lodge readily followed in the
footsteps of its older sister, Raman,
and had soon established' for itself an
enviable reputation. It always re-
sponded liberally to an appeal for any
good cause. It counts among its mem-
bers some of the most prominent Jew-
ish citizens of Chicago, and is consid-
ered the banner lodge of District No. 6.
The membership of Hillel Lodge is
now 117 and quite a number of young
applicants are awaiting initiation.
The present officers are: Wm. S.
Neuberger, President; Meyer H. Eich-
engreen, Vice-President; David A. Fel-
senthal Secretary, and Adolph Loeb,
Treasurer.
As the Jewish population of the
state kept on increasing the Order of
B'nai B'rith gained a stronger foothold
in Illinois and lodge after lodge was
added to the ranks. It soon became
necessary to establish a separate dis-
trist for the western states, and Dis-
trict No. 6 was consequently called into
existence. This district now comprises
the following states: Illinois, Michi-
gan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and
Nebraska with the following lodges at
Chicago: Ramah, Hillel, Maurice
Mayer, Jonathan, Sovereignty, Orien-
tal, Chicago, Northwestern, Herder,
Alexander Hamilton, and Samuel
Hirsch Auxiliary Lodge, consisting of
Jewish Youths. In the state, outside of
Chicago, are the following lodges:
Ernes, No. 67, Springfield; Zuleika, No.
99, Quincy; Quincy, No. 151, at Quin-
cy; Progress, No. 113, Peoria; Island,
No. 169, Rock Island; Humboldt No.
180, Ottawa; Abraham Lincoln, No.
190, Bloomington; Egypt, No. 268,
Cairo, and Liberty, No. 294, Lincoln.
Altogether there are twenty lodges in
the state.
The fraternal organizations are not
strictly independent Illinois institu-
tions. They are in reality branches of
a main body belonging to different
states. We therefore do not feel jus-
tified to devote much space to them
in this history of the Jews of Illinois.
We made an exception with the first
two lodges and this will suffice to give
the character of the fraternal organiza-
tions. We only mention the names of
some of the other Jewish orders and
lodges without entering into details.
I. O. FREE SONS OF ISRAEL.
This order entered into the state in
the beginning of the seventies. There
are nine men's lodges in Chicago and
one ladies' lodge, called Esther Lodge.
They all belong to District No. 2. H.
M. Shabad is the present Grand Mas-
ter of this district.
I. O. KESHER SHEL BARZEL.
This order has but two lodges in the
state, one in Chicago and one in Otta-
wa. It flourished for a time, but of
late has been losing ground very fast.
SONS OF BENJAMIN.
Eight lodges represent this order in
Chicago. Two are ladies' lodges.
THE ORDER B'RITH ABRAHAM is
very strongly represented in the state.
It has thirty-one lodges in Chicago,
three of which are ladies' lodges, and
two lodges in the city of Peoria.
THE WESTERN STAR ORDER
Is also well represented in the state
by a number of lodges in Chicago and
other places.
ZIONISTS' ORGANIZATIONS.
There are three Zionist organizations
in Chicago which are affliated with the
Federation of American Zionists. •
ORDER KNIGHTS OF ZION.
The headquarters of this order are
in Chicago. The subordinate lodges are
in Chicago. The subordinate lodges are
called "gates." There are six such
gates in Chicago.
VIII.
THE ERA OF REFORM.
THE REFORM VEREIN.
The year 1858 marks the beginning
of the era of Jewish Reform in the
state of Illinois. The battlefield was
still Chicago, and here it was, in that
year, when the persistent, courageous
, and valiant endeavors of the men who
did pioneer yeomen services in the re-
form cause, like Leopold Mayer, God-
frey Snydacker, Henry and Elias
Greenebaum, Raphael Guthmann, the
brothers Samuel and Leon Straus, and
others, culminated in the first practi-
cal organization. This first reform or-
ganization was called the "Reform
Verein."
In 1898, Dr. B. Felsenthal, who was
the secretary of that organization,
wrote a pamphlet "Beginnings of the
Chicago Sinai Congregation, a Contri-
bution to the Inner History of Ameri-
can Judaism." This pamphlet which
was published under the auspices of
the Sinai Congregation, contains the
history of the "Reform Verein," and
also of the organization of Sinai Con-
gregation, which was the consequence
of the establishment of the "Reform
Verein." As the esteemed author of
this pamphlet was closely connected
with both institutions, we deem it
best to quote, as much as possible,
from his reports.
Dr. Felsenthal writes: "In April,
1858, the present writer — or let us
hereafter call him by his proper name,
by the name of B. Felsenthal — came to
Chicago and found employment in a
banking house. Said Felsenthal also
entertained reform views. Some of his
countrymen and personal friends whom
he met here were among those whose
mental life was not entirely absorbed
by their business pursuits, but who had
kept and nourished within themselves
the love of the more idealistic tenden-
cies of life, and who especially wished
another state of things in Judaism. It
was natural that they, he and his
friends, in their private conversations,
often came to speak of Jewish affairs
and how to better them, and in one
of their private intercourses it was
agreed to invite a number of friends
to come together and found, if possible,
a society for the purpose of fostering
Jewish reform.
"Invitations were sent out and ' in
consequence of them a number of
friends met on Sunday, June 20th, 1858,
at 3 p. m., at the office of Greenebaum
Bros. (45 Clark St.), and then and
there the 'Juedische Reformverein' was
instituted. The following were present
in the memorable meeting: Gerhard
Foreman, Elias Greenebaum, Michael
Greenebaum, Raphael Guthmann, Isaac
Greensfelder, Leopold Mayer, Leopold
Miller, Samuel Straus and Bernhard
Felsenthal.
"Mr. Leopold Mayer was elected as
chairman, and B. Felsenthal as secre-
tary. After an address by the chair-
man, the secretary submitted a paper
containing twenty-seven theses. The
same were read and it was resolved to
accept them as a basis for further con-
sideration.
"The secretary's theses, together
with a preamble, read as follows:
" 'We are deeply convinced that Is-
rael has been called by God to be the
Messiah of the nations and to spread
truth and virtue on earth. In order to
fulfill this high mission, Israel has to
undergo a process of purification in its
own midst. This abject will be best
accomplished in free and blessed Amer-
ica, where no material forces check
spiritual progress. The special mis-
sion of American Israel, therefore, is
to place Judaism before the world pur-
ified in the doctrine and conduct and so
to become a shining example for Is-
raelites the world over. In order to
do our share in this work, we organize
today a Jewish Reform Society for
which we draw up the following guid-
ing principles:
" 'I. Object of the Society.
" '1. The object of the Jewish Re-
form Society is to awaken and culti-
vate a truer conception of Judaism and
a higher realization of Jewish Relig-
ious Life, first among its own mem-
bers, and, if possible, also in wider
circles.
"'IT. The Religious Basis of the
Society.
304
THE. RE.FORM ADVOCATED
" '2. The Jewish Reform Society, as
its name indicates, has a decidedly
Jewish as well as a decidedly reforma-
tory tendency. In order to explain this
more fully the following fundamental
views are here laid down.' "
(Here follow a number of paragraphs
in explanation of the foregoing.)
"In a meeting held Jan. 30th, it was
resolved to appoint a committee, whose
duty shall be to submit in the next
meeting a report on the religious basis
of a reform congregation.
"Many of those who have joined the
Verein and who favored the institut-
ing of a new congregation were mem-
bers of Kehillath Anshe Maarabh. In
fact, the majority of members of the
Verein were still members of said con-
gregation. In order to receive more
light on the questions involved from
an authority, who, as such was ac-
knowledged and honored by many of
the Chicago friends of reform, a letter
was sent to Dr. S. Adler, the Rabbi of
the Emanuel Congregation in New
York, submitting to him several ques-
tions and requesting his answers there-
to. The first letter dated Nov. 24th,
1858, contained the following four
questions:
"1. Is it desirable to establish a new
Reform Congregation here?
"2. What do you think of Minhag
America?
"3. What ways are to be pursued in
a mixed congregation, that is, a con-
gregation consisting of members dif-
fering in their religious views, In or-
der to satisfy, at least the most urgent
demands for reform?
"4. Eventually, what ways should be
pursued by a pure and unmixed reform
congregation?
"In a meeting held Jan. 30th, it was
1859, Dr. Adler answered these ques-
tions.
"On Dec. 31st, 1858. the Chicago
friends of reform, sent a second let-
ter to Dr. Adler, asking his opinion
concerning Einhorn's Prayerbook. On
Jan. 18th, 1859, he wrote his answer,
and therein he recommended most
warmly the new Prayerbook of Dr.
Einhorn, — "No Prayerbook in exist-
ence can stand comparison with that
of Einhorn," he said, and this, his
opinion, is supported by good argu-
ments.
"In 1859, B. Felsenthal issued his
pamphlet, "Kol Kore Bamidbar, Con-
cerning Jewish Reform." This pam-
phlet was a factor of considerable pow-
er in furthering the cause of reform in
Chicago, and in making the plan of
founding up a Reform Congregation in
this city a success.
"The little book was stirring ana
made a great sensation. In accordance
with a resolution passed, immediately
after by the Reform Verein, a public
meeting was held, April 17th, 1859,
which was attended by hundreds of
Chicago Jews. At that meeting Leo-
pold Mayer and B. Felsenthal ad-,
dressed those assembled. It was al-
most in compliance with the resolution
of the Verein that a second mass meet-
ing took place on Dec. 29th, 1859, and
Bern-hard Felsenthal addressed on this
occasion, hundreds of his fellow Is-
raelites, who had come to that meet-
ing.
"During the year 1860-61 very little
transpired in the Verein. The political
excitements in those years were too
intense, civil war between the North
and South was threatening and rapidly
approaching. The minds of all were al-
most totally occupied by the ail-ab-
sorbing political question. After the fall
holidays of 1860, a considerable num-
ber of members of K. A. M., seeing
that their endeavors to introduce re-
forms in their synagogue was fruitless,
left their congregation and joined the
Verein. In numbers and in means the
Verein was now so much strengthened,
that successful steps could be taken
for establishing the congregation. A
committee was appointed of whom B.
Felsenthal was a member, to draft a
constitution for the congregation about
to be founded. In this constitution the
name "Sinai Congregation," was given
to the new congregation. On Feb. 17th,
1861, it was resolved to adopt Ein-
horn's Prayerbook as the ritual of the
new Temple.
"It is meet and proper that, as a mat-
ter of history, we should record here
the names of those who first instituted
this Reform Verein; these were: Ellas
Greenebaum, Michael Greenebaum, Ja-
cob Greenebaum, Henry Greenebaum,
Gerhard Foreman, Leopold Mayer, Leo-
pold Miller, Raphael Guthmann, Isaac
Greensfelder, Samuel Straus, Leon
Straus, Bernhard Felsenthal, Nathan
Mayer, Moses Rubel, Samuel Alschular,
Isaac Liebenstein, Moses Schields, Laz.
E. Lebolt, Simon Haas, Moses Hirsch,
Henry Kaufman, L. Rubens, and Isaac
Waixel."
DR. BERNHARD FELSENTHAL.
The name of B. Felsenthal has been
mentioned so often in these pages and
will be alluded to frequently hereaft-
er, especially in connection with the
Sinai and Zion Congregations of Chi-
cago, that it is time we should in-
form the reader more particularly In
regard to the antecedents, life and la-
bors of this teacher in Israel.
Bernhard Felsenthal was born Jan.
2nd, 1822, at Muenchweiler, near Kais-
erslautern, in the Rhenish Palatinate.
His earliest education he received in
the Elementary School of his native
village. After he had reached the age
of 13 years his father sent him to the
"Kreisgewerbschule," in Kaiserlau-
tern, from which institution he grad-
uated in 1838. When stijl at the school
at Muenchweiler, he was led into the
field of Rabbinic literature 'by the dis-
trict Rabbi, M. Cohen, who then re-
sided at Muenchweiler. At Kaiserslau-
tern, young Felsenthal continued his
Rabbinic and taltnudic studies under
Rabbi Moses Cohen, who, in 1835, had
chosen the city of Kaiserslautern as
the place of his residence.
In the fall of 1838, B. Felsenthal went
to Munich to continue his studies at
the Polytechnic High School, and as a
"hospitant," he heard also lectures at
University. At that time he devoted
himself mostly to mathematical stud-
ies, and he had formed the plan of en-
tering into tue Civil Service of Bavaria.
But soon he was convinced that his
hopes in this regard would never be
realized. Being a Jew, he could not ex-
pect that he would be appointed to
some office, and so he discontinued his
studies in Munich in the fall of 1840.
The question now was what to do.
Some practical course had to be taken.
REV. DR. B. FELSENTHAL.
and so young Felsenthal made up his
mind to become a teacher, and for that
purpose he entered the Teachers' Semi-
nary at Kaiserslautern. After a two
years' course in this institution, he
graduated in 1843, and soon thereafter
he was engaged as a teacher in a small
Jewish Congregation, in his native
Province, the Rhenish Palatinate.
In 1854 he emigrated to America. For
the first two years of his American life,
he was employed as a tutor of the chil-
dren of a befriended family in Law-
renceburg, Ind. In March, 1856, he re-
ceived a call from the Jewish Congre-
gation in Madison, Ind., to be their
minister; he accepted the situation,
and remained with that congregation
for two years.
Then he was invited by some friends
to come to Chicago and enter into a
new field altogether. He did so; in the
month of April, 1858, he went to Chi-
cago. He found employment as a clerk
in a banking house. He led, as such, a
retired life, devoting his leisure time
mostly to talmudic literature, which
always had been very attractive for
him.
In the summer of 1858, a number of
younger Jewish men In Chicago,
formed a society under the name of
"Juedischer Reform verein;" of this so-
ciety Felsenthal was the secretary un-
til it dissolved in 1861. While secretary
of the Verein, Felsenthal published his
pamphlet (in 1859), "Kol Kore Bamid-
bar; Ueber. Juedische Reform." This
pamphlet did very much in promoting
the Jewish Reform movement in Chi-
cago. In the spring of 1861, after it
REFORM ADVOCATE.
305
had been resolved by the Reform Ver-
ein to establish a 'Reform Congrega-
tion, and the question arose, where to
find a Rabbi for their spiritual guide
for this congregation. The members al-
most unanimously asked Mr. Felsen-
thal to become their Rabbi; they urged
aim to accept the office, and in addition
to these urgent requests, letters from
the late Rabbi Dr. Einhorn and the
late Rabbi Dr. Samuel Adler, reached
him, in which he was also urgently re-
quested to accept the office; he hesi-
tated no longer.
In June, 1864, after Felsenthal had
officiated three^ years in the "Sinai
Congregation," he was re-elected for
another term. A committee, consisting
of Messrs. Schoeneman, Frankenthal
and Gatzert, informed Felsenthal of his
re-election. B. Felsenthal thought that
the congregation, being otherwise sat-
isfied with him, should make his posi-
tion more secure and elect him either
for life time or during good behavior.
To this condition the congregation
would not consent, and in consequence
of this disagreement, Felsenthal re-
tired.
A few weeks thereafter, during the
summer of 1864, a number of Chicago
Israelites founded the "Ziori Congrega-
tion," and unanimously resolved to in-
vite B. Felsenthal to become their min-
ister. In September, 1864, he entered
upon the duties of his new position.
For twenty-two years, that is, until
the fall of 1886, Felsenthal was the of-
ficiating Rabbi of the Zion Congrega-
tion.
In 1886 Rabbi Felsenthal was pen-
sioned and retired from office. Only oc-
casionally he has since then ascended
the pulpit. In 1866, he was greatly hon-
ored, by the old Chicago University,
with a diploma as a Doctor of Philoso-
phy. In 1868 he published a practical
grammar of the Hebrew language.
About a year previously ihe had pub-
lished "Yuedisches Schulwesen In
Amerika." In 1869: "Kritik des Mis-
sionswesens." In 1878: "Zur Proselyt-
renfrage im Yudenthum." In 1869:
"Yuedische Fragen."
He contributed often to various peri-
odicals as "Sinai," "Jewish Times,"
"Young Israel," "Zeitgeist," "Jewish
Advance," "Reform Advocate," "The
Menorah," etc. Also articles from his
pen appeared in the year book of the
Central Conference of American Rab-
bis, in the publication of the American
Jewish Historical Society, etc.
On Jan. 2nd, 1892, the members of
the Zion Congregation, and a number
of his friends, celebrated the 70th anni-
versary of the birth of Dr. Felsenthal,
by a grand banquet arranged in the
vestry rooms of the "Zion Temple,"
and on the Saturday previous a special
service was held at the Temple in hon-
or of Rev. Dr. Felsenthal, who has been
their spiritual guide for so many years.
Dr. Felsenthal was on this occasion the
recipient of a great number of congrat-
ulatory telegrams, letters and Hebrew
poems, laudatory of his fine character,
manly virtues, and scholarly attain-
ments as well as a faithful exponent of
the word of God, and as a sincere min-
ister of religion in the Chicago Jewish
Community.
The work of Dr. Felsenthal, as a
leader in Israel, has made an indelible
impression and will occupy a conspic-
uous part in the 'history of the Ameri-
can Jews and Judaism in this country.
Especially will his pioneer labors in
the interest of the Reform Judaism
claim the attention of the Jewish his-
torians. In Illinois he was the first
practical path-finder of Jewish Reform;
he sowed the seeds, tilled the soil,
worked and watched with unabating
interest and energy until the blossoms
appeared, the buds sprouted and the
fruit ripened. As a man he stands
prominently high in the esteem of his
fellow men; as an American Citizen,
he is 'held in great regard by his fellow
citizens, and as a Jewish savant he is
looked up to by scholars, as a man of
great erudition. He is an authority on
Rabbinical questions, on subjects of
Jewish history and literature and one
of the best Hebrew scholars in this
country; he is a profound thinker and
logical and forcible writer in the He-
brew as well as in the German and
English languages.
Like the late Dr. Liebman Adler, of
blessed memory, he 'has made many
friends and very few enemies dur-
ing his long and useful career
in the Chicago Community. The
hand of time is exhibiting the
signs of old age on his head,
and a host of friends ardently
pray that our Father in Heaven may
lighten the burden of the loss, of his
noble, true and kind helpmate, and
that many more years of happiness
may be vouchsafed to this venerable
and honored teacher of Israel.
CLAY LITERARY ASSOCIATION.
This association was established in
Chicago by eleven Jewish young men
in September, 1859. The object of the
association was to gain a more inti-
mate union among the young men of
Chicago and for the promotion of lit-
erature. The members were prominent
business men and good speakers, and
many a spirited debate enlivened their
meetings.
The officers were: Henry N. Hart,
president; D. J. Boehm, vice-presi-
dent; G. A. Levi, recording secretary;
Martin Barbe, financial seretary, and
F. S. Mandle, treasurer.
EXCELSIOR CLUB.
About that time there was also in
existence a Jewish club by the name
of Excelsior. This club was noted for
its theatrical performances and mu-
sical entertainments. Mr. E. Salomon
was at the head of this club, which
had about seventy-five members.
IX.
FIRST CHARITY INSTITUTrON.
UNITED HEBREW RELIEF ASSOCI-
ATION.
The population of Chicago contin-
ued to increase very rapidly. The
Jewish community kept pace by con-
stant additions to its members. The
demands upon Jewish charity were
growing from day to day and the
necessity of organizing some charity
institution was very much felt in the
community.
In February, 1859, the leaders met
in the vestry rooms of the synagogue
of Congregation Anshe Maarabh, cor-
ner Wells and Adams streets, for the
purpose of starting a charity associa-
tion. Six or eight meetings were held
before a system of organization was
devised.
For several years past various Jew-
ish organizations of the city main-
tained a special relief fund for the as-
sistance of non-members. There was
also a relief society for the assistance
of needy co-religionists. The subject
of a union of all these charity-giving
societies was proposed to Raman
Lodge No. S3, I. O. B. B., and at the
suggestion of Henry Greenebaum,
Ramah Lodge appointed a committee
to wait upon the several Jewish so-
cieties. A convention composed of
delegates, on the basis of one for each
ten members, from the Hebrew Relief
society, Hebrew Benevolent society,
Ramah lodge, Young Men's Fraterni-
ty, Relief society No. 2, Young Ladies'
Benevolent society. Ladies' Benevo-
lent society, and of the presidents of
K. A. M. and B'nai Sholom congrega-
tions, held several meetings, adopted
a constitution and elected an execu-
tive board.
The final object of this association
was to provide for the hospital In
which poor co-religionists shall be
attended to when sick and for an asy-
lum to receive Jewish widows and
orphans without means. On Novem-
ber 20, 1859, the executive board held
its first meeting and elected Henry
Greenebaum president, Isaac Greens-
felder treasurer and Edward S. Salo-
mon recording secretary. Of this orig-
inal board President Henry Greene-
baum and Treasurer Isaac Greensfeld-
er are the only two surviving officers.
On October 4, 1860, the board of del-
egates held their first annual meeting
at which the following delegates were
present: Hebrew Relief society, M.
M. Gerstley, A. Cohen, G. Snydacker
and J. Cook; Hebrew Benevolent so-
ciety, R. Guthman, J. Liebensteln, I.
Greensfelder, A. Hart, B. Schlossman,
M. Schields, J. M. Stine and L. Frei-
berger; Ramah lodge, Henry Greene-
baum, L. J. Unna, J. Greenebaum, Sr.,
B. Barbe, H. Felsenthal, Julius Ham-
burger, J. L. Gatzert and B. Brunne-
man; Young Men's Fraternity, Ed. S.
Salomon, J. Biersdorf, M. Morris and
B. Engel; Relief society No. 2, A. Alex-
ander, A. Barnett, Anton Herzog and
S. Levy; Ladies' Benevolent society,
Mrs. J. Hyman, Mrs. F. Greenebaum,
Jr., Mrs. R. Foreman and Mrs. Joseph
Liebenstein. Young Ladies' Benevo-
lent society, Mrs. A. Rubel, Miss E.
Stiefel and Miss F. Salomon; K. A. M.,
President B. Schlossman; B'nai Sho-
lom congregation, President Jonas
306
REFORM ADVOCATED
Moore. The following board was
elected: H. Greenebaum, president,
Godfrey Snydacker, vice-president, Is-
aac Greensfelder, treasurer, Jacob Lle-
benstein and Julius Hamburger, trus-
tees, J. L. Gatzert, recording secretary
and A. Alexander, financial secretary.
The mayor of the city, J. C. Haines,
gave his official encouragement to the
new society and promised his aid and
assistance. The Michigan Central,
Michigan Southern, Pittsburg, Ft
\Vayne and Chicago, Illinois Central
and the New York and Erie railroads
offered their aid to forward passengers
In the charge of the society at reduced
rates, and Drs. M. B. Isham and N. S.
Davis performed the medical services
and Mr. Mathea, druggist, furnished
medicines at reduced prices. The Clay
Literary society also became a con-
tributor to the United Hebrew Relief
and sent the following delegates: Lew-
is Reitler, Morris Barbe and Aaron
Schloss.
On September 20, 1861, the Ladies'
Sewing society was organized. The
subject to organize such a society
was first introduced by the Ladies'
Benevolent society ana about 100 la-
dies became members of the sewing
society. The object of this society
was to procure material and finish
garments, bed quilts, etc., for the ben-
efit of poor co-religionists, the United
Hebrew Relief society was to see to the
proper contribution of same. At a
meeting of the delegates of the He-
brew Relief association held Septem-
ber 23, 1861, Mr. Isaac Greensfelder
was elected president. Mr. Greensfeld-
er has served as president, treasurer
and trustee for forty years, and is
still at the head of the association.
In April, 1862, the Hebrew Relief as-
sociation sent a check for $200 to the
Sanitary Commission, in aid of sick
and wounded soldiers, the heroes of
Pittsburg Landing.
The necessity for a Jewish hospital
was constantly increasing. Jewish
patients were sent to Jewish hospitals
in other cities, which involved much
expense and many hardships. The
Hebrew Relief association of Chicago
had created from the start a hospital
fund and this fund was now increas-
ing. The deliberations of the third
annual meeting were mainly devoted
to the subject of a Jewish hospital.
What the patriotic feelings of the
Chicago Jews were in regard to the
Civil war, which was then raging in
the country, was graphically expressed
in the third annual report of the ex-
ecutive board, from which we quote:
"But unfortunately we are surrounded
by circumstances, which, aside from
charity, require great sacrifices. We
are living in a time which, indeed,
tries men's souls. The very existence
of that good government, to which the
Israelite especially is indebted for the
enjoyment of political equality and re-
ligious liberty, is threatened at the
hands of a most bold and wicked con-
spiracy. The stars and stripes, that
emblem of justice and free institu-
tions, have been trampled under foot
by traitors at home, while the act, if
not openly commended, is secretly
cheered by desperate and crowned
heads of tyrannical Europe. Brave
hearts and strong arms are rushing
to the rescue by the hundred thou-
sands, in support of the government,
and every loyal man is called upon to
bring' sacrifices in a holy cause and
nobly, yes, thrice nobly and patrioti-
cally did the Israelites of Chicago re-
spond in the emergency with a burn-
ing love for country and freedom, did
they arise, far above all selfish consid-
eration, and praise resounded
throughout the land for their support
of the war, most liberal and truly
magnificent."
Ten thousand dollars were raised
in one meeting to fit out a company
of soldiers. The Jewish ladies sub-
scribed $150 for a splendid flag to this
company.
An attemept to organize a society
for a widows' and orphans' home was
made in 1863. A meeting was held
August 3d of that year, in the K. A.
M. synagogue, M. M. Gerstley in the
chair and Rev. Liebman Adler serving
as secretary. Fifty ladies signed their
names to show their willingness to es-
tablish such a society. The following
ladies were appointed a committee to
perfect the organization: Mrs. Henry
Homer, Mrs. L. Rosenfeld, Mrs. L.
Goodkind, Mrs. L. F. Leopold, Mrs.
Isaac Lucky.
In 1863 the following societies were
added as contributors to the United
Hebrew Relief, Frauen Wohlthaetig-
keits Verein. The delegates of this
ladies' society were Mrs. Michael
Greenebaum and Mrs. Leah Goodkind.
The ladies' Sewing Society sent Mrs.
Rebecca Levi, Mrs. Henrietta Rosen-
feld, Mrs. Mina btine, Mrs. Bertha
Snydacker. And Chebra Kadisha
Ubikkur Cholim sent L. Mayer, D. Wit-
kowski, H. L. Marks and Casper Burg-
heim. This society then numbered
about thirty-eight members.
Destitute Jewish families came to
Chicago from the South and the de-
mands upon the Hebrew association
were greatly increased.
In an address to the public in the
interest of the Hebrew Relief associ-
ation, embodied in the fourth annual
report, we find the following foot-
note, which is very characteristic of
the men and the time. It was hardly
written by the president, Mr. M. Gerst-
ley; it was more likely the work of
Rev. Liebman Adler, for the knowl-
edge of talmudic and rabbinic liter-
ature displayed in this appeal is al-
most too much for a layman.
"Aniye Irkha waaniye ir akhereth,
aniye Irkha kodmin." "Baba Mezia,
fol. 71, a. Compare Maimon, in Hilk-
hoth Mathnoth Anlym, chap. 7, Ha-
lakha 13; Jacob ben Asher In Tur
Yoreh Deah, Art. 251. Joseph Karo
in Shulkan Arukb. ibid, sec. 3.
(Where Shabthai Cohen adds): Even
the poor of the holy land have no
such claims as the poor of our own
city; same in Tur and Sh. A. Choshen
Mishpat, art. 97, sec. 1. Compare also
Yalkut Thorah, sec. 350 and sec. 897,
Mekhiltha and Rashi to Exod. 22, 24;
Sifri and Rashi to Deut. 15, 7; Aben
Esra to Deut. 12, 11, and many other
places."
Surely, if the writer of this note
would have addressed to the Rabbini-
cal society of Chicago such quotations
from the Rabbinical authorities, it
would have been sufficient to gain for
him the title Moreno and a diploma
authorizing him to p.asken shaaloth in
the most prominent Jewish congrega-
tion in the country.
The Washington Irving Literary as-
sociation and the Zion congregation
joined the Hebrew Relief association
and sent delegates. From a ball ar-
ranged for the benefit of the Hebrew
Relief association $15,054.92 were re-
alized and $34,000 were collected by a
committee. In this year the Sisters
of Peace joined the Hebrew Relief as-
sociation and sent delegates.
Sinai congregation also became a
member of the U. H. R. A., and was
represented at the annual meeting.
The delegates were as follows: S.
Floersheim, Moses Snydacker, Elias
Greenebaum, Benedict Schlossman, L.
Levi, Isaac Greensfelder, J. M. Stine,
Leopold Mayer, Sigmond Hyman and
Isaac Liebenstein. During that year
the society supplied many crippled
Jewish soldiers with artificial arms
and limbs.
In defining the sphere of action of
the Hebrew Relief association, the
board opposed a collection for an or-
phan asylum on the ground that the
only beneficial asylum for an orphan
is within the circle of a private fam-
ily. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Lucky of
Chicago were the first to practice this
charity by adopting an orphan girl
into their home.
In 1866 the name of Hillel Lodge
B. B. was added to the list of the con-
tributing societies.
A piece of ground in the north .di-
vision of the city was purchased on
which to build a hospital. At a mass
meeting held on October 22, 1866, for
the purpose of raising funds for the
hospital, over $17,000 were subscribed.
The Hebrew Relief association now
comprised fourteen components with
about 1,080 members, who sent 108
delegates. Two hundred and sixty of
this number were ladies.
The hospital lot was on North La
Salle street between Schiller and Goe-
the streets, 130 feet front by 170 deep,
cost about $7,000 all paid up. A build-
ing committee was appointed at a spe-
cial meeting held March 24, 1867, con-
sisting of the following: Isaac Greens-
felder, chairman, Jacob Greenebaum,
Jr., Godfrey Snydacker, Jonas Moore,
Lazarus Silverman, L. Rosenfeld and
Leopold Miller. Architect F. Bauman
was selected to draw the plans for the
hospital.
THE. REFORM ADVOCATE.
307
In this year a charter was granted
the United Hebrew Hospital associa-
tion.
On September 2, 1867, the corner
stone of the hospital was laid. It was
a great day for the Chicago Jewish
community. All the Israelites, indi-
vidually and in their organizations,
turned out in procession, mayor Rice
was one of the speakers. The author-
ities of the city, county and some of
the United States officers were pres-
ent. Other speakers were Godfrey
Snydacker, in German, and Henry
Greenebaum, in English. We quote
the following from the speeches:
Mayor Rice said:
"Fellow citizens, when this building
shall be completed and tenanted by
the maimed and sick; when wants
shall be ministered to, by the kind
and the capable, then will the prayers
of its inmates implore blessings on all
who have assisted in this noble char-
ity, and the names of its founders
shall remain ever bright in the rec-
ords of Chicago, to be read with ad-
miration by generations yet unborn."
Mr. Snydacker remarked:
"Union of hearts, will and purpose
enabled us to begin this edifice; let us
stand firmly together to complete and
to put It in operation."
Henry Greenebaum gave expression
to the following sentiments:
"May all of you live, not only to see
this building completed, but also to
behold emanating from its hallowed
walls deeds of bravest charity, and
may you also live to be gratified in
contemplating He blissful results of
your own efforts in your respective
spheres of action."
The meeting of the association was
held at the rooms of Sinai congrega-
tion. Concordia club placed its rooms
at the disposal of the board for mass
meetings free of charge.
The U. H. R. A. limited the cost of
the hospital to $18,000, but the speci-
fications exceeded considerably, the
calculated cost reaching the sum of
about $25,000.
A fair for the benefit of the hospital
was held in December, 1867, and the
sum of $11,500 netted. The hospital
was finally opened for reception of
visitors August 9, 1868, and patients
were received next day. Mr. A. Lev!
and wife were appointed steward and
matron with a salary of 4800 per an-
num. According to the first medical
report the hospital contained fourteen
inmates, twelve men and two women,
nine German, three Polanders and one
Bohemian, some pay and some free
patients. Mr. Charles H. Schwab and
Mrs. L. Lieberman furnished one room
each.
In April, 1869, Mr. Greenebaum re-
signed from the office of president on
account of a trip to Europe which he
was about to undertake. Before leav-
ing he became a life member of the
hospital by paying $100, the first and
only one at that time, creating there-
by the endowment fund. He is still
In possession of the certificate issued
to him at that time and values it very
highly.
On October 9, 1871, the red letter
day in the calender of Chicago, the
hospital was destroyed by the great
fire.
In order to give a correct report of
the conditions prevailing in the Jew-
ish community of Chicago immediate->
ly after the fire, we can do no better
than to quote from the twelfth annual
report of the executive board of the
Hebrew Relief association:
"Since the catastrophy of the 8th
and 9th of October our association has
undoubtedly entered upon a new phase
of its history. Your dealing with pov-
erty and pauperism, forms henceforth
only an insignificant part of your gi-
gantic task.
"It is with another class o* your
people, relatives, friends and neigh-
bors, men and families, that stood
side by side with you heretofore in
society, in congregation, in this coun-
cil, that you have to engage your
hearts, your minds and all your ef-
forts. You know how they were
turned out of their homes, sometimes
In the middle of the night, 'by the per-
nicious element, striking down what
could not keep pace with its volatile
strides. You know that in most cases
they had hardly time to grasp* their
wives and little ones, to flee for their
lives, and then even to find no rest-
Ing place except after a wearying
stampede of ten or twelve miles with
a cloud of fire chasing after them.
Nothing saved, no clothes or under-
wear, for husband, wife or children;
no furniture, beds or bedding, no
stove, cooking utensils or crockery;
nothing to make home cheerful and
what was gradually amassed by the
industrious toils of the model wife.
"Ah, how long will it take to make
up these losses, or even for so much
that will make their home tolerably
comfortable? But this Is not all; the
husband's business is gone with their
homes and mostly insured in bank-
rupt companies. Thrown out of busi-
ness, employment or usual occupation,
where shall he find the means to sup-
port wife and children that he loves
so dearly? Will he ever be able to
raise from the grave of utter demo-
lition? This is henceforth the Her-
culean task that we have to shoulder.
You can not, you dare not, rest until
every one of these families are placed
beyond the reach of want and need;
aye, even there you must not rest, un-
til they are restored to their former
well-to-do condition. Don't under-
rate the work before you, go into the
details that are wanted for each of
these families and you will find your
aim almost beyond the extent of hu-
man power, for the lowest estimate Is
that 400 Jewish families share the fate
of this utter destruction that we have
so poorly attempted to depict.
"Like the sun ray tearing the dark
clouds, pregnant with mischief, af-
fected us, however, this spontaneous
uprise of sympathy with our distress
throughout the civilized- world. This
feeling of our pain, and the attempt to
alleviate it from near and 'far, as
though we were all limbs and mem-
bers of one body, contributed greatly
to our consolation. These showers of
contributions of victuals, clothing, bed-
ding, stoves and money were the best
means to remove the first effect of our
terrible disaster. We know that our
Jewish brethern from abroad contrib-
uted their ample share to this relief,
intended for the benefit of our suffer-
ers without distinction, that saved us
from famine or worse disaster. We
also gladly admit that our unfortunate
co-religionists received their ample
share of these contributions, but these
could certainly be intended only to
afford momentary assistance and to
continue so to do in the worst cases
of impoverishment during the whole
dreary winter is the task that is be-
fore us.
"But in the true sense of Jewish
charity our brethern abroad collected
large funds for the special purpose of
supplying their reduced co-religionists
in Chicago with means to start again
in business and thus protect them
against pauperism.
"Although the U. H. R. A. has been
for the last thirteen years the only
recognized organ receiving all con-
tributions of charity and distributing
them, we can not complain if the con-
tributions raised within the lodges of
the I. O. B. B. for the special assist-
ance of their brethren went into the
funds of the relief committee of the
I. O. B. B. and were applied exclusive-
ly to their benefit, however, injurious
to the cause of Judaism and the idea
of equality and coherence of all its
members, it might have been in our
opinion. But we certainly have a
right to expect and to claim that all
contributions not collected for the
special benefit of the I. O. B. B.
should have been or should be here-
after, at least, turned over to the U.
H. R. A. for the benefit of all poor
Yehudim, and for the purpose of sus-
taining the integrity and existence of
our association that has been for the
past and will be for the future, iden-
tified with all Jewish institutions of
this city In the province of charity
and benevolence.
"We can only ascribe it to this cir-
cumstance of mixing up funds that the
relief committee of the I. O. B. B. col-
lected over $20,000, while according to
the report of the special committee
the U. H. R. A. has received up to date
the modest sum of $4,384.15, of which,
doing the best under the circumstanc-
es, they have relieved up to date 178
cases with the amount of $3,115.67,
leaving a balance on hand of $1,268.48.
Most of the families having been thus
far relieved in accordance with our
means ought to receive additional as-
sistance; other families have not been
reached at all and will be found out
only in the course of time, as most
of the sufferers do not apply for aid
for themselves but must be searched
:;ns
THE. R&FORM ADVOCATED
and found out, and labor under the
mistaken idea that their misfortune,
although not caused by any fault of
theirs, does not entitle them to any
acceptance of assistance, and that this
acceptance would degrade them and
place them on a level with habitual
beggars.
"In order to meet all the wants of
our sufferers during the winter and
to prepare them for their new career
in life which they must open for them-
selves, we estimate that a sum of $50,-
000 is required, and we think the sum
can be approximated, if not reached,
if all passion, and jealousy are laid
aside, if there is only one head center
to receive and distribute the contri-
butions which come from abroad, and
that there is only one pass-word that
will establish the full title for assist-
tance if otherwise worthy, 1. e., yatr
"Earnest and constant efforts should
be made to let our Jewish brethren
know our wants, to let them know
that our barriers of distinctions have
been dropped within the pale of Juda-
ism, that we are all B'nai B'rith, that
is', sons of the covenant of our father,
Abraham, and all will be well, and the
proverbial Jewish charity will mani-
fest itself in our sister cities in these,
our days or trial and affliction, as we
can expect but little in the way of
annual contributions from the re-
duced condition of our heretofore
most liberal contributors in this city
for the present winter.
"As we stated before, the books and
vouchers of the treasurer and finan-
cial secretary were destroyed by the
flre, but through the efforts of Mr. C.
Witkowski, acting secretary, our rec-
ords were saved, which enables us to
present you with a correct financial
report, showing the following result of
the annual collections to the relief
fund from members of the respective
congregations and societies auxiliary
to the U. H. R. A.
Sinai congregation ............ $2,200.00
K. A. M ...................... 1,150.05
Zion congregation ............ 779.00
K. B'nai Sholom ........... .... 789.00
K. Ahawas Achim ............ 43.50
Chebra Bikur Cholim ......... 62.00
The Hospital
was laid in ruins by the late flre, but
owing to the efforts of Dr. Win. Wag1
ner, and the steward, Mr. Levy, none
of the patients or occupants perished
in the flames. Up to the time of its.
destruction the hospital, under the
special care of Dr. Wagner has been
well patronized by free and pay pa-
tients, irrespective of creed; with am-
ple accommodations at our command,
we did not make religion or national-
ity a test.
This report is signed by. B. Loe-
wenthal, president, L. Wampold, Laz.
Sllverman, Conrad Witkowsky, R. Ru-
bel, Gerhard Foreman, Julius Rosen-
thai, Chas Kozniouski and Godfrey
Snydacker.
The report of the special relief com-
mittee is of great interest. It reads
as follows:
"The special relief committee for
the benefit of the Jewish sufferers
through the late fire, acting in concert
with and under the auspices of the
U. H. R. A. beg leave to submit to you
the following report:
J. W. Seligman & Co $1,000.00
Cincinnati committee 1,000.00
Nelson Morris 60.00
Felix Marx, N. Y., through
Abe Hart 156.85
A poor Jew of Beimont, Ohio. 5.00
From the Israelites of Louisi-
ana, Mo 60.00
From the Israelites of Marion,
Ala 34.75
Ladies' Hebrew Benevolent So-
ciety, Jackson, Mich 99.75
Mrs. I. Frankel, Oskaloosa, la. 15.00
M. Frankel 25.00
Froelich & Freiberger, Mt.
Carroll, 111 10.00
T. Alexander & Co., Browns-
ville, Texas 25.00
S. Bernstein, Champaign, 111. . 34.50
M. Loth, Cincinnati 25.00
Zadok Lodge, Salem, Ala 142.50
Donation through B. Cahn 25.00
Through Messrs. Bloch & Co.,
Cincinnati 34.00
M. S. Dessauer, Montrose, Pa.. 25.00
From the Israelites of Boston. ..1,104. 80
J. & S. Bernheimer 300.00
Hebrew Ladies' Bene. Soc.;
Canton, Mass 40.00
M. Frank, Delaware, Ohio 7.00
Bloch & Co., Cincinnati, O.,
from diverse col 155.00
$4,384.15
Of this amount 178 cases have been
relieved to the extent of $3,115.67.
Besides this, a great many goods of
all kinds have been distributed among
our co-religionists.
(Signed) B. Loewenthal,
Chairman.
G. Snydacker,
Acting Treasurer.
E. Wikowsky,
Rec. Secretary.
The executive committee found its
sphere of action largely increased in
consequence of the flre. An attempt
to give each applicant enough to
start in business failed. The appli-
cant was no longer admitted to the
meetings of the board, but were called
upon at their homes to receive what,
after due investigation, the board
deemed it proper to give. Mr. J. L.
L. Gatzert was appointed as superin-
tendent, who rendered faithful and ef-
ficient services gratuitously. He was
presented by the board at withdrawal,
in thankful acknowledgment of his
services, with a memorial, executed in
the highest style of art by the talented
penman, Mr. A. Sinks, at the house
of the president, Abe Hart.
Mr. Francis Kiss was engaged as su-
perintendent.
B'nai Brith Order turned over sur-
plus of $2,149.50 to treasurer of H. R.,
and harmony prevailed.
The board decided to rebuild the
hospital. It expected to receive a
large contribution from the surplus in
the hands of the Chicago Relief and
Aid Society. The Order of B. B. made
a very generous offer to issue appeal
to the lodges of district for every
member \m pay one dollar to the Hos-
pital Fund. This offer was accepted,
but not carried out for above reason.
The Ch. R. & A. S. demanded a free
bed for every $1,000 and this was
found unadvisable, as it would have
been an incumbrance on the property.
Fifteen thousand dollars were again
offered to the board by the Chicago
Relief & Aid Society, which was only
accepted on condition that the U. H. R.
A. should have the privilege to refund
whenever able.
In 1876 the Deborah Verein, Sisters
of Peace, Sisters of Harmony and La-
dies' Society of West Chicago accept-
ed the mission to bring consolation
and material help to women who were
left destitute by their husbands going
South.
• • •
The second fire, on July 14, 1874, was
indeed a serious blow to many of the
poor Jews of Chicago. The U. H. R. A.
was again taxed to the utmost and it
again helped and aided as much as it
was possible.
Rev. Liebman Adler was requested
by the board to write an appeal to the
Jews for financial supp6rt of the as-
sociation, and the following appeal,
prepared by Rabbi Adler, was pub-
lished:
"Scarce two decades have elapsed
since all the Israelites of this city wefe
living as in the bonds of one family
circle. Each knew the other, all wor-
shiped harmoniously in one temple and
shared each others woes and joys.
"How great is the change! Thou-
sands scattered over a space of nearly
thirty miles, in hundreds of streets,
divided by pecuniary, intellectual and
social directions, provincial jealousies
and even religious distinctions and dif-
ferences. Separation, division, disso-
lution, estrangement repeated and con-
tinual, are the words which character-
ize the history of our brothers in
faith until now. Dissolved in the mass
of our population, we are losing the
consciousness of homogeny and the
strength gained for each individual by
concerted action.
"Let us also consider the oftheard
complaint that Poles and Russians ab-
sorb a disproportional large share of
the means of this association.
"Brothers and Sisters: Are these
poor ones less to be pitied, are they
less poor, are they less Israelites be-
cause Poland or Russia is the land in
which they first saw the light, or rath-
er the darkness of this world? The
poor of those countries are doubly
poor. These unfortunates come to us
from a country which is the European
headquarters for barbarism, ignorance
and uncleanliness. In those countries
thousands of Israelites are densely
crowded and pressed into small towns
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
309
and villages, and they become singu-
lar and peculiar in their customs, man-
ners and ideas. In conferring charity,
it is the duty of the Israelite first to
look to the needs and then to the de-
serts of the recipient."
In 1878 the Jewish young men of
Chicago organized to contribute to the
U. H. R. A. The leaders in this move-
ment were: Louis Falk, Louis B.
Kuppenheimer and Joseph Schaflner.
In 1879 Henry L. Frank and his
brother, Joseph Frank, trustees of a
fund bequeathed to them by Michael
Reese of San Francisco, Cal., ottered
the sum of $30,000 for a hospital build-
ing, on condition that it shall be
known as Michael Reese Hospital. Mr.
Jacob Rosenberg and Mrs. Henrietta
Rosenfeld, likewise trustees of a fund
'bequeathed to them by the same
Michael Reese, offered to donate $50,-
000 as an endowment maintaining the
new hospital, to be named after the
creator of the trust funds, Michael
Reese Hospital. The U. H. R. A. ac-
cepted both offers. The old hospital
site was exchanged in 1880 for a lot
corner Twenty-ninth street and Lake
avenue, 208x252 feet.
The Jewish young men of Chicago
formed a Hospital Association, with
the following as leaders: Louis Frank,
Joseph Schaffner, Jonas Kuppenheim-
er, Louis Kuppenheimer and Moses
Weinberg.
The cornerstone for the new hospital
was laid on Nov. 4, 1880*, and On the
23d of October, 1881, it was dedicated
and opened for the admission of pa-
tients.
The cost of the building and lot
reached the sum of $48,521.41. The
building committee consisted of the
following gentlemen: Jacob Rosen-
berg, Isaac Greensfelder, Henry L.
Frank, Abe Hart and G. Snydacker.
In January, 1881, the Young Men's
Hebrew Charity Association was or-
ganized.
In 1882 twenty-two component socie-
ties were contributing to the U. H.
R. A.
On Feb. 1, 1884, the Employment
Bureau was opened and Mr. S. Barten-
stein engaged as superintendent of the
same.
In their annual report, dated Oct.
10, 1886, the executive board suggests
the founding of a Manual Training
School, and in their next report of Oc-
tober, 1877, they recommend the estab-
lishing of an Old People's Home.
In 1888 the name of the association
was changed from the "U. H. R. A."
to the "United Hebrew Charities of
Chicago," and on November 24th of
that year the legislature of Illinois
granted a charter under the new name.
In 1889 the United Hebrew Charities
bought a lot on 223 Twenty-sixth
street and erected a commodious brick
building for the use of the association.
The net cost of the lot was $4,575 and
the expense of the building was $6,400.
In the same year they also bought a
cemetery at Ridge Lawn.
On Sept. 1, 1890, the United Hebrew
Charities established a training school
for nurses in connection with the hos-
pital.
According to the report of the execu-
tive board, dated October, 1891, over
$58,000 was expended in the conduct of
the relief office and of the hospital,
from October, 1890, to October, 1891.
Over 17,000 persons received assist-
the United Hebrew Charities, other-
wise the totals here given would have
been much greater.
In the conduct of the Relief Office
there was expended nearly $19,000; in
the Hospital, over $38,000; for the
Hospital and Dispensary, about 11,000
prescriptions were filled.
One thousand and fifty patients were
treated in the hospital, more than half
being non-Jews, while during the pre-
vious year there were less tha*n 800
all told. At the Employment Bureau,
658 applications were filed for work, of
which 549 were provided for.
At the Ridge Lawn Cemetery there
were seventy-four interments, while
last year there were forty-seven.
Up to September 1st of that year all
Russian refugees worthy of assistance
were provided for by the United He-
brew Charities. At that time the Rus-
sian Refugees' Society was formed for
the special care of refugees who were
MICHAEL REESE HOSPITAL.
ance, this being nearly 600 more than
during the previous year. Since the
Chicago fire no record equal to this
has been made.
In this year the Russian Jews of the
West Side established a general relief
society of their own under the name
of "Zedoko Kololos." This materially
helped to decrease the demands upon
driven from their homes in Russia and
came here without means. The Young
Men's Hebrew Charity Association
contributed $6,000 to the Hospital from
the proceeds of their ball, and the La-
bor Bureau was exclusively supported
by them besides.
The Training School for Nurses, es-
tablished about a year ago, had proven
•It is generally the custom in civil-
ized countries, and so it is in this coun-
try, to deposit if the cornerstones of
public institutions a box containing a
number of documents, such as a his-
torical sketch of the respective asso-
ciation and institution, copies of the
daily press of the respective date, and
denominational publications of the re-
spective time. The object of this act
is obviously to furnish data concerning
the history of the time and the institu-
tion to coming generations. It is a
wise and commendable act. But we
venture to suggest that duplicates of
all the documents which are deposited
in the cornerstone should also be de-
posited about the same time In some
accessible fireproof vault.
The objects deposited in the corner-
stone may remain hidden from sight
for many, many years, but the dupli-
cates would form the basis of a his-
tory of the respective institution and
society, which could be referred to at
any time. From time to time addi-
tions could be made to these dupli-
cates, such as short extracts from the
minutes, newspaper clippings and oth-
er important papers, bearing directly
upon the development of the respec-
tive organization or institution. The
accumulated minute-books generally
become too cumbersome, and the
main historical facts are often buried
under such a mass of unimportant
matter that it is difficult to get at
them when wanted without great loss
of time and much labor. It should be
made the duty of the secretary to look
after the historical department of his
association. In this manner every in-
stitution or organization would be
gradually preparing and constantly
completing a record of its own history.
310
REFORM ADVOCATE..
a success, and in order to increase the
sphere of action in this school it was
determined to erect a home for nurses
in connection with the Hospital. This
home was now under roof on the hos-
pital grounds, and contained besides
the reception and lecture rooms, li-
brary and maternity ward. Accommo-
dation for forty nurses was provided
in the •building.
The majority of those who sought to
«nter the school were non-Jews. It
was a source of regret to the board
that not more Jewish young women
had filed applications during the past
The Ladies' Sewing Societies have
been of great assistance to the U. H.
C. Association. The South Side La-
dies' Sewing Society expended $4,000
for the relief of the poor; the West
Side Ladies' Sewin-g Society, over
$2,100; the Young Ladies' Aid Society,
nearly $650, and the West Side Ladies'
Aid Society about $1,000.
An innovation was made at the hos-
pital on Rosh Hashana; a pulpit was
improvised in the hall of the dispen-
sary by the superintendent, Max Salo-
mon, and religious services were con-
ducted by Rabbi Moses of K. A. M.
MICHAE L .m:KSE-H^lTM..AX:<[EXti»miME\t.Clllt,PKEX» Stum. D.EEPJDRMH
year, and the board recommended that
an effort should be made to teach the
public that a trained nurse Is not a
menial; that the calling is a profes-
sion everywhere expected.
The children's ward of the hospital
proved a blessing, not only to the little
ones treated, but to their parents, who
had neither the means nor the facili-
ties to give them the proper care.
Many of the little sufferers, having
undergone medical or surgical treat-
ment, appreciated in a childish way
the cleanly surroundings, the care and
attention given them, and objected to
be sent back to their homes.
during the afternoon. Twenty-eight of
the patients were able to be present
and take part in the services.
A fireproof vault was constructed at
the hospital for the preservation of all
books, papers and pamphlets connect-
ed with the association. Mr. Jacob
Rosenberg and Mrs. Henrietta Rosen-
feld contributed the necessary funds to
defray the expenses of this improve-
ment. They also contributed, out of
' the Michael Reese Trust Fund, the
amount necessary to pay for the build-
ing of the Home for Nurses.
From October, 1891, to October, 1892,
10,000 persons were assisted. The board
recommended that sufficient money be
appropriated to defray the expense of
preparing a directory of the Jews of
Chicago, for the purpose of reaching
those who are charitably inclined.
At the Labor Bureau there were
866 applications for work, of which 777
were provided for. At the Hospital
1,088 persons were treated. There were
82 Jewish pay patients and 251 non-
Jewish, 597 Jewish charity patients
and 159 non-Jewish. The amount ex-
pended at the Hospital for all pur-
poses was $39,000. Mr. B. I. David was
appointed superintendent in place of
Mr. Salomon.
Thirten thousand, four hundred pre-
scriptions were filled, 7,000 for patients
at the hospital, 5,000 for patients out-
side of the hospital, sent in by the re-
lief office, and about 1,400 outside of
the dispensary upon orders from the
relief office.
The contributions of the Young
Men's Hebrew Charity Association
during the year aggregated nearly
$9,000.
Mr. S. Bartenstein, superintendent of
the Employment Bureau, gives an in-
teresting table of the classification of
applicants, which we consider valuable
as an indication of the distribution of
trades among the Jews, and we there-
fore copy it here.
No. of
Occupation. Appli-
cants.
Peddlers 75
Merchants 95
Students 4
Teachers 5
Laborers and Porters 118
Clerks 76
Women and Girls 60
Boys 42
Bookkeepers 23
Bakers •> 4
Bartenders , 2
Bookbinders 5
Capmaker 1
Cabinetmakers 29
Cooks 4
Cutters 6
Cigarmakers , . . 17
Blacksmiths 4
Coppersmiths 4
Tinsmiths 10
Locksmiths 5
Machinists 11
Photographers ...» 2
Painters and Paperhangers 13
Paperbox-maker 1
Shoemakers 21
Tailors 53
Cloakmakers and Operator 16
Jewelers 5
Printers and Typesetters 6
Brewer 1
Diamond Cutter 1
Surgeons 2
Dyers 3
Umbrellamaker 1
Watchmakers 7
Iron Molders 5
Waiters 13
Butchers 24
Glovemaker 1
Pressers 12
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
311
Bricklayers 3
Furriers 9
Hatmaker 1
Farmers 3
Tanners 11
Soapmakers 3
Plumbers 4
Chemists 3
Lawyers 6
Glaziers . i 4
Nurses 2
Distillers 2
Forester 1
Finishers 2
Opera Singers 2
Engineer 1
Weavers and Fringemakers 5
Barbers 2
Upholsterers 5
Varnishmaker 1
Harnessmakers 2
Buttonholemaker 1
Turners 2
Artificial Flowermaker 1
Pocketbookmaker 1
Picture Frame Maker 1
Carpet Layer 1
Bristle Cleaner 1
Total 866
The annual report of the executive
board for the year 1892-1893 contains
the following introductory remarks
which treat upon the scope of the work
undertaken by the United Hebrew
Charities: "In 1859 the United He-
brew Relief Association, the predeces-
sor of the United Hebrew Charities,
was- organized. In looking back over
a stretch of thirty-four years, in con-
templating the growth of the chari-
ties and the growth of Chicago, we
have much to be thankful for. True,
our conceptions of charitable or, bet-
ter, philanthropic work, have changed
since those days. We have improved
our methods and we seek to realize
other aims, but we may well pause and
listen to the voice of that distant past,
and learn many a lesson therefrom.
"In the very first report of this asso-
ciation, a doctrine was taught that we
at times forget. They say, 'It has
been just as much our aim to refuse
all unworthy applicants, as we have
been anxious to assist those really
worthy of our support. You know full
well that many Israelites, in utter
want of even the necessities of life,
are too proud to beg. We have used
every exertion, by the appointment
of standing committees of relief in
each division of the city, to find out
such families. We have found them
in the midst of winter without fuel,
and often without bread, and found
that we had to argue and persuade
them that it was not dishonorable to
take what they have not asked, in or-
der to make them recipients of our
charities, and we have several in-
stances where donations of this kind
have been refunded to the association
after the parties relieved felt able to
do so. It is for such cases as these
that this association has been organ-
ized.'
"And one, whom full of years and
after a life of faithful labor, God called
to his eternal rest, points out the idea
of our work in his presidential report,
thirty years ago, when he says, "Your
officers have assumed the delicate task
of finding out such families as were
actually in want amongst us and came
in peace to their assistance without
any special notice from any source,
saving them the heartrending neces-
sity and the humiliating alternative of
exposing their own misery." M. M.
Gertsley, who uttered these words of
love in charity work, served you
faithfully as president, vice-president
and trustee, during eighteen long
years, a term succeeded but by two
men, both members of the present
board. Truly, his deeds will live after
done more than ever before in every
field. May they continue In their no-
ble work and may their increased
forces increase the good they spread
about them.
"The Younfg Ladies' Aid Society,
too, has continued to brighten the hos-
pital patients with flowers and delica-
cies. Its assistance will be heartily
welcomed in every branch of the
work."
The total number of cases during
this year was 3,134, consisting of 13,-
300 persons; $21,000 were expended
directly in the work. Ten thousand
yards of wearing apparel and irearly
1,500 pairs of shoes were distributed
and 800 school boys were clothed. No
child attending the public school or
TRAINING SCHOOL FOR NURSES— MICHAEL REESE HOSPITAL.
him. It is impossible, however, In
these 'busy days for the present board
to engage in this kind of work. They
cannot seek out the deserving, timid
poor. Their hands are more than full '
in attending to the applicants for aid.
Here, however, is a field where the
women can do more than the men.
"Inquisitive charity dispensers, who
take up this work, and many others,
too, as a fad, we cannot use; but wom-
en, young and old, whose hearts are
filled with a sense of human brother-
hood and whose heads control both
heart and hand, can render priceless
assistance if they will work in co-op-
eration with the relief office.
"The Sewing Society, the Deborah
Verein, the Jochannah Lodge and the
Baron Hirsch Ladies' Society have
Jewish training school was compelled
to stay away from school for want of
clothing or shoes. The only require-
ment was inability of the parents to
provide them and a certificate of a
teacher that a child was attending
school.
The board recommends to the dele-
gates that a special committee be ap-
pointed to provide for the opening of
rooms on the West Side, as a "Crfiche,"
where the young children of women
who are able to work should be taken
care of in the absence of their mothers.
As the poor women cannot leave their
little ones, they are therefore de-
prived of the opportunity to earn their
living.
In this year the West Side Dispen-
sary was established.
312
THE. RKFORM
In the report of the executive board
for the year 1893 to 1894 the board rec-
ommends most strongly a union of all
Jewish societies, and the advancement,
as far as possible, of woman's share
in the work.
Every branch shows an enormous
increase. Four thousand, four hun-
dred and sixty-two cases, comprising
20,600 persons, were assisted. Only
$37,000 were collected from all sources.
That year 2,187 pairs of shoes were
given away and 1,174 school boys were
clothed. The direct expenditure In
money and supplies among the 20,000
recipients was but $31,000, a little over
$1.50 ?or each person, or $7 in each
case.
The pension list of the association
contained thirty names and amounted
to $275 per month, which comprised
the old, the sick and the widows with
families. They were among the wor-
thiest of the recipients of charity.
The sewing societies expended over
$10,000 not included in the report of
the superintendent of the U. H. C.,
during the nine and one-half months of
their existence. At the West Side Dis-
pensary 13,500 patients have been
treated, an average of 1,410 per
month. Twelve thousand, five hundred
prescriptions were filled. The Dispen-
sary, being not a year old, was the
second largest in the city. At the La-
bor Bureau 1,120 applications were re-
ceived for work and 911 were rovided
for.
A maternity ward was established at
the Hospital; twenty-three nurses and
one probationer were at the training
school for nurses; 1,022 patients were
treated at the hospital. In the dispen-
sary over 10,000 patients were treated.
The druggists prepared nearly 17,000
prescriptions.
In that year the Hospital received
from:
The widow of the late Max M.
Rothschild $ 5,000
The heirs of Leopold Loewen-
stein 1,000
Little Nelson Morris Rothschild 500
The bequest of Mrs. Eliza
Frank 6,000
erected 'by Jacob Rosenberg, a surviv-
ing trustee, at a cost of over $14,000.
The total number of persons helped at
the Relief office during the year from
September, 1897, to 1898, was 10,742.
Five hundred and ninety-five persons
applied for work at the Employment
Bureau and work was procured for
534. At the Hospital were treated the
following patients: Jewish, pay, 95;
charity, 1,234. Non- Jewish, pay, 100;
charity, 87. Total 1,516. In the Hos-
pital Dispensary a total of 20,949 pa-
tients were treated. Of these 5,490 were
non-Jewish; 20,991 prescriptions were
filled at the pharmacy. At the West
Side Dispensary there were treated 19,-
525 cases and 18,151 prescriptions were
filled. At the Sheltering Home 100
Henry A. Kohn 5,000
Max Goodkind 500
And the fifth annual payment of 100
(From the estate of E. Gross-
man.)
Total $13,100
The Hospital endowment fund
amounted to $139,900.
The board urged that as New York
raises $175,000 a year for Jewish char-
ity, the Jewish Relief of Chicago,
should raise not less than $60,000 for
the same purpose.
. In 1895 a Sheltering Home was
opened by the United Hebrew Charities
on the west side. In 1896 Mrs. Eman-
uel Mandel donated $10,000 for a West
Side Dispensary building. On April 18,
1897, the children's building was
opened In the Hospital grounds,
children belonging to 49 families were
kept at the Home for a total period of
2,581 days.
In the annual report of the Executive
Board for 1898 to 1899 we find the fol-
lowing remarks:
"Complaints are heard at times, even
today, of unjust treatment at the Re-
lief office. Nearly every disappointed
applicant has words of abuse and de-
nunciation, which find only too willing
an ear, particularly with those mem-
bers of the community who fail to con-
tribute to this department. We cau-
tion you against accepting these sto-
ries. We invite investigation. We
urge you to visit the Relief office, to
examine into the work, to see how the
applicants are treated. Our records are
open to the inspection of anyone who
has a legitimate interest therein. In-
formation can be obtained and will be
willingly given at the office. Year
after year we have repeated this invi-
tation, and year after year we have
kept on complaining, but you have
failed to respond. The work is your
work, not ours alone; we are but your
representatives. You yourselves, are
the representatives of the Jewish com-
munity. An attendance at these an-
nual meetings, a payment of an annual
contribution, is not the full perform-
ance of the duties which you have as-
sumed. A personal Interest In the
work, such as will enable you to sug-
gest at these annual meetings neces-
sary changes of reform, is essential.
"As long as we are given $27,500, as
long as we are compelled to grant as-
sistance in 1,010 cases, as often as 2,335
times, we cannot hope to effect aid in
many cases. We have on our books
today 49 persons receiving regular
monthly assistance, aggregating $350.
They are mostly, the aged, the sick and
the widowed with dependent children,
the most deserving of all our appli-
cants."
Public exercises were held in June in
the K. A. M. Temple at which the first
three-year class of twelve nurses were
graduated. At the Hospital Dispen-
sary about 13,000 patients were treated,
while In the pharmacy nearly 22,000
prescriptions were filled. The Fair and
the charity ball of that year arranged
by the Young Men's Hebrew Charity
Association netted the sum of $84,000. Of
this the Michael Reese hospital re-
ceived one-half, the other departments
of the United Hebrew Charities re-
ceived in all $14,250. On May 1, 1899,
the Sheltering Home was closed. The
West Side Dispensary building was
erected on the 50-foot lot on the west
side of Morgan street, south of Max-
well. The cost of the lot was $5,000.
We received for this purpose from the
Young Men's Hebrew Charity Associa-
tion $3,000, the balance of $2,000 was
taken from the building fund. It was
found that the plans called for a build-
ing which would cost $1,300 in excess
of the amount of money on hand. One
of the trustees, Mr. Edwin F. Meyer,
generously guaranteed that the amount
necessary to complete the building
would be paid when needed. The plans
for the building were drawn by Mr.
Dankmar Adler, one of the trustees, as
architect.
Mr. Francis Kiss, who had been the
efficient superintendent of the United
Hebrew Charities for twenty-eight
years, was retired by the board on ac-
count of old age, and his son-in-law,
Mr. Edward Rutoovits, elected to take
his "place. Mr. Kiss earned, during his
many years of service, the highest re-
spect and appreciation of the entire
community. The board often expressed
their warm gratitude and full ac-
knowledgment of the services ren-
dered to the cause of charity by Mr.
Kiss. He worked hard, intelligently
and faithfully, and fully deserves the
rest he is now enjoying.
A new superintendent, Doctor Un-
gerleider, was also elected for the hos-
pital, and the United Hebrew Chari-
ties have cause to congratulate them-
selves upon securing the services of so
able, zealous and efficient a superin-
tendent for the hospital. During the
period from September, 1899, to April,
1900, assistance was given at the Re-
lief Office to 1,511 applicants, represent-
ing 7,160 persons. The hospital re-
ceived frpm the Young Men's Hebrew
Charity Association the sum of $5,000;
984 patients were treated in the hos-
pital, of whom 681 were Jewish charity
patients.
The new building of the West Side
Dispensary was completed and occu-
pied during the current year. It is a
splendid memorial to the architect, a
late member of the board, Dankmar
Adler, as well as a beautiful testimo-
nial of the generosity of Mrs. Emanuel
Mandel, who donated $10,000 to be ap-
plied to the building of the dispensary.
During the year 1900, an important
step was taken in the financial manage-
ment of the Jewish charity institutions
of Chicago. It was resolved to put the
collection of the necessary funds for
all the charity institutions into the
hands of one board or committee,
thereby relieving the individual boards
of the task of collecting the necessary
funds wherewith to run the institu-
tions. It was also hoped that thereby
the revenue of the charity institutions
would 'be materially increased.
This general or associated board was
REFORM ADVOCATED
313
to distribute the collected funds among
all the charity institutions in a judi-
cious manner.
For over forty years the United He-
brew Chanties of Chicago labored un-
ceasingly, unselfishly, ardently and de-
votedly in the cause of benevolence.
Boards came and boards went. The
Jewish population of Chicago in-
creased and multiplied rapidly. The
demands upon the patience, the intel-
ligence and the devotedness of the dif-
ferent boards were frequently enor-
mous. A terrific conflagration swept
over the city, creating a crisis of vast
importance in the Jewish community,
threatening life and existence of all the
communal institutions. The United
Hebrew Charities was found equal to
the emergency. By reading the ex-
tracts of the reports which we have
given, one is amazed at the enormity of
the work accomplished. The numbers
of applicants treated at the Relief Of-
fice, at the hospital and at the branch
institutions, as the West Side Dispen-
sary, Sheltering Home, Lying in Hos-
pital, etc., are dazzling in their im-
mensity. During all these years the
United Hebrew Charities maintained
its position as the first and the great-
est Jewish benevolent institution In
the State of Illinois, and it has been
only surpassed, so far, by the United
Hebrew Charities of New York City.
As the years roll by and new gener-
ations step into the places of the old
leaders, all the complaining and fault
finding will toe forgotten, and the
names of the true and faithful workers
in the ranks of the United Hebrew
Charities of Chicago will stand out as
shining examples of true manhood, of
ideal benevolence, worthy of emula-
tion. The blessings of the entire com-
munity will follow them beyond this
life to their eternal homes, and the
unanimous verdict will be, "Well done,
true and faithful servants!"
ASSOCIATED JEWISH CHARITIES
OF CHICAGO.
The movement for the creation of
the Associated Jewish Charities of
Chicago began to take shape in Janu-
ary, 1900. After several prelimi-
nary meetings the work was ac-
complished, and on April 16, 1900,
a charter was granted to the As-
sociated Jewish Charities of Chi-
cago. This is the object which ths
Associated Charities had set for itself:
To substitute for the annual contri-
butions to the various institutions one
single contribution to its funds, the
proceeds of which will be distributed
by it among the various charities in
aid of the Jews of Chicago in accord-
ance with their requirements. We
quote from the report of the United
Hebrew Charities for the period of Sep-
tember 18, 1899, to April 30, 1900. From
this report we learn that during that
time a larger sum has been subscribed
than has heretofore been collected by
all of the Jewish charities combined,
including the annual charity ball, and
that, too, among a fewer number of
persons than have contributed to the
relief department. Less than one
thousand persons have subscribed over
$ 120,000, and it is hoped that at least
$30,000 more will soon be raised.
Pursuant to a call issued by the tem-
porary officers of the new movement a
meeting of the subscribers to the Asso-
ciated Jewish Charities was held April
12, 1900, in the vestry rooms of Sinai
Temple. The very large attendance
was an evidence of the great interest
felt in the movement. All sections of
the city were well represented, as were
all the leading Jewish institutions and
organizations. Mr. Edwin G. Fore-
man opened the meeting by making the
following statement:
treatment received from everyone ap-
proached in the matter.. It did, indeed,
seem as though the entire Jewish com-
munity acted as a committee of one to
further a cause which one and all con-
sidered to be a good move in the right
direction.
"During the time subscribers were
being solicited, the plans which will
be submitted to you this evening were
formulated and carefully considered at
meetings held by a committee of twen-
ty-one, consisting of four members of
each of the executive boards of the fol-
lowing instructions — namely, the Uni-
ted Hebrew Charities, the Jewish
Training School, the Home for Aged
Jews, and the Chicago Home for Jew-
OHICAGO LYING-IN HOSPITAL.
"The work in connection with this
undertaking of making one annual col-
lection for the charities was com-
menced about three months ago. Since
that time we have obtained 835 sub-
scribers, the amount subscribed being
$115,940. Inasmuch as the United He-
brew Charities alone had 1,200 sub-
scribers last year, I feel safe in pre-
dicting that there are at least one thou-
sand more persons who will subscribe
under the new system, while some of
my co-workers estimated the number
.at two thousand.
"I am satisfied that the methods
heretofore pursued in collecting money
for the charities did not receive such
generous and enthusiastic support
nor met with such unanimous ap-
proval.
"While the work performed has been
great and laborious, it has, neverthe-
less, proved a pleasant and agreeable
task, owing to the general willingness
to assist, and the kind and courteous
ish Orphans, and the five members of
the self-constituted committee, and
these plans have also been approved
by the boards of these respective insti-
tutions.
"Before you enter upon your delibera-
tions this evening permit me to offer
this suggestion— namely, that you place
the fullest and most implicit confi-
dence in your first board of directors.
"Do not hamper them or limit their
sphere of action by rules and conven-
tionalities, but leave them free to work
out, along the lines dictated by their
own reason and judgment, the prob-
lems that will necessarily confront
them. Your confidence will not be mis-
placed. The interests of the organiza-
tion will be the individual Interests of
each member of the board, and will be
fully conserved by them."
The following statement made by
Mr. Julian W. Mack, Secretary of the
United Hebrew Charities, at this meet-
ing clearly outlines the work and in-
314
REFORM ADVOCATED
tentions of th,e organization. Mr.
Mack said:
'"For some time past it has been con-
sidered desirable by a number of mem-
bers of this community to adopt a new
system of collecting and distributing
the charitable donations of the Jews.
At the last annual meeting of the Uni-
ted Charities this matter was suggested
by the report of the executive board,
and independently, from the floor, a
resolution was offered and adopted In-
structing the executive board to invite
a conference of the other Jewish chari-
table organizations.
"Before anything was done under
this resolution, and entirely indepen-
dently thereof, Mr. Edwin G. Foreman
and Mr. Edwin F. Meyer determined
to ascertain to. what extent a move-
ment of this kind would be supported.
On the 7th of January, 1900, they in-
vited a conference of a few citizens to
test their feelings on the subject. The
response was gratifyingly unanimous.
amount necessary for proper work,
will be raised. After $100,000 had been
subscribed the central committee de-
cided it was time to organize. They
invited a conference with representa-
tives from the 'board of United Hebrew
Charities, the Jewish Training
School, and the Chicago Home for
Jewish Orphans. A number or
meetings were held by this con-
ference. A sub-committee was ap-
pointed to draft a charter and by-laws.
These were submitted to the general
conference, and after several meetings,
at which all the questions involved
were thoroughly discussed, the charter
and by-laws, practically as presented
to you tonight, were unanimously
adopted. The by-laws adopted have
been submitted to the board of direc-
tors of the United Hebrew Charities,
the Home for Aged Jews, the Jewish
Training School and the Chicago
Home for Jewish Orphans, and have
been unanimously approved of.
WEST SIDE DISPENSARY.
They thereupon associated with them-
celves, as a provisional central commit-
tee to take charge of the work, Doctor
E. G. Hirsch, Messrs. Leon Mandel and
Julian W. Mack. This committee se-
lected a sub-committee from the vari-
ous clubs, and they one and all worked
with unabated zeal in soliciting contri-
butions from their fellow members.
The central committee invited confer-
ences with the Rabbis and obtained
their assistance in soliciting subscrip-
tions from the congregation members,
and finally when this meeting had been
determined upon they sent out general
circulars to the public at large invit-
ing subscriptions. As a result of these
efforts 870 persons have contributed
nearly $116,000 to date. As soon as the
organization is completed active steps
will have to be taken to obtain sub-
scriptions from every Jew and Jewess
in the City of Chicago, and it cannot
be doubted but that $150,000, the
"Before reading the draft of the
charter it may be permissible to say a
few words on the functions o?the new
organization, and particularly to em-
phasize, what it is not expected to do.
It is to be primarily a financial insti-
tution, a clearing house, to collect the
contributions and to distribute them
among the various charities. There is
no intention of engaging in direct
charity work, or of competing in any
manner with any of the existing insti-
tutions. The officers and trustees who
are to be elected by you to manage it
should, therefore, be selected because
of their ability to collect funds and to
maintain the present collections and
because of their well established repu-
tations for fairness and impartiality.
"The new society, if carried on on
these lines, will not and cannot solve
all the acute charity problems that
must be solved at once by the Jews
of this city. The chief of these is the
amalgamation of all of the relief giving
bodies into one central body. The new
organization, as a distributer of the
funds; will certainly take up this prob-
lem immediately and endeavor to bring
about a complete co-operation of all
the organizations which now dispense
direct relief among the Jews. This
amalgamated relief body will, it is
hoped, include all of the ladies' socie-
ties, the relief department of the Unit-
ed Hebrew Charities and various bod-
ies working in co-operation with the
Seventh Ward Bureau."
The following officers were unani-
mously elected to serve for the first
year:
President — Edwin G. Foreman.
Vice-President — Harry Hart.
Treasurer — Isador BaumgarU.
Secretary — Julian W. Mack.
A board of seven directors was also
elected as follows:
For three years — A. G. Becker and
L. B. Kuppenheimer.
For one year — Mrs. Hannah G. Solo-
mon and George Frank.
From the speeches of the President
and the Secretary of this new associa-
tion we believe that the reader will be
able to form a clear conception of the
intentions, aims and objects of the As-
sociated Jewish Charities. The forma-
tion of this association was a step in
the right direction, which will be imi-
tated by the larger Jewish communi-
ties of this country. The officers elec-
ted have the full confidence of the
community, and the results of their
work will tell a cheerful and gratifying
story.
THE CHICAGO LYING IN HOSPITAL
AND DISPENSARY.
Just a few words in regard to these
two very necessary and beneficial in-
stitutions in connection with the United
Hebrew Charities. These institutions
are growing larger, better and more
useful every year. The board of direc-
tors stands as follows:
Mrs. E. C. Dudley, President.
Mrs. Leon Hartmen, First Vice-Pres-
ident.
Mrs. Charles L. Strobel, Second Vice-
President
Mrs. George Bass, Secretary.
Mr. B. R. Cahn, Mrs. Emanuel Man-
del, Mrs. Frank M. Avery, Mrs. Charles
Sherman, Mrs. L. Lowensteln, Mrs. H.
C. Chatfleld-Taylor, Mrs. George W.
Meeker, Mrs. Levy Mayer, Doctor J. B.
DeLee, Mrs. S. B. Steele, Mrs. W. H.
Atwater, Mrs. George E. Wood, Mrs. S.
C. Stanton, Mrs. Charles D. Norton,
Mrs. J. L. Cochran, Mrs. M. D. Wells,
Mrs. L. J. Wolf.
The objects of the institution are:
"To provide proper medical care for
poor women during confinement at
their own homes; to establish and
maintain a hospital for the care of
such pregnant women as are without
homes or need hospital care during
confinement; to instruct students of
medicine in the art of midwifery, and
to train nurses in the care of women
during confinement"
REFORM ADYOGA.TR.
315
The first of these objects is being ac-
complished at the dispensary, at 298
Maxwell street, which cares for nearly
one thousand women a year at their
homes. The society turns its efforts
toward establishing the much wished
for maternity hospital, the necessity
for which as an adjunct to the dispen-
sary was being more and more acutely
felt. No case is refused at the hospital
if there is a vacant bed — Jew or Gen-
tile, rich or poor, white or colored —
the hospital will do its best for them
all. In September a course of obstet-
ric training of nurses was established.
This course is of two months' duration,
and many nurses of the other hospitals
have availed themselves of its privi-
leges. The service is both indoor and
among the dispensary patients. Its
fame is rapidly spreading througfiout
the training schools of the city and
elsewhere.
in connection with the nursery an
Incubator Station has been opened, for
the care of prematurely and weakly
born infants. This is the only thing
of the kind in the city, as is also the
ambulance incubator used in trans-
porting these delicate children from
distant parts of the city and the sub-
urbs.
While this society is not exclusively
a Jewish organization, yet so many of
our co-religionists take an active in-
terest in its work and so many poor
Jewish women benefit by it, that wo
thought it proper to give an account of
this institution in connection with the
U. H. Ch.
The fact is that a Jewish physician,
Dr. J. B. De Lee, is the very soul of
the entire establishment and a sub-
stantial part of the funds are con-
tributed by Jews.
THE DISPENSARY.
At 298 Maxwell street the dispensary
continues to do great good among the
poor women at their homes. During
the past year 889 cases were treated
and no death is to be recorded in the
whole service; 10,982 visits were made
these women, representing a vast
amount of effort.
One hundred and six students were
trained in the essentials of midwifery,
and the minutiae of obstetrics and
cleanliness.
SOUTH SIDE LADIES' SEWING SO-
CIETY.
The South Side Ladies' Sewing So-
ciety was organized in the fall of
1S63, with thirty members. There
T/as only one officer at that time, and
that was a president. The first presi-
dent was Mrs. Michael Greenebaum.
The dues were ten cents per week.
The ladies met at the homes of the
members and sewed garments for
poor women and children, which wore
distributed by the Hebrew Relief As-
sociation. From the start until the
present day the Sewing ' Society was
an auxiliary of the Hebrew Relief
Association. «
On the 3d of April, 1888, the Society
was incorporated. The officers were
then: Mrs. M. Schmaltz, president,
•Mrs. H. F. Hahn, vice-president, Mrs.
E. Mandel, recording secretary. Mrs.
l-i. Simons, treasurer, Mrs. J. Hirsch,
financial secretary. When the Mi-
chael Reese Hospital was opened the
South Side Ladies' Sewing Society
supplied said Hospital with all linens,
such as aprons, comforters, etc.
For the last few years the Society
has employed four Jewish women to
do the sewing, which in former years
was done by its members, expending
for this purpose from four to six
hundred dollars a season. Lately the
Society has been working in co- opera-
tion with the Chicago Women's Aid,
in operating the work room on Canal
Street, the Sewing Society supplying
all material and distributing the fin-
ished garments. In» addition to this
the L. S. Society furnishes employ-
ment to thirty women at their homes,
who are unable to attend the work
room.
The present staff of officers consists
of Mrs. J. Schmaltz, president; Mrs.
A. Rheimstrom, vice-president; Mrs.
L. Strauss, treasurer; Mrs. N. F. Leo-
pold, financial secretary; Miss Bins-
wanger, recording secretary. The mem-
bership numbers 310. The annual ex-
penditures have reached the sum of
$4,000. The number of families sup-
plied are about 225.
For the last thirteen years the pies-
Ident, Mrs. Schmaltz, has attended to
the duties of her office with a zeal
and devotion commanding the highest
praise. Mrs. Schmaltz is a sister of
Abe and Henry N. Hart, and charity,
the strong trait of character in the
Hart family, exercises its fascination
and influence upon the daughters as
well as upon the sons. Mrs. Schmaltz
seems to grow younger every year un-
der the benign and rejuvenating in-
fluence of sweet charity. She is still
vary active in her blessed work and
with the aid of her devoted sisters in
charity, her companion officers of the
L. S. Society, she accomplishes a vast
amount of good for the benefit of the
Jewish poor of Chicago. May her
powers never grow less.
The other Ladies' Sewing Societies
of the North and West Sides have af-
filiated with the United Hebrew Chari-
ties.
THE JOCHANNAH LODGE.
The Jochannah Lodge is one of a
number of lodges constituting "The In-
dependent Order of True Sisters"
("Unabhaengige Orden der Treuen
Sch western"), with its headiuarters
in New York.
Jochannah Lodge was organized
twenty-seven years ago, on the 12th
of February, in this city, with Mrs.
Babbette Weise its first president.
The charter members were: The
above-named president, Mrs. Johan-
nah A. Loeb, Mrs. Michael Greene-
baum, Mrs. Leopold Simon, Mrs. Sa-
rah Cole and Mrs. Jochannah Koeh-
ler. It was organized for mutual
benefit and advancement. The mem-
bers are entitled to a sick benefit.
There is also an endowment feature
connected with the association. Joc-
hannah Lodge has always bfcen close-
ly allied with all charitable projects
in the city. In former years it an-
nually clothed 100 poor children, but
for the past six years it has confined its
work to the maintenance of a certain
number of widows and their children.
Its annual entertainments and festi-
vals are undertaken for the purpose of
raising funds to be so applied. Dur-
ing the last year it has been work-
ing in conjunction with the United
Hebrew Charities, and has charge of
about twenty-five families. Jochan-
uah Lodge was first to organize and
maintain a free kindergarten for poor
Jewish children, and it points with
pride to the fact that the present
Manual Training School is an out-
come of the feeble efforts of Jochan-
nah Lodge in that direction.
The membership at present is near-
ly 300.
THE YOUNG LADIES' AUXILIARY.
This is a powerful adjunct to the
society. During the year these young
women contributed $613 to the insti-
tution; $300 for furnishing the nursery
and $313 for its support. In addition
they donated large quantities of babies'
clothes, the labor of their own hands.
Their membership now numbers 86,
and all are deeply imbued with the im-
portance of their work and active in
their efforts in furtherance of it.
President— Miss Minnie Sax.
First Vice-President — Miss Rose Des-
pres.
Second Vice-President — Miss Emma
Steele.
Secretary — Miss Lulu Newman.
Treasurer — Miss Nettie De Lee.
In charge of the work room — Miss
Rebecca Hefte'r.
LEADERS IN CHARITY WORK.
MR. HENRY GREENEBAUM.
The First President of the U. H. R. A.
In tracing the development of a
community the historian often finds
the foot-prints of a single individual
deeply impressed in the sands of time,
extending through several epochs of
progress and achievement. From the
faintest border lines of first attempts
in the pioneer period to the very cen-
ter of the movements of maturity the
light of this individual character radi-
ates like a brilliant star on the firma-
ment of the communal life, leading the
way to thrift and to triumph, to
strength and to stability.
In the history of the Jewish commu-
nity of Chicago Henry Greenebaum oc-
cupies just such an exalted position.
He was the pioneer leader and the pow-
erful promoter of good and noble
achievements through many years of
the life of the Jewish community. The
irresistible force of his energetic indi-
REFORM ADVOCATE.
viduality gave the impulse to the cre-
ation of many of the religious, benevo-
lent, fraternal, educational and social
institutions, and his enthusiastic na-
ture and lofty idealism, tempered with
practicability and commercial sagacity,
helped to sustain them and to extend
their beneficial influences.
Henry Greenebaum was born at Ep~
pelsheim, Germany, June 18, 1833, and
his parents were Jacob and Sarah
(Herz) Greenebaum. He received his
primary education in yie public schools
of his native town and then took up
the study of the classics at Alzey and
Kaiserslautern. He came to Chicago
October 25, 1848, where two elder broth-
ers, Michael and Elias, had preceded
him, and took employment as a hard-
ware salesman in the establishment of
W. F. Dominick. After two years he
engaged as clerk in the banking house
of General R. K. Swift Here he re-
mained four years, becoming thorough-
ly conversant with the banking busi-
ness.
At the end of this period he opened
HENRY GREENEBAUM.
First President U. H. R. A.
a bank in partnership with his elder
brother, Elias, who was also a clerk
In Swift's bank. Mr. Greenebaum be-
came president of the German Savings
Bank, and in the time of their high-
est prosperity the deposits of these
banks approximated five million dol-
lars, quite a large aggregate In the
earlier bank history of Chicago.
He was one of the promoters of the
city library and Is a life member of
the Chicago Historical Society, the
Chicago Atheneum (to which upon his
motion It was changed from the origi-
nal name of Christian Union), the As-
tronomical Society, the 82d Illinois Vol.
Regiment of Veterans, and of several
kindred associations. He served in the
City Council as Alderman from the
Sixth Ward, was Presidential Elector
on the Douglas ticket, in 1856 he repre-
sented Cook County on the first Equal-
ization Board of the States and was a
member of the West Chicago Park
Commission during the administration
of Governor Palmer.
The greatest interest he always took
In Jewish affairs. Before he was of
age he was secretary of the Congrega-
tion B'nai Sholom and when he with-
drew in 1855 to join Kehilath Anshe
Maarabh, Congregation B'nai Sholom «
elected him an honorary member. In
1857 he assisted in instituting Ra-
man Lodge No. 33 of the Order
of B'nai B'rith. He was an active mem-
ber of District Grand Lodge No. 2 for
ten years and one of the founders of
the Cleveland Orphan Asylum. At the
institution of District Grand Lodge
No. 6, in 1868, he was elected first
President by unanimous choice and
twice succeeded himself. He was one
of the founders of Sinai Congregation.
In 1864 he established the Zion Congre-
gation on the west side and was its
President for seven years. In 1882 he
was again elected President, holding
the office for two years. In the fall of
1895 a large number of co-religionists
living south of Tltfrty-ninth street or-
ganized the Isaiah Congregation and
Mr. Greenebaum was elected the first
President. He was the father of the
United Hebrew Relief Association, now
known as the United Hebrew Charities,
and was elected its first President. He
is an honorary member of Jochannah
Lodge, an organization of Jewish
women devoted to charity and intel-
lectual culture. He is also President of
the Past-Presidents' Association of
District Grand Lodge No. 6, I. O. B. B.,
and for thirty years he officiated in
ZioB Temple as reader on the eve of
the day of Atonement.
In 1855 Mr. Greenebaum was married
in New York to Miss Emily Hyman
and she proved a true and noble help-
mate to him through many years of
his eventful life. She died in Septem-
ber, 1899, after forty-four years of
wedded life, lamented by a large circle
of friends and admirers of her many
womanly virtues. The only child born
to them lived but one year, and Mr. and
Mrs. Greenebaum raised several or-
phaned children of relatives, bestowing
upon them the loving care of parents.
Since 1882 Mr. Greenebaum has been
connected with the Equitable Life As-
surance Society of the United States,
and is now one of the managers of this
company in Chicago.
Mr. Greenebaum, though advanced in
years, still retains the freshness and
activity of youth. He is still taking
a lively interest in B'nai B'rith and
other Jewish communal affairs. He is
still a student of literature and lan-
guages and is much interested in mu-
sic. The Jewish community honors
him as the acknowledged leader of
over half a century, who has fully
earned the love and veneration of the
past and present generations.
MR. ISAAC GREENSFELDER.
Present President of the U. H. Charities.
Among the many Jewish emigrants
who left Germany in 1848, the year of
revolutions In Europe, was a young
man of 21 years, by the name of Isaac
Greensfelder, who had learned the
shoemaker's trade. He was born In
Lehrberg, Bavaria, in 1827, and his pa-
ISAAC GREENSFELDER.
rents' names were Nathan and There-
sa. In his native town he received a
public school education and he had full
confidence in his ability to earn an
honest living in the new world. In 1853
he came to Chicago and here he suc-
ceeded far beyond his modest expecta-
tions. A year ago he retired from a bus-
iness which counted among the largest
and most prosperous wholesale boot
and shoe establishments of the west
and his standing in the Chicago com-
munity as man and merchant is in-
deed an enviable one.
Mr. Greenfelder has devoted almost
his entire life to charitable work.
From the very first day of the organi-
zation of the Hebrew Relief Associa-
tion, October, 1859, he was one of its
prominent and active leaders. This
benevolent society is now known as
the United Hebrew Charities. For
thirty-three years he has been an
officer of the society and its president
for thirty-one years, and he is still
filling this honorable position. He is
a charter member of Sinai Congrega-
tion and for many years one of its di-
rectors. As president of the United
Hebrew Charities he also has the Mi-
chael Reese Hospital under his official
management, and in spite of his ad-
vanced age he attends to his duties
with earnest zeal and astonishing reg-
ularity. He is also director of the
Jewish Orphans' Home and a mem-
AQRAHAM HART.
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
317
ber of the Standard Club. Mr. Greens-
felder married Miss Emilie Blum,
and of the children born to them seven
are living, four sons and three daugh-
ters, Nathan, Dr. Louis, Adolph, Ju-
lius, Thekla, Rose, and Bella.
MR. ABRAHAM HART.
The town of Eppelsheim, in the
Rhein country, is the place where Mr.
Hart was born in 1831. He Is the son
of Michael and Babetta (Newberger)
Hart. In 1854 he came to America and
settled in Chicago. He is the founder
of the well known wholesale furni-
ture house of Hart Bros, and is still
the active senior partner of this firm.
Mr. Hart is a member of Sinai Congre-
gation and an ex-director of the same,
also a member of the Standard Club.
Mr. Hart is a prominent figure in the
Jewish community of Chicago, for he
was for many years the heart and soul
of the most important movements
which resulted in the establishment of
the best Jewish communal Institutions.
His enviable reputation as a father of
the orphans and as a friend of the
needy even went beyond the limits of
the state. For eighteen years he served
the United Hebrew Charities of Chi-
cago. Twice he was elected President,
twice Treasurer and four times Trus-
tee. He is a life member of the Cleve-
land Orphan Asylum, and for elev-
en years he held the honorable
position of President and twenty-
six years as Trustee of this In-
stitution. He is also a contribut-
ing member of the Orphans' Home
of Atlanta, Ga., and of the Monte-
flore Old People's Home of Cleveland,
O., and he still takes warm interest in
the welfare of the inmates of the
Cleveland Orphan Asylum. Mr. Hart
married Miss Hannah Rosenheim and
they have three children, Mrs. H. Levi,
Harry R. and Milton R.
work and was an ex-President of Sinai
Congregation. He died April 12, 1892,
after a successful career, honored by
all who knew him. He married Han-
nah Frank, and six children are now
living— Joseph, Clara, Emanuel, Ar-
thur, Rose and "Elsie.
GODFREY SNYDACKER.
» ^
GODFREY SNYDACKER.
Mr. Snydacker was born In Enger,
Westphalia, September 7, 1826. He
came to America in 1854; was German
Consul in this city in 1857, and was
prominently identified with the
early growth of Chicago. He took
an active part in Congregational
CHAS. KOZMINSKI.
CHARLES KOZMINSKI.
Charles Kozminski was born June 12,
1836, in the Prussian province of Si-
lesia. His parents were well to do and
educated him in the higher schools of
Breslau. At the age of 16 he entered
the employ of a commission house at
Breslau and his employers had such
great confidence in his ability and in-
tegrity that they entrusted to him
their entire business upon the local
bourse. When he reached the age of 17
he came to America and settled in New
York City, where he remained about a
year. He came to Chicago in 1854.
His first mercantile venture in this
city was in the grocery business and
for years he conducted one of the larg-
est retail grocery stores in the West,
situated at the northwest corner of
Monroe street and Fifth avenue. In
1866 he disposed of his grocery store
and engaged in the dry goods business
at No. 360 State street, where he re-
mained about three years. He then
abandoned mercantile pursuits and en-
tered the banking business, and was
also general western passenger agent
of a number of lines of ocean steamers.
In the '50s he was the first president
of the first German Republican organi-
zation in Chicago, called the Washing-
ton Club.
In 1887 he was appointed by Mayor
Roche a member of the Board of Edu-
cation, and as chairman of the Finance
Committee he proved himself an active,
enthusiastic and useful member. He
took great interest in the work of the
board and was one of the main factors
in securing the passage of the compul-
sory education law. He was connected
with the United Hebrew Relief Asso-
ciation and held different offices in the
same; he was trustee from 1869 to 1871,
financial secretary from 1871 to 1873,
and president from 1873 to 1874.
His charity knew no bounds and he
was never too busy to give advice and
counsel. At the time of the Chicago
fire he was actively connected with the
different relief societies and gave up
much time and money in aiding the
poor. He was an active and enthusias-
tic Republican in politics, and died on
the platform after having finished a
most patriotic speech nominating ex-
Mayor Swift for Mayor of Chicago.
He left a widow who is also very ac-
tive in charity circles; since a number
of years she is a director of the Cleve-
land Orphan Asylum and secretary of
the Chicago Auxiliary Association of
the same institution. One son, Maurice
Kozminski, also survives him; he is a
well-known and prominent citizen of
Chicago; he is a member of the mort-
gage banking firm of Kozminski &
Yondorf, and is also the general agent
for the French Trans-Atlantic line of
steamers.
The Board of Education of Chicago
paid a high compliment to the memory
of Charles Kozminski, as a sign of ap-
preciation of his work while a member
of the board; they named a school on
the west side after him, and the Jewish
community highly appreciated this
friendly act of the Board of Education.
NATHAN EISENDRATH.
MR. NATHAN EISENDRATH.
Mr. Eisendrath was born in Dorsten,
Prussia, in the year 1823, and came to
America in 1848. He is one of the Jew-
ish pioneers of Chicago, and has for
many years occupied a prominent posi-
tion in the business world. He helped
to establish the North Side Hebrew
Congregation, in which he held the of-
fice of President for several years. He
served the United Hebrew Charities as
oflicer for six years and for one year,
1874 to 1875, he was president of this
association. He is a member of Con-
gregation Anshe Maarabh, and for a
number of years he was one of the di-
rectors. He married Miss Helena Fell-
heimer of Bavaria, and nine children
were the fruits of this union, four of
whom are living, Benjamin W., Wil-
liam N., Joseph N., and Dr. Daniel N.
Some years ago he retired from busi-
ness to enjoy in his old age the rest
which he so well deserves. Mr. Nathan
Eisendrath is the pioneer of the Eisen-
drath family in the United States.
318
REFORM ADVOCATE.
H. F. HAHN.
MR. HERMAN F. HAHN.
The Chicago Jewish community is
indeed deeply indebted to Eppelsheim,
a small town in the Grand Duchy of
Hesse-Darmstadt. Many of its best
and noblest members hail from that
distant German place. There stood the
cradles of the Greenebaums, the Harts
and the Felsenthals, and there, too,
the subject of our sketch first saw the
light of day. Destiny seems to have
dedicated him to a free and indepen-
dent life in the land of liberty at his
very birth, for he was born on the day
consecrated to the celebration of Am-
erican independence, July 4, 1841. His
parents, John and Florin Hahn, emi-
grated to America in 1849 and settled
in Ohio. There Herman F. Hahn was
educated in the public schools. Coming
to Chicago, he engaged in the wholesale
jewelry business and was very success-
ful. He is a member of Sinai Congre-
gation and the Standard Club. He was
a member of Zion Congregation for
many years, also Treasurer of the
We'st Chicago Club. Since 1883 he has
been connected with the United He-
, brew Charities in an official capacity,
and for ten years, from 1889 to 1899, be
held the office of Vice-President in that
institution. He married Miss Jose-
phine Joseph and they have three chil-
dren, two sons and one daughter —
Mrs. G. T. Bauer, Harry W. and Ed-
ward J.
His good qualities, public-spirited-
ness, ability and integrity, were al-
ready recognized by his fellow citizens
when he was quite a young man in the
state of Ohio and they bestowed upon
him many a political honor, and the
rich experience of a long and honor-
able career in Chicago has gained for
'lim the full measure of esteem due to
a good and able man.
MR. MAURICE ROSENFELD.
Mr. Maurice Rosenfeld was born in
Chicago in the year 1855. He was edu-
cated in Germany at the city of Frank-
fort-on-the-Main. His first business
enterprise was in the wholesale dry
goods line. At present he is engaged
ifl the real estate business. He is
director in three very prominent
financial Institutions of Chicago, the
Chicago National Bank, the Equitable
Trust Co., and the Home Savings
Bank. He is also director of the Chi-
cago Relief and Aid Society and the
United Hebrew Charities. At the last
election he was chosen by the citizens
as a member of the Board of County
Commissioners. He is a member of
Congregation Anshe Maariv, which his
father and father-in-law, the late Jacob
Rosenberg, helped to establish fifty-
four years ago. Mr. Rosenfeld mar-
ried Miss Mattie Rosenberg, and the
fruits of this union are two very lovely
children.
MAURICE ROSENFELD.
MR. ELIAS GREENEBAUM.
Mr. Greenebaum, who is the senior
partner of the popular banking house
of Greenebaum Sons, is so well and
favorably known in the Chicago com-
munity that it is superfluous to preface
this biographical sketch with any in-
troductory remarks. His name alone
suffices, for it is synonymous with all
that an honorable career of a half cen-
tury can possibly imply. Mr. Greene-
baum was born at Eppelsheim, Grand
Duchy of Darmstadt, in June, 1822. He
was educated in Germany, and at the
age of 25 (in 1847), he came to the
United States. His first employment
was as a clerk in a country store in
Ohio. He soon came to Chicago and
accepted a position as clerk in the dry
goods store of Francis Clarke, 168 Lake
street. He subsequently entered the
banking house of Richard K. Swift.
On January 1, 1855, he joined his
brother, Henry, in the banking and
brokerage business. In 1862 he 'joined
his brother-in-law, Mr. Gerhard Fore-
man, under the firm name of Greene-
baum & Foreman. The business was
carried on until 1874., when the firm
was dissolved, and Mr. Greenebaum
joined his brother Henry, entering into
the firm of Henry Greenebaum & Co.
In 1878 Mr. Ellas Greenebaum started
a loan brokerage business with his
sons, Henry E. and Moses E., the firm
name being as at present, Greenebaum
Sons.
Mr. Greenebaum is one of the found-
ers of the Sinai Congregation, and is
ELIAS GREENEBAUM.
still a member of the same. The mem-
bers of the Congregation have
bestowed on him the highest honors
within their gift. He was director,
treasurer, vice-president and president
at different times. He was a member
of the Hebrew Benevolent Society, the
second oldest charity organization in
the Jewish community of Chicago,
and was President of the same for ten
years.
Mr. Greenebaum married a Miss Ro-
sina Strauss and has three sons, Moses
E., Henry E., and James E., and one
daughter, Emma, now the wife of Mr.
Nathan Guthman.
MR. GERHARD FOREMAN.
The history of the Chicago Jewish
community would indeed be incomplete
without relating the life of Gerhard
Foreman. His work and influence were
important factors in the building up of
a number of Jewish institutions and
the community is indebted to him for
much that is good and noble in its
midst.
Mr. Foreman was born in Dermstein,
Rheinpfalz, Germany, April 29, 1823.
His parents were Isaac and Fannie
Foreman. He went to school at Grun-
stadt, Germany, and in 1848 came tO'
America and embarked in the whole-
sale clothing business at Delphi, Ind.,
which business was afterwards re-
GERHARD FOREMAN.
REFORM ADVOCATE.
319
moved to Chicago. In 1857 he entered
the banking business in Chicago and
continued in this business until 1885
when he retired, having founded the
banking institution now known as
Foreman Bros'. Banking Company.
Mr. Foreman started life as a teacher
and his fine education was of great
help in his business career.
He was a member and an officer of
Sinai Congregation. On August 17,
1856, he married Miss Hannah Greene-
baum of Chicago and nine children
were born to them. Mr. Foreman died
August 13, 1897, and Mrs. Foreman
died April 5, 1886; a daughter, Mrs.
Amanda F. Ballenberg, died in 1893.
Three sons, Henry G., Edwin G. and
Oscar G., and five daughters, Mrs. Tillie
F. Rosenberg, Mrs. Ida F. Fleischer,
Mrs. Lydia F. Steele, Mrs. Florence F.
Leopold and Mrs. Birdie F. Schwab,
are still living.
Socially he is well known, and is
a member of the Standard and Lake-
side clubs, having been director, vice-
president and president of the latter.
He has taken much interest in the
M. EINSTEIN.
MR. MORRIS EINSTEIN.
Mr. Einstein was born in Germany
in 1826 and came to America in 1843.
For some years he lived in Joliet, 111.,
•where he conducted a mercantile es-
tablishment, he then settled in Chica-
go, where his business prospered. For
fourteen years he has been Irustee of
Michael Reese Hospital. He is a mem-
ber of Sinai Congregation and an ex-
director of the same. He is also a mem-
ber of the Standard Club and was one
of its directors. He married Miss Julia
Rosenheim and their union was blessed
with seven children, six of whom are
now living, Mrs. Jennie Schaffner, Ar-
thur M., Mrs. Emma Pierce (Roches-
ter, N. Y.), Mrs. Rose Longini, Mrs.
Tillie Rosenfield and Miss Anna.
CONRAD WITKOWSKY.
Mr. Witkowsky is a son of Solomon
G. and Dora Witkowsky, and was born
in 1839 in Posen, Prussia. He came to
America in 1847 and to this city in 1852
and has since been engaged in the
mercantile and insurance business. He
has seen the city grow, from an unpre-
tentious town to the present great me-
tropolis of the west. He is a member
of Sinai Congregation and has served
as one of its directors.
CONRAD WITKOWSKY.
charitable organizations, and has been
a director of the United Hebrew Relief
Association.
Mr. Witkowsky is married and has
three children living.
ADOLPH MOSES.
Mr. Moses was born in the ancient
city of Speyer, Germany, Feb. 27, 1837.
He is a son of Joseph and Rebecca (nee
Adler) Moses. He attended the public
and private schools of his native town.
In 1852 he came to America and settled
in Louisiana. He is a graduate of the
University of Louisiana, and in 1861 he
was admitted to the bar in that state.
He came to Chicago in 1869, (after a
residence -of six years in Quincy, 111.),
and his ability and legal learning soon
placed him in the foremost rank of his
profession. Mr. Moses is a member of
Sinai Congregation and of the Stand-
ADOLPH MOSES.
ard, Lakeside and Iroquois clubs. He
is ex-President of the Lakeside club
and for six years was a director of
the Chicago public library. He is ex-
President of the Grand Lodge of Dis-
trict No. 6, I. 0. B. B. At present he
is a member of the Executive Commit-
tee for this district, and President of
Covenant Culture Club. He also serv-
ed for several years as Secretary of
District Grand Lodge No. 6, and was
one of the Trustees of the Cleveland
Orphan Asylum. Mr. Moses is editor
of the National Corporation Reporter
(since 1891), was Vice-President of the
Illinois State Bar Association, is a
member of the Executive Committee of
the Civic Federation and Director of
the Chicago Commercial Association.
He is the author of a number of pam-
phlets on law and other subjects and
has delivered many lectures before
large and appreciative audiences, not-
able among these lectures are those on
the legal phase of the "Captain Dreyfus
case," on "Haym Solomon, a Neglected
Hero of the American Revolution," on
"Adolph Cremieux, the French lawyer,
and an eulogy on the life of the late
Isidore Bush of St. Louis. Mr. Moses
HON. PHILIP STEIN.
was the original organizer of the "John
Marshall Day" celebration, Feb. 4,
1901, which was a notable celebration
in all parts of the United States.
Mr. Moses still takes a warm inter-
est in every important movement of the
Jewish community. In 1869 Mr. Moses
married Miss Matilda Wolf, of Man-
tieim, Germany, and they have six
children living. Two of his sons are
associated with him in the law prac-
tice, and like their father, are steadily
ascending the ladder of popularity and
fame.
HON. PHILIP STEIN.
Judge Stein was born in Rhenish
Prussia, March 12, 1844. At the age of
ten years he came to America and set-
tled on a farm in Wisconsin. From
1861 to 1865 he was a student at the
Wisconsin State University. He then
went to Europe and spent two years at
the universities of Heidelberg, Bonn
and Berlin. He was admitted to the
bar in Milwaukee in 1868. In 1870-71.
he was associated with Mr. Adolph
Moses under the firm name of Moses
& Stein, and in 1887 he became a mem-
ber of the law firm of Kra'us, Mayer &
Stein. He was one of the founders of
the Standard club and its secretary for
320
REFORM ADVOCATED
many years. He helped to organize
the West Chicago Club and was Its
President for eight years in succession.
He is a member of the Isaiah Congre-
gation. In 1885 he served as chairman
of the general convention of the In-
dependent Order of B'nal B'rith, held
in New York, and in 1886, in a similar
capacity at the general convention of
the Order of Free Sons of Israel, at
Cincinnati. He was Secretary of the
United Hebrew Relief Association for
a number of years. He married April
4, 1875, Miss Emma Stein of Chicago,
and has five daughters, one of whom is
married to Mr. Sam Eisendrath.
Judge Stein is now serving the sec-
ond term on the bench of Cook county,
and is the first Jew ever elected to the
bench in the state of Illinois.
MARIAN HART SCHMALTZ.
Mrs. Schmaltz was born in Eppelsheim
and her parents, Michael and Babette
Hart, came from Hesse-Darmstadt.
She came to Chicago in 1852 and is an
old and respected resident, and has
MARIAN HART SCHMALTZ. '
taken an active and prominent part in
charity work. She has been president of
the South Side Ladies' Sewing Society
for 25 years, which office she now
holds, and has helped many a poor
family in time of need. Her husband,
Mr. Jos. Schmaltz, died in 1867. Pour
children are living — Mrs. James H.
Heller, Nathan and Jos. Schmaltz and
Mrs. M. Rothschild. Mrs. Schmaltz
is a member of K. A. M. and is still
active in charity work.
MRS. JOHANNA M. LOEB.
Mrs. Loeb was born in Rendsburg,
Germany. She came to America in
1856, with her parents, Lev! J. and
Caroline (Moses) Unna. She was edu-
cated in Chicago; is a member of the
Sinai Congregation, Jochanna Lodge,
Council of Jewish Women, and Debo-
rah Verein. She is a director of the
United Hebrew Charities and the only
woman member for many years. For a
number of years she was President of
Jochanna Lodge, and under her able
leadership the Lodge reached a high
degree of prosperity, manifesting a
very beneficial influence. She is the
mother of four sons, Sidney, Julius, Al-
bert Henry and Jacob Moritzy.
Mrs. Loeb earned her high. standing
in the community by her intellectual
gifts, her lofty character and many
deeds of charity and benevolence.
MRS. JOHANNA M. LOEB.
MRS. EMANUEL MANDEL.
Mrs. Emanuel Mandel is the wife of
Emanuel Mandel of Mandel Bros. Her
ancestral home is Germany, and she
came to this country shortly after her
husband's arrival in 1844, although at
that time she was Miss Babette Frank.
Mrs. Mandel has always been an active
worker for the charity organizations,
she has not only given much of her
valuable time but has also contributed
liberally in a financial way. She can
always be relied on for cheerful as-
sistance when her aid is asked for
charitable purposes. Mrs. Mandel will
ever be remembered for her many kind
deeds and loving disposition.
MRS. E. MANDEL.
EDWIN G. FOREMAN.
Edwin G. Foreman was born in Chi-
cago, July 14, 1862, and received his
early education in the schools of his
native city. His parents, Gerhard Fore-
man and Hannah (Greenebaum) Fore-
man, were well known and respected
citizens of Chicago, whose work and
influence in connection with Jewish
charitable undertakings was felt and
appreciated. He commenced his busi-
ness career in 1879 as a messenger in
the Corn Exchange National Bank, of
which institution he is now a direc-
tor, and in 1882 entered the banking
house of his father, which institution
is now known as Foreman Bros.' Bank-
ing Co.
Mr. Foreman takes a deep interest
in the growth and welfare of Jewish
charitable institutions in this city and
is a loyal and public-spirited citizen.
In addition to being president of the
EDWIN G. FOREMAN.
Foreman Bros'. Banking Co., and a di-
rector of the Corn Exchange National
Bank, he is president of the Associated
Jewish Charities, treasurer of the Sinai
Congregation, president of the Stand-
ard Club, treasurer of the Merchants'
Club, treasurer of the Illinois Manual
Training School Farm, at-Glenwood,
treasurer of the State Fawners' Society
at Chicago, and a member of the
Bankers' Club.
He was married June 1, 1887, to Miss
Rose Kohn, daughter of the late Henry
A. Kohn of Chicago, and has three
sons— Harold, Alfred K. and Edwin G.
Foreman, Junior.
SIMON W. STRAUS.
MR. SIMON W. STRAUS.
Mr. Straus is a native American.
He was born in Ligonier, Ind. His
REFORM ADVOCATE,
321
parents were Frederick William and
Madelon (Goldsmith) Straus. For a
number of years they lived in Ligonier,
Indiana, where the father was engag-
ed in the banking business in partner-
ship with his brother, Jacob, who is
still a resident of Ligonier, Ind. The
family moved to Chicago, and Simon
W. was educated in this city, where
he is now conducting a bank under
the firm name of S. W. Straus & Co.
Mr. Straus is a member of Sinai Con-
gregation and a director of the same.
He is also a member of the Standard
and Hamilton Clubs. He was direct-
or of the United Hebrew Charities and
is now holding the same office in the
Associated Hebrew Charities. He mar-
ried Miss Hattie Klee, and they have
two children, Madeline and Louise.
MR. LEO A. LOEB.
Mr. Leo A. Loeb is a son of Adolph
and Lucille Loeb and was born June
20, .1867, in Memphis, Tenn. He re-
ceived his early education in the
schools of Chicago, to which city he
came when still a boy. Mr. Loeb has
been actively identified with a number
of the charity institutions to which he
LEO A. LOEB.
has lent valuable aid and assistance.
He is a trustee of the Denver Hospital
for Consumptives and is -chairman of
the relief committee of the United He-
brew Charities and has been one of
the factors in the organizing of the
Associated Hebrew Charities of Chi-
cago. In social circles he is well and
favorably known and is a member of
the Standard Club. Mr. Loeb Is a
junior member of the firm of Adolph
Loeb & Son, fire insurance agents. He
married Minnie Elson.one of the prom-
inent society young ladies of this
city.
LOUIS ECKSTEIN.
Louis Eckstein was born and edu-
cated in Milwaukee. He started his
active life career when seventeen years
old as a messenger boy with the Wis-
consin Central Railroad. His irrepres-
sible virility brought him within ten
years to the position of General Pas-
senger and Ticket Agent, of this road.
When the offices were moved to Chi-
cago, Mr. Eckstein came also. In 1891
Mr. Eckstein resigned his position with
the Wisconsin Central and associated
with Ben. J. Rosenthal and Louis M.
Stumer opened a business house on
State street, known as the Emporium,
with which he still is connected. In
1899 he accepted the Presidency of
Streets Western Stable Car lines.
LOUIS ECKSTEIN.
In charities he is one of the most ac-
tive and effective workers in Chicago.
He was for years a director of the
Manual Training School and Young
Men's Hebrew Charity Association,
the latter of which he was President
during its banner years. While in
this office three years ago he arranged
with the publishers of one of the
evening papers to manage one edition
for charity, by which he raised $5,000
from advertising. This is a small in-
cident in his active career, but it is
a striking example of his strong per-
sonality. He is a member of Sinai
Congregation.
Mr. Eckstein married Elsie Sny-
dacker, daughter of Godfrey Snydack-
er. He is a member and was a director
of the Standard Club.
and was born, April 24th, 1869, in Bal-
timore, Md. He attended the public
schools and is a graduate of Notre
Dame College. Mr. Stumer is a mem-
ber of the firm of Stumer, Rosenthal
and Eckstein, wholesale and retail mil-
liners, one of the largest establishments
of its kind. He is a member of the
Standard and Lakeside clubs and has
taken a great deal of interest In the
charities, and is at present a director
of the Chicago Home for Jewish Or-
phans. Mr. Stumer has exerted con-
siderable influence in raising money
for charitable purposes.
He is a member of Sinai Congrega-
tion.
LOUIS M. STUMER.
LOUIS M. STUMER.
The subject of this sketch is a son
of Michael and Jennie Kellner Stumer,
JULIAN W. MACK.
JULIAN W. MACK.
Mr. Mack is a native of California,
born in San Francisco, July 19, 1866.
His mother was a native of Kentucky,
her parents having come from Bava-
ria. His father, Wm. J. Mack, was
born in Bavaria, Germany. Julian re-
ceived his common school education
in the public schools of Cincinnati,
later graduating from Harvard Uni-
versity Law School and completing his
course of study at the Universities of
Berlin and Leipsic. He came to Chi-
cago in November, 1890, and has since
practiced law. He is also professor of
law at the Law School of the North-
western University, where he is held
in high esteem.
Mr. Mack is a member of Sinai Con-
gregation and an active worker In the
charity associations. He has been
secretary of the United Hebrew Char-
ities for eight years, was one of the
founders and is the first secretary of
the Associated Jewish Charities. He
married Jessie Fox and has one child,
Ruth J. Mack.
HARRY PFLAUM.
Mr. Pflaum was born in Chicago,
April 25, 1863. He is the son of Mor-
ris and Hannah Pflaum, and although
a young man has taken a very active
interest in congregational and charit-
able work. He is now a member of
Sinai Congregation and has been a di-
rector of the North Chicago Hebrew
Congregation. He has also been FI-
322
THEL REFORM ADVOCATED
nancial Secretary, Director and Presi-.
dent of the Young Men's Hebrew Char-
ity Association, Secretary and Direct-
or of the Ideal club, director of the
Standard Club and of the Jewish
Training School. In his official duties
he has always been a hard and consci-
entious worker, and a competent and
valuable aid.
HARRY PFLAUM.
ISRAEL, SHRIMSKI.
Mr. Shrimski was born in Chicago,
April 9, 1869, and is a son of Isaac and
Rebecca Shrimski. Graduating from
the grammar schools, he received his
higher education in the University of
Wisconsin and then took a course in
law at the Union College of Law. He
is known as an aggressive and bright
lawyer, having an extensive practice.
Socially, Mr. Shrimski is prominently
identified with the Standard Club and
has been vice-president of the Lake-
side Club. He has taken much in-
terest in charitable affairs, and was
president of the Young Men's Hebrew
Charity Association from 1898-1899, and
is now a director. He is a member of
Sinai Congregation.
Jewish social organization in the State
of Illinois. Its members were among
the best known young men in the Jew-
ish community. It catered mostly to
the social part of its members, but it
took great pride in its literary debates
and dramatic performances, which
were highly enjoyed and appreciated by
the community. Among the members
were:
Mr. Emanuel Mandel of Mandel
Brothers, Mr. Adolph Shire, Mr. Jacob
Metzler, Mr. Louis Rothschild, Mr.
Louis Oberndorf, Mr. Jacob Katz, Mr.
Max Polachek and Mr. Jacob L. Cahn,
who was afterwards County Commis-
sioner. It had a very prosperous exist-
ence for a number of years, until the
majority of its members entered the
state of matrimony and lost interest In
the society, which succumbed to a nat-
ural death. We were unable to ob-
tain the names of the first officers of
this society. We can only give a list
of officers who served six years later,
in 1866:
J. Greenhood, President.
M. Newberger, Vice-President.
Jacob L. Cahn, Secretary.
J. Kahn, Treasurer.
J. Katz, Librarian.
' From this list it appears that the so-
ciety also maintained a library, the
nature of which we are unable to
state.
In 1860 Dr. Isaac M. Wise delivered a
lecture before the Washington Irving
Literary Society, on the position of Is-
rael among the nations. A large con-
course of co-religionists assembled to
listen to this celebrated Rabbi and his
words made a deep and lasting im-
pression almost upon the entire com-
munity.
ISRAEL SHRIMSKI.
THE WASHINGTON LITERARY SO-
CIETY.
This society was organized in Chica-
go in the year 1860, and was the first
SINAI CONGREGATION OH CHI-
CAGO.
Sinai Congregation was established
on April 7th, 1861. The first mem-
bers were, In addition to those named
above in the history of the "Reform
Verein," the following: B. Schoene-
mann, B. Schlossman, Henry Leopold,
E. Frankenthal, J. Friedman, M. Selz,
Charles Schwab, Abraham Hart, J. L.
Gataert, G. Snydacker, Herman Leh-
mann, Isaac Wolfner, Aaron Cahn,
Nelson Morris, Moses Reinemann, A.
Rubel, J. M. Stine, Jacob Bayersdorf,
S. Hymen, Henry Berg, Joseph Lieben-
stein and others, whose names cannot
be ascertained at present, as all the
old lists, together with books and doc-
uments, were destroyed in the great
fire of October 9, 1871. Mr. B. Schoene-
mann was the first President of the
Congregation. The Congregation, was
chartered on July 20, by the Secretary
of the State of Illinois, and the follow-
ing named persons were the incorpora-
tors: Benjamin Schoenemann, Leo-
pold Mayer, Rapheal Guthmann, Jo-
seph Liebenstein, Benedict Schloss-
man and Elias Greenebaum.
THE FIRST SINAI TEMPLE.
The young Congregation was fortu-
nate enough to acquire a frame build-
ing, a former Christian church, as a
house of worship. This first temple of
the Sinai Congregation, a very modest
structure, was situated on Monroe
street, 'between Clark and La Salle
streets. On June 21, 1861, the temple
was dedicated by Dr. S. Adler of New
York. The first public divine service was
then held by the young Congregation
and the Einhorn Ritual, was
for the first time, used in a west-
ern Congregation. The secretary of
the "Reform Verein," whose history of
the beginnings of the Chicago Sinai
Congregation we utilize to a great ex-
tent, reports in regard to this temple
as follows: "It characterizes some-
what the religious views prevailing
generally among our Jewish people in
those years when in this connection we
state, that at the time the Congrega-
tion was negotiating for the acquisi-
tion of its first temple, objections were
raised by some members to the buying
of the building proposed, for the rea-
son that in this building the congrega-
tion would have to sit with their faces
towards the- northern wall, while a
Jewish congregation for religious pur-
poses assembled, in accordance with
law and custom, should turn their
faces towards Mizra'h, that is: to-
wards the east. In order to quiet the
religious scruples of some, the Rabbi-
elect was asked to give his opinion in
writing about this matter and he did
so.
The Congregation began its
corporate existence without any treas-
ury whatsoever. In its circumscribed
condition it invited repeatedly and
urgently B. Felsenthal to become the
Rabbi. He did so.
In those years the Rabbi was elected,
as it was the custom then in aimost all
Jewish congregations in the land, from
year to year. Towards the end of the
third year of his service Rabbi Felsen-
thal thought it would be not more than
proper that the congregation should
now appoint him for a longer term of
years, and he gave notice to that effect
to the officers of the congregation. In
May, 1864, the congregation re-elected
Felsenthal, but for one year only with
an increased salary. (In the third
year of his officiating with the congre-
gation his salary had been $1,200; for
the fourth year he was to receive
$1,500.) A committee consisting of
Messrs. Schoenemann, Frankenthal
and Gatzert, two of whom are still
among the living and honored mem-
bers of the Sinai Congregation, came to
Dr. Felsenthal's house, to inform him
officially of his having been re-elected
unanimously for another year ,and of
his salary having been increased, but
Rabbi Felsenthal declined to accept. He
asked the committee to report to the
congregation that he would continue to
be their Rabbi under the condition
that he should be elected for a longer
term of years, or if the congregation
would prefer this, that they would se-
cure him in his position during good
behavior. The committee reported this
to the congregation in a general meet-
THE. REFORM ADVOCATE.'
323
ing assembled on the following Sun-
day, and a motion was made to recon-
sider the action of the week previous.
This a majority at .the meeting de-
clined to do. The resolution passed in
the preceding meeting was re-adopted.
The consequence was that in June,
1864, Rabbi Felsenthal retired from his
office and ceased to be the minister of
Sinai Congregation. On June 17, 1864,
he preached his farewell sermon.
During the three years Dr. Fe'.sen-
thal occupied the pulpit of Sinai
Congregation, the Rabbi and the mem-
bers were bound together by ties of
mutual friendship and esteem. His
ministrations within the congregation
were blessed and brought forth good
fruit.
*From 1864 until 1866 the congrega-
tion had no regularly engaged minis-
ter. In its efforts to secure a Rabbi the
-congregation stipulated, among other
qualifications, that the applicant be a
university graduate and a regularly ac-
knowledged Ra'bbi. As an organiza-
tion, Sinai was always prompted to be
abreast of modern thought. The pulpit
meant to these early members, these
brave and sturdy pioneers of a great
movement, not merely a religious po-
sition to be occupied by a ready can-
didate— but the honored place for
an honored teacher. The vacancy in
the pulpit did not, however, interfere
with the holding of regular Saturday
services. Before and after the en-
gagement of Mr. Heiman of Milwaukee,
who officiated as reader and teacher
for about one year after the autumn
of 1864, various members conducted the
services. Enthusiasm and an honest
love of Judaism prompted many a lay-
man modestly to contribute his share
toward establishing the permanency of
the congregation. B. Schoenemann,
Raphael Guthmann, Elias Greenebaum,
Leopold Mayer, Godfrey Snydacker, L.
W. Reiss, and perhaps others, offi-
ciated. The services of these volun-
teers, whose example cheered the ac-
tive and whose efforts aroused the in-
different, are recalled with pleasure
and apreciation by the members of
Sinai Congregation. They remember
and gratefully acknowledge the serv-
ices rendered to Sinai Congregation by
the minister of Kehilath Anshe
Maarabh, the Rev. Dr. Liebmann Ad-
ler, of 'beloved memory, who at one
time in 1864 left his own temple to
preach a sermon before Sinai Congre-
gation on Yom Kippur.
The second Sinai Temple was locat-
*For the facts relating to the his-
tory of Sinai Congregation from 1864
to 187 i, we are indebted to the histori-
cal committee of Sinai Congregation,
consisting of Mr. J. L. Gatzert, Chair-
man; B. Loewenthal, Elias Greene-
baum, Leopold Mayer and Julius Ro-
senthal. This committee prepared a-
written document covering that" period
and this document, which they call
"Contributions to Sinai's History,'.'
they have placed at our disposal. We
frequently copy their manuscript ver-
batim.
ed at the corner of Third Avenue and
Van Buren Street. The property was
deeded to the congregation April 1st,
1863, for seven thousand dollars.
On September 15th, 1871, Sinai Con-
gregation sold the above propeity to
Benjamin Lombard for |62,500, on
which he paid $2.500 cash, and was to
pay $7,500 cash upon delivery of war-
ranty deed si.vty days from October 1st,
1871; balance in three equal annual
payments with interest at 8 per cent
per annum. Owing to the great fire
of '71; Mr. Lombard failed to ta';s ths
property and after long and tedious
litigation the property reverted to Si-
nai congregation. On August 20th,
1880 the congregation sold this proper-
ty to Rezin Lancaster for $30,000.
The above property is the lot on
which the Fisher Building, at the cor-
ner of Dearborn and Van Buren
Streets is now located.
DEDICATION OF TEMPLE.
In the spring of 1SG3 the new temple
at the corner of Third Avenue and Van
Buren Street was dedicated with ap-
propriate ceremonies by Dr. Maurice
Meyer of New York. The music was
rendered by a choir consisting of Mr.
Simon Florsheim, Mr. and Mrs. Sam-
uel Alschueler, Miss Holden and Mr.
Bischoff, and led by Mr. John
Molter.who was a popular organist for
many years. Jt may be noticed in
passing, that on this occasion all mem-
bers, by common consent, took off
their hats during divine services,
thereby abolishing an oriental custom
and establishing a uniformity of action
in this regard.
PAROCHIAL SCHOOL.
While Sinai Congregation from its
beginning realized that the work in its
pulpit must be of greatest importance,
it conceded that for the time being the
establishment of a Parochial School
was necessary and therefore gave this
matter careful attention. A special
building was erected next to the tem-
ple for the use of the school and sev-
eral teachers were engaged to give
the pupils daily instructions in the
same branches of education as those
which were then obtained in the pub-
lic schools. Mr. F. Heimbach, succes-
sor to Mr. Hyman, was the head teach-
er for several years and until the
school was changed from a day to a
Sabbath school. His services as teach-
er in the Sabbath school in connection
with the office of reader were contin-
ued until April 1st, 1884, when he was
retired with a pension.
CALL EXTENDED TO DR. CilROMC.
In 1865 Mr. B. Schoneman, when in
Europe, consulted Dr. Abraham Gei-
ger upon the subject of securing a suit-
able candidate for Sinai's pulpit, and
at his advice Mr. Schoenemann went
to Koenigsberg to see Dr. Chronic.
Upon Mr. Schoenemann's return to
America and his report to the congre-'
gation, Dr. Chronic was elected for a
term of five years, at a salary of
three thousand dollars- per annum.
Dr. Chronic's reputation for fine
scholarship had preceded his arrival,
and his professional work more than
satisfied the expectations of a number
of Sinai's most p.-ominent members.
Besides attending to his official duties
he issued a German monthly magazine,
in the interest of Jewish reform,
called "Zeichen der Zeit," and deliv-
ered one or more courses of ethical lec-
tures in the old Metropolitan building.
At the Rabbinical Conference held
at the home of Dr. Samuel Hirsch, of
Philadelphia, in 1869 and attended by
Doctors Wise, Einhorn, Adler and oth-
er leading reform representatives of
America. Dr. Chronic, tha delegate of
Sinai congregation, made a motion
without comment to transfir the Satur-
day Sabbath to Sunday. This proposi-
tion was referred to a committee to
report at the next meeting which was
to take place the following year at Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, but this meeting never
convened; no action was ever taken
upon Chronic's proposition.
Probably no more accurate estimate
of Dr. Chronic and his work can
be rendered than that given by Mr.
Julius Rosenthal in his interview on
Sinai's Sunday Services, printed in
the Reform Advocate on January 14th,
1898. In part Mr. Rosenthal says:-
"The memory of Dr. Chronic and of
his sermons and lectures is still fresh
in the minds of the living who had the
pleasure of listening to him. As a man
and teacher admiration for him has
not abated. He was the one that made
it clear to those that were as yet un-
decided in the opinion about Sunday
services, that it is the only remedy for
the preservation and dissemination of
prophetic Judaism. It was Dr. Chronic
who made us acquainted with the
teachings of Dr. Samuel Hirsch of
Luxemburg, Germany, and his cate-
chism, thereby satisfying us, that if a
man like the latter, whose faithful ad-
herence to Judaism cannot be doubted,
conceded it necessary for the preserva-
tion of Judaism to introduce a Sunday
Sabbath, such innovation in the trans-
fer of the Saturday to the Sunday ser-
vice could absolutely not be non-
Jewish.
CONTRACT WITH ROSEHILL
CEMETERY COMPANY.
A contract was made with the Rose-
hill Cemetery Company on July 15th,
1867, for a plat of ground to be used as
a cemetery by Sinai Congregation.
This was the first instance of its kind
in Chicago where a Jewish congrega-
tion secured burial lots in a non-Jew-
ish cemetery. This, however, was ac-
complished only after a considerable
opposition on the part of a large num-
ber of members. This contract was for
two hundred and three burial lots,
averaging about three hundred square
feet each, at eleven cents per square
foot; fifty-three of these lots were to
be taken and paid for at once, the re-
mainder of one hundred and fifty lots
were to be taken and paid for at the
rate of thirty lots per annum, bringing
the last installment to July 15th, 1872.
Rosehill Cemetery Company further
32*
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
extended the privilege to Sinai Congre-
gation to purchase* -within ten years
one hundred and fifty additional burial
lots adjoining the original plat at one-
half the rate at which burial lots are
sold hy said company at the respective
time of this purchase.
Blocks of burial lots were subse-
quently deeded to Sinai Congregation
as follows:
October 15th, 1884, 11,550 square feet,
$2,000.
June 19th, 1890. S2,639 square feet,
J9.791.70.
July 29th, 1899. 22.286 square feet,
$14.486.22.
Mr. B. Schoenemann held the office
of president from 1861 to 1863. Prom
1863 to 1899. the following held the of-
fice of president In Sinai Congregation :
From '63 to '65, J. M. Stlne; from
'65 to '67, Godfrey Snydacker; from '67
to '68, Simon Florsheim; from '68 to
'70, Elias Greenebaum; from *70 to '73,
Gustave Eliel: '73 to '77, B. Loewen-
thal; "77 to '78, G. Snydacker; "78 to
'79. B. Loewenthal; '79 to '80, M. Selz;
'80 to '83, G. Snydacker; '83 to '86, B.
Loewenthal; '86 to '96, J. L. Gatzert;
'96 to '99, Albert Fishell. In 1899 Mr.
Adolph Loeb was elected, who was re-
elected at the last general meeting.
The following were secretaries of
Sinai Congregation from 1861 to 187S:
R. Guthmann, J. L. Gatzert. John
Cahn, Simon Florsheim, L. Friedman.
At a meeting of the congregation
held Sept. 1. 1872. for the purpose of
revising the constitution, a motion was
made to strike out from the constitu-
tion the words "Biblical Sabbath." The
motion was lost: sixteen voted for it
and twenty-six against it.
DOCTOR KAUFMAN KOHLER.
In October. 1S71. just before the great
fire, Sinai Congregation extended a call
to Doctor Kaufman Kohler, who was
then minister of Beth El Congregation.
Detroit, Mich. The doctor accepted the
call and was preparing to come to Chi-
cago to take charge of Sinai's pulpit.
The reverend gentleman was induced
to come to America by the Detroit con-
gregation two years previous; he had
been warmly recommended to Beth El
Congregation by European and Ameri-
can scholars of note, especially Doctors
Geiger, Einhorn and Lilienthal. He
was then a young man scarcely in the
prime of life, but already noted as a
scholar and fine pulpit orator. But be-
fore he completed his arrangements at
Detroit to leave for Chicago, the great
fire broke out on the evening of Oct. 8.
1871, and Sinai Temple was destroyed.
Beth El Congregation of Detroit eager-
ly re-elected Doctor Kohler as rabbi for
a term of years, but Sinai Congregation
decided to rebuild at once and they
were unwilling to release him. Doctor
Kohler arrived in Chicago on Thurs-
day, October 29, 1871.
Dr. Kohler was born in Fnerth, Ba-
varia, in 1843. Of orthodox parentage,
he was in youth an ardent and unfal-
tering adherent of Rabbinism. But his
University studies, and especially the
deepest application to and study of the
History of Jewish institutions and
above all of Jewish thought, soon con-
vinced him that the Jewish Religion
had been undergoing development
from its earliest period, that each age
adopted rites and symbols which ex-
pressed these eternal truths in a man-
ner best suited to its intellectual con-
dition, and that it was a most dan-
gerous fallacy to regard Judaism as
identical with its ceremonies and
creeds of centuries ago.
These views were strengthened by a
thorough critical study of the Bible
and Rabbinical literature, and when
his thesis for the Doctor of Philosophy
degree, entitled "Der Segen Jakobs,"
appeared, it showed him to be one of
the most radical, but also most loyal
adherents of Reform Judaism and one
of the earilest of the new school of
Bible critics.
Under his ministry at Chicago a new
and larger Synagogue was dedicated
by the Congregation and many con-
verts to the cause of positive Reform
Judaism were secured for it. Here Dr.
Kohler introduced Sunday lectures in
addition to the regular Sabbath serv-
DR. KAUFMAN KOHLER. •
ices, which he labored to prevent from
superseding the latter. His efforts met
with great success.
The site of the present temple, south-
west corner Indiana avenue and Twen-
ty-first street, was bought in October,
1872, from Mr. C. M. Culbertson for the
sum of $35.000, including a two-story
frame house: size of lot, 100 feet on
Indiana avenue by 160 on Twenty-first
street.
At a meeting held Oct. 27, 1872, the
following committee was appointed to
look into the matter of establishing
Sunday services. Elias Greenebaum,
Berthold Loewenthal. Godfrey Sny-
dacker. James Mayer and J. Beiers-
dorf.
On Nov. 24. 1872. the School Com-
mittee was instructed to confer with
Doctor Kohler in regard to writing a
book on Jewish Religion and History
for the use of the Sunday School.
Sunday services were held for the
first time in Sinai Congregation at Mar-
tin's Hall on the loth day of Jan., 1874;
Doctor Kohler. minister of the congre-
gation, officiated. Mr. Berthold Loe-
wenthal was then president of the con-
gregation. The congregation then .had
about 80 members, and a fair repre-
sentation of the membership was pres-
ent on this auspicious occasion. A
majority of the congregation had for
years been convinced of the need and
justice of Sunday services; others were
educated up to this idea by the gifted
spiritual leader who was then the hon-
ored occupant of Sinai's pulpit. Up-
held by their Jewish optimism and
strengthened by their enthusiastic
earnestness of purpose, their persistent
endeavors had won for them success.
They considered Sunday services a ne-
cessity for the preservation of Juda-
ism in America. With them it was &
conviction of a religious obligation and
all the negative views of the congrega-
tions in America could not swerve
Sinai's handful one iota from what it
conceived to be its duty in the crisis
which threatened to estrange the ris-
ing generation from the synagogue.
The following resolutions were unan-
imously passed at a special meeting of
the Congregation held September 1st,
1872: "Be it resolved, first, that a bet-
ter attendance at the public worship
is henceforth expected and thereby an
interest and progress in religion at-
tained. Whosoever advocates Satur-
day shall show it by example, and he
who advocates Sunday shall not stay
away, as an attendance will bring
about material understanding and har-
monious action cherished by all.
2. It is conceded on all sides that
the light participation in our public
worship is a detriment and reproach
upon the congregation and Judaism,
and that either one change or another
must follow, therefore, if public wor-
ship on Saturdays is upheld by the
members the question of a change will
rest, otherwise it will soon come np
again as a natural consequence.
3. For the purpose of affording an
opportunity to the youth to hear some-
times a word of religion, this congre-
gation will as soon as possible arrange
for a periodical or Sunday service or
lecture, and the members shall use
their influence upon the youth to have
them attend the same.
At a general meeting of the Congre-
gation held on April 6th, 1873, It was
resolved, that the frame house
standing on the lot purchased from
Culbertson by the congregation should
be moved to the rear of the lot and
that Doctor Kohler should be allowed
to occupy the honse as his residence.
Martin's Hall was rented.
During the month of November, 1873,
Doctor Kohler sent a communication
to the Board of Directors of Sinai Con-
gregation complaining of the small at-
tendance of the members at his lec-
tures on Saturday.
At the special meeting of the Con-
gregation the Board of Directors sub-
mitted to the Congregation Doctor
Kohler's communication, with the tol-
lowing additions by the Board:
"The undersigned Board of Direc-
REFORM ADVOCATE.
325
tors beg to submit to you the following
in connection with the communication
of Rev. Doctor Kohler: Considering
that the demands of Rev. Doctor Koh-
ler in regard to the participation of
the members in our public worship are
just and fair, and that his position
cannot give him any satisfaction un-
less the congregation hears his lec-
tures and profits by his instruction,
and,
"Considering further that it is of
vital importance for you to retain the
valuable services of the reverend
gentleman, who, notwithstanding the
brilliant inducements offered him from
abroad, is willing to remain with you,
provided he can gain the conviction
that he enjoys your confidence, and
can exercise a beneficial influence on
the religious and moral education 01
the congregation, we beg to recom-
mend to you the adoption of the fol-
lowing resolutions:
"1. Resolved, That the Sinai Congre-
gation express its full and implicit
trust and confidence in the ability,
learning and devotion to Judaism of
the Reverend Doctor Kohler, and its
wish to retain his valuable services for
the benefit of the young and the old
by all means.
"2. Resolved, That we consider it the
duty of every member of our congre-
gation to attend promptly to public
worship on the historical Sabbath, and
are willing to preserve it in Its proper
integrity, but it appears from practical
experience that a large number of our
members are prevented by circum-
stances from enjoying the benefits
thereof and In order to give them and
to the rising generation an opportunity
to receive religious instruction weekly,
provision shall be made for this pur-
pose as soon as practicable in addi-
tion to the present worship."
(Signed by the entire board.)
The first resolution expressing full
confidence of the entire congregation in
Doctor Kohler was carried unanimous-
ly. The second resolution pledging tp
keep up the historical Sabbath in all
its integrity as a duty of all good
Israelites, and to establish a Sunday
service, besides the regular Sabbath
service, for those who are prevented
from attending on Saturday, was
amended by inserting Friday evening
instead of Sunday. The amendment
was upon motion tabled unanimously,
and the second resolution was then
carried unanimously.
Doctor Kohler's salary was fixed
from the beginning at the rate of $3,-
000.00 per annum.
The holiday services of 1874 were
held in the Church of the Messiah, cor-
ner of Twenty-third street and Michi-
gan avenue.
The corner-stone of the present tem-
ple was laid on June 20, 1875. In the
corner-stone were deposited the fol-
lowing documents: History of the con-
gregation from its organization to date,
written by Mr. Herman Felsenthal,
secretary of the congregation; consti-
tution and by-laws of Sinai Congrega-
tion; complete list of members; list of
officers and Building Committee of the
same; the daily papers of this city:
Tribune and Times of date. Inter
Ocean, Post and Mail of June 19, Jour-
nal, June 18; Jewish organs: Jewish
Messenger of New York, June 11, Jew-
ish Times of New York, June 18,
American Israelite of Cincinnati, June
18; printed sermons of Doctor Kohler,
delivered in August, 1873, and in Janu-
ary, 1874; the last annual report of M.
M. Gerstley, president of K. A. M.;
Legal News, June 18, 1875, containing
decision of the Supreme Court of Illi-
nois in reference to the lawsuit be-
tween Sinai Congregation and Lom-
bard, affecting the congregation's prop-
erty, corner Van Buren street and Third
avenue; the last city comptroller's re-
port for the year ending April 1, 1875;
last report of Board of Trade for 1874;
last report of Chicago Relief and Aid
Society, and the last report of the
United Hebrew Relief Association. The
speakers on this occasion were Doctor
Kohler and President Loewenthal. The
Germania choir furnished the music.
The total cost of the temple reached
the sum of $128,000.
The dedication of the temple took
place on April 8, 1876.
A special meeting of the congrega-
tion was called for October 6, 1874.
The object of the meeting was to con-
sider the feasibility of uniting with
Kehilath Anshe Maarabh as one body.
It was moved and seconded that the
Congregation is ready to unite with
K. A. M., if it can be done upon satis-
factory terms. This motion was car-
ried.
It was then moved and seconded to
appoint a committee of nine to confer
with a similar committee of K. A. M..
if said Congregation should appoint
such a committee of conference, for
the purpose of uniting the two con-
gregations. This motion was also
carried.
It was moved to instruct the commit-
tee representing Sinai Congregation
that a consolidation with K. A. M. can
only take place provided the Sunday
service will be guaranteed to Sinai
Congregation. A substitute was of-
fered to instruct the committee of
Sinai Congregation to endeavor to pre-
serve the Sunday service, but if this be
the only obstacle in the way of the
consolidation to report back to the
Congregation.
An amendment to the substitute to
make it read: "That the committee
be instructed to preserve the Sabbath
and Sunday services" was accepted by
the mover and was then passed unani-
mously.
The following committee of confer-
ence, of which the president was by
motion made a member, was then ap-
pointed: B. Loeventhal, E. Greene-
baum, Charles H. Schwab, M. Ein-
stein, S. F. Leopold, D. M. Lindauer,
H. Felsenthal, G. Eliel and G. Sny-
dacker.
. The Committee on Conference re-
ported as follows, at a special meeting
held November 24, 1874:
"Your committee of nine appoint-
ed to confer with the similar commit-
tee of K. A. M. for the purpose of ex-
amining into the feasibility and prac-
ticability of affecting a fusion of the
two Congregations beg leave to sub-
mit to you the following report:
"Upon notice to the President of
K. A. M. a committee of nine was also
appointed by said Congregation to
meet with us and to discuss the object
in view. Three meetings of the com-
bined Conference Committee were held.
"While the deliberations were gen-
erally friendly and courteous, both
committees were bound by instructions
antagonistic to each other. Our com-
mittee was to insist upon the guaran-
tee of a Sabbath and Sunday service,
and the committee of K. A. M. was to
oppose the Sunday service under all
circumstances, and to make no other
concession for the instruction of those
who are unable to participate In the
Sabbath service, except lectures on
Friday and Sunday evenings alter-
nately.
In a congregational meeting of K. A.
M. intervening between the second and
third meetings of the Conference Com-
mittee no change whatever was made
in their instructions, as far as we were
able to ascertain. Thus we may safely
say that your committee is utterly un-
able to come to any understanding with
the committee of K. A. M., and from
all appearances a union of the two
congregations seems impossible,
wherefore your committee begs to be
discharged."
(Signed by the entire committee.)
The committee was on motion dis-
charged.
A Building Committee was appoint-
ed consisting of the following: Charles
H. Schwab, S. Florsheim, M. A. Meyer,
Henry Leopold, G. Snydacker, G. Ellel.
Charles Schwab was appointed chair-
man and S. Florsheim secretary.
The committee recommended the
adoption of the plans for the new
temple, submitted by Burling & Adler,
architects. The recommendation was
accepted by the Congregation. Mr.
Leopold Miller and Jacob Friedman
were added to the Building Committee.
At a general meeting of the congre-
gation held April 4th, 1876, the salary
of Doctor Kohler was unanimously
raised to $4,000 per annum.
In the year 1876 a convention of Jew~-
ish Congregations' was held in New
York City for the purpose of consider-
ing vital questions concerning Judaism
in America. Sinai Congregation was
represented at this convention by its
secretary, Hermann Felsenthal. The
delegate reported to the congregation
that a Theological Seminary Associa-
tion was created at the convention and
upon motion the President appointed
the following committee to consider
the feasibility of the recommendation
of Delegate Felsenthal that Sinai Con-
gregation become a member of the
326
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
Seminary Association: G. Foreman,
B. Schoeneman and A. Hart.
At the annual meeting of the congre-
gation, held March 27th, 1879, Julius
Rosenthal proposed the following
amendment to the by-laws:
No Hebrew shall be taught in the
Sabbath School of the congregation.
No action was taken on this amend-
ment at that meeting.
At the special meeting of the congre-
gation, June 17th, 1879, the president,
M. Selz, announced that the meeting
had been called for the purpose of con-
sidering the formal resignation ten-
dered by Dr. Kohler.
Following is a copy of Dr. Kohler's
letter of resignation:
M. Selz, Esq. President Sinai Congre-
gation.
Dear Sir: — As you are no doubt
aware, it has since years been a matter
of constant complaint from the pulpit
and of sad discouragement both to the
members of the congregation, and to
myself, that my persistent efforts and
pleading in behalf of a larger partici-
pation in Divine Service and a greater
appreciation of our sacred cause, failed
to arouse our members from their in-
difference and lethargy, which have
successively been assuming a more
alarming and critical state. Disheart-
ened at last by such experience, I could
not help longing for a more promising
and fertile field of labor. When, there-
fore, about three weeks ago, the Presi-
dent of the Beth El Congregation, in
New York, opened a correspondence
with me In reference to the pulpit soon
to become vacant by the retirement of
my father-in-law, Dr. Einhorn, I, con-
sidering what I owed to my own fu-
ture, felt bound to express my willing-
ness to accept the call although no
material advantages were offered to
induce me to take this step.
The pending negotiations having
now been brought to a close and the
contract having been ratified by the
Beth El Congregation enjoining me to
enter upon my new duties by Septem-
ber 1st, 1879, I herewith tender you my
resignation to take effect on the last
day of August, 1879.
It would be a vain attempt for me to
describe my feelings of keen sorrow
at the thought of parting with a con-
gregation in which I have these nearly
eight years lived in unclouded har-
mony working and striving in common
with it for a great and holy cause, and
with the members of which I have,
while ever in sympathy, sharing their
joys and griefs, past in cordial friend-
ship many of the most pleasant days
of my life, the memory of which time
can never blot out of my mind.
I can only give expression to my
most sincere wish and prayer, that
with the help of God, the congregation
may find a leader more successful than
I have been in promoting its material
and spiritual welfare and in rousing
the interest of all its members in up-
holding the standard of radical yet
positive Reformed Judaism, to which
the congregation is pledged by its past
and with which alone it will, unshak-
en by fears and trials, grow, I trust, in
power and influence.
I especially regret, being obliged to
leave here sa shortly before the au-
tumn holidays, but hope for kind in-
dulgence in a matter which was be-
yond my power to alter, intending to
continue holding regular services and
lectures during the summer until the
close of my term.
Assuring you in behalf of the Sinai
Congregation generally and individual-
ly of my lasting sympathy and friend-
ship, hoping and wishing that these re-
lations will continue unaltered by my
departure, I remain,
Yours most respectfully,
Dr. K. Kohler.
On motion the resignation of Dr.
Kohler was accepted to take effect
June 30th.
The free use of the parsonage was
tendered to the Reverend Doctor for
the ensuing months of July and Au-
gust.
During the holidays of 1879 Reverend
M. Samfield of Memphis, Tennessee, of-
ficiated in the pulpit of Sinai Congre-
gation.
On Rosh Hashanah a collection was
taken up in the Temple for the relief
of Memphis sufferers from the yellow
fever epidemic.
At the special meeting of September
30th, 1879, a vote was taken upon the
motion of Julius Rosenthal to discon-
tinue instruction in Hebrew in the Sab-
bath School, and the motion was lost,
but a motion to adopt the recommen-
dation of the school committee to es-
tablish a separate class for the study of
Hebrew was carried.
The following resolutions were
adopted at a special meeting held Feb-
ruary 19th, 1880: •
"With a view of securing to this Con-
gregation a minister whose name will
be an honor to Judaism and of whom
we may have reason to expect that by
word and deed he will teach the tenets
of our faith in full accord with the
convictions shared by all members of
this Congregation; and thereby inspire
young and old with that love for our
holy cause which to the preservation of
our religion is essential.
"Be it resolved, that the Executive
Board be herewith requested to invite
and receive applications for the posi-
tion of minister of this Congregation
from Jewish Theologians of modern
reform principles and of good repute,
who have graduated at a German
university, with honor, are excellent
also in all those branches of study
which characterize the learned Rabbis
of our day and who are good orators,
able to preach in the German and
English vernacular.
"Resolved, that inasmuch as circum-
stances over which we have no control
prevent a large number of our mem-
bers and young Israel especially
from attending public worship on the
biblical Sabbath, this Congregation
considers it an imperative duty to
continue to hold services on* the com-
mon day of rest, and to this end it
shall be the duty of the incoming min-
ister to attend to all functions of his
station on Sabbaths and festivals and
to deliver lectures before this Congre-
gation on every Sunday.
"Resolved, that the. incoming minis-
ter shall also take charge of our Sab-
bath school and devote a portion of
his time to the instruction of a class
of young men and ladies who have
graduated from our Sabbath School
and are desirous of making further ad-
vancement in Jewish lore and history."
ELECTION OF DR. EMIL G. HIRSCH
It was in July, the midsummer
month, that a new star appeared on
the firmament of Sinai Congre-
gation. At a special meeting of
the Congregation held July 25th, 1880,
Reverend Dr. Emil G. Hirsch, of
Louisville, Kentucky, the worthy son
of an illustrious father, was unani-
mously elected minister of Sinai Con-
gregation.
Dr. Hirsch was destined to uplift
Sinai Congregation to an eminence far
above many other Congregations in
Israel.
He hastened the ripening of all
the plans and projects, thoughts and
teachings entertained by Sinai Congre-
gation in the interest of Reformed Ju-
daism; he impressed the world with
the power and potency as well as the
everlasting vitality of the ethics of
Israel's prophets; he turned the
searchlight of truth upon the past and
present life of the Jew and forced
many of our Christian neighbors to
recognize the true traits of the charac-
ter of the Jew and of his misunder-
stood religion.
On Rosh Hashanah eve Septem-
ber 5th, 1880, Dr. Hirsch deliv-
ered his inaugural sermon before Sinai
Congregation. His theme was "The
Crossing of the Jordan" and his text
"V'attem tissoo mim'kom'hem," "Then
ye shall remove from your place." In
this sermon he sounded the keynote
of true Jewish Reform when he said:
"The mission of reform is twofold,
critical and constructive. It is the sa-
cred duty of modern Judaism to con-
struct on the eternal principles of Ju-
daism, an all embracing philosophy of
life. Forward! From the spot where
we are resting. Follow me to the dy-
ing decades of the Eighteenth cen-
tury! A hurricane is sweeping over
'both hemispheres; America and
France are in the throes of a new era.
But where does the storm bring in its
folds life, where death? Beyond the
ocean they defy reason — but she can
with bloody hands only tear down, not
build up; here, on this side of the At-
lantic, with the God of their fathers
a living presence in their hearts, the
sturdy champions of the Revolution,
not only tear down, they build up. Let
these instances suffice! Let us, too,
heed their warning. Forward! That
is indeed the order of the day; but
only when the arc of the covenant
leads the way. But on the other hand,
let us not forget that this idea of the
covenant which makes us kin to the
THE REIKORM ADVOCATE.
327
Infinite must ever remain a living
thought, not degenerate into a dead
dogma. If Judaism protests with all
the fervor, that strength and truth of
conviction can command, against the
dogma of materialism; it does no less
raise its voice against the materialism
of dogmas. Like Reuben and Gad our
Congregation is commissioned and
pledged to march the advance guard of
the army and bear the brunt of the bat-
tle."
These were powerful words, spoken
for the first time by the new Rabbi
in Sinai's pulpit, in a clear, resonant
REV. DR. EMIL G. HIRSCH.
voice, and with a faultless pronuncia-
tion of the vernacular. The Temple
was crowded to its utmost capacity, the
congregation was spellbound and cap-
tivated by the earnest eloquence of the
masterful speaker, whose words car-
ried conviction to every soul. The
hush and silence of the attentive lis-
teners lingered with the audience even
after the voice of the speaker had
ceased to vibrate, and silently the
vast concourse of people dispersed in
deep communion with their newly
awakened thoughts. Sinai became con-
scious ' on that memorable Rosh
Hashanah eve that it must fol-
low this bold and brave leader, or
otherwise, retrogress and become un-
faithful .to the principles of Reform
Judaism.'
Dr. Hirsch was elected for a term of
ten years at a salary of $3,600 per an-
num.
At the semi-annual meeting of the
congregation, held September 20th,
1881, a committee of three was ap-
pointed, on motion of Mr. Julius Ro-
senthal, consisting of Dr. E. G. Hirsch,
Julius Rosenthal and B. Lowenthal to
draft resolutions expressing the pro-
found sorrow and the deep felt grief
of Sinai Congregation of Chicago at
the death of President Garfleld, the
martyr, who fell a victim to the bullet
fired by the hand of an assassin. The
Committee reported as follows:
"The Sinai Congregation of Chicago
in general meeting assembled feel it
their duty in presence of the mournful
calamity, that today has visited the na-
tion in the demise of James A. Gar-
field, to give expression to the feelings
swelling their hearts.
In common with all loyal citizens
they recognize in the departed chief-
tain the noblest illustration of the pos-
sibilities of the American character.
His short administration of public af-
fairs in the responsible office of chief
magistrate as his sterling worth in the
long career of public devotion had
elicited from them their unqualified
admiration. His heroism on the bed of
agony has revealed to them his noble
manhood.
He is dead, and in this sad reality
disappointing their fondest hopes and
earnest prayers for his ultimate re-
covery, the members of this congre-
gation pledge themselves to emulate
his noble example in the several duties
of life.
To the bereaved widow and family,
this Congregation extend their warm-
est sympathy in the hope that the
knowledge that millions weep with
them may prove a soothing balm for
their burning wound.
Resolved, That these sentiments be
spread upon the minutes of the Con-
gregation and a copy, signed by the
Minister, President and Secretary of
this Congregation, be transmitted to
Mrs. James A. Garfield.
The resolutions were adopted by a
rising vote.
According to the semi-annual report
of the Board of Directors, dated Sep-
tember 12th, 1882, the Congregation
was in a very prosperous condition and
a marked improvement in the affairs
of the Congregation was noticeable in
every department. The membership
was increasing rapidty, the finances
showed a prosperous and thoroughly
satisfactory state of affairs, and what
was most gratifying was the fact that
Sinai was becoming a recognized re-
ligious force in the community. The
new members who flocked to Sinai's
standard all occupied representative
positions in the Chicago Jewish com-
munity and the future prospects of
Sinai were very bright and promising.
At the annual meeting on March
27th, 1883, the Board of Directors
recommended "that in the event of a
death in the family of any member of
this Congregation the funeral services,
if so requested, may be held in the
Temple," and this was adopted.
Mr. Leopold Mayer offered the fol-
lowing:
"Resolved, That all confirmations
shall in future take place on the Sun-
day preceding Shebuoth, or on the
said Holiday if the same happens to
fall on Sunday." This resolution was
unanimously adopted.
At a special meeting held April 21st,
1884, $6,500 were appropriated for the
building of a gallery in the Temple,
and $4,000 for re-decorating the same.
The building of the gallery was a ne-
cessity for the membership kept on in-
creasing and seats in the main audi-
torium were nearly all sold.
On March 26th, 1885, Mr. P. Heim-
bach, the teacher and reader of the
Congregation, was relieved from fur-
ther duties and a pension of $1,000 per
annum was voted to him for life.
The annual meeting, March 26th,
1885, Mr. J. L Gatzert offered the fol-
lowing resolution: "Owing to the ar-
duous labors devolving upon our
worthy minister, Dr. E. G. Hirsch, this
Congregation hereby resolves to re-
lieve him from the duty of preaching
on Saturdays." Action on this resolu-
tion was postponed until the next spe-
cial meeting held April 9th, 1885, when
it was adopted by a vote of 28 affirma-
tives and 15 negatives.
At the same special meeting the
question of the use of Hebrew in the
services came up in t)ie shape of a
recommendation of President Loewen-
thal. Mr. Herman Felsenthal offered
the following resolution:
"Resolved, That this Congregation
regard the reading in Hebrew of the
time-honored "Shema" and the "Kedu-
sha" during services as specially Jew-
ish, and that their accents so familiar
to the Jew of every land, shall not be
missed in any Jewish- house of prayer.
The whole question was referred to the
Committee on Public Worship, with
power to act.
The following motion offered by Mr.
Julius Rosenthal was unanimously
adopted:
"Resolved, That the Abrahamitic
rite is not an essential, condition, the
compliance with which must precede
or . follow admittance to membership
in Sinai Congregation." • ,
The salary of the minister was raised
to $4,500 in 1882, and in 1883 it was
raised to $5,000. In 1885 it was raised
to $6,000, and in 1886 to $7.000.
Upon motion of Mr. Snydacker,
made at the annual meeting, March
29th, 1886, the Congregation voted $150
to the Hebrew Union College of Cin-
cinnati, and Alliance Isrealite $200.
The following recommendations of
the Executive Board were unanimous-
ly adopted at the annual meeting of
April 4th, 1887. First, to excuse Dr.
Hirsch from officiating at funerals on
Sunday mornings; to pension the sex-
ton, Louis Mayer, for his natural life
at $400 per annum; that the salary of
Dr. Hirsch be raised to $7,500.
At a special meeting of the Congre-
gation December 25, 1887, the follow-
ing resolutions were unanimously
adopted:
Whereas, the ministrations of our
highly esteemed minister and teacher,
the Reverend Dr. E. G. Hirsch, during
the last seven years have been fruit-
ful of the most flattering results; and,
Whereas, under his care and guid-
ance the aims and objects of this Con-
gregation have been developed and
furthered to a degree beyond our most
sanguine expectations, and.
Whereas, in acknowledgment of
these facts we deem it a high privilege
to administer to the comforts of the
Reverend gentleman and his worthy
family in a manner commensurate to
their position, and,
Whereas, the present parsonage is
no longer suitable as a residence for
our minister.owing to the condition and
328
Turn REFORM ADVOCATED
location of the building, necessitating
an early and at the same time perma-
nent change, and inasmuch as the con-
tract of our Congregation with our
•worthy minister will expire April,
1890; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the trustees of this
Congregation are herewith empowered
and instructed to extend the contract
of Dr. E. G. Hirsch for a term of ten
years from the first of April next and
that his salary shall be fixed at a rate
of $12,000 per annum from said date,
and his life insurance policy of $5,000
be kept in force during the continu-
ance of said contract.
In the minutes of the regular meet-
ing of the Executive Board December
28th, 1885, we find the following:
"Dr. Hirsch reported to the Board
that for the reason of a lack of wor-
shipers no service had been held on
Saturdays for the past four Weeks,
that on each Sabbath morning the
Temple had been open, minister, sex-
ton and choir were on hand, but no
audience.
TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY.
On Sunday, the 16th 'day of May,
1886, Sinai Congregation celebrated
the twenty-fifth anniversary with ap-
propriate ceremonies. In the morning
.services were held in the Temple, cor-
ner Indiana Avenue and Twenty-first
street, which were largely attended.
Great preparations had been made for
the event, which was made one of gen-
•eral rejoicing and thanksgiving. The
pulpit was arrayed in all the gorgeous
magnificence of the choicest flowers
and the tasteful arrangement was
beautiful in the extreme. Along the
entire front of the pulpit was a pro-
fuse bordering of lilacs, above which
were placed vivid-hued geraniums, and
towering behind these were a row of
blooming calla lilies, interspersed
with palms. In the rear of the pulpit
was a tasteful arrangement of bego-
nias, of varigated colors, and growing
palms and ferns immediately behind
the reading desk.which was ornament-
ed with boquets of rare cut flowers.the
flags of America and Germany were
crossed and between the tasteful fes-
toon were hung the silver letters "C.
S. C."
The organ loft was profusely draped
with verdant festoons, and on either
side were suspended the figures "1861-
1886." The front of the galleries and
the gas pendants were all adorned w'ith
graceful festoons of green, and hanging
baskets of trailing plants and bright-
hued flowers. On the platform were
seated a number of leading Rabbis,
among whom were Dr. Samuel Hirsch
of Philadelphia, the venerable father of
the incumbent of Sinai's pulpit; Dr.
Samuel Sale, minister "of Congregation
Anshe Maarabh, Dr. Kaufman Kohler
of Congregation of Bethel, New York;
Dr. B. Felsenthal of the Zion Congre-
gation, Chicago; Dr. Liebman Adler;
Dr. Emil Hirsch, and others. Dr.
Hirsch opened the exercises with a
trief tribute to the day, and to the
noble leaders of progress and reform
in the Synagogue, he then introduced
Dr. B. Felsenthal, the first Rabbi of
Sinai Congregation, who delivered a
uerman address commemorative of the
occasion. After singing by the aug-
mented choir, Dr. Kohler was introduc-
ed. The learned doctor who, for eight
years presided over the Congregation
devoted himself to the consideration
of the leading tenets of progressive
Judaism. He congratulated the audi-
ence upon the phenomenal success
which they had achieved and trusted
that still greater blessings were in
store for them. The venerable Dr.
Samuel Hirsch of the Reform Temple
of Philadelphia then followed in an
able address in German, which was at-
tentively listened to. The choir then
tendered an apppropriate anthem, after
which Dr. Hirsch closed the exercises
with an eloquent address.
In the evening a banquet was at-
tended by most of the members of the
Congregation accompanied by their
wives. The President of Sinai Congre-
gation, Mr. J. L. Gatzert, presided and
delivered an eloquent address of wel-
come to the members and the honored
guests. He referred to the work and
record of the chief guests of the even-
ing, Dr. S. Hirsch, the father of the
present Rabbi of Sinai, he described
as the veteran pioneer of Jewish re-
form who, far in advance of his sur-
roundings stood for progressive ideas
of religion, even forty years ago. Dr.
Felsenthal, he said, plowed the fertile
soil from which a Sinai arose inspiring
new hope for the perpetuation of a
Judaism whose purity and influence
cannot be impaired by the supersti-
tious notions otfhe laggards in Jewish
ranks, nor by the assumedly new theo-
ries in ethical societies. He referred
to Dr. Kohler's great work while in
charge of the congregation and to his
labors at the Pittsburg Conference, and
in conclusion he spoke of Reformed
Judaism, holding that retrogression
was now impossible, inasmuch as "in-
vestigation" and thought had taken the
place of blind adherence to lifeless
forms and obsolete customs."
The toasts and responses were as
follows:
"Chicago Sinai Congregation," re-
sponse by the First President of the
Congregation, B. Schoeneman; "Our
Ministers," response by B. Loewenthal.
"Our Sister Congregations," response
by Dr. K. Kohler; 'The Reformed Ju-
dahism in Europe and America," re-
sponse by Dr. S. Hirsch; "Our Guests,"
response by Dr. Sale; "The Sunday
Schools,' response by H. Felsenthal;
"Our Old Members," response by G.
Snydacker; "The Pioneers," response
by Leopold Mayer; "Our Absent
Friends," response by Dr. E. G. Hirsch.
In April, 1888, Rev. Dr. Samuel
Hirsch of Philadelphia, came to Chi-
cago.with the view of making this city
his home, and Congregation Sinai ex-
tended to the father of their minister a
royal welcome. Highly complimentary
resolutions were passed at a special
meeting of the Congregation, and
he was unanimously elected an honor-
any member of the Sinai Congrega-
tion.
The membership continued to in-
crease and it again became necessary
to enlarge the seating capacity of the
Temple.
A special committee was appointed
consisting of nine members to consider
and devise ways and means of mak-
ing the contemplated improvements.
This committee consulted with Mr. G.
Adler, the architect, who estimated the
cost of the change to reach the sum of
about $60,000. Some of the members
of the Executive Board were of the
opinion that as many of the members
of Sinai Congregation have removed
further south it would be advisable to
build a new Temple nearer to the
center, where most the members are
located. But after the special commit-
tee again consulted Mr. Adler they de-
cided to. recommend to the Congrega-
tion to build an addition to the old
Temple, which recommendation was ac-
cepted by the Congregation. Mr. Ad-
ler was ordered to draw plans for the
addition, these plans were submitted
to the Congregation by the special
committee, and after a thorough ex-
amination of the plans and specifica-
tions the recommendation of the com-
mittee was concurred in.
The next annual meeting of the Sinai
Congregation was held at the vestry
rooms of Temple K. A. M. on April 4,
1892, as work had been commenced on
the addition to Sinai Temple. At that
meeting Sinai Congregation donated
$500 to the Russian Refuge Society.
SINAI'S BEAUTIFUL TEMPLE.
The remodeled, enlarged Temple was
finished in October, 1892. The Temple
has been materially extended in area;
new stairways and new exits to the
building have been added and the seat-
ing capacity largely increased. New
and complete systems of electric light-
ing and ventilation have been intro-
duced, the decorations are all of the
most complete character. The walls
and ceilings are covered in implicate
patterns in many colors, the whole ef-
fect being very quiet and harmonious.
The chief feature of the new interior
consists of the organ loft gallery and
its frame; the treatment of this in
plastic ornamental work colored in
gold is very rich in effect. The light-
ing, which is all electric, is well dis-
tributed and very soft in effect. The
seven domes in the ceiling are ar-
ranged for this purpose in a novel way,
the result being that the lights are
mostly hidden from view and a very
soft and pleasing illumination pro-
duced; new stained glass of a very rich
character has been introduced in all
the windows, and the equipment of the
building from top to bottom thorough-
ly renewed. The platform is a model
of beauty; on each side of the pulpit
are two fine, artistic, wrought iron
lamps, with silk shades, the arc has
been omitted, the scrolls of the law
not being used in Sinai Temple. The
wealth of originality which the archi-
tects of Sinai Temple, Messrs. Adler
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
329
& Sullivan, have shown in the newly
completed interior of the building, is
•well carried out in the typical forms
of the decorations.
The colors which predominate in this
building are the reddish 'browns and
gold colors on the walls, and the light
blue on the ceilings. The transition
between the two is a bold one and
gives a pleasant effect of lightness and
atmosphere to the upper portion.
The ceiling is linked in effect to the
walls by means of a broad frieze of he-
roic design — the .sharp outline of
which against the vaulted ceiling al-
most suggests out-of-door effect. The
shrine is resplendent with exquisitely
worked leaf designs, the golden ivory
tones of which bring out the lacelike
detail.
A feature of the interior consists of -
a. series of small domes on each side
of the vaulted ceiling. These domes
are decorated in a most effective and
unusual manner, by a repetition
around them of a species of a conven-
tionalized growth combined with
•curved lines, and reminding one of the
old Egyptian ornaments, in which the
lotus was shown, with curved lines be-
neath it, representing the ripples of the
Nile.
Over all is shed the soft, mellow light
of the stained glass in its many varied
.and intricate designs in which one dis-
tinguishes as the chief motif, the star
•of David, in a variety of forms and
•colors.
The re-dedication of this exquisitely
beautiful edifice took place on Wednes-
day, September 21, Erebh Rosh-Has-
hanah, 1892, when services were held
in the Temple for the first time after
the remodeling. The Temple was
•crowded to its utmost limit. The in-
terior decorations enhanced by the
tasteful floral decorations on and about
the platform aroused general enthusi-
astic admiration. Dr. Hirsch opened
the services by reading an original
poem, "Our Spell Words," composed by
him for this occasion. This was fol-
lowed by the choir chanting a response
and an address by President Gatzert.
Dr. Hirsch seemed inspired. The
fiery eloquence of his words when he
delivered his sermon entitled "The
Two Books," perfectly enthralled the
souls of his listeners. A spirit of re-
joicing, praise and thanksgiving
seemed to hover over all. Mr. Gatzert,
too, seemed to be filled with the pro-
found thought of the solemn hour. His
address was also a masterpiece, and
made a deep impression. Space will
not permit u<=, we regret, to give the
inimitably beautiful sermon of Dr.
Hirsch in full, but we will present our
readers with a few quotations from the
same. Mr. Gatzert's lecture we copy
here in full. The eloquence of Dr.
Hirsch is well known, but the beauty
of Mr. Gatzert's composition will be
a pleasant surprise to many.
Dr. Hirsch "aid: "To the sacred In-
spiration of this hour, to the solemn
appeal of this house, let me bid you
•welcome. We return after prolonged
absence to our home. At the thresh-
old meets us the New Year to usher
us to the njw Temple. The presence of
this herald is warning to remember
the caution: 'Rejoice in fear.' Not
that the conceit possesses us, that ex-
cessive joy must be ransomed by cor-
responding depth of grief. To such
dread we do not slave. The fetters of
this heritage of remote days does not
weigh down the wings of our soul,
though in such bondage, the brightest
even among the Sun-kissed minds of
the enterprise. We have reason to re-
joice that our fondest expectations
have been realized. And yet, mingled
with the glad congratulations is the
trembling tone of a more serious senti-
ment. The New Year's tide makes al-
ways a refrain set to a minor key. The
first tribute it asks are tears. Its
wreaths are wound of memories, and
on many of their flowers glisten the
pendants of regret. The flitting,
shadowy semblance of life, it lays near
I Iff I I I I I
SINAI'S NEW TEMPLE.
Indiana avenue and Twenty-first street.
Greece were paying homage to tyrant
fear. We know that the exultations,
as well as the lamentations of mortal
tongues are neither challenge nor
charm to storm or lightning, to tide
or wave, to fire or plague. Not by such
modes may either their fury be
aroused, or their ravages stayed. What
should it matter to others than men,
that joy abide with us? Not the gods
are jealous, but men; and certainly in
an hour so full of stirring thought as is
this, the petty spite of possible envy
cannot speed or slacken the flight of
reflection.
"We have cause to be thankful to the
men who doubted not but did, who
devised and carried to a successful end
the reflective mind, and thus oppresses
with suspicion, that vain is human
deed, and deceptive human victory, the
thirsting, hungry heart. Like a skill-
ful organist playing grave and fancy
descant in lofty figures, the natal hour
of the New Year constructs its com-
position on one theme, the fleetness,
and flightiness of earthly existence.
But this subject does not exhaust its
store of motives. The prelude may,
perhaps, harmonize and enunciate this
old, yet ever new, side. But soon the
movement passes into a more jubilant
tempo. It sings of the permanent and
abiding reality, to which the passing
days, the seeming shadows, are but an
ever changing setting.
330
REFORM ADVOCATEI
"Paradise Lost symbols at best idle
contemplation; Paradise to be gained
tests and evokes the mettle of the men.
Its prospect Is a fitting frontispiece to
the volume, recording what poet ca'l3
.'God's Occasions.' Weave, chaste fan-
cy and airy hope your garlands! Fes-
toon the hearts with the flowers of
dreamland! Let your palm leaf wave
the greeting of peace and beckon on-
ward the eager wanderer on 'life's up-
ward path.' All stars set; all suns
of -things, stands forth also as an ap-
peal to Israel itself, in its own house-
hold, to remember and to apply the
law universal. The flower fadeth, but
the spirit shall abide. Who would de-
ny that many a blossom, beautiful and
chaste, and sweetly scented, there
grew in the garden of old Judahism;
but these flowers fade, and when they
have faded away they are dull to the
message from on high. Their speech
must be sounded by other tongues;
' ' . V .. ..< • >'..:><
INTERIOR OF SINAI TEMPLE.
burn out; your lamp is lit at a higher
light. He who sails his course by your
constellation may dare the voyage over
life's trackless waste and be of good
cheer. "The voice of the Lord is upon
the waters; and the word of our God
endureth forever.' Storms may await
the seafarer; tears may be pressed
from eye, and the breast may heave the
pricking sigh.
'Yet trouble springs not from tha
ground
Nor pain from chance.
The eternal order circles round,
And wave and storm find mete and
bound,
In Providence.'
"This temple, in witnessing thus to
this conception of the u'timate reality
their charms must be tokened by other
buc!s. This is the emphasis which we
lay on the spiritual factor. Judahism
is not a mere memory; it is not a mere
psst. Those that constantly talk about
the ancient religion of Israel forget
that in the procession of the years, we
are the most aged. The nearer we
stand to the beginning the less is the
number of our years. The immaturi-
ties of youth mark the religions and
religious symbolism of our fathers.
The ripeness of thought and the broad-
er outlook, is characteristic of those
periods that are a development out of
the teachings of many predecessors.
It is not true that what is old, and des-
ignated by mere old age, contains more
of truth. The spirit which abideth is
a living force, and as it links age ^o
age, its stfeam broadens and deepen^.
More of that spirit is within the reach
of new Judaism, then was in the pos-
session of the old. In execution, then,
of these views, our Congregation, in-
spired by its new hall of assembly,
will remember its own history, and ap-
ply to its own intentions the great pre-
cepts projected on the screen of the
past. Ours is the conviction, that Ju-
dahism is a destiny. The everlasting
word of God found incarnation in Ju-
dahism, only as a means towards its
fuller realization in the world" at large.
A preparation for a still more inclusive
covenant of humanity is Judahism it-
self. The flower fadeth; Judaism
will fade. The grass withereth; even
the new pasturages, along which have
grazed the herds of Israel, will dry up.
But the spirit of God will abide. That
sacred word, which is echoed by the
ages and sounded by the stars will not
be hushed, but its peal and appeal will
win to higher motives and nobler re-
solves the whole human race, on that
New Year's day when Israel's volume
will be closed and the new tome of a
united, redeemed humanity will be be-
gun. We make no effort to conceal this,
fact that for the coming of this time,
we are not merely awaiting, but work-
ing. This, our Temple, welcomes all
who with us, regardless of an inte-
rior religious affliation, or of the for-
mulation of the faith, will co-operate
to bring about this hope, which is the
vital spark of Judahism."
PRESIDENT GATZERT'S DEDICA-
TION ADDRESS.
"Build thee more stately mansions, O
my soul,
As the swift seasons roll!
Leave thy low- vaulted past!
Let each new temple, nobler than the
last,
Shut thee from heaven with a dome
more vast,
Till thou at length art free,
Leaving thine outgrown shell by life's
unresting sea!"
To this new home, this temple, "no-
bler than the last," let me call out to
you a welcome heartfelt and sincere!
A welcome laden with its weight of
thankfulness, heightened by its power
of joy — a welcome thrilling from heart
to lips with gratitude profound to Him
above, who spared me in His mercy,
thus to speak it, unto you, thus lend-
ing ear to it — a welcome throbbing
with gladness at the boon of witness-
ing the realization of our earnest wish
to call our own a house of worship
with surroundings as representative as
the advance that has marked the phe-
nomenal career of our beloved Sinai
Congregation.
We are indebted for the enjoyment
of this great change, this marvelous
improvement in our Temple, to the
generous spirit that pervades this en-
tire Congregation, as well as to the
members who have so cheerfully ad-
vanced the necessary funds. We are
indebted to our leader and teacher,
Dr. E. G. Hirsch, through whose elo-
quent discourses, so many have joined
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
331
our ranks, and whose aid and influ-
ence was the most potent factor in our
onward march. We are indebted to
our architects, Messrs. Adler and Sulli-
van, who in fulfillment of their prom-
ise, have re-constructed a temple for
us, capable of meeting all our require-
ments for public services, as well as
for educational and social purposes,
and one which in point of interior
completeness and artistic beauty com-
pares favorably with any church build-
ing in the World's Fair city. The con-
tractors, too, have faithfullly per-
formed their task, and may be justly
proud of their participation in the re-
modeling of this beautiful edifice. As
Chairman of the -Building Committee,
I feel myself especially indebted to its
members, Messrs. Jos. Austrian, Albert
Fishel, Lee Fox, B. Lowenthal, Edward
Rose and W. S. Rosenthal, with Dr.
E. G. Hirsch and Mr. Adolph Loeb as
advisory members, all of whom have
worked with unflagging zeal, and with
untiring energy. Many have been their
anxieties, many their hopes and fears,
and constant their prayers that the
reconstruction so generously author-
ized might result to the entire satis-
faction of all. To the members of the
Executive Board and the Pew Com-
mittee we also owe a debt of gratitude
for their indefatigable labors in the re-
adjustment of our pews, and for the
happy solution of this most difficult
problem. Sincere thanks are due, and
are heartily tendered to the courteous
officers and kind members of our
Mother Congregation, the K. A. M.,
who opened wide their gates to us, dur-
ing our temporary absence from our
own place of worship. A word, too, in
grateful acknowledgment to Plymouth
Church, under whose hospitable roof
our holiday services were held.
It is an old and honored custom in
Israel to recite upon certain occasions,
a portion of the history of its institu-
tions; what more joyful occasion than
this of our return? What institution
more worthy than this, our Congrega-
tion? The most sanguine expectations
of the original founders of this organi-
zation are certainly surpassed by the
sight that greets us this evening, and
yet the very height of our progress and
success causes memory to travel back-
ward to that noble band of seventeen
courageous and self-sacrificing men,
who, true to their convictions, joined
together to form this Congregation.
All honor to these pioneers, who, feel-
ing within themselves the spirit of in-
quiry and progress, stood manfully by
their religious ideas, and, failing ut-
terly to introduce their views into the
service of the Mother . Congregation,
called Sinai Congregation into exist-
ence on the 7th of April, 1861. Soon
thereafter its first Temple, a very sim-
ple, wooden building on leased ground,
located on Monroe street, between
Clark and La Salle streets, was dedica-
ted by the Sainted Dr. Samuel Adler of
New York, and a new era dawned upon
the progressive Jewish element of this
city. The adoption1 of Dr. Einhorn's
prayer-book, satisfied the men of schol-
arly attainments and revived the Inter-
est in Jewish, affairs among the laity.
Sinai's first and highly esteamed min-
ister, Dr. B. Felsenthal, did yeoman's
service in laying the foundation upon
which our structure is reared. It was
indeed no easy task, to destroy the
idols of superstition, and to erect in
their place a religious belief to which
the mind, as well as the heart, could
subscribe. The Congregation's second
temple, dedicated by the late Dr.
Moritz Meyer of New York, In the
spring of 1865, marked even thus early
a decided growth in our material pros-
perity. But stronger than this, and
more important, a spirit of research,
well calculated to strengthen the cause
of reform Judaism sprang up and de-
veloped in a limited circle under the
able leadership of the lamented Dr. I.
Chronek, who at that time, and dur-
ing the five succeeding years, occupied
Sinai's pulpit.
Like to many thousand firms and in-
dividuals in our community the great
fire of 1871 proved a dire disaster to
our Congregation from a worldly
standpoint. Our temple was destroyed,
our records burned, our members
scattered and busy with re-establishing
themselves. One fortunate circum-
stance, however, rallied the leaders of
our Congregation to an extent which
made them equal to the emergency.
The knowledge of their arrangement
previously made with Dr. K. Kohler,
to act as Sinai's minister from No-
vember, 1871, re-awakened the keen
desire within them not to lose the serv-
ices of this eminent scholar. Dr. Koh-
ler found Sinai Congregation, though
much decried by orthodox factions, an
earnest, thoughtful and upward striv-
ing organization of some seventy mem-
bers, well equipped to comprehend the
spirit of Jewish Reform, and willing
to bring sacrifices for the propagation
of its theories and the realization of
its ideals. Whatever the learned
Rabbi's position may now be, we will
ever gratefully remember that his
logical arguments and forceful plead-
ings for a Sunday service, aye Sunday
Sabbath, took root in the thought-life
of our members and flourished in the
fertile soil ploughed by his predeces-
sors.
"A Congregation without a home is
no Congregation." Such were the
words, and others of a like import that
frequently greeted the ears of a de-
creasing and already heavily burdened
membership from the pulpit of the
temporary Church, corner Fourteenth
street and Wabash avenue, and the ros-
trum of Martine's Hall, in which places
Sinai Congregation held its services.
The crucial test of loyalty to the cause
and the self-forgetting spirit of unfal-
tering devotion to the task assumed,
was now supplied and Maccabeean-like
triumphantly borne. The Temple was
erected upon its present site, at a cost
of $120,000, and dedicatory services
were held in 1876. For a while mat-
ters ran smoothly until a reactionary
attempt to check the reform tendencies
of our Congregation injured the at-
tendance at our services, and thinned
the roll of our members. The hard
times in our Congregation reached their
culmination in 1878. A debt of $50,000,
a salary list of about $10,000 per an-
num, the almost unbearable cry of
bankruptcy from our opponents, all
combined to dim the lustre of our pros-
perity. These were times that tried
men's souls; but the managers of
Sinai's affairs were men of undaunted
courage. With a conviction in their
breasts that the cause of Reform Juda-
ism as espoused by their congregation,
could not be injured by vacillations in
quarters least expected, nor by the on-
slaught of unprincipled antagonists,
they met the unrest that threatened in-
ternal disruption by a well taught les-
son that retrogression has no place In
Sinai Congregation. The clouds began
to fade from our horizon with the ad-
vent of Dr. Emil Hirsch in the year
1880— the seed planted in richest fields,
•varmed by the rays of his intellect's
bright sunlight sprang into life and
sent forth their fruitage. Under his
able leadership our list of members in-
creased fourfold and we now number
280 co-workers.
The expounding from our pulpit of
theories of value in a practical work-
ing-day world — the various philoso-
phies of life so clearly touched upon,
the sound ethics so earnestly and im-
pressively taught, must stimulate to
greater activity in the paths of duty
and of justice, must arouse the nobler,
truer self, making it possible for eager
listeners to become better citizens, bet-
ter men and women, better Jews!
The men who forged the principles
tlia* support this organization through
tiij-is, and through struggles, through
difliculties and disasters before which
a wea>er body would have fallen back
dismayed, may see in the sacred beauty
of this hour, the realization of their
pure and noble ideals, may find here-
in the reward of their faithful labors.
These men insisted upon Sinai Congre-
gation's right to manage its own af-
fairs without let or hindrance from
other congregations or conferences;
these men dared to proclaim to all the
world, that Sinai Congregation, freeing
itself from all burdensome, and for our
time, meaningless customs, seeks the
perpetuation of Judaism through the
purity of its moral idea by adhering to
the ethical truths contained in the
Bible and the teachings of the proph-
ets; these men and their co-workers to
and of the present day, saw in the es-
tablishment of a well regulated Sun-
day service the only means of keeping
the rising generation within the pale
of Judaism. All are not here with us
in the body, some having gone home,
to sleep the last, long sleep— the busy
brains have ceased their thinking, the
hands that toiled are quiet in the rest
of rests; yet in this Temple find they
remembrance strong as immortality
and its success shall be for them a last-
ing monument.
In this solemn hour, solemn, yet joy-
ful beyond all measure, I appeal to the
young men and young women here as-
332
REFORM ADVOOATB,.
sembled, to crown the work of their
parents and teachers by joining our
ranks with a whole heart. I ask them
to place the proper value upon the sac-
rifices that their parents have brought
In educating them with a lavish hand,
and thereby fitting them out to aid in
the upbuilding of the moral nature and
character of our co-religionists, by rea-
son of their own intelligence; so that,
when their time comes to feel the re-
sponsibility for the continued progress
of this Congregation, an institution
which makes for righteousness, and
will outlive us and them— the joy, the
happiness and satisfaction which fill
our hearts today may also swell their
breasts with pride and with thanks-
giving!
At the annual meeting held March
30, 1893, the recommendation of Presi-
dent Gatzert that the incoming board
should devise ways and means for
equipping the Semitic Department of
the Chicago University with a requisite
Library was concurred in by a motion
of Mr. Adolph Nathan, that it is the
sense of this meeting to raise the
amount necessary by subscription from
individual members, such amount not
to exceed $5,000.
The President also recommended
that the Congregation assist and en-
courage young men studying for the
Jewish ministry by setting aside one-
half per cent of the annual assess-
ments. Mr. Lowenthal then moved
that the Congregation donate a
sum not to exceed $1,000 per annum
but of the general fund at the dis-
cretion of the board, and this motion
was carried.
President Gatzert's annual re-
port, presented to the Congregation
April 2, 1894, contains the following
announcement: "The contributions
from members of Sinai Congregation
to the various charitable educational
and other helpful institutions, are as
follows:
To the United Hebrew Chari-
ties $11,462.50
To the Michael Reese Hos-
pital 5,325.00
To the Cleveland Orphan
Asylum 3,820.00
To the Jewish Training
School 5,168.00
Averaging as a whole, 58 per cent of
the entire amounts which the several
other organizations have collected in
the usual manner from the Jewish pop-
ulation in our city. Mr. Gatzert recom-
mends to the Congregation to give to
the United Hebrew Charities an extra
$500 to help to replenish their empty
treasury.
According to the report of the Exec-
utive Board the Congregation then had
a total membership of 304.
The following resolution was unani-
mously adopted:
"That the public worship committee
be Instructed to take into considera-
tion the propriety and expediency of
eliminating from our service on holi-
days the reading of lengthy prayers
in Hebrew, and bring the services on
holidays in harmony with our Sunday
services."
The Sabbath School was attended by
175 children. Only paid teachers are
employed and no volunteers. The
teachers are paid a liberal salary.
At the Executive Board meeting
May 7, 1894, the following resoluton
was adopted:
"Whereas, the Congregation is the
owner of a Sepher Thorah, the use of
which in the services has been dis-
pensed with; Therefore, Resolved,
that said Sepher Thorah be donated
to the University of Chicago as a part
of the Semitic Library, donated by the
Congregation."
The donation of the congregation to
the United Hebrew Charities was
raised to $600.00 for the year 1893 to
1894.
T-he President reported that the
Liberal Religous Congress, the first
of its kind in the history of the
world, had held its sessions in Sinai
Temple on May 22d, 23d, 24th and
25th; that said Congress was excep-
tionally well attended and marks an
era in their history of liberal religious
movement; and that Sinai Congrega-
tion can be proud of the part taken
therein by Dr. Hirsch and the mem-
bers of the Congregation.
Mrs. H. L. Frank was appointed
by the President a member of the
Choir Committee.
The Chicago Tribune of September
15, 1894, contained the following re-
port of a reception tendered to Dr.
Hirsch on the 14th of that month:
"An informal reception was given to
Dr. Emil G. Hirsch by his congregation
tion last night in the vestry room of
Sinai Temple. Between 500 and 600
people were present and the greater
part of the evening was taken up in
greetings. The main hall was deco-
rated with flowers, ferns and flags,
and over the rotunda was a circular de-
sign illuminated with electric lights
bearing the inscription, 'Sinai's
Greeting.' In the center was a por-
trait of the doctor. While 'Home,
Sweet Home' was being rendered by a
mandolin orchestra Dr. Hirsch was
led into the room by J. L. Gatzert,
President of the Board of Directors
of the church. The doctor was greet-
ed with prolonged applause and af-
ter the quartette had sung Mr. Gat-
zert delivered an address of welcome.
Dr. Hirsch responded saying this was
the first speech he had made for twelve
weeks, and he had almost forgotten
how to make one. He had been glad
to get away, but was equally glad to
get back.
The Torn Kippur donations collect-
ed in Sinai Congregation in 1894 for
the United Hebrew Charities amount-
ed to $12,000.00.
On March 4, 1895, President Gatzert
announced to the executive board that
he deemed it proper to state that
he would not accept a renomination
as President for the ensuing year,
being prevented by the necessity of
devoting his entire time to his pri-
vate affairs. The members of the
Board expressed great regret that the
President felt called upon to make
such an announcement.
On Shebuoth of 1895 subscriptions
of the members during confirmation
for the benefit of the Jewish Train-
ing School were inaugurated and the
sum of $1,518 was realized. On Kol-
Nidre Eve $13,158.43 were subscribed
by the members to the United He-
brew Charities, and on Purim of that
year the sum of $157.40 was subscribed
for Alliance Israelite Universale.
The regular donation to the United
H. C. was increased from $100 to $1,-
000. Twelve young men petitioned the
Board of Directors for the permission
to become members of Sinai Congre-
gation without being compelled to buy
pews, and their petition was granted.
At the annual meeting of 1896 the
Congregation appropriated $600 for a
religious school to be established in
the Jewish settlement on the West
side, as requested by 'the Council
Jewish Women's Council.
Dr. Hirsch was unanimously re-
elected for a term of ten years from
the expiration of his contract at a sal-
ary of $12,000 per annum.
Dr. Einhorn's prayer book in Eng-
lish as revised by Dr. Hirsch was
adopted by the Congregation, and a
vote of thanks to Dr. Hirsch for devot-
ing his summer vacation to the great
task of translating into pure English
the beautiful and inspiring prayers of
the lamented Dr. Einhorn.
According to President Fishell's re-
port April 5, 1897, the total member-
ship was 430. The attendance at the
services on Sunday showed by a
closely kept record an average of 1,-
100, notwithstanding the severity of
the storms and inclemency of the sea-
son. We quote from the President's
report:
"There is, however, one thing to
which I beg to call your special at-
tention, and that is, the small num-
ber of confirmants. We take the
child from its entrance to the school,
carry it through from class to class,
year after year, but when we hope to
see it become a strong link in the
chain of our Congregation, through
the rite of confirmation, we meet with
disappointment.
"What is the cause of this failure
to secure the culminating advantages
of the religious instruction imparted in
the school? Having been closely con-
nected with the Sabbath School, and
having given some care and atten-
tion to the subject, I believe I can
point out to you the special cause un-
derlying the motive for failure to have
pupils of the school publicly con-
firmed in our temple. For years past
our esteemed Rabbi has advised and
insisted that the young lady members
of the class foster simplicity in dress
on confirmation day, instead of being
clad in expensive garments elaborately
decorated, and this -suggestion has in
a great measure been complied with;
but, unfortunately, another and a se-
THE REFORM ADVOCATE,
333
rious feature accompanying the con-
firmation, that of giving large and ex-
pensive receptions to the confirmants,
has gradually arisen. Another, and
no less potent objection is urged, that
children of rich or affluent parents
are more favored with callers than
those having less of the world's goods,
notwithstanding the fact that they may
be leading in their classes and no less
worthy. This, when it becomes
known to the children — as it always
does — produces heart-burnings, and
thus almost on the threshold of life
their progress seems to be impeded by
barriers erected by social conditions.
"Is it any wonder, then, that under
such circumstances a man of moder-
ate means sacrifices his own pride
and that of his child, and foregoes the
gratification of having him or her
confirmed?
"I would therefore suggest, as a
remedy, that you aid in the abolition
of all private receptions to confirm-
ants, and instruct the incoming
Board to tender, in behalf of the Con-
gregation, to the conflrmants, their
parents and friends, a reception in the
afternoon of confirmation day at our
vestry rooms, which are so well adapt-
ed for large gatherings, the expense
to be defrayed out of the contingent
fund, and thus the day will become
to all the children, rich and poor
alike, a happy and a joyful one, and
to members and friends a social re-
union, and the objections to non-con-
firmation will in great part be re-
moved. Our congregation can well af-
ford to take the first step in this di-
rection, and I feel confident that ere
long we will not only have the satis-
faction of seeing the desired object
accomplished, but that other congre-
gations will adopt the same measures."
EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF THE
SINAI MISSION SCHOOL.
"I herewith submit to you a report
of the Sabbath School of the Council
of Jewish Women of Chicago, which
your generous support has enabled us
to carry on in a most satisfactory
manner.
"We hold our sessions on the third
and fourth floors of 571 South Canal
Street, having there the use of four
well lighted, well heated and well
ventilated rooms. These sessions take
place on every Saturday from 2:30 to
4:00 o'clock P. M.
"We have enrolled about 260 chil-
dren with an average attendance for
this season of 240.
"Our school consists of girls only.
We were compelled to limit ourselves
as to numbers, and after careful con-
sideration thought for various rea-
sons that this would be the wisest
course:
"First. The boys were receiving
religious instructions while the girls
with but few exceptions were entirely
untaught in this direction.
"Second. We thought that the les-
sons of cleanliness, thrift, etc., taught
to the girls might be more productive
•of good results in the home.
"A special stress is laid on the mor-
al and ethical lessons derived from
the bible stories.
"Regarding the results, I would say
that they are more than satisfactory
and encouraging.
"The appearance of the children has
changed greatly. Unwashed faces
and unkempt heads are now the ex-
ception; now we are always greeted
by the sight of clean, bright and smil-
ing faces.
"We feel satisfied that these influ-
ences- do not end with the Sabbath
School, but are carried into the homes
and lives of these children.
"ROSALIE SULTZBERGER,
Chairman Sabbath School Committee
C. J. W. of Chicago."
The President's recommendation in
regard to the reception to be given to
the confirmants on Confirmation day
was unanimously adopted and the Ex-
ecutive Board made the proper arrange-
ments.
A prominent and gratifying feature
of the thirty-seventh annual meeting
of the Chicago Sinai Congregation,
held April 4, 1898, was the attendance
of a large number of the younger mem-
bers of the Congregation and their ac-
. tive participation in the proceedings.
At a meeting of the Executive Board
held October 1, 1898, it was stated that
on the third Sunday in January, 1899,
twenty-five years would have elapsed
since Sunday services were inaugurated
in this Congregation. Whereupon the
Executive Board unanimously re-
solved to recommend to the Congrega-
tion that it hold suitable services on
that day.
At the special Congregational meet-
ing, held to take action on said mat-
ter, the recommendation of the Execu-
tive Board was adopted, and a com-
mittee of eleven members of the Con-
gregation, part of whom were members
of the Executive Board, was named to
arrange and carry out plans for the
celebration. The following persons
composed this committee: Augustus
Binswanzer, Leo Fox, Joseph L. Gat-
zert, Harry Hart, Dr. Emil G. Hirsch,
Adolph Loeb, Berthod Loewenthal, Ju-
lian W. Mack, Leon Mandel, Edward
Rose, Julius Rosenthal. Albert Fishell,
ex-officio. In compliance with the res-
olution the committee extended an In-
vitation to the following Rabbis and
scholars to grace the occasion with
their presence:
The Rev. Dr. K. Kohler, Ne^York;
Rabbi Moses J. Gries, Cleveland, O.;
Prof. Morris Jastrow, Jr., Philadelphia,
Pa.; Dr. Joseph K. Krauskopf, Phila-
delphia, Pa.; Dr. Max Landsberg,
Rochester, N. Y.; Rabbi J. Leonard
Levy, Philadelphia, Pa.; Dr. L. Mayer,
Pittsburg, Pa.; Dr. Adolph Moses,
Louisville, Ky.; Dr. Samuel Sale and
Dr. Leo Harrison, St. Louis, Mo., and
Dr. Gustav Gottheil of New York,
whom old age prevented from attend-
ing, was requested to write a letter em-
bodying his views.
The celebration took place on Jan-
uary 15, 1899. Two services were held,
one in the morning and the other in
the evening. In the morning the spa-
cious auditorium was filled with over
2,200 congregants, among whom were
all the local Rabbis and representa-
tives of their congregations. The plat-
form was becomingly decorated with
flowers, plants and flags. Overhead, in
floral letters was the motto: "Das
neue Wissen— der alte Glaube," the
title of Dr. Kohler's first Sunday ser-
mon. The services opened with sing-
ing of Psalm CL. by the choir, after
which the regular ritual services were
read by Dr. Hirsch. Mr. Loewenthal,
who was President of the Congregation
in 1874, the year in which Sunday serv-
ices were first introduced, was to be
the first speaker, but unfortunately the
state of his health would not permit
him to venture the experiment. In his
stead Mr. Gatzert was introduced by
Dr. Hirsch, and made some very ap-
propriate remarks. Dr. Hirsch then de-
livered % characteristic address In
'which he warmly welcomed his hon-
ored colleagues to the house of God.
He said in substance: "If ever men
loved Judaism, Einhorn, Hirsch and
Holdheim did; if ever men were con-
vinced of the world-enlightening and
world-redeeming mission of our ances-
tral faith, Holdheim and Samuel
Hirsch were. Let the slanderer use his
venomous epithets to the contrary, his
is vain babble. Before the throne of
God, where these transfigured leaders
and pioneers are now standing, our
pathfinders have been crowned with
the wreath of immortality, and in the
book of life, whose letters shall never
fade, is recorded as the rhythm of
every heartbeat of theirs,- their un-
quenchable love for Judaism and their
unshakeable faith in the God of Israel.
If Holdheim and Hirsch, and at one
period of his noble life, the blessed
Einhorn, thought it necessary to
march on from Saturday to Sunday, it
was because the land of promise beck-
oned them. They felt intensely that
not to abide in a desert of indifference
was Israel led out from Egypt. They
were convinced that for the promulga-
tion of the hope, and the realization of
the faith of a God-blessed and God-
united humanity, God's own had come
into the patrimony of liberty.
"The Sabbath idea is cardinal to Ju-
daism. Without a Sabbath, no Juda-
ism. This is fundamentally true, and
no one may take even as much as a
tittle away from this root proposition.
If Judaism had given to the world
nought but the Sabbath, its history
would be crowned wherever justice is
done to service rendered and acknowl-
edgment is made for inspiration given,
with the lustre of having brought to
toiling man the richest of all blessings.
Not Rome and not Greece, not Assyria
and not Egypt, offered to the strug-
gling race such sweet boon. Among
them, slavery clanked its chain, the
scourge of selfishness lashed the back
of brother men, lust held the sceptre,
and thought of gain and pelf alone was
the magnet of life. The Sabbath bride
could never feel at home among their
art treasures, their martial trophies.
334
THE. RE.FORM ADVOCATE,
Her cradle was not the forum, and not
the agora, not In the Parthenan, nor
in the Pantheon, not at the foot of the
pyramids, nor in the shadow of the Pa-
goda, Not from Ganges nor from Eu-
phrates radiated forth her light of joy
to diffuse in home the glow of duty and
the glory of peace in the hearts of men.
In Jerusalem, at Sinai, across the Jor-
dan, where liberty was written on the
first tablet of God's communication,
wnere light was apprehended to be the
first audible articulation out of chaos
seething and whirling into cosmos —
where duty was sung as the primal
chord and the final diapason of life's
melody and meaning— where love was
prized the universal magnet and re-
ward— there, and there alone, the Sab-
bath lamp could shine its brightest,
and the Sabbath law could be garbed
with deepest import and guarded in its
unutterably impressive importance.
"The Sabbath is the badge of God's
covenants with men and in blhalf of
man with Israel. It is the sign of
God's abiding in the world; of His
guidance of the nations in history.
Take it away, night enwrapts human-
ity, Time is robbed of purpose. Ages
lose their awful trumphet notes as
successive heralds of the God who
leads men from slavery to sublimity.
The men who led our advance have
recognized this, if they have recog-
nized one truth. But looking into the
life of the modern world, they soon
apprehended that if Israel was to be
genuinely true to its mission, if Ju-
daism was not to ebb away as a reli-
gion of the ghetto and to petrify into
a ghettoized religion, it was necessary
for the Jew td live to the full the mod-
ern life. That modern life entailed up-
on him, deaf to his regrets and blind
to his romances, accommodation to
modern institutions and adjustment to
modern necessities. Deny this whoso-
ever will, to this effect is the universal
testimony of far spread experience."
The sermons preached on that cele-
bration day were printed in pamphlet
form. They form a rare collection of
pearls of thought — thoughts to kindle
the perpetual lamp of truth in the
sanctuary of humanity and keep the
altars aglow with celestial fire in the
temples of religious aspiration.
The pamphlet contains the addresses
by Dr. Kohler, Dr. Sale, Dr. Mayer,
Rabbi Leonard Levy, Rabbi Moses
Gries, etc., all illustrious leaders in
Reform Judaism in America.
In the evening of the next day after
a reception tendered the visitors by
the Chicago Section of the Council of
Jewish Women, Mr. B. Loewenthal en-
tertained the Rabbis and other guests
at a banquet at the Standard Club. The
list of participants included a number
c.' the leaders of the Congregation, and
the presidents of the local institutions
accompanied by their ladies. Mr. Au-
gustus Binswanger presided as toast-
master. Wit and wisdom flowed in
profusion.
Shortly after this event the equa-
nimity of the Congregation was con-
siderably disturbed by the news that
Dr. Hirsch had been the recipient of a
call from Temple Emanuel, New York,
to become the Chief Rabbi of this
the most influential and prominent
Congregation of the East if not of the
country. Efforts were at once made
to induce the Doctor not to accept the
call. Young men, to the number of
seventy, enrolled themselves as mem-
bers in order to evidence by this that
there was a future in this city for the
Doctor's work. The newspapers took
up the matter and editorially asked the
Rabbi not to leave Chicago. Dr.
Hirsch had sent in his resignation,
fully determined to seek the new field
offered him. But after long efforts to
convince him that it was his duty to
remain with the Congregation and
when the Congregation elected him for
life, the Doctor consented to ask
Temple Emanuel to release him
from whatever promise the mem-
bers of that Congregation had
^thought he had given to come. After
Temple Emanuel took the desired ac-
tion, Dr. Hirsch accepted the election
under the new terms. Did he do wise-
ly? The opinions on this are divided.
Perhaps he might have made his influ-
ence tell in the larger field to much
greater advantage for the whole com-
munity of Israel. But this is what the
President of Sinai has to say on this
matter in one of his reports.
At the annual meeting of April, 1900,
President Loeb writes in his message:
"The closing scenes of last year's
events are still fresh in our minds.
Sinai Congregation had passed
thiough a crisis, which, to say the
least, caused an excitement among its
members such as is rarely witnessed by
an organization like our. The Congre-
gation, in tones that could not be mis-
understood, decided under any and all
circumstances that our minister must
remain, and if any sacrifices were nec-
essary to obtain this sole object, the
Congregation was ready to make them.
The incoming Executive Board, officers
and all, were elected, so to speak, un-
der these conditions and Dr. Hirsch re-
mained. Now that a year has passed,
it behooves us to pass the calm and
retrospective glance and ask ourselves
the question: 'Was our action hasty, and
have we occasion to repent it?' The
answer is readily found. The year just
closed has been one of unparalleled
prosperity. New members flocked to us
in great numbers regardless whether
they could get a good seat or not; the
services .throughout the whole year
were of the highest order. The best
of understanding was at all times
maintained between the Board and the
Minister, the latter outdoing himself
in his great efforts to furnish the Con-
gregation with the best creations of his
master mind and master tongue. Not
satisfied with his efforts in the pulpit
up stairs, Dr. Hirsch also took personal
charge of the Sabbath School, and the
result of his wonderful patriotism is
apparent in that the school has at-
tained an attendance and a standard
never before reached.
"We come before you tonight with a
membership of 463, including all
classes."
The collection from the Congrega-
tion for the United Hebrew Charities
for the year 1899 to 1900, amounted to
$14,430.41, the highest figure ever col-
lected. Munificent donations have been
made this year to the Chicago Univer-
sity by quite a number of the members
of Sinai Congregation, reaching all the
way from $5,000 to $50,000.
The year 1900 to 1901 -was also re-
markably prosperous for the Congre-
gation. The President in his annual
report says: "Our Rabbi, Dr. E. G.
Hirsch, seems to have made it his am-
bition to make each sermon de-
livered on Sunday greater and
more admirable, more instructive,
and more magnificent, than the
preceding one. The experiment to
transfer the school hours from Sunday
morning to Saturday has proven a
great success, enabling our superinten-
dent and staff of teachers to devote
twice as much time to their task, and
the result Is most gratifying, both as
to attendance and decorum, as also ta
the dissemination of knowledge and
the infusion of religion into the minds
and hearts of the young. The removal
from the city of Miss Sadie American
. deprived the school of an able and com-
petent teacher, and so did also the ad-
vancement of young Mr. Baker to the
ministry of a sister congregation.
Both resignations were reluctantly ac-
cepted and their places filled by the
election of Miss Block and Mrs. Abra-
ham. We have now on the rolls 473
members, which will soon reach 500,.
according to the assurances of the
Committee on Membership."
President Loeb strongly recommends,
to Sinai Congregation to join the
Union of American Hebrew Congrega-
tions at Cincinnati. A Young People's
Association was recently organized
from among the members and their
families, in the hope that they will
help swell the audiences at the Sun-
day services to a degree worthy of a
congregation like Sinai.
In consequence of the organization
of the Associated Jewish Charities of
Chicago the collection of contributions
at the service on the eve of the day
of atonement for charities has been;
discontinued. The amount of $677.70
was promptly contributed by the mem-
bers of the Congregation to assist in
alleviating the distress of the Galves-
ton sufferers.
Dr. Hirsch in a letter to the Congre-
gation, earnestly advocates the" accept-
ance of the President's recommenda-
tion, that Sinai Congregation join the
Union of American-Hebrew Congrega-
tion. He also suggests that Sinai Con-
gregation follow the example set by
Temple Emanuel of San Francisco and
establish one or two fellowships in
semitics at the Chicago University,
each to bring every year $500 to be
open to a graduate student, preferably
of Rabbinics.
The following officers were elected:
President. Adolph Loeb; Vice-Presi-
dent, Leon Mandel; Treasurer, Edwin
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
335
G. Foreman; Financial Secretary, S.
Greenebaum; Recording Secretary, Ju-
lius Stern; Directors to serve two
years, Harry Hart, Joseph Kahn, S. W.
Strauss and S. J. Klein; Director to
serve for one year, Mr. Herman Lan-
dauer.
This completes the history of Sinai
Congregation from the day of its birth
to the present time. We deemed it
best to follow the records of the Con-
gregation chronologically from year to
year, keeping close even to the parlia-
mentary language of the minutes.
The wonderful success and the mar-
velous achievements of Sinai Congre-
gation during the forty years of its ex-
istence, in the fields of religion and
charity, free thought and free giving,
will no doubt stimulate other Jewish
congregations to emulation. Under the
leadership of its Rabbis Sinai Congre-
gation has emerged from the desert of
doubt, problematic experimenting and
halting hesitation. It aims at a
positive, prophetic Judaism — a Juda-
ism of duty and righteousness. It is
now also emerging from its isolated
retreat and is seeking the fellowship of
its sister congregations in the house of
Israel. It is marching onward with
flying colors towards the promised land
of ethical and religious truth, and it
confidingly follows the new device in-
scribed on its banner: "Das neue
Wissen — der alte Glaube."
As stated before, as soon as Dr.
Samuel Hirsch resolved upon his re-
tirement from active duties as Rabbi
of the Reform congregation Kene-
seth Israel of Philadelphia, to make
Chicago his residence, Chicago Sinai
Congregation honored itself by elect-
ing this veteran leader of the Reform
cause to honorary membership. Dr.
Hirsch came to this city March 23d,
1888. The hope that here he would
be spared to live many more years
and enjoy the fruitage of his teachings
in the prosperity of his son's congre-
gation was not realized. Only a little
over a year did he tarry with us. Dur-
ing this time he occupied the pulpit
of Sinai Congregation once, on Yom
Kippur morning, 1888, and read the
concluding prayer in the evening. Af-
ter a torief spell of sickness he passed
to his reward on May the fourteenth,
1889, and was buried in Rosehill, the
cemetery of Sinai Congregation, on a
lot dedicated to his memory by the
congregation. Soon after his demise
the Board of Sinai resolved that it was
their duty to mark in a becoming
manner the resting place of this noble
teacher. An invitation was extended
to the congregation over which he had
presided so long in Philadelphia to
join Sinai in this work of love, but the
Philadelphia admirers of Dr. Samuel
Hirsch thought it best to give expres-
sion to their feelings in a memorial
window in the new Temple then pro-
posed and since erected, and therefore
did not accept Sinai's suggestion.
September 6th, 1890, the monument, a
beautiful shaft, was dedicated with ap-
propriate ceremony. Dr. Sale of St.
Louis, at the invitation of the Congre-
gation, delivered the dedicatory ser-
mon, and Dr. E. G. Hirsch gave ex-
pression to his dear mother's thanks
for this signal mark of reverence for
a man who had not been the minister
of Sinai, though his principles were
indeed fundamental to the aims of
Sinai's members. An inscription re-
counting the services of the great lead-
er and a quotation from an address
delivered by him at the twenty-fifth
anniversary of the founding of the
Congregation marks the beautiful
monolith. Dr. Samuel Hirsch was
survived by his widow only a few
years. She died beloved by all who
knew her, in August, 1893, and was
carried to her resting place by the sido
of her dear husband by the members
of Sinai Congregation, the executive
board acting as pallbearers.
DR. SAMUEL, HIRSCH.
. REV. DR. SAMUEL HIRSCH.
Dr. Samuel Hirsch was born June
8th, 1815, at Thalfangen, Rhinish Prus-
sia. For a number of years he attend-
ed the celebrated Jeshibha at Metz.
Then he became a student at the Bonn
University. His thirst for knowledge
was so great that he walked all the
way to Berlin to continue his studies
there under the great professors. His
first sermon he preached at Bessau, but
he was too liberal a man for the ortho-
dox faction and they forced him out.
In 1844 he wrote his main work "Re-
ligions Philosophie der Juden." In 1845
he received the title of Doctor of Phil-
osophy from the Leipzig University.
During that year he officiated as sec-
retary of the Second Rabbinical Con-
ference at Breslau. Before this confer-
ence he advocated Sunday services and
afterwards published a pamphlet on
the subject. In the same year he was
called to the postiion of Rabbi at Lux-
emburg, where he remained until 1866.
He then emigrated to America and be-
came the Rabbi of Kenesseth Israel
Congregation at Philadelphia, where
he remained until 1888. He also wrote:
"Humanitaet als Religion" and a Cate-
chism of the Jewish religion, shortly
after he removed to Chicago, and Sinai
Congregation, whose pulpit is occupied
by his son, Dr. Emil G. Hirsch, extend-
ed to the venerable father of their
minister a very cordial welcome.
He died in Chicago at the residence
of his son. May 14th, 1899, and was bur-
ied by Sinai Congregation at Rose Hill
Cemetery. In 1890 Sinai Congregation
erected a magnificent monument In"
honor of his memory, over his grave at
Rose Hill. The monument is an
obelisk of Barre granite, extending 18
feet high on a symmetrical base, meas-
uring more than seven feet square at
the ground. On the shaft appears in
raised letters "S. H." in monogram,
and the name "Samuel Hirsch" is on
the base. The die bears the following
inscription in polished letters:
"Erected by Chicago Sinai Congre-
gation, the first to adopt without com-
promise or hesitation the principles he
taught, and consecrated to the memory
of Dr. Samuel Hirsch. Born in Thal-
fangen,Prussia, June 8, 1815, he died in
Chicago, May 14, 1889. For fifty years
of active life as rabbi, both in Europe
and in the United States, he was the
most fearless and consistent champion
of enlightened, liberal Judaism, and by
words of mouth and pen never tired of
holding its tenets as fundamentally the
doctrine destined to be the religion of
humanity, looking neither to the right
nor to the left, but confident of the in-
vincible power of truth. Those who
now lag behind will follow, and those
who now oppose will indorse our
movement."
Dr. Hirsch was thirty years in the
Jewish ministry in his native land, and
for twenty three years he preached
progressive Judaism in this country.
His contributions on the philosophy o.f
the Jewish religion and his text books
on the tenets of Judaism, rank among
the best of their kind.
LEADERS OF SINAI CONGREGA-
TION.
BENJAMIN SCHOENEMAN.
Benjamin Schoeneman, the first
President of Sinai Congregation, was
born July 6th, 1825, at Hainsforth,
Germany. He was liberally educated
in his native country. In 1849 he emi-
grated to America, and in 1852 he came
to Chicago, where he engaged in the
packing business in which he was very
successful. He was versed in Jewish
literature, was a man of progressive
ideas and a warm champion of Jewish
reform. From 1863 to 1867, he was
Chairman of the School Board of
Sinai Congregation. From 1862 to
1863, he was Trustee, and from 1867 to
1868, Financial Secretary of the United
Hebrew Charities.
336
REFORM ADVOCATED
B. SCHOENEMAN.
First President Sinai Congregation.
He married Miss Eliza Unger of
Koeln (Cologne), Germany, who was
his second wife; his first wife was her
sister. His wife and four children sus-
vive him: Mrs. Eliza Stein, Simon,
Frieda Katz and Leo Schoeneman.
MR. ADOLPH LOEB.
In the year 1873, there arrived in
Chicago a man whose refined manners
and lofty character at once won for
him the love and esteem of his fellow
citizens, especially that of his Jewish
co-religionists. Almost immediately
he became an active member of the
Jewish community and his influence
soon manifested itself in Jewish cir-
cles. In his southern home he was
prominent in B'nai B'rith affairs, and
the leaders of district No. 6 received
him with open arms. He was elected
Grand Secretary for the district, which
office 'he held for ten years. Those
who know something about the history
of the Jewish community of Chicago
for the last quarter of the past century
will easily recognize our friend Adolph
Loeb, in the short pen sketch which
we have drawn.
Mr. Loeb was born in the old historic
city of Germany, Bingen on the Rhine,
in the year 1839. The family of Loeb
has been prominent in Germany for
ADOLPH LOEB
Present President Sinai Congregation.
several generations. At the age of
14 he came to America and spent his
youth in the city of New York. From
there he went south and for a number
of years he lived in Memphis, Tenn.
Very early in life he started in the in-
surance business, became an expert in
his line, was very successful and re-
mained in this business to this day.
Mr. Loeb is manager of the North Ger-
man and Transatlantic Insurance Com-
panies of Hamburg and Vice-President
and Western Manager of 'the North-
German Insurance Co., of New York.
Several years ago he admitted his son,
Leo, into his business and the firm
name now is Adolph Loeb & Son.
Mr. Loeb was the President of the
Russian Aid Society, established for
the benefit of the Russian refugees,
and existed for two years, from 1892
to 1894. For twenty-five years, up to
last year, he was a member of the
Board of the United Hebrew Chari-
ties and during the last twenty years
he frequently held important offices in
the Standard Club, of which he is a
charter member. At present he is
President of the Sinai Congregation,
Grand President of District No. 6,
B'nai B'rith, President of the Jewish
Agricultural Aid Society of America,
Trustee of the Cleveland Orphan Asy-
lum, a member of the Art Institute, of
the Civic Federation and of the Citi-
zens' Association.
All these high honors and distinc-
tions Mr. Loeb carries with dignified
modesty, always finding a kind word
and a pleasant smile for the humblest
as well as for the most influential.
MR. SIMON FLORSHEIM.
Mr. Florsheim was born in Ronerad,
Germany, May 28, 1837, and his par-
ents' names were Isaac and Marian
(Weiler) Florsheim. He came to Am-
erica in 1853 and to Chicago four years
later. He first engaged in the insur-
ance business and became secretary of
the Germania Insurance Company,
then he embarked in the wholesale hat
business and now he is the proprietor
of the Chicago Corset Company, with
offices in Chicago and New York, fac-
tory at Aurora.Ill., where 900 operators
are employed. He is also Vice-Presi-
dent of the Aurora Automatic Machin-
ery Company, where about 250 ma-
chinists are employed, Mr. Florsheim
is the inventor of the Ball corset and
several other mechanical devices. For
a number of years he was a leading
member of the Underwriters and
Treasurer of Fire Insurance Patrol
and a member of the Patrol which he
helped to organize. He is now treas-
urer of the Protection Mutual Fire In-
surance Company. He was a member
of a vocal quartet, which started the
first singing society in Chicago, the
at one time well known Concordia
Maennerchor. He is a member of Sinai
Congregation, of which he was Direct-
or, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-Presi-
dent and for many years member of
the choir. For two years, from
1896 to 1898, he was a director of
the United Hebrew Relief Association.
He is a member of the Standard and
Hamilton Clubs, and an ex-Director of
the first. He married Miss Elizabeth
Friesleben and of the children that
were born to them six are now living.
Mrs. Flora Altman, Norman,- Sidney,
Isaac, Leonard and Isabel.
Mr. Florsheim was the youngest
President ever elected in Sinai Con-
SAMUEL FLORSHEIM.
gregation, being but 27 years old. He
organized the first choir for the con-
gregation and sang in it for 15 years
as basso.
MR. BERTHOLD LOEWENTHAL.
In the congregational, charity and
social circles of the Jewish commun-
ity, as well as in the financial world,
municipal affairs and public life of
Chicago in general, the name of Ber-
thold Loewenthal occupies a place of
honor.
Mr. Loewenthal was born in Mueh-
ringen, Wurtemburg, Germany, August
6, 1830. His parents were Joseph and
Yetta Loewenthal. He was educated
in the public schools of his native
town. At the age of twenty he came to
America, and settled in Rock Island,
111., and for two years, from 1855 to
1857, he served as Alderman of that
town. In 1863 he moved to Chicago.
He was a member of the Board of Di-
rectors of the United Hebrew Charities
for a number of years, and President
from October, 1870, to January, 1872.
In December of 1871 he was elected
South Town Supervisor on the Fire
ticket (non partisan) and for two
years he served creditably without
compensation. From 1875 to 1882 he
was a member of the Board of Direct-
ors of the Chicago Public Library, es-
tablishing for himself an excellent rec-
ord. From Sept. 1, 1890 to Feb. 21,
1898, he was President of the Interna-
tional Bank, when its business was
transferred to the Continental National
bank, and he became a director of the
last named institution, a position
which he continues to hold at the pres-
ent time.
Mr. Loewenthal is a member of Sinai
Congregation and for ten years he was
President of the same, and held the
THE. RE.FORM ADVOCATED
337
BERTHOLD LOEWENTHAL.
position of Director and Treasurer for
fully 25 years. He is a member of the
Standard Club, and also of this insti-
tution, he was President for two years.
He is a member of the Board of Di-
rectors of the Home for Aged Jews
and has been its Treasurer ever since
the Home was organized, to the pres-
ent day. He married Miss Nannie
Kaufman, and they have two children,
a daughter, Julia, the wife of Mr. A.
H. Wolf, and a son, Julius W.
JOSEPH L. GATZERT.
Mr. Gatzert was born in Hofheim,
near Worms, May 6, 1836. His parents
were Abraham and Sarah Gatzert.
His ancestral home was at Alsbach, in
the Rheinish Palatinate. He received
an excellent education in his native
country. In December, 1852, he came
to America and settled in Chicago,
where he engaged in merchandising,
and was very successful. Being of a
charitable disposition, a man of tact,
refinement, and possessing adminis-
trative ability to a high degree, he
soon became a prominent figure in
Jewish communal life of Chicago. He
early identified himself with the Jew-
ish charities, rendering valuable ser-
vices to the good cause. For his
faithful gratuitous services as super-
intendent he received a highly artisti-
cally executed testimonial from the
J. L. GATZERT.
Board of the United Hebrew Relief
Association. From October, 1860, to
1862, he was recording secretary, and
from October, 1864, to 18(i5, he was
financial secretary. From 1873 to
1874, and again from 1896 to 1898 he
was a director of the charities. He
stood at the cradle of Sinai Congrega-
tion and was materially instrumental
in the successful development of this
.great 'religious institution. In. <the
midst of men of progress and enlight-
enment the liberal-minded Mr. Gat-
zei't found himself In a congenial
sphere, and he soon became the lead-
er par excellence. The members of
Sinai recognized his superior ability
and gladly followed his brilliant and
devoted leadership. In 1886 he was
elected president of Sinai Congrega-
tion and for ten consecutive years he
stood at the helm guiding the craft
entrusted to his care with a elear
mind, faithful heart, eagle eye, and
a master's hand, achieving triumphs
and victories and covering Sinai and
himself with endless glory. Repeat-
edly have his business affairs com-
pelled him to decline a renomination,
but he always yielded to the will of his
fellow-members who were reluctant
in dispensing with the guidance of a
capable and successful leader, and
when in 1896 the demands of his busi-
ness became too imperative and he was
forced to positively decline a re-elec-
tion, the members of Sinai Congre-
gation relinquished their claims with
strong disappointment and deep re-
gret. Highly complimentary resolu-
tions, speaking of his services to the
congregation in glowing terms, were
unanimously passed at that annual
meeting and his faithful friend, Rev.
Dr. E. G. Hirsch, whose high esteem
Mr. Gatzert was fortunate to win,
ciommiented in an editorial of the
Reform Advocate of April, 1896, as fol-
lows, upon his retirement from the
presidency: "The voluntary retire-
ment from the presidency of Sinai
Congregation, after a continuous in-
cumbency of a decade, of Mr. J. L.
Gatzert, is an advent in the history
of the congregation and Jewish com-
munity calling for more than a chron-
icling note. Under Mr. Gatzert's care-
ful guidance, Sinai Congregation has
in undisturbed peace and harmony,
without beating of drums and clarion
blasts pursued the even tenor of its
upward path, growing in numbers, in
influence, in devotion to principle, in
appreciation of its duties within and
without Judaism. In these days of
'bossism,' of revived arrogance of
'Parnassim,' it is a gratifying fact
that Sinai and its president and its
board remained loyal to the tradi-
tions of the best congregations, re-
garding the rabbi as a fellow-member,
rather than as a 'hired' servant. To
be the successor of a man of so much
tact and such singleness of purpose, in
the presidency, is an honor which the
best might prize. The writer of these
lines will ever remember with more
than pleasure, with genuine" pride,
the ten years of official co-operation
with his president and friend, Sinai's
trusty representative, the true man
and citizen without reproach, Joseph
L. Gatzert. Many more years of ac-
tive interest in all that makes for
the better life be vouchsafed unto
him by a kind Providence."
Mr. Gatzert is also a member of -.he
Standard Club, an officer of the Jew-
ish Training School, and other soci-
eties. He married, in Chicago, Miss
Henrietta Hart, a sister of Abe end
Henry N. Hart. They have two
daughters, Mrs. Max Leopold and
Miss Blanch. He made it his highest
aim to give his children a most liber-
al education, and has the satisfaction
of seeing them numbered among the
brightest daughters of Israel in the
Chicago community.
JULIUS ROSENTHAL.
Julius Rosenthal was born on the
17th of September, 1828, in Liedol-
sheim, in the grand duchy of Baden.
JULIUS ROSENTHAL.
Since his 12th year he was a pupil of
the Lyceum at Rastatt. He afterwards
studied law at the universities of Heid-
elberg and Freiburg, with the inten-
tion to emigrate to America at the
completion of his studies.
In April, 1854, he landed at Port-
land, Maine, and went directly to New
York City, where he became a peddlar
in Yankee notions. Scarcely a few
months in this country, he was fortun-
ate in making the acquaintance of
Mr. R. K. Swift, a prominent banker of
Chicago, who took a friendly interest
in the young man and offered him a
position in his business, and when Mr.
Rosenthal gladly accepted, stating at
the same time that he lacked the neces-
sary money to defray his traveling ex-
penses from New York to Chicago, Mr.
Swift advanced to this young man,
who was a total stranger to him, the
necessary amount with instructions to
follow him to Chicago as soon as pos-
sible. A week later, in the beginning
of July, 1854, Julius Rosenthal arrived
in his new home and»was installed in
his new office in the banking house of
Mr. Swift, where he served his employ-
er honestly and faithfully until 1858.
338
THE. REFORM ADVOCATE.
Then he gave up his position and es-
tablished an independent office as a
conveyancer, for which calling he
gained the necessary knowledge during
his work in the bank.
In 1859 he became a citizen of the
United States, notary public, and pub-
lic administrator of Cook county, and
these two offices he retained honorably
and to the greatest satisfaction of the
public for a long time.
In the beginning of 1860 he was ad-
mited to the bar. His first partner was
the well-known Chicago citizen, Law-
rence Brentano, and he was followed
by E. W. McTomas, ex-lieutenant gov-
ernor of Virginia, then 'by William A.
Hopkins and finally, on the 9th of Octo-
ber, 1866, by Mr. A. M. Pence.
His fellow citizens of Chicago held
him in such high esteem and appre-
ciated his thorough honesty and prac-
ticability that he was elected to differ-
ent positions of trust and confidence.
Especially he became prominent in
charity circles. At the time of the fire
he was director of the German Aid So-
ciety, the United Hebrew Relief Asso-
ciation and the Chicago Relief and Aid
Society. Whoever is not familiar with
the work of these associations will
hardly be able to estimate the tremen-
dous effort, the hard work which fell
to the lot of a member of these asso-
ciations during the terrible time of the
year 1871 (the year of the fire) and for
some time after that. It suffices to Bay
that Julius Rosenthal was a very ac-
tive member of these different associa-
tions, and although he himself was a
heavy loser he gladly sacrificed his
time in order to help others.
His constant endeavors to uplift the
religious spirit among his co-religion-
ists, to spread religious toleration and
emancipation among his Jewish breth-
ren, has contributed much to bring
about the better conditions now pre-
vailing in the midst of the Chicago
Jewish community. He took a very
active part in the work of the Russian
Refuge Society established by the Chi-
cago Jews in the 'beginning of the '90s
for the purpose of assisting the unfor-
tunate exiled Russian Jews who came
to seek homes here, bereft of their
means and possessions by the iron
hand of tyranny.
His wisdom, humanity, learning and
practicability were of great service to
the community.
In the year 1867 he was elected li-
brarian of the Chicago Law Institute,
and for nine years he stood at his post
with unflagging energy, rendering very
efficient services to the institute, in
recognition of which he was then elect-
ed president of the same. Twice he ac-
complished the gigantic task, first
when the library was instituted and
then again after the great fire, of build-
ing up a model library. In April, 1872,
Mayor Medill appointed him as a mem-
ber of the library board, and in 1874
Mayor Colvin extended his appoint-
ment for three years longer.
Julius Rosenthal has been a stanch
Republican since 1856. He was the first
secretary in Chicago of the first Fre-
mont Club.
Mr. Rosenthal is a great reader and
his reading is done systematically, so
that he is able to store up in his bril-
liant mind a vast treasure of useful
knowledge. He is a learned man and
recognized as a deep thinker.
As a lawyer he is the possessor of
great legal knowledge and stands high
in the esteem of the members of the
bar of the entire state. He is secretary
of the state examining board for ad-
mission to the bar. In probate and
real-estate questions he stands fore-
most in his profession. He is the pos-
sessor of an extensive library.
Mr. Rosenthal married in the year
1856 Miss Yette Wolf of Chicago. He
is a member of the Sinai congregation
and an intimate friend of Dr. Emil G.
Hirsch, the minister of that congrega-
tion. He is an indefatigable worker,
which is the secret of his success in his
profession.
His son Lessing is now associated
with him as a member of his law firm.
ALBERT FISHELL
ALBERT FISHELL.
In Blowitz, Bohemia, on June 13,
1844, a son was born to Leopold Fish-
ell and Rebecca Fishell, nee Gutwil-
lig, and they gave him the name of
Albert. Leopold Fishell was a lead-
ing merchant, at one time mayor of
his native city, and highly esteemed
by his fellow-citizens.
Young Fishell was educated in the
Pilsen "Real Schule," the Academy
of Commerce in Prague, and also at-
tended a series of lectures at the St.
Charles University in that city. At
the age of 18 (in 1862), he began his
business life as an employe in the
manufacturing department of the
large banking and manufacturing
establishment of L. Forchheimer
Sons. He remained there three
years, and became manager of
the manufacturing department. In
1865 he became manager of the oil
works of Mr. A. Hartman, in the cele-
brated mining city of Kuttenberg,
Bohemia. A year later he determined
to seek his fortune in the new world,
and removed to the United States,
where he soon accumulated money
enough to begin business on his own
account. Associating himself with a
Mr. Loth, under the firm name of
Fishell & Loth, he opened a general
store at Pittsfield, 111. In 1870 he
withdrew from mercantile life, and,
associated with Judge Atkinson and
others, organized the Bank of Pike
County, of which he was elected cash-
ier, which office he filled from June,
1870, when the bank was opened, un-
til December, 1883, when it was com-
pelled to make an assignment.
Mr. Fishell then took a position
with the New York Life Insurance
Company as general agent, at a sal-
ary of $5,000 per annum. The assets
of the Pike County Bank were insuf-
ficient to pay the creditors in full, but
Mr. Fishell paid the shortage out of
his salary and every creditor of the
bank received one hundred cents on
the dollar, with interest.
During Mr. Fishell's connection
with the New York Life Insurance
Company he was forced to remain
most of his time in Chicago, where
he became largely interested in real
estate transactions, and in connection
with some capitalists he consummated
some of the largest deals recorded in
Chicago realty. At the expiration
of his contract with the New York
Life Insurance Company, 1889, he be-
came \manager of the western 'de-
partment of the United States Credit
System Company, which comprised
eight states, and through Mr. Fish-
ell's able management has advanced
from a very small beginning until it
has become one of the strongest and
largest guarantee companies in this
country. In April, 1890, Mr. Fishell
removed his family to Chicago, and
was enabled to take the members of
his household to their own handsome
residence at 3448 Wabash Avenue.
Besides his interest in the United
States Credit Company he had large
interests in Chicago real estate, the
Atlas National Bank and other enter-
prises.
While a resident of Pittsfield Mr.
Fishell was very prominent in edu-
cational and literary matters. The
Pittsfleld Public Library was founded
largely through his exertions, and for
several years he was president of the
library, and also of the Board of Ed-
ucation. He was also county com-
missioner, city treasurer and treas-
urer of the school board at different
times. In politics he has always been
a democrat and has at various times
represented his district in the several
political conventions throughout the
state.
Mr. Fishell firmly believes that Ju-
daism must be progressive. He is a
radical reformer and a member of Si-
nai Congregation. In April, 1896, he
was elected president of said Congre-
gation and held the office for three
consecutive terms, to the highest sat-
isfaction of the Congregation, and is
now a member of the Board of Di-
rectors.
THE. RE.FORM ADVOCATE,
339
On October 8, 1870, Mr. Fishell was
married to Miss Annie Sicher, of St.
Louis. They have five children, Elk-
ins Washington, Daniel Webster, Leo
K., Regina S., and Josephine '). The
oldest son is a practicing dentist, one
of his sons is a lawyer in Chicago,
and the third son is in the manufac-
turing business in the same city. His
daughter, Regina, is the wife of I.
L. Libermann.
Mr. Fishell has devoted much of
his time and money in aiding the
Russian refugees. He was a director
of the Russian Refugee Society of
this city and has helped to make mary
good citizens.
Mr. Fishell's record throughout his
entire career is thoroughly American.
In religion and politics his ideas are
most liberal; he believes implictly in
.the great principles of American lib-
erty, free thought and free speech.
brew Charities. Kis wife was a Miss
Carrie Vogel, and two children, Ida
and Elbin are now living.
AUGUSTUS BINSWANGER.
AUGUSTUS BINSWANGER.
Mr. Binswanger is a son of Emanuel
and Elsie Seligman Binswanger, and
was born in Baltimore County, Mary-
land, Jan. 19, 1844. He received his
early education in the private schools,
later attending Yale university. Mr.
Binswanger lived in St. Louis from
Oct., 1867 to Oct., 1888, and while there
attained prominence in his profession
as attorney. He is considered an able
lawyer, is a fluent talker and is an
honor to the profession which he has
chosen for his calling. Always a busy
man he has taken the time to identify
himself with Jewish institutions and
organizations. He was one of the
founders of the United Hebrew Relief
Association of St. Louis, and of the Old
People's Home of that city. He was
secretary of the former for 13 years,
and of the latter for five years, and was
lor many years a director of the Con-
gregation Shaare Emeth. Since his re-
moval to Chicago in 1888, he has con-
tinued in his profession, meeting with
marked success. Mr. Binswanger has
taken an active interest here in charit-
able and congregational affairs and
•was director and recording secretary
of Sinai Congregation and has also
been identified with the United He-
LEON MANDEL.
MR. LEON MANDEL.
Mr. Leon Mandel is a son of Frank
and Caroline Klein Mandel and was
born in Kervenheim, Bavaria, in 1841.
He is a member of the dry goods firm
of Mandel Bros., and is one of the pub-
lic spirited citizens of this city. His
gift of $75,000 to the Chicago Univer-
sity is only one of the public acts with
which he has been credited. Mr. Man-
del is vice-president of Sinai Congrega-
tion in which he has always taken an
active interesf. He is a member of the
Standard Club and is married to Belle
Foreman. Mr. Mandel is a liberal con-
tributor to all of the charities and is an
honored and respected member of this
community.
MR. HARRY HART.
Mr. Hart was born in Eppelsheim,
Rhenish Hessia, Feb. 17th, 1850. His
parents were Jacob and Minnie Hart.
In 1858 he came with his parents to
America and was educated in the pub-
lic schools of Chicago. He is a mem-
ber of the well-known wholesale cloth-
ing firm of Hart, Schaffner & Marx.
He is vice-president of Sinai Congre-
gation and a member of the Standard
and Hamilton Clubs, a director of the
Home for Aged Jews and vice-presi-
dent of the Associated Jewish Chari-
ties of Chicago. He married Miss Ad-
die Klein of Chicago, now deceased.
Six children were born to them, four
of whom are living — Mrs. Louis H.
Kohn, Mrs. William Lowenbach, Lillie
and Jacob.
The extensive business interests of
Mr. Hart do not prevent him from de-
voting much time and attention to the
work of charity and congregational
affairs, and in the councils of the Jew-
ish communal institutions his practical
suggestions and business methods are
readily heeded and willingly followed.
BERNHARD MERGENTHEIM.
Among the early settlers of Chicago,
Mr. Bernhard Mergentheim may be
mentioned, as he arrived in this city
in 1856, although he had been a resi-
dent of America since 1848. Born in
Luebbeck, Westphalia, December 25,
1825, his ancestral home being Mergen-
theim, Germany, he came to this coun-
try when a young man 23 years old.
His parents were Aaron Mergentheim
and Pauline (Luerbach) Mergentheim.
HARRY HART.
BERNHARD MERGENTHEIM.
After coming to Chicago he engaged in
the leather business which was his vo-
cation, until his retirement a few years
ago. Mr. Mergentheim has been prom-
inently identified with charitable, re-
ligious and social organizations, hav-
ing been secretary for twelve years,
treasurer seven years and chairman of
the house committee for three years of
Sinai Congregation. He is a member
of the Standard Club and has been a
director, and has also been a member
of the board of United Hebrew Chari-
ties. He married Bettie Hirsch and
has five children living, Aaron, Moses
B., Mrs. Ida Caspary, Mrs. Emma Loeb
and Mrs. Ella Seligman. He is one of
Chicago's retired and venerated busi-
ness men.
MR. LEO FOX.
Mr. Fox was born in Oettingen, Ba-
varia, Feb. 2, 1844, and his parents'
names are Moritz and Babetta Fuchs.
He was educated at the public schools
340
REFORM ADVOCATE,
LEO FOX.
of his native town. At the age of 13
he came to America, and settled
in Oregon. He was a merchant and
then a woolen manufacturer. He came
to Chicago in 1887, and was elected
Vice-President of the International
Bank, which liquidated several years
ago. After the affairs of the bank were
wound up, Mr. Fox retired from busi-
ness. He is a member of Sinai Congre-
gation, and has been one of the direct-
ors for ten years. He is also a member
of the Standard and Sunset Clubs. He
is Treasurer of the Jewish Training
School, to which office he was elected
ten years ago. He was Director of the
United Hebrew Charities, and Treas-
urer of Congress of Religions. He mar-
ried Miss Ella Liebenstein.
JOS. S. HARTMAN.
Mr. Hartman is a native of Bohemia,
where he was born Aug. 30, 1846. He
is a son of Simon and Ludmilla Hart-
man and received his early education
in the schools of his native country.
He came to America April 1, 1867,since
which time he has been engaged in
various civic occupations, such as
teacher, bookkeeper and traveling
salesman. He is now senior member
of the Hartman Trunk Company, one
of the most prominent concerns of its
kind in this section of the country.
Mr. Hartman is actively interested in
JOSEPH S. HARTMAN.
congregational work and is a trustee
and chairman of the School Board of
Sinai Congregation. He formerly re-
sided in Milwaukee, coming to Chi-
cago in 1890. He is a member of the
Board of the Standard Club, of which
he is an honored and respected mem-
ber. His wife was a Miss Laura Heller
and they have five children Jiving —
Belle, Sam, Henry, Hugo and Mildred.
THE CONCORDIA CLUB.
This club was organized in the be-
ginning of 1862. For several years it
occupied rootas in the building on the
east side of Dearborn street, between
Washington and Madison, and subse-
quently it moved to larger quarters in
the Lombard Block, situated on the
west side of the Postofflce building,
(now First National Bank), corner
Dearborn and Monroe Streets, until the
building was burned in 1871. Mr. Hen-
ry Greenebaum was the first president
and Joseph Frank the first secretary.
The club had a regular course of lec-
tures, vocal and instrumental concerts,
a well conducted amateur stage and
reading room. Hops and full dress
balls were frequently given. Their
puerim-masquerades were magnificent
affairs. The Club maintained a liberal
policy in granting the use of its hall
to different Jewish societies for meet-
ings, social gatherings and entertain-
ments. It fostered patriotism in the
hearts of its members during the war,
cultivated a public spirit and with ?he
assistance of the Jewish non-members,
it raised a company of volunteers for
service. The company was sworn in in
the hall of the club; elected Jacob La
Salle captain, and M. Frank lieuten-
ant, and marched from the club with
banner and music to the Chicago &
.Alton railroad depot on their departure
for Camp Butler, near Springfield, to
be incorporated in the 82nd Ills., Fred
Hecker, Colonel, who was succeeded in
command by Col. Ed. S. Solomon.
The club aided materially in the
raising of the means for the establish-
ment of the first Jewish hospital in
Chicago.
The fire having destroyed all the
central portion of the city and the
"Standard" having already been organ-
ized to meet a demand south of 12th
Street, the "Concordia" was not reor-
ganized after the fire.
Mr. Silberman, one of the presidents
of Concordia Club, was formerly May-
or of Port Washington and a state
senator in Wisconsin.
ZION CONGREGATION.
This congregation was organized in
the summer of 1864. It held first di-
vine service on the eve of Rosh ha-
Shanah 5625 (September 30th, 1864).
The first house of worship was lo-
cated on Desplaines Street, between
Madison Street and Washington Boule-
vard. Before that it occupied a Baptist
Church on the West Side.
The first executive officers of the
congregation were: Henry Greene-
baum, president; David Simon, vice-
president; Joseph Haas, treasurer;
and Moses Rubel, secretary. Dr.
B. Felsenthal was the first Rabbi
of the congregation. His sermons were
delivered principally in the German
language and occasionally in the ver-
nacular.
From the start Dr. Einhorn's Ger-
man prayer book, "Olath Tamid," was
adopted by the congregation as its
ritual and the same is still used by the
congregation today.
In 1869 the congregation sold its
temple and purchased a lot at the cor-
ner of Sangamon and Jackson streets
and erected thereon a new temple. It
was the first and only reform congre-
gation on the West Side. The Jewish
population of Chicago increased very
rapidly and many prominent Jews
moved from the south to the West
Side. A number of them joined ZIon
Congregation and it was very prosper-
ous and became influential. Under the
superintendency of Dr. Felsenthal the
congregation built up an excellent Sab-
bath school, which was attended by
about 150 pupils. One of the most
faithful and enthusiastic teachers of
ZION TEMPLE.
that school was Mrs. J. W. Strauss, a
convert to Judaism. Mrs. Strauss en-
tered with her heart and soul into Jew-
ish life and made it her special aim to
post herself in the teachings of Juda-
ism and to become thoroughly ac-
quainted with the Jewish history of
the Jewish people. In the school room
she developed a remarkable zeal and
ability. The work was a labor of love
with her and her influence upon the
children was always beneficial. She
instructed for a number of years and
her services were recognized and ap-
preciated by the entire congregation.
She was highly beloved and respected.
Tributes which she fully deserved.
Mrs. Strauss is still living in Chicago,
but we are sorry to state .that since a
number of years she has been a con-
firmed invalid. Two of her daughters,
Misses Carrie and Nona, also instruct-
ed classes at the Zion Sabbath school
until they married. Other teach-
ers of that Sabbath school were the
late Mr, Francis Kiss, who afterwards
became superintendent of the United
Hebrew Relief, and who died in Chi-
THE REIKORM ADVOCATED
341
cago on Monday, April 29th, 1901. Mr.
Edward Rubovitz, well known in
B'nai Brith circles of District No. 6,
the successor of his late father-in-law,
Mr. Kiss, as superintendent of the
United Hebrew Charities, also was
teacher of the Zion Sabbath school for
a number of years. Mr. H. Eliassof
was for ten years from 1873 to 1883,
assistant to Dr. Felsenthal in the
school room, and for many years as
reader in the Temple. Miss Miriam
Del Banco, the well-known poet, also
instructed in the Sabbath school for a
number of years.
In 1885 the congregation built in one
of the choicest locations of the West
Side, corner Ogden Avenue and Wash-
ington Boulevard a beautiful temple,
as the old temple on Green street had
become too small for the growing con-
gregation. During the construction of
the new temple the congregation wor-
shiped in a hall on West Lake Street.
In 1884 Rabbi Max Heller, a gradu-
ate of the Hebrew Union College of
Cincinnati, was elected associate rabbi
to Dr. Felsenthal. He remained with
the congregation for about two years.
Dr. Heller is now Rabbi of the congre-
gation in New Orleans, La.
In 1886 Dr. Felsenthal, on account of
advanced age, was pensioned for life
and Rabbi Joseph Stolz, also a gradu-
ate of the Hebrew Union college, was
elected his successor.
During all these years, Zion Congre-
gation was one of the most influential
and one of the strongest numerically
in the city.
Within the last decade very many of
its members have moved to the SoutJi
Side and under the spiritual leader-
ship of Dr. Stolz, who had previously
resigned his Rabbinate in the Zion
Congregation, organized a new congre-
gation under the name of "Isaiah."
Zion Congregation suffered consider-
ably from this exodus of its best mem-
bers to the South Side. For two years
Dr. Emil G. Hirsch of Sinai Teple oc-
cupied the pulpit of Zion Congregation
on Friday evenings, and Rabbi Joseph
K. Arnold officiated as his assistant on
Sabbath mornings. Rabbi Arnold then
took full charge of the Rabbinical
office and continued as Rabbi of Zion
Congregation for two years, when he
resigned his position.
The present incumbent, Dr. Jacob
S. Jacobson, was elected his successor
in September, 1900.
Divine services are held regularly on
Sabbaths and holidays. The Sabbath
School is under the superintendency of
Dr. Jacobson, and he is assisted by five
teachers. About one hundred children
are in attendance.
Among the earliest members of Zion
Temple were as far as we can ascertain
their names, the following: Henry
Greenebaum, S. Solomon, J. W.
Strauss, David Simon, L. J. Unna, Ja-
cob Schram, Herman F. Hahn, Adolph
Kraus, M. M. Hirsch, S. Daniels, L.
Buxbaum and Edward Rubovits; also
the late Samuel Powell, Joseph Haas,
Moses Rhineman, Isaac Weichsel, the
Rubel family, Meyer Hirsch, Herman
Felsenthal, Jacob Greenebaum, Jr.,
Abraham Wise, Michael and Isaac
Greenebaum, S. Birkenstein, Roths-
child, J. Stein and Jabob Greenhut.
David Simon and M. M. Hirsch held
the office of president for many years.
The present officers of the congrega-
tion are: R. Gerber, President; L. W.
Abt, first vice-president; Jacob
Schram, second vice-president; Adolf
Stein, treasurer; E. Levit, secretary,
and the following board of directors:
Louis Schram, Harry Berger, E. Harz-
feld, J. W. Strauss, A. Block, Ben Katz,
Bernhard Stein, Meyer Eichengreen.
The Woman's Society of Zion Tem-
ple, organized for purposes of social
culture among the general membership
of the congregation and their friends,
is composed nearly of one hundred
members, and is in a flourishing con-
dition. The Society gives regular
monthly literary, musical and social
entertainments. Its officers are: Mes-
dames Adolf Stein, president; N. Her-
zog, vice-president; K. Eichengreen,
treasurer, and Rabbi Jacobson, Hon-
orary Secretary.
REV. JACOB S. JACOBSON.
REV. JACOB SAMUEL JACOBSON.
ZION TEMPLE.
Rev. Jacobson was born in Rends-
berg, Schleswig-Holstein, October 4,
1840. His parents were Samuel and
Caroline Jacobson, natives of Schles-
wig-Holstein. . He received his educa-
tion abroad, and was a teacher at
Flensburg 1862-1863, coming to Am-
erica in 1865. In 1866 he was elected
Rabbi of the Washington Hebrew Con-
gregation at Washington, D. C., where
he remained until 1870. From 1870-
1872 he was Rabbi of B'nai Jeshurum
Congregation of Paterson, N. J., and
from 1873-1881 of B'rith Scholem Con-
gregation of Easton, Pa. He was Rab-
bi of Congregation G'miluth Hesed of
Atlanta, Ga., from 1881-1888, and of
Congregation B'nai Israel of Natchez,
Miss., from 1888-1896. He has recently
been elected Rabbi of Zion Temple, Og-
den Ave. and Washington Boulevard.
Rev. Jacobson married Miss Rosa Han-
nah Ulman and has six children living.
RUDOLPH GERBER.
President Zion Congregation.
RUDOLPH GERBER.
Mr. Gerber is a native of Prague, Bo-
hemia, and was born in 1855. He is a
son of Joseph and Judith Lowe Gerber,
is married and has three children liv-
ing, Jay J., Norman J., and Judith J.
On arrival in this country in 1867, he
came direct to Chicago, engaging in
the commission business, which is his
present occupation.
Mr. Gerber has always taken consid-
erable interest in congregational af-
fairs, and was director of Zion Congre-
gation for three years and for the past
four years has been its President. ,
As a business man he typifies one of
Chicago's successful and enterprising
merchants.
CHICAGO LODOE NO. 437, A. F. &
A. M.
Chicago Lodge was instituted under
dispensation in 1864. . It became neces-
sary on account of an unfortunate dis-
agreement in the old LaFayette Lodge,
No. 18. While we cannot designate
this Masonic lodge as a strictly and
exclusive Jewish institution, yet, a.a
mostly Jews were instrumental in the
establishment of Chicago Lodge and as
the majority of its members during all
the years of its existence were co-
religionists, we consider it proper to-
give a short account of this lodge
among the other Jewish institutions of
the state of Illinois.
According to a list of officers from
the very beginning up to the year 1894,
published as an addition to the By-
laws of Chicago Lodge, the first wor-
shipful master of this lodge was
Charles Cohen, who continued in of-
fice during the years of 1866 and 1867^
and was again elected to this honor-
able position in 1878 and in 1882. An-
other co-religionist who held this hon-
orable office seven different times, is
Adolph Shire. Joseph Spiegel waa
elected five times to this honorable
position. Among those who filled the
chair in the east in Chicago lodge were
Moses Shields, Edward Rubovits, Jo-
seph B. Schlossman, Henry N. Greene-
baum, Emanuel J. Kohn, Simon W.
Strauss, Charles E. Rothschild, Benja-
min I. Greenebaum, Mr. Wilhartz, Da-
342
THE. REFORM ADVOCATE.
vid Birkenstein, Julius B. Furth, and
others. Since many years ago Mr. Na-
than Hefter has been the efficient sec-
retary of Chicago Lodge. Many of the
best and most permanent members of
the Jewish community of Chicago and
vicinity have joined Chicago Lodge,
and quite a number of our leading
Jews are today active members of the
same organization.
This institution has sustained
through the many years of its exist-
ence a bright record of noble deeds of
charity.
Mr. Charles Cohen, who has taken a
considerable interest in the workings
of the Masonic order, is considered an
authority on Masonic lodge law. He
is frequently consulted by members
and is always ready to lend his assist-
ance in the preparation for and con-
ferring of the degrees. The lodge has
always highly esteemed Brother Cohen
and has on several occasions manifest-
ed its great appreciation of his ser-
'vices.
THE NORTH SIDE HEBREW CON-
GREGATION.
In the year 1867 the necessity became
apparent of having a Jewish congrega-
tion on the North Side. Thirty-two
enthusiastic Israelites banded together
and formed the North Side Hebrew
Congregation. They leased a lot on
Superior Street, near Wells street, and
erected thereon a frame synagogue, an
unpretentious building, but sufficient
for the wants of the congregation, both
as a house of worship and a place for
the religious education of the young.
The following were among the
founders of the congregation: M. Eis-
endrath, B. Gradle, Wolf Levy, Samuel
Glickauf, Julius Jonas, N. M. Plotke, S.
Swartchild, P. Weinred.
Among the founders living in other
parts of the city and belonging to sis-
ter congregations, who joined the
North Side Hebrew Congregation to
lend a helping hand to the young or-
ganization were: Nathan Eisendrath,
Henry Regensburg, Michael Cohen. S.
Dreschfield, H. Friedman, Cossman
Eisendrath and Herman Goldsmidt.
On the 27th of September, 1867, the
little temple was dedicated by the Rev.
A. Ollendorff, who was called to the
ministry. The cost of the synagogue
was $6,000. Mr. Moses Shields was
president and Mr. Samuel Glickauf
treasurer.
After two years service Rev. Ollen-
dorff severed his connection with the
congregation. For a year the congre-
gation was without a rabbi and some of
the members, as Mr. Nathan Eisen-
drath, Mr. Moses Eisendrath, and
others, officiated at divine service. In
1870 Rev. A. Norden was called from
Baltimore and took charge of the con-
gregation. He delivered his inaugural
sermon on the 17th of October of that
year.
On that eventful night, from the 8th
to the 9th of October, 1871, when Chi-
cago was visited by that terrible con-
flagration, the entire North division
fell a prey to the raging element. The
little temple was laid in ashes; the
members became homelesss and scat-
tered all over the city. The minister
was obliged to seek another field of
activity. He found a congenial con-
gregation in Natchez, Miss. The sum
of $800, the balance in the treasury at
the time of the fire, was kept as a
trust fund by Mr. Samuel Glickauf.
The North Division was slowly re-
built. The old north side pioneers re-
turned again to their quarters. In 1875
Messrs. Samuel Glickauf, Jacob Glick-
auf and H. A. Kaufmann deemed it op-
portune to reorganize the congrega-
tion. An appeal was issued, a meeting
held and the re-organization effected.
Mr. Samuel Glickauf was elected presi-
dent, and the Rev. A. Norden at the
time in Europe, was recalled to his for-
mer field of labor. For nine long years
the congregaton worshipped at different
a more suitable location. The com-
mittee consisted of George Frank, S.
Eichberg, and Adolph Shakman. To
their indefatigable zeal it is due that
the congregation has erected a temple
on one of the best, most suitable and
most valuable sites of the north divis-
ion of the city, corner LaSalle Avenue
and Goethe Street. The purchase
price of the lot was about $25,000, and
the temple building incurred an addi-
tional cost of about $40,000.
Mention must be made that among
those who served the congregation in
an official capacity were Messrs. H.
Elkan and Samuel Eichberg, who held
the office of president and manifested
great interest in the welfare of the
congregation.*
At the time of the erection of the
present edifice, the officers of the con-
gregation were as follows: A. J. Frank,
President; Bernard Gradle, vice presi-
TEMPLE OF NORTH SIDE HEBREW CONGREGATION.
churches. In 1882 a fair was held and
quite a large sum was realized through
the efficient management of the chair-
man, Mr. A. Shakman, and the general
interest taken by the members of the
congregation. With the proceeds of
the Fair a lot was purchased an the
corner of Rush Street and Walton
Place, for the sum of $6,000. The first
story was erected thereon and served
as a place of worship for eight years.
This synagogue was dedicated on the
22d of August, 1884, the Rev. A. Nor-
den delivered the dedication sermon.
Addresses were also delivered by Dr.
B. Felsenthal and Rev. A. Ollendorff.
Mr. B. Gradle was president at that
time. Mr. Samuel Glickauf was chair-
man and Mr. Adolph Shakman was
secretary of the building committee.
After eight years of occupancy the
congregation did not deem it prudent
to finish the building on that lot. The
property was sold and 18,500 realized.
A committee was appointed to secure
dent; E. C. Hamburgher, treasurer;
Charles S. Bloch, recording secretary;
Felix A. Norden, financial secretary;
directors, Henry Elkan, David Roths-
child, Moses Kaufman, August Yon-
dorf and Louis Baer. The building
committee consisted of: August Yon-
dorf, Chairman; George Frank, Her-
man Gradle, Adolph Shakman, Louis
Baer, Samuel Eichberg, Harry Pfiaum,
Rev. A. Norden, Secretary; S. S. Be-
man, architect; H. S. Godfrey, super-
intendent of building. The member-
ship at that time was about 120.
*The above facts concerning the
North Side Hebrew Congregation we
copied from a brief historical sketch
prepared in the year 1894 by the Rab-
bi of the Congregation, Rev. A. Nor-
den, assisted by the late Mr. Samuel
Glickauf and Rev. A. Norden. A copy
of this sketch was deposited among
other documents in the corner stone of
the temple, when it was being built.
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
34 a
Ever since the reorganization In
1875 the congregation enlisted under
the banner of Reform Judaism. Its rit-
ual is "Minhag Einhorn."
To the great fire of 1871, it may be
attributed that the congregation had to
endure an unenviable fate. It has to
lead a sort of nomadic existence, wan-
dering from church to church, depend-
ing upon ajid enjoying the kind hospi-
tality of our Christian friends.
In 1898 Rev. A. Norden, Rabbi of the
Congregation, was pensioned and Rev.
Abraham Hirschberg, a graduate of the
Hebrew Union College of Cincinnati,
was elected his successor.
The Congregation maintains a Sab-
bath School with an attendance of
about 175 children.
During the many years of its exist-
ence the North Side Hebrew congrega-
tion has accomplished much good
among the Jews of the North Division
of the city. Its labors in the interest
of a progressive Judaism fully deserve
the prosperity which it now enjoys,
and the full support of their co-relig-
ionists who have made their homes on
the North Side.
The present officers are A. I. frank,
President; E. R. Weil, Vice President;
S. Eichberg, Treasurer; H. Seligman,
Recording Secretary; L. J. Strauss,
Financial Secretary. Trustees: David
Berkenstein, H. Elkan, A. Yondorf, F.
Griesheimer, E. C. Hamburgher and L.
Baer. Members and seatholders num-
ber about 165. It owns a plat of ground
in Rosehill cemetery which it uses for
burial ground purposes.
The Auxiliary Societies of the North
Chicago Hebrew Congregation are
Young Peoples Union and Baron
Hirsch Ladies Aid Society. The pres-
ent officers of the latter are: President,
Mrs. H. Lewis, Vice-President, Mrs. C.
L. Lowenthal and Mrs. H. Friedman;
Treasurer, Mrs. H. Roth; Secretary,
Mrs. L. L. Aaronson. This Society is
affiliated with the United Hebrew Char-
ities.
LEADERS OF THE NORTH CHICA-
GO HEBREW CONGREGATION.
RABBI A. NORDEN.
Reverend Aaron Norden was born in
Lissa, Prussian Province of Posen,
June, 8, 1844. He attended the Ele-
mentary Schools and Gymnasium in
his native town. His early Rabbinical
education he received from Rabbi
Hirsch. A barbanel.Rabbi of Lissa, and
of Rabbi Elias Gutmacher, of Graetz.
Rabbi Norden came to America in 1865,
and until 1869 he was assistant to Dr.
H. Hochelmer, in Baltimore, Maryland.
In that year he accepted a call to the
North Chicago Hebrew Congregation,
came to Chicago and remained with
them until 1898. Since that time he is
Rabbi Emeritus, of that Congregation.
Rabbi Norden was interested in
charity work and during the many
years of his connection with the North
Chicago Hebrew Congregation he ac-
complished much good. He has always
been prominent in B'nai B'rith circles,
and served one term as President of
District No. 6, I. O. B. B. He also
officiated as secretary of the Russian
Refugee Society, and of the Covenant
Culture Club. He is the present secre-
tary of the Rabbinical Association of
Chicago and is actively engaged in the
good work of aiding the Roumanian
Jews, who are driven to our shores by
the inhumanity of the Roumanian Gov-
ernment.
Reverend A. Norden was married in
1866 to Rosalia Gabriel, of New York,
qnd they have seven children, three
sons and four daughters. One of the
sons is a practicing physician in Chi-
cago and one of the daughters, Mrs.
Schlossmann, is a noted singer, and
for a number of years has been a mem-
ber of the choir of Sinai Congregation.
REV. ABRAHAM HIRSCHBERG.
Rabbi Hirschberg was born August
uated from the University of Cincin-
nati, and from the Hebrew Union Col-
lege in 1898, receiving the title of B. A.
from the former institution, and B. H.
B. D. and Rabbi from the latter. In
the same year he was elected Rabbi of
the North Chicago Hebrew Congrega-
tion, where he has since been preach-
ing and teaching to the satisfaction of
his congregation. He is also a post
graduate student of the University of
Chicago.
Rabbi Hirschberg is the secretary of
the Home for Aged Jews. He is a
young man of talent and promise.
REV. ABRAM HIRSCHBERG.
Present Rabbi of N. C. H. C.
ABRAHAM I. FRANK.
Mr. Fraak was born in Zuvalck, Po-
land, April 19, 1838, and is the son of
Levi and Amelia Frank. He came to
America in 1851, and has been in the
mercantile business in this city for
many years. He has been very active
in congregational work and is at pres-
ent president of the North Chicago He-
brew Congregation. -He Is also a di-
rector of the Ideal Club and a contribu-
tor to the Associated Charities. Mr.
Frank is married and has three chil-
dren living, Mannie, Le Roy and Syd-
ney.
ABRAHAM I. FRANK.
President N. C. H. C.
FIRST JEWISH CLUB.
THE STANDARD CLUB.
Of all the Jewish Clubs of Chicago
to-day, the Standard is the oldest, most
prominent and most influential. It
was organized April 4, 1869, and on
July 7th of the same year it was incor-
porated as the Standard. It started
with 69 members and held its meetings
at Brunswick's Hall, on Washington
street, between Clark and La Salle
streets. In February, 1870, the club
rented and occupied the building espe-
cially erected for it, on the southwest
corner of Michigan Avenue and Thir-
teenth street. After the great fire of
1871 General Sheridan took possession
of the house and for several weeks es-
tablished therein the headquarters of
the Federal troops sent here to main-
tain order. Upon their removal the
building was seized by the relief so-
ciety, and it was finally arranged that
the entire premises with the exception
of the basement and ballroom, which
were retained for club purposes be let
to them for one year.
With the membership growing be-
yond the capacity of the quarters, the
club in February, 1889, moved into its
own home, the present building at the
southwest corner of Michigan Avenue
and Twenty-fourth street. On Febru-
ary 14, 1887, the old name "The Stand-
ard," was given up. The club was re-
organized and incorporated under its
present name "The Standard Club of
Chicago."
The incorportors are: Jacob New-
man, Louis B. Kuppenheimer, Abra-
ham G. Becker, Joseph Gerstley, Alfred
M. Snydacker, Bernhard Mergentheim,
Morris Selz, Emanuel Frankenthal,
Moses Bensinger, ^.narles M. Leopold
and Leopold Bloom.
The first officers were: President,
E. Frankenthal; Vice-President, L.
Wampold; Treasurer, D. Stettauer;
Recording Secretary, Philip Stein; Fin-
ancial Secretary, H. Goodman; Direct-
ors: Joseph Austrian, Henry Frank,
Gerhard Foreman and J. B. Schloss-
man. The present officers are: Edwin
G. Foreman, President; Alfred S. Aus-
trian, Vice-President; Benjamin R.
Cahn, Treasurer; Byron L. Glaser
Secretary. Directors: William N. Eis-
344
THE REIFORM ADVOCATE.
endrath, Alfred Oppenheimer, Joseph
F. Hartman, H. Abt and Milton L.
Monhelmer.
The "Beefsteak Club" forms a part
of the- Standard. The membership is
confined to the members of the Stand-
ard Club, and the object of the club is
to discuss at the monthly "Beefsteak"
dinners questions of interest. The or-
ganization is a great benefit to its
members. The spirit of democracy per-
vades it. The Beefsteak Club gave its
inaugural "broil" on Tuesday evening
February 23, 1892, and the following
officers presided: Leo Wampold, Louis
A. Cohn, Milton R. Weinman and a
board of directors, consisting of Milton
Foreman, Norman Florsheim, Martin
Calm and Henry Strauss.
Many distinguished persons, men of
national reputation, have been the
guests of the Standard Club and many
famous speakers have addressed the
members. Some weighty subjects of
the Sabbath day was sadly felt among
the Jewish population of that part of
town. However, even those who heart-
ily wished that a congregation should
be established, lacked the confidence
that an undertaking in that direction
would succeed, and, when on Hol-Ha-
rnoed Pessach 5633, the late Mr. M.
Oesterricher, together with his broth-
er-in-law, Mr. A. Pam, went among the
Jewish inhabitants of the southwest
side to induce them to put their names
to a call for a meeting to form a con-
gregation, many a one, while subscrib-
ing his name to the paper, expressed
his doubts as to the possibility of car-
rying into effect the good intention.
But the work so earnestly undertaken
was not in vain. Already, on the 7th
day of that very Passah Feast (March
13th, 1873), divine services were held
in Klein's Hall, corner 14th and Hal-
sted streets. A little band of twenty-
STANDARD CLUB.
municipal and even national import-
ance have been discussed at the
"broils" of the Beefsteak Club. The
discussions are generally led by dis-
tinguished scholars and orators, who
are the invited guests of the club.
CONGREGATION B'NAI ABRAHAM.
Thirty-one years ago (in 1870) the
B'nal Abraham Congregation was
called into existence through the ef-
forts of a few brave and enthusiastic
Jews of the southwest side of our city,
who considered It a sacred duty to es-
talblish a place of worship where serv-
ices should be held, not only during
the fall holidays, but throughout the
Sabbaths and festivals of the whole
year. There was at that time no per-
manent congregation on the southwest
side of the city, and the want of an
institution that would afford the op-
portunity to attend divine services on
six men united themselves for the pur-
pose, as they expressed themselves in
their call for the first meeting, "to
hold divine service, to teach the young
the tenets of Judaism and to practice
Jewish charity."
The following first officers were
elected: Henry Orthal, president; Jos-
eph Goldberger, vice-president; Moritz
Oesterreicher, financial secretary; H.
Wolf, recording secretary. The Rev.
Mr. Janko (now in his 82d year, living
at the Home for Aged Jews on Drexel
boulevard, and still officiating at the
chapel of that institution on Friday
nights, Saturday mornings and on
holidays) conducted the services and
superintended the religious school of
the congregation.
Of the first members of the congre-
gation but one is today on the list of
membership. Trustee Mr. Simon Pick
is the only one of the starting mem-
bers still active in Congregation
B'nai Abraham. Those who are yet
among the living but have removed
from the city or from the vicinity are
A. Pam, P. Olf, Ignatz Lederer, M.
Heinrich, J. Goldtoerger, Max Peabody,
Charles Guthman, Joseph Zuckerman,
William Tausig, Emanuel Kohn and
others. Of the earliest members of
the congregation we mention Albert
Weil, Ignatz Lurie, A. S. Fischer, C. B.
Hefter and Ignatz Stein.
The congregation worshiped in a
rented hall; first in Klein's, then in
Westphal's, on Halsted street, and
then again in Klein's hall. Dur-
ing the fall holidays, when -it was
found that the hall was too small to
hold all those who desired to worship
with the congregation a church was
secured for the purpose of holding
services.
When Mr. Oesterreicher was elected
president he at once took it upon
himself to build a house of worship
for the congregation. The congrega-
tion was small in number and finan-
cially quite weak, yet Mr. Oesterricher
was not dismayed. He appointed a
committee to look about for a site. The
committee consisted of Messrs. A. Pam
and Charles Guthman, with Mr. Oes-
terreicher, ex-offlcio, as chairman, and
in the summer of 1S76 the committee
recommended the corner lot at John-
son and Wright streets, which the
congregation purchased. The funds
were exhausted in paying for the lot,
and the 'building of the house of wor-
ship would of necessity have been de-
layed for some years had it not -been
for Mr. Joseph Stein, who at that time
became treasurer of the congregation.
Mr. Stein declared himself ready to
advance the necessary funds if the
congregation should decide to build at
once. This was the incentive for im-
mediate action. A building committee
was appointed consisting of Mr. Joseph
Stein, Mr. Albert L. Klein, Charles
Guthman, Ignatz Lederer, Adolph
Weiskopf and President Oesterreicher,
who rendered valuable services as the
head of that official committee. Plans
for the building were secured and in
the spring of 1877 the erection of a
synagogue was begun. Mr. Albert
Weil was elected .recording secretary
and worked very actively for the in-
terest of the congregation.
The temple was dedicated on De-
cember 2d, 1877, with appropriate cer-
emonies.
During the next following years the
congregation was very prosperous,
gaining in membership and doing good
work as a congregation. Rev. Isaac
Fall was called to the pulpit, and he
remained two years. He was succeed-
ed by the late Dr. Ignatz Grossman,
the father of the two well-known
young rabbis, Dr. I. Grossman of Cin-
cinnati, the successor to the lamented
Dr. I. M. Wise, and Dr. Rudolph Gross-
man, who was first assistant to Dr.
Kohler in the Beth-El Temple of New
York, and is now rabbi of Rodef Sho-
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
345
TEMPLE B'NAI ABRAHAM.
lorn congregation of the same city,
both are graduates of the Hebrew
Union College, Cincinnati. Dr. Ignatz
Grossman officiated as rabbi of con-
gregation B'nai Abraham for five
years.
During this time he labored suc-
cessfully as teacher and preach 3r
among the Jewish population in the
southwest side of the city.
In 1881 the congregation gave a
masque ball, by which it raised $700
for the Michael Reese Hospital.
The congregation suffered a great
loss in the demise of Joseph Stein,
who died in 1880. He was succeeded
as treasurer 'by Mr. Win. Peabody,
who served in that office until 1883.
In the fall of 1884 the congregation
inaugurated several reforms. A rad-
ical change was made in the mode of
worship. "Minhag America" was sub-
stituted for the old ritual. This caused
a little stir at first, but soon quietness
and peace led the congregation on the
way to prosperity.
In 1885 Dr. Grossman retired from
the pulpit of the congregation and Rev.
Jacobson became his successor. Dur-
ing the same year the congregation
.suffered the loss of its beloved pres-
ident, Mr. Moritz Oesterreicher, who
was suddenly called to his eternal rest
on November llth, 1886. He was in
the elevator of his cracker factory
when the cable broke and the elevator
fell with a crash. The heavy weights
striking the unfortunate man, mang-
ling and maiming him in a fearful
manner. He died shortly after the ac-
cident. Mr. Oesterreicher had served
the congregation from the very begin-
ning, and for nearly thirteen years as
president he labored indefatigably
to establish the congregation on a sure
and safe basis. In the annals of con-
gregation B'nai Abraham no name will
tie remembered with greater love and
•esteem than the name of Mr. Oester-
reicher. As long as B'nai Abraham
•will exist the memory of this faithful
founder will be honored and blest.
During the many years of his office
as president the following were as-
sociated with him as vice-presidents:
L. A. Klein, Max Peabody, A. Cohn,
„ A. S. Fischer, Charles Guthman, Wolf
Lederer, I. Guthman and C. A. Weis-
senbach. As secretaries there were
associated with Mr. Oeserreicher, Sam
Stein, Joseph Falk, Edward Klein. L.
Kahnweiler and Sig. Langbein.
After the death of Mr. Oesterreicher
Mr. C. A. Weissenbach became presi-
dent of the congregation and served
for three years in that capacity. His
administratiin was a very prosperous
one for the congregation.
In May 1888 Dr. A. R. Levy was
called to the pulpit of the congrega-
tion.
In the fall of the year 1889 C. B.
Hefter was elected president of the
congregation and he acted in this ca-
pacity for two years. During this
time the congregation purchased the
site on Marshfleld avenue, upon which
the temple now stands, and the prop-
erty on the corner of Wright and John-
son streets was sold. In September,
1891, I. S. Lurie became president of
the congregation, and he served dur-
ing the entire period when the present
temple was being erected. The pres-
ent temple was dedicated on the 9th
of September, 1892. The cost of the
lot and building complete, with organ,
furniture, carpets and hangings was
$37,760.00. Of this sum but $13,435.00
had been paid at the time, and during
the following five years the congre-
gation has been enabled to reduce the
indebtedness to $17,325.00
Mr. Charles Klausner, who was
elected president of the congregation
in 1892, when the temple was dedi-
cated, served the congregation for over
four years, and to his zeal and able
management, as well as to the wiling-
ness of all the members of the congre-
gation, it was due that the liquidation
of the sum of $7,000.00 of the indebt-
edness was made possible during the
times of business stringency of which
the country suffered since 1892. Mr.
Klausner was succeeded in 1897 by
Mr. Ignatz Bick.
The religious school of the congre-
gation held two sessions weekly, 316
children were enrolled as pupils. The
school was divided Into eight classes, .
the superintendent, Dr. Levy being as-
sisted by volunteer teachers. There
was also a Hebrew school connected
with the congregation, where Instruc-
tion In Hebrew reading and transla-
tion was given exclusively. The con-
gregation owns a cemetery at Wald-
heim. It has two lady auxiliary so-
cieties— Ladies' B'nai Abraham So-
ciety and Sewing Circle.
At the last annual meeting held Sun-
day, January 20th, 1901, a very encour-
aging report of the executive board
was submitted to the congregation.
The congregation has been eminently
prosperous in every part of its activ-
ity. The membership has increased
during the past year, and numbers
now 130 active members and 86 seat-
holders, a total of 224. The Income
for the year has been $6,111.70, and
the expenditures were $5,148.60, so that
the treasury shows a balance of $963.10,
almost a rare thing for Jewish con-
gregations, who, with few exceptions,
generally have the balance on the
wrong side of the ledger. The Sab-
bath school of the congregation has
on its rolls 326 pupils and the at-
tendance at the school during the year
has been eighty per cent. A "Bible
Class," composed of young people,
many of whom are university gradu-
ates, is active in the study of Jewish
history and literature, and is doing
good work. The weekly Sabbath ser-
vices at the temple are well attended
and the capacity of the house of wor-
ship is taxed to its utmost on special
and holiday services.
The present officers are: President,
I. S. Lurie; first vice-president, J.
Fantl; second vice-president, S. Baer;
recording secretary, S. Klausner:
financial secretary, A. Steindler;
treasurer, . Chas. Klausner; trustees,
Gustave Kassowitz, Sig. M. Lederer
and Joseph Hirsch.
The good influence of B'nai Abraham
congregation goes beyond the imme-
diate neighborhood. It reaches even
the heart of the Ghetto, for although
Congregation B'nai Abraham is far
removed from being an orthodox con-
gregation, and should rather be count-
ed among the conservative congrega-
tions of Chicago, many of the Russian
Jews frequently attend the services,
which fact cannot fail to wield a ben-
eficial influence.
LEADERS OF B'ri\I ABRAHAM
CONGREGATION.
REV. DR. A. R. LEVY.
DR. A. R. LEVY.
Rabbi Levy was born at Beerford,
Province of Starkenburg, Duchy of
Hessia, October 24th, 1858. He began
at an early age to prepare for the min-
istry. From 1869 to 1873 he attended
the Gymnasium at Mayence, and stud-
ied Hebrew under Dr. Lehman, the
pillar of German-Jewish orthodoxy and
346
REFORM ADVOCATED
the editor of the "Mainzer-Israelite."
He lived one year at Frankfort on the
Main and went to Berlin in 1874. There
he entered the seminary, which was
then under the directorship of Prof.
Horwitz, and graduated from that in-
stitution in 1876. For the next two
years Rabbi Levi was instructor in
the Preparatory School in connection
with the Rabbinical Seminary at Ber-
lin, and while occupying that position
he continued to study Rabbinica at
the Seminary.
Dr. Levy officiated for one year at
Frankisch Crumbach, Hessia-Darm-
stadt. In 1879 he came to America
and succeeded Dr. Fluegel at the
K'nesseth Israel Temple at Erie, Pa.,
where he remained for two years. In
the fall of 1881 he entered the Uni-
versity of Georgia at Athens and grad-
uated with the class of 1884. His
thesis was on "Medicine in Early
Times," a succinct research into the
earliest times of the science of medi-
cine, dealing with the subject as we
find it among the Ancient Egyptians,
among the Hebrews, the Greeks and
the Romans.
The essay was at the time printed
in the University Journal, and has
since been re-printed twice; in the
Digest's Journal of Philadelphia, of
the year 1884, and as a supplement to
the report of the Medical Society of
the State of Georgia. While a stu-
dent at the Georgia University he offi-
ciated before the Congregation B'nal
Israel at Athens, remaining with that
congregation until 1885.
On June 28th, 1885, he married Miss
Carrie Seligman of New Orleans, and
from that time until his coming to
Chicago, in May, 1888, he lived in
Texas and officiated as rabbi of Con-
gregation Rodef Scholom of Waco.
In May, 1888, he was called to the
pulpit of B'nai Abraham Congrega-
tion of Chicago.
Rabbi Levy has also written a se-
ries of articles on "The Development
of Written Language." His articles
were published in the American Israel-
ite during the months of May, June
and July, 1886.
The career of Dr. Levy in Chicago
is well known. He Is a true friend
of the poor, diligently studying their
wants and always ready to help to
the utmost of his ability. He has
made charity his life's aim and his
means and his might are always at
the service of his poor brethren, who
come to him for counsel and help in
all their troubles and trib_ulatipns. He
devotes much of his time to this kind
of work and his house is very fre-
quently thronged with poor people,
who seek his aid. He willingly and
readily listens to their appeals and
always has a kind word, a good advice
and practicable suggestions for every-
one. He is an enthusiast on the ques-
tion of Jewish farming. During the
influx of Russian Jewish immigrants
to this country he served for a time,
gratuitously, as superintendent of the
Russian Refugee Society, working with
great zeal and indefatigable devo-
tion for the betterment of the condi-
tion of the poor refugees. He succeed-
ed in placing a number of them on
farms and has continued to take an
active interest in their welfare up to
the present time, helping them with
advice and money whenever called
upon by his proteges.
He recently paid a personal visit to
a number of farmers who mainly
through his instrumentality were en-
abled to establish themselves on prom-
ising farms and was happy to find that
his labor in their behalf was not in
vain. Through his efforts the Jewish
Agriculturists' Aid Society of America
was established in Chicago, of which
he is the corresponding secretary. His
devotion to the idea of Jewish agricul-
ture in America is so deeply rooted in
his soul that his only hope is to be
able to retire to the country as soon
as possible and to make his home in
the midst of Jewish farmers, to lead
them to success in their agricultural
pursuit and to guide them spiritually
to a better, purer and clearer under-
standing of Judaism. The practical
business man may call him a dreamer,
a wild enthusiast, but all these epithets
cannot wipe out the positive facts, the
real accomplishments of the so-called
dreams of Rabbi Levy. The results of
his work speak for themselves if only
the too materialistically inclined
doubters would once condescend to
heed their import and evidence.
Fortunately his congregation seems
to understand him, to appreciate his
endeavors in behalf of his poor breth-
ren, and encourages him in his good
work. He is highly respected and be-
loved by his congregation, and he en-
joys the full confidence of the entire
Jewish community of Chicago.
IGNATZ S. LURlIE.
Pres. B'nai Abraham Congregation.
IGNATZ S. LURIE.
Mr. Lurie is a son of Solomon and
Kattie Lurie, and was born Sept. 6th,
1854, in Bohemia, where he received
his early education, later attending the
schools in Chicago. He came to Amer-
ica at the age of fourteen. He
was married to Miss Julia Dubetz
and has two children living, Harry
and Willie. He has taken much
interest in congregational work, hav-
ing served as secretary and at present
is president of B'nal Abraham Congre-
gation. He is a member of the B'nai
Brith and Free Sons and a contributor
to the Associated Charities of Chicago.
Mrs. Lurie is president of the B'nai
Abraham Ladies' Association, and is
an active worker for the charities.
CONGREGATION BETH-EL, FOR-
MERLY RODEF SCHOLOM.
Up to the year 1871 there was no
Jewish congregation in the entire
northwest side of Chicago, although
quite a Jewish population dwelt in
that part of the city. The nearest
synagogue to the the Jewish people liv-
ing in that division was Temple B'nai
Scholom, Fourth avenue and Harrison
street, and thither those who felt in-
clined, went to worship. But the
transportation facilities in those days
were by far not so comfortable as they
are today. Moreover, the synagogue
on Fourth avenue was not large
enough to accommodate all who came
to worship there, especially on the
great fall holidays, and so the Jews of
Milwaukee avenue and adjacent streets
decided to organize a congregation of
their own.
On the 7th of October, 1871, a small
number of Jews met by agreement at
the house of Mr. Moses Hirsch, on Mil-
waukee avenue. Rabbi Norden, min-
ister of the North Chicago Hebrew
Congregation, happened to be present
and kindly recited the evening prayer
before this small congregation. On
Simhas Torah eve of that year, the
very night of the great Chicago fire
which consumed the greater part of the
city, those present at these services
at the house of Moses Hirsch, organ-
ized a congregation under the name of
Rodef Scholom, the name of which was
afterwards changed to Beth-El. The
following were present at this meet-
ing: Moses Hirsch, L. Schwartz, J. Tau-
sig, M. Tausig, Z. Sinsheimer, D. S. Eis-
endrath, L. Weil.L.Schulhof, Schandig,
B. Schram, S. Richter, Simon Klee, Abe
Klee, J. Gruener, M. Solomon and Her-
man Renberg, only the last five of
whom are still living; the rest sleep
in their silent graves. The first officers
were, as follows: President, Moses
Hirsch; Vice-President, Z. Sinsheimer;
Treasurer, David Eisendrath; Secre-
tary, Herman Renberg. The first serv-
ices of the new organization were held
the following Saturday at the house of
Mr. Ohnstein and a Sepher Torah, the
scroll of the law, a present of Mr. D. S.
Eisendrath, was then dedicated. Two.
weeks later the congregation rented a
hall on Peoria and Ohio streets, where
regular Saturday services were held,
and six months later the little but
zealous congregation purchased a
double lot on May and Second streets,'
upon which they moved a frame church
building which they bought from a
Norwegian congregation, which church
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
347
stood on the corner of Huron and May
streets. For the next two years the
congregation had no regular minister.
Rev. Ignatz Kunreuther, who lived on
the North Side, and frequently walked
the long distance on Saturdays and
holidays to attend the services at the
Rodef Sholoin synagogue, volun-
tarily officiated, and a Mr. D. Gottlieb,
an old Bohemian lamden, also officiat-
ed from time to time.
In March, 1873, H. Eliassof, the
writer, came to Chicago from Ogdens-
burg, N. Y., where he was officiating as
minister and teacher during the year
1872. Mr. Eliassof was then a very
young man, hardly 25 years of age.
Upon the recommendation of Rev. Dr.
Machol, the Rabbi of Congregation
K. A. M., Mr. Eliassof was elected as
the first Rabbi of Congregation Rodef
Sholom.
From March until June of the same
year the affairs of the congregation
continued very satisfactorily. The
membership was increasing and the fu-
ture prospects seemed very promising,
indeed. But on the 22nd of June, 1873,
all the rosy hopes and the promising
prospects of Congregation Rodef Sho-
lom were completely destroyed almost
in the twinkle of an eye.
It was on a Sunday afternoon; the
day was bright and the sky was clear.
The trustees of the congregation were
assembled in meeting in the syna-
gogue. They had just finished their
business and were filing out of the
structure, they had hardly reached the
sidewalk when suddenly a violent wind
storm arose. With almost the force of
a cyclone it caught the synagogue at
the base, lifted the structure from its
foundations and hurled it a distance
away reducing it to splinters. It was
the work of a short moment and the
trustees who witnessed the demolition
of their synagogue could hardly real-
ize it. It was, indeed, a calamity for
the little congregation, for all the
storm had left them was an indebted-
ness of $7,000. But the little band of
men who had the courage to undertake
courage. That very evening a meet-
ing was called at the house of the
treasurer, D. S. Eisendrath, and by
voluntary subscriptions a fund was
BETH-EL TEMPLE.
to establish a congregation in defiance
of a sweeping conflagration that laid
the city of Chicago in ashes, was not
so easily daunted. The members,
though few in numbers, did not lose
HERMAN ELIASSOF.
First Rabbi of Rodef Sholom Beth-el-
Congregation.
raised for the building of a new tem-
ple. Under the conditions the congre-
gation was unable to pay the contract-
ed salary to its minister, and Mr.
Eliassof voluntarily relinquished his
claim and canceled his contract with
the congregation.
The new temple was erected at the
corner of May and Huron streets. The
congregation changed the name to
Beth-El and at the same time it issued
bonds of ten dollars each, which found
ready sale among the members, though
such bonds are not very popular on
the Chicago Stock Exchange.
A modest frame structure was soon
raised on its present site and ever sinc«
Congregation Beth-El held their serv-
ices there. The following gentlemen
ministered to the spiritual needs of the
congregation after Mr. Eliassof severed
his connection with them: Lippman-
sohn, Bonheim, Bien and Danek, the
last named of whom served the con-
gregation up to March, 1891, when he
died in the prime of his useful life,
deeply mourned by all the members
of Beth-El. During all these years it
required a heroic struggle on the part
of the members to keep up their be-
loved congregation. When the pres-
ent incumbent of the pulpit of Con-
gregation Beth-El, Rabbi J. Rappaport,
took charge, in July, 1891, the congre-
gation had a very small membership,
but gradually the membership has been
increased. The indebtedness accumu-
lated through a number of previous
years has been paid off. A cemetery
valued at $800 has been bought and
paid for. The congregation has seven-
ty-five members today and the syna-
gogue property is clear of all incum-
brances. Three lots on Crystal and
Hoyne avenues have been bought and
paid for, where the congregation con-
templates erecting a new temple in
modern style. The present location is
nearer to the center of the Jewish pop-
ulation of the Northwest Side, and it
is hoped that the congregation will add
considerably to its membership by
having their temple in that location.
The plans for the new synagogue have
been drawn and the congregation is in
good hopes soon to begin building.
The congregatoin consists mainly of
southern German and Bohemian Jews;
and has drifted from orthodoxy to-
wards a rational conservatism.
Beth-El Congregation had from the
start family pews, and though organ
and choir were introduced in 1889,
Minhag Ashkenaz with the Roedel-
heimer Tephillah was retained until
1892, and then, in the face of a strong
opposition, "Minhag America" was
adopted.
On Sim'hath Torah evening, Tues-
day, September 29th, 1896, Beth-El
Congregation celebrated its twenty-
fifth anniversary, with a jubilee service
and a banquet.
Rabbi Julius Rappaport of Congrega-
tion Beth-El has suggested to his con-
gregation a novel idea of disposing of
the old edifice to be abandoned when
the congregation moves into its new
house of worship on Chrystal street.
After consulting with the Board of
Trustees it was decided to dispose of
the 'Old church property by raffling it
off at $1.00 a chance, using enough
numbers to realize $10,000.
The present officers of Beth-El Con-
gregation are: President, H. Molner;
Vice-President S. Kaufman; Treasurer,
M. Drozdowitz; Secretary, I. Gottlieb;
Financial Secretary, B. Klatscher;
Trustees, M. Friend, H. Nathan and
R. Gottlieb.
LEADER OF BETH-EL CONORE-
QA • ION.
RABBI JULIUS RAPPAPORT.
Rev. Rappaport was born January
10th, 1863, in a little Hungarian vil-
lage near Debreczin, to which latter
place his parents removed soon after
REV. JULIUS RAPPAPORT.
Beth-el Congregation.
he was born, and where they still re-
side. He was sent to "Heder" at the
age of five years, where he learned to
read Hebrew, to interpret the Bible and
the Talmud. In addition to this he was
348
THE REIKORM ADVOCATE.
Instructed by his father, who was a
highly learned Talmudlcal scholar,
every evening and morning before and
after "Heder" to augment his knowl-
edge in Talmud. At the age of ten he
was sent to the "Jeshiba," where
he was a very diligent stu-
dent, and having good teach-
ers, he progressed very rapidly.
Among his teachers were Meir Perls
and Dr. M. Diamant. Dr. Diamant was
a man of academic training, and he
helped the young student in the study
of Hebrew grammar, the Hungarian
language, history and mathematics.
His father objected to his studies and
sent him away to Pressburg — the mec-
ca of the Hungarian Bachur. Stealthily
he continued his secular studies even
there, not neglecting his Talmudical
studies, and at the age of nineteen he
received there his "Moreno," also a
Rabbinical diploma. In the meanwhile
his time to serve in the army had ar-
rived, he was summoned before the
military commission for conscription
and was pressed into active service,
though on the strength of his certifi-
cate of graduation from the Pressburg
Rabbinical school, the only one offi-
cially recognized institute, he only
served one year in an infan-
try regiment. This was suffi-
cient to invalidate him further
as a Rabbinical aspirant, and he emi-
grated to America. For some time he
lived in New York, and when a Chica-
go friend of his urged him-to apply for
the vacant Beth-El pulpit in Chicago,
he applied for the position and was
elected. Here he went to work with a
will, gradually introducing changes in
the mode of worship. He induced the
congregation to adopt "Minhag Amer-
ica," the trl-aanual cycle of reading
the Torah, and he hopes to continue
the improvements.
Rev. Rappaport is the favorite Rab-
bi on the Northwest Side, very popu-
lar and respected. He has earnestly
applied himself to the study of the ver-
nacular arid has advanced very quick-
ly. Sevural articles from his pen have
appeared in the Reform Advocate and
they were well written.
XIII.
THE DEBORAH VEREIN.
The Deborah Verein, a ladies' benev-
olent association, was established in
Chicago in 1872. The first president
was Mrs. L. Schoenfeld. During the
twenty-nine years of its existence it
has done much good among the poor
Jews of Chicago. It was always a
great assistance to the United Hebrew
Charities. The society is now contem-
plating the opening of a "Creche" in
co-operation with the U. H. Sewing
Room.
The present officers are: Mrs. H.
Brady, President; Mrs. L. Newberger,
Vice-President; Mrs. A. Hoefeld, Sec-
retary; Mrs. C. Hefter, Treasurer, and
Mrs. A. White, Financial Secretary.
THE CHICAGO RABBINICAL AS-
SOCIATION.
As the name of this association in-
dicates, it is a society whose members
are Rabbis in Chicago. The association
numbers at present seventeen mem-
bers. It was founded in the fall of
1873 and was established for the pur-
pose of fostering friendly sentiments
between the colleagues, of deliberating
on matters of general Jewish interest,
of acting co-jointly, and as a body, in
practical Jewish matters whenever ne-
cessity arises for such a united action,
and for other kindred objects.
The association meets during the
winter season once in every month.
For the first year of its existence Dr.
B. Felsenthal had been elected as
president and Rabbi A. Norden as sec-
retary. Since then both these gentle-
men have been re-elected annually,
and they are still occupying their re-
spective offices.
INDEPENDENT ORDER BICKUR
CHOLEM UKADISHU.
This order was established in 1875.
They have adopted the following
preamble:
"We, the members of the Indepen-
dent Order Bickur Cholem Ukadishu,
have adopted the following cardinal
doctrines, for the furtherance and
maintenance of its time-honored prin-
ciples. The moral support of all means
tending to educate and elevate the
Hebrew race, charity and universal
benevolence, and we adopt as our
motto: 'Truth, Love and Justice.' In
order to carry out the above doctrines
we have adopted the following: .
"1. To unite socially all acceptable
Israelites between 21 and 50 years of
age.
"2. To provide means from the pro-
ceeds of dues and assessments of its
members wherewith to assist its sick
and disabled members, and for the re-
lief and aid of the families, widows
and orphans of its deceased members.
"3. To encourage them in the pursuit
of their professsions, business, trade or
occupation.
"4. To hold entertainments, and to
give moral, instructive and scientific
lectures."
, The first ofiicers were N. J. Stern,
Moses Harris, Nathan Davis, Jacob
Williams, L. Lewinsohn, A. Bernstein
and W. Holdstein. The membership
numbers 165. The society meets every
first and third Sunday in each month.
The present officers are: President,
Abe Bernstein; Vice-President, Thos.
Piser; Recording Secretary, Simon S.
Ziv; Financial Secretary, B. Lyon;
Treasurer, M. Gutkowsky; Superinten-
dent, Ben Greengard; Monitor, Joseph
Werb; Assistant Monitor, Louis Stup-
ner; Guide, Louis Raike; Outside
Guard, S. Nierman; Inside Guard, A.
Harris; Trustees, Moses Hecht, Jonas
Ziv and W. Goldstein.
A similar association under the name
of
CHEBRA KADISHA UBIKUR
CHOLIM
was established' in Chicago November
24th, 1861. The older Chebra has a
membership at present of eighty-three.
It meets the first Sunday of the month.
It provides doctor and medicine for
sick members and buries the dead. Its
present officers are: President, Henry
S. Goldsmith; Vice-President, Ignatz
Weinfield; Secretary, D. Brown; Fi-
nancial Secretary, H. Hirsch; Treasur-
er, Sam Witkowsky; Trustees, I. Van
Baalen, Henry Cohn, Chas. G. Fox and
Adolph Klein.
JEWISH EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY
OF CHICAGO.
In September, 1876, a number of
high-minded Jews of the Chicago Jew-
ish community established this asso-
ciation for the purpose of fostering
Jewish learning in the midst of the
community.
Dr. Kohler, minister of Sinai Con-
gregation; Dr. B. Felsenthal, Rabbi of
Zion Congregation; Rev. Liebman Ad-
ler, of Congregation K. A. M.; Rev. A.
Norden, of the North Chicago Hebrew
Congregation, and a number of other
prominent Jews issued a printed ap-
peal to the Israelites of Chicago In
which they urged the necessity of such
a society.
The following is a copy of this ap-
peal:
"Israelites of Chicago! When, with
their thousands and tens of thousands,
our fathers were assembled around
Mount Sinai to receive the Law, God —
as the Rabbis tell us — wanted to have
security for the sacred treasures,
whose guardians they were to be. They
pointed to Abraham and Isaac,^ Jacob
and Joseph, their noble ancestors, but
God refused to take them as security,
saying: 'I want witnesses for the fu-
ture, not for the past. I want to see
prospects of a good growth, not mere
seeds.' Whereupon the people held
forth their children and said: 'Let
these young ones vouch for the main-
tenance of the Law! Let them warrant
for the future!' And God was satisfied,
and ever since the strength of Judaism
consisted in the instruction of the
young.
To the Roman Emperor besieging
Jerusalem, Rabbi Jochanan ben Sak-
kai said: "Take the city with its gor-
geous temple, but leave me a place,
where I can teach the Jewish religion,"
and, this having been granted, Juda-
ism outlived Rome. The teaching of
the children, being imposed as a sacred
duty on every Jewish parent,
shielded our people and the purity of
our religion against the fiercest on-
slaught of a barbarous world. The
propagation of knowledge of the Law,
amidst centuries of abhorring vice and
ignorance, once made of every Jew a
brave soldier in the warfare for truth
and of each Jewish household a fort-
ress of virtue. To raise children well
versed in the Jewish lore was the
highest ambition of the Jewish mother,
while the ignorant was a disgrace to
his family in spite of his wealth. The
pursuit of knowledge, fostered private-
ly and publicly, made the Jews a peo-
ple of thinkers, instead of blind be-
lievers. Hence their enlightenment
Turn REFORM ADVOCATE.
349
and progress in religion as well as
their material success and prosperity.
And if Judaism has, as we believe, a
mission to fulfill, and truths to teach
unto mankind, its force and redeeming
power surely lies in the thorough
knowledge of its religion and of its
world-wide history. Without it, it
sinks to the level of a small sect, in-
stead of widening into the religion of
humanity. For Hebrew literature is
the key to the mysterious shrine of
religion, entrusted to Israel.
Israelites of Chicago! What have
you done for preserving our faith and
transmitting the noble bequest of ages
to posterity? True, you have in the
different parts of this city formed con-
gregations and erected beautiful houses
of worship, redounding to the honor of
the God of our fathers. You have min-
isters preaching to you every Sabbath
and festival day, well accredited by
the surrounding world. You have Sab-
bath schools and teachers, besides, to
imbue the youth with all the elements
of Jewish religion and history. But
are you satisfied thereby to have done
all in your power to maintain the re-
ligion of our fathers in its pristine
glory and purity? True, you have
raised your children as Jews, but do
you believe, that they, after having at-
tended the Sabbath school up to the
time of their confirmation, will be able
to expound and to defend Judaism be-
fore the world? Or do you know of
any one of them desirous of pursuing
the study of Jewish lore and history,
in order to know what Judaism is, and
what it has accomplished in its won-
derful march? And suppose there are
such people, what opportunities have
they of studying the Hebrew and ac-
quiring the knowledge, indispensable
for a thorough understanding of Juda-
ism? Where are the schools, from
which you expect your future Rabbis
and teachers and the well-read lay-
men to come? The latter can certainly
not be imported from the old country
for the purpose of upholding your Jew-
ish institutions.
Indeed, indifference and dissension,
ignorance and shallowness have long
enough eaten the very marrow and
root of our sacred inheritance. Com-
pare the zeal and devotion, the gener-
osity and sympathy manifested in
Christian Churches by young and old,
with the indolence and lethargy, which
have estranged the, young particularly
to our holy cause, so as to make every
attempt of enlisting their interests fail
at the very outset. Christian Mission
Societies send forth their soul-hunting
agents to ensnare Jewish young men
and to tear them away from the breast
of their mother religion, while the
Jewish community, for want of reli-
gious education and protection, leaves
them to spiritual starvation.
You are, no doubt, aware of the call
issued, both in the East and West, for
establishing a Jewish Theological Sem-
inary, in response to which several
congregations of this city have joined,
either the one or the other movement.
Yet this undertaking must be regarded
premature as long as in the various
'centers of American Judaism, there are
neither pupils imbued with the spirit
of Jewish lore, so as to feel induced to
enter upon a theological career, nor
high schools, where talented youths
could prepare themselves for such a
course.
We must have a Jewish High School
in every large community, where es-
pecially gifted young people from their
eleventh or twelfth year are to be ad-
vantageously taught in Hebrew litera-
ture and Jewish history, in addition to
the various branches of a general high
school training, the Hebrew forming
an organic part of the entire school
system; where, moreover, lessons in
Jewish Religion, History and Litera-
ture are given twice or thrice during
the week to such young people, who
are anxious to receive information
about Judaism, while pursuing their
mercantile or scientific course during
the day.
In view of this urgent need, several
members of our different congregations
met and consulted about the feasibility
of establishing such a school in this
city, and after due consideration of the
matter, organized a society for this
purpose, under the name of
JEWISH EDUCATIONAL 8OCIKTY OF
CHICAGO.
Israelites of Chicago! A great and
noble, though difficult task is before
you, and only by united efforts, and
by the good will and generous support
of each and every one of you, it can
be accomplished. Setting aside your
views differing in regard to the modes
of worship, or the higher conception
of the demands and aims of Judaism at
the present age, we expect you,
whether members of Reform or Ortho-
dox Congregations, whether married or
single, old or young, to unite and co-
operate in the work before us.
Let us bring the necessary sacrifices
for the good cause. Let no one fail to
join this society. Ladies and gentle-
men, young and old, are alike wel-
come.
"It is time to act for God, as destruc-
tion threatens thy law."
The Committee on Publication.
Chicago, Sept. 15th, 1876.
The undersigned members will be
pleased to receive your subscriptions:
Rev. Liebman Adler, Dr. B. Pelsenthal,
Dr. K. Kohler, Rev. A. Norden, M. M.
Gerstley, B. Loewenthal, D. Simon, B.
Schoeneman, L. Buxbaum, Henry Hart,
Henry L. Frank, Dr. Gustave Fisher,
Tobias Goldschmidt, H. Felsenthal,
Julius Rosenthal, H. Snydacker, O.
Foreman, Ellas Greenebaum, M. A.
Meyer, L. W. Reiss, S. F. Leopold, Ab-
raham Hart, D. Lissberger, M. Hirsh,
F. Kiss, J. Pieser, Henry Greenebaum,
Jacob Roseberg, Lazarus Silverman,
Nathan Eisendrath, L. F.' Leopold, C.
Kozminski, L. Hefter, August Blum,
Adolph Moses, M. Cornhauser, L. Salo-
mon, N. Hefter, E. Rubovits.
The object of the society was more
clearly set forth in a number of arti-
cles of organization which were adop-
ted at the regular meeting held August
31st, 1876. The three sections of Ar-
ticle 2, which we copy below, will give
the reader a clear idea of the scope of
the work laid out by the organizers for
the Educational Society:
ARTICLE II.
Sec. 1. The object of the society shall
be: To establish a school at Chicago,
in which, in addition to the regular
branches taught in our grammar and
high schools, also instruction be given
in Hebrew language and literature,
and in Jewish religion and history.
Sec. 2. To encourage the establish-
ment of Sabbath schools, and to assist,
if necessary, in the establishing and
maintaining of such schools in those
parts of the city where heretofore re-
ligious instruction had been utterly
neglected.
Sec. 3. To create a system of instruc-
tion, by means of lectures, lessons, dis-
cussion and the like, and to devise
other means by which our youth can be
interested for Judaism.
The writer was a member of this as-
sociation, and at one time he received
a letter from the late Herman Felsen-
thal, one of the directors, in which he
was requested to become a candidate
for the position of instructor in the
school to be established by that asso-
ciation, but the school was never es-
tablished. Several meetings were held
afterwards and suddenly the associa-
tion died a natural death and nothing
was heard of it.
THE ZION LITERARY SOCIETY.
One of the most important and most
influential literary associations In the
city of Chicago in Jewish circles, from
the time of the origin of the Jewish
settlement up to the present time was
the Zion Literary Society, which was
formed in 1877. The first officers were:
Michael Greenebaum, who might just-
ly be called the father and founder of
this once popular organization. To him
belongs the credit of having given the
first thought and impetus for its cre-
ation. For nearly thirteen years the
Zion Literary Society was the great
social and literary feature of the Chi-
cago Jewish community.
The first board of directors was:
Miss Hannah Greenebaum, now Mrs.
H. Solomon; Mr. H. Solomon, A. G.
Becker, H. Ci. Frank, Lev! Mayer, Mrs.
T. Klein, Flora Unna, Mary Greene-
baum, now Mrs. Chas. Haas, and To-
bias Ruborvlts. It had about 100 mem-
bers, and met every Friday evening at
the old Zion Temple, corner Green and
Sangamon streets. The programs were
very carefully arranged and the de-
bates, lectures, musical numbers, and
readings were of a nature tending to
instruct and elevate. The refining In-
fluence of this model association was
felt even for many years after the so-
ciety had ceased to exist. The lectures
delivered before the association by men
like Salter, Adler, Felsenthal, Henry
Greenebaum and later by our inimlt-
350
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
able Dr. Hirsch were a joy and a de-
light, and when this society went out
of existence it left a void which was
never filled to this day.
The writer was, from the beginning
to the last year of the existence of the
Zion Literary Society, an active mem-
ber of it, and to this day he regrets
that we have no such institution in
our midst, and this is the prevailing
sentiment among all who ever belonged
to the Zion Literary Society. Why a
• community like Chicago should not be
able to maintain an institution of such
importance is hard to understand.
Other cities have their Young Men's
Hebrew Associations, and their liter-
ary societies; they are forming cen-
ters where the Jewish young men
can cultivate their minds and become
acquainted with the illustrious masters
of Jewish thought, with the priceless
pearls of Jewish literature, with the in-
imitable effusions and creations of Is-
rael's bards, singers and minstrels.
The Jewish community of Chicago
alone seems to be impotent to estab-
lish and to maintain even one institu-
tion of this nature. What is the cause
Of this deplorable inability? Do the
Jewish young men of Chicago possess
less capacity for union, less social co-
hesiveness, or less understanding and
desire for such lofty aims? No, this
cannot be the cause.
Congregation K. A. M., with its
galaxy of noble rabbis who have
taught the love of Judaism for over a
half century, and her daughter con-
gregation, Sinai, with its lofty aims
and aspirations in the field of enlight-
ened and progressive Judaism, with its
great expounder of Jewish thought and
learning, Zion Congregation and all
the other rabbis and teachers,
cannot have worked these many,
many years in vain. Surely, their
teachings must have made a deep
impression. What, then, is the cause
of this lethargy and indifference? Is it
not time for us to do something in this
direction and give a satisfactory an-
swer to the world and to our sister
cities who look inquiringly and won-
deringly at our inactivity and neglect-
fulness? Perhaps when Dr. Hirsch will
succeed in establishing a central syna-
gogue in the downtown district, things
will change for the better. For the
present we have only so many congre-
gations in so many different parts of
the city for a certain small number of
members who are able to* pay their
dues, rent a pew and vote at the an-
nual or semi-annual elections, caring
very little for the outsider, for the one
who has no desire or is unable to join
a congregation. Is it not to the inter-
est of our congregations to endeavor
to create a Jewish sentiment among
our Jewish young men and not to per-
mit them to lose all connection with
and understanding of Jewish life? If
Judaism is to endure in the midst of
American Israel, if the Jewish institu-
tions are to continue to exist in the
future, must we not raise and influence
men to be In sympathy with us, men
who will have the desire to follow in
our footsteps and carry on our work
with the same devotion and the same
enthusiasm as their fathers did? Ah, *
the anxiety and fear, perchance the
sons will desert the ways of the fath-
ers, perchance the younger generations
will not have the love for Judaism as
we would like them to possess, is find-
ing expression in almost every Jewish
pulpit in the land. It is the burden
of every thought of the true friend of
Judaism today, and still we fold our
hands in inactivity and do not even
make the attempt to ameliorate con-
ditions! Whose fault will it be, then,
if, God beware, our fears and anxieties
are realized? Who will be to blame for
it but ourselves and our lamentable in-
difference? For Judaism to endure
there must be a union of Israel, a un-
ion of fundamental thoughts and cardi-
nal principles. Young and old must
alike stand within the pale of this un-
ion. Only then the future of Judaism
can be safe. Have our congregations
succeeded in establishing such a union
in America? It is doubtful. A thou-
sand congregations working in the
narrow and limited way we are doing
today will never unite the House of
Israel. A disjointed, disunited, and dis-
rupted house will never endure. We
may continue to have congregations,
but no united Israel that stands ready
to defend Judaism, the light of the
world, from annihilation, as our heroic
fathers did in days of yore. To ac-
complish this, other institutions whose
fundamental purpose and paramount
aim and object is to instill in the minds
of the young, respect and love for Jew-
ish sentiment; Jewish life and Jewish
literature, must be established. If we
are in earnest in our wish for the per-
petuation of Judaism we must establish
such institutions without hesitation.
The writer has often heard the foun-
der of the Zion Literary Society ex-
press his ardent wish that the associa-
tion may succeed in establishing such
a union among the young Jewish gen-
eration of Chicago, and he used his in-
fluence to bring about the consumma-
tion of his desire and to turn the work
of the leaders of Zion in that direction.
Perhaps if the Zion Literary Society
would have continued to exist the re-
sults would have been more gratify-
ing. But we have preached too long;
we must return to the history of the
Zion Literary Society.
Among those who succeeded Michael
Greenebaum in the office of President
were: Henry L. Frank, Jacob New-
man and Lev! Mayer.
One of the literary features was the
weekly newspaper, edited by Mr. Levi
Mayer and Mrs. Henry Solomon.
The public entertainments given by
the Zion Literary Society were very
popular and attended by the leading
citizens of Chicago. They enjoyed the
same popularity as did later the
Young Men's Hebrew Charity balls.
The Zion Literary Society was con-
nected with, and was, so to say, a
branch of the Zion Congregation, and
no Temple society of this city ever
equaled the Zion Literary in number
of members or in general features.
MICHAEL GREENEBAUM.
FOUNDER OF THE ZION LITERARY
SOCIETY.
Michael Greenebaum, the first pres-
ident of the Hebrew Benevolent Soci-
ety, fully deserved a place of honor in
the history of' the Jewish community
of Chicago. At home, in Germany,
he had learned a trade and supported
himself by the work of his hands. He
was a son of Jacob Greenebaum, who
had given to Chicago five good sons,
all of whom became prominent mem-
bers of the Chicago Jewish communi-
ty. Michael Greenebaum did not have
the opportunities for a liberal edu-
cation like his other brothers, especi-
ally Henry, but he never lost sight
of the intelligent Greenebaum family
traditions. He loved education and de-
voted much of his time to the work
of spreading enlightenment among his
co-religionists in Chicago.
He came to America in 1845 and set-
tled in Chicago a year later. He helped
to establish the Hebrew Benevolent
society and became its first president.
He was a member of the Anshe
Maarab and Sinai congregations and
one of the first to join the Zion congre-
gation, in each of which he held office.
He was one of the first to advocate
Sunday services in Jewish congrega-
tions. He was also the originator and
the first president of the Zion Literary
society, which flourished in Chicago
for twelve years, contributing much
during its existence to intellectual
progress, education, enlightenment and
refinement in the midst of the Chicago
Jewish community.
Mr. Greenebaum married Miss Sarah
Spiegel at New York and when they
died they left ten children, four sons and
six daughters, Moses S., Gustave M.,
Ben and Henry, Mrs. Theresa S. Les-
em, Mrs. Henrietta Frank, Mrs. Mary
Haas, Mrs. Hannah Salomon, Mrs.
Helene Kuh and Mrs. Rose Eisen-
drath. He gave all his children a lib-
eral education and some of his daugh-
ters he sent to Germany to the private
school of Mr. Herman Reckendorf, at
Frankfort-on-the-Main. This Mr.
Reckendorf gained some fame as a
writer by his work, in six volumes.
"Die Gehelmnisse der Yuden" (The
Mysteries of the Jews). One daugh-
ter of Mr. Greenebaum, Mrs. Hannah
Salomon, is the president of the Coun-
cil of Jewish Women of America and^
is considered one of the brightest
daughters of Israel in the State of Ill-
inois.
EMANUEL CONGREGATIONAL.
Congregation Emanuel was estab-
lished in 1880. It first worshiped in a
hall corner Blackhawk and Sedgwick
streets. It was started with fourteen
members. The first President was
Zacharius Sinzheimer. From the
start it was an orthodox congregation.
REFORM ADVOCATE.
351
In 1886 they bought a church building
from a Swedish congregation at 280
Franklin street, for which they paid
410,500. The membership had grown
to the number of thirty. The services
were gradually reformed, and in 1889
Minhag America was introduced. In
1893 Mr. Adolph Krauss was elected
President. Minhag America was su-
perseded by Minhag Jastrow. In 1894
Congregation Or Chodosh (New Light)
joined in a body and amalgamated with
Emanuel.
In the spring of 1897 the congrega-
tion found that many of its members
had moved further north, and that the
location of the temple was no longer
desirable. The congregation therefore
rented the Baptist church, corner Bel-
den avenue and Halsted street, where
they still worship.
In 1893 the congregation adopted the
Binhorn prayer book and resolved
to worship with uncovered heads. In
April, 1899, Mr. Leopold Sonnenschein
was elected President which office he
still holds. In the fall of 1896, a
site for a new temple was purchased
on the southeast corner of Burling and
Belden avenue. It is the intention of
the congregation to erect upon this site
in the near future a modern temple.
Since 1885 the congregation owns the
cemetery at Waldheim. The present
membership consists of about 130
names. During the first years of the
congregation's existence Messrs, Red-
lich and Sinzheimer officiated as read-
ers, during divine service. In 1890
Rev. Mr. Austrian was elected minister,
and he was succeeded by Rabbi E.
Brown, whose successor was Rev. Ju-
lius Newman. In November, 1899, Dr.
Emanuel Schreiber, the present incum-
bent of the pulpit was elected and was
installed in his office by Dr. Emil G.
Hirsch of Sinai Temple.
Dr. Schreiber immediately inaugu-
rated Friday evening services, follow-
ed by English discourses. These serv-
ices are very popular and are attend-
ed by the young people and all those
of the congregation who cannot at-
tend the Saturday morning services,
when the services are conducted and
the sermon delivered in the German
language.
The membership of the congregation
is steadily increasing. The Sabbath
school is in a very prosperous condi-
tion. Since Dr. Schreiber has taken
charge the number of pupils has almost
doubled. About 150 children are
in attendance. The Rabbi who is su-
perintendent of the school is assisted
by six teachers and a faithful school
board is always in attendance.
Since last fall the post-confirmation
class meets twice a month for instruc-
tion by the Rabbi in Jewish history
and literature.
At the last annual meeting the fol-
lowing officers were elected: Presi-
dent, L. Sonneschein; Vice-President,
G. Stein; Treasurer, L. Franklin;
Secretary, S. Espen.
Connected with the congregation
are two societies, first the Eman-
uel Gemeinde Frauenverein, which
was established in 1897, anl
is in a flourishing condition.
Mrs. M. T. Strauss was presi-
dent for three years, and was succeeded
by Mrs. S. Schulhof. This society has
eighty- members. In January, 1900, the
Emanuel Auxiliary Society, consisting
of thirty young people, was established.
This Society is doing excellent work
for the congregation.
LEADER OF THE CONGREGATION
EMANUEL.
DR. E. SCHREIBER.
Dr. E. Schreiber was born December
13th, 1853, in Leipnik, Maehren, a his-
toric seat of Jewish learning. After a
thorough preparation in Hebraicis by
his learned father Herman and grand-
father Levi Schreiber, he attended, at
the age of 11, the then flourishing Je-
shiba (Rabbinical school) of his native
DR. E. SCHREIBER.
town, presided over by Moses Bloch,
the present venerable director of the
Landes-rabbiner seminar In Budapest,
and he received from him, at the age
of 13, the title of "Chabar." Rabbis
Klein, Kremsier, where Dr. Schreiber
attended the Gymnasium, Dr. Hilde-
sheimer, Eisenstadt, Hungary, and
Rabbi Hirsch, Altofen, at present chief
Rabbi at Hamburg, were also his teach-
ers in Talmud. In 1870, he finished his
studies in the Gymnasium and went to
Berlin. There he attended the Uni-
versity and for a short time also the
Rabbinical school of his former teach-
er, Dr. Hildesheimer. Becoming dis-
satisfied with Hildesheimer's orthodox
school of theology, he left and attached
himself to the school of Abraham Gei-
ger and reform. He first attended the
lectures on science of Judaism in the
Ephraim-Veitel Heine Lehranstalt,
held by Lebrecht, M. Steinschneider,
Aub, Geiger, Haarbruecker and D.
Cassel. On May 6th, 1872, the Hoch-
schule Fuer die Wissenschaft des Ju-
denthum's was opened. Felix Adler,
New York; Immanuel Loew, Szegedien,
and Schreiber, were the first three stu-
dents matriculated. His contact with
Felix Adler and Rosenfeld of New
York, and particularly with Emil G.
Hirsch, who came a little later to Ber-
lin, ripened then already his plan to go
to the United States. After receiving
the Doctor diploma, July 1873, he con-
tinued for another year his theologi-
cal studies in Berlin, and received his
diploma as Rabbi from Geiger, Lazar-
us Adler, chief Rabbi of Hessen Cas-
sel, and Ellas Greenebaum, district
Rabbi of Landau-Pfalz. In 1874 Dr.
Schreiber accepted the position of pro-
fessor of modern languages, history
and Latin at the Samson-Schule in
Wolfenbuettel, which is historic
through Zunz and Jost, who were edu-
cated there.
In 1875 he received a call as Rabbi
to Elbing, West Prussia, and three
years later to the old, renowned con-
gregation of Bonn. Through his out-
spoken advocacy of reform and especi-
ally on -account of his introduction of
the second edition of Geiger's prayer
book (1871) which is more radical than
the edition of 1854, Dr. Schreiber en-
countered a strong opposition in Bonn,
and antagonism on the side of the
press and Rabbinate of Germany. This
was aggravated by the publication of
books and his weekly paper, "Die Re-
form," which, under great difficulties,
he continued for five years. In No-
vember, 1881, Dr. Schreiber came to
this country as Rabbi of Mobile, Ala.
Prior to his arrival in this city he
was Rabbi in Denver, Los Angeles, Lit-
tle Rock, and Toledo, where he un-
swervingly and consistently labored In
the cause of reform. The doctor has
been a fertile author in the German
and English languages. Among his
larger works are: "Die Principien des
Judenthums verglichen mit denen des
Christenthum's" (Leipzig, 1877), "Ab-
raham Geiger" (1879), "Die Selbst-
kritik der Juden" (Berlin, 1880, Second
Edition Leipzig* 1890) , "Graetz' Gesch-
ichtsbauerei" (Berlin, 1881). This
book, strongly criticising Professor
Graetz' historiography on account of
its biased and unjust treatment of Re-
form Judaism, has been endorsed by
leading Jewish scholars. "Reform Ju-
daism and Its Pioneers," (1892). From
1893 to 1896, he was editor of the "Oc-
cident" of this city. Dr. Schreiber has
been a prolific contributor to the Jew-
ish press of the country, particularly
to the Reform Advocate. He is consid-
ered a forcible speaker.
XIV.
FREE SONS' CEMETERY ASSOCIA-
TION.
The Free Sons' Cemetery Associa-
tion was established by the Chicago
Lodges of the Independent Order of the
Free Sons of Israel on November 2d,
1875. The first trustees of the Associa-
tion were: Simon Greenebaum, Abra-
ham Abrams, Henry Greenburg, H.
Eliassof, Abraham Diamond.
The original purchase at Waldheim
comprised five acres, to which six and
a half acres were recently added. The
ground is used for the burial of mem-
bers of the Order and their families
in Chicago. The present membership
in Chicago today is eleven hundred.
352
Turn REFORM ADVOCATE.
The cemetery is under the supervision
of four officers and five trustees, each
of the nine local lodges elect three del-
egates to the Association, who in turn
elect annually officers and trustees.
The officers elected at the last an-
nual meeting are: President, B. C.
Hamburgher; vice president, I. R.
Gardner; secretary, Adolph Pike;
treasurer, Louis Levin; trustees, M.
Pflaum, R. Feidelberg, A. Cappels, J.
Moll, B. J. Frank.
A JEWISH FARMER.
About fifty years ago, or perhaps
earlier, there settled on a farm in the
neighborhood of Lincoln, Ills., a Hol-
landish Jew toy the name of Hinrich-
sen. He was of the sturdy old stock,
a hard worker, economic in his ways,
and naturally he was successful. He
developed a model farm, took to him-
self for a wife a daughter of a Gentile
neighbor, raised an interesting family
and was highly respected by the entire
neighborhood. Until advanced in years
he attended strictly to his agricultural
work and lived the life of a genuine
farmer, not wishing to be anything
else. One of his sons, G. Hinrichsen,
applied about the year 1888 for admis-
sion to the B'nai B'rith Lodge at Lin-
coln, 111. Some of the members ob-
jected to him on account of the mixed
marriage of his father, claiming that
according to the laws of the order
only sons whose parents were both
Jews and married according to Jewish
rites are eligible to membership in
the order.
The friends of the candidate finally
brsught the question before the Court
of Appeals of the Order and the court
decided in favor of Mr. Hinrichsen.
He was admitted and ^initiated and is
now a good standing member of the
Order of B'nai B'rith.
We understand that the son is con-
tinuing to work on his father's farm,
and has met with the same success.
The family is noted for their hospital-
ity, as no one is turned away who ap-
plies at the Hinrichsen farm for a
night's lodging, a meal, or any other
help that is within their power to ex-
tend.
Perhaps it would be a good thing if
the consent of Mr. Hinrichsen could
be obtained to place with him a few
Jewish boys to learn farming. We
believe it worth while to try.
The Jewish Orphans' Home or the
Elizah Frank Orphan Society should
make an attempt to interest Mr. Hin-
richsen in this matter.
THE SOUTH SIDE HEBREW CON-
GREGATION.
Congregation Anshe Dorom, or the
South Side Hebrew Congregation, was
organized Sept. 10th, 1888. The fol-
lowing are the names of the charter
members: L. Marks, L. Rosenbaum,
Louis Levin, N. Levy, F. A. Somerfeld,
A. Josiephi, S. Mendelsohn, M. S. Co-
hen, H. Silver, A. L. Katlinsky, A.
Swarts, H. Levy, M. Cohen, M. Brun-
newasser, John Markus, L. Brenner, M.
H. Ephraim, M. Ephraim, George H.
Rosenbaum, Ben Davis, Ike Levy, J.
Stern.
The congregation at first had ser-
vices in rented halls. Subsequently a
lot was acquired for the erection of a
synagogue on Indiana avenue, near
who has accepted a call to the South
Side Hebrew Congregation of Chicago,
is only 27 years of age and has lived
in America but ten years. He has re-
signed an excellent pastorate in Terre
Haute, at a sacrifice of about $700 per
year, and comes to Chicago, where he
will be enabled to attend the Univer-
sity of Chicago. He was born in Rus-
TEMPLE OF THE SOUTH SIDE HEBREW CONGREGATION.
Thirty-fifth street, and ground was
broken in March, 1899. The corner-
stone was laid in May of the same
year. The exterior of the building
was finished about October, 1899, when
a 'bazaar was held in the vestry room
to raise the necessary funds for the
clearing of all debts. Since then the
congregation has been holding its ser-
vices in this vestry room. The con-
gregation expects to finish the interior
during this summer. In 1893 the con-
gregation purchased one and a quarter
acres in Forest Home to be used as a
cemetery. The Rabbis who have been
connected with this congregation are:
Rev. Farber and Rev. Ungerleider.
The present incumbent is Rabbi S. N.
Deinard. Its present officers are:
President, L, Rosenbaum, who has
been at the head of the congregation
from the time of its organization to
the present day; vice-president, K.
Lewis; secretary, L. Levin; treasurer,
Herman Hirsch; trustees, B. Rosen-
thai, B. Davis, J. Lang, G. Hitzel and
M. H. Ephraim.
RABBI S. N. DEINARD.
Rabbi S. N. Deinard of Terre Haute,
sia in 1873, and spent his early boy-
hood in Jerusalem, where he studied
Jewish theology. After coming to
America he entered the Dixon Univer-
RABBI S. N. DEINARD.
S. S. Hebrew Congregation.
sity, at Dixon, Pa., completing the
course about four years ago, when he
accepted a call to Terre Haute, Ind.
REFORM ADVOCATE.
353
He is a very able young minister, ami
is master of several languages. The
South Side Hebrew Congregation
has erected a new church build-
jng on Indiana avenue, near Thir-
L. Wedeles, Max Mayer, A. H. Wolf,
Joseph Weissenbach, Max J. Riese,
3. B. Kohner, Win. B. Wolf, M. J. Slo-
man and Max Aaron.
The Lakeside entertainments are fa-
IDEAL CLUB— 300 LA SALLE AVENUE.
ty-fifth street, and chose Rabbi Dein-
ard a year ago, when he visited Chi-
cago and conducted services in the
South Side synagogue, which had been
vacant for about three months. Rev.
Deinard is now Rabbi.
THE IDEAL CLUB.
This Club was organized for social
purposes in 1883 with Dr. Simon
Strausser as president, William Loeb
as vice-president, Jacob Metzler treas-
urer, and E. C. Hamburger secretary.
The present officers are Benjamin M.
Engelhard, president; Jacob H. Mahl-
er, vice-president; Henry Waterman,
secretary, and Sol Kingsbaker, treas-
urer.
The Club is situated on the North
Side, at 300 LaSalle avenue.
LAKESIDE CLUB.
Tb.e Lakeside, the second Jewish
Club on the South Side, ranks next to
the Standard in membership, influence
and importance. It was chartered
June 2d, 1884. The first board was:
Officers, Morris Beifeld, president; S.
W. Rosenfels, vice-president; Jacob L.
Cahn, treasurer; Samuel J. Kline, re-
cording secretary, and N. A. Mayer,
financial secretary. Directors: Jacob
Weil, Max Wolff, Conrad Witkowsky.
E. B. Pelsenthal, Martin Meyer and
Charles Liebenstein.
The present officers are: Samuel
Despres, president; Adolph Hirsch,
vice-president; Solms Marcus, treasur-
er; L. Witkowsky, financial secretary,
and Leo W. Wheeler, recording secre-
tary. Directors: M. L. Freiberger, E.
mous for their elegance and other fine
social features.
XV.
JEWISH • AGRICULTURISTS' AID
SOCIETY OF AMERICA.
This society was organized in the fall
of the year 1888. Its object is to en-
G. Hirsch, vice-president; Adolph
Moses, treasurer; Rabbi J. Rappaport,
recording secretary, Rabbi A. R. Levy,
corresponding secretary. Board of di-
rectors: Israel Cowen, Dr. B. Felsen-
thal, Marcus Freund, Henry N. Hart,
Dr. Emil G. Hirsch, Samuel Klausner,
Abraham R. Levy, Adolph Loeb,
Adolph Moses, Julius Rappaport and
Jacob Simon.
We quote from the report of the
secretary of the society the following
in order to give the reader a plainer
idea of the work of this organization.
The secretary says: "In the fall of the
year 1888 four families were assisted
to purchase each eighty acres of virgin
prairie land in Southwestern Minne-
sota and locate there as farmers.
Since that time we have encouraged
and assisted from two to ten families
annually to leave the enslaving sweat-
shop or unpromising and degrading
"peddling" in the city and start out as
farmers. During the twelve years of
our operations we have dealt with
seventy-six individual parties. These
came to us on their own initiative. We
encouraged and assisted them in their
endeavor, and, with but one single ex-
ception, they are all today engaged in
their new and chosen vocation, some
more and some less successful, but all
alike putting forth their best efforts
to establish themselves and their fam-
ilies as agriculturists.
"One man, the head of a family, died
on his farm in Minnesota and his
widow and children joined the Hirsch
Colony in Canada. Others, who at
first located on small tracts of land
near Chicago, have gone farther west
LAKESIDE CLUB— 42D STREET AND GRAND BOULEVARD.
courage and aid Jewish people to em-
bark as agriculturists in any section of
this country and in the Dominion of
Canada. The officers of the society
are: Adolph Loeb, president; Dr. Emil
and have located on larger and more
extensive farms. In this connection
special mention must be made of the
families Nudelman and Lloyd. They
went from Dakota westward and lo-
354
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
cated in. Smith's Valley, Lyons county,
Nevada, where they are successfully
working a large farm. With a capital
of about $100 Joseph Nudelman started
farming in Dakota some twelve years
ago, and when he went west eight
years ago he had a capital of less than
$600. Today his livestock consists of
thirty head of cattle and from forty
to fifty horses and colts. He has all
the implements and machinery neces-
sary to work a large farm. His lands
and the water rights he owns are val-
ued at $20,000 and on all of that there
is an incumbrance of about $14,000.
Sam Nudelman, the son of the farmer,
and Jacob Lloyd are also successful
these homesteads there are high priced
berry and fruit farms, for which was
paid from $100 to $150 per acre.
There are, secondly, lands which
have been under cultivation when pur-
chased by our people and which were
purchased as "ready farms," and third-
ly, farms made by our people from vir-
gin prairie or wood lands, purchased at
low figures, from $5 to $8 per acre.
After giving an exhaustive account
of the homesteads established, of the
present needs, of the struggles and
hardships, and dwelling upon the
higher benefits derived from the move-
ment, pointing out the favorable con-
ditions the enthusiastic secretary en-
happy and contented life? The an-
swer to this question must come from
those who are able to give financial
aid to the work of promoting agri-
cultural pursuits among the poor Jews.
Hundreds of poor Jews, physically
and mentally well fitted for the pur-
pose, desire to become farmers. They
are anxious to leave the city and try
to make homes for their families in
the country, by either filing a home-
stead claim on government land or by
purchasing at a reasonable price -a
piece of good fertile soil, and work
on the same as agriculturists. Will
they be assisted to carry out their good
intentions? Will the work which has
FIVE FAMILIES OF JEWISH FAR MERS IN SMITH VALLEY.
Jewish farmers located in Smith's Val-
ley.
Seventy-one of our Jewish farmer
families, comprising 314 persons — 151
adults over the age of sixteen years,
and 163 children and youths — are lo-
cated in the middle-west in the states
of Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Wiscon-
sin, Minnesota and the Dakotas. Eight
of .these families are working rented
farms; twenty-four filed homestead
claims on government land, and the
other thirty-nine families are located
on thirty separate homesteads. These
homesteads, an aggregation of 2,987
acres of land, have been purchased by
the respective owners at a cost of
$38,980, and with the improvements
put in by our people the lands today
represent a value of $63,970. Among
deavors to point out the duty of the
American Israelite, and he says:
"With these changed conditions in
favor of the work in hand, may we
not look for a favorable answer to the
question of farming among the Jews
as at least a partial solution of the
economic- problem that confronts us
now? Can the Jew make a farmer?
This has been demonstrated, though in
a small yet in a most effective way by
our farmers. Will the Jew make a
farmer? Will the many who push and
cut and crush one another in an un-
promising struggle for a livelihood
carried on in the over-congested quar-
ters in our cities 'be helped to seek
the wide and open country and there
find the God-blessed avenue that leads
through honest and useful labor to a
for its purpose the assisting of these
people in their endeavor, be upheld?
Surely, if pre-eminence in usefulness
entitles any undertaking to marked
consideration, this work of assisting
our poor Jewish brethren to become
farmers makes good its claim."
YOUNG MEN'S HEBREW CHARITY
ASSOCIATION.
The name of this association should
be written in gold and its praises
should be sung in rhythmic rhyme.
The plain every-day prose which alone
stands to our disposal is too feeble to
do justice to its glorious achievements.
Since January, 1881, the time when
this society was established, until the
year 1900, when the Associated Char-
ities were called into existence, this
THE REFORM ADVOCATE/
355
association has raised and distrib-
uted among the charity institutions of
Chicago, without distinction of creed
and nationality the munificent sum of
nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
And all this was done without much
ostentation, but with great dignity, so
that every act reflected honor on the
Jewish name. What more should there
be said, and what more could we say
in commendation of an institution
whose members acquitted themselves
so gloriously, as citizens, as Jews, and
as champions of sweet charity. We
are satisfied under the circumstances
to let their acts speak for themselves.
We will only mention a few of the
names of the leaders. The first presi-
dent was Mr. D. Heidelberger, and the
first secretary Mr. James Rosenthal.
Among those who have always taken
an active interest in the work of the
association are the following: Louis
Kuppenheimer, Levi Mayer, Jacob
Newman, Joseph Schaffner, Maurice
Rosenfield, Bernard Cahn, Herbert L.'
Hart. Sydney Lowenstein, Oscar J.
Friedman, Norman Florsheim, Alfred
M. Snydacker, David Prank, Louis M.
Stumer, Harry Pflaum, Henry X.
Straus, Edward A. Rosenthal, A. H.
Kohn, Frank E. Mandel, Sydney Loefa,
Sol DeLee, Simon W. Strauss, Jacob
Ringer.
• Although the institution of the As-
sociated Charities has to a certain ex-
tent taken the work out of their hands,
yet the very young men who danced
for charity at the famous annual balls
arranged by the Young Men's Hebrew
Charity Association .have not folded
their hands In idleness. They still
carry a heavy part of the burden, anJ
still work in the interest of benevo-
lence in the ranks of the newly formed
association, and it is their zeal, their
devotion that are helping and will
help to make the Associated Charities
a grand and glorious success.
j.»_ * I,
JEWISH TRAINING SCHOOL.
The Jewish Training School of Chi-
cago was founded >by a number of no-
ble-minded and intelligent people,
Jews of Chicago. Its main purpose
was "to foster self-help and self-re-
liance, to enable the needy to lift
themselves beyond the need of an-
other's assistance, to educate the poor
in thrift and honesty, independence
and self respect; to lend a helping
hand to 'those who begin the struggle
for existence handicapped by adverse
circumstances. There existed, indeed
a great need for such an institution
on account of the thousands and
thousands of Jewish emigrants from
the most benighted and degraded sec-
tions of Europe.
The school was dedicated and opened
on October 19th, 1890. It consisted
from the beginning of three depart-
ments— kindergarten, primary and
grammar departments. The schools
received pupils of tooth sexes and all
nationalities, between the ages of three
to fifteen years, furnishing them free
education, the course covering a period
of eleven years. The institution is
unsectarian. There are about 700
children enrolled in school and kinder-
garden; admitted are only the children
of the poor.
The intention, however, is to estab-
lish trade school for boys and girls
after they have graduated from the
school, and have shown and developed
their innate faculties. One branch of
trade school has been established al-
ready— a school for gold and sil"«-
engraving.
The expense of maintaining this in-
stitution are about $25,000.00 annually.
The school is located at 199 West
Twelfth place, right in the center of
the Jewish settlement.
The first meeting for the establish-
ment of this school was held at Sinai
Temple in 1888, and Sinai Congrega-
tion is to a great extent the father of
this institution. A number of tho
tects, and is well adapted for its pur-
pose. It is a four-story brick struc-
ture, 60x110 feet in dimension. It
has two entrances and stairways, and
its twenty-two rooms, capable of seat-
ing 800 pupils, are all light and airy,
and furnished with the latest and most
improved school apparatus. The ma-
chine shop, in which thirty boys can
work conveniently, is arranged in reg-
ular workshop style, and is supplied
with the lathes, benches, vises and an-
vils necessary for wood and metal
turning. The joining shop, in which
thirty-five boys can work simultane-
ously, is equipped with a complete
outfit of the best tools and latest Im-
proved vises. The molding, drawing,
sewing and kindergarten rooms are
furnished with the best of the neces-
sary appurtenances. The laboratory is
supplied with the apparatus and chem-
icals commonly used in schools to il-
lustrate the principles of elementary
JEWISH TRAINING SCHOOL.
members of Sinai Congregation and
others have donated large sums of
money to this institution. During the
year 1888 to 1889 Mr. Leon Mandel
gave $20,000.00, Emanuel Mandel $5,-
000.00, H. A. Kohn $5,000.00, Max A.
Mayer $10,000.00, Charles H. Schwab
$5,000.00. The Young Men's Hebrew
Charity Association gave $9,500.00.
The first officers were: President,
Charles H. Schwab; vice-president,
Mrs. Emanuel Mandel; treasurer, J. L.
Gatzert; recording secretary, Rabbi
Joseph Stolz; 'financial secretary, Mrs.
J. Wedeles. Directors: Henry L.
Frank, Henry Greenebaum, Dr. E. G.
Hirscb, H. A. Kohn, Julius Rosenthal,
Mrs. M. Loeb, Mrs. B. Loewenthal,
Mrs. Harry Mayer, Mrs. Lee Mayer,
Mrs. Joseph Spiegel, Mrs. M. Rosen-
baum.
The building located on Judd street
Jefferson and Clinton streets, was de-
signed by Adler & Sullivan, archi-
physlcs and general chemistry. The
large assemibly-room is fitted for ex-
hibitions and gatherings, and the
class-rooms contain the usual school
appliances. There is an ample supply
of wash and bath rooms. Pasteur fil-
ters purify the drinking water, and a
thirty-horse power horizontal engine
drives the machinery and furnishes
power for supplying the building with
heat and ventilation.
The school was opened October 20th,
1890, with a corps of twenty paid
teachers and five volunteers, under the
superintendence of Prof. Gabriel Bam-
'berger.
At the opening of the school 1,600
children, ranging from three to fifteen
years of age, applied for admission.
Only 1,100 were accepted, though the
seating capacity was but 800. The
classes were, however, so overcrowded
that it was found absolutely necessary
to dismiss about 200 more and such
356
REFORM ADVOCATED
were then chosen for dismissal and
sent to the neighboring public schools
as were, 'upon careful investigation,
found to be generally in better circum-
stances. Of these about 150 were re-
cent arrivals from Russia, who had
never before attended an English
school.
The aim of the school's instruction
is to unite training in the industrial
and mechanical arts with the very
best methods of teaching the usual
school studies, in order to develop har-
moniously the mental, moral and phys-
ical powers of the pupils, prepare
them for the active duties of life and
fit them for good citizenship. To re-
alize this aim the course of study de-
signed to cover twelve years is divided
into three departments, namely: the
Kindergarten, the Primary department
and the Grammar department.
The secretary, Dr. Joseph Stolz, fin-
ishes the executive report of that year
with the following words: "We need
the best teachers we can get, and the
'best appliances to assist them, and
these teachers and appliances cost
money. The building stands. The
school is thoroughly organized and in
excellent working order. The pupils
have shown a marked moral and in-
tellectual progress. The girls have
shown skill in dress-making, and those
whose environment has not been such
as to foster manual labor, have shown
aptitude in the handling of tools. The
difficult lesson of cleanliness has been
learned and through mothers' meet-
ings we have won the confidence and
co-operation of the parents. The
Night school, that, under the charge
of our superintendent and in our
building educates some 300 adults in
the elements of our language and in
the history of our country as well as
In bookkeeping, has accomplished in-
calculable good. Everything augurs
well for the future. What has been
done is but a pledge of what can be
done and we appeal to your love of
humanity to aid us. We need your
co-operation. We need you to help us
secure a sufficient number of patrons
and members to put the institution on
an independent footing.
This is more than sentiment — this
Is duty. We owe it to the unhappy
children of Russia that have found a
home in our midst. We owe it to
those most needy of all the needy,
those of our co-religionists who are
now groaning under the heartless
tyranny of the Czar, many of whom
will soon be with us. We owe It to
that "New Education" whose cause we
have espoused. We as Jews, pioneers
in the cause of humanity, owe it to the
world that when two years hence peo-
ple will flock hither from every coun-
try and clime, we shall be able to di-
rect them to the model educational in-
stitute of this city, the Jewish Train-
ing School.
What the Jewish Training School has
accomplished during the twelve years
of its existence among the children of
the poor, what benefit and what bles-
sing the work of the very able super-
intendent, Prof. Bamberger and the
efficient corps of teachers have been
to thousands and thousands of the
dwellers of the Ghetto district, can
hardly be told In the limited space
which we have at our disposal. Suf-
fice it to say that it is the best institu-
tion of the Jewish community and en-
joys the moral and financial support
of the very best and the most intelli-
gent classes of the Chicago Jews.
PROF. GABRIEL BAMBERGER.
Superintendent of the Jewish Training
School.
Professor Gabriel Bamberger, one of
the foremost educators of this coun-
try, was born in the small village of
Angerod in the Grand duchy of Hes-
sen-Darmstadt, on June 3d, 1845. One
of a large family of professional peo-
ple, his father being a successful teach-
er and his sisters and brothers in that
or allied professions, the young lad
PROF. G BAMBERGER.
also was destined to a similar calling.
The profession of Rabbi was chosen
for him and for this purpose, after
having received instruction in the ele-
mentary schools of his home, he was
early sent to Breslau to take prepara-
tory work in the famous Rabbinical
Seminary of that city. But the career
of Rabbi was very shortly abandoned,
as the 'boy showed other tastes. He
entered the Gymnasium of Breslau,
from which he was graduated.
Prof. Bamberger enjoyed the privi-
lege of being a pupil of the great edu-
cator, Wilhelm Curtmann, in the Ped-
agogical Seminary of Friedberg, Hes-
sen. After graduating from there he
continued his pedagogical work by
taking a post-graduate course in the
University of Giessen (Hesen). Im-
mediately after finishing his prepara-
tions as an educator, the professor be-
came one in actuality. He entered the
services of the German government
and soon was made the principal of a.
preparatory and business college in
Hessen.
In 1879 a call from across the ocean
was sent to the rising young peda-
gogue. He was asked to and did or-
ganize and become principal of the
Workingman's School of New York,
which was maintained by the Society
for Ethical Culture of that city. In
doing so, Prof. Bamberger became the
first pedagogue in this country to in-
troduce Manual Training in the gram-
mar and primary grades. He gave the
first exhibit of Manual Training work
of these grades at the annual meeting
of the National Educational Associa-
tion in Saratoga in 1883, and was en-
couraged in his propaganda by but
three men of the whole assembly. But
those men were Col. F. Parker of Chi-
cago, Dr. Woodworth of St. Louis, and
Dr. H. H. Fick of Cincinnati.
Whatever strides Manual Training
has taken in the country at large since
then owes its first impetus to Prof.
Bamberger's pioneer work.
In 1890, after being principal of the
Workingman's School for eleven years,
Chicago demanded the services of this
exceptional educator. The Jewish
Training School of Chicago, at whose
head he now is, owes its whole suc-
cess and its superior rank as a school
almost wholly to Prof. Bamberger.
What Prof. Bamberger has done for
the school is another story and could
not possibly be confined to the short
space of this sketch. Suffice it to say
that Prof. Bamberger has taken an
active part in all the important educa-
tional associations of the country as
well as being a somewhat prolific
writer of pedagogic literature. He
has written and published many pam-
phlets and 'brochures on subjects of
Manual Training, as well as many
other phases of education. A Phonetic
Reader, the first of its kind in this
country, was written and published by
him, as also a course of Manual Train-
ing now published in book form under
the name, "Head, Heart and Hand."
However, Prof. Bamberger's field of
education has 'been even broader than
his activity in the lines mentioned
above. He has also 'been a power in
the religious education of the Jewish
youth of this city. Always a deep and
scholarly student of the literature of
his people, Prof. Bamberger is an au-
thority upon the methods of imparting
such knowledge. To this end he has
written much, most notably a series
of articles on the way to teach Bible
History, which appeared in the pages-
of the Reform Advocate some years
ago, as well as many other articles in
our American Jewish papers.
But 'better than writing of the way
to teach Prof. Bamberger has done the
actual teaching and became a living
example for all to follow.
He has been a most valuable adjunct
to Sinai Temple's well-conducted Sab-
bath School and as a leader organized
and was the president for many years
of the Jewish Sabbath School Teachers'
Association.
It is to be hoped that the professor,
who is admired and beloved by all who
REFORM ADVOGATK.
357
have had the privilege of knowing
him, will be spared for many years to
help the community of Chicago in 4ts
onward march toward the highest civ-
ilization.
XVII.
A JOINED CONFERENCE.
In the month of November, 1890, an
unique conference of Jews and Gen-
tiles was conducted in the main hall of
the Methodist Episcopal church block,
corner Clark and Washington streets.
The instigator of that meeting was the
Rev. Wm. E. Blackstone, a well-known
missionary of the Christian church.
We have before us a copy of the pro-
gram of this conference, which con-
sist§d of four sessions, the first meet-
ing taking place on Monday, November
24th, in the afternoon. The second
session was held in the evening of the
same day at 7:30 p. m. On Tuesday
afternoon the third meeting took place,
and the fourth and last session was
held in the evening of that day at 7:30.
Rev. Mr. Blackstone makes a state-
ment in this program in explanation of
the object of this conference in the
following words: "The object of this
conference is to give information and
promote a spirit of inquiry therefor on
the basis of mutual kindness between
Jews and Christians.
Admission free. Israelites and
Christians cordially invited. (Signed)
Wm. E. Blackstone, chairman of com-
mittee.
The writer attended all the sessions
of this strange conference and could
perhaps give a lengthy account of the
proceedings and transactions, but pre-
fers to give an exact copy of this pro-
gram, as it is in his estimation a very
rare document in the history of re-
ligion. In course of time many meet-
ings have taken place where disputes
between Jews and Christians on re-
ligious topics have been the main fea-
tures. But none of these conferences
of former days were anything like this
one arranged by Rev. Blackstone. The
following is a copy of the program:
CONFERENCE
on the
Past, Present and Future of Israel,
To be held in the
MAIN HALL, OF THE M. E. CHURCH
BLOCK,
Corner Clark and Washington streets.
Chicago, 111.
MONDAY AND TUESDAY, NOV.
24TH AND 25TH, 1890.
Jews and Christians to Participate.
PROGRAMME.
Monday, Nov. 24th.
Chairman — Wm. E. Blackstone.
Afternoon Session.
2:00— Psalm 122. Prayer by Rev. Dr.
C. Perren.
2:15— Address, Rev. E. P. Goodwin,
D. D.
"The Attitude^ of the Nation and
of Christian People Toward the
Jews."
3:00 — Address, Rev. Dr. B. Felsenthal,
Rabbi.
"Why Israelites do not accept
Jesus as their Messiah."
Evening Session.
7:30— Psalm 25. Prayer by Rev. Lieb-
man Adler. Rabbi.
7:45— Address, Rev. Dr. E. G. Hirsch,
Rabbi.
"The religious Condition of the
Jews today and their attitude
toward Christianity."
Song, Mr. Joseph J. Schnadig.
8:30— Address, Rev. J. H. Barrows,
D. D.
"Israel as an evidence of the
truth of the Christian reli-
gion."
Aaronic Benediction.
Tuesday, Nov. 25th. .
Afternoon Session.
2:00— Psalm 53. Prayer by Rev. Chas.
M. Morton.
2:15 — Address, Joseph Stolz, Rabbi.
"Post Biblical History of Israel."
3:00 — Address, Rev. J. M. Caldwell,
D. D.
"Jerusalem and Palestine as they
are today, and the restoration
of Israel."
Song, "The Hebrew Captive."
3:45 — Explanation of maps and charts.
Communications.
Evening Session.
7:30 — Psalm 98. Prayer.
7:45 — Address, Prof, David C. Marquis,
D. D.
"Israel's Messiah."
8:30— Address, by an Israelite.
"The Anti-Semitism of Today."
9:00— Address, Prof. H. M. Scott, D. D.
"Israelites and Christians. Their
Mutual Relations and Welfare,
or Lessons of this conference."
BENEDICTION.
The Lord bless thee, and keep
thee.
The Lord make His face shine
upon thee, and be gracious
unto thee;
The Lord lift up His countenance
upon thee, and give thee
Peace.
A selection of ten hymns from the
church hymnals were printed with
the programme and sung by the audi-
ence. The address of Dr. B. Felsen-
thal was afterwards published in pam-
phlet form, reprinted from the Reform
Advocate by the Publishers, Messrs.
Bloch & Newman. The Doctor prefaces
the printed address with the following
remarks: "A few years ago, on No-
vember 24th and 25th, 1890, a confer-
ence of -Israelites and Christians was
held in the First Methodist Church in
the city of Chicago, and each of its
four sessions was very largely attend-
ed. It was mainly Mr. William E.
Blackstone, by whose efforts this con-
ference was brought about. Among us
Jews it was not known at that time
that Mr. Blackstone is actively en-
gaged in missionary work among the
Jews, and so he succeeded in persuad-
ing some Chicago rabbis to take part
in his conference. To me Mr. Black-
stone has assigned the subject indi-
cated in the question at the head of
this discourse. Upon the request of
some friends my discourse is here
again published."
A Hebrew paper, under the title of
"B'akharith Hayamim" (in the last
days, a dialogue between Father anclSon
concerning Isreal's hopes), was pre-
pared for the occasion by Rabbi A.
I. G. Lesser, Rabbi of congregation
B'eth Hamidrash Hagodol Ubnai Ja-
cob. This paper was later translated
at the request of the author by Her-
man EJiassof and was published in
book form, English and Hebrew, in
1897. The Rabbis who participated in
this Conference learned with regret
that it was more the missionary than
the messenger of peace who arranged
this conference.
HOME FOR AGED JEWS.
The Home for Aged Jews of Chicago
was established in 1891. The first an-
nual meeting of patrons and members
was held May 8th, 1892. The Presi-
dent, Mr. Morris Rosenbaum, read his
report, from which we quote the fol-
lowing:
"To Abraham Slimmer is due the
gratitude of the community for his
munificence and liberality, for his
lofty example and for the privilege of
joining him in this noble work."
And he was right, for it was Mr.
Abraham Slimmer of Waverly, Iowa,
who by his donation of $50,000.00 for
a home for the aged Jews in Chicago
on condition that the -Jews of Chicago
raise an equal amount made it
possible for this home to become a re-
ality. Mr. Slimmer was an intimate
friend of Mr. Rosenbaum, and when
he one day confided to his friend, Ro-
senbaum, his intention of donating a
large amount of money to some insti-
tution, for the purpose of erecting a
home for aged Jews, Mr. Rosenbaum
at once advised him to make the Chi-
cago Jewish community the recipient
of his bountiful gift. Mr. Slimmer
took the advice of his friend and made
the offer, on condition that the Chi-
cago Jews raise an equal amount.
Mr. Rosenbaum interested a num-
ber of the rich members of the
Jewish community and the necessary
$50,000 were soon raised. Mrs. Elizah
Frank donated $10,000, Nelson Morris,
$5,000, H. A. Kohn, $5,000, Jacob
Rosenberg and Mrs. Henrietta Roseu-
feld each donated $5,000, Mr. M. Ro-
senbaum and his brother Joseph Ro-
senbaum each gave $1,000, and a num-
ber of others smaller amounts.
The Israelitische Altenheim Verein,
a society of Jewish ladies, established
some years previous for the purpose of
aiding in the founding of a Home for
Aged Jews, turned over $3,000 to the
Board of the Home.
On the 6th of April, 1891, the follow-
ing officers and directors were elected:
Mr. Morris Rosenbaum, President;
Mr. E. Frankenthal, Vice-president; B.
358
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
Loewenthal, Treasurer; H. E. Greene-
baum, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Irv-
ing S. Bernheimer, Financial Secre-
tary.
DIRECTORS.
(To serve one year.)
Henry L. Frank, David A. Kohn, A.
Loeb, Nelson Morris, Simon Mandel,
May, 1897, there were 54 inmates, 26
men and 28 women, representing the
following nationalities: Germany, 32;
Hungary, 6; Russia, 5; Bohemia-Aus-
tria, '4; Galicia- Austria, 3; Holland, 2;
Poland, 1, and America 1.
The expenditures of the fiscal year
ending January, 1899, amounted to
HOME FOR AGED JEWS.
H. A. Kohn, Mrs. J. K. Frank, Mrs.
Henry Kloffer, and Mrs. Aaron Stern.
(To serve two years.)
H. E. Greenebaum, Bernard Cahn, A.
Kuh, B. Loewenthal, Joseph Rosen-
baum, Mrs. I. S. Bernheimer, Mrs. Max
Hart, and Mrs. M. A. Meyer.
(To serve three years.)
Morris Rosenbaum, Abram Slimmer,
B. Kuppenheimer, Harry Hart, E.
Frankenthal, Mrs. L. Newberger, Mrs.
Chas. H. Schwab, and Mrs. B. J. Da-
vid.
The board secured the services of
S. B. Eisendrath, architect, who sub-
mitted plans for a building. The plans
were adopted and the contracts let.
The following (building committee was
appointed: E. Frankenthal, Chair-
man; Henry L. Frank, Bernard Kahn,
Joseph Rosenbaum, and Harry Hart.
The lot on which the building was
to .be erected was bought on the north-
west corner of Sixty-second street and
Drexel avenue, having a frontage of
347 on Drexel avenue and 207 on Sixty-
second street, with a 16-foot alley. The
Home was dedicated on Sunday, April
30th, 1893, and seven applicants had
been admitted to the home.
During 1893 there were 44 inmates
at the home. According to the Re-
port of the Superintendent, Mrs. B. J.
David, dated May 12th, 1895, donations
to the Home had been numerous and
liberal. The Women's Home Society
were very zealous in their endeavors
in behalf of the home during the year.
The Young Men's Hebrew Charity As-
sociation rendered generous material
assistance. The largest number of in-
mates at any time up to May, 1896,
was 49.
At the time of the annual meeting,
J14.912.64. The number of inmates at
the home was 71. The library of the
home gained about 175 volumes of
excellent literature.
The officers elected at the last annu-
al meeting, January, 1900, are the fol-
lowing: M. Rosenbaum, president, re-
elected; Mrs. Chas. H. Schwab, vice-
president; Rabbi Abram Hirschberg,
recording secretary; Herman Hefter,
financial secretary; B. Loewenthal,
treasurer.
The Home for Aged Jews is a neces-
sity in a community like Chicago. The
MORRIS ROSENBAUM.
Chicago Israelites know it, and have
taken good care of this institution.
The management is in good hands, and
the future of the Home. is assured.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE HOME.
MORRIS ROSENBAUM.
Morris Rosenbaum was born in
Schwabach, Germany, January 20,
1837, being the son of Jacob and Ba-
bette Rosenbaum. He received a lib-
eral education. In the schools of Ger-
many and being of a studious turn of
mind made rapid progress in all his
studies. At the age of thirteen he was
obliged to leave school, and came to
the United States in July, 1850, cross-
Ing the Mississippi river at Dubuque,
Iowa, in December, 1850, at which place
he made his home until the year 185S.
Obtaining a position in a large grocery
store, he at once acquired the good
will, confidence and respect of his em-
ployer and his employer's family, by
his energetic and attentive application
to the interests of his employer. Dur-
ing Mr. Rosenbaum's service in the
grocery business he made the acquaint-
ance of Mr. A. Mularky, from Cedar
Falls, Iowa, whose confidence and
friendship won for Mr. Rosenbaum the
start of his business life, as Mr. Mu-
larky sold to Mr. Rosenbaum in 1858
the entire stock of merchandise, of
about ?3,600, and this all on credit and
without any security.
At this time Mr. Rosenbaum was a
poor lad of but twenty-one years, but
he possessed that untiring energy, push
and modesty that go so far in making
the successful man.
With a determination and a will that
knew not of failure, he started in this
new enterprise by giving his brother
Joseph (then not 20 years old) a third-
interest in the business, and to his
Dubuque benefactor (who had been
swamped during the financial crisis of
1857), one-third interest, retaining for
himself one-third interest. Such is the
disposition of the subject of this sketch
and these the sterling qualities that
characterize his every action all
through life.
From Cedar Falls Mr. Rosenbaum
moved to Nashua, Iowa, in the year
1867, and established himself in the
banking business. In 1874 he came to
Chicago and established the grain com-
mission business which is now carried
on under the firm name of Rosenbaum
Bros., of which Mr. Morris Rosenbaum
was at the head, and is to the present
day.
Mr. Rosenbaum is a Royal Arch Ma-
son, a member and ex-director of Sinai
Congregation and a member of the
Standard Club. Mr. Rosenbaum has
always been interested in all charities,
giving liberally to anything that per-
tained to the comfort and welfare of
others.
In the spring of 1891 Mr. Rosenbaum
induced Mr. Abram Slimmer of Iowa
to donate $50,000 for a home for Aged
Jews in Chicago, this liberal donation
being the start for others to follow,
and thus was this worthy institution
founded. Mr. Rosenbaum has been
president of the home since its incep-
tion, and through foresight and care-
ful management the sinking fund has
never lost a dollar of its principal, and
through the personality of its presi-
dent the Home for Aged Jews has a
large following and today ranks among
REFORM ADVOCATED
859
the best and most worthy institutions
of Chicago.
Mr. Rosenbaum married Miss Sophia
Bloch, October 11, 1871. They have
four daughters — Etta (Mrs. Edward L.
Glaser), Stella (Mrs. M. W. Kozmin-
ski), Maude (Mrs. Dr. D. N. Eisen-
drath), and Miss Alma.
Mr. Rosenbaum has preached and
practiced, in his home and elsewhere,
the motto of "Plain living, and high
thinking," of modesty and unostenta-
tiousness.
XVIII.
THE RUSSIAN REFUGEE SOCIETY.
The Society in Aid of Russian Refu-
gees , was established in September,
1891. Officers of the Executive Com-
mittee were as follows: Adolph Loeto,
President; Jacob Rosenberg, First
Vice-President; Henry Greenebaum,
Second Vice-President; Oscar G. Fore-
man, Treasurer; Rev. A. Norden, Sec-
retary. Members of the Executive
Committee: Dr. B. Felsenthal, Dr. E.
G. Hirsch. Dr. I. S. Moses, Julius Ro-
senthal H. A. Kohn, Nelson Morris,
Abraham Hart, Jos. Beifeld, Abrahm
Kuh, Adolph Kraus, Sam Nathan, Au-
gust Gatzert, Advisory Board: Leo
Schlossman, Chairman, Dr. B. Felsen-
thal, Dr. Jos. Stolz, A. J. Frank, Is-
rael Cowen, J. Lewis, J. Berkson, D.
Godstein, Albert Weil, Adolph Bondy,
L. Zolotkoff, A. Bernstein, Dr. A. Levy,
Superintendent; H. Eliassol, Manager.
On the 4th day of September of the
above year an office was opened on
Jefferson street, right in the heart of
the Ghetto district and close to the
Sheltering Home. The office was
placed in charge of Supt. Dr. Levy and
Manager H. Eliassof. From the very
start it was understood that the offi-
cers in charge of the office of the Ex-
ecutive Committee should work hand
in hand with the officers of the Shel-
tering Home, which was established
and maintained for some time before
the Executive Committee organized,
in that district. When the new ar-
rivals had rested for a few days the
Executive Committee was to attend
to them. A short time after, the of-
fice was removed from Jefferson street
to 82 Wilson street. The work was
carried on in such a manner that ev-
ery cent disbursed, every move made,
every order given, and every step
taken in the interest of the Refugees
was thoroughly accounted for. The
manager had to present at each week-
ly meeting of the Advisory Board and
Executive Committee a written statis-
tical report, which had to be approved
by both bodies. During the first five
and a half months of the existence of
this Association the number of appli-
cations received at the office was 309.
These applications came from 150 fam-
ilies, comprising 250 adults and 350
children, 85 married men who left
their families in Russia, 67 single men,
7 unmarried women, and 12 widows,
a total of 671 persons. Eighty-one per-
sons were sent away to other cities,
where they either had relatives who
were willing to take care of them, or
were given letters of recommendation
to parties who had agreed to look out
for their interests; 102 persons were
provided with work. The children of
the widows and some orphan children
who came along with some of the
families were provided with homes
and their board paid out of the funds
of the committee. Some of the men
who had learned a trade were provided
with tools, some with sewing machines,
and others were sent to learn a trade,
and the committee paid for the teach-
ing and also for the board of the
applicant for several weeks. Nearly
all the families who remained in Chi-
cago received the necessary furniture,
stoves, and one, or in some instances,
several months' rent. During the cold
weather many of the families living
here received coal. Hundreds of bun-
dles of warm clothing for men, women
and children were received at the of-
fice of the Executive Committee from
all parts of the city, and distributed
among the needy applicants. Shoes
were also given to a great many who
were in need of them. The kind-
hearted Jewish physicians of the
neighborhood had volunteered their
medical services, and the Executive
Committee paid for medicine. Dr.
Levy having resigned the office of
Superintendent, Mr. H. Eliassof was
appointed his successor.
The writer could fill a large volume
with the heart-rending stories told by
the Russian Refugees of the inhuman
treatment they had to undergo at
their so-called homes in darkest Rus-
sia. In most of the cases the state-
ments of the Refugees were support-
ed by documents and witnesses whose
veracity could not be doubted. During
the entire time of the existence of the
Society, which was once reorganized,
thousands of unfortunate Refugees
were helped and aided to become self-
sustaining. It was the aim of the en-
tire committee, as well as the paid
help, to exert a beneficial influence
upon the Refugees, and to help them to
become good American citizens. There
were among them many good, honest,
hard-working men, whose happiness
knew no bounds when they were in
the course of a few months able to pay
back to the Society the money which
they had received, even in small in-
stallments. The sum expended by tho
Society in this good work reached
nearly $30,000, the greater part of
which was collected from the good and
benevolent Jews of Chicago.
President Loeb in his final report
says:
"Glancing at these figures we have
every reason to be proud of our Chi-
cago Jewish community, who have re-
sponded so magnificently to our call,
and I may add that our resources
were iby no means exhausted, and if
the emergency would have been con-
tinued I think the donations would
have been duplicated by a great many,
and those who have not been ap-
proached at all would have come for-
ward with their gifts."
In regard to the services of the Su-
perintendent, Mr. H. Eliassof, Presi-
dent Loeb makes the following state-
ment:
"It is a well-known fact that criti-
cal times produce the mea who can
cope with them, and so in our case.
The Society has been exceedingly for-
tunate in finding a man like our su-
perintendent, who was in every way
fitted to this most responsible, and, I
may say, awkward position. It took
a man of nerve, tact, patience and en-
durance, one who could understand
the language of the exiles, and know
their habits and their vices and their
virtues. I am free, on this occasion,
to say, and the Executive Committee
will join me in it, that Mr. Eliassof
has served the Society conscientiously
and faithfully. He has sacrificed much
personally, but when he accepted this
position I knew that he did it more
for the cause than for the remunera-
tion that was attached to it. He is
entitled to the gratitude of the com-
munity whom he served so well."
THE SISTERS OF AID.
The Sisters of Aid was organized
November 15th, 1891, with a member-
ship of 15, and the following officers:
Mrs. Hyman Rosenbaum, President;
Mrs. Morris Ephraim, Vice-President;
Mrs. Henry Rosenbaum, Secretary;
Miss Anna Stiner, Treasurer. The So-
ciety now numbers 80 members, with
the following officers: Mrs. N. Mos-
kovitz, President; Mrs. H. Stone, Vice-
President; Anna Stiner, Secretary;
Mrs. L. Levin, Treasurer.
The Society was formed for the ob-
ject of assisting the South Side He-
brew Congregation and for general
charity work.
CHICAGO HOME FOR JEWISH OR-
PHANS.
One of the youngest beneficiaries of
the Young Men's Hebrew Charity As-
sociation was the Chicago Home for
Jewish Orphans. It was during the
latter part of 1892 that a number of
Jewish women who constantly visited
the office of the United Hebrew Chari-
ties saw the necessity of establishing
an Orphans' Home in this city, and not
to continue to rely any longer upon
the overtaxed home in Cleveland to
take care of its orphan children. The
late Mr. Kiss, superintendent of the
Hebrew Charities, encouraged and
urged these women to accomplish the
work, and upon the advice of Mr. A.
Slimmer of Waverly, Iowa, who has
proven a true friend of the cause, they
organized and applied for a charter in
the spring of 1893. The charter mem-
bers were: Mesdames: Radzinski,
Newberger, Hamburger, and Yondorf.
An enthusiastic meeting was held
April 7th of that year, and the first do-
nation of $100 was received from -Mr.
Peabody of New York. The member-
ship of the Orphans' Home Society
360
THE. REFORM ADVOCATED
steadily increased, and at the end of
the year 400 names were enrolled. It
was then decided to rent a house, fur-
nish it and take care of as many chil-
dren as their means would permit.
This was done, and the home was op-
ened in the house No. 3601 Vernon ave-
nue, October 7th, 1894. The Society
made this .beginning free from debt,
following: Directors' Room, Baron
Hirsch Ladies' Aid Society; Study
Room, Free Sons of Israel; Sewing
Room, Orphans' Helpers; Parlors, the
Deborah Verein; Assembly Room,
North Side Ladies' Sewing Society;
Gymnasium, Mr. Lowenberg; Manual
Training Room, I. Baumgartl; Indus-
trial Kitchen, Mrs. M. Hecht; Library,
CHICAGO HOME FOR JEWISH ORPHANS.
and with a cash balance in the treas-
ury. Rev. A. Lowenheim and his good
wife were engaged as superintendents.
Soon 30 children were in their charge,
and healthier and happier little ones
were seldom seen.
Two years later a piece of property
was donated to the Home by Mr.
Henry Siegel and others. Through the
activity of its officers and Board of
Directors the membership had stead-
ily increased, and it then reached 700.
Mrs. L. Newberger again sought the
advice of our friend, Mr. A. Slimmer,
who offered to donate $25,000, provid-
ed a like sum be collected in Chicago.
The energetic and indefatigable Presi-
dent of the Association, Mrs. C. L.
Strauss, and a very able committee,
soon collected the stipulated amount,
and the Home was built on the Drexel
avenue site, and dedicated on Sunday
afternoon, April 23d, 1899.
Simeon B. Eisendrath was the suc-
cessful architect. The present home
consists of three dormitories, and
cloths linen and mending rooms, etc.
The attic • contains a large Assembly
Hall, with a seating capacity of 500;
also necessary cloak, toilet and other
accessory rooms.
The Hospital Annex is equipped
with the necessary nurses' rooms, phy-
sician office and dispensary, diet kitchen
and other essential accessories, includ-
ing a separate small laundry for hos-
pital use only.
The rooms and the persons and so-
cieties that have endowed them are the
Mrs. C. L. Strauss; Office, Mrs. A. I.
Radzinski; Reception Room, Mrs. F.
W. Strauss; Physicians' Main Office,
Mrs. H. Steele; Superintendent's Room,
Mrs. E. C. Hamburgher and Wendell
family; Dining Room, Mrs. Chas.
Schwaib; Chapel, Sydney Mandel and
Mrs. Solomon Klein; Care-takers'
MRS. CARRIE LEOPOLD STRAUSS.
Rooms, Mrs. Leo Strauss; Care-takers'
Room, Mrs. Max L. Falk; Care-takers'
Room, Mrs. Ignatz Stein; Care-takers'
Room, Mrs. J. Hess; Physicians' Room,
North Side Auxiliary; Diet Kitchen,
Congregation Rodfay Emunah Diet
Kitchen, Mrs. Leopold Loewensteln;
Dispensary, Mrs. Tobias Newman;
Nurses' Room, Mrs. Rose Steele;
Nurses' Room, Mrs. E. Rheinstrom;
Two Sick Wards, Mrs. Frank Vogel;
Girls' Sick Ward, Miss Florence Lu-
cile Siegel; Boys' Sick Ward, Mrs.
Isaac Wedeles.
A WORKER FOR THE ORPHANS'
HOME.
MRS. CARRIE LEOPOLD STRAUSS.
Mrs. Strauss was born in Germany,
May 11, 1847, and her maiden name
was Meyer. She was two years old
when her parents brought her to
America, in 1849. She was reared and
educated in Philadelphia. She retains
the membership of her departed hus-
band in Sinai Congregation and is also
a member of the Deborah Verein. She
has always found pleasure and satis-
faction in charitable work, but since
the death of her husband she has par-
ticularly espoused the cause of the
Jewish Orphans' Home, which she
helped to organize and to carry to suc-
cess. For four years she was its Pres-
ident, and when she surrendered the
reins of office to masculine hands she
had the great gratification of seeing the
Orphans' Home established on a
sound and firm basis. She is still In-
terested in its welfare, and her moth-
erly influence is a blessing to the in-
mates.
Mrs. Strauss has six children — Mil-
ton, Albert, Leis, Dennie, Morris and
Mrs. Edward Hillman.
WORLD'S FAIR YEAR.
The Jewish citizens of Chicago
showed their liberality by substantial
subscriptions to the stock of the
World's Fair Company. The Jews
were represented on the Directory by
Mr. Adolph Nathan and A. M. Roths-
child. A very Interesting feature of
the many congresses, conferences, and
gatherings, which took place during
the time of the Exposition, was the
Jewish Denominational Congress,
which took place in the Memorial Art
Palace, from August 27th to 30th, 1893.
The joint committee of the World's
Congress Auxiliary of the Jewish De-
nominational Congress consisted of the
following: B. Bettman, Cincinnati,
President; Hon. Jacob H. Schift, New
York, Vice-President; Adolph Moses,
Chicago, Vice-President; Julius Frei-
burg, Cincinnati, Vice-President; Isi-
dore Busch, St. Louis, Vice-President;
Hon. Solomon Hirsch, Portland, Ore.,
Vice-President; and Rabbi Joseph
Stolz, Chicago, Vice-President; Judge
Simon Rosendale, Albany, N. Y.; Hon.
Oscar W. Strauss, New York; Hon.
Simon Wolf, Washington, D. C.; Josl-
ah Cohen, Pittsburg, Pa.; Mayer Sulz-
berger, Philadelphia; Gen. Lewis Sea-
songood, Cincinnati; Rabbi Isaac M.
Wise, Cincinnati; Rabbi Joseph Sil-
verman, New York; Rabbi Tobias
Shanfarber, Baltimore; Rabbi Emil
G, Hirsch, Chicago; Rabbi Isaac S.
Moses, Chicago.
The next grand feature was the
World's Parliament of Religions, In
which a good many of the Jewish Rab-
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
361
bis of the country participated, and
'Chicago was well represented.
THE MAXWELL STREET SETTLE-
MENT.
The Maxwell Street Settlement was
opened November 18th, 1893. Jesse
Loewenhaupt and 'Jacob J. Abt, two
noble Jewish young men, were the
first residents. They settled In the
house, 185 Maxwell street, and
were joined in February, 1894, by
Moritz Rosenthal, of the law firm of
Moses, Rosenthal and Kennedy.
These were highly educated young
men, fresh from college, and filled
"with p. noble ambition to serve their
fellowmen and to use their utmost
endeavors to lift up the lowly and help
wherever their aid was needed.
The Settlement was neatly fitted up
and it was made the social rendezvous
for young people of the neighborhood.
Evening classes were introduced for
working boys and girls. Mr. Abt lived
there until February, 1898, but Mr.
Loenwenhaupt left December, 1896.
Mr. Rosenthal stayed until April, 1897.
Then Mr. Aaron E. Rosenthal, from
Cincinnati, lived there for awhile with
Joseph Weisenfoach.
About 15 non-resident workers as-
sisted the residents, led classes, and
helped generally. A circulating li-
brary was introduced, containing
mostly books for children. Isaac Sol-
omon Rothschild officiated as librari-
an.
From a paper written by Mrs. Abt
we quote the following, which will give
the reader a good insight in the nature
of the work and the beneficial results
•of the same. Mrs. Abt says: "My ex-
perience has 'been limited to the Max-
well Street Settlement, which, as you
Tcnow, lies well within the Ghetto. It
is an indisputed fact that the Russian
Jew has a highly developed intellectual
sense, so you must understand that a
great many young people who fre-
quent the house are as well educated
as we are, and almost all of them have
a tremendous capacity for assimilat-
ing knowledge. A number of our boys
are University students. One has re-
cently passed the civil service exami-
nation and is now employed in the
Postoffice. One young neighbor of ours
teaches the sixth grade in Grammar
School, teaches night school, and at-
tends afternon classes at a Univer-
sity as well. One young man who
came to the house as a sign painter
was urged and encouraged to develop
a marked talent for art, and now holds
a good position as illustrator on one
of the New York newspapers.
I think you will be interested In the
history of a young man who has been
closely associated with the Settlement
for the past six years. One evening,
in the second year of its existence, a
boy twenty or twenty-one years old,
came to the Settlement and asked in
broken English whether he could learn
medicine there. When told no, he
-started to leave immediately, but was
stopped by one of the residents and
asked what foundation he had on
which he could ibuild a study in medi-
cine. A few questions showed that he
had received nothing in the way of an
education but the usual Russian boy's
knowledge of the Talmud. He was
at this time making a living by ped-
dling rags and old iron, an occupa-
tion thoroughly uncongenial to him.
He was all alive with the desire and
determination to learn and had chosen
medicine as his profession. He was
easily convinced that some prepara-
tion was necessary, and consented to
come to the house. A faithful, earnest
worker and a regular evening atten-
dant, he was, the first year, put
through elementary mathematics, al-
gebra and geometry, and given a fail-
start in English grammar. At the end
of this time he took his examinations
for Lewis Institute and was admitted.
His work was so satisfactory the first
year that his tuition was remitted the
second. At the end1 of this time he
grew restless and in spite of advice to
the contrary he determined to try for
admission to Rush Medical College,
and to the surprise of his friends passed
very creditably. His reports during
the year were remarkable. In anato-
my, which students consider the hard-
est and dryest subject, his average was
99. The second year and at the begin-
ning of this, his third year, he was
permitted to work off $100 of his tui-
tion. During all this time of study
he supported himself by keeping books
for a small ragdealer on Canal street,
earning from $3 to }4 a week. Out of
this he paid board to a poor brother,
with whose numerous family he lived,
clothed himself and bought his books.
You can imagine how poorly clothed
he was, yet he refused to accept any-
thing that was not absolutely neces-
sary to the continuance of his stud-
ies. Until three months ago we were
under the impression that he was do-
ing some clerical work to pay his way
through college, and it was only
•through some outside way that we
learned that all this time he had been
scrubbing four hours a day. It was
impossible to let him continue for fear
of his health breaking down. Recently
a South Side physician has become In-
terested in him and has given him
enough employment in his office to per-
mit him to give up the scrubbing. He
still does his bookkeeping, travels ev-
ery day to the West Side to college
and works or studies most of the night.
Who can doubt that such effort will
meet with success?
FIRST RESIDENT OF THE SET-
TLEMENT.
MR. JACOB J. ABT.
Mr. Abt is a son of Lev! and Henri-
etta Hart Abt and was born in Wil-
mington, 111., Dec. 18, 1867. He re-
ceived his early education in the pub-
lic schools of Chicago, completing his
course of study at Yale University.
Mr. Abt has taken considerable inter-
est in charitable work and was one of
the instigators of the Maxwell Street
Settlement. He lived at the settlement
up to the time of his marriage, and his
JACOB J. ABT.
educational work among these poor
people was of great value and assist-
ance to them. He is a member Df
Sinai Cong, and the Standard Club.
Mr. Abt married Mildred Shire of this
city and they have one child, Marlon
Maxwell Abt.
COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN.
This grand organization was estab-
lished September, 1893. It has now
49 sections in 18 states of the Union,
and one section In the Dominion of
Canada. The membership has reached
the number of 5,000.
The aim and abject of the Society
can be learned from the following
Preamble to the Constitution:
"Preamble.
"We, Jewish women, sincerely be-
lieving that a closer fellowship, a
greater unity of thought and purpose,
and a nobler accomplishment will re-
sult from a widespread organization,
do therefore -bind ourselves together in
a union of workers to further the best
and highest interests of humanity In
fields religious, philanthropic, and edu-
cational."
Three of our Chicago Jewish women
are main leaders in this great organi-
zation. Mrs. Henry G. Solomon has
been President for a number of years,
and Miss Sadie American Is Recording
Secretary, and Mrs. Leo Loeb, Audi-
tor.
The Chicago section of the Council
of Jewish Women, of which Miss Julia
Felsenthal is President, has a large
membership, consisting of the best
daughters of Israel in the community.
Their meetings are well attended and
their programs highly entertaining
and instructive. They meet in the
vestry rooms of Sinai Temple and Dr.
Hirsch has frequently lectured before
them on Hebrew Biblical topics, and
other speakers have delivered address-
es on economical and kindred ques-
362
THE REFORM ADVOCATE,
tions. The Society Is becoming more
influential and more prominent as the
years roll by. They may yet prove a
blessing to Judaism in America.
PRESIDENT OP THE COUNCIL OF
JEWISH WOMEN.
HANNAH GREENEBAUM SOLOMON.
Mrs. Solomon is a native Chicagoan.
Her parents were Michael and Sarah
(Spiegel) Greenebaum, two of the early
Jewish residents of this city. Mrs.
MRS. HANNAH GREENEBAUM
SOLOMON.
Pres. of the Council of Jewish Women.
Solomon Is one of the best known
women in Chicago and perhaps in the
United States. She has been identified
prominently with numerous literary
and women's organizations in which
she has always been considered a lead-
er. She is a woman of considerable in-
tellect, has an excellent flow of lan-
guage and her words are always lis-
tened to with interest. She was one of
the founders of the Zion Literary So-
ciety and has been a member and offi-
cer of the Chicago Women's Club. She
served as vice-president of the Illinois
State Federation of Women's Clubs,
and is now treasurer of the Women's
Council of the United States. Mrs.
Solomon is also one of the found-
ers of the Council of Jewish Women of
which she was the first president, con-
tinuing in office up to the present day.
She has exerted great influence in this
organization and her efforts have ad-
ded materially to the success of the
council. She is vice-president of the
Jewish Publication Society and a mem-
ber of the executive board of the Civic
Federation. She has also taken an ac-
tive part in charitable societies and is
today the only woman member on the
board of the Associated Charities and
of the Seventh Ward Bureau of Chari-
ties. No woman is more deserving of
public appreciation than Mrs. Solo-
mon, and perhaps none is held in
higher esteem by all who know her.
THE SEVENTH WARD BUREAU
was established by members of the
Council of Jewish Women for the pur-
pose of creating a center for the wom-
en of the different organizations for
charitable purposes. The money was
first raised at a festival which netted
about $1,200. The Council contributed
$1,000 at one time and $427 at another
—•beside sufficient for the work room
for one season. The rest of the money
was contributed directly, as well as
were clothing, coal and groceries, or
other necessities. It was not intended
that this Bureau should be a Relief
Office, as will be readily seen by the
financial statement that no more than
$2,000 was expended per year, out of
which salaries were paid to two em-
ployes, rent, fuel and other incidental
office expenditures. The district, ac-
cording to a census taken by the of-
fice, contains about 19,000 Jews, and
as the majority of these were very
poor, much could be done without
money. The Bureau finds its work in
the following lines: Legal aid — This
included support cases, suits to recov-
er damages against different compa-
nies, lodges, children and women who
had been deserted, criminal cases, jus-
tice and police court cases, juvenile
court cases. But little money was ex-
pended for these directly, as our law •
work was always done for us free of
charge, we paying costs, 'but in many
instances emergency relief while cases
were pending was necessary. The Ju-
venile court work has during the last
year grown so large that it requires
the attention of three employes and a
number of volunteers. From January,
1901, to May, 1901, more than 125 boys
were placed under our guardianship.
These are dependents or delinquents.
Law investigations — All cases for the
Women's Loan are investigated by our
Bureau. Their capital is $1,300 and
the business large.
Investigations for the School Chil-
dren's Aid.
After Christmas this organization
will supply the needy children with
clothing. We have five schools in our
District for which we investigate. In
addition the teachers are constantly
seeking our assistance for the unruly
boys and habitual truants.
Investigations for the distribution
in our district of coal given away by
Mr. Lytton.
Investigations for the Social Settle-
ments, with which we co-operate — Hull
House and Henry Booth House.
Summer outings — Last year 125 out-
ings were secured for our district at
the Evanston camp.
Securing relief through the proper
agencies.
We co-operated with the Association
for Improved Housing, the Small
Parks Commission and other organi-
zations attempting improvement in the
district.
Personal Service— A large part of our
work consists in friendly visiting.
Legislation — We have endeavored to
secure better laws and in enforcing
those that exist to decrease need for
charities.
The Work Room connected with the-
Bureau was an outlet lor many wha
needed assistance. It was not a work-
shop which gave a means of earning
a living, but a charity, and was con-
ducted as such. It was economical,
because it utilized the waste of ona
part of the community to supply the
wants of another, bought the best at
lowest prices, and did not give more
work to anyone than would supply
absolute necessities. This obliged the
beneficiaries to seek work at other
sources part of each week.
THE PHOENIX CLUB.
The Phoenix Club was incorporated
by the sons of South Side Jews. The
clubhouse was located first at Calu-
met avenue and Thirty-first street. The
membership gradually increased and
larger quarters were sought. The mem-
' bers then rented a 'building on Michi-
gan avenue, near Fortieth street, aft-
erwards amalgamating with the Boule-
vard Club under the name of the
Phoenix-Boulevard Club. Some of the
nicest affairs for young people in this
city were given by the Phoenix Club,
and for a long time it was considered
the leading social club for young peo-
ple. After its amalgamation with the
Boulevard Club a number of married
men were admitted, and talk of a down-
town club was prevalent, and subse-
quently the quarters of the Iroquois
Club in the old Columbia Theater was
rented for a clubhouse. The new
venture was not as popular as was
expected, and the Phoenix could not
survive the heavy cost of maintaining
down-town headquarters, and it was
finally wound up after considerable
difficulty, and nothing remains of the
club but the memory of its early days,
which often recurs to the younger gen-
eration as the scene of many an en-
joyable evening.
THE WEST CHICAGO CLUB.
The West Chicago Club was the first
Jewish Club formed on the West Side
and for years the clubhouse on Throop
street was the scene of many an en-
joyable social and literary function.
Among the early members of the club
were such well-known people as Judge
Stein, Adolph Kraus, M. M. Hirsch,
and many others. When the exodus to
the South Side began, most of the
founders and energetic workers of the
club removed to that section of the city
and the membership grew smaller as
time passed. Many of the early resi-
dents of the West Side will long re-
member the West Chicago Club House,
the many enjoyable evenings spent
therein, the entertainments, amateur
and professional, for the pleasure of its
members, its convenience as a meet-
ing place, and the cozy parlors and
ballroom in which many of the West
Siders were married.
THE LESSING CLUB.
While this club is no longer in ex-
istence it at one time had a large mem-
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
363
bership, comprised largely of the Jews
living on the Southwest Side. Enter-
tainments and hops were given at fre-
mum amount was $10 and the mini-
mum amount of loans was $3, but
during the last year they have raised
WEST CHICAGO CLUB 50 THROOP STREET.
quent intervals, but like most of the
West Side social institutions it also
suffered from removals, and eventual-
ly was obliged to wind up.
WOMAN'S LOAN ASSOCIATION.
The Woman's Aid Loan Association
was organized in December, 1897, for
the purpose of loaning money to needy
deserving persons, thus assisting them
to become self-supporting, and at the
same time repay the loan in small
weekly installments without interest.
The association works in the district
covered by the Seventh Ward Bureau
of Associated Charities, who investi-
gate all applications for loans, as well
as the guarantors. With but few ex-
ceptions the organizers of the loan so-
ciety were residents of the West Side
and had been connected with the Wom-
an's Aid, a charity society which ex-
isted for two years, as there were a
great many charity organizations
working independently of each other
in the same district, they left the field
and confined themselves to loaning
money, with the result that in 1898
they loaned $748 without any loss, and
in 1899 $1,020, with a loss of $7, and
in 1900 $2,915, with a loss of $18. The
money used was raised by several suc-
cessful entertainments given by the as-
sociation, and on October last they
received $500 from the Associated Jew-
ish Charities.
During the first two years the maxi-
the amount, and in exceptional cases
they loan as much as $25.
The officers in 1898 were: President,
Miss Jennie H. Norden; vice-president,
Miss Fannie Dattelbaum; correspond-
ing secretary, Miss S. L. Berman;
financial secretary, Mrs. D. J. Seilin;
October last the association changed
its name from the Woman's Aid Loan
Association to the "Woman's Loan
Association." The loan committee
meet severy Monday evening from 7:30
to 10 o'clock in the Porges Building,
195 Maxwell street, where applications,
loans and payments are made. Miss
M. P. Low, who is one of the found-
ers of the association and superintend-
ent of the Seventh Ward District of
Associated Charities, investigates both
the borrower and guarantor, as loans
are made on notes only, and must be
signed by two people. Loans are pay-
able in twenty weekly installments.
The officers serving at present are:
President, Mrs. B. Pirosh; vice-presi-
dent, Miss Lena Barren; correspond-
ing secretary, Miss Minnie Lippert;
financial secretary, Mrs. D. J. Seilin;
treasurer, Mrs. Joseph Werb; chair-
man of loan committee, Mrs. I. J. Rob-
in; secretary of loan committee, Miss
Jennie H. Norden.
It is pleasant to note the change that
has taken place in the attitude toward
the needy. When the Woman's Aid
Loan Association was organized friends
of the members insisted that the associ-
ation would be bankrupt within a year,
thinking they would not be able to col-
lect the amount loaned. The figures
quoted above show, that, given a
chance, our Jewish poor will be able to
get along and in time be self-support-
ing, and that they appreciate aid given
them in a way in which they are not
robbed of their self-respect.
ISAIAH CONGREGATION.
Isaiah Congregation, the offshoot of
Zion Congregation, was organized Oc-
tober 24, 1895, and the following offlc'ers
were elected: Joseph Stolz, rabbi; Hen-
ry Greenebaum, president; E. Rubovits,
vice-president; Simon L. Rubel, secre-
TEMPLE OF ISAIAH CONGREGATION.
treasurer, Mrs. A. I. Movitt. These,
with Mrs. I. J. Robin as chairman, con-
stituted the first loan committee.
tary; Fred Oberndorf, financial secre-
tary; M. Haber, treasurer; S. Daniels,
Jacob Hart, L. Buxbaum, Mark Simon,
364
THE. RRFORM ADVOCATE.
Jacob Dreyfus, A. Well, L. Wessel, Jr.,
S. M. Becker, directors.
The first services were held Jan. 4,
1896, at the Oakland Club Hall, corner
Ellis avenue and Thirty-ninth street,
addresses being delivered by Rabbis
Stolz and Hirsch and by Rev. Jenkin
Lloyd Jones. For three years services
were held in this hall on Saturdays and
Sundays, and during a few months the
congregation worshiped in the Oakland
Methodist Church, corner Oakwood
boulevard and Langley avenue. In
May, 1898, the lot on the corner of
Vincennes avenue and Forty-fifth
street was purchased for |12,500 cash.
Sept. 11, 1898, Dr. Isaac M. Wise laid
the corner-stone of the temple designed
by the architect, Dankmar Adler; Jan.
14, 1899, the schoolhouse was dedicated,
and March 17, 1899, Dr. Wise of Cin-
cinnati dedicated the handsome temple,
which cost about $50,000. Rabbis
Stolz, Felsenthal, Hirsch, Arnold, Mes-
sing, Norden, Hirshberg, Moses, Rap-
paport, Jacobson of Chicago, Berkowitz
of Philadelphia, Heller of New Orleans
and Revs. J. L. Jones, A. R. White, W.
W. Fenn, S. J. McPherson and A. Mc-
Intyre of Chicago participated in the
dedicatory services, which spread over
three days.
The congregation now numbers 205
members; the Sabbath school has 320
children enrolled; the annual budget
is $10,000. The present officers are:
Dr. Joseph Stolz, rabbi; Adolf Kraus,
president; E. Rubovits, vice-president;
Rudolf Wolfner, secretary; Jacob
Frank, financial secretary; S. M.
Becker, treasurer; L. Buxbaum, J.
Franks, D. May, A. Weil, M. Haber, S.
G. Harris, Joseph M. Wile, J. Dreyfus,
directors.
The rapid growth and prosperity of
the congregation are largely due to the
active and zealous co-operation of the
Isaiah Woman's Club, whose officers
are: Mrs. Garson Meyers, president;
Mrs. Bertha Powell, vice-president;
Mrs. S. G. Harris, treasurer; Mrs. Jo-
seph Stolz, secretary.
DR. JOSEPH STOLTZ.
Dr. Joseph Stolz, Rabbi of Isaiah
Congregation, was born at Syracuse, N.
Y., November 3, 1861. After campleting
his studies at the Syracuse High School
and receiving private Hebrew instruc-
tions from Rabbi Birkenthal, he en-
tered the Hebrew Union College in
1878. He received his degree from the
University of Cincinnati in the class of
'83, and in 1884 the title "Rabbi" was
bestowed upon him by his Alma Mater,
and in 1898 he was honored with the
degree of "Doctor of Divinity." Three
years he served the B'nai Israel Con-
gregation of Little Rock, Ark., as Rab-
bi, and in 1887 he was called to Chicago
to succeed Dr. B. Felsenthal in Zion
Congregation. Since January, 1896, he
has been in charge of Isaiah Congrega-
tion which was organized for him by
his former West side members.
Dr. Stolz Is vice president of the
Jewish Publication Society, and Di-
rector of the Jewish Chautauqua So-
ciety, the Central Conference of Amer-
ican Rabbis, the Sabbath School Union,
the Liberal Congress of Religions, and
the Home For Aged Jews. For ten
L
DR. JOSEPH STOLZ.
years he was secretary of the Jewish
Training School. In 1898 Mayor Har-
rison appointed him a member of the
Educational Commission, and in 1899 a
member of the Board of Education to
serve three years.
MR ADOLPH KRAUS.
Mr. Kraus was born in Blowitz, Bo-
hemia, and at the age of 15 came to
the United States. He began
life in the new world as a
farm hand and in Connecticut he
worked as a factory hand, finally go-
ing into a dry goods house as a clerk.
In 1871 he came to Chicago, just when
the great fire left it in chaos. Here he
again worked as a clerk and saved his
money. Studying at odd hours in his
time as a salesman and then working
in a law office he succeeded in passing
the supreme court examination in 1877
and was admitted to the bar. He was
then the only Bohemian lawyer in
ADOLPH KRAUS,
Pres. Isaiah Cong.
Chicago. His first partner was William
S. Brackett, now of Peoria. After Mr.
Brackett left the firm Mr. Kraus first
took in Lev! Mayer, then Philip Stein
and then Thomas A. Moran and the
law firm of Kraus, Mayer, Moran and
Stein became one of the most promi-
nent in the West. In January, 1900, Mr.
Kraus withdrew from the firm and as-
sociated himself with C. R. Holden.
Last February he admitted into the
firm Sam Alschuler of Aurora, the last
Democratic candidate for governor of
Illinois.
In 1881 Mr. Kraus was appointed to
the school board, where he served until
1887, being president of that body for
two years. His services to the schools
of Chicago were of great value, his
judgment gaining in one instance an
annual income of $42,000 for fifty years
to the school fund. In 1893 Mr. Kraus
was campaign manager for Mayor Car-
ter H. Harrison, and when Mr. Harri-
son was elected he appointed Mr.
Kraus as corporation counsel.
When the elder Carter H. Harrison
decided to buy the Chicago Times in
1891, Mr. Kraus 'became financially in-
terested. When Mr. Harrison was as-
sassinated Mr. Kraus took editorial
charge of the paper.
In 1897 Mr. Kraus was appointed
president of the Civil Service Commis-
sion, but finding that the unsettled
condition of the law prevented him
from accomplishing all that which he
set out to do, he resigned.
Mr. Kraus is President of Isaiah Con-
gregation, a member of a number of
the most prominent clubs of Chicago,
political as well as social, and a con-
tributing member of nearly all the
charity organizations. He was married
in '1877. His wife was Miss Matilda
Hirsch of Chicago, and they have four
children, Paula, Albert, Harry and Mil-
ton.
CONG. TEMPLE -ISRAEL.
Congregation Temple Israel was or-
ganized Sunday after Yom Kippur,
1896, at Oakland Music Hall, same be-
ing the outcome of divine services con-
ducted by Rev. I. S. Moses on the pre-
vious Rost Hashonah and Yom Kippur.
At said meeting the following officers
were elected: President, H. Kahn;
vice-president, H. Hart; secretary,
George Werthan; treasurer, A. L.
Weil, and a board of fifteen directors,
including the officers.
At the same meeting by-laws and a
constitution were adopted and applica-
tion made for a charter, which was
granted September, 1896.
The dues for membership were made
at $1 a month, and Rev. I. S. Moses
was elected minister, and from that
day divine services were held every
Friday evening and Saturday morning
and the holidays at the Oakland Music
Hall. First directors' meeting took
place Oct. 21, 1896. August 1, 1897, the
Baptist Memorial Church was rented •
for a place of worship and same was
continued there until the dedication of
the temple. March, 1897, five acres of
ground were purchased for cemetery at
Dunning. General meeting, April 18,
1897, elected H. Salomon, president; H.
Hart, vice-president; A. L. Well, treas-
REFORM ADVOCATED
365
urer; Sam Gerstly, secretary; B. Zach-
arias, finansial secretary. Three-year
officers were elected April 10, 1898:
Sam Schweitzer, president; H. Hart,
vice-president; S. S. Jones, secretary;
I. M. Solomon, financial secretary; S.
Wise, treasurer.
May 10, 1898, the congregation de-
cided to purchase a lot for a temple
and a proposition from the Bank of
Commerce for the property at Forty-
fourth street and St. Lawrence avenue
was presented and finally accepted, the
price being $12,500. June 22, 1S98, a
choir and organ. Services are held
every Friday evening at 8 and Satur-
day morning at 10. Sabbath school
every Sunday morning at 10, about 120
children attending.
REV. EDWARD M. BAKER
Was born at Erie, Pa., Aug. 18, 1875;
graduated from Erie high school in
1893; came to University of Chicago in
1894; during college life he was the re-
cipient of many honors; was president
of the Junior College Council; presl-
SYNAGOGUE OF TEMPLE ISRAEL.
building committee was appointed,
with Max L. Wolff as chairman, and
the contract was let. Corner-stone W3S
laid Sunday, July 3, 1898, and dedicated
Friday before Rosh Hashannah, same
year.
The first congregation meeting in the
temple was held Oct. 2, 1898, S.
Schweitzer presiding, and the dues
were raised from $1 to f2 a month.
The annual meeting on April 2,
1899, elected the following officers: S.
Wise, president; A. L. Weil, vice-presi-
dent; I. M. Solomon, financial secre-
tary; H. Wagner, recording secretary;
Max L. Wolff, treasurer. April 15,
1900, new officers were elected as fol-
lows: L. Lewinsohn, president; H. B.
Stern, vice-president; M. Cohn. treas-
urer; I. M. Solomon, financial secre-
tary; H. Wagner, secretary.
Dec. -16, 1900, Rev. I. M. Moses re-
signed. Dec. 27, 1900, President Lew-
insohn resigned.
At a special congregation meeting,
Feb. 10, Sam Schweitzer was elected
president and Mr. E. M. Baker was
elected minister.
The congregation has 82 members;
owes $10,000 on the temple, valued at
$25,000; owes $1.500 on cemetery, worth
$7,000. It has no other debts. Serv-
ices are conducted according to the re-
form ritual, the Union prayer-book
being used. The congregation has a
dent of the University Debating Club;
twice in open competition won uni-
versity prize in debating; represented
university in two inter-collegiate de-
bates; was chairman of executive com-
mittee of senior class; was class orator
and graduated in 1898 with honorable
mention. Spent 1898 and 1899 in busi-
REV. EDWARD M. BAKER.
ness at Erie, during that time being
also teacher of Sunday school and sec-
retary of the congregation. Returned
to Chicago in September, 1899, to pur-
sue Semitic studies at the university
and special work under Prof. Hlrsch.
In April, 1900, was chosen to succeed
Prof. Cohn on the Sinai Congregation
teaching staff; assisted Dr. Hirsch at
Sinai temple at holiday services; on
Feb. 15, 1901, he was installed as Dr.
Moses' successor at Temple Israel, Chi-
cago. He is still pursuing post-gradu-
ate work at the university.
XIX.
THE RUSSIAN JEWS.
The Jews from the Slavic countries
of Europe, who emigrated to America
in great numbers since 1881, have set-
tled in many towns in the state of Il-
linois. Wherever they settle they soon
establish their religious institutions,
and in many a town even where they
are in the minority in regard to their
co-religionists who came from other
countries, they are the first to have
their little shul, their hazan and their
shokhet. 'In Chicago they now form
the majority of the Jewish population
and they have a large number of in-
stitutions and organizations which in
regard to membership, financial stand-
ing and usefulness will favorably com-
pare with many of the institutions of
the Jews of other nationalities. The
best thing to prove our assertion Is, in
our. estimation, to simply give a sum-
mary of their institutions and organi-
zations, and tell what we know about
them. Facts are convincing and deeds
speak louder than words.
CONG. BETH HAMIDRASH HAGO-
DOL UBNAI JACOB.
Congregation Beth Hamidrash Hag-
odol Ubnai Jacob. — This congregation
was started and a charter obtained in
March, 1867, with the following offi-
cers: President, Marks Simon; vice-
president, B. Stern ; secretary and treas-
urer, I. Weinberg; trustees, N. B. Et-
telsohn, B. Oinsburg, S. Feldstein;
rabbi, Todras Ticktin.
The congregation is an amalgama-
tion of the Chebra B'nai Jacob and
Chebra Beth Hamedrash Hagodol.
CONG. OHAVAI SHOLOM MARIAM-
POL.
Cong. Ohavai Sholom Mariampol.—
This cong. was established in 1870. The
synagogue is. located corner Canal and
Liberty streets, and their property is
estimated to .be worth $30,000. They
also own a large burial ground. In
the synagogue is to be found an ex-
tensive library of Hebrew books. A
loan association is connected with the
congregation, which is doing much
good. The first president was Mr.
Louis Levin, and the present is Mr.
J. M. Berkson. They have also an en-
dowment clause in their constitution,
according to which the widow of a
member is entitled to the sum of $300
from the treasury of the congregation.
CONG. MISHNA UGMORO.
Congregation Mlshna Ugmoro. — A
charter was granted to this congrega--
tlon in 1899. B. Sager was the first
president. The congregation is com-
posed of members who are learned in
366
•THE
ADVOGATS.
the Mlshna and the Gemarah, which
they study every evening under the
leadership of their learned rabbi, H. S.
Album. It is the most strictly Jew-
ish orthodox congregation in Chicago.
. A loan association is also connected
with this congregation, which loans
money to worthy Jews on their note
without interest. They have a capital
of $3.000.
CONG. ANSHE KENESSETH IS-
RAEL.
Congregation Anshe Kenesseth Israel
— The place of worship of this con-
gregation is in the synagogue corner
Clinton and Judd streets. It was es-
tablished in 1875. In 1896 it united with
Congregation Suvalk. The latter turn-
ed over to the first a burial ground in
Ohavay Emunah.
Tifereth Israel, Anshe Luknik.
Anshe Kalwaria.
Ahavath Achim.
Bnai Yitzchok.
Libowitz.
Shomre Hadas.
Bnai Israel Anshe Zitomir.
Bais Joseph.
Anshe Tels.
Poalay Zedek.
Agudas Achim Anshe Ungarn.
B'nai Abraham Kehillas Sefardlm.
Anshe Wilna.
Bais Hakenesses Hagodol.
Ezras Israel.
B'nai David.
Nussach Sforad.
B'nai Moshe.
SYNAGOGUE BETH HAMIDRASH HAGODOL UBUAI JACOB.
Waldheim and several Sphorim. Con-
gregation Kenesseth Israel has now
over 200 good standing members. Four
auxiliary societies are connected with
the congregation. Their synagogue li-
brary contains 16 complete sets of the
Talmud and a great number of other
valuable Hebrew books. The first pres-
ident was Marks Swartz and the pres-
ent is H. Kaplan.
These are the main congregations and
following is a list of the rest of the
congregations and some of their char-
ity institutions in the different divi-
sions of the city.
CONGREGATIONS.
Anshe Kenesses Israel.
Ohavoy Sholom Mariampol.
Ohel Jacob Kowno.
Anshe Drahitzin.
Englewood Congregation.
Ohev Zedek.
B'nai Israel.
Anshe Ernes.
Ahavas Zion Anshe Tiktin.
Tiferes Zion.
Dorshey Tov.
B'nai Abraham.
Breighton Park Congregation.
B'nai Jechezkel.
Bais Israel.
Bais Jacob.
Rodfay Zedek.
Anshe Shavel.
CHARITIES.
Gomlay Chessed Shel Ernes.
Moses Montefiore Hebrew
School.
Lechem Lorealvlm.
Rabbi Yitchok Elchanan.
Gemllas Chassodim.
Free
BETH MOSHAB ZKENIM.
The Beth Moshab Zkentm of Chi-
cago was organized Sept. 7th, 1899,
after a call issued by twelve public-
spirited Jewish citizens of the West
Side, who had previously met in the
office of H. S. Wolf of the "Jewish
Courier."
The first officers were: President,
Harris Conn; vice president, Jacob
Berkson; treasurer, Joseph Phillip-
son; recording secretary, Wm. Cohn;
financial secretary, S. E. Newberger.
The object of the association is to
establish and maintain a home for
po'or and helpless aged Jews, which
shall be conducted according to the
requirements of traditional or ortho-
dox Judaism.
This is primarily a movement of
Russian-Polish Jews to assist those
who would rather suffer great hard-
ships than transgress the laws that
they have adhered to throughout their
lives. They desire to publicly contra-
dict the assertion that they are only
recipient of charity; they have enlisted
the co-operation of some noble men
and women of other nationalities. The
membership increased rapidly and
branch organizations were formed for
the purpose of spreading a knowledge
of the movement more effectually. In
January, 1900, a northwest side branch
was formed, and in May a south side
branch was started, which did much ta
popularize the movement.
Two ladies' Societies, the Queen Es-
ther Old Age Benevolent and the
Malbish Arumim also assisted the
movement materially.
June 5th, 1900, a site was purchased
corner of Albany and Ogden avenues,
opposite Douglas Park, for $5,125. This
was fully paid for before the stipulated
time and Sept. 30th, 1900, the ground
was dedicated, amid great, enthusiasm,
to its noble purpose. The income up
to Jan. 1st, 1901, when the annual re-
port was issued amounted to $9,368.51,
and consisted of donations from city
and country, from orthodox congrega-
tions, lodges and societies, of dues
from members and offerings at the ded-
ication and elsewhere. After paying
for the site and other expenditures
there remained in the treasury a cash
balance of $1,351.86.
A bazaar for the purpose of raising
funds for the erection of a building
took place from Dec. 22d to 31st, 1900.
Strenuous exertions had been made by
the Board of Managers to present
something unique and the result was
the "Streets of Jerusalem," in which
the booths were located. The net pro-
ceeds were over $11,000 and this grat-
ifying result was largely due to the-
untiring energy of Louis Ziv, chair-
man; H. Agat, assistant; Mrs. Benj.
Davis and H. S. Wolf, press and pub-
lication; Dr. Kate Levy, corresponding
and financial secretary; Moses Kreeger,
donations; Mrs. M. E. Gordon, raf-
fles; Miss R. Kanter, refreshments; J.
Negrescon, reception; Myer Lesser,
printing; S. Rosenthal, treasurer, and:
Alex. L. Levy, architect.
THE. REFORM ADVOCATED
367
SYNAGOGUE CONGREGATION A NSHE KENESSETH ISRAEL.
The present year opened auspicious-
ly for the B. M. Z. Association, with a
new and excellent 'board of directors,
with nearly $14,500 in the treasury and
property valued at $5,500 and with a
paying membership of about 1,500,
which is continually increasing and
will probably reach 3,000 as soon as
building operations are begun.
The officers for the current year:
President, Harris Cohn; vice presi-
dent, Rev. S. N. Deinard; treasurer,
B. Baumgarden; secretary, H. Agat;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. Benj.
Davis; trustees, A. J. Frank, Moses
Kreeger, Joseph Rothschild.
UNITY CLUB.
This club is toe outgrowth of the
former Concord* Club, which, at its
annual meeting in January, 1897, voted
to disband. In the month of January,
1897, former members of the Concordia
organized under the leadership of Joe
Straus the present Unity Club, its first
officers being: Joseph Straus, presi-
dent; Dan Guthman, vice-president; H.
J. Eliel, secretary, and G. L. Klein,
treasurer. The present officers of the
Unity Club are: B. B. Bonheim, presi-
dent; D. Davis, vice-president; Louis
E. Sostheim, secretary, and Max L.
Wolff, treasurer.
XX.
CONCLUSION.
The last chapters of the history of
the Jews of Illinois were written by
the author under tremendous pressure
and in a great hurry. The publishers
were very anxious to meet their con-
tract obligations to issue this special
number of the Reform Advocate in
time, and they rushed the work with
might and main. A number of sub-
jects which we intended to treat more
elaborately had to be abbreviated.many
facts could not be stated at all. We
will therefore mention here briefly a
few items which should not be left en-
tirely unnoticed.
In the rush two pictures were Inad-
vertently omitted. One Is the por-
trait of Rabbi Henry Gersonl and the
other of Mr. Isaac Wolf. Rabbi Ger-
soni left a number of friends In Chi-
cago who will be glad to behold an
imprint of his intelligent countenance
in the pages of this journal. Mr. Isaac
Wolf is an old settler in this neighbor-
hood, and it was upon our urgent re-
quest that he had his picture taken,
specially for this work. These half-
tone pictures appear here In order to
complete the articles written about
these men in the main part of the
book.
•In regard to Jewish papers published
in Chicago, we will state that the first
Jewish paper published In Chicago in
the English language, was the "Occi-
dent." It was started In the begin-
ning of the seventies by Hoffman &
Silversmith. Mr. Hoffman soon re-
tired and Mr. Silversmith became the
sole owner. For a number of years he
was the publisher, editor, advertising
agent, collector, and a good many other
things, which we cannot now re-
member, all in one person. He was
surely entitled to use the pluralis
majestatis of the mighty ruler of the
editorial sanctum. In later years he
was compelled to engage editors to
write decent articles for his paper. Dr.
E. Schreiber was editor of the Occident
for a number of years, and so was the
writer. When he could no longer In-
SYNAGOGUE OHAVAY SHOLOM MANIAMPOL.
368
REFORM ADVOCATE!
duce respectable writers to take charge
of the editorial pages of his publica-
tion, the "Occident" died a quiet and
peaceful death. Nobody mourned and
nobody wept over its death: silently
it went to its grave, and no one ever
missed it.
About the same time the Occident
was started, there appeared here an-
"Jewish Advance" was a •well-edited
Jewish paper. Had Gersoni been left
unmolested and unattacked, he would
perhaps not have filled his pen with
such bitterness, but be this as it may,
the "Advance" could not exist and
Gersoni had to quit. He tried it with
the "Maccabean," a monthly magazine
which he published for five or six
UNITY CLUB, 3140 INDIANA AVE.
other Jewish paper in the jargon, un-
der the name and title of "Israelit-
ische Presse." It was published on
South Clark street by a Mr. N. D. Et-
telsohn. Sometimes an article or two
written in Biblical Hebrew would ap-
pear in the pages of this little weekly.
It was indeed a "weakly" paper. All
we can remember about it is that it
once contained a bitter and malicious
attack on our esteemed Dr. B. Felsen-
thal. The writer of this history sent
an article, written in Hebrew, to the
publishers, in which he defende.d • Dr.
Felsenthal against the brutal and un-
called for attack. Well, our article
was published in the "Israelitische
Presse," a fact which caused us much
regret for many years after. For in-
stead of attacking one, this paper now
attacked two, and all the invectives,
curses, vulgar scolding and ugly names
of the powerful jargon vocabulary
were thrown with doubled force at the
head of poor Dr. Felsenthal and our
humble selves. We fully believe the
paper died of its own venom a short
time after.
In 1878 Henry Gersoni issued the
first number of his "Jewish Advance,"
a weekly paper of which Gersoni was
the editor and Max Stern the pub-
lisher. Gersoni wielded a pointed pen,
his wit was keen, his sarcasm bitter
and 'biting. He was always fighting
someone. But his editorials were
scholarly and -well written. In fact,
it was the opinion of many that the
months, and was then compelled to
discontinue it for lack of support.
Then came the "Chicago Israelite,"
issued by Leo Wise of Cincinnati, pub-
lisher of the "American Israelite." Dr.
Julius Wise, a son of the late Dr. Wise,
has now charge of this paper. Dr.
succeeded in keeping up the excellent
standard and has attained a wide in-
fluence.
The "Reform Advocate" made its
first appearance in February, 1891, and
no other venture in the line of Jewish
journalism was made since. The "Re-
form Advocate" and the "Chicago Is-
raelite" are the only two Jewish pa-
pers in the English language published
in Chicago. In the jargon there appear
here "The Daily and Weekly Jewish
Courier," "Der Blumengarten" and the
"Jewish Press." The former was es-
tablished here many years ago by Leon
Zolotkoff, who subsequently sold it to
Messrs. Sarahson & Son of New York.
It is still owned by the New York pub-
lishers and printed here under the
management of Mr. H. S. Wolf. '
In 1889 the Hebrew Literary Asso-
ciation of Chicago, a society organized
by a number of Russo-Jewish "maski-
lim," so-called reformers, in the inter-
est of the Hebrew language and liter-
ature, made an attempt to publish a
monthly magazine in Hebrew. Two
numbers of this magazine appeared un-
der the name ot "Keren Or" (Ray of
Light). These two numbers contained
articles written by Dr. Felsenthal, Mr.
Peretz Wiernik, H. Eliassof, and oth-
ers. But it seems that no Hebrew pa-
per can exist for any length of time
in this country. Even in New York
City not one of the many Hebrew
journals and magazines reached the
age of maturity. They all died young,
some even in their infancy.
In Chicago appeared for several
years a Hebrew weekly by the name
of "Hapisgah" (The Summit). This
journal was ably edited by the well-
known Hebrew writer, Mr. W. Schur,
but this journal; too, had to succumb
OLD PEOPLE'S HOME— ORTHODOX.
Julius Wise was formerly a promi-
nent physician at Memphis, Tenn.
The "Reform Advocate" is the lat-
est addition to Jewish journalism of
Chicago, and although it was th«
youngest paper, it at once assumed the
dignified tone and the imposing posi-
tion of a hoary-headed mentor. It has
at last. It was discontinued last year
and is no more.
A new Jargon daily and weekly un-
der the name of "The Jewish Call"
was started here a few months ago
in the Jewish settlement on the West
Side. Morris Rosenfeld, the celebrated
poet of the Ghetto, was engaged by
THEI REFORM ADVOCATED
369
the publisher to assist in editing the
new paper. Mr. Rosenfeld carne to
Chicago, and here he wrote a number
of good editorials, and some of his in-
REV. HENRY GERSONI.
imitable poems. The name of Rosen-
feld and his poems gained for the pa-
per a good circulation. But we hear
that Mr. Rosenfeld had a disagree-
ment with somebody connected with
the paper and has left Chicago.
GENERAL JEWISH PUBLICATIONS.
Of general Jewish publications, be-
sides those which have ibeen men-
tioned before, appeared here the fol-
lowing: Israelitlsche Tempel Gesaen-
ge, Hymnen, Otto Loeb, in 1876; second
edition In 1887. Mr. Loeb was for
many years the organist of the Zlon
Congregation. He returned to Europe
about 12 years old. "L'ma-an Yilme-
doo," a Hebrew Reader, Dr. B. Fel-
senthal, In 1886. "Songs of Zlon,"
Souvenir of Jewish Women's Con-
gress, Rev. Alois Kaiser and Rev. Wm.
Sparger, In 1893; T. Rubovits, pub-
lisher. Sabbath School Hymns, I. S.
Moses, 1894. "Hebrew Primer," second
edition, Aaron J. Messing. "Torath
Emeth," Catechism for Instruction in
the Mosaic Religion, Third Edition,
Aaron J. Messing. "Souvenir of the
Centennial Anniversary of the Birth of
Sir Moses Montefiore," a Hebrew
Poem, H. Eliassof. 1884. "In Memori-
am." Address delivered at the memo-
rial service held in Zion Temple, Feb.
25, 1894, in memory of Abraham Gott-
lieb, Rabbi Joseph Stolz. "Mizrakh,"
an explanation of the mizrakh picture,
H. Eliassof. There appeared besides
a number of sermons of the Chicago
ISAAC WOLF.
Raibbis and sonre Hebrew works which
are of great interest to scholars. We
must not forget to mention Dr. Kohl-
er's "Jewish Reader," for Sabbath
schools, which appeared in 1876, In
several parts.
The J e
f o_f Illinois.
fart Second.
Communities Outside o_f Chicago.
PEORIA.
I.
The very early history of the Jews
of Peoria cannot be ascertained.
The earliest authentic Information
that can be obtained is that in about
the year 1847 Simon Lyon, Hart
Ancker, Abraham Frank, A. Rosen-
blatt; A. Ackerland and Arnold Good-
heart came to Peoria, about in the or-
der mentioned.
At that time there had been several
Jewish families here, but their names
cannot be ascertained, and they took
no prominent part in any Jewish af-
fairs.
In 1848 Jacob Liebenstein came to
Peoria, and in 1849 rfenry Ullman and
Leopold Rosenfeld arrived here. These
were about all the Israelites in the
city of Peoria at that time. In 1851
Abraham Schradski and Leopold Bal-
lenberg arrived, and in 1852 the Ull-
man brothers, consisting of Aaron,
Harry and David Ullman came to the
city of Peoria.
Simon Lyon is supposed to be the
first Israelite who arrived in 1847 in
the city of Peoria, as far as is known.
He did not engage in active business.
His wife still lives here, and also his
two sons, Louis and Henry Lyon; his
two daughters, one now a widow, and
the other the wife of Mr. Jacob Schwa-
bacher, reside in Chicago.
With Simon Lyon came his brothers-
in-law, Sol Solomon, Wolf Solomon
and Joe Solomon. Senator Solomon pf
the Illinois legislature was born in
Peoria and is a son of one of these
brothers.
His sons are engaged in the grocery
business in this city, and are prosper-
ous in business.
The first Jewish firm in business
was Myer & Ackerland in 1848. Myer
died of cholera in 1849. A. Ackerland
moved to Cincinnati soon afterward
and became a prominent Jewish citi-
zen of Cincinnati. Associated with
them was Jacob Goodheart, who lived
in Cincinnati. He sent to Peoria in
1847 his brother, Arnold Goodheart,
who took charge of the business, and
he and his brother, Wolf Goodheart,
continued the business until about
about 1857. John Warner, a Gentile,
was associated with Meyer & Acker-
land here. He became Interested in
the Jews. Having made considerable
money with Myer & Ackerland, he
made it his business to help all the Jews
he could. Any number of later set-
tlers owe their start to John Warner.
He either gave them goods or went se-
curity for them for goods which he did
not have. He was a great friend of the
Jews. John Warner was elected
mayor of Peoria at least ten different
times, almost always through Jewish
influence, and can at any time get the
support of every Jew for his past as-
sistance to them.
Hart Ancker lived in this city for
some twenty-two years, and died Jan.
10, 1871, leaving surviving him his
widow and several children. His
widow is still alive, and now resides
with her daughter in St. Louis, Mo.,
and is about 87 years old. Her maiden
name was Brinah De Young; they
were married at Richmond, Va., In the
year 1836, and subsequently moved to
Shelbyville, Ky., and from thence to
this city. Their oldest daughter, Vir-
ginia, was born In Richmond, Va.,
Sept. 27, 1837, and was married in Pe-
oria to Mr. Henry Schwabacher, one of
the leading citizens of Peoria, on the
9th of September, 1859. He had quite
a number of other children, none of
whom now reside In Peoria. Mrs.
Henry Schwabacher bears In her stat-
ure the true English type of the beauty
of her ancestors, although 64 years of
age. She has been a true Jewess, reg-
ular attendant at services, a member
of all the Jewish charitable societies,
and also a prominent member in all
sectarian societies outside of the Jew-
ish. She Is a good, true, loving mother
of nine living children, and is a de-
voted wife.
Abraham Frank, one of the pioneers,
remained in Peoria until about 1864.
His family has become renowned in
the commercial world, Frank Brothers
of Chicago being among them; and the
370
REFORM ADVOCATED
youngest, Nathan Frank, who has been
elected as a representative in Congress
from St. Louis, and a leading lawyer
there, was among the first Jews born in
this city.
Jacob Liebenstein was married in the
city of Cincinnati to Rebecca Berg-
man in 1848. The result of that mar-
riage was seven sons, all of whom oc-
cupy first-class positions, and a num-
ber of whom still reside in the city of
Peoria. His widow, Rebecca Lieben-
stein, now Rebecca Lowenthal, has
been one of the most ardent workers
in congregational affairs in the city of
Peoria ever since her coming to Peoria,
following the example of her husband,
whose soul was imbued with the ideas
of true Judaism. As he worked for its
cause, so, during his life and after his
holidays at various halls, which seiv-
ices were conducted by various mem-
bers of the commmunity; and this
continued until 1859. During that year
there arrived in the city of Peoria a
"little giant" named Max Newmman;
enthusiastic in the cause of Judaism,
willing to serve that cause with his
time and energy. He had been here
but a few months when he aroused the
minds of the Israelites residing here
to the necessity of building a house of
worship. Being a brother-in-law of
the various Ullman brothers, he found
in them ready assistants in calling that
edifice into life. With the assistance
of Leopold Rosenfeld, the Ullman
brothers and Abraham Frank, he
started out, and in one day raised $1,-
500 towards the erection or purchase
the congregation and a very valued of-
ficer. He has been connected with ev-
ery Jewish charity and also every
other charity, almost, in the city of
Peoria. On the death of Henry Ull-
man, his brother-in-law, a few years
ago, he was appointed by the mayor
of this city a director of the public li-
brary. He and Harry Ullman, his
brother-in-law, who have been co-part-
ners since 1859, and are today the old-
est original firm in the city of Peoria,
without any change in the firm. He is
an honored and respected citizen of
this city. Stands high, not only in the
Jewish community, but in the general
community, and the appellation of "Lit-
tle Giant" is still applied to him, be-
cause of the soundness of his views
and his indomitable will in carrying
TEMPLE OF ANSHAI EMETH CONG., PEORIA.
death, did she follow in his footsteps.
In anything that was Jewish Mrs. Re-
becca Lowenthal was the first, and by
work and act encouraged and did ev-
erything within her power to support
and maintain the Jewish congrega-
tions.
He was the first to instigate the idea
of a Jewish burying-ground in this
city, and through his persuasion the
first cemetery was purchased.
In the year 1852, mainly through the
efforts of Jacob Liebenstein and his
brother, who came to this city after
him, the first Jewish cemetery
was purchased, and was deeded in trust
to Leopold Rosenfeld, Hart Ancker -and
Abraham Frank. This was the begin-
ning of Jewish organization in the city,
and all of the above-named persons
•were members of that society. After
that time services were held during the
of a temple. At that time the Jews of
this city were very poor, and it re-
quired the confidence of the Christians
to assist them. In this task, our "Lit-
tle Giant" came to the front, and be-
fore he had been here one year, he had
raised sufficient money to purchase a
church building for $3,000 and had the
same all paid for. This was known as
Anshai Emeth Congregation.
Max Newman was the son of Abra-
ham Newman of Wurtemberg, Ger-
many. He was born May 28, 1834, and
was educated at Bamberg, Bavaria. He
came to America the 17th day of June,
1856, and has ever since that time, up
to the present, been engaged in mer-
cantile pursuits. From 1859 until 1879
he was secretary of the congregation
without compensation, and as such did
noble work for the cause. Since that
time he has always been a trustee of
out whatever is good and noble, both
for the community and for charities.
After the organization of the congre-
gation in 1859 the Rev. F. Rosenfeld
was elected the Hahzen of the congre-
gation. He was followed by Rev.
Isaac Moses, who in turn was suc-
ceeded by Rev. J. Block. Then Rev.
Dr. David Stern and subsequently Rev.
F. Becker officiated as the ministers of
the congregation about the year 1871,
and the congregation flourished in a
way until 1880.
Along about the year 1872 quite a
number of orthodox Israelites had
gathered in the city, largely from Rus-
sia, Hungary and Poland, and, being
dissatisfied with the reform ideas of
congregation Anshai Emeth, held serv-
ices in a hall, and in January, 1873,
purchased a cemetery, the trustees
REFORM
371
thereof being Israel Bennett, Jacob
Conigisky, Levy Meiers, Lewis Brln
and Aaron Mittenthal.
These trustees continued to hold
such cemetery for the orthodox Jews
until about the second day of October,
1874, when congregation Beth Israel
organized as an orthodox congregation,
•was formed, and the said trustees con-
veyed said property to the trustees of
said congregation. This cemetery is
still used by the orthodox and is under
the charge of I. Levinson as superin-
tendent of the Peoria Hebrew Relief
Society. They continued to worship in
halls during holidays until about 1879,
when some of the members of the
Anshai Emeth congregation, dissenting
from certain views of that congrega-
tion, and especially from certain views
maintained by the then minister, Rev.
David Stern, left that congregation,
and, together with a large portion of
what was called the Beth Israel con-
gregation, arranged to build a temple
for themselves, which they did, at a
cost of something like $4,000. Minag
America formed the ritual, and Rev.
Dr. I. M. Wise of Cincinnati was called
to dedicate the temple. Rev. M. Mes-
sing, now of Chicago, was its first min- '
ister. He was succeeded by his
nephew, Rev. Henry Messing, now of
St. Louis, and he, in turn, by Rev. P.
Fisher.
About the year 1879, congregation
Anshai Emeth, having served in a lit-
tle church for twenty years, seeing the
need of advancement, became enthu-
siastic in the establishment of a better
house of worship, and they, too,
started out for the purpose of building
a new edifice. This was accomplished,
through David Ullman and others, and
in the year 1880 both congregation
Anshai Emeth and Beth Israel dedi-
cated their temples. Rev. David Stern
presided over congregation Anshai
Emeth and Rev. Fisher over Beth
Israel.
Dissensions arose then In Jewish
ranks. The strictly orthodox wor-
shiped in halls. Each of the other two
congregations were pulling and at-
tempting to extract members from the
other. Dissensions grew further, until
they entered the social life; so much so
that the Israelites of the city were so
divided as to .be at daggers' ends. Sev-
eral attempts had been made to settle
the difficulties. The dissensions then
entered into the B'nai B'rith organiza-
tion, which at that time was composed
of the members of both congregations.
The officers of the District Grand
Lodge were called to Peoria for the pur-
pose of settling the difficulties, but of
no avail. While they quieted them for
a time, it was impossible to create
peace and harmony. Finally Rev.
Fisher left Beth Israel congregation.
For the holidays there was called here
for the year 1886 a student of the He-
brew Union College, young Ed. N. Cal-
isch, and to the glory of the Jewish
cause of this city, Edward N. Calisch
was sent here. He became the peace-
maker. Through his efforts, assisted
by tact, Isaac J. Levinson, Henry Ull-
man and Samuel Woolner, peace was
restored in the Jewish community, and
the following year, upon the consecra-
tion of Edward N. Calisch as minister,
and through his efforts, the two con-
gregations united, and Rev. Edward N.
Calisch was elected as minister of the
joint congregation. Since then, peace
and harmony have prevailed, both in
congregational and social life. The
temple of Beth Israel Congregation
was sold, the proceeds turned over to
the Congregation Anshai Emeth, and
but one reformed congregation was in
the city of Peoria. And so it has re-
mained.
In the year 1896 the temple of Anshai
Emeth Congregation was destroyed by
fire. For two years various Christian
houses of worship were used by the
congregation to hold its services.
Finally, through the urgent persist-
ency of Henry Ullman, who
had for about twenty-five years been
the president of Congregation Anshai
Emeth, assisted by that noble philan-
thropist, Samuel Woolner, and his
brother, the noble-hearted Jacob Wool-
ner, the present magnificent temple
which is now occupied by the congre-
gation was erected at a cost of upwards
of $35,000.
On March 2, 1898, the corner-stone of
this new edifice was laid. It was at-
tended by hundreds of Christian
friends, besides the members of the
congregation. Though a heavy snow
was falling during the entire ceremony,
the weather in no way interfered with
the services nor (he audience. A canopy
covered the platform, and the exercises
proceeded as though the sun were
shining.
Worthy President Henry Ullman had
just recovered from a sereve illness
and was unable to act in that capacity.
He, however, introduced Mr. Isaac J.
Levinson, who delivered the historical
address in behalf of the president as
follows:
"My friends: The honor of occupy-
ing this sacred position upon such an
occasion is one little dreamed of by
me. To be delegated as the represent-
ative of your worthy president, who
for twenty-five years has presided over
the destinies of this congregation,
who, during that time has met every
manner of the vicissitudes of congre-
gational life, and has never swerved
from the path of duty, is an honor that
neith my labors for the congrega-
tion nor the zeal for my religion has
merited.
"Unfortunately for you, the indispo-
sition on the part of your worthy
president throws the mantle of his of-
fice, for today, upon me. Would to
God that I possessed a heart so full of
love and devotion to our congregation
as he, so that it would inspire within
me eloquence to speak to you as he
would speak to you, in words of fire to
kindle your hearts to renewed activity
in completing this grand edifice so
nobly begun, and place it when com-
pleted, in the hands of the trustees, un-
plastered with a mortgage. This is the
burning heart's desire of our worthy
president."
"This congregation was organized in
the year 1859, when but a handful of
Israelites, inspired by the energy and
zeal and work of our "Little Giant,"
Max Newman, they built and paid for
the house of worship erected on Fulton
street in this city, and occupied the
same for a period of seventeen years.
They worshiped there under the old
orthodox doctrines, forms and cere-
monies. Enlightened by the true light
of liberty, they were soon transformed
from the orthodox and became a part
of American Judaism. They have kept
up with the rapid stride, and when the
new ritual and the Union prayer-book
was presented it was immediately
adopted by the congregation, being one
of the first in this country to adopt the
same.
"Through the noble efforts of our
ladies, particularly assisted by David
Ullman, a magnificent temple was
erected on Liberty and Jefferson
streets, where the congregation wor-
shiped for fourteen years. This build-
ing was destroyed by fire Jan. 10,
1896. Since that time we have been
homeless wanderers, beggars, for a
house of worship. The zeal, energy
and devotion of our venerable presi-
dent, assisted by the noble Samuel
Woolner and his brother, Jacob Wool-
ner, and that Prince of Jews, William
Wolfner, soon pushed the building of
the temple to a completion.
"And now, my friends, at the laying
of the cornerstone of this edifice, erect-
ed to the Most High, it behooves us,
like all others about to enter upon new
work, to lay out our plans. Let us do
so by means of firm resolution engraft-
ed into our hearts. Let us first, then,
resolve that this edifice shall be the
house of God. Let it be a house of
prayer. Let it be a house of rest for
suffering humanity, whether mentally
or physically afflicted. All shall be
welcomed under its roof and partake of
its ever-flowing blessings.
"Let it be a home of peace; within
its walls let no discord enter. Let it
be a house in which we will all con-
gregate weekly and oftener, to offer our
thanksgivings to Him, the Giver of all
Good. Let it, above all, be a home,
devoted and consecrated to the en-
lightenment of the world, wherein
shall be taught the one cardinal prin-
ciple of Judaism — one God, one Hu-
manity; and until that day will Israel
ever strive."
The ceremony of the dedication and
also the prayer were delivered by Rab-
bi J. Thorner of Davenport, Iowa, in a
most feeling address.
But a short time afterwards, at the
following meeting of the congregation,
held in the month of April, President
Henry Ullman, owing to ill health, was
forced to decline a re-election as presi-
dent, and Mr. Samuel Woolner, who
had been vice-president since 1887, was
elected in his stead. An appropriate
solid silver water set was, on behalf of
the congregation, presented by Mr.
Samuel Woolner to the retiring presi-
372
REFORM ADVOGATB..
dent, and the following resolutions
were adopted:
Whereas, Our venerable president.
Mr. Henry Ullman, has, owing to poor
health, declined a re-election as presi-
dent of the congregation, and
Whereas, The said Henry Ullman for
more than twenty-fire years guided the
welfare of this congregation, and has
sacrified his time, money and health
for the congregation, and has with
earnest zeal and with the utmost in-
tegrity, midst the greatest of hard-
ships, successfully devoted himself to
its welfare; therefore, be It
Resolved, That we, as a congrega-
tion, recognize the sterling worth of
onr worthy president, and of the many
obligations that it owes to him for his
self-sacrifice.
Resolved, further, that this congre-
gation extends to him its utmost sin-
cere thanks and best wishes. May the
all-wise Providence in his supreme
mercy guide him in health and pros-
perity throughout life. May his de-
clining years be full of happiness,
health and plenty. May his devotion
to this congregation and the cause of
Judaism never cease. And be it fur-
ther
Resolved, That a copy thereof be
engrossed and presented to our es-
teemed president, and that a copy
thereof be spread upon the records of
this congregation, and when the same
are presented to him, the Board of
Governors of this Congregation shall
do so, together with a substantial and
suitable token of the recognition of
this congregation, and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of these reso-
lutions be printed in The American
Israelite and The Jewish Guide.
ISAAC J. LEVINSON,
MAX RITZWOLLER.
JOSEPH SZOLD,
Committee.
Elaborate preparations were made
for the dedication services of the tem-
ple, which occurred on Sept. 9, 1897;
but a few days, however, before these
services, the venerable ex-president of
the congregation, Henry Ullman, was
called to his last resting place. This
created a deep mourning over the en-
tire household of Israel in this city.
His funeral sermon was preached by
Rev. Dr. Edward N. Calisch of Rich-
mond, Va., and Rev. Dr. Charles S.
Levi of this city, who had just been
elected the minister of the congrega-
tion, the former having been the in-
strument who, with the deceased and
a few others, united the reformed
Israelites into one congregation in this
city. The obituary of his life will be
found hereafter.
Midst the deep sorrow of the con-
gregation, the day having been set for
Sept. 9 and the approaching holidays
so close, it was decided that the dedi-
cation services should be carried out,
and the temple was dedicated with due
solemnity. »
That venerable grand old rabbi, I.
M. Wise, for the third time, appearing
in the city of Peoria for the purpose
of dedicating the Jewish temple. As
he. in the eighteenth year of his age,
towered before the public, though tot-
tering and bent with years, yet. with a
clear voice, gave the benediction to the
congregation, it was a sight that will
never be wiped out from the memory
of those who heard it Dr. Wise was
assisted in this Work of dedication
by Rev. Dr. Edward X. Calisch and
Rev. A. Messing. Montgomery. Ala.,
both of whom had been ministers of
the congregation, and the Rev. Charles
S. Levi, the newly elected minister of
the congregation, participated.
Rev. Edward N. Calisch was the
first minister of the united congrega-
tion, and served for four years, and al-
though re-elected for a further term of
three years, owing to illness and seek-
ing a warmer climate, he determined to
leave for Richmond, Va.. where he still
remains at the .head of Congregation
Beth A'Hava.
His administration in the city of
Peoria was a glorious one. Services
were well attended, his eloquence
drawing crowded audiences. and
brought to the Jews of this city a name
which the effect of time cannot efface.
He was followed by Rev. S. Green-
field, and he, in turn, by Rev. L. Isen-
berg, each of whom served for two
years. Rabbi A. Messing, ripe from
the Union Hebrew College, was then
elected, but owing to the fact that the
congregation had no home, having
been burned out, he, at the end of the
first year, resigned and accepted the
position at Montgomery, Ala.
Rev. Charles S. Levi, the present
minister, took charge of the congrega-
tion at the completion of the temple.
His term of office has been a very
fruitful one for the congregation.
When he entered the pulpit the con-
gregation numbered about fifty, but
since has a membership increased to
ninety-four, consisting of almost every
reformed Israelite in the city — young
and old. His Sabbath school has be-
come a model one, and being a learned,
conscientious, energetic and faithful
rabbi, he has become beloved and en-
deared to all the members, as well as
the whole community. He is assisted
in hi? Sabbath school work by five lady
teachers anc Dr. Sandor Horwitz, who
teaches Hebrew. The Sabbath school
is attended by upwards or ninety chil-
dren. All the children of the orthodox
school attend his Sabbath school. Offi-
cers of the Sabbath school: 1886-1896,
L J. Levinson, president; 1896-1900,
Henry Woolner, president; present of-
ucers. W. B. Woolner, president; Mil-
ton Newman, secretary; A. Raff man
and Henry Wooiner. The congrega-
tion maintains a paid choir, consisting
of a quartette, at a t-o^t of $1,200 per
annum; .md is composed of the best
voices in the city. It hag a debt of
about $7,000. which the Ladies' Auxil-
iary Society is attempting to pay off,
having paid during the past two years
$1,000 yearly.
The present officers of Congregation
Anshai Emeth are as follows: Samuel
Woolner. president: David Ullman,
vice-president; A. Raff man, secretary;
M. Salzenstein, treasurer; Jacob Wool-
ner, William F. Wolfner and Jacob
Heim, trustees.
The Sabbath school library was
founded in 1899 by tnp children of the
school. The nam«>b of the lady teach-
ers of the Sabbath school are Mrs. I. L.
Fraxer, Mr^. \V. B. Woolner, Mrs. M.
Xevman an<! Miss Hattie Ullman.
II.
CONGREGATION AGUDAS ACHIM
was organized in Sept., 1897. It is a
strictly orthodox congregation, minhag
Poland. It has about thirty-five mem-
bers and about 115 additional
seat holders, who attend services
during the holidays. They hold
regular services twice daily and
also on Friday evening and Saturday
morning. Mr. Charles Brill acts as
Hazan and Shochet, and is assisted by
' Julius Frankel and Max Oppenheim in
services. The congregation purchased
a church building, formerly occupied
by one of the Christian churches, on
Monso street, in this city, in Septem-
ber, 1897, for $3,000. They renovated
and improved the same at a cost of
$1.200. The building is all paid for
except about $700, which they owe.
The congregation is about to purchase
the cemetery of the old Beth Israel
congregation, which they now use.
The first officers of the congregation
were: Julius Frankel, president; Max
J. Cohen, vice-president; Abraham
Jacobson, secretary; Jacob Conigisky,
treasurer.
The present officers are: Nathan
Friedman, president; P. Blumenthal,
vice-president; Samuel Lanski, secre-
tary; Marks Gumbiner, treasurer.
There are probably six or eight mem-
bers of this congregation who are also
members of Congregation Anshai
Emeth.
In connectitn with Agudas Achim
Congregation are two charity societies,
one composed of the male members,
known as the Home of Shelter, who at-
tempt to take care of all the traveling
poor who come to the city, giving
night's lodging and meals to them
temporarily. They also loan small
sums of money, without interest, to
some of their poor. Considering that
they are themselves composed of the
poorer classes, they are doing good
work in that line, and are quite an as-
sistant to the Peoria Hebrew Relief As-
sociation, which does the main Jewish
Charities of the c'ty.
The officers of this society are: Ju-
lius Frankel, preEident; Nathan Fried-
man, secretary and treasurer.
The Ladies' Hebrew Aid Society,
also an adjunct of that temple, was or-
ganized about the same time as the
congregation. Its officers are: Mrs.
Max J. Cohen, president; Mrs. N.
Friedman, secretary; Mr. S. Lidwin-
oski, treasurer.
This society expends considerable
money, and is among the active char-
ity societies of this city.
While speaking of charities, in addi-
tion to those already mentioned, and
Turn REFORM
373
as adjuncts of the Anshai Emeth Con-
gregation, are the Sisters of Peace, a
society organized in the year 1876,
largely through the influence of those
three sainted women, Mrs. Rosa Wool-
ner, Mrs. J. Schradzki and Mrs. I. A.
Weil, who, thank God, still is alive.
This society has been foremost in the
charitable work of this city of any of
the ladies' societies. The founders of
this society were true, noble Jewish
women, who devoted their time and
money, seeking naught else but the re-
lief of the poor. Inspired by the ex-
amples of these noble women, it has
protected and cared for hundreds of
families during its existence, and is
now about to celebrate its twenty-fifth
anniversary. The najnes of the above,
its founders, are used in every-day
life, with expressions of gratitude for
their noble work.
This society was originally organized
when Congregation Beth Israel was in
existence, and its membership formed
from the wives and daughters thereof.
Its present officers are: Mrs. Jacob
Woolner, president; Mrs. I. Steckel,
secretary; Mrs. A. Schradzki, treas-
urer.
THE LADIES' HEBREW BENEVO-
LENT SOCIETY,
organized from among the wives
and daughters of the original Congre-
gation Anshai Emeth, has also done
good and noble work, both for the con-
gregation and for the poor. For many
years it devoted itself entirely to the
welfare of the congregation, but in
later years has become a general char-
ity society. Mrs. Henry Ullman, who
has been its president almost since the
society has been organized, 1861 — the
widow of the lamented Henry Ullman
— has done noble services, not only for
this society, but has been an active
solicitor for the Cleveland Orphan
Asylum ever since the orphan asylum
was built. She has been active in con-
gregational work, and a personal
worker among the poor of this city.
Its present officers are: Mrs. Henry
Ullman, president; Mrs. S. Silver-
stone, secretary; Mrs. Max Newman,
treasurer.
THE PEORIA JEWISH LADIES'
SEWING SOCIETY
was organized ten years ago.
Its members devote one afternoon each
week for the purpose of sewing for the
poor. It has distributed all the clothes
necessary for poor women and children
that have been required by the various
relief societies during that time. It
counts among its members our wealthi-
est as well as our poorest ladies, all of
whom actively engage in the work of
sewing weekly. Its present officers
are: Mrs. William B. Woolner, presi-
dent; Mrs. A. Schradzki, vice-presi-
dent; Mrs. S. Horwitz, secretary; Mrs.
H. V. Finkelstein, treasurer.
In addition to the societies before
mentioned, there is also a ladies' so-
ciety, known as the Ladies' (Anshai
Emeth) Auxiliary Society, who give
entertainments and bazars, etc., for the
benefit of the congregation. At the
head of this society is Mrs. W. B.
Woolner, a daughter of Samuel Wool-
ner, Esq., through whose labors, as-
sisted by Mrs. L. Lowenthal and other
members of the society, the congrega-
tional debt has been reduced upwards
of $2,000 within the past two years.
During the last Christmas week this
society held a doll bazar in one of the
leading stores in the city, and in one
week realized from dolls alone, up-
wards of $300. The noble work of the
present officers of this society is
worthy of emulation. It is now con-
templating a grand fair, to be given
during the next spring, at which time
they intend to wipe out a large portion
of the debt. Mrs. W. B. Woolner is
ever active and loses no chance to get
money for the congregation.
THE PEORIA HEBREW RELIEF
ASSOCIATION •
was originally organized in the
year 1881, at the time of the Russian
immigration to this city. Prior to
that time the main charities of the city
had been done by Progress Lodge, No.
113, I. O. B. B., which acted up to that
time as the relief society of this city;
but, when some twenty odd families of
Russian Jews came to this city, it was
found necessary to start a separate or-
ganization, and through the instru-
mentality of the late Adolph Woolner,
assisted by Isaac J. Levinson, this so-
ciety was organized, and a fund of
over $1,500 raised at once. Mr. Adolph
Woolner was elected president and Mr.
Isaac J. Levinson superintendent and
secretary. During the first four years
of its existence it required much of the
time of the officers to take care of
these poor, but the president and su-
perintendent of the organization, de-
voted to the cause of charity, never al-
lowed a case to go unheeded. At day
or night, no matter how inclement the
weather, they were always ready to at-
tend to the duties, which as president
and superintendent of such organiza-
tion were demanded of them, and when
the funds of the society were inade-
quate for the relief of these sufferers,
the president was ever ready to supply
the necessary means.
In every case it has been the rule of
this society never to give alms except
for an emergency, but to endeavor to
place every poor man upon a self-sus-
taining basis, so as to prevent pauper-
ism, and no matter what the cost, if
the proper end could be attained, poor
people were kept from pauperism.
This society continued ever since
1881, and the two original officers re-
mained at the helm until the death of
Adolph Woolner, in 1891, when Wil-
liam F. Wolfner was elected to succeed
him as president, and has continued as
its president ever since.
The requirements of this society
after the Russian immigrants were
established were not very great, owing
to the fact that each poor person was
put upon a substantial footing.
During the past year the calls upon
the society funds have been large,
greatly owing to the immigration of
the Roumanian Jews. Some fifteen
families, or heads of families, arrived
here, and through the work of the
superintendent, assisted by the presi-
dent and Dr. Charles S. Levi, the sec-
retary, all of them have been placed
upon a substantial basis. Notwith-
standing that the winter has been
harsh and a great many of our older
poor Peoria citizens were out of work,
all have been provided for. A night
school was established for their benefit
under the auspices of the superintend-
ent of the society, and a paid teacher
employed, where the English language
is taught to them free of charge, at the
expense of the society. This society
has collected annually about $900, and
in off years as high as $1,500, all of
which has been used in the directions
indicated. It has largely been assisted
by the noble women in our midst,
among whom may be mentioned
Mrs. Clara B. Greenhut, Mrs. Jacob
Woolner, Mrs. William B. Woolner,
Mrs. Samuel Woolner, Mrs. Henry Ull-
man, Mrs. Tillie Newman, Mrs. Max J.
Cohen and Mrs. Ida Z. Frazer, who not
only by their donations; but by hard1
work, have helped the society in carry-
ing out its work. Present officers:
William F. Wolfner, president; Max
Newman, vice-president; Rabbi Charles
S. Levi,secretary;I. J. Levinson, super-
intendent; Jacob Woolner, treasurer.
Mrs. Frazer was born Christian, but,
inspired by the love of truth and devo-
tion to what she considered her duty,
under the teachings of Rev. Edward N.
Calisch, and afterwards of Rev. S.
Greenfield, this noble woman left the
city of Peoria some seven years ago,
went to Richmond, Va., and there, in
Temple Beth A'Hava, under Rev. Ed-
ward N. Calisch, was confirmed and
became a member of the Jewish
faith. No more devoted Jewish wom-
an lives. Entirely wrapped up in
our religion, and desiring to devote her
life to its cause, teaching the Sabbath
school, a worker for all Jewish charity
organizations, she devotes her life to
everything that is good and noble.
She lives at home with her Christian
husband, yet her candles are burning
every Friday evening. No services at
the temple are unattended by her. No
sick or poor who are not visited by her.
She is an honor, and should be an ex-
ample to many of our Jewish women.
She is the best-informed Jewess is Pe-
oria.
PROGRESS LODGE NO. 113, I. O. B. B.
Officers: Isaac J. Levinson, presi-
dent; A. S. Kreisman, vice-president;
Abraham Jacobson, secretary; Charles
Gumbiner, treasurer. Organized Au-
gust, 1868, first lodge under District
No. 6. David Ullman first president;
Jacob Helm, secretary. Has 115 mem-
bers. Within the last year 68 were
admitted, principally young men. .
Samuel Woolner is an ex-president
of District Grand Lodge- No. 6, so was
Henry Ullman.
374
REFORM ADVOCATED
I. J. Levinson was ten times elected
president of court of appeals of the dis-
trict.
This lodge bears the record that no
member has ever been suspended from
the lodge because of inability to pay
dues or assessments, the lodge paying
for each poor member until such mem-
ber could pay himself.
HENRY ULLMAN AUXILIARY
LODGE NO. 2, I. O. B. B.
Officers: Miriam Szold, preceptor;
Nathan Weiss, vice-preceptor; Max
Woolner, financial secretary; Sadie
Cohen, recording secretary; Jerome-
Levinson, treasurer; Isaac J. Levinson,
mentor. Organized June, 1900, through
efforts of I. J. Levinson; has 32 mem-
bers between 15 and 20 years. Gives
monthly entertainments devoted to
Jewish essays and history, also lec-
tures and music. Gave a Purln
play and dance March 5 for benefit of
Jewish Orphan Aslyum and Denver
Hospital for consumptives. They are
doing nicely.
THE CIRCLE OF JEWISH WOMEN.
Officers: Mrs. Milton Newman, presi-
dent; Mrs. Samuel Woolner, vice-presi-
dent; Mrs. S. Horwitz, secretary; Mrs.
Samuel Jellinek, treasurer. First
organized under the auspices of Coun-
cil of Jewish Women, but dissented,
and about a year ago left the mother
organization and became independent.
They devote their time to study of
Jewish history and literature and char-
ity. They also assist in temple work.
They include almost all Jewish ladies
of both congregations.
Regina Wise was born in the year
1803, in Steingrup, near Ager, Bohe-
mia. Died at Peoria, 111., June 11,
1880. Her mother's name was Regina
Wise; her husband's name was Leo
Wise. She came to Peoria in 1871 and
resided with her daughter, Mrs. Caro-
line Korsoski, up to the time of her
•death. She was the mother of Rev.
Dr. Isaac M. Wise, and is now
buried in Mount Sinai Cemetery,
Springdale, Peoria, 111., upon the fam-
ily lot of John Korsoski, and among
the other members of Anshai Emeth
Congregation.
True Fit Manufacturing Company,
manufacturers of overalls, pants, etc.,
employs over 150 girls and women. It
is owned by Solomon Bennett and his
son-in-law, H. T. Bloom. Mr. Ben-
nett came to Peoria in 1860 with his
father, mother and family. He was at
one time the leader in business and
charity affairs In the city. Misfortune
In business overtook him in 1888 and
since that time he has not taken any
active part. He is a member of Anshai
Emeth, I. O. B. B. and Peoria He-
brew Relief. He has raised a
large family of orphans, rela-
tives of his, all. of whom
are honorable citizens in this commun-
ity. He was married to Delia Freiden-
berg in 1865. He has two children,
Charles Bennett and Gertie Bloom.
Charles is connected with the business.
OBITUARY.
HENRY ULLMAN, PEORIA, ILL.
On the 5th inst, Sept. 5, 1898, there
passed away in Peoria, 111., one of the
most respected members of the whole-
sale liquor trade, Henry Ullman, of
Ullman & Son, whose demise is sin-
cerely mourned by a wide circle of
friends.
Mr. Ullman was born July 16, 1832,
in Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to
this country when fourteen years of
age, settling first in Lacon, 111., where
he was engaged in the clothing busi-
ness. He removed to Peoria in the early
sixties (1856), and carried on business
there until about twenty years ago,
when he became the head of the house
of Ullman & Co., taking in as part-
ner his brother David.
He left a widow, two sons and two
daughters. One son, Edward H., is
engaged in business in Chicago, and
HENRY ULLMAN.
the other son, Morris, has been asso-
ciated with his father in business.
The deceased took a deep interest in
the development of the Jewish peo-
ple, in which he enjoyed a national
reputation. He was at one time presi-
dent of the grand lodge of the B'nai
B'rith, and for twenty-five years presi-
dent of the Congregation Anshai
Emeth; of the public library he was a
director from the foundation, and, in
short, there was no good and benevo-
lent cause in which he was not warm-
ly interested. He was a true type of
the large-hearted and public-spirited
man.
As showing the esteem in which he
was held by his fellow citizens, we
cannot do better than give the closing
words of a eulogy to his memory by
the Peoria Evening Star: "He was
very popular, for he possessed one of
those natures that made him the very
genius of benevolence. Sincerity and
honesty were stamped upon his feat-
ures. He took a fatherly interest in
his friends, and when misfortune over-
took any of his acquaintances he was
one of the first to come to their as-
sistance. There was no deception
about Henry Ullman. He was deeply
religious, not in the narrow view that
limited his acts to a set and particular
creed, but in the larger and loftier
sense of looking upon all men as breth-
ren, so that while he kept the faith of
Israel, he exhibited in his own walk
and conversation a widespread char-
ity that embraced mankind itself.
The sentiments of his soul shone in his
face, for his very lineaments exhibited
benevolence, uprightness, charity and
kindly feeling. He was, in the lan-
guage of the scriptures, 'a very present
help in time of trouble.' There was
about him a noble disinterestedness
that sympathized with misfortune and
gave him a moral power that encour-
aged the weak and imparted new
strength to the downcast and sorrow-
ful. While he was a good business
man, he was not so absorbed In the toil
for gain that he had no leisure for the
living. His house was the abode of sen-
sible and healthful happiness. The
domestic virtues were daily exemplified
at his abode. He enjoyed all that life
can give a man as the reward for his
own right living — an affectionate help-
meet, a family of loving and appreci-
ative children, troops of friends, an
honored place in the community, and
the respect and confidence of the whole
city. We have known Mr. Ullman in-
timately for almost forty years, and
we write these lines with sadness at his
death, but with the feeling that after
all his was a perfect life, for all that
is joyous in existence he obtained with
fewer clouds than fall to the lot of
most of us, and now he has solved the
last and greatest problem, for he has
been gathered to his fathers. Hail
and farewell."
He was married to Miss Clara
Newman, sister of Max Newman,
in August of that year, and they lived
happily together ever since, celebrating
their forty-second anniversary on Aug-
ust 12th last. Mr. Ullman leaves be-
sides his sorrowing widow, two sons.
Edward H., who is engaged in business
in Chicago, and Morris, who has been
associated with his father in business,
and two daughters, Misses Hattie and
Lorena.
Mr. Ullman was a man of the strict-
est integrity, of positive convictions
based upon a pure conception of right,
self-made, but of rare refinement and
self-acquired intellectual attainments.
In social circles he was an acknowl-
edged leader, as also in charitable
work, and in his religion he always
took the keenest interest, having been
the president of the Congregation of
Anshai Emeth for over twenty-five
years, only a few months ago insisting
upon his declination of a re-election in
consequence of his enfeebled physical
condition, though not relaxing his in-
terest in the completion of the new
temple, to assist in the dedication of
which, an all-wise Providence denied
him. He was one of the directors of
the Peoria Public Library, when it
REFORM ADVOCATE..
375
was established, and has continued
ever since, a respected member of that
board. His advice was frequently so-
licited, and was freely given. His
judgment was appreciated, and his dis-
position was universally kind. So he
left no enemies, but all who knew
him were his friends. He assisted in
organizing Schiller Lodge, A., F., & A.
M., of which he served as master in his
customary able manner, as he acquit-
ted himself in any function which he
ever undertook. He was universally
spoken of as a most exemplary hus-
band and father, and his memory will
long be fondly cherished.
ORDER BRITH ABRAHAM,
Peoria City Lodge No. 138.
Officers: -I. Weinstein, President; I.
Meyers, Vice-President; Dr. S. Hor-
witz, Secretary; Harry Frankel, Treas-
urer.
I. Weinstein, who was formerly a
member of the organization in St.
Louis, came to Peoria and organized
the Lodge in March, 1893. There are
now fifty-four members of the organi-
zation. It is a purely insurance or-
ganization, and charitable among its
members. It insures both the mem-
bers and their wives.
Twice since that time has the organi-
zation been called upon to pay an as-
sessment of five hundred dollars each,
for the wives of members. None of the
members have been unfortunate
enough to die. They provide sick
benefits and funeral expenses for mem-
bers and their family.
PEORIA LADIES' LODGE NO. 41.
Officers: J. Weinstein, President;
Mrs. Brotha Cohen, Vice-President;
Mrs. S. Horwitz, Secretary; Mrs. N.
Meyer, Treasurer.
This association was organized about
two years ago; has about thirty
members, the wives of the Order Brith
Abraham.
ADOLPH WOOLNER.
In the year 1871 Adolph Woolner, de-
ceased, secured a patent through the
department at Washington, for cook-
ers' uses in the manufacture of whis-
ky. This patent was somewhat incom-
plete, lacking a few of the scientific
ideas necessary to make it perfect, but
it formed the nucleus in the distilling
business o£ making full quantities of
whiskey out of a bushel of corn. Thir-
teen quarts of whisky was considered
in those times, a large quantity to be
made from a bushel of corn. Through
the assistance of a scientific machinist,
the invention of Adolph Woolner added
to the production of upwards of fifteen
quarts to the bushel. Estimated In
dollars and cents, amounted to at least
ten cents on every bushel of corn. In
Peoria alone there was distilled at least
twenty thousand bushels a day, making
an average gain of at least two thou-
sand dollars a day for the corn at that
time distilled in Peoria.
This revolutionized the entire whis-
ky business, and though Adolph Wool-
ner's patent in itself — he not being a
scientific man — did not alone do this,
yet the ideas for the scheme arose
from his brain, and he was recog-
nized as the theoretical distiller of
America. As soon as the patent was
fully developed, he became the recog-
nized head in distilling interests. Upon
the formation of the whisky pool, he
was its acknowledged head, but owing
to his bashfulness, Buffalo Miller was
placed as its president. He conducted
the business of the association with a
great deal of zeal. Adolph Woolner
was the Vice-President; Buffalo Miller,
President, received the credit, but in
all of the work, Adolph Woolner was
the fountain, and when the whisky
trust was started, Adolph Woolner was
elected its Vice-President; J. B. Green-
hut, President, and his conservative
ideas and thorough practical knowl-
edge of the business did more for the
promotion of the whisky rfrust than
any member thereof. He was indeed
the power behind the throne, and his
wise judgment made more money for
the members of the whisky trust than
they have ever made since his death.
Unfortunately, while in the zenith of
his career, he was cut off, and died in
May, 1891; just at the time when the
whisky trust was in its glory and mak-
ing very much money for its stock-
holders.
Adolph Woolner was a noble, gen-
erous soul, a friend and adviser to
everybody, a member of every Jewish
organization, a liberal donor to charity,
and president of Peoria Hebrew Relief
Society for ten years.
in:
SOME PROMINENT PEORIA JEWS.
REV. CHAS. S. LEVY.
Rev. Chas. S. Levy was born in Lon-
don, England, May 20, 1868. He was
educated in the schools of Cincinnati,
Ohio, graduating from the Hebrew
cepted a call to Peoria, 111. He acted as
secretary of the Central Conference Of
American Rabbis, compiling all of the
year books from 1889 to 1898, and is at
present treasurer of the organization.
Rabbi Levy was secretary of the He-
brew Sabbath School Union of America
for nine years prior to 1898. Since oc-
cupying the pulpit of Anshai Emeth he
has been invited to contribute a num-
ber of articles on Jewish history and
literature for the Jewish encyclopedia.
MR. SAMUEL WOOLNER.
Mr. Samuel Woolner was born
March llth, 1845, in Szenitz, Hungary.
REV. CHAS. S. LEVY. .
Union College as valedictorian and
from the University of Cincinnati with
high honors in 1889. He was elected
associate Rabbi to Dr. I. M. Wise and
assistant professor at the Hebrew
Union College in 1889, in which office
he continued until 1898 when he ac-
SAMUEL WOOLNER.
His parents were Solomon and Sallie
Woolner, both natives of Hungary.
After receiving his education in the
schools of his native city he left his
ancestral home to come to this coun-
try, arriving here in 1867. He has
since lived in Peoria, where he has
played an important part in the build-
ing up of that city, having erected the
Woolner building (in connection with
his brother Adolph), the largest office
block in Peoria, several distilleries and
a number of dwelling houses. Also
has been, and is now, active in a good
many enterprises in this city. He is a
member of the Board of Trade of Pe-
oria, and at one time had been its
president, and has been a member of
the city council for four terms. He is
vice-president of the German-Ameri-
can National Bank, director of the Na-
tional Bank of the Republic of Chi-
cago, and vice-president of the Stand-
ard Distilling and Distributing Com-
pany.
Mr. Woolner has always taken a
great interest in congregational, char-
itable and benevolent society work,and
is now the president of the Anshai
Emeth Congregation of this city, vice-
president of the Union of American
Hebrew Congregations, a director of
the Denver Hospital for Consumptives,
trustee of the Cleveland Orphan Asy-
lum and ex-president of the Sir Moses
Monteflore Home of Cleveland, Ohio.
He is past president of Progress Lodge
No. 113, I. O. B. B., and the past presi-
dent of the Grand Lodge No. 6, I. O.
376
B. B., as well as of the Grand Lodge
No. 4, O. K. S. B. He has given in-
valuable aid to the charities and is an
honored and respected member of the
community in which he lives. His wife
was a Miss Miriam Sternbach, and
they have two children living.
MR. HENRY S. OTTENHEIMER.
Mr. Ottenheimer was born in Yebea-
hausen, Germany. His parents came to
America in 1859 and he received his
early education in the schools of Cin-
cinnati. He has been for some years
a resident of Peoria, in which commun-
ity he is well known and held in high
esteem. Mr. Ottenheimer was secre-
tary of Anshai Emeth Congregation
and of Progress Lodge No. 113, I. O.
B. B., and was one of the first and
youngest trustees of the Cleveland Or-
phan Asylum. In business life he Is
associated with his brother, Mr. S. W.
Ottenheimer, in the clothing business.
Mr. Ottenheimer married Millie Weil
of Evansville, Ind., and has one child,
Clifford H. Ottenheimer.
HENRY SCHWABACHER,
Mr. Schwabacher is a native of
REFORM
and has been an active and influential
member of Anshai Emeth congrega-
tion, assisting materially in the build-
HENRY SCHWABACHER.
Felheim, Germany, and was born Jan.
11, 1829. He came to America in 1850
and embarked in the business of whis-
ky distilling in Peoria in 1856, since
which time he has been eminently suc-
cessful. He is a trustee of Anshai
Emeth Congregation, and a member of
the Peoria Hebrew Relief. In 1875 and
3876 he served the city as alderman,
and is considered one of the public
spirited citizens of Peoria. He is a di-
rector of the Electric Light Works.
Mr. Schwabacher is married to a Miss
Virginia Anker.
JACOB WOOLNER.
Mr. Woolner is a native of Hungary,
and was born in Buda Pesth, thatbeau-
tiful modern city on the Danube. He
came to America in 1873 going direct to
Peoria, where his younger brothers had
preceded him. They embarked in the
distilling business and have been emin-
ently successful. Mr. Woolner has
done a great deal of work for charity
J*.COB WOOLNER.
ing of the new temple, which was dedi-
cated in September, 1898. He is also a
member of B'nal Brith and
be relied on to lend his aid for char-
itable or other work necessary for the
general good. He is an honored and
respected member of the community in-
which he lives.
JOLIET.
About 150 Jews live in Joliet. The
first Jewish settlers in Joliet were Joe
and Morris Einstein and Isaac Wolf,
who staid there only a few years and
then moved to Chicago. Prominent
Jewish business men of Joliet are the
following: Henry and Robert Alexan-
der, M. A. Felman, David Rosenheim,
B. Weiner, A. Adler and Dr. Chas.
Kahn. The name of the congregation
is "the Jewish Congregation of Joliet."
It was established in October, 1900. The
first officers were Henry Alexander, M.
Robinson and S. Berger. Present
membership is 40. There is one La-
dies' Society under the name of Debo-
rah Society.
WM. F. WOLFNER, PEORIA.
BLOOMINGTON.
The first Jewish settler was a Mr.
Stern, who came about 1850. He was
followed by Samuel Livingston, In
1856. He died in 1892, and left two
sons, now living in Bloomington,
Aaron and Abraham. Samuel Living-
ston was followed a year later, in 1857,
by his brother, Aaron, who died in
1881. Then came Meyer Heldman, Ja-
cob and Nathan Heldman, who have
since moved to Cincinnati.
The next was Michael Livingston,
who is a farmer near Bloomington.
Then came Aaron Livingston, in
1865, a cousin of the aforementioned
Livingstons. He is still living, but
afflicted with illness. His two_sons
are in the dry goods business in
Bloomington. His brother, Resiel Liv-
ingston, who came to Bloomington
about the same time that Aaron did,
is now living in Michigan. Other pio-
neer settlers of Bloomington were:
Morris Nathan, who now lives at Farm-
er City; another, Mr. Alex. Alexander,
is a farmer near Bloomington.
Wolf Griesheim came in 1864; Sigmund
Heldeman, 1866, both living; Emanuel
Gantz, 1865. Then came the father of
all the Livingstons, Hirsh Livingston,
from Danbringen, Hessen Darmstadt,
Germany, in 1881, and this same year
his other two sons, Myer and Isaac
I. J. LEVINSON, PEORIA.
Livingston, now living in Blooming-
ton.
The first congregation, "Moses Mon-
tifiore," was started in 1882, with
eighteen members. Isaac Livingston
served as reader for some time;
others who took charge of the congre-
gation were C. Livingston, Sig. Held-
man et. al. Oscar Mandel now has
charge of the congregation. They
have a fine choir; the leader is Sam
Livingston, son of Aaron Livingston.
Aaron Livingston, then living in the
south, was drafted into the confederate
army. In the late civil war he was cap-
tured by the federal troops, enlisted
and served the union cause until the
close of the war. Mr. Nathan was also
a union soldier in the late civil war;
also Samuel Hammerslag was a union
soldier. Wolf Greisheimer has been a
county supervisor for ten years.
Fannie Livingston, sister of Myer
and Isaac Livingston, is living in
Bloomington, she is the widow of Isaac
Strauss, now dead.
The congregation has no regular
Rabbi at present, but during the holi-
REFORM ADVOCATED
377
•days a senior student from the Hebrew
Union College takes charge of the
congregation. The present member-
ship of the congregation is 33.
Regular Sunday school is taught
hy Mattie Bacharach, Miss Cora
Griesheim, and Guida Livingston. The
Abraham Lincoln Lodge of B'nai Brith
is in a flourishing conditon, with about
sixty members. There is also a Jew-
ish Ladies' Benevolent Society, of
about 15 members. The B'nai Brith
Lodge has taken care of and placed in
good circumstances many Roumanian
and Russian Jewish immigrants.
The first 16 members of Moses
Monteflore Congregation were: Hirsch
Livingston, D. Winter, Resiel Living-
ston, Sigmund Heldman, Jacob Held-
man, William Freeland, Sam Altmann,
J. Friedmann, Wolf Griesheim, Michael
Livingston, Jacob Freeland, Sam Liv-
ingston, Aaron Livingston, S. E. Bias,
S. Marks, Myer Livingston.
The first services were according to
Minhag America and took place New
Year's day, 1882, in the Unitarian
church. Later services were conducted
who lived at Pleasant Plains, Eli at
Saulsbury, and Louis at Athens. Mr.
M. A. Lange came in 1864. Mr. B. A.
TEMPLE OF
MOSES MONTEFIORE CONG.
in the Independent church May 1st,
1899. The temple cost $15,009.
SPRINGFIELD.
The Jewish population of Springfield
will not exceed 150. Three brothers,
Julius, Louis and Edward Hammer-
slaugh, came here about 1856 and start-
ed in business under the firm name of
Hammerslaugh brothers. The next one
was Mr. S. Rosenwald, who arrived in
1860 or 1861. Mr. Hirschbach also
came about that time. This Mr.
Hirschbach was private secretary to
the War Governor Richard Yates. Then
came Mr. Louis Benjamin. Congrega-
tion B'rith Sholom was started in 1863.
Mr. Julius Hammerslaugh, now living
in New York, was the first president.
The first members were: Chas. Stern,
S. Leon, Wolf Bergmann, Chas. Kusel,
Morris Myers; also a number of Israel-
ites from adjacent villages, notably the
numerous family of Salzenstein. Jacob,
TEMPLE OF
B'RITH SCHOLOM CONG.
Lange, who had kindly furnished us
the information, came in 1866. D.
Gottlieb, from Hanover, was grand
president of District No. 6 I. O. B. B.,
in 1884, and treasurer of the con-
gregation for the past twenty-five
years. He came from Hamburg, Ger-
many. Congregation B'rith Sholom
worshiped in a rented hall until 1876,
when the temple was dedicated before
the fall holidays by Dr. Wolfenstein,
•then of St Louis, and now su-
perintendent of the Cleveland Or-
phan Asylum. The first ritual
adopted by the congregation was
Minhag Jastrow. Two years ago
it was changed to Minhag Einhorn.
The congregation has a membership of
about 50, including some of the resi-
dents of some of the suburban villages.
The following gentlemen officiated as
Rabbis in Congregation B'rith Sho-
lom: Schaffner came about 1856, the
next one was Rev. B. Deutsch, he was
succeeded by Chas. Austrian, who died
in Chicago. The next one was A. Ru-
binstein, then came Sugenheimer, and
he was succeeded by Sigmund Frey.
Then Joseph Leiser occupied the pul-
pit. The present minister is Rev. A.
Traugott. The congregation owns a
cemetery, which was bought in 1863. In
1866 an addition to the cemetery was
purchased and again an addition in
1880.
MOLINE.
The first Jewish settler in Moline,
111., was Simon Hirsch, a native of
Germany, who came to this city in
1866, and there is no record of any
other Jewish-resident until 1881, when
Louis Rosenstein made Moline his
home. The present Jewish population
numbers twenty people, most of whom
are members of Congregation B'nai
Israel of Davenport, Iowa. The Jew-
ish residents of Moline are contributors
to the charitable organizations of Rock
Island and Davenport, having no local
societies of their own. Two children
attend the Sabbath school of the Dav-
enport Congregation.
PONTIAC.
The first Jewish families that settled
in Pontiac were the Greenebaums and
Bruckers, who came to this city in
1856. They came from Gelnhausen and
Allsie, Germany. There is at present
a Jewish population numbering 48
people, among whom are the following
busines men: J. Spiro, cashier of the
National Bank of Pontiac; Max Dia-
mond, in the boot and shoe business;
M. Rose and S. H. Herzberg, clothing;
M. H. Greenebaum Co., investment
bankers, and H. G. Greenebaum, attor-
ney. While the Jewish population of
Pontiac is small* nevertheless they oc-
cupy an important part in the busi-
ness community of Pontiac. There are
no congregation and no organizations
or societies that we can learn of.
AURORA.
The first Jewish settler of Aurora
was one Jacob Alschuler. Three sons
of this first settler are now living in
Aurora. They are Charles, Harry and
Louis, of the firm of Alschuler Bros.
Mr. Leon Hirsch, uncle to Samuel Al-
schuler.candidate for governor.came to
Aurora about 1861. Mrs. Jacob Al-
shuler, mother of Sam Alschuler, and
Mrs. Leon Hirsch are sisters, and both
are still living in Aurora. The first
Jewish service took place in Mr. Wolf's
house, in 1868. Through the efforts of
this Mr. Wdlf the Jews of
Aurora closed their stores- and
held services on New Year's
day and the Day of Atonement.
Mr. Leon Hirsch and Jacob Alschuler,
father of Samuel Alschuler, and Isaac
Wolf and Morris Henoch, the latter
now living in La Porte, Ind., officiated
during the holidays. The following at-
tended the services and constituted the
necessary minyan: Leon Hirsch, Ja-
cob Alschuler, Nathan Goldsmith, Sam
Goldsmith, David Goldsmith, Isaac
Wolf, Arnold Wolff (now living in Chi-
cago), Morris Henoch, Simon Felsen-
held, Herman Felsenheld, Aaron Gold-
smith, now a prominent attorney in
Cincinnati; Mark Aronson and a
young man named Goldsmith, who was
clerking for Mr. M. Hirsch. Mr. Isaac
M. Wolff was aided in his endeavor to
induce the Jews to close their stores
during New Year's and Day of Atone-
ment,by Messrs. Henoch, Alschuler and
Hirsch. Some of the Jews objected to
that as it was a very unusual proceed-
ing in that town, at that time.
In Cairo, Urbana, Champaign and
Frankford Station are also a number
of Jews. Mr. M. B. Saddler of Cairo,
was once mayor of Centralia, Ills., for
seven consecutive years, and Mr. Solo-
mon was Mayor of Duquoin, Ills., for
two or three years in succession. Mr.
Michaells, a co-religionist, is- now
postmaster in Mound City, Ills. Solo-
mon Bernstein came to Urbana in 1855
378
REFORM ADVOCATED
and was at that time the only Jew in
Champaign county. He came from
Cincinnati, Ohio. Thirty-two Jews are
now living at Urbana, J. Blng and son,
Nathan H. Cohen, M. Lowenstern and
son, and L. L. Bing are well known
business men of Urbana. In 1866 a
burial ground association, under the
name of "Ahavath Achim," was estab-
lished. The first officers were, M. Eich-
berg, President; S. Bernstein, Secre-
tary; M. Lowenstern, Sr., Treasurer.
The society does no longer exist.
There Is one B'nai Brlth lodge in the
city and a ladies' social circle. A co-
religionist by the name of Nathan H.
Cohen is president of the Illinois State
Fish Commission.
QUINCY, ILLINOIS.
The Congregation Bnai Shalom of
Quincy, 111., was organized Oct. 20,
TEMPLE OF
CONGREGATION B'NAI SHOLOM.
1864, by a small number of Jews who
desired to establish Reform. In Sept.
1869, the young society had purchased
a site for a temple and called upon the
Rev. Dr. I. M. Wise from Cincinnati,
Ohio, to lay the foundation. That was
a gala day for Quincy. The Masonic
fraternity took a prominent part in the
exercises. Sept. 22, 1870, the new Tem-
ple was dedicated by the resident Rab-
bi, Rev. Dr. Fluegel. In 1871 the Or-
thodox Congregation that had existed
here since 1857, joined Bnai Shalom.
Oct. 11, 1895, the congregation celebrat-
ed its twenty-fifth anniversary. It was
the last time that Hon. Isaac Lesem,
who presided over the destiny of the
congregation since Oct. 2, 1870, officiat-
ed in his capacity as president. He
died in Europe in 1897.
The following rabbis officiated in
Quincy since the dedication of the
Temple: Rev. Drs. M. Fluegel, S. Ros-
enspitz, I. S. Moses, V. Caro, E. Epp-
stein. Rabbi Eppstein, the present in-
cumbent, was called to the rabbinate
Sept. 1, 1890.
Among the very prominent Jews of
Quincy the brothers Jonas occupied a
very high position. There were five
of them — Abraham, Joseph, Samuel,
Edward and George. Abraham was
born in Davenport, England, Sept. 12,
1801. He came to Quincy in 1843, and
died there June 8th, 1864. Joseph was
born in Teignmouth, England, May C,
1792. He was the first Jew to cross
the Alleghany mountains. He lived for
a time in Cincinnati, Ohio. He died
in Mobile, Ala., May 5th, 1869. Samuel
was also born in Davenport, England,
August 6, 1807. Died in Quincy March
20, 1878. Edward was born at Tergu-
mouth, England, Jan. 29, 1817. He
died in Quincy, Oct. 13, 1867. George
was born in Davenport, England, Sept.
22, 1813, and died in New Orleans, La.
He was a prominent lawyer, and if we
are not mistaken he was U. S. senator
for that state.
We also mention Dr. Lewin Henry
Cohen, who was a prominent physician
of Quincy, at one time a member of
the National Board of Health. He
was born at Glasgow, Scotland, Sept.
5, 1842, and died in Aiken, S. C., Sept.
27, 1888.
MR. J. D. LEVY.
Mr. J. D. Levy was born in Hechin-
gen, Hohenzollern, Germany, where he
received his early education and was
considered an excellent linguist. He
came to America -in 1850 and in 1870
settled in Quincy, where he became a
highly esteemed and respected member
of the community. He was an active
member of several large business en-
terprises and always took a great deal '
of interest in religious and charitab'.e
J. D, LEVY.
institutions. He was in his 67th year
when he was called to his final rest,
leaving a widow and ten children. His
demise was mourned by all who knew
him.
CAIRO.
Monteflore Congregation was organ-
ized November 4th, 1894, with the fol-
lowing officers: President, H. Meyers;
Vice- President, A. Marx; Secretary,
Abe Messing; Treasurer, Mrs. Leo
Levi. Services were to be, conducted
every other Sunday evening at 7:30
p. m. by Mr. B. Sadler. All the Jew-
ish citizens of Cairo became members
of the Congregation. The meetings
were held in Bristol Hall. In May,
1897, the Congregation was chartered
and Mr. B. Sadler re-elected as the
regular rabbi. In 1899 Mr. Sadler was
elected a member of the Central Con-
ference of American Rabbis upon the
recommendation of Rabbis I. M. Wise
and Dr. H. G. Enelow of Paducah, Ky.
There is a good attendance at every
one of the services, many traveling
men, staying here over Sunday, par-
ticipating in the same. On the high
holidays of the autumn many non-
Jews come to attend the services,
which are then generally held in the
Cairo Baptist Church, the hall being
inadequate to seat all the attendants.
The congregation has contributed to
the Hebrew Union College endowment
fund and also to the relief of the Rou-
manian Jews, and, considering the
limited number of Jewish families re-
siding in Cairo, has done much good
work for the cause of Judaism and hu-
manity. Prominent rabbis who ad-
dressed the congregation were: Rev.
Dr. E. G. Hirsch (on the occasion of
a High School commencement to
which he was invited as orator); Mr.
Alexander H. Leismar, Rabbi Joseph
Leiser, and Dr. Hyman T. Enelow, of
Paducah Ky.
There exists also a B'nai Berith
Lodge, Egypt Lodge No. 168, which
was organized in 1876, and which meets
the first and third Sunday afternoons
of each month. This lodge owns tho
Jewish burial ground, which was
transferred to it by an, orthodox con-
gregation, Benai Israel, that was start-
ed here during the war, when as many
as 75 Jewish families resided here;
after the war most of them left and
the congregation was dissolved shortly
after the organization of the lodge.
Monteflore Congregation maintains
a Sunday school, attended by about
18 children every Sunday afternoon.
Mr. B. Sadler is the superintendent.
Miss Stella Cohn, assistant.
The present officers of the congre-
gation are: President, S. K. Cohn;
Vice-President, Sam White; Secretary,
I. Cohen; Treasurer, F. S. Haas, Di-
rectors, M. Hyman, A. Kaufman and
J. Solomon.
There are a few Jewish families re-
siding in Mound City, 111., about six
miles north of Cairo, and a few in
Murphysboro, Du Quoin, Anna and
Centralia, 111., but none are members
of the congregation and but few of
them take any interest in Jewish af-
fairs.
There are Jews almost In every little
town or village In the state, but in most
of those places there is as yet no per-
manent congregation nor a house of
worship. These smaller places we can
only mention briefly, giving a few names
here and there, and once in a while a
few brief outlines of incidents and facts
which are of especial interest.
REFORM ADVOCATE.
379
THE BOHN PATENT DRY AIR SYPHON SYSTEM
Adopted by the fol-
lowing railroads for
the dining Buffet cars :
Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul Ry. ; Chicago,
St. Paul, Minneapolis
& Omaha Ry. ; Chica-
go, Burlington & Quiu-
cy Ry. ; Great North-
ern Ry. ; Boo Line;
Wisconsin Central;
Northern Pacific;
Pennsylvania Ry. ; Il-
linois Central; Union
Pacific, and the Pull-
man Co. and others.
N o contaminating
odors in ours. Write
F_- — -. for catalogue or call.
She says it's "THE BEST."
While Enamel Refrigerator Co. m Dearborn St., oid colony BU{. Chicago.
Woods Motor Cab Co.
545-7-9 Wabash Avenue
electric Cab
Service,
A. E. DATTELZWEIQ, Manager
TELEPHONES—
Harrison 2301, 2302
sw STRAUS*-
114 La Salle Street
LARGE AMOUNT OF
MONEY
TO LOAN AT 5 PER
CENT and 5± PER CENT
ON CHICAGO REAL ESTATE
Gilt Edge First Hortgages for sale in any amounts
BUILDING LOANS
COLLATERAL LOANS
Telephone flaln 3624....
4*
Otis
Elevator Compaivy
York— Chicago
Passenger
and Freight
Eleva.tors
"THE STANDARD OF THE WORLD."
380 THE REFORM ADVOCATED
G6e CHICAGO
DAILY NEWS
has a greater circulation than any other
newspaper in the United States — nearly
300,000 a day.
'•Printer's Ink/'
the well-known journal for advertisers, has
pronounced The Chicago Daily News to
be the newspaper "that gives advertisers
the best service, in proportion to the price
charged, among all the publications of what-
ever name or degree among the entire twenty
thousand which are put forth in the territory
embraced in the United States.'1
fart Ghird.
THE JEWS OF ILLINOIS AS SOL-
DIERS.
The most prominent names of Jew-
ish soldiers who have lived or are still
living in the state of Illinois are: Gen.
Edward S. Solomon, Col. Marcus M.
Spiegel, Capt. Mayer Frank, Capt. Mil-
ton J. Foreman, Capt. J. Lyons and
Lieut. Max Polachek of Chicago and
Capt. J. B. Greenhut of Peoria. There
were many others, such as Frederick
B. Hart, First Lieut. Adolph Rosen-
thai, Lieut. Benjamin J. Moore, Capt
Alexander M. Daniels and Capt. Fred-
erick E. Koehler. We can only give
here short biographical sketches of a
few.
COL. MARCUS M. SPIEGEL
Was born in Abenheim, Germany, in
1829. His parents' names were Moses
and Regina. In his native country his
father was a religious teacher. In 1848
he came to America and settled in New
York city and from there he moved to
Union Town, Ohio. He moved to Chi-
cago in 1855, with his wife, who was
a Miss Hamlin, born and raised in
Christianity. In Chicago his wife was
converted to Judaism by a regular rab-
binical court of three men versed in
the law. Col. Spiegel clerked here
COL. MARCUS SPIEGEL.
with Francis Clark. He helped to
start the Hebrew Benevolent Society
in Chicago, and was one of those who
bought the society's cemetery in Grace-
land. He moved from here to East
Liberty, near Akron, Ohio, and en-
gaged in the dry goods business. When
the civil war broke out he raised a
company in Homes county, Ohio, and
became the captain of the same. He
served all through the campaign of the
Southwest, was present at the taking
of Vicksburg, and was then promoted
colonel of the 120th Ohio regiment,
for bravery on the battlefield. He was
sent home wounded, but was too brave
to stay away from the scene of the war
and returned to active service. He was
then sent on the Red River expedition
to reinforce Gen. Banks. He was on
the boat City Belle as commander of
the troops, when a bullet from the en-
emy ended his life. At the time of his
death he was recommended to the war
office at Washington for promotion for
his great bravery and the papers pro-
moting him to a brigadier generalship
were just ordered to be made out when
he died. One of his daughters married
Mr. Martin Barbe, a well-known Jew-
ish citizen of Chicago, and Col. Spie-
gel's widow is now living with her
daughter, Mrs. Barbe. A son, Hamlin
L., is now representing the 5th sena-
torial district of Chicago in the legisla-
ture of the state of Illinois.
JOSEPH GREENHUT.
Mr. Greenhut is a son of Benedict
and Minna Greenhut, and was born In
Feinitz, Austria, coming to this coun-
try in 1852. He is a man of consider-
able education and marked executive
ability. He married Clara Wolfner
and three children have been born to
them, Fanny, Ben. J., and Nelson W.
There is perhaps no epoch in Mr.
Greenhut's life of which he is more
proud than his army record. He en-
listed as a private at Chicago in April,
1861, In the 12th Illinois Infantry, and
was the second Chicago man enrolled.
He was promoted to sergeant in Aug.
1861, and in 1862 was appointed Cap-
tain Company K, 82nd Illinois Infan-
try. He participated in the memorable
battle of Gettysburg, under the com-
mand of Brig. Hecker, being appointed
Adjutant General of the Brigade. Mr.
Greenhut was shot in the right arm at
the battle of Fort Donaldson in Feb.
1862, which caused his retirement un-
til August of the same year, when he
381
joined the 82d. While with this regi-
ment he passed through the various
J. B. GREENHUT.
Peoria.
campaigns and battles in Virginia.
Capt. Greenhut resigned his position
in the army in 1864, after three long
and hard years of service, since which
time he has resided in Peoria. He is
now in the distilling business and is
one of the most prominent men In the
state. Mr. Greenhut has played an 1m-
GEN. EDWARD S. SALMON.
portant part in the building up of Peo-
ria. He Is a liberal contributor to all
charities and is an active and honored
man in society. Mr. Greenhut had the
ADVOCATE.
distinction of entertaining at dinner at
his residence in Peorla, President Mc-
Kinley and his entire cabinet during
their visit at Peoria, Oct. 1899. Presi-
dent McKinley and Mr. Greenhut have
been close personal friends for many
years.
GENERAL EDWARD S. SALOMON.
Brigadier General E. S. Salomon en-
listed at Chicago and marched out -with
the company which he raised. His
bravery on the battlefield soon won for
him the admiration of his superiors,
and was recognized at Washington.
He quickly rose to the high rank of
brigadier general, and after the war he
was appointed governor of Washing-
ton Territory.
CAPT. FRANK.
Simon Wolf of Washington tells In
his book that Capt. Mayer Frank was
elected lieutenant of Company C of the
Eighty-second regiment, in which he
served about two years, when he was
promoted to captain. He enlisted at
Chicago. He was at Chancellorsville
and Gettysburg from first to last. Sub-
sequently he was appointed brigade
inspector and ordered West. He took
part in the battle of Wauhatchie and
at Missionary Ridge, commanding the
Eightieth. He went with Sherman to
Knoxville to relieve Burnside. Capt.
Frank's deeds entitle him to a place
among the ibravest captains in tho
service of the United States. Whe»
Capt. Frank volunteered to dislodge
Confederate sharpshooters, his whole
company to a man followed him. It
was subsequent to this act that he was
appointed brigade inspector. Two
horses were shot from under him at
the first day's battle at Gettysburg. He
scouted for some time in Georgia, Ten-
nessee and Alabama against guerrilla
chief "Roddy."
MAX POLACHEK.
Mr. Polachek was born in Kaschau
(Hungary) in the year of 1840. He re-
ceived his education in the Gymnasi-
um of his native town, had passed his
examination for admission to the Uni-
versity in 1856, entered the Polytech-
nic School at Vienna in the same year,
and graduated in the year 1859. In the
same year the war rumors between
Austria and Italy had induced him to
escape military conscription, and emi-
grate to America, where he arrived in
April, 1859. After a hard struggle for
existence in this country he was
engaged to teach the German language
in a private school in Cleveland, Ohio.
When the civil war began he enlisted
In the thirty days' service, and after
the expiration, he was commis-
sioned second lieutenant in the 58th
Ohio regiment. The regiment seemed
to be long in filling up its rank, and
he was transferred to the Ninth Ohio
regiment. He had just arlrved in camp
when the first battle was fought
which gave victory to the Union arms.
This was the battle at Somerset, Ky.,
where Gen. Zollikofter, the first rebel
general, was killed. After several
months of service he was com-
pelled to resign his commission on ac-
count of sickness, being confined in
the hospital for over three months, re-
turning to Chicago in January of 1863,
establishing himself in business as op-
tician, continuing successfully in busi-
ness until the year of 1883, when he
was appointed U. S. consul general to
Zanzibar (Africa). The climate of Zan-
zibar frightened his family to such
an extent that he was compelled
to resign his commission, yet after a
few months he received again an ap-
pointment as U. S. consul at Ghent
(Belgium), where, he was during
the administrations of President Ar-
thur and Cleveland, receiving the offi-
cial commendation of the secretary of
state for the proper discharge of the
onerous duties of the U. S. consulate.
MAJOR MILTON J. FOREMAN.
Milton J. Foreman was born in the
City of Chicago, January 26, 1863. His
MAJOR M. J. FOREMAN.
father, Joseph Foreman, had emigrated
from Germany to seek his fortune in
the city which had attracted so many
of his countrymen. His mother Mary
Hoffman, is a native of Philadelphia.
The necessity of assisting to provide
for his family cut short his schooling
at the age of thirteen, when he had
completed his course at the public
schools.
He entered the employ of Keith
Bros., a wholesale hat concern, as er-
rand boy, and in the intervals allotted
for rest the boy could be found,
book in hand, trying to improve his
mind. He remained with Keith Bros,
almost twenty years, and from the po-
sition of errand boy, he worked his
way up through all the stages until he
became the most prominent salesman
in the concern and hold an interest in
the corporation.
At a time of life when most young
men consider themselves too old, Major
Foreman commenced the study of the
law and after the required period of
study, passed with credit his examina-
tion to the bar. While he was still
studying law, the call came from Pres-
ident McKinley for volunteers to es-
pouse the cause of down-trodden Cuba.
Mr. Foreman, who at that time was a
captain in the First Illinois Cavalry,
enlisted in the United States volunteer
army, being commissioned captain and
quartermaster. It was while he was
gtill with his command at Springfield,
waiting for the call to go to the front,
that the bar examination took place,
and he was granted leave of absence
so as to take such examination. After
seven months' service in the volunteer
army, at the close of hostilities, he re-
turned to Chicago.
When President McKinley was look-
ing for officers to send to the Philip-
pines, without any solicitation on the
part of Major Foreman, and solely on
account of his record in the depart-
ment, he was offered the position of
captain in the 30th United States in-
fantry. The offer was a tempting one,
but Mr. Foreman was just starting In
the professional work which he had
so long desired to engage in, and was
compelled to decline. Soon after his
admission to the bar he associated
himself with Mr. Eli B. Felsenthal,
and is now a member of the firm of
Felsenthal and Foreman, which firm
occupies a conspicuous place at the Il-
linois bar.
In 1900 he was elected major of the
First Calvalry, Illinois National Guard.
He was elected as alderman of what
is now the Third Ward in the city of
Chicago in 1899 and re-elected this
year. He has received the unqualified
indorsement of the Municipal Voters'
League, of his constituents and of the
public press of the city. Possessed of
an excellent mind, great activity and
fearlessness, he has made his influence
felt for good in the City Council. He
was elected chairman of the judiciary
committee, one of the most important
committees in the City Council. He
was also made chairman of the Street
Railway Commission, a special com-
mittee engaged in solving one of the
most difficult problems now confront-
ing the city — the question of intra-
mural travel.
Major Foreman is a member of Sinai
Congregation, and of the Standard,
Union League.Hamilton and Marquette
Clubs, having been at one time vice-
president and director of the Standard.
He has always taken a deep interest
in Jewish charities and occupied the
positions of president, vice-president
and director of the Young Men's He-
brew Charity Association, and was a
director of the Jewish Training School
and Home for Aged Jews.
Added to his ability, restless activity
and fearlessness, Mr. Foreman pos-
sesses undoubted qualities of leader-
ship. This combination of qualities,
together with his public record as al-
derman and in the army, have won for
him the confidence and esteem of his
fellow-citizens, and a still more bril-
liant future is predicted for him.
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
383
n.
AN INTERESTING FAMILY HIS-
TORY.
The two families of Austrian and
Leopold have been prominent In Chica-
go for many years. They came to
Chicago from the Lake Superior region
and formed the Lake Michigan and
Lake Superior Transportation Co., en-
gaging in freight and passenger trans-
portation on Lake Michigan and Lake
Superior, to Mackinac, Sault Ste. Marie
and Duluth and did an extensive busi-
ness. For a number of years, until re-
cently, their luxuriously furnished pas-
senger boat, Manitou, has been exten-
sively patronized by summer pleasure
seekers, who wished to enjoy the cool
and delightful climate of the Lake Su-
perior region. The boat was then sold
to a company, in which Mr. Nathan F.
Leopold still holds the largest interest.
Mr. N. F. Leopold is the son of one of
the Leopold brothers who settled in
Mackinac in the early forties, and were
the first Jews in that region. He
married a daughter of the late Mr.
Gerhard Foreman, who is related to
the Greenebaum family, and who was a
prominent banker of Chicago, the
founder of the Foreman Bros. Banking
Co., a. very popular financial institution
of today.
The history of this old Jewish fam-
ily, favorably known as successful mer-
chants in the Lake Superior region and
in Chicago, appeared in 1866, in the
Portage, Mich., Gazette, and was copied
in the American Israelite under date
of April 13th, 1866. We believe that
the history of this popular and high-
ly respected family will be read with
interest by their many relatives and
friends, and we therefore publish it
here. They were brave, honest and
upright business men, and the story
of their pioneer life in a sparsely set-
tled region, of their struggles, hard-
ships and ultimate success.will serve as
^n enouraging example for many a
young beginner.
Following is their history as we find
it in the Amerian Israelite:
A BAND OF BROTHERS.
Dissolution of the Oldest Merchant
Firm on Lake Superior — The Leo-
pold Brothers — Sketch of their Op-
erations— A Pioneer History.
In our last issue we made a brief no-
tice of the dissolution of the well
known firm of Leopold & Brothers, do-
ing business in Hancock, Chicago and
Eagle River, the oldest business firm
on Lake Superior— af£*er a successful
existence of over twenty years. The
firm has been composed of Louis F.t
Henry F., Aaron F., and Samuel F.
Leopold and Joseph, Julius and Samuel
Austrian, the latter being the last ad-
mitted partner, and not so intimately
connected with the history of the firm.
From the very inception of business
transactions within the wilds of Lake
Superior down to the present day, the
firm of the brothers has been identified
with the struggles, hardships, success-
es, and all the varyinglnterests of the
country, have participated with its
good and ill fortunes, many times car-
rying burdens that less confident com-
petitors shrank from bearing; never
once fearing that all would be well in
the end, and after gathering a rich re-
ward retired from the field, leaving an
untarnished history, and brilliant rec-
ord as an incentive to their successors.
The Messrs. Leopold are natives of
the little town of Rlchen, in the Great
Duchy of Baden, Germany, and there
received the . elementary education
which fitted them to become the
shrewd and successful merchants they
have proven to be. They first began
business life as clerks in an ordinary
country store, as it may not be inaptly
termed, as .Richen was but a small
place, having a less population than
either Hancock or Houghton, here on
Portage Lake.
Early in the year 1842, Louis, the
elder brother, who has since become
the '"father" of the firm, left his home
to try his fortunes in the New World,
with a stout heart, and but a very
moderate amount of means whereon
to build up a fortune, upon arriving in
this country he very shrewdly foresaw
that the great West, then but just at-
tracting attention, was the most prom-
ising field for men of enterprise and
limited capital, and instead of joining
in the precarious struggle for position
and existence, even so peculiar to the
crowded cities of the Eastern states,
he at once wended his way to Michi'
gan, then considered one of the West-
ern states.
Early in the year 1843 he opened a
small depot for fishermen's supplies on
the island of Mackinac, providing for
them provisions, salt, barrels, etc., and
purchasing the fish caught, and for-
warding them by vessels to better mar-
kets. The business could not have
been a very extensive one, for when
joined by his brothers three years
afterward, their united capital is stated
as being but little more than $3,000,
but which has since been increased by
their energy, prudence and foresight,
at least one hundred fold.
In the year 1844, Louis was joined by
his brother Henry (Aaron and Samuel
serving their time in the store of Rich-
en), who for a short time became his
assistant at Mackinac. At that time
there was but one steamboat plying on
the headwaters of Lake Huron and
Michigan, the old General Scott, which
made regular trips between Mackinac
and Sault Ste. Marie.
Shortly after his arrival at Mackinac,
Henry conceived the idea of going to
La Pointe with a small stock of goods, .
and attending the Indian payment, an
enterprise never before undertaken by
a trader from below the Sault. At
that time Lapointe was a much larger
place than it is now, was the principal
station of Lake Superior, of the Ameri-
can Fur Company ^and the leading
business point above the Sault. Every
fall, the government disbursed among
the Indians some $40,000 to $50,000,
which before the arrival of the Leopold
Brothers found its way almost entirely
into the coffers of the Fur Company.
In the latter part of the spring the
brothers left Mackinac on the old Gen-
eral Scott, and went to the Sault with
their goods, and after much difficulty
succeeded in chartering the schooner
Chippewa, Captain Clark, to take them
to Lapointe for $300. There were but
four small schooners on Lake Superior
that season, the Chippewa, Uncle Sam,
Allegonquin and Swallow. The trip
from the Sault to Lapointe occupied
some three weeks, but one stop being
made at Copper Harbor, which was
then beginning its existence. The
building of Ft. Wilkins was then go-
ing on. Little or no thought of mining
then occurred to the inhabitants, and
did not until two or three years sub-
sequently.
Arrived safely at Lapointe, they at
once opened a store in opposition to
that of the Fur Company, and were,
much to the surprise of the latter, the
first white traders who undertook an
opposition trade with the Indians.
They sold their goods for furs, fish,
etc., and prospered well. In the fall
they were joined by Julius Austrian
(now at Eagle River) and Louis leav-
ing him with Henry, returned to
Mackinac.
In the summer of 1845 Henry also re-
turned to Mackinac, leaving Julius to
attend to the business at Lapointe. He
remained in Mackinac until the year
1846, when Aaron and Samuel came out
from Germany and joined them at that
place. The four brothers at once
united their fortunes; in fact in all
their business career they do not ap-
pear to have thought of dividing them.
Everything they had was, from the
outset, common property, and each
labored for the genera1! welfare. They
appeared to have fully understood the
truthfulness of th« adage, that, in
"Unity there is strength," and however
varied and scattered may have been
their operations, the profits went into
the general fund.
In the season of 1846 Henry and
Samuel went to Green Bay, and opened
a store in Follett's block, remained
there until early in 1848, but did not
succeed as well as they anticipated.
Green Bay was then a miserable place
in comparison with what it is now,
and its growth very much retarded
by the grasping policy of the site own-
ers, John Jacob Astor and Mr. Whit-
ney, a brother of the present postmas-
ter. They would not sell lots at any-
thing near what was considered a rea-
sonable figure, and the result was that
after many vain endeavors to secure
property very many business men left
for other places, holding out better in-
ducements for settlement. While at
Green Bay, Samuel began tjie study of
the English language, under the tute-
lage of a young Methodist minister
who considered himself liberally re-
warded by return instruction in the
German language.
Early in 1847, Joseph Austrian, the
subsequent brother-in-law of the Leo-
polds, came out from Germany, and
joined his brother, Julius, at Lapointe,
where he remained until the next
384
Turn REFORM ADVOCATED
spring, when he joined Henry Leopold
at Eagle River, who had opened a
small store In an old stable, the habita-
tion of one cow. A partition was put
up, and about two-thirds of her lady-
ship's parlor fitted up for the sale of
dry goods, groceries, etc. The shanty
stood on the lot now owned by John
Hocking, the second from the corner
in the turn of the road down to the
old bridge across Eagle River.
There was then but one opposition
store in Eagle River, that of Messrs.
Senter and Mandlebaum, with whom
Henry and Joe entered into lively
competition for the trade of the place.
The same season Samuel joined Aaron
and Louis at Mackinac, where their
business had materially increased,
and remained there until the season
of 1855, when they left and returned
to Lake Superior. Louis had previous-
ly left and established himself at
Cleveland, where he remained until he
went to Chicago in the fall of 1862.
During this period he acted as the pur-
chasing agent of the brothers on the
lake.
In the fall of 1855 Samuel started a
branch store at Eagle Harbor in a
small shanty not more than twenty
feet square, situated on the lot now
owned by Hoffenbecker, and the shan-
ty now forms a part of his building.
At the time there were five mines
working in that vicinity, as follows:
Copper Falls, S. W. Hill, agent; North-
western (Pennsylvania), M. Hopkins,
agent; Summit (Madison), Jonathan
Cox, agent; Connecticut (Amygdaloid),
C. B. Petrie, agent.
The Copper Falls and Northwest
were the two great mines of the Dis-
trict, the others doing but little beyond
exploration at that time.
In 1856 Samuel bought out Upson
and Hoopes, who had been doing a
good business in the building now oc-
cupied by Messrs. Raley, Shapley &
Co., and was that season joined by
Aaron, who, since leaving Mackinac,
had been spending his time with Louis,
in Cleveland. Samuel was appointed
postmaster at Eagle Harbor, and ac-
ceptably filled the office till his depart-
ure in 1859.
The three brothers, Henry, Sam-
uel and Aaron, and their brother-in-
law, Jos. Austrian, might now be said
to be operating in the same field with
the elder brother, Louis, at Cleveland,
as their ever wide-awake purchasing
agent. For a year or two they pros-
pered as well as they could desire, but
the hard times of 1857-8 tried them
pretty severely, but by the most adroit
management they came through safe-
ly. At Eagle River, in 1857,
there were four mines at work,
the Garden City, Phoenix, Bay State
and Cliff. This was after the great sil-
ver excitement at the Phoenix, and
when the reaction had fully set in.
The assessments were grudgingly paid,
if at all, and the workmen at the mine
that winter were paid in orders on Leo-
pold Brothers, who paid them in goods
and currency. To enable the company
to get along as easily as possible they
took thirty day drafts on the treasurer
in Boston, which were paid when due
and presented. As the winter passed,
the time of the drafts were extended
from thirty to sixty, ninety, and finally
to one hundred and twenty days, and
in the spring, the firm was astonished
by a notification that the drafts had
gone to protest. The mine then owed
them about $20,000, a large sum, especi-
ally when it is considered that they
were also carrying nearly $10,000 for
the Garden City Mine, which was also
struggling along like the Phoenix.
The first news received by the pub-
lic of the protesting of the drafts was
communicated by the clerk of one of
the steamboats, and created no small
amount of excitement, especially
among the employes of the mine, who
naturally became fearful and clamor-
ous for their back pay. The Leopold
Brothers told them to go on and work,
and they would be responsible for their
pay. This quieted them, and the work
of the mine continued as before.
Upon receiving information of the
protesting of the Phoenix drafts, Sam-
uel was at once dispatched to Boston
to consult with the company about
their payment. To secure themselves
they could have attached the mining
property, improvements and machin-
ery, but such was their confidence in
the integrity of the agent, Mr. Farwell,
President, Mr. Jackson, and Secretary,
and Treasurer, Mr. Coffin, that this
was not done. Upon his arrival in
Boston, Samuel found that Mr. Far-
well had held a consultation with the
Directors, and in his most emphatic
manner demanded that Messrs. Leo-
pold should be reimbursed the money
they had advanced for the mine.
Another meeting was called and
Samuel presented a statement of the
amount due his firm, and inquired
what they intended to do. It was dif-
ficult for them to say, and after many
long consultations no definite course
of action was decided upon. Believ-
ing that delays were dangerous Samuel
proposed that he and his brothers
would take the property in satisfaction
of their demand, pay off the Company's
indebtedness, amounting to nearly
$10,000, and perjiaps pay them a few
thousand dollars on the head of the
bargain.
Another consultation followed this
offer, and it was finally concluded that
if a merchant firm considered the prop-
erty sufficiently valuable to pay there-
for nearly $40,000, it must be worth
at least that much to the company.
Some three thousand shares of Phoenix
stock had been forfeited for the non-
payment of an assessment of $1.50
per share, and these shares were offer-
ed Mr. Leopold in satisfaction of his
claim. He, of course, declined, saying
he would take the whole property, or
nothing. Another* consultation was
held and a meeting of stockholders was
called, an assessment was levied and In
a few days enough paid in to liquidate
his demands, and he started for home
mentally determining that in future
the Phoenix should give sight drafts
for all. future orders, and that they
would no longer assume, or be identi-
fied with its obligations. It required
no small amount of finesse to make the
discouraged stockholders of the Phoe-
nix believe that there was a sufficiently
valuable property to further advance
$2 or $3 per share on its stock, but the
cool offer to take its property for its
indebtedness, completely assured them
and saved the Messrs. Leopold their
$20,000.
But it is said ill fortune never comes
singly; and this was true of the af-
fairs of Leopold & Brothers. Samuel
had scarcely arrived in Cleveland
when Louis informed him that their
Garden City drafts had been protested
and the same night he hurried on to
Chicago to provide security for the in-
debtedness. Arriving there he did not
find the Company as tractable as the
Phoenix, and after much parleying
found the best they were willing to do
was to give him a mortgage on their
stamp mill, as security for the $10,000.
Very correctly deeming this insuffici-
ent, he returned home, and got out an
attachment for the whole property of
the Company. This had the desired ef-
fect, and the claim was secured by a
mortgage and the attachment with-
drawn. Shortly afterward the mine
passed into the hands of a new party of
men, with Judge Canton at their
head, and in a short time the claim was
satisfactorily adjusted.
In 1858, the firm had much difficulty
in collecting their orders on the mines
in the vicinity of Eagle Harbor, and it
was finally determined to sell out their
store and build up a business else-
where. S. W. Hill, Esq., had then left
the Copper Falls and assumed the
direction of the Quincy Mine here at
this place. He foresaw that Portage
Lake, possessing as it did so many
natural advantages, would eventually
become the grand business point or
the copper region, and with his accus-
tomed energy began the laying out of
the town site now occupied by the vil-
lage of Hancock. Soon after this was
done he wrote to the Messrs. Leopold,
urging them to come over and open a
store there, but they did not give the
offer much consideration that year, as
nearly everybody in Keweenow Coun-
ty ridiculed the idea of Portage Lake
ever becoming anything of a place.
That year, however, they sold out
their business at Eagle Harbor, and re-
moved to Eagte River, where Samuel
was for the second time appointed
Postmaster, and their business con-
ducted by him and Jos. Austrian. Their
present store site at Eagle River had
been previously purchased, and addi-
tions annually made to their main
building, as their business demanded,
until they were of a much greater ex-
tent than the original frame.
In the summer of 1859, Jos. Austrian,
who was the building man of the firm,
came over from Eagle River to Han-
cock with Geo. D. Emerson, C. E., and
THE: REFORM ADVOCATED
385
selected a site for their new store, and
chose the lots on which now stands the
Mason House and the Congregational
Church, and the dock front now owned
by Little, Heyn & Eytenbenz, but
Louis, who came up about that time,
changed to the present site, deeming
the other too remote from what would
be the business center of the town.
This was judged from the line of the
road coming down from the mine, and
the location of the Stamp Mill, around
which he naturally concluded the
workmen's dwellings would cluster.
In this he was slightly mistaken,
though the real difference was unim-
portant; we give it merely to show
how easily the most careful and cal-
culating men may make a mistake.
After the site was determined upon,
building was commenced, but as their
faith in the future growth of the place
was small, they did not propose to
erect a large store, or even construct a
substantial cellar underneath. Mr.
Hill, hearing of their intention, at once
paid them a visit and strongly protest-
ed against it. "This is going to be a
leading town," he said, "and I want a
good large store, and a stone cellar
underneath it." He carried the day,
and a larger building was completed,
which two years afterward was too
small for the business, even with the
addition of a large warehouse for stor-
ing additional supplies.
As soon as the building was com-
menced, Louis began to send up goods
from Celeveland, and Aaron came over
from Eagle River to take charge of the
new business. He scarcely reached
here before the goods arrived, and were
stored in the building before it was
closed in, and he for several weeks had
to make his bed on the goods virtually
in the open air. As this was in the
fall of the year, it was not pleasant, as
may be at first supposed. Since then
their principal business has been done
at Hancock, the old head concern at
Eagle River having been a branch.
In the fall of 1861, Aaron concluded
to visit his home in Germany, to at-
tend the golden wedding anniversary
of his parents, and Samuel came over
from Eagle River to take his place in
the store. The celebration of the gold-
en wedding was the grandest event
which had happened in the little town
of Richen for fully one hundred years,
and, probably, will not be equaled in
the present century. It would be im-
possible within the limits of this ar-
ticle to give a full description of the
proceedings on that festival occasion,
suffice it to say, that all ihe inhabi-
tants of Richen and the neighboring
towns, to the number of full five thou-
sand assembled, and under the guid-
ance of the mayor and municipal offi-
cers, for three days kept up a continu-
ous round of merry-making and re-
joicing. On the anniversary wedding
day a procession over a mile in length
waited upon the "happy couple," and
escorted them to the church, where ap-
propriate and imposing services were
performed. In the name of his broth-
ers Aaron presented the church with a
copy of the Sacred Writings, beauti-
fully engrossed on parchment, which,
with its ornamented silver case, cost
over |600. All the halls and hotels
were opened to the public, where for
three days and nights they feasted,
drank and danced without intermis-
sion and free of expense. The celebra-
tion of this golden wedding cost the
brothers over |5,000, but which they
rightfully considered the grandest
event in their history.
In the fall of 1862, Joseph Austrian
joined the firm at Hancock, and Louis
removed from Cleveland to Chicago,
which point they had concluded would
soon monopolize the trade of Lake Su-
perior. In the spring of 1864 he com-
menced a shipping business in that
city, and early in the following winter
was joined by Jos. Austrian, and the
purchase of the propeller Ontonagon
effected, and a forwarding and com-
mission business regularly organized.
Lately they have purchased the light-
draft propeller Norman, intending it
to run in connection with the Ontona-
gon.
In 1862 their branch house at La-
pointe was given up, and Julius Aus-
trian returned to Eagle River, and, in
connection with Solomon, conducted
the branch at that place. The firm
now is composed of Solomon and Jul-
ius Austrian and Moses G. Hanauer,
who for several years has acted as
bookkeeper for the firm, under the
firm name of S. Austrian & Co. The
Hancock firm is composed of H. F.
Leopold, Joseph and Solomon Aus-
trian, under the title of Leopold, Aus-
trian & Bro. The Chicago firm is
composed of L. F. Leopold and
Joseph Austrian, under the name of
Leopold & Austrian. Mr. S. F. Leo-
pold will return to Germany, upon
the opening of navigation, and spend
a year in pleasure and relaxation,
which he certainly merits after twen-
ty years constant labor. Aaron will
remain here during the coming sum-
mer, and in the fall will go below
and establish a wholesale business in
Detroit, where it is probable he will
be joined by Samuel after his return
from Europe.
That the Messrs. Leopold have been
more than ordinarily successful in
their mercantile career of over twenty
years is made evident from the extent
and variety of their business transac-
tions within the past five years, and
the very large amount of capital re-
quired to carry it on successfully and
properly. We feel confident that the
joint capital of $3,000, with which they
commenced business in 1843, had been
increased one hundred times by tha
close of the past year, and we should
not be surprised if it had augmented
even more than that. It has been the
result of no particularly good fortune,
but of persistent application in one
direction, and the only exception to
the ordinary course of operation
which can be said to have contributed
to their success, has been the remark-
able unity which has pervaded all
their business transactions, whether
located at Mackinac, Green Bay, La-
pointe, Eagle River, Cleveland, Eagle
Harbor, Portage Lake or Chicago,
each member of the firm has labored,
not for his benefit alone, but that ot
the whole brotherhood.
And at this partial termination of
their active associations, it is with a
pride which but few firms experience
after so long connection, they can
say that in all their twenty years' re-
lation with each other there has never
been a disagreement to mar the har-
m6ny and unity of their operations.
Whatever has been done by one, even
though it did not result as anticipated,
has met with the immediate sanction
of the others, who had unlimited con-
fidence in the integrity of his inten-
tions to benefit them all. Until now
there has been no division of the ac-
cumulated profits; a.11 has been placed
in one general fund, from which each
has drawn as the wants or exigencies
of their business demanded. Neither
of them have indulged in any private
outside investments or speculations,
the profits of which has resulted to his
own pecuniary benefit. Profit and
loss has been shared alike by them
all. Such unanimity of action is very
rarely to be met with, especially In
these modern days of "every man for
himself and the devil take the hind-
most," and is, therefore, jthe more
commendable. Although nominally
dissolved, at present, we are of the
opinion that after S. F. Leopold has re-
turned from his vacation in Europe the
old order of things will again prevail,
for, after such a lengthy and intimate
association, it will be difficult for
either of them to operate independent
of the rest, after such a practical veri-
fication of the truthfulness of the ad-
age on which they founded their busi-
ness existence, that "In union there is
strength." —
We also copy the following letter,
which, in our estimation, forms a part
of and belongs to the history of the
Leopold family. We understand that
the son of whose birth the writer of
the letter to the "Israelite" speaks,
was the first Jewish child born in
the northern region of Michigan:
"Chicago, July 18, 1863.
"Editor of The Israelite:
I have just now returned from
Lake Superior, where I have found all
my brothers and friends and the read-
ers of The Israelite and Deborah in
perfect good health. I cannot refrain
from giving you a little history of a
very noble act, the fruit of which in
hereby enclosed, being a draft for $30,
which you will please to appropriate
to the purpose for which it has been
destined, namely — at a Berith which
took place on a child of my brother at
his house in Hancock, Lake Superior.
After about forty participants had
done justice to a very luxurious din-
ner, with the permission of Mr. Hoff-
man of Cleveland, the operator, a mo-
tion was made that the saying of grace
386
THE. RSFORM ADVOCATED
should be sold, and the proceeds appro-
priated to some charitable purpose,
whereupon Brother Samuel made an
amendment that the proceeds should
be sent to Dr. Wise of Cincinnati, to
be appropriated by him for the monu-
ment to be erected for Dr. Rothen-
helm; the sheriff, Mr. Fechheimer, sec-
onded the motion, and the same was
unanimously carried. Brother A. F.
was the last bidder with $30, conse-
quently he was the lucky purchaser,
and bestowed the honor on your hum-
ble correspondent.
The act is worth imitating, and if
you think it worth mentioning you
may give it publicity in The Israelite
and Deborah.
"Yours truly,
"L. F. Leopold."
III.
A SKETCH OF THE CITV EDITOR
OF THE RECORD-HERALD.
HERMAN L. REIWITCH.
The careless wanderer through the
woods often suddenly reaches a garden
HERMAN L. REIWITCH.
spot in a clearing where his eye feasts
on nature's beauties, the dainty child-
ren of the forest, the laughing flowers
of the field. His refreshed eye discov-
ers in a rare retreat a budding rose
hidden among the foliage, diffidently
turning its princely petals to the light
and sunshine. Unconsciously its pow-
erful perfume attracts and pleases, and
the wanderer can hardly turn his gaze
away from its enchanting beauty.
Such a feeling of delight the writer
experienced when for the first time the
great pleasure was his to make the ac-
quaintance of the young man whose
name stands at the head of this arti-
cle. The rare intellectuality of the
man at once exercised its powerful at-
traction, making a pleasant impression,
and awakening regret at the parting.
Mr. Rei witch is a busy man; he is
the city editor of a great dally news-
paper in this metropolis .of the west,
yet, in the midst of all the noise and
bustle of a great newspaper office, he
finds a cordial greeting, a friendly
word and a pleasant smile for every-
body. This is a rare gift of tempera-
ment betokening a sweetness of the
soul, seldom granted by nature's boun-
ty to mental workers.
Mr. Reiwitch Is a self-made man in
the truest sense of the word, who rais-
ed himself to the honorable position he
now occupies by the strength of his
own will, by his daughty determina-
tion, by hard work, and constant appli-
cation, aided by many glorious gifts
of mind. He deserves to shine in wider
circles, but a diffident nature seems to
keep him confined within the sphere
of his activity and the limits of his
library.
By perusing "the fragments of his
life," as he called it, when he reluct-
antly related to us the few facts which
we have endeavored to join together,
the reader will at once feel that he is
becoming acquainted with the life of
a rising man.
Mr. Reiwitch was born December
25th, 1868, near Odessa, Russia. He
came to this country at the age of five
years. His father had preceded his
mother and this son of two or three
years. Reiwitch spent his boyhood in
New York city, and was compelled to
quit school at the age of eleven, for
he had to help feed the young mouths
who were making their appearance,
and who finally numbered four girls
and a boy. He came to Chicago at the
age of 14 and for a little while was an
A. D. T. messenger. He then found
a job in the Tribune office as office boy,
carrying "copy" from the editors to the
printers. This was the school where he
trained himself in journalism. A year
and a half later Mr. R. W. Patterson,
then managing editor of the paper,
urged him to try reporterial work. He
was shockingly young, almost a child,
but as he found himself in deep water
he resolved to swim. He was given a
start and put out in the street. He was
often sent to see people who couldn't
believe that the youngster who came to
interview them was really a reporter;
he was such a babyish looking boy.
One of his encounters was with the
jovial Bob Ingersoll, who was so im-
pressed by the courage of the young
stripling that he wound up by giving
him a good interview.
In 1886, when the eight-hour labor
troubles reached their height, he was
labor reporter for the Tribune, and the
duties of his post carried him through
the convulsions of that year in Chica-
go. He was a spectator In the "Black
Road" and "Haymarket Square riots,"
and he took part in the last act of the
tragedy, when he was assigned to the
hanging. Miscellaneous work followed
these assignments, including some
hard labor at the Johnstown flood, and
Louisville cyclone; then came police
work. For three years he was hidden
in this shadowy side of life, and he
thinks that this is perhaps the most
fascinating side of newspaper work for
one interested in sociology. He left
this work reluctantly to become copy-
reader, and after ten years of service
on the Tribune, he left to take a better
position on the Herald, now the Rec-
ord-Herald. After a year's service as
assistant editor he was made city edi-
tor, being then the most youthful city
editor Chicago had had. This was in
the fall of 1893, and he was then under
25 years of age. He has been there
ever since. His work is executive.
His personal tastes have run to pic-
torial art and music, neither of which
he has been able to indulge much. His
newspaper work having been too ex-
acting to permit any time for the culti-
vation of ornamental accomplishments.
He tried to attend night school at the
Art Institute, but had to abandon that
owing to lack of time. Still he did not
give up entirely his musical studies,
for which art he has quite a talent, and
he may be called an accomplished
musician.
Socially he is not very ambitious.
He prefers a quiet interchange of ideal
with unpretentious people. He is not
a club man, although he is one of the
old members of the Press Club.
His home life has the greatest fas-
cination for him; there his whole
pleasures are concentrated. There he
finds recreation, inspiration, invigorat-
ing entertainment and refreshing
amusement, in the company of four
sisters, good-natured, sensible and
keen-witted; in the love of a solicitous
mother and in the appreciation of a
witty father. These and a few good
friends are his paradise.
SOME WELL-KNOWN PHYSICIANS
. DR. ISAAC ARTHUR ABT.
Dr. Abt is a native of Illinois, and
was born in Wilmington. He is a son
DR. ISAAC ARTHUR ABT.
of Levi and Henrietta Abt of this city.
His early education was in the schools
of Chicago and in 1886 he entered
Johns Hopkins University, completing
his preliminary course in medicine in
1889. He graduated from the North-
western University Medical School in
1891, and was resident physician of
Michael Reese Hospital for eighteen
months subsequent to graduation, and
afterwards pursued a post-graduate
course in Vienna and Berlin.
Dr. Abt is professor of diseases of
children at the Northwestern Univer-
sity Woman's Medical school, Assist-
ant Clinical Professor for diseases of
THE REFORM ADVOCATE/
387
children at Rush Medical College, at-
tending physician, diseases of children,
in Michael Reese Hospital, Cook Coun-
ty Hospital, and Chicago Home for
Jewish Orphans, and consulting physi-
cian for diseases of children in the
Provident Hospital. His wife's maiden
name was Lena Rosenberg, and they
have one child living, Arthur Abt.
DR. EDWIN J. KUH.
Dr. Kuh was born in New York city,
June 20, 1858. His parents were Isaac
and Mathilde Kuh. He was educated in
DR. EDWIN J. KUH.
the public schools of New York, Swit-
zerland and in Germany, attending the
Universities of Heidelberg, Leipzig and
Vienna.
He is a member of a number of mu-
sical societies and author of many
valuable articles on medical topics. He
is a member of the Society for Ethical
Culture. He married Miss Jennie
Cahn of Chicago, and they have three .
children.
DR. EMANUEL FRIEND.
Dr. Friend was born in this city,
DR. EMANUEL FRIEND.
where he received his early education,
graduating from the High School and
Rush Medical College. Later he went
abroad, studying in Heidelberg, Berlin
and Vienna, completing his education.
Returning to Chicago he ibegan his
practice here, which has since become
very large and lucrative. The doctor
is the author of various medical papers
and is at present instructor in surgery
at Rush Medical College, attending sur-
geon to one department of Michael
Reese Hospital, and pathologist to the
Michael Reese Hospital, attending sur-
geon to the United Hebrew Charity
Dispensary, clinical assistant professor
of surgery at Rush Medical College,
and a member of various medical so-
cieties.
Dr. Friend is unmarried, and is a
son of Berman and 'Hannah Friend,
both living in Chicago. Although
a young man, he is known as one of
the city's prominent physicians.
SOME PROMINENT flEMBER OF
THE BAR.
questioned. He is an excellent public
speaker and deep thinker, and a man
whose council is always sought by his
JACOB NEWMAN.
SAMUEL ALSCHULER.
Mr. Alschuler was born in Chicago,
Nov. 20th, 1859. His parents, Jacob
and Karoline came from Grunstadt,
Bavaria, and when young Samuel was
but two years of age they removed to
Aurora, where he has lived ever since.
He received his early education in the
public schools of Aurora and when
still a young man became prominent in
public affairs. He was elected a mem-
ber of the legislature from his district
and made such a good and efficient rec-
ord that he was soon recognized as »a
leader in the lower house in this state.
He has been re-elected several times
and in the eyes of his constituents no
office is too good for him. He was cho-
sen by the Democratic party as their
nominee for Governor in the last Gu-
bernatorial election, making a most re-
markable run against overwhelming
odds. His popularity ran him many
thousand votes ahead of his ticket and
his defeat was only caused by the over-
whelming majority obtained by Presi-
dent McKinley in this state, which car-
ried the balance of the ticket with him.
Mr. Alschuler is a man of sterling
quality and his honesty has never been
HON. SAMUEL ALSCHULER.
party. He is a recognized leader of
the Democratic party in this state and
his friends and admirers are to be
found in every county of Illinois. He
recently associated himself with Mr.
Adolph Kraus, and this new law firm
witji the immense prestige of both of
these gentlemen, forms one of the
strongest law firms in Chicago. Mr.
Alschuler still retains his residence in
Aurora, coming to and fro every day.
He is still a young man and a great
future is predicted for him.
ISRAEL COWEN.
Israel Cowen was born in Houston,
Texas, December 12, 1861. He received
his early education in the public
schools of Texas and completed his
education in Germany. On his return
he commenced the study of law in Den-
ver, Colo., coming to Chicago later, and
continuing the study at Union College
of Law. 'He graduated therefrom In
1881 when 20 years of age. Studied
code practice in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
ISRAEL COWEN.
until he reached his majority; then re-
turned to Chicago and was admitted to
the bar, January 4th, 1882. He was
388
Turn REFORM ADVOCATE!
appointed master in chancery of the
Superior Court of Cook county, Illi-
nois, and served in that capacity from
May, 1896, until March, 1899. He was
the Democratic nominee for judge of
the Superior Court of Cook county at
the election held November 6th, 1900.
He has been identified prominently
in B'nai B'rith circles, being a past
president of District No. 6, and a dele-
gate to the Constitutional Grand Lodge
of the Order for the last twelve years.
He instituted the intellectual advance-
ment feature of District No. 6, and has
been chairman of the committee on in-
tellectual advancement of said district
for the last 11 years.
Mr. Cowen has been closely identified
with Jewish interests. Is secretary of
K. A. M. and is a member of the Board
of Delegates on Civil and Religious
Rights of the Union of American He-
brew Congregations. Has been a mem-
ber of the executive committee of the
Sabbath School Union of America and
of the Jewish Chautauqua Society. He
was also a member of the executive
committee in aid of Russian refugees,
at the time the society was in exist-
ence, and of the Roumanian Aid So-
ciety. Is now a member of the Board
of Directors of the Home for Aged
Jews of Chicago, and also of the Or-
thodox Home for Aged Jews, now be-
ing projected, and of the Jewish Agri-
culturists' Aid Society.
Mr. Cowen was married to Miss Al-
ma Desenberg of Kalamazoo, Mich.,
March 15th, 1897, and has one child.
Though yet a young mail, he has given
much attention and time to charitable,
Jewish and public affairs. He Is a
member of the Lakeside Club, the Sun-
set Club and the Iroquois Club.
ANDREW JACKSON HIRSCHL
Is a native of Iowa. His father was
Samuel Hirschl. The ancestral home
of the Hirschl family was Bohemia;
one branch of the family removed to
Hungary and another branch to Han-
over, Germany, and subsequently from
there to England. The celebrated Sir
William Herschl was of this branch of
the family.
Samuel Hirschl, the father of the
subject of this sketch, went to Hun-
gary and married Theresa Kohn, a na-
tive of Vienna. When the political
agitations began in Hungary they em-
igrated to the United States, settling
at Davenport, Iowa, where Andrew J.
was born.
A. J. Hirschl received his academic
education at Griswold College, Iowa,
and later the full course at Amherst,
taking the Bachelor of Arts degree.
His legal education was obtained at
the Iowa State University. He prac-
ticed law for a tintfe in his native city,
Davenport. In 1891 he" came to Chi-
cago and associated himself with the
now well-known firm of Rosenthal,
Kurtz & Hirschl.
Mr. Hirschl Is the author of "Consol-
idation of Corporations." While a res-
ident of Iowa he held a lecture chair in
the Law Department of the Iowa State
University. After coming to Chicago
in 1891 he assumed a like responsibility
ANDREW JACKSON HIRSHL.
in the Chicago College of Law, which
position he still holds. Mr. Hirschl
is classed among Chicago's ablest law-
yers. He is a Republican in politics,
and always a worker for his party, but
has never held public office. Lately
he has been much talked of for a judge
of the Superior Court.
Mr. Hirschl has an interesting fam-
ily, consisting of wife, daughter and
two sons.
MR. ELI B. FELSENTHAL. .
The subject of this sketch is a speci-
men of the native Chicagoan, having
first seen the light of day July 14, 1858,
in the "windy city." His father, Her-
man Felsenthal, came to this city in
the early fifties, and his mother, then
Miss Gertrude Hyman, a year or two
later. He attended the public schools
of Chicago, later becoming a student
in the old University of Chicago, grad-
uating with the degree of B. A. in 1878.
After a further course of two years at
the Union College of Law, he received
his sheepskin, together with the Hor-
gaged in the practice of law and to-
day his name appears high up in the
list of prominent attorneys. He is a
member of Sinai Congregation, of the
Union League, Hamilton and Stand-
ard Clubs, and has been one of the
board of trustees of the University of
Chicago since its inception. He is a
liberal contributor to our Associated
Jewish Charities and has always taken
a keen and active interest in public af-
fairs and politics.
Mr. Felsenthal married Miss Gold-
smith of New York in 1883 and five
children, Agatha, Edward, Gertrude,
Herman and Robert, tend to make
their home life serene and happy.
MR. JAMES ROSENTHAL.
Mr. Rosenthal is a native of Chicago,
where he was born on April 10th, 1859.
Here he attended the public schools,
and after graduating from the Western
Division High School, he went to New
Haven to finish his education at Yale.
He chose law as his profession, in
which he has been engaged since 1885.
He -was a member of the Board of Edu-
cation, one of the organizers of the
Y. M. Hebrew Charity Association and
ELI B. FELSENTHAL.
ton prize for the best thesis — his sub-
ject being "Limited Partnerships."
Since then he has been constantly en-
JAMES ROSENTHAL.
its first Secretary. He is a member of
Hamilton and Sunset Clubs, and of
the Citizens' Association. He married
Miss Emma Friedman, a Chicago girl
of high attainments.
MAX PAM.
Mr. Pam was born in 1865 in Tep-
letz, Bohemia, which is the ancestral
home of his parents, Alexander and;
Cecelia Oesterreicher Pam. He came to
Chicago when still a boy and received
his early education in this city. He
chose law as his profession, passing
the bar examination at the head of his
class. He has since attained a promi-
nent position in the legal world, at-
tracting public notice by his ability,
which has earned for him a very high
standing. He is attorney for some of
the largest corporations in this coun-
try and has engineered the amalgama-
tion of some of the large trusts recent-
ly formed. Mr. Pam finds little time-
for social duties, and while not active-
ly identified with charity institutions,.
THIS REFORM
389
he is always ready to contribute liber-
ally and give such of his time as he
can spare for this kind of work. He
MAX PAM.
is stHl a young man and is destined to
become one of the shining lights of his
profession.
MR. JOSEPH WEISSENBACH.
Chicago is the place where Mr. Weis-
senbach first saw the light of day.
He was born April 18, 1875. He
was educated at the grammar school
and at the West Division High School,
afterwards studying law at the Chicago
College of Law and at the office of
Chytraus & Deneen, the senior member
of which firm is now judge of the Su-
perior Court of Cook County and the
junior member the present States At-
torney of the same county. On Decem-
ber 7, 1896, Mr. Weissenbach was ap-
pointed Assistant States Attorney un-
der Mr. Charles Deneen and this office
he filled very creditably until Decem-
ber 31, 1900, when he resigned and
formed a co-partnership with Willard
M. McEwen, who was Chief Assistant
States Attorney under Mr. Deneen.
Mr. Weissenbach is the author of a
work entitled "Crimes and Litigations
Jewish Training School of Chicago.
He was Financial Secretary and is now
Director of the Lakeside Club. On
February 11, 1901, he married Miss
Minnie Klein of Chicago. Mr. Weissen-
bach is a member of the Masonic Or-
der, of the Elks, B'nai B'rith, K. of P.,
D. O. K. K., and Royal League.
In all of these organizations as well
as in his profession, he has gained for
himself an excellent standing, and al-
though young in years, he has already
won the respect and confidence of a
large number of admirers and friends.
ARCHITECTS.
DANKMAR ADLER.
Dankmar Adler was born at Langs-
feld, in Saxe-Weimar, on July 3, 1844,
and arrived in this country ten years
later with his parents, who settled in
Detroit. In 1859 he came to Chicago,
where were spent the active years of
his life. His death, which occurred on
April 16, 1900, was due to a
stroke of apoplexy, which came
upon him about ten days pre-
vious, and which was the first
JOS. WEISSENBACH.
of the Russian Jew In the United
States." He is a member of Sinai and
Isaiah Congregations, Secretary of the
DANKMAR ADLER.
serious illness of his life. He
began his professional career in the
office of E. Willard Smith in Detroit.
After serving with the First Illinois
until the close of the war, he returned
to Chicago and entered the office of O.
S. Kinney.and at the latter's death took
charge of the office, with A. J. Kinney,
a son. In January, 1871, he formed a
partnership with Edward Burling, and
the firm designed many buildings
erected immediately after the flre.
Among these structures were the old
First National Bank, the Tribune
building, Grace Methodist Church,
Sinai Temple, Borden block, Marine
Bank, Kingsbury, Manierre, Dickey,
and Ogden buildings.
Separating from Mr. Burling in 1879,
Mr. Adler practiced alone until 1882,
when he formed a partnership with
Mr. Louis H. Sullivan, under the firm
name of Adler & Sullivan. It was during
the existence of this firm, which ended
in 1895, that his most important work
was done. Among the prominent
buildings which they designed were
the Chicago Stock Exchange, the Schil-
ler and the Auditorium in Chicago, and
the Union Trust, the Wainwright
buildings, and the Saint Nicholas Ho-
tel in St. Louis. Among other struc-
tures with which Mr. Adler was con-
nected were the warehouses of the Chi-
cago Dock Company on Taylor street,
the Pueblo (Colo.) Opera House, which
was the first large theater in which no
columns were used to support the gal-
lery, the postoffice and Dooley block at
Salt Lake City, the Standard clubhouse
in Chicago, and the synagogues of Si-
nai, Zion, Anshe Maariv and Isaiah
Congregations. He was connected with
either the erection or remodeling of
all but two of the downtown theaters
in Chicago, was consulting architect in
connection with the Carnegie Music
Hall in New York, and was architect
to the Republican national committee
in connection with the last three con-
vention halls. During the past few
years he had been associated with his
son, Mr. A. K. Adler.
Mr. Adler was a fellow of the Amer-
ican Institute of Architects and was a
member of the Illinois Chapter, A. I.
A., and of the Chicago Architects'
Business Association. At various times
he had been president of the Western
Association of Architects, of the Illi-
nois Board of Examiners of Architects,
of the Illinois Chapter, A. I. A., sec-
retary of the American Institute of
Architects, and a member of the board
of architects of the World's Fair. Mr.
Adler contributed from time to time
to the leading architectural and en-
gineering journals and at the time of
his death had in preparation an article
on the construction of theaters for the
new architectural encyclopedia which
the MacMillan Company is about to
publish.
SIMEON B. EISENDRATH.
Simeon B. Eisendrath, the well-
known architect, was born in Chicago
In 1868. He received his early edu-
cation in his native city.
SIMEON B. EISENDRATH.
While a student of the High School
he was elected by the teachers to re-
ceive the honorary scholarship of a
390
THE REFORM ADVOCATE/
full course at the Chicago Manual
Training School.
After two years' attendance at the
latter institution he entered the Mas-
sachusetts Institute of Technology at
Boston, where he took the course In
architecture. He then returned to
Chicago and spent fwo years in the
office of the leading architects of the
city, Messrs. Adler & Sullivan.
In 1890 he opened an office and be-
gan the practice of architecture, and
in a few years he built up an extensive
business, becoming quite prominent in
his profession. During the first years
of his Independent practice he had
erected a number of buildings in Chi-
cago and neighboring cities.
In the first year of his practice Mr.
Eisendrath was engaged as an expert
by the county, rendering valuable as-
sistance in the successful prosecution
of Cook county's famous "boodle case,
in which fraudulent contracts in con-
nection with Cook county building op-
erations were exposed, saving the
county many thousands of dollars.
In 1889 Mr. Eisendrath was appoint-
ed lecturer in the architectural branch-
es in the Chicago Evening High
Schools, which position he retained un-
til 1893, when, owing to the increase
of his private business he was obliged
to decline reappointment. He built
the Michael Reese Training School for
Nurses, Michael Reese Hospital annex
for women and children, the Home for
Aged Jews, and the Chicago Home for
Jewish Orphans, gaining by the suc-
cessful completion of these buildings
the high acknowledgement of the lead-
ers of said institutions.
Among the structures of a private
nature, designed and erected by Mr.
Eisendrath, are a number of apartment
•buildings, private residences, etc. The
most important of which are "St. Ger-
maine," the "Lee," and the ten-story
fireproof office touifding known as the
"Plymouth."
In the year 1893 Mr. Eisendrath was
appointed by the Mayor of Chicago as
commissioner of buildings.
As the head of the building depart-
ment of Chicago Mr. Eisendrath in-
stituted many practical and important
reforms.
In 1894 he resigned his office as
Building Commissioner on account of
the pressure of private business. " The
press of Chicago commented editorially
very favorably on the services which
he rendered to the city and expressed
their regret at his resignation, stating
that the city loses an honest and capa-
ble official.
ARCHITECT HENRY L. OTTEN-
HEIMER.
Mr. Ottenheimer was born in Chi-
cago, Nov. 10, 1868, and the names of
his parents are Leopold and Lena Ot-
tenheimer. He was educated in his
native city and chose architecture as
his profession. For five years, from
1884 to 1889, he worked at the office of
Adlor & Sullivan, the celebrated Chi-
cago architects, and then he spent
three years at Paris, France, in dili-
gent studies of the works of the
world's famous masters. Mr. Otten-
heimer has been practicing his profes-
sion in Chicago since 1893, and was
connected with the Designing Depart-
ment of the World's Columbian Ex-
position as assistant to Mr. Charles B.
Atwood. During the time he was with
Messrs Adler & Sullivan, he worked on
the drawings for the Auditorium build-
ing, the Standard Club, the Sinai Tem-
ple, and other prominent buildings.
During his own practice in Chicago he
has erected residences for the follow-
ing: James E. Greenebaum, Leon
Hartman, Herman Oberndorf, Charles
Yondorf, Dr. Zeisler, Moses E. Greene-
baum, Robert Hart, C. Samuels, S. F.
Leopold, Jacob Straus (Ligonier, Ind.),
George Frank, Sol Wedeles, L. S. Loeb
(Duluth, Minn.), and Levi Windmuel-
ler. Apartment buildings for the fol-
lowing: Simeon Straus, Sol Wedeles
and Dr. Jacob Frank. Business build-
ings and factories for the following:
Steele, Wedeles & Co., Adler & Obern-
dorf, Gretman & Co., and W. N. Eisen-
drath and the following public build-
ings: St. Martin's church, St. Boniface
school, Town of Whiting school, Doug-
las Hotel (Houghton, Mich.), postoffice
building, (Houghton, Mich.), St. Pet-
er's church (Niles Center, Mich.), St.
Paul's School House.
Mr. Ottenheimer is an active mem-
world, she heard little Fannie Bloom-
field play and pronounced her a pian-
istic genius and advised her parents
to send her to Leschetizky, which ad-
HENRY L. OTTENHEIMER.
ber of the Y. M. Hebrew Charity Asso-
ciation, also a member of Sinai congre-
gation.
MUSICAL ARITStS.
FANNIE BLOOMFIELD ZEISLER.
Fannie Bloomfleld Zeisler was born
in Bielitz, in Austrian Silesia, and
came to this country with her parents
when she was less than two years of
age. Her musical talent showed itself
when she was about six years old, and
several years thereafter she fell under
the notice of that enthusiastic mu-
sician. Carl Wolfsohn, of whom she
received instruction until she went to
Europe in 1877. When Madam Essi-
poff, the great pianist, toured the
FANNIE BLOOMFIELD ZEISLER.
vice was followed, and in the summer
of 1878 she went to Vienna, where for
five consecutive years she studied un-
der this great master. In the fall of
1883 she returned to America and soon
began public playing in this country.
Up to the spring of 1893 shs appeared
on the concert stage every winter, and
has frequently been the soloist of all
the prominent orchestra organizations
in this country. Everywhere and al-
ways she was pronounced a pianist of
extraordinary attainments, but not be-
ing satisfied with the position assigned
to her by the American critics, she
went to Europe in the fall of 1893 and
appeared at Berlin, Vienna, Leipsic,
Dresden and other German cities, and
was in all those places recognized by
the press and public alike as the great-
est of woman pianists, and as one of
the greatest pianists of either sex, and
of all times. She was engaged for a
tour all over Europe through the win-
ter of 1894 and 1895, everywhere car-
rying away her audiences and winning
triumph upon triumph. In 1895 she
returned to this country, playing in
all of the large American cities, giv-
ing eight concerts in San Francisco,
each surpassing its predecessor in
point of popularity and the enthusiasm
of the audiences.
In the spring of 1898 Mrs. Zeisler
went to England and completely cap-
tivated the London public in a series
of recitals. While there she was ac-
corded the honor of an invitation to
be the piano soloist at the annual
Lower Rhine Musical Festival, which
took place at Cologne May 29-31st, 1898.
Playing there before the most critical
audience in the world, in the presence
of the most celebrated musicians and
critics of all Europe, she won a most
singular triumph and was unanimously
declared to be one of the world's
greatest pianists. While her technique
is well nigh perfect, she always subor-
dinates it to, and makes it only a
means of musical expression. She
REFORM ADVOCATE.!
391
seems to be able to enter into the
spirit of all composers alike. She has
withal a great individuality and makes
all performances new creations rather
than recreations of the compositions
she plays. She has often been com-
pared to Rubenstein, who was a great
admirer of her art. Many critics have
called her the "Sarah Bernhardt of the
piano," referring to the temperamental
side of her artistic career. Mrs. Zeis-
ler's home is on the North Side, in this
city, where she has a high social po-
sition. She is an honored member of
the Chicago Women's Club and of the
Amateur Club of Chicago. She is mar-
ried to Mr. Sigmund Zeisler,.a promi-
nent lawyer and citizen of Chicago,
and their union has been blessed by
•three sons.
EMIL LIEBLING.
Mr. Liebling is acknowledged to be
one of Chicago's greatest pianists and
instructors. He has appeared in pub-
lic many times, winning the highest
praise from tooth press and public. In
referring to a concerto, played by Mr.
Liebling as soloist for the Chicago Or-
chestra, the Times-Herald makes the
following statement in its columns:
"Inspired by the occasion and moved
by the remarkable consequence of the
work, Mr. Liebling surpassed himself
in a performance full of solid schol-
arship and excellent interpretation. His
fine effort was rewarded by spontane-
ous outbursts of applause, intended no
dou'bt to express admiration both for
the composition and the performance."
The Chicago Tribune, commenting
on Mr. Liebling's playing at the second
concert of the Mendelssohn Club last
season, refers to him as follows: "Mr.
Liebling achieved really spontaneous
success in Moszkowski's E major, con-
certo opus 59, which received its ini-
tial American performance .upon this
occasion. Mr. Liebling's performance
was of a decidedly brilliant order, and
he acquitted himself in an admirable
EMIL LIEBLING.
fashion, giving the scintillating beau-
ties of the scheroz with technical deli-
c-cy and musical charm." We could
go on quoting from all of the great
dailies of this city and the acknowl-
edged musical journals of the country,
all of which have sung the praise of
Mr. Liebling's success as a performer.
The numerous pupils who under his
instruction and guidance have become
known for the excellence of their work
is also a tribute to Mr. Liebling, which
places him in the front rank of piano
teachers in the West.
IV.
BUSINESS nEN PAST AND PRES-
ENT.
HENRY I1 3RNER.
Mr. Homer was b-jrn in Bohemia in
1819, and came to Chicago when this
city was still in its infancy, in 1847.
He was the founder of the present
wholesale grocery house of Henry
Homer & Co., which is the oldest
known member of society. His son,
Maurice L., Jr., was the little fellow
who proved himself a hero in the fire
\
HENRY HORNER.
business of its kind in Chicago. He
was also one of the founders of K. A.
M., of which he was one of the early
presidents. He was a man of consid-
erable intellect, a deep thinker and a
man of recognized business ability
Mr. Homer exerted great influence il
early congregational life and also man-
ifested much interest in charity work.
His wife's name was Hannah Dem-
burg and eleven children were born to
them — Dila, Levy, Joseph, Isaac, Angel,
Mrs. Minnie Yondorf, Charles, Maurice
L., Mrs. Dora Yondorf, Harry, Albert
and Mrs. Mattie Strauss. Mr. Horner
died in this city in 1879 after an hon-
orable career of sixty years.
MAURICE L. HORNER.
Mr. Horner is a son of Henry and
Hannah Horner and was born in this
city in 1863, attending the private and
public schools of his native city. He
has been identified with the wholesale
grocery house of Henry Horner & Co.
since he was a young man and assumed
the management of this extensive es-
tablishment in 1893. He is the In-
ventor of the bicycle package holder,
and in the business world has attained
a position of prominence. Mr. Hor-
ner is a member of K. A. M., and is
a director of the Working Women's
Home Association, and is also a mem-
ber of the Standard Club and a well
MAURICE L. HORNER.
in his father's residence, March 6, of
this year, jumping out of the second-
story window and afterwards returning
to the burning building and saving his
nurse. He is but 8 years of age and
this daring deed attracted considerable
notice in the public press.
ISAAC H. HORNER.
Mr. Horner is also one of the sons
of- Hannah and Henry Horner, and is
also identified with the grocery house
of Henry Horner & Co. He was born
in this city in 1855, and received his
education in the public schools of Chi-
cago, later attending college. He is a
member of K. A. M., and is an ex-direc-
tor of the Standard Club. Mr. Horner
has taken considerable interest in pub-
lic life and was alderman of the Sec-
ISAAC H. HORNER.
ond ward for four years, during which
time he made a very creditable record.
MR. FREDERICK W. STRAUS.
Mr. Straus was born in Laufersweil-
er, Germany, Feb. 28th, 1833, and came
to America in 1849. He settled in Lig-
onier, Ind., where he was first engaged
in mercantile lines and afterwards
opened a bank, which he conducted
392
THK REFORM ADVOCATE.
for many years, enjoying the full con-
fidence of the public. He organized the
Jewish Congregation, holding the office
FREDERICK W. STRAUS.
of president for thirty years. The cit-
izens of the city and county honored
him many times by electing him to
public offices of trust, in which he al-
ways served with honor and credit.
In 1883 he removed to Chicago and
engaged in the mortgage loan business.
He was in this, as in his previous un-
dertakings, very successful. He joined
the Sinai Congregation and at once
took an active interest in the Jewish
charities. Mr. Straus married Miss
Madelon Goldsmith and their union
was blessed with nine children — Mrs.
S. H. Regensburg, Mrs. Max Living-
ston, Mrs. M. J. Spiegel, Hattie, Simon
W., Samuel J. T., and Arthur W.
Straus surviving him.
Mr. Straus died on Feb. 9, 1898, and
his two sons, S. W. and S. J. T. Straus,
succeeded him in the mortgage bank-
ing business. His widow lives in Chi-
cago, surrounded by her loving family.
MR. MAX ELLBOGEN.
Mr. Ellbogen was born in Austria in
MAX ELLBOGEN.
1846 and was educated in his native
country. His parents were Joachim
and Esther (Fischer) Ellbogen. At the
age of 17, in 1863, he came to America
and settled in Chicago. He first found
employment with Mr. B. Berlizheimer
in the dry goods line, then with Man-
del Bros, and S. Klein. In this line he
remained until 1868, and then entered
the wholesale jewelry establishment of
Mr. John Kahn & Bro. as traveling
salesman. In 1872, at the death of
John Kahn, went to Wendell & Hy-
man. In 1877 formed co-partnership
with Mr. Sigmund Stein, a fellow-
salesman, and the wholesale jewelry
house of Stein & Ell'bogen soon gained
a high standing in the commercial
world. Several years ago the business
was incorporated and Mr. Ellbogen
was chosen president of the corpora-
tion, a position which he still holds.
Mr. Ellbogen makes frequent trips to
London, Paris and Amsterdam to pur-
chase stock, has become an excellent
judge of gems, and the diamond cut-
ting plant of the Stein & Ellbogen
company is now the largest west of
New York. Mr. Ellbogen is vice pres-
ident of the Jewelers' Association of
Chicago.
He is a member of Sinai Congrega-
tion and the Lakeside Club. He is a
liberal contributor to the charities and
every good and beneficial undertaking
by the community is sure of his en-
couragement and support. He married
Miss Leah Eisendrath, a Chicago girl
of high attainments, and they have six
children, Harriet, David, Celia, Albert,
Margaritt and Charles.
MR. HERMAN FELSENTHAL.
The life of Herman Felsenthal fur-
nishes a noteworthy example of the in-
fluence for good that may be wielded
in a community like ours by a single
man of force and earnestness, more es-
pecially when to these qualities are
added the advantages of a broad and
liberal education.
Mr. Felsenthal was born in Offen-
bach, Germany, May 19, 1835, and came
to America in 1852, at the age of 17
years, finishing his education at the
German Gymnasium at Rochester, New
York. His parents were Benjamin and
Agatha Felsenthal.
He -arrived in Chicago in 1854 and
shortly thereafter embarked in the
commission business, his venture met
with success, and a few years later he
formed a co-partnership with Mr.
Charles Kosminski in the banking
business. This enterprise was also suc-
cessful, and the bank prospered for
many years. When this partnership
dissolved, Mr. Felsenthal established
The Bank of Commerce, of which he
became president and in which capa-
city he served until shortly before his
death. Under his guidance, the insti-
tution weathered many financial
storms, including the panic of 1893. In
1898 the business of The Bank of Com-
merce was merged in that of the Union
National Bank, which institution has
in turn been absorbed by the First Na-
tional Bank.
Mr. Felsenthal was a member of
Sinai Congregation and for many years
its- secretary. He was an active mem-
ber of Raman Lodge, I. O. B. B., and a
leader in B'nai B'rith circles. He was
past president of District Grand Lodge,
No. 6, of this order and one of the
founders of Covenant Culture Club, of
which he was president at the time of
his death. He was trustee of the He-
brew Relief Association for two years,
from October, 1883, to 1885, and was
at one time a member of the Board of
Education of this city. During his
membership of this board he was in-
strumental in introducing the study of
German in the Chicago public schools.
He was always deeply interested in the
cause of education, and at various
times endeavored to establish a Jew-
ish high school in our city. The Board
of Education of this city has recently
honored him by naming the school now
in course of erection^ at the corner of
Forty-first and Calumet avenue "The
Herman Felsenthal Shool."
His marriage to Miss Gertrude Hy-
man occurred in 1853, the result of the
union being two sons and seven daugh-
ters— viz., Eli B., Herbert S., Leah
(wife of Benjamin Bissinger), Judith
(wife of Samuel J. Kline), Flora (wife
of P. R. Newhouse), Hannah (wife of
Rabbi Jos. Leiser, now at Sioux City,
la.), Emily (wife of Max W. Pottlitzer,
LaFayette, Ind.), Rose and Mathilda,
unmarried.
The death of Mr. Felsenthal occurred
on September 3, 1899, but the memory
of his worth and his deeds will contin-
ue to abide in the hearts of our Jewish
fellow citizens.
SOLOMON KARPEN.
Mr. Karpen was born in Wongro-
witz, Prussia, in 1858. His father was
Moritz Karpen and his mother Jo-
hanna (Kohn) Karpen. Solomon Kar-
pen came to America when 13 years of
age, landing in Chicago late in 1871,
just after the great fire. He began the
manufacture of upholstered furniture
in a basement on Milwaukee avenue
SOLOMON KARPEN.
the following spring with one helper.
From this small beginning has grown
the present great firm of S. Karpen &
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
393
Bros., who are the largest manufac-
turers of upholstered furniture in the
United States. The industry employs
700 factory hands, and its goods find
a market in all parts of the world.
Mr. Karpen resides on the North
Side, and is a member of the North
Chicago Hebrew Congregation; also of
the Ideal Club. He is one of the most
liberal contributors to the Associated
Jewish Charities, and equally liberal in
all other charitable affairs. He, with
his brothers, has built up a great in-
dustry, and are rated among Chicago's
leading business men.
MR. AARON E. NUSBAUM.
Mr. Nusbaum was born in New York
city in 1861. His parents, Emanuel
and Regina (Sternberg) Nusbaum
came to America from Germany. He
received an academic education in the
State of New York and then chose a
mercantile career. He moved with his
parents to Plattsfield, N.Y., where they
resided for a number of years, doing a
prosperous business. In 1881 they
moved to Chicago, where they opened
a wholesale furnishing goods establish-
ment, and Mr. Aaron Nusbaum was a
member of the firm. He is now treas-
urer and general manager of the cele-
brated mail order house of Sears, Roe-
buck & Co., where 2,500 people find
employment. Mr. Nusbaum is a mem-
ber of Sinai Congregation, of the
Standard Club and of the Associated
Jewish Charities. He married Miss
its treasurer. He is an active member
of the Associated Charities, and has
been a director of the Jewish Training
School.
He married Miss Rose Loewenstein,
' AARON E. NUSBAUM.
Lottie Rosenfield and their union is
blessed with a son, Edward A.
WILLIAM NATHAN EISENDRATH
Vice-President of the American Hide
and Leather Co., is a native Chicagoan.
He was born Dec. 5, 1853. His father,
Nathan Eisendrath, now a retired capi-
talist, is a pioneer and one of Chica-
go's most respected citizens.
William was educated at the public
schools and a college preparatory
school in this city, from which he went
to Brussels to finish his education.
Mr. Eisendrath has been a member
of Sinai Congregation for the past sev-
enteen years. For two years he was
WM. N. EISENDRATH.
an accomplished Chicago girl. Five
children have been born to them, three
of whom are living, Carl, Edwin and
Marion.
JOSEPH BEIFELD.
Joseph Beifeld, one of our best
known cloak manufacturers, was born
in Hungary in 1853. He came to
America and settled in Chicago in
1867. Here he went for one year to
the grammar school, then he took a
position as clerk with O. L. American,
where he remained until 1869. In that
year he entered the employ of Field,
Leiter & Co., the predecessors of
Marshall Field & Co., remaining with
them until 1878. Then he went into
business for himself. He is a bright
and smart business man and succeed-
ed in building up an extensive busi-
ness, which is favorably known
throughout the country. He takes a
warm interest in the charities and
served as vice-president, and for a
time as president, of the Russian Ref-
ugee Society, where his business tact
and general ability were of inestima-
ble service.
Mr. Beifeld has married a Chicago
girl, owns a beautiful home, and is the
father of an Interesting family.
. JACOB SCHRAM.
Mr. Schram was born in Milwaukee
in 1846, and came to this country when
a boy. He attended the public schools
here. He had been in the manufac-
turing business for years and has met
with considerable success. His parents
were Samuel and Babette Schoen of
Schram, whose ancestral home was in
Austria. Mr. Schram was the first pu-
pil who attended the Anshe Maariv
school in 1851, and has been connected
with congregational and charitable
work all his life. He has been presi-
dent of Zion Congregation for ten •
years and an officer of the same for 25
years. Mr. Schram has always taken
an active interest in public affairs and
has served as president of the sechool
board. He is a man of intellect and
while burdened by the cares of busi-
ness life he always finds time to devote
to charitable work. He married
Esther Heller, and they have five child-
ren living. Mr. Schram is a living pro-
test against the charge that Jews are
only in the clothing business, as he
was one of the first to begin the manu-
facturing of picture frames, moldings,
etc. From the success he has achieved
it can easily be seen that there are
other vocations than clothing in which
the Jews are successful.
He will also contribute a number of
articles to the Jewish Encyclopedia,
now in course of publication.
MR. WILLIAM LEHMAN.
Mr. Lehman was born in Bavaria,
Germany, in 1856. His parents' names
are Henry and Louise Lehman. He
was educated in his native country. In
1871 he came to America and settled
first in New York, then in Kansas. He
moved to Chicago in 1891, and is now
President of the Gage Down Company,
manufacturers of corsets. Mr. Lehman
is a member of Sinai Congregation of
the Associated Jewish Charities,
and of the Standard Club. He married
Miss Hattie Bing, and their happy
home is brightened by two children,
Louise and Bruce. „
A. D. NAST.
Mr. Nast is one of the youngest
members of the New York Stock Ex-
A. D. NAST.
change, and is a shining example of
what an energetic and enterprising
young American is capable of. He was
born in Milwaukee 29 years ago, and
attended the schools of that city, later
pursuing an academic course at the
University of Wisconsin and Cornell
394
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
College. He became identified with
Hayden Stone & Co., stock brokers of
Boston, in which firm he worked up an
extensive business in copper stocks.
With untiring energy he rapidly forged
to the front and formed a co-partner-
ship with his brother, Mr. Samuel Nast
under the firm name of A. D. Nast and
Co. They purchased memberships in
the New York and Chicago Stock Ex-
changes, and are given credit for doing
the most extensive business in copper
stocks in Chicago. Their New York
and local business has increased in
large proportions and they are today
one of the most successful young firms
in the city. Mr. Nast is a son»of Dan-
iel and Esther Nast, is prominent so-
cially and is a member of the Standard
Club.
ISIDOR BAUMGARTL.
In the beautiful Hungarian city of
Pesth stood the cradle of Mr. Baum-
ISIDOR BAUMGARTL.
gartl. There he was iborn March 29,
1860. At the age of 11 years, October,
1871, he came to America and settled
in Chicago, when the city was still
smoldering after the big fire. He re-
ceived uis education partly in Chicago
public schools, later graduating from
the Dyrenfurth College. At the age of
17 he started his apprenticeship in
business with the firm of Joseph Stein
& Co., wholesale liquor dealers, and in
1S79, on the death of the senior mem-
ber, he was admitted to the firm, form-
ing the co-partnership of Stein &
Baumgartl. In 1882 a consolidation
was effected, with Adolph and Charles
Stein establishing the firm of Stein
Bros. & Baumgartl. The new venture
was highly successful. In 1889 he, to-
gether with his old associates, formed
the Calumet Distilling Co., and built
the distillery at New Chicago, a suburb
of this city, and founded a small vil-
lage surrounding the plant. The dis-
tillery was operated at its full capacity
by the firm until the Whisky Trust
purchased it in 1891. In October of
that year, again in company with his
old associates, he incorporated the
Monarch Brewing Co., erecting a large
plant at 21st street and Western ave-
nue. This was operated with such
success that, in 189.8, the plant was
purchased by an American syndicate,
and together with twelve other brew-
eries formed the United Breweries Co.
The syndicate induced him to accept
the management of the United Brew-
eries Co., and he was elected president
and general manager. He is still at the
head of this vast organization.
In 1900, again with his old associ-
ates, he incorporated the Art Wall Pa-
per Mills and erected a plant covering
an entire block opposite his old brew-
ery, and as president of the new en-
terprise he is bending his energies,
to make it the foremost wall paper
mill in the United States.
His vast interests, notwithstanding
he finds time to attend to charity work.
He was a member of the Board of Di-
rectors of Zion Congregation, and Is
now a member of Isaiah Congregation.
He is treasurer of the Associated Jew-
ish Charities and a member of the
Standard and Lakeside Clubs. He mar-
ried Miss Bertha Wilhartz of Chicago
and five children 'brighten their happy
home — Clara, Lily, Leroy, Olga and
Gertrude.
A. B. NEWMAN.
Abraham B. Newman was born in
Milwaukee, August 7, 1871, and is a
splendid type of America's progressive
and successful young men. He was
connected with the Northwestern Life
Insurance Co., of Milwaukee for some
years, and came to Chicago for that
company a little more than a year ago,
since which time he has achieved emi-
nent success and is today considered
one of the foremost insurance writers
in this state. This is certainly a brilliant
record for a young man. Mr. Newman
is well known socially and is a mem-
ber of the Standard Club and is also a
province and now belonging to the
German Empire. Emanuel Heyman
was educated in his native town and
A. B. NEWMAN.
liberal contributor to the Associated
Charities.
EMANUEL SYLVAIN HEYMAN.
Mr. Heyman was born in New Or-
leans, La., June 12th, 1855. His pa-
rents were Samuel and Julie Heyman,
who emigrated to America from Lor-
raine and Alsace, a former French
EMANUEL S. HEYMAN.
there he embarked in the mercantile
and life insurance business, winning
the sweet smiles of success. In 1879 he
came to Chicago. He is a member of
Sinai Congregation and of the Stand-
ard Club. Since 1892 he has been spe-
cial executive agent of the New York
Life Insurance Co., and his marked
business ability has placed him very
high in the estimation of his employ-
ers. For years he has led all other rep-
resentatives of the company through-
out the country in procuring personal
business. He married Miss Cora Feibel-
man, and two children add to the hap-
piness of their life — Madelaine Cora
and Dorothy Sylvain.
ISAAC KEJM.
Mr. Keim is the secretary- of the
Siegel, Cooper & Company corpora-
tion, and is now 41 years old. He was
born and educated in Chicago, and has
taken a prominent part In business,
social and charitable affairs. He is a
member of Sinai Congregation, a di-
rector of the Jewish Training School,
ISAAC KEIM.
and a member of the Standard and
Lakeside Clubs, having been treasurer
of the latter for three years. His wife
REFORM ADVOCATE.
395
was Miss Yetta Pfaelzer, and his pa-
rents Zacharias and Eva Keim. Three
children, Hazel, Melville and Edward
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Keim.
EMANUEL MANDEL.
Mr. Mandel was born in Kervenheim,
Bavaria, February 17, 1844. He came to
EMANUEL MANDEL.
this country when a boy of 13 years of
age. He received his early education in
this city, and has since achieved a re-
markable success as a merchant. He
is one of the firm of Mandel Bros., one
of the largest and most successful dry
goods stores in America. Mr. Mandel is
a member of the Standard and Iroquois
clubs, and is vice-president of the lat-
ter. He married Babette Frank and
they have three children, Frank E.,
Edwin F. and Mrs. Rose Louer.
OSCAR G. FOREMAN.
Mr. Oscar G. Foreman is a native of
Chicago, where he was born Novem-
ber 1, 1863. He here received his early
training and a Ifberal education. His
parents, Gerhard and Hannah (Greene-
baum) Foreman were well known in
OSCAR G. FOREMAN.
Jewish communities and were time-
honored citizens of Chicago.
Mr. Foreman is a member of Sinai
Congregation, of the Standard, Union
League, Iroquois and Bankers' Clubs
and the vice-president of the Chicago
Home for Jewish Orphans. He was
married September 28, 1893, to Miss
Fannie Mandel, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Leon Mandel, of Chicago, and
their union has been blessed with two
children, Gerhard and Madeline.
LOUIS BENJAMIN.
Louis Benjamin was born in St.
Louis in 1850. His parents, Jacob and
Janet Benjamin, are natives of Bava-
ria. They came to America in the
early forties and settled in St. Louis.
He was educated irfthe public schools
of St. Louis and New Orleans. Mr. Ben-
jamin chose a commercial occupation.
He began with the organization of the
Block-Pollak Iron Co., seventeen years
ago, and has been actively connected
with it to the present time. When tue
company was incorporated, seven
years ago, he became its secretary.
Mr. Benjamin is a director of Anshe
Maariv Congregation and active in all
charity work. "He married Miss Julia
Kattwitz. They have three children
living, one son and two daughters —
Sadie L., Blanche B., and Jack A.
Mr. Benjamin is a member of the
the office of recording secretary. He is
also a member of the Lakeside Club
and a contributing member of the Jew-
ish charities. He married Miss Hen-
LOUIS BENJAMIN.
Standard, Lakeside and Hamilton
Clubs.
ADOLPH J. SABATH, J. P.
Judge Sabath is a native of Bohemia
and was born in Zabor, April 4, 1866.
His parents were Joachim and Babette
Sabath. He came to Chicago in 1881
and has since acquired considerable
prominence in politics, and is at pres-
ent a justice of the peace. The Judge
is a member of B'nai Abraham Cong,
and the Lakeside Club. His record on
the bench has won for him the confi-
dence and-esteem of the bar of this
county.
JACOB NEWMAN, JR.
Mr. Newman was born In Dornmo-
schal, Rheinpfalz, in the year 1850.
His parents' names are Solomon and
Frederik Newman. In 1861 he came to
America and to Chicago in 1881.
He is a director of the Anshe Maariv
Congregation and also its financial sec-
retary, and for a number of years held
JACOB NEWMAN, JR.
rietta Bauland, and they have one son,
Harry B.
JACOB L. KESNER.
Mr. Kesner is a son of Louis J. and
Sarah, Kesner and was born Dec. 30,
1865, in London, England, coming to
America when he was but three years
of age. He attended the public schools
and in 1878 was employed as cash boy
in the Fair, since which time he has
been gradually promoted until in 1894
he was made general manager, a posi-
JACOB L. KESNER.
tion he now holds. He is a member
of Sinai Congregation and the Stand-
ard and Lakeside Clubs. Mr. Kesner
married Bettie Frohmann, and they
have one child living, Lucille.
MR. MORRIS SELZ.
Mr. Selz was born in Wuttenberg,
Germany, Oct. 2, 1826. His parents
were Jacob A. and Hannah Selz. He
came to America in 1845 and here he
followed different occupations. First
he clerked, then he worked in a mine,
and traded in various merchandise un-
til he came to Chicago and started in
96 '
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
the shoe business. He was the founder
of the firm of Selz, Schwab & Co., of
which he is the senior member. This
firm is known today as the largest
MORRIS SELZ.
manufacturers and wholesale dealers
in boots and shoes in the west. He is
a member of Sinai Congregation and
of the Standard Club and ex-president
of both institutions. He married Miss
Hannah Kohn and they have three
sons — J. Harry, Emanuel F., and A. K.
J. HARRY SELZ.
Born, raised and educated in Chica-
go, Mr. J. Harry Selz is a representa-
tive business man of the city. He is
a son of Morris and Rosa Frank Selz,
toth of whom are prominent members
•of the community.
Mr. Selz is identified with one of the
largest boot and shoe business houses
in America, being second Vice-Presi-
'dent of the corporation of Selz,
Schwab & Co., and he is also a direc-
tor of the Illinois Manufacturers' As-
sociation, Western Shoe Jobbers' As-
sociation and the Merchants' Associa-
tion of Chicago. He married Bertha
Austrian and has two children living —
Austin and Frank. In the social world,
Mr. Selz takes a prominent part, and
ISAAC HIRSCH.
Mr. Hirsch is a native of Chicago,
and is the son of Myer and Fannie
Hirsch. He is president of the Amer-
ican Cutlery Company, one of the
largest concerns of its kind in this
country, and has been with the com-
pany since he was 13 years of age.
Socially he is well known and is a
member of the Standard Club. Mr.
Hirsch contributes liberally to the
charities and takes much interest in
ISAAC HIRSCH.
congregational affairs, and is a mem-
ber of Isaiah Cong. He recently mar-
ried Florence Waixel.
JACOB N. STRAUSS.
The ancestral home of Mr. Strauss
is Bavaria, from whence came his pa-
rents, Nathan and Jeanette Strauss,
but he was born, raised and educated
in Chicago. As a business man he is
J. HARRY SELZ.
is a member of the Standard Club. He
is a member of Sinai Congregation and
a liberal contributor to the charities.
JACOB N. STRAUSS*.
well and favorably known, his voca-
tion for many years being the dry
goods business. Socially he has taken
a prominent part in club life, and it
was largely through his efforts, that
the new Lakeside Club building was
erected. He was president of the club
for four terms, his services adding
much to the most successful years of
tB* club. He is also a member of the
Standard Club, a director of K. A. M.,
and the Home for Aged Jews. Mr.
Strauss married Miss Laura Rosenberg,
and when business cares are not too
pressing, devotes much of his time to
social pleasure and charitable work, in
which he is always ready to assist.
MR. EMANUEL J. KOHN.
Mr. Emanuel J. Kohn is a son of
Joseph A. and Julia Kohn, and a
grandson of Abraham and Dorothy
Kohn, the founders of the prominent
Kohn family of Chicago. He was born
in Chicago, Dec. 23, 1864, and here
he was educated. He is a member of
the well known firm of Kohn Brothers,
manufacturers of clothing. He is a
director of Sinai Congregation and a
member of the Standard Club. He is
very active in charity work and a gen-
erous patron and supporter of benevo-
lent institutions. He is a member of
the Board of Directors of the United
Hebrew Charities, vice-chairman of
the Relief and Employment Bureau
and Secretary of West Side District.
Connected with this institution was
Financial Secretary of the Y. M. H.
EMANUEL J. KOHN.
Charity Association, and is a Trustee
of the National Jewish Hospital for
Consumptives of Denver, Col. He is
also Past Master of Chicago Lodge A.
F. & A. M.
JOSEPH A. KOHN.
Mr. Joseph A. Kohn, the subject of
this sketch, is a son of Mr. Abraham
and Dorothy. He was born in Yeben-
hausen, January 26, 1828, and came to
America in 1848. He is a member of
Congregation Anshe Maariv. He mar-
ried Miss Julia Levi, a Chicago girl,
daughter of Rev. Lipman Levi, who
was teacher and reader in the K. A. M.
congregation, and they have eight
children, Mrs. Cora Ederheimer, Mrs.
Jennie Kaiser, Mrs. Nellie Schwab-
acher, Mrs. Florence Cahn, Mrs. Maude
Spiegel, Mrs. Daisy Hahn, Emanuel J.,
and Albert W.
As Mr. Kohn is advancing in years
he is gradually withdrawing from
REFORM ADVOCATED
397
Business, leaving the vast interests of
the firm to the management of the
younger and stronger generation, who
JOS. A. KOHN.
are worthy descendents of worthy an-
cestors.
JOSEPH DEUT3CH.
Mr. Deutsch is a son of the Rev. Dr.
Solomon Deutsch and was born in Bal-
timore, Md. He received his education
in the schools of Hartford, Conn., and
since he attained his majority has been
In the printing and lithographing busi-
ness. His father, the late Rev. Dr.
Solomon Deutsch, was one of the most
prominent reformers in this country,
and was a colleague of Einhorn.Hirsch,
Wise and other prominent reformers.
JOS. DEUTSCH.
Mr. Joseph Deutsch has been particu-
larly prominent in the Masonic Order,
having taken all of the degrees in the
various chapters. He is president of
Edwards, Deutsch & Heitmann, litho-
graphers of this city, and is married
to Anna Christiana Gressinger.
COL. MARTIN EMERICH.
Martin Emerich was born in the city
of Baltimore, Maryland, in 1847. His
parents were Phillip and Rachel Em-
erich. He was educated at the public
schools in his native city. He served
(or four years on the staff of Gov.
Hamilton with the rank of colonel and
took an official part in the centennial
celebration of the battle of Yorktown.
He also served for four years on the
staff of Gov. Jackson.
He is an ex-president of the Phoenix
Club and a member of the Standard
Club.
In Chicago he was a county com-
missioner in 1892-1893, serving as
chairman of the finance committee.
For the past seven years he has been
engaged in the manufacture of brick.
He was married in 1871 to' Lena
Straus, daughter of Martin L. Straus,
a prominent citizen of Baltimore, who
was president for 25 years of Lloyd
Street Synagogue. The issue of this
COL. MARTIN EMERICH.
marriage is three sons and one daugh-
ter, B. Frank, Leonard, Melvin L. and
Corinne D.
WM. LOEFFLER.
Mr. Loeffler was born in Choden-
schloss, Bohemia, Jan. 1st, 1858. His
parents were Frank and Wilhelmina
Loeffler. He was educated at Prague,
the capital of his native country. He
came to America in 1874. He is a
WILLIAM LOEFFLER.
City Clerk.
member of Congregation B'nai Abra-
ham and the Lakeside dub. He was
elected alderman in 1892 and served
with credit for two years. In 1897
he was elected city clerk, under Mayor
Harrison's first administration, and he
still holds this position, having just
been re-elected. He married Miss
Francis Hanel and they have one son,
Frank.
JUSTICE MAX L. WOLFF.
Mr. Wolff was born in Mecklenburg,
Germany, November, 1862. He received
his early education abroad, coming to
this country in 1879 and to Chicago in
1889. His first venture was in the real
estate business, which he soon aban-
doned for the legal profession, and is
now a justice of the peace. He is treas-
urer of Temple Israel and is an ex-
president of the Unity Club, of which
he is now treasurer. He is also a
member of the -Hamilton Club and an
ex-president of Montiflore Council, Na-
MAX L. WOLFF, J. P.
tional Union. Mr. Wolff married a
Miss Mary Cohn and they have two
children living, Otto and Henry.
DAVID WORMSER.
Mr. Wormser is a son of Babette and
DAVID WORMSER.
Mortlz Wormser and was born and ed-
ucated in Landau, Rheinpfaltz, Ger-
many. He came to America in 1874,
arriving in Chicago four years later,
since which time he has been engaged
in the mercantile business in this city.
398
Turn REFORM ADVOCATE..
He has taken considerable interest in
congregational affairs and is now vice-
president of K. A. M. Mr. Wormser
is an ex-president of the Standard
Club, of which he is now a member.
He married Frida Falk and has two
children living.
MR. LOUIS KEEPER.
Mr. Keefer was born in Hanlein,
Germany, and came to this country in
1863. He is a son of Marion and Aaron
LOUIS KEEFER.
H. Keefer, whose ancestral home is the
city of Mr. Reefer's birth. Mr. Keef-
er is one of the first men who
went into the cattle business in the
stock yards of this city, since which
time his business has attained large
proportions. He is a member of the
firm of Doud and Keefer, one of the
largest shippers of cattle in the yards.
He married Esther Kraus, and seven
children have blessed their union, Min-
nie, Edward, Flora, Cora, Arthur,
Edna and Ruth. Mr. Keefer is a mem-
ber of the Standard club and a liberal
contributor to the charities, and an
honored and respected member of this
community.
ADOLPH STEIN.
Mr. Stein is a native of Bohemia,
where he was born Sept. 27, 1853. He
received his education abroad and
came to America in 1869, since which
time he has been largely engaged in
the liquor business. He is treasurer
of Zion Congregation and a contribu-
tor to the Associated Charities. Mr.
Stein is an ex-president of the West
•Chicago club and is well and favorably
known. He married Emma Freiler.and
ten children have blessed their union.
EDWARD B. GROSSMAN.
Mr. Grossman was born in Chicago
28 years ago, receiving his education
in the public schools and the Univer-
sity of Notre Dame. His parents, Ben-
jamin and Rosa Grossman, now de-
ceased, were among the early settlers
of Chicago. Mr. Edward B. Grossman
EDWARD B. GROSSMAN.
is one of the city's progressive young
business men and is at the head of a
large mercantile establishment. He
married Florence L. Florsheim and has
one child, Edward B., Jr. He is a
member of the Standard Club and a
contributor to the Associated Chari-
ties.
DAVID M. PFAELZER.
Mr. Pfaelzer's ancestral home is Ba-
ADOLPH STEIN.
DAVID PFAELZER.
den, where his parents Moses and Han-
nah resided. He was born Nov. 23,
1853, at Laudenbach, and received his
early education in Weinheim. He
came to America in July, 1872, and for
a number of years has been engaged in
the wholesale clothing business. He is
an active member of K. A. M., of which
he is one of the 'board of directors and1
superintendent of the Sabbath School.
Mr. Pfaelzer is a contributor to the As-
sociated Charities and is a member of
the Standard Club. He married Au-
gusta Daube.
LOUIS EISENDRATH.
Mr. Eisendrath is a son of Levi and
LOUIS EISENDRATH.
Helena Eisendrath and was born io
Germany. He came to this country
when still a boy and received his edu-
cation in the American schools. He-
has been a prominent merchant for
years and is one of the firm of Strouss,
Eisendrath and Drom. Mr. Eisendrath
is a member of Sinai Congregation and
the Standard Club and is a contributor
to the Associated Charities. He mar-
ried Hannah Strouss and they have
three children living — Mrs. Blanche
Spiesberger, Joseph and Leon Eisen-
drath.
SIGMUND SILBERMAN.
Mr. Silberman was born in Germany,
June 20, 1851, and is a son of Amelia
A. and Heinrich Silberman. Coming
here as a boy he attended the public
SIGMUND SILBERMAN.
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
899
schools and has resided in Chicago
since 1886. He is one of the firm of
Silberman Bros., wool merchants. Mr.
Silberman is an active member of K.
A. M., and is now one of the board of
trustees of that congregation. He is
a liberal contributor to the charities
and has been a director of several
charitable institutions. He is a mem-
ber of the Standard and Hamilton
Clubs. Mr. Silberman is married and
has six children living.
LEOPOLD H. MEYER.
Mr. Meyer was born in New York.
His parents were Heyman and Agatha
Meyer. He attended the public schools
in New York City and came to Chicago
when still a young man. He is a mem-
LEOPOLD H. MEYER.
ber of the firm of the Kennedy Furni-
ture Co., of Chicago, a new but suc-
cessful business which is rapidly com-
ing to the front as one of the leading
retail furniture houses of Chicago. Mr.
Meyer is an ex-director of the Lakeside
club, and is a liberal contributor to the
Associated Charities. He married Min-
nie Keefer, a popular Chicago young
lady, and they have three children liv-
ing, Norman B., Evelyn H. and Doro-
thy A. Meyer.
MOSES BENSINGER.
Mr. Bensinger is a native of Louis-
ville, Ky., where his parents, Nathan
and i.i nali Bensinger located when they
left their ancestral home, Mannheim,
Germany. Mr. Bensinger ia president
of the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co.,
the leading billiard table manufactur-
ers of the world. He has been actively
identified with Sinai Congregation of
which he has been director and also
takes a great deal of interest in charit-
able work, having served as direator of
the- Michael Reese Hospital. He is an
ex-president of the Standard Club, so-
cially has a large acquaintance, and his
friends are legion. He married Ellen-
orah Brunswick and they have three
children living, Mrs. Cora Hyman, Ben
Bensinger and Mrs. Edna Fish. Al-
though Mr. Bensinger is advanr'"
years his vitality and strength would
do credit to most young men.
MR. LEOPOLD STRAUSS.
Mr. Leopold Strauss was a native of
Worms on the Rhine. He came to
America in 1848 and shortly thereafter
to Chicago. He was a member of the
wholesale clothing house of Strauss,
Ullman & Yondorf, now out of exist-
ence. He was a member of Sinai Con-
gregation and of the Standard Club,
and took a warm interest in charity
work. He died several years ago, leav-
ing a w^idow, Mrs. Carrie Strauss and
six children — five sons and one daugh-
ter:
Mr. Strauss is remembered in the
an active Interest in congregational
work in that city and was a trustee of
B'nai Sholem Congregation. He is a
liberal contributor to charities and was
MOSES BENSINGER.
LEOPOLD STRAUSS.
Chicago Jewish community as a man of
the best qualities, as a business man of
great integrity, as a citizen of true
loyalty and as a Jew who loved his
people with heart and soul.
ISAAC H. LESEM.
Mr. Lesem is only a recent resident
of Chicago, coming here from Quincy,
111., where he resided for many years
and was one of the prominent mer-
chants and manufacturers of that city.
His parents were Solomon and Rebec-
ca Lesem of Rheinish Bavaria. Mr.
Lesem was born Sept. 25, 1847, at Hop-
kinsville, Ky., and received his educa-
tion in the schools of Quincy. He took
ISAAC H. LESEM.
president of the Quincy Club. He was
a member of the staff of Gov. Tanner
and is one of the well-known citizens
ISAAC MAYER.
of the state. He married Hattie Bern-
heimer and they have one child living,
Mrs. Maurice B. Steele of this city.
LEVI ROSENFELD.
4CO
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
Q
h
(W,
V
You Get More for Your Money
when you buy- Quaker Oats — more food value — more easily assimilated
food elements. You get more brain food — more brawn food. You get a
better balanced ration — more of everything you need — more digesta-
bility — more quality.
At all grocers'. In 2-lb. packages only.
Cook exactly .according to directions on the package.
REFORM ADVOCATED
401
Carson, Pirle Scott, & Co.
Careful management and broad-
gauge methods are the essentials that
have placed the firm of Carson, Plrie,
Scott & Co. among the leaders in the
wholesale dry goods business in the
world. Chicago can proudly boast of
being the birthplace of this great firm.
Established in 1845 in very modest and
unpretentious quarters, the growth was
healthful and sure, and today you see
by the accompanying illustration the
Chicago home of this gigantic estab-
lishment. Slowly and surely it devel-
oped until they now have branches in
many cities of the world and especial-
ly Germany, France and Japan. Car-
son, Pirie, Scott & Co. stand today as
a monument and is proudly pointed to
by the citizens of Illinois as an ex-
ample of the enterprise which one of
the greatest states of our republic can
produce.
Something of Interest to the Build-
Ing Public.
It would be of interest to our readers
who are contemplating building to get
estimates on work from the well-
known firm of H. B. Dodge & Co.,
108 LaSalle street, Suite 525. Their
business consists of erecting window
and sliding blinds, rolling partitions,
steel coiling shutters, Venetian blinds
and window screens. Below are a list
of a few references: S. B. Eisendrath,
Sehlesinger & Mayer, Mandel Bros.,
the Fair, Siegel, Cooper, and the di-
rectors of the Isaiah Temple.
Baker & Smith.
To our readers belonging to the
building public, wishing to employ
steam heating and ventilating en-
gineers, we can recommend none bet-
ter than the old well-known firm of
Baker & Smith Co., established as early
as 1858. They have continued to in-
stall their apparatus for such concerns
as the following: C. H. McCormick est,
Standard Club, Pullman office building,
Pullman & Wagner Palace cars, ordi-
nary coaches, ordinary houses, etc , in
Chicago and elsewhere.
TO OUR READERS.
We beg to call your attention to the-
class of display advertising which this
number contains. You will observe
that each firm is representative in its
respective line. As we were particular
in accepting only such houses as we
deemed reliable and worthy of repre-
se.ntation in this, the greatest number
of The Reform Advocate ever before
attempted, we can therefore recom-
mend them to you. -
Yours very truly,
Bloch & Newman.
LAUNDRY APPLIANCES.
The Troy Laundry Machinery Co. is
known throughout the world and its
machinery and supplies- are in use in
almost every land. Its latest cata-
logue, a handsome piece of typography,
shows a surprisingly large variety of
appliances for the laundry. There are
cylinder washers, sterilizing and dis-
infecting machines, extractors, tum-
blers, wringers, collar, cuff and shirt
starching machines, dryers, dampen-
ers, manglers, collar, cuff and shirt
ironers, neckband and sleeve ironers,
folders, shapers, smoothing and polish-
ing machines, gas iron heaters, starch
cookers, laundry stoves, etc., etc.
Most of these appliances are for use
in large establishments, such as hotels,
hospitals, asylums, public institutions,
etc. Hardly any institution but is
equipped with this company's laundry
helps, and every modern home has a
steam dryer. Architects and contract-
ors' will serve their clients best by
specifying the Troy Laundry Machine
Company's manufactures. The local
offices are 389-401 Fifth avenue.
SUPERFLUOUS HAIR.
Superfluous hair is an excessive and
abnormal growth of hair on the fe-
male face, seen most conspicuously on
the upper lip, chin, cheeks and throat.
It also grows superfluously between
the eyebrows, on the forehead, neck,
arms, and in moles and birthmarks.
Some ladies have also a superabun-
dance of hair on the neck, which gives
the hair an untidy appearance, as it is
difficult to keep the short bairs regu-
lar. This humiliating growth of fe-
male facial hair is surprisingly preva-
lent. There is 'but one process by
which to rid yourself forever of this
obnoxious growth, and that is by elec-
trolysis (the electrical needle opera-
tion). It is a slow but sure process.
The prices are not unreasonable, when
you take into consideration the fact
that you are forever ridding yourself
of a lifetime blemish. Consultations
art free. Write to Dr. H. P. Fitzpat-
rick, M. D., 1118 Masonic Temple, Chi-
cago, for a book on Facial Blemishes
and Skin Diseases and other valuable
information.
Moone, 2221-2223 Wabash avenue. Be-
sides keeping a first-class livery, Mr.
Moone has on sale at all times fine
horses, which can be seen daily at his
place of business, if you 'desire any-
thing in the way of fine livery call up
South 532.
Faithorn's wagons make three reg-
ular trips daily for all orders of bak-
ery goods, and special trips for any
special orders. Catering for weddings,
receptions, etc., a specialty. Fine
table decorations: and linen can be fur-
nished at all times. Your order is re-
spectfully solicited. Address A.
Faithorn, caterer, 579 E. Forty-third
street, or 722 E. Forty-seventh street,
or call up Oakland 672.
The firm of S. Berliner, Desplaines
avenue and Twelfth street, Harlem,
Postofllce, Oak Park, I1L, are well
known for their artistic work in mon-
uments and head stones, in granite,
marble and all etone used for this
purpose. They do all kinds of ceme-
tery work and are prepared to furnish
the best of references. It will pay you
to send for their estimate before giv-
ing out any work of this kind.
One of the most successful eyesight
specialists is Dr. C. D. Strow, 1316
Masonic Temple. A call at his office
and a glance through his list of ref-
erences demonstrates that fact thor-
oughly. Among others are found such
names as Hon. George E. Roberts, di-
rector of the United States mint; Hon.
M. D. O'Connor, solicitor of the United
States treasury, and U. S. Senator Jon-
athan P. Dolliver, all of Washington,
D. C. Dr. Strow is most successful in
relieving headaches and all irregulari-
ties by correcting defective eyes by
Telephone: Oakland 588.
JAMES ADAMS, PH. G.,
Successor to JOHN L7HCH,
PHARMACIST,
611 E. 47th St., Cor. Vincennes Av.
Prescriptions accurately compounded and
promptly Oelivered.
SABATH
SAFE AND LOCK CO.
Safes of Everv Description for Business
ana Residence Use.
158 FIFTH AYE. CHICAGO.
1.1. C,
HIGH
GRADE
The first premium at the World's
Fair, awarded for the best pair of
coach horses, was given to W. D.
The Standard for Excellence,
Leading Grocers Sell Them.
40 a
Turn REFORM ADVOCATE!
Geo. H. Phillips
Company
G
P
revisions
Telephone Harrison 2113.
231-233 Ri-.\lt;> Building.
Branch Offlco-187 South Clark Street.
BEN BLOCK. Manager.
TKI.KI'HONK CKNTKAL, 3583.
The most delicious of all
KINGSFORD'S
OSWEGO
CORN
STARCH
Absolutely pure and healthful.
WE WILL CLEAN OUT THOSE
and
Roaches
FOR YOU. WE NEVER FAIL.
ESTIMATES FREE.
LSOF US 1 POSTAL AND WE WILL CALL.
W. R. MARTIN & CO.
8954 Cottage Grove Ave.
BOWNAM
DAIRYCO;
BUTTER.
Office^
South. Division
E ROSENBAUM,
Fell, Composition and Gravel
ROOFER.
184 LA SALLE ST.
BOOHS 317-313 WOMAN'S TEMPLE BLE3.
Free Estimates on New and Old Work.
Telephone Main 3582.
EDWIN CHARLES ROWDON.
Edwin Charles Rowdon has been
pronounced by not a few competent
musical authorities to be the greatest
baritone in the country. His voice is
remarkable for its range and quality,
sincerity to all and any composer and
conspicuous for artistic development.
His efforts bear the stamp of musical
loveliness. As a student he was a bril-
liant ornament and as an artist has a
stanch iband of personal admirers. Mr.
Rowdon has been identified with Jew-
ish choirs for several years; now
holds the position of baritone soloist
and choir director of the North Side
Hebrew Temple. Under his faithful
and zealous direction the most excel-
lent results have been realized. Mr.
Rowdon's repertoir covers all the
standard oratorios, and to these must
be added an exceeding large list of Ger-
man, Irish, Italian, English and Amer-
ican songs. He is most prominent
among those lending distinction to
Irish songs. From this incomplete list
we are convinced of the truth of his
industriousness and of his faithful de-
votion to the highest and most en-
nobling in art.
THOMAS & SMITH.
The season of building and renovat-
ing having commenced, one of the
thoughts uppermost in the minds of
most persons connected with the build-
ing public is to have their various
building enterprises constructed right
up to date and complete. In deciding
your choice for a large and reliable
heating and ventilating firm it would
speak well for the judgment of -any
builder who called on the well-known
West Side, Chicago, firm of Thomas
& Smith, 16 N. Canal street.
This firm have installed and are
proud of the fact, for various Jewish
concerns. Being very 'broad-minded,
they set. aside every year certain
moneys for charitable purposes, Jew
and non-Jew alike, and as long as said
yearly appropriation is not exceeded
they are ever willing contributors, as
many charitable institutions well
know. The firm has also installed
and continues to install their apparatus
for some of the best concerns in Chi-
cago. For the benefit of our readers
we understand they do very, and have
for several years, fine work to the sat-
isfaction of their customers as a whole.
R. L. Wanger has introduced a sys-
tem of acquiring health and strength
which has been pronounced a positive
and permanent cure for dyspepsia, in-
digestion and insomnia. He has rec-
ommendations from hundreds of our
best known citizens and guarantees in
fifteen minutes a day and steady prac-
tice for one month, to give a pupil ab-
solute control of his muscles. Call or
send for his catalogue. Address suite
502 and 504 Grand Pacific Hotel.
Mr. Wanger is considered one of the
greatest instructors of scientific cul-
ture.
We Do Work
of this kind:
Tucking,
Hemstitching,
Pleating.
SKIRTS made to order.
Experience and finest n»rk
have won us our reputation.
Mail orders promptly »t-
tended to.
EDWARD C. STONE
MFG. CO.
92-98 STATE STREET
Stewart Building RoomKL
Telephone, Central 22N.
PLUMBING,
Steam, Hot Water and Gas Fitting, Sewerage
Estimates Furnished.
Tel. Oak 891. _ 535 47th 8T.
ACHE PARQUET FLOOR CO,,
Hard Wax and Floor Material.
Designs and estimates submitted on Hard'
wood Floors and Grilles.
OLD FLOORS RENOVATED.—
4703 Cottage Grove Avenue.
TEL. OAKLAND 1015.
Furniture Storage
LIGHT, DRY AND CLEAN.
LOW PRICES.
Cartage Free if goods are long
in store.
ARMORY WAREHOUSE Co.
237-245 E. Thirty-Ninth St.
Telephone Oakland 639.
JUDSON S. JACOBUS,
Pharmacist.
Goods delivered at all hours.
Prescription Work a Specialty.
4TtH St. & Bills Ax e.
Tel. Oakland 5O.
Tel. Oakland 355.
Hyde Faru Tel. No. dtt.
F. E. WHITE
Select Livery
Special attention paid to /{onrdera.
Commission Dealers In High-Class
Ooach and Drlvlog Horses.
448 FOKTY-SKVETfTTI e
For Style & Quality
Have no Equal.
PALMER HOUSE
CHICAGO.
Send for Haihlon Plate.
THE. REFORM ADVOCATE.
403
To RENT
IN BUSINESS DISTRICT.
Special L/ist.
185-7 Wabash Ave., Stores and Floors
147 State St., 5 Floors, 30x145
148 State St., 2nd Floor, 24x90
214 State St., Fine Corner Basement
190-2 Dearborn St., Stores &Bank Floor
167-9Madison St. .Singleor Double Store
184 Madison St., 2 Floors, 25x100
211-13 Monroe St.,Bldg.5Floors.45xl80
126 Fifth Ave., Floors, 20x80
148 Fifth Ave., Floors, 20x85
148 So. Water St., Rooms $10.00 up
Power Floors and Rooms
1807-9 Clark St., 10,000 Feet, $75.00
167-9 Madison St., 52 Room Hotel
Offices in 19 Modern Buildings
Send for Complete List of Stores,
Buildings, Lofts, Offices, etc., in Central
Business and Wholesale Districts.
H.O.STONE&SO.
206 LA SALLE STREET,
• TELEPHONES, MAIN 339.
L. MANASSE,
OPTICIAN.
We H«we Moved To
46 Madison St.
rel.phone. Main 883.
•atabllshed 1869.
Incorporated U94
CEMENT
WALKS
Gtncrtti ComblaU
Curb ind Bifflir, lnl
Alplllt Flwrt ut
Pivtnuts.
Expert on Prescription Work.
JOS. F. FORBRICH,
S. B. Cor. Indiana Ave. and 35th St.
TeL, Oakland 85 and 63. Open All Night.
Finest Pharmacy on South Side.
No system of shorthand has gone
to the front as rapidly as that of the
Gregg Shorthand School. Its success
is due largely to a combination of sim-
plicity and power which enables the
writer to use speed and still have copy
that is legible. The school has re-
ceived testimonials from many educa-
tors, teachers and reporters, all of
which bear testimony to the excellence
of this method. To anyone desiring
to study shorthand for any purpose
whatsoever, no better method could
be found for practical purposes than
is offered by the Gregg Shorthand
School, located at 57 Washington
street. A call is cordially invited or
by dropping a postal a catalogue giv-
ing full particulars will be sent. The
school is open both day and evenings
and an investigation is cordially in-
vited.
The Leonard Mandel Dry Goods
Company, 218-226 Thirty-first street,
near Indiana avenue, are displaying
a full line of spring goods. Their win-
dows are filled with the latest novel-
ties in dry goods and ladles' and gents'
furnishing goods, which gives one only
a limited idea of the extensive stock
they carry. Charge accounts are so-
licited and a telephone is also at the
disposal of patrons. South Side resi-
dents will have no reason to take the
long ride necessary to the shopping
district, as their wants can be fully
supplied at this store.
The Chicago Fur Co. have removed
to larger and more convenient quar-
ters and are now located at 189 Wa-
bash avenue. The new store is in the
heart of the retail shopping district
and is in every way adapted to the
needs of an ever-increasing business.
A full line of novelties is ready for
inspection, In addition to which a spe-
cial feature will be made of high-class
millinery at moderate prices. Call
and see the attractive display of
trimmed hats.
We desire to call the attention of
our readers to the advertisement of
E. W. Silsby. Mr. Silsby is the in-
ventor and sole manufacturer of the
Silsby pleating and button machines,
also of pinking, tucking and cording
machines. All of the machines rnacU
by him are of the latest patterns and
thoroughly up-to-date. They are in
use in all parts of the world, and the
high reputation attained for them pre-
cludes any risk in buying. The ad-
dresses of the various offices of Mr.
Silsby are given in the advertisement
on another page.
Rev. Dr. A. J. Messing has removed
from 3708 Wabash avenue to 3567
Forest avenue.
MAnUFACTURERS. JOBBERS «*<* LAYERS OF
I55V&BASHAVE.
CHICAGO
Wn linn IIC HTGH dKADB
i III MUUnCi ;,/i'iij#v~«-~~-
Tel. 8.532. ZOH1 Wabash Avvnue
J. E. HANSON,
High Class Livery and Boarding Stables.
3508-10-18-14-16 Indiana Ave., In rear
TELEPHONE OAKLAND 1O32.
Kozminski
AND Yondorf
MONEY
Loaned on
Real Estate
At LOWEST
RATES.
for
BUCK & EVANS CO.
PHARMACISTS,
Cor. 47th St. and Si. Lawrence Ave.
Physicians' Prescriptions Accurately Filled.
Telephone-Oakland 5»».
Free Special Messenger Service.
A.B.RUSS&CO.,
\7ndertaKers.
161 Twenty-Second Street,,
Telephone South 209. CHICAGO.
404
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
A POOR MAN'S PARADISE.
By James A, Davis, Industrial Com-
missioner Atchlson, Topeka and
Santa Fe Ry.
To own a 'home, to control a means
of livelihood and accumulation, to, in
fact, acquire the independence of full
proprietorship, is the ambition of the
majority of mankind. Labor is never
granted a greater reward. It is, and
always will be, when granted, how-
ever, a reward of degrees. The de-
California have had enormous addi-
tions to their agricultural population.
Opportunities to secure moderately
priced land, favorably situated, are
growing less daily. But great progress
has been and is being made in reclaim-
. ing by means of irrigation great
stretches of the arid west, notably in
Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, South-
ern and Central California, where im-
mense acreages of the most fertile
soil with an assured and abundant
supply of water have been wrested
~
KING RESERVOIR.
sires of men differ as men differ. En-
vironment, circumstances and expe-
rience fix the point of view and hori-
zon the ambition. Men may differ in
their desires as to a home, one may
require more for a livelihood than
another, appreciations of fortune
may not be the same, no two men
agree as to the adequacy of estate, but
the great majority would consider the
home, the living, the possible accu-
mulations and the acres in fee of a
successful farmer all that anyone
could or should desire. The real suc-
cess as outlined in the opening of this
article is oftener the reward of the
farmer's toil and thrift than it is of
the labor of the toiler in any other in-
dustry. The farmer is the most suc-
cessful and independent of all the
world's army of workers.
It is a fact that cannot be gainsaid
that good agricultural land is rapidly
advancing in value. The unprecedent-
from the desert. It is a well-known
and long-proven fact that such soil
under irrigation is the most produc-
on the marvelous. Its efficacy is fully
established. It has been the means of
transforming Southern California from
a desert to a veritable Garden of Hes-
perides. There were twenty thousand
cars of oranges shipped from Califor-
nia this year, and every orange was
raised on irrigated land. Irrigation is
a means by which not only insurance
against failure through drought or ex-
cessive rainfall is gained, but the land
is continually refertilized as well by
the silt which carry decayed vegetable
matter and mineral ingredients is de-
posited by the water on the soil as
the Nile enriches its valley. Worn-
out irrigated land is something un-
known. It is a means by which in-
tensive cultivation of the soil, some-
thing comparatively unknown In this
country, will reach Its highest devel-
opment. It is the great boon of the
small farmer. A man on ten acres can
earn by this system of farming as
good a living and surplus over, as he
could on an eastern 80-acre farm. He
can accomplish in agriculture and hor-
ticulture all his ability and ambition
inspire him to attempt. The advan-
tages of irrigation are always supple-
mented by a favorable and healthy
climate. It is only employed in this
country in the west where sunshine is
HEADGATES FORT LYON CANAL.
tive known. Such opportunities now
await the man.
Irrigation is not an experiment Its
practice in Egypt began before writ-
ten or traditional records. Its adop-
tion with the American agriculturist
ALFALFA.
ed emigration to the west during the
past two years has appreciably les-
sened available low-priced farming
land within the humid or rainbelt
area. Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska and
began with the Mormons in Utah and
Southern California. It was practiced
by the Indians and early Spanish set-
tlers many years before. What has
been accomplished through it borders
almost perpetual, and where the cli-
matic conditions are not only con-
ducive to out of door pursuits and
health, but to a greater diversity of
products as well. It is a principle ex-
tremely simple in application. It re-
quires only good judgment and an ap-
preciation of the moisture necessities
of the crop under cultivation, governed
by economy and timeliness in distrib-
uting it.
The most typical, the richest, furth-
est advanced, most productive and suc-
cessful irrigated section of the west,
outside of Californiai, is the Arkansas
Valley of Colorado on the Atchison,
Topeka and Santa Fe Ry. Imagine a
region where droughts and excessive
rainfall are unknown, where out-door
exercise is possible all the winter,
where 340 days of the year are cloud-
less, where the soil is from twenty to
thirty feet deep and possible of cul-
tivation in almost every farm product
of this country. If it is possible to so
imagine, some conception may be had
of the Arkansas Valley of Colorado.
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
405
This valley once constituted a large
portion of what was known as the
Great Plains. It extends along the Ar-
kansas river from Canon City to Holly,
Colorado, on the Colorado-Kansas
state line. In extent it is about two
hundred miles long by fifteen miles
wide. The altitude varies from 5,260
feet at Canon City to 3,450 feet at Hol-
ly. The soil in character and quality
is the same the entire extent. It is a
rich, sandy loam, noted for its depth
and productiveness. Irrigation of this
valley began in the vicinity of Canon
City many years ago and was followed
by the building of irrigating ditches
about the middle of the valley at
Rocky Ford, the home of the famous
canteloupe which bears its name. Af-
ter the 'building of the Rocky Ford
ditch irrigation systems were con-
structed at Manzanola, Fowler, Las
Animas, Lamar and other points in
the valley, culminating in what is
known as the Great Plains Water Sys-
tem, now just completed in the east-
TWO-TEAR-OLD APPLE TREE.
ern end of the valley. This system is
the largest in the United States, and
there is only one larger in the world.
In construction and completeness it
has no superiors. It was not begun
until the land "west of it had proven
its possibilities under irrigation. Its
completion creates an assured water
supply for 125,000 acres. Its cost was
over $1,500,000. The five water storage
reservoirs of the system cover an area
of 13,000 acres and store 11,525,702,948
cubic feet of water, or 264,827 acre feet
— that is to say, a capacity equal to
flooding 264,827 acres one foot deep.
There are in the system in addition
to the reservoirs, 311 miles of canals.
With a soil proven to be extraor-
dinarily rich, a climate of almost con-
tinual spring, with moisture at his
command, a farmer ought never know
a failure in crops, and the short rec-
ord of actual results which follows
fully justifies the statement that here
is a wonderful opportunity for the
man who would fight out the battle of
life with the odds in his favor.
In the spring of 1900 the American
Beet Sugar Co., more generally known
as the Oxnards, completed a thousand
ton beet sugar factory at Rocky Ford.
Its first campaign last year was the
most successful for a first year ever
known. The Mormons were the first
cultivators of beets under irrigation.
Their success at Lehi was, however,
C. W. Fenlason reported that two
acres netted him $72 per acre.
D. V. Burrell says: My early beete
paid me $50.00 per acre. The first ten
acres delivered averaged 18 1-3 ton*
per acre, three acres made thirty tons
per acre, nineteen to twenty per cent
sugar. Hail does not hurt the crop.
Joseph Wycoff: Ten acres, fifteen
ARKANSAS VALLEY SHEEP.
surpassed at Rocky Ford, not only in
the yield per acre but in the sugar '
contents and richness of the beets as
well. The Rocky Ford factory con-
tracts for beets at all points in the
valley, paying the same for them at
the railroad station as they do the
farmers who deliver in wagons at
their door. In other words, the fac-
tory pays the freight. As it was the
first year of the factory every en-
deavor was made by the farmer to
avoid the mistake of undertaking a
greater acreage than he could handle.
Their experience last season has en-
abled them to increase their acreage
threefold this. year.
In addition to above 13 growers re-
ceived more than $90.00 per acre, 26
above $80.00, 35 above $70.00, 67 above
$50.00 and 80 above $40.00. To a dis-
interested committee sent to Rocky
Ford by another district in Colorado,
tons per acre. I think next year can
make one-half more by doing better
work.
A. P. Kouns: Five acres; yield thir-
ty-two tons per acre, fourteen to eigh-
teen per cent sugar, average sixteen
per cent.
Value of crop, 160 tons at $4.35
per ton $696.00
Cost of raising 295.50
Gave me net profit on 5 acres. .$400.50
Or on one acre $80.10'
J. G. Lackey: Twenty acres, aver-
age yield twenty-five tons to the acre,
test eighteen per cent sugar, received
$5.00 per ton. My beets will net me
$90.00 per acre; cost of raising, $35.00
per acre.
The culture of sugar beets as a prof-
itable crop in this section can be stated
as an unqualified success.
The farmers of Rocky Ford origi-
\
DAM HEADGATES, AMITY CANAL.
the farmers of which wanted to en-
gage in beet culture, the farmers of
the Arkansas valley were a unit in
reporting the sugar beet the most
profitable of crops they ever cultivat-
ed, particularly in view of the fact
than an overproduction was impos-
sible. Extracts from the statements
of a few of the farmers follow:
nated the famous canteloupe bearing
its name. The profits from the culti-
vation of that luscious melon are very
great. Unlike the sugar beet it has its.
limitations as to market and is a per-
ishable product, but the profit from its
cultivation will always be large. Some
instances of individual profits are as
follows:
406
REFORM ADVOCATED
One farmer near Rocky Ford gath-
ered from five acres in 1897 305 crates
per acre, for which he received 76
cents per crate delivered at the station.
This is an unusual instance, however,
the average yield being nearer 90
crates per acre. There are many in-
stances, however, of profits as high as
^150.00 per acre, and very few lower
than |50 per acre. The growers are
organized into associations for the
purpose of avoiding overproduction,
and to better market their output.
There were 560 cars shipped from
Rocky Ford last year, and about 250
from the other stations in the valley.
The immense crops of alfalfa for
which this valley is noted have caused
it to become one of the foremost cat-
tle and sheep feeding localities in the
west. There are at this time over
300,000 lambs being fed there. The cat-
tle and sheep industries when con-
ducted under competent management
have yielded large and sure profits to
all engaged in them. Alfalfa grows
profusely, yielding in four cuttings
per season from 6% to 7 tons per acre.
Another industry depending upon
the alfalfa crop, and one that is com-
ing into prominence in profit as well
as volume, is the production of honey.
The bee finds in the blossom of alfal-
fa an exquisitely flavored ingredient
which makes the honey produced from
it not only the most delicious in taste,
but the clearest in color of any pro-
duced in this country, and superior to
the Swiss product. Although a com-
paratively new industry in the valley,
there were ten cars shipped last year
to the east. As to earnings from this
Industry the following instances will
serve to show that it pays handsomely:
A. P. Kouns gives the following as
his start in the industry: "In June,
1895, I hived nine colonies. These in-
creased by August of that year to
twenty-eight colonies. I sold twenty-
one of these for $167.00, receiving for
the honey $40.00 in addition, making
my total receipts $207. The entire
•cost of bees, hives and handling
amounted to $28.00, making the net re-
turns on investment in a little more
than two months $179.00, leaving me
besides seven hives to begin on again.
My bees earn an average of $7.50 per
live per annum."
Mr. Hales, who owns ninety stands of
bees, sold from them last fall $525.00
'worth of honey at 11 cents per pound.
He paid $50.00 for the care of them
during the season.
All vegetables do well. The soil is
especially adapted to the production of
the potato, both sweet and Irish. Irish
potatoes give a profit of from $60.00
to $100.00 per acre. Records are at
hand of a yield of potatoes at the rate
•Of 220 bushels per acre. Tomatoes
yield gross from $90.00 to $150.00 per
acre. Cabbages, celery, cucumbers,
beans and peas all do well. ,
Among the fruits the most profitable
are the apple, prune, peaches, cherries,
pears and strawberries. The apple
reaches its highest "and most perfect
development in this valley. In eight
years trees attain a size and bearing
capacity equal to trees of nearly twice
that age in the Mississippi valley. A
single acre apple orchard six years
old at Canon City yielded $520.00. An
eight-year-old orchard of five acres
produced $5,780.00.
The climate of the Arkansas valley
is nowhere exceeded in equability. In
summer, though the sun is hot, the
rapid evaporation of perspiration keeps
the body at normal temperature. The
unpleasant effects of humidity are
never felt. The nights are always
cool. Animals never evidence fatigue.
Winters are mild. On an average
there are not thirty days in the year
when plowing cannot be done. Build-
ing and general outdoor operations go
on through the winter with no more
than a week's intermission at one
time.
The prices of land vary in accord-
ance with location; land in the older
sections of the valley being highest.
Good land, with an assured water sup-
ply, can be had for $35.00 per acre,
and from that it goes as high as $150.00
to $200.00 per acre, a number of sales
having been made recently at this lat-
ter price. Values are rapidly advanc-
ing and it will not be long before it
will be impossible to secure good land
with a sure water supply at as low as
$35.00 per acre.
A book might be written on the ad-
vantages of this particular section, and
expanded into many volumes if the his-
tories of the successful farmers who
went there broken in health, and al-
most destitute were included. The
writer knows the history of many who
today own their own farms, a good
house, have a bank account and above
all else perfect health; who when they
located In the valley were almost ob-
jects of charity, the change in their
condition being brought about in a
comparatively few years.
It is in such a favored spot, made
so by Irrigation, and wrested from the
desert's grasp, that any man can make
the start which will place him in a po-
sition of absolute independence.
The manufacture of fine varnishes
is an art little known to the general
public, and the base of this beautiful
material still less so. Were our read-
ers to visit the offices of the Chicago
Varnish Co. they would there discover
a collection of what would appear at
first glance to be gems of rare form
and beautiful appearance. On closer
examination, however, these would
prove • to be specimens of "Fossil
Gums" surpassing in number, size and
beauty all the collections of the world.
The most extensive museums of Eu-
rope and England possess no such ex-
hibit, and there are a number of speci-
mens in the collection which have no
known duplicates. Here one may see
not only the delicate insect in amber,
but the giant beetle of past ages pre-
served for all time in a mantle of
rarest beauty. But what connection
have these rare gems with varnish, you
ask? The most intimate, we answer;
for truly fine varnishes are made of
these fossil gums, the finest specimens
of which are preserved in this splendid
collection. But why are they called
fossil gums? Because they are the
resins of extinct forests which have
lain buried for unknown ages in the
earth, ripening for the superb and deli-
cate coatings now applied so univer-
sally to secure the most beautiful ef-
fects in rare and costly woods, to pre-
serve the delicate colors on coaches, to
protect the handsome exteriors of rail-
way cars and to beautify the interiors
of our dwellings. The cheap and com-
mon varnishes are made from "rosin,"
which is extracted from growing pines
of the South, and which have little
beauty and durability. The extensive
works of Chicago Varnish Co. are de-
voted to the manufacture of the finer
and more durable goods. Their prep-
arations for hard wood floors and other
house woodwork, for fine cabinet work,
for hospitals, asylums,public buildings,
offices and other similar constructions
are unsurpassed for beauty and dura-
bility and hence appeal to the most
advanced ideals on the side of econ-
omy.
BALATKA MUSICAL COLLEGE.
The Reform Advocate recommends
the Balatka Musical College to its
readers. This well-known institution
was founded in 1879 by the late Hans
Balatka, whose fame is world-wide as
a musical educator.- His son, Chris-
tian F. Balatka, conducts the business
and is assisted -by his sister Anna, and
many eminent instructors from both
sides of the Atlantic. This musical
studio occupies two floors in Handel
Hall.
The American Laundry Machinery
Company, whose advertisement ap-
pears in this book, are furnishers of
complete outfits of laundry machinery
for public and private institutions and
custom laundries. They furnished the
plants for the Chicago Home for Jew-
ish Orphans, also the one for the
Michael Reese Hospital. Their refer-
ences are Mr. S. B. Eisendrath, and a
majority of the largest and best insti-
tutions throughout the country. They
will be pleased to mail their illustrated
catalogue on application.
REFORM
407
If 1 FROM JCVNE ITS TO
-x— tfL
408
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
THE FAMOUS YAZOO VALLEY. MISS.
A Fine Country— Soil and Climate
Unexcelled— What a Traveler
Saw There in June,
1900.
We left A — - 9:44 p. m., on the
Illinois Central R. R. limited and ar-
rived in Memphis, Tenn., about 8:30
a. m., changing there to the cars of
the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley R. R.
at 9 a. m.
Just below Memphis, we entered the
great Yazoo valley, the largest body
of fertile, alluvial soil in the world.
It embraces that part of the Mississip-
pi valley bottom lands lying east of
the Mississippi river between Memphis
and Vicksburg as the extremis of the
sector of an arc of a circle, the sector
being two hundred miles in length and
the hills from Memphis to Vicksburg
making the arc. The widest part 100
miles south of Memphis is 50 miles
from arc to sector, or from hills to Mis-
sissippi river, where is located Cleve-
land, a thriving village which was
is beautifully located near the bank
of the Sunflower, where the river's
course for about two miles is directly
east. The banks of the Sunflower are
slightly higher than the land as you
recede from the river. The perpendic-
ular height of the banks above low
water is about 30 feet, but the slope is
at an angle of 45 degrees and over-
grown with small trees, cane and vari-
ous vegetation to the water's edge.
I was surprised to see the extent of
and the number of recently improved
farms or plantations all along the rail-
road on our way from Memphis. More
than half of the land in cultivation was
covered with heavy timber five or six
years ago.
Our friend came here four years ago
last January, with two car loads of
horses, cattle, hogs and farm imple-
ments with little money and' has, un-
aided, opened one of the prettiest little
farms I ever saw. His cotton crop
alone brought him ?1,500 for last year.
He could retire and live fairly well
on the rent of his land. Land rents
last year voted to be one of the loca-
tions for the Bolivar county dual court
houses. It is on the Yazoo valley
railroad, a branch of the Illinois Cen-
tral, diverging from the main line at
Fulton, Ky., thence south through
Memphis to Vicksburg. The Illinois
Central railroad has diverging from
this main branch extending through
the center of the valley, or as it is
called, the Yazoo Delta, tributary to it.
800 miles of railroad.
There is also a beautiful little river
rising at the north extremity of the
Delta and meandering nearly parallel
in its general course with the railroad,
emptying into the Yazoo near Vicka-
burg. It is the prettiest river I ever
saw, navigable for steamboats to
Clarksdale, about 35 miles up the rail-
road. Cleveland is half way between
the Mississippi river and the hills, or
25 miles from each, 3 miles west from
the Sunflower river.
Our friend's residence on his farm
readily at $7 per acre. Although more
corn can be raised here per acre than
in Illinois, the farmers prefer to buy
corn at 50 cents per bushel to raising
it, as cotton pays better. This is the
banner region of the United States for
cotton. My friend has raised two bales
per acre or 1,000 pounds of clean cot-
ton. He sold his crop at 10 cents per
pound.
One hand with one mule will put in,
cultivate and pick 10 acres of cotton.
The farm implements used here are
crude and what you in Illinois would
term primitive. But when the stumps
are all removed, better facilities for
farming will be brought into requisi-
tion. At present, while there is so
much unimproved land, the range is so
good that no kinds of stock are fed
anything except what and when they
are worked. Cattle, horses and hogs
keep fat all winter in the woods with-
out other feed.
The soil is not so tenacious when
wet as Illinois prairie soil, it does not
adhere to shoes nor wheels of vehicles.
Any kind of a metal plow will scour
in the soil at any time. The soil seems
more porous, water does not stand long .
on the surface.
I doubt if there is anywhere outside
of the Mississippi bottoms, that a man
with a small capital -can so soon make
a competence. My friend paid $6 per
acre for his land five years ago and
says he could not afford to take |50
per acre if he had to invest anywhere
else to make the same per cent on the
capital, as he can make here. Any- ~
thing that grows in Illinois does equal-
ly as well here and many things grow
more luxuriantly. He has potatoes as
large as goose eggs and cabbage are
heading up. Raspberries are ripe and
peaches turning. Peaches never fail.
I see no reason why any grasses that
grow in Illinois, will not grow here
as well. I saw yesterday a small plot
of blue grass that looked as nice as
Illinois blue grass. The abundance of
outside forage for stock in this coun-
try has obviated the necessity of en-
closed pastures and none have been
tried.
I have taken more outdoor exercise
since I have been here, five days, than
I had taken in years for the length of
time, and I have not slept so well in
years. The temperature of the weather
does not get so high here as farther
north, seldom above 90 degrees, and
never a time that a person cannot get
cool in a shade. The days are not so
long by nearly an hour and the nights
being nearly an hour longer here, the
air is cooled off, as the sun's heat in
the day has not time to heat the atmos-
phere so high as in the North. Hence,
you seldom ever hear of a sunstroke in
the South. There is no time a person
cannot work in the sunshine. The
short seasons of the North necessitate
warm nights as well as warm days to
mature crops before frost. The black
soil of the North which absorbs more
heat is also an advantage in facilitat-
ing vegetable growth, but vegetation
grows as fast here and as luxuriantly
as in Illinois.
This country is leveler than the prai-
ries of Illinois, with draws or bayous
nearly parallel with the river and
about five feet lower than the land ad-
jacent which will some day serve as
outlets to tiles. It is not uncommon
to see a cypress tree six feet in diam-
eter and 100 feet to a limb. Timber is
very tall and straight. Some oak trees
are six feet in diameter. Gum, hickory,
elm, sycamore and ash are the most
common, next to oak, and there are
some sassafras two feet in diameter.
Here is the timber that cannot be
excelled for the saw mill and lumber-
man, and the land, soil and climate
for the farmer who would grow rich
in a few years, on a small capital that
would not buy him a farm of 20 acres
in Illinois. For full information re-
garding these lands, address E. P.
Skene, Land Commissioner, Central
Station, Park Row, Room 450.
Turn REFORM ADVOCATED
409
Balatka Musical College
TBLIHED IN 17 BY HAN BALATKA. **
ESTABLISHED IN 1879 BY HANS BALATKA.
gg] Christian F. Balatka,
Director.
Music,
Elocution
AND
Dramatic
Art,,,
HANDEL HALL
40-44
RANDOLPH
STREET,
CHRISTIAN F. BALATKA, Director.
A complete faculty
of competent instruc-
tors of international
reputation. To those
desiring a thorough education in all branches of Musical and Dramatic Art, we
recommend the perusal of our catalogue, mailed free on application.
PUPILS RECEIVED. ANY TIME.
Thurber's Art Galleries
210 Wabash Avenue
...CHICAGO...
IMPORTERS AND PUBLISHERS OF
HIGH-CLASS WOR.KS OF AR.T
We have an Expert Artist for Cleaning, Restoring and Backllnlng Valuable Painting*.
...ARTISTIC FRAMING TO ORDER...
hine on!
not only gi\et a high, glowlng.dur-
tble poliih to all meUli.but the polish
Bar Keepers Friend
lasts-, It will ihlne onl It benefit* all metaU, mineral! o
wood while cleaning them. -.""-• 1 Ib box. For ule by drag
gi«ti and dealeri. Send '2c stamp fnr lamplo to Qeorgt
William Hoffman, 295 L. \Va»hington St .liidlanapolU, Ind
Will be the popular route
this summer to the Pan-
American ...A position at Buf-
falo. The excellence of its
service is well recognized
by the traveling public, and
the reputation of its train
employes in their uniform
courtesy to passengers, is
well known. No excess
fares are charged on any of
its fast express trains. No
line offers lower rates. For
full information, reserva-
tion of sleeping car berths,
etc., address
JOHN Y. CALAHAN, Cen'l Agent
III Adams Street
Phone Cant. 2O57
REMINGTON
TYPEWRITER
BULLETIN
OFFICIAL TYPEWRITER or
the World's Columblin Exposi-
tion si Chlcsgo.
GRAND PRIX (highest swsri)
st Brussels.
DIPLOMA OF HONOR
( highest swsni) at Luxembourg.
DIPLOMA OF. HONOR
it Ghent.
GRAND PRIX (outnnklnt ill
medits) II Paris.'
ADOPTED AS OFFICIAL
TYPEWRITER o« Pin-
American ' Exposition, at(
Bulfilo.
WVCKO. F, 8EAMAN8 & BENEDICT,
327 Broadway, New York.
410
THE. REFORM ADVOCATED
THE WELLINGTON LIMITED.
With the opening of the Illinois
Theater, October 15th, 1900, came the
initial opening of the "Wellington
Limited," as illustrated above.
It was not presumed by Mr. Gage
when he conceived the idea of build-
ing this train of three beautiful cars
that they would become so popular
and so much in demand. To use his
language at that time: "I want a
bright light to show opposite the
theater more as an advertisement than
for use. In fact, it cannot do business
enough in five years to pay for itself."
A recent call on Mr. Gage brought
forth this information: "The Welling-
ton Limited? Why, it's a wonder! We
run it only for special parties, engaged
in advance, either two, four, six seats,
drawing rooms, single cars, or the en-
fire train, and some of the most de-
lightful social events in the history
of this city have occurred here in the
past few months, showing that the
people of Chicago need something of
merit only brought to their notice and
they will appreciate and patronize it,
as our great retail stores prove."
The success of the Wellington is the
pleasure of its patrons.
Have your carpets cleaned by the
new compressed air system introduced
by the Pneumatic Carpet Cleaning Co.,
corner Lake and Carpenter streets,
Chicago. Carpets and rugs go in one
side of the machine soiled and dirty
and come out on the other side thor-
oughly cleansed and aired, nap raised
and colors brightened and nothing Is
frayed or torn. .Orders receive prompt
attention. Tel, Monroe 1496.
There is nothing of more importance
to the residents of a great city like
Chicago than the purity of its milk
supply. For years Chicago was sup-
plied with milk in cans gathered pro-
miscuously wherever it could be found
and left in pans, pitchers or cups with
the housewife. The result of this can
be readily imagined and the Innova-
tion introduced by the Bordens in 1892
of delivering milk in clean, sterilized
glass bottles is an improvement so ap-
S. MUIR,
GRBENHOUSESs
3530-3532 MICHIGAN AYE.
TELEPHONE, OHUID 319.
A choice selection at FRESH CUT FLOWERS con-
stantly on band. Floral Designs of every desciption.
PLANT DECORATION A SPECIALTY.
QUINN BROTHERS, PLUMBING
2918 Cottage Grove Ave* l%*
Telephone, south 346. 6as Fitting and Sewerage.
parent that ' the method will become
universally used. While the glass
bottle is not in itself a guarantee of
pure milk, it becomes essentially a
guarantee when the milk itself comes
from a reliable firm. A scientific study
of food, environment, the cows and the
method of handling them, has cost the
Borden's Condensed Milk Co. both
time and money, with the result that
with the absolute supervision and
practical control of the methods and
utensils used in handling and in the
delivery of the milk to them, they are
prepared to furnish and guarantee an
absolutely pure milk and cream In,
bottles filled and sealed at their own
bottling plants in the country.
The company operates a number of
plants in the best dairy sections of
Illinois and Wisconsin, in which
abound springs and streams of pure
water, where the atmosphere is con-
' ducive to a healthy condition of the
cows, where fhe soil is productive,
and where the general surroundings
are by nature particularly adapted to
the production of the highest grade
of milk. Visitors to these plants are
impressed with the thorough sanitary
methods employed and with the per-
fect cleanliness in and around all of
the buildings. All of the bottles are
thoroughly cleansed and sterilized at
a very high temperature.
The milk intended to be delivered
in its natural state in bottles is, after
cleansing and aerating, taken to the
bottling room. The sterilized bot-
tles are placed on a long table, rapid-
ly filled, covered with a specially pre-
pared cardboard and hermetically
sealed. From this table the bottles
are packed in cases, covered with a
bountiful supply of cracked ice, and
loaded into refrigerator care for ship-
ment into the city.
This milk is delivered daily every-
where throughout the city, and orders
can be sent by mail or telephone to
the Borden's Condensed Milk Co., 627
East Forty-seventh street Telephone
Oakland 503, or 546 West Van Buren
street, Telephone Monroe 856; 153
North Park avenue, Austin, Telephone
Austin 21, 1085-1091 West Ravenswood
Park, Telephone Lake View 524.
There is no greater pest than vermin
in one's home or place of business.
If you are troubled, why not drop a
line to W. P. Martin & Co., 2954 Cot-
tage Grove avenue, Chicago, 111., and
they will make a contract guaran-
teeing to rid your premises of cock-
roaches and waterbugs. The paste
used by this firm is infallible and they
give an absolute guarantee and are
prepared to show testimonials from
hundreds of well-known patrons. A
trial is cordially invited and satisfac-
tion is assured.
Half-heartedness means whole fail-
ure usually.
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.
411
THE TRIBUNE
Twentieth Cervtxiry Building
The building wfll be twelve atoriea
The approach to the building will
be through a magnificent entrance
of marble and mosaic, containing two
broad, easy flights of stain to the
second floor.
The entire bonding wfll be finished
in mahogany, the corridors will have
mosaic floors and marble wainaeot-
ing. Every room will bare outaida
light and air, making it the best
lighted building in the city.
Seven Hydra, ullc El«v«.t»r«
of the best and most rapid type and
equipped with the most approved
form of safety devices wfll give access
to the upper floor*. Large freight
elevator will be placed in the rear
with access from the alley.
The first floor wfll be finished in
stores. The second floor wffl be suit-
able for financial institutions requir-
ing large space and vaults, and wfll
have mosaic floors. The third and
fourth floors will be occupied entire-
ly by The Tribune Company. The
upper eight floors wfll be divided in-
to offices, and. if applications for
space are made in time, the rooms
will be arranged to suit tjm»nt»
Hot and cold water, vaults, and
coat closets wfll be supplied with each
suite of offices. Storage space can be
had in the attic for the use of ten-
ants. Further information can be
obtained by applying to the agents,
WILLIAM D. KERFOOT <& CO..
85 W&sMngton Street.
ITOTICE.— Dnrtng the eonatraettaa at
the newbatldlnz THE TBIBTJXE butBaaa
office wffl be IB the premise* BOW occupied
by the Chicago Nation*! Bank. Dearborn
and Monroe ttreeta. The removal will take
place on May 1. The editorial room* win
alao be »t the corner of Dearborn and Man-
toe stoeeta. bat the osloe at the anaarbw ed-
itor, Ike city editor, aW in the newa depnrt-
meatt of the paper wffl heat m tol« Market
iliuel. where the meehasdael wart: of the
: ,
mafflm, wm be •»».
The New Tribune Building, to be erected on the site of the present building. Southeast
corner Dearborn and Msxdison Streets, and to be ready for occupancy about April 1. 19O2.
The Chiccvgo Tribune Lea.ds All CKicatgo Morning Newspapers
In the Number of Agate Lines of Pa. id Advertising.
Record for twelve months, ending December 31, 19OO. Compiled from measurements made by the Chicago Dady Newa.
DAILY and SUNDAY
1900
GAIN
0»er1899
LOSS
DAILY ONLY
1900
GAIN
Over 1899
LOSS
TRIBUNE
6.3O8.15O
563,339
2,859.4.11
413,589
RECORD
•j.. ->.->«.. -5 : •
(69,925
TIMES-HERALD
3,841,088
880,289
•.181.0.17
13,926
INTER OCEAN
3,%6O,373
171,694
1,639,354
42,157
CHRONICLE
8,553, 118
14.908
1.354.563
84.199
Tne Svinda.y Tribvine Leads tKe World
Record of advertising for the year ending December 31. 19OO.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE.
NEW YORK HERALD,
NEW YORK WORLD.
NEW YORK JOURNAL,
3,448,699 Agate Line*
3.301,427
S.O56.6O7 "
2,413,045 «
Complied from measurements made by a Nevr York and a ChlcaJCo Evening Newspaper.
412
Turn REFORM ADVOCATE.
THE: RJENZI,
Concert Afternoons and Evenings
Cor. Evanston Ave. fSL
Clark St.,1800Diversey
Bo\jleva.rd.W
Announcement
Notice....
We will open a beauti-
ful Summer Garden about
May 20th. Refreshments
of all kinds and lunches
will be served. We cater
only to the best class of
trade and we are pleased
to say that our patronage
is composed of the better
class of people only.
Trusting you will give
us a call, I remain,
Yours truly,
F. EMIL GASCH.
Despres (&L Co.
The readers of this issue of
THE REFORM ADVOCATE are
invited to send us their orders
for anything they may need
in the way of
Pure
Wines
and
Liquors
for USP in their homes. Our
personal attention will be
given to such orders.
Prices as low as consistent
with PURE goods.
We handle all kinds of
Imported and Domestic
Wines, Liquors and
Cordials
Sole agents for the sale of
the Celebrated Rhine Wines
of A. Guthmar, Darmstadt,
Germany.
Despres
Co.
193-195 E. Van Buren Street. Chicago
Telephone Harrison 344
TELEPHONE 'MAIN 705
HENRY KAU
BINQER WEINSTUBE
163 E. Adams Street
CHICAGO
KELLEREI IN
BUEDESHEIM AM SCHARLACHBERQ
**•!•* +++++**+«•+++•!•+*+***+***********
Turn REIFORM ADVOCATE.
413
The Wanger System is a. posi-
tive and permanent cure for
constipation, dyspepsia, indi-
gestion and insomnia. — not
occasionally, b\it in every
instance. ^ <A <A ^
Chicago, April 6, 1901.
E. L. WANOKB, Esq.,
Grand PaciBc Hotel, City:—
Dear Sir: — After a course of your training1 1 am
pleased to say that I think it most excellent for busy
men with but little time to devote to their physical
welfare.
Yours truly,
ADOLPH MOSES.
Chicago
Dr. G. E. Richards
Alexander H. Revel
H. N. Higinbotham
Geo. Lytton
W. Vernon Booth
Potter Palmer, Jr.
Honore Palmer
Stanley McCormfck
Medill Me :ormick
Marvin Hewitt, Jr.
Angus S. Hibbard
J. H. Van Vlissengen
Frank Hibbard
Chas. W. Gillett
Byron Smith
Lloyd Milner
John J. Abbott
Chas. Counselman
E. M. Lacey
Patrons
Dr. N. S. Davis, Jr.
Fred Upham
Harry M. Stevenson
Howard F. Gillette
Orville E. Babcock
Ben). Carpenter
David A. Noyes
Harry M. Tuttle
Dunlap Smith
Edward B. Lewis
Garlield King
F. C. Farwell
F. S. Gorton
C. D. Hamill
Edward B. Case
Frank W. Scott
Joseph L Lombard
Syrus Bentley
Hugh Johnson McBurney
0. f. Aldis
WITHOUT THE USE OF APPARATUS
YOU CAN INCREASE YOUR
Shoxilder 3 to 5
Expansion 2 to 6
Fore«Lrm */i to 1
Chest 2to4
Upper Arm 1 to 2
Waist, decreased 2 to 8
IN THREE WEEKS UNDER THE INSTRUCTION OF
WANGER, ?S3SS
R. L.
Sxiite, 500, 502 and 504 Grand Pacific Hotel
HatJe My Manager Call and Ejcplain My Method
or Write For Free -Booklet.
414
REFORM ADVOCATE/
McCRAY REFRIGERATORS
Also a full
line of
stock sizes
ready for
Immediate
shipment.
For Res!-
dences.
Hotels. Etc.
The Me-
Cray Sys-
tem
Insures
perfect
circulation
of pure
oola air;
absolutely
dry; never
sweats;
therefore
is
Perfectly
Hygienic
For eco-
nomical
use ot Ice it
has no
equal.
Physicians
prominent
men, hos-
pitals and
sanitari-
ums en-
dorse the
MoCrajr
Refrlg-
ators.
BUILT TO ORDER
Built to order for A. J. Wellington, Newton, Mail.
TILI LINED. ICID FROM OUTDOORS.
McCray Refrigerators Speak For Themselves
Catalogues and estimates furnished free upon application. Catalogues: No.
sr, for Residences ; No. 4r, f »r Public Institutions, Hotels, and Cold Storage houses ;
No. 55 for Groceries aud II -at Markets.
McCRAY REFRIGERATOR AND GOLD STORAGE CO.,
Chicago Office: SSWabash Avo.
Main Office and Factory. 182 Mill Street, Kendallvllle, Indiana.
STEAM »«» WATER
HEATING
INSTALLATION
REMODELING
REPAIRING
WILLIAM A. POPE
79 Lake Street
CHICAGO
T5he Plume & Atwood
MaLi\ufaLct\irin.g Co.
Mills: Thomaston, Conn. 9 Factories: Waterbury. Conn.
199 Lsvke Street. Chicago. Illinois
SHEET AND
ROLL BRASS
German Silver and Copper
Brass, Copper and German Silver wire. Copper
and Brass Rivets and Burrs. Iron and Brass
Jack Chain. Brass Hinges. Escutcheon Pins.
Upholsters' Nails. Brass Ferrules. Curtain
Rings. ........
KEROSENE BURNERS. LAMPS
AND LAMP TRIMMINGS.
Jewelers* Metal and Printers*
Brass a Specialty
Cutlery and tsoolj "Refrigerators
Telephone Harrison 13OO
S. J. Stebbins Co.
"Builders' Hardtvare
74- Van "Buren Jft.
Chicago
Phone Me^in 58
Established 1858
Jobbing nrvd Repairing
Neatly Done
Baker (®L Smith Co,
Stea.m a.nd Hot Water Heating
in all its branches
A Complete Line of
Material always on hand.
Out of town and High
Pressure Work a Specialty.
THE REFORM ADVOCATE/
415
Heimmill Fire Escape Co,
Office. 1008. 112 Clark Street
Chicago Opera House Block
Our style of standard escapes
have proved of service so many
times in saving lives, that they
are universally admitted to be
indispensable on every large
building.
We make a specialty of designing L---J
and erecting fire escapes for 'ft?
Schools, Colleges, Seminaries, •]
Dormitories, Hotels, and large
buildings. Write for circulars
and estimates.
We have erected work for S. B.
Eisendrath, Architect; Falkenan
Construction Co.; Mandel Bros.;
Stumer, Rosenthal & Eckstein,
Standard Club, and on many of
the finest buildings in Chicago
and the west.
Work Erected in Any Pa.rt
of the United States.
Sketches a.r\d Plans furnished.
We mnJce special designs of Rail-
ings, ar\d car\ make them as
ornamental as desired.
Write for Estimates.
ZERO MARX SIGN WORKS
Phone North 1031
Nos. 160 a^nd 162 East Superior Street. Chicago
We are catering to the army of Students of Modern advertising, and offer them our assistance in making the
proper selection and getting the new ideas in signs. We have at our disposal the best medium of today to reach the
public quick a.nd direct — and we keep our aim before them da.y and nitfht with
OUR LETTERS ARE MADE ENTIRELY OF A\ETAL»-THEY ARE PERFECTLY WATERPROOF
and we never experience short circuits
We reproduce tra.de ma.rks, execute any sign in script and make original designs. If interested write us — we
. .
will give you prompt attention and furnish you a design of the sign as you should have it.
ELECTRIC. GLASS. BRASS. METAL. BOARDS.
0*4- *TO
SIGNS
WINDOW LETTERING. WALL PAINTING,
SIGNS
416 THE REIFORM ADVOCATE.
+»»»»»»»»»«»*»»»«»»»»»»»»»»»»»*»»»«»+•»»»
A. FLESHAM
IUNDER.TAKERJ
Gr»dvi»t« Philadelphia
Training School for
EMBALMER.
Personal Service Day and Night.
BVHighest endorsements of
Philadelphia, Rabbis.
t 529 E. 47th St. 'Phone Drexel 7593
Thonrve^s J. Dee & Co.
Gold a.nd Silver R.efii\ers,
Ass-Ayers e^rvd Sweep
Smelters V V V V V V
67 and 69 Washington Street,
CHICAGO.
Bullion Bought and Sold.
1
ManujadDrerj
of superior
AuHySim'
and copper
CHICAGO.
ESTABLISHED 1866
INCORPORATED 1894
1
Sweet. Dempster & Co.
Manufacturers, Importers
and Jobbers of —
ftats, Caps and Gloves
232-234 Monroe St.. S. W. Cor. Franklin
CHICAGO
OUR SPECIALTIES— Soft and Stiff Hats to retail
~$1.6O. $2.OO and $3.0O.
GIVE US A TRIAL ORDER
Co.,
+T Manufactarerj and Jobbers
HATS, CAPS, STRAW
GOODS, GLOVES and
MITTENS. ..........
239-24-1 Jackson St.. Chicago
THE LEADING
DENTISTS
Teeth Extracted Absolutely Without Pa.in.
Best Set
of Teeth
$5.00 Good Set Teeth $5.00
Teeth Without Plates our special-
ty. : : Fine Gold Filling at
half usual rates. : : Open
evenings till 10. :::::: .
"I had sixteen teeth extracted entirely without pain."— Mrs.
Kate Hughes, 190 Seminary Avenue
McCKesney Brothers.
Corner Clark and Randolph Sts.
'Phone Central 2047.
Special Rates to Professional People.
THE REFORM ADVOCATE.'
417
1
• \S*\.^.7f^'V m •
wiovcr
Facrrn PUREST
^•^ r • MILK
Certified »
AMERICA
Milk
1^*111%. •••
A Grea.t Boon in Infant
a.nd Invalid Feeding
Produced from tuberculin tested cows and under the
rery best sanitary conditions.
Guaranteed to contain from 4 to 4 2-10 percent fat at
ill times.
We also furnish a CERTIFED CREAM contain-
ng 16 per cent fat for home modification of milk.
Samples of this milk and cream were sent to Paris,
where it arrived in fine condition after being seventeen
17) days in transit.
Clover Farm won Gold and Silver Medal* at the
Paris Exposition.
Write for descriptive circulars.
Recommended by leading Physicians.
H. B. CURLER. CO.
DE KALB. ILLINOIS
NEW OFFICE BUILDING
OP THE
National Life Insurance Co.
Of the U. S. of A.
This Illustration rep-
n-srms the new of-
Uoe building of the
National Life Insur-
ance Co. of tbe U. S.
of A., now in process
of construction at
157-108 La SulleSt.
The National was
organized in 1868 by
Special Act of Con-
gress and is the onl j
company in t b 6
United States hav-
ing a charter grant-
ed direct by the
Government. The
National writes sUl
approved forms of
life Insurance poli-
cies. The company's
assets on Jan. 1, 1901,
amounted to 12.515,-
147.82. The officers
and directors are
prominent Chicago
financiers and busi-
ness men. Hon. O.
D. Wetherell, Ex-
City Comptroller
and Prest. of the
<;:oi>t- National
Bank, is President,
and R. E. Sackett Is
the Secretary and
General Manager.
The company oc-
cupies temporary of-
fices at 119-121 La
Salle St.. pending
the completion of
the new building.
Anyone desiring insurance in a progressive and thoroughly relia-
ble company will do well to correspond with the National.
M. J. CLARK, President.
N. J. OABT, Sec. & Treas
Utica Cement Manufacturing Co.
UTICA, ILLINOIS.
J. P. BLAKESLEB, General Manager.
M. J CLARK, President
N. 3. CAR*. Sec. it Tress.
Manufacturers of the Celebrated
-BLACK BALL" BRAND OF
Utica Hydraulic Cement C°.
UTICA, ILLINOIS
Manufacturer* of
Hydraulic Cement
ESTABLISHED BY JAMES CLARK IN 1845.
UTICA CEWENT
This ha« been In use throughout the United States for upward of forty years.
Especially adapted for Tunnels, Gas Works, and works for the supply of water.
and for sewerage and drainage. It has been exclusively used for thirty-five
years In the construction of nearly 800 miles of sewers In the city of Chicago, and
in all the celebrated water supply tunnels under Lake Michigan, and In the sev-
eral Gas Works and the numerous office buildings In the same city. Also In the
construction of the Locks on the Hennepln Canal during the years 1895-1900 In-
clusive. Utica Cement Is universally acknowledged to be the best brand on the
market. Capacity of mill, 1800 barrels dally.
MEACHAM & WRIGHT.
General Sales Agents, 308-9 Chamber of Commerce, CHICAGO, ILL.
Manufacturers of the Celebrated CLARK BRAND of
Utica Hydraulic Cement
Capacity of nil), 2,000 Barrels Daily
With superior facilities for the prompt and careful shipment of our cele-
brated hran.l of Hydraulic Cement, we are enabled to meet every demand upon
us promptly, and we believe to the entire satisfaction of the trade.
Utica Cenicni Is extensively and satisfactorily used In all the principal S'.wera
and public works of Chicago, St. Louis, St. Paul, Indianapolis and: throughout the
Northwest.
During the season of 1896, 1' 0.000 barrels of Utica Cement was used on tbt
Drainage canal. Quality always guaranteed. Sales In 1900, 390,000 barrels.
MEACHAM & WRIGHT
General Sales Agents 308-9 Chamber of Commerce. CHICAGO
REFORM
American Trust
CHICAGO
3 Per Cei\t
on savings accounts
2 Per Cer\t
oo checking accounts
C*.I1
Che continental
Rational Bank «
Statement of Condition at Close
of Busioess April 16, 1901.
r ~ :
-
- ^_
Commercial National Bank
CHICAGO. ILLINOIS
CAPITAL -
SURPLUS
$1,000,000.00
$1,000,000.00
Foreman Bros.
Banking Co.
ftreets
CHICAGO, ILL.
CAPITAL
SURPLUS
$500,000
500,000
OFFICERS:
x " — ,^r-'.-
THE, REFORM ADYOOATK.
419
NATIONAL BANK
OF THE REPUBLIC
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.
Jem? A. LTSCH, PSES. W. T. FETTOS, VICE-FEES. AJTD CASHIEE
J. H. CAMXBOS, Ant-Cashier B. M. McKrssir, Second As»t-Cashiei
CAPITAL ONE BULLION DOLLARS
THE HOME SAVINGS BANK
WBI bore Its " T 'n r — Tf "n Hi __
CHICAGO NATIONAL BANK BUILDING
148 to 154 MONROE STREET
On or before May 1st.
. SAVINGS BANK. EXCLUSIVELY.
««f +»»»»»»»»»«»»»»»»*»»»»«»««««««»»»««»•
IQREENEBAUM SONS?
.Bankers.
•
83 and 85 Dearborn Street
CHICAGO
A General Banking Business Transacted. ;
•»
Loans on Real Estate and the Sale
of First Mortgages a Specialty.
Drafts and Letters of Credit avail-
able everywhere.
*•
The Bankers
National Bank
HURQUETTE BUILDING, CHICAGO,
CAPITAL,
1,000,000
DEPOSITS.
tttrcft 1st. 1896.
Uircl 1st, 1897, •
Mirei 1st, 1898.
Mirch 1st, 1899, •
Utrek 1st. 1900,
March 1st, 1901, -
- $3.034.563.38
- - 4.761,810.78
6.226.834.14
- - 1,040.416.64
9,522.574,70
12,522,677.98
EDWARD S. LACY, President
GEO. S. LORD, Vice-President
J. C. CRAFT, Cashier
FRANK P. JUDSON, Asst. Cashier
J. C. McN AUGHTON . Asst. Cashier
Nei Business Desired aid Uieicelled Facilities Offered.
420
REFORM ADVOCATE.
The New Building to be occupied by
THE CHICAGO NATIONAL BANK
on May 1, 1901.
ADOLPH LOEB
LEO A. LOEB
ADOLPH LOEB & SON
ESTABLISHED 1873
Fire Insurance Underwriters
205 La Salle Street. N. W.
Corner cf Adams
TELEPHONE MAIN 1353
Hamburg= Bremen Fire Ins. Co.
OF HAMBURG, GERMANY
WESTERN DEPARTMENT
174 LaSalle Street Chicago, III.
W1TKOWSKY & AFFELD, General Agents
REFORM ADVOCATE.
421
Western Bank Note Co,
Madison Street and Michigan Avenue,
CHICAGO
C. C. CHENEY,
President,
C. A. CHAPHAN,
Vice Pres. & TrCM.
Steel Plate and Lithographic
Engraving and Printing,
For Railways, Towns and Cities; Real
Estate Bonds; Bonds for Street Rail-
ways, Water-Works, Gas Companies;
Certificates of Stock, Drafts, Checks,
Letter and Bill Headings, Etc., for
Railways, Banks, Merchants and Cor-
porations.
Bank Checks and Drafts,
Bonds and other Securities Engraved by this Company ac-
cepted on the New York and Chicago Stock Exchange*.
DUCAT & LYON
Established 1865
2OI La Salle Street
Insure everything insurable, writing
FIRE
POSTAL
LIABILITY
ELEVATOR
TORNADO
PLATE GLASS
BOILER
INSURANCE
Representing THE HOME of New York
THE LEADING AMERICAN COMPANY.
NOVELS BYTI!E JEWISH AUTHOR
MISS EMMA WOLF
Other Things Being Equal fist-
"The struggle between orthodox Ideas of marriage within the racial
lines, and the charming love Btory which Is so complicated, Is as powerful an
Incident as anything In modern novel writing."— PutiHc Ledger, Philadelphia
. Of Booksellers Generally or th.- Publishers,
A. C. McCLURQ & CO., CHICAGO.
The First National Bank £'hlc.ro
Capital and Surplus, $8,000,000
OFFICERS
James B. Forgan, President; David R. Forgan,
Vice Pres't; Geo. D. Boulton, Vice Pres't;
Richard J. Street, Cashier; Holmes Hoge, Ass't
Cashier; August Blum, Ass't Cashier; Frank
E. Brown, Ass't Cashier: Chas. N. (illicit, Ass't
Cashier; Frank O. Wetmore, Auditor; Emlle
K. Bolsot, Manager Bond and Foreign Kxrli.
Dept. ; John K Gardln, Ass't Manager Bond
and Foreign Exch. Dept.
DIRECTORS
Samuel \V. Allerton, William L. Brown, James
B. Forgan, Samuel M. Niokerson, George
T. Smith, John H. Barker, D. Mark. Cummings,
David R. Forgan, Eugene S. Pike. John A.
poor, Geo. D. Boulton, Chas. H. Conover, Nel-
son Morris, Norman B. Beam, Otto Young.
Established 1856
H. SCHULTZ
COMPANY
Incorporated
Manufacturers of
Taper
Telephone Main 2423
117-123 Market St..
(Near MadUon)
CHICAGO
422
THE REFORM ADVOCATED
John M. Stiles
Painter
Decorator
269 35th Srreet
Tel. Oakland 379
Fine....
Residence
Work
....A Specialty
Many of the finest residences
in Chicago are specimens of
his artistic skill. Also does
large buildings, among which
Ft. Dearborn Building.
Mandel Bros.' New Building.
Y. W. C. A. Building.
The Federal Building.
A. P. Little
American Laundry Machinery Co.
CHICAGO CINCINNATI NEW YORK
- iV trSocT i TT-. •??;
Complete Outfits for Public and Private Institutions
Telephone t
Harrison 3076
REMOVAL
NOTICEv
Manufacturer of Type-
writer Supplies formerly
at 161 La Salle Street,
now at
100 Jackson Blvd.
N. W. Cor. Monadnock
Block, opposite new post
office, Chicago. Largest
dealer in
New and Second-Hand
Typewriters
Typewriters, Rented,
Bought eind Sold3
Turn REFORM ADVOCATE.
423
REDUCE YOUR COAL BILL
THE POWERS
Heat Regulator
ASSURES AN EVEN TEMPERATURE.
No coal wasted.
FITS ANY FURNACE
OLD OR NEW.
HOT AIR. STEAM OR HOT WATER.
EASILY ATTACHED.
REGULATES ITSELF.
BOOK ABOUT IT SENT FREE.
THE POWERS REGULATOR CO..
40 Dearborn Street, CHICAGO.
KENNEDY
^^ E F KENNEDY, ^^^f L. H. MEYER, ™
E. F. KENNEDY,
President.
Sec'y and Treas.
KWALITY KOUNTS<
COMPLETE
HOUSE FURNISHERS .
EVERYTHING FOR
THE HOME .
FURNlTUREc
o.
BETWEEH MADISON AND
WASHINGTON STS.
J/4&//6 WABASH AVE.
CHICAGO.
(lolit B«dlt ,l*d llr)
Kills the germs of,
and cures all
Throat (A Lung
Troubles and Catarrh also
CONSUMPTION
AND V V *• V
TUBERCULOSIS
in the early stages and affords relief and
rest in the more aggravated cases.
ROYAL
BUILDUP
Builds up tKe we-ste tissues &.r\d
gives strength. Try them and recover
your health.
Inhaler sufficient for 60 days $1.0O
Extra Solution sufficient for 180 days. 1.00
Buildup sufficient for 30 days l.OO
Or sent express paid any oSflce in United
States for $1.25 each
Sold by drug and supply houses and by the
manufacturers.
Roya.1 Inhaler Mfg. Co,
30-36 LaSalle St., CHICAGO, ILL.
The Rrftirm Advocate reronmenda
, thU H* ft meritorious rrtned*
70-72 SteLte St.
CHICAGO
E. BURNHAM,
Hair Goods Mas8age
ELECTROLYSIS
LADIES' HAIR. DRESSING AND SHAMPOOING.
LADIES' TURKISH AND RUSSIAN BATHS.
Hair Dyes
Cosmetics
6QOD
AS
mm PKKEIG
mmmmM '
HICA60 TYPEWRITER AS
122 LA 5ALLE 5T. CHICA60C.
'Ballenberg
Millinery
13+ Michigan B/orf.
A VERY FUNNY BOOK
THE ADVENTURES OF
AS RELATED TO ONE OF THE
ROUGH WRITERS
The Most Humorous Book
of the Times.— Just Pub-
lished. Price, $1.00. : : :
"An amusing volume with flavor of mild and
genial 'roast,' peppered with flings at existing
conditions. Generally witty."— Detroit Frtt
Prest.
"Vice-President Roosevelt will doubtless enjoj
the funny book written at hl« expense, entitled,
•The Adventures of Theodore.' "—Chicago
Timea-Uerata.
"Full of very clever humor, and If boomed like
'David Uarum' and 'Eben Uolden* no reason why
Its sales should nut reach their amazing figures.
— Chicago Chronicle.
"This handsome little book Is what might be
called a strenuous burlesque on the Vice-Presi-
dent's recent trip."— Chicago Pott.
"Mark Twain and Artemn* Ward have been
•ucceeded by a new humorist come out of the
west. Not a dull line from coyer to cover."
— Four O'clock.
All Dealers. Sent Postpaid.
H. J. Smith &Devereaux (o,,
Publishers,
334 Dearborn St., Chicago, III.
Lakeside
and Cottages
PEWAUKEE LAKE
Hartland P. O., Wis.
0 Miles from Waukesha. lend foi
terms and circulars.
424
TKR REFORM ADVOCATE.
H. B. Dodge & Co.
108 La Salle Street
Suite 525 Tel. Main 2985
Rolling Partitions, Steel
Coiling Shutters, Hygienic
School Wardrobes, Vene^
tian Blinds, Sliding Blinds
and Window Scccns. A.'A^
WILSON'S SELF-COILING STEEL SHUTTERS.
Fitted to Store Fronts,
P«rt Tlew of itore front of Stem Bro»., New York. Tbeie Shutters h«»e been in constant uie for over » ye«r«.
Why Use Poor Milk?
ERFECTION AT IAST!
OUo
BEST IN THE WORLD
^-jS^
THE MELVILLE CLARK
, PIANO CO.
401 W.MADISON ST.
STRONG &LEIMERT
PIANO WAREROOMS
257 WABASH AVE.
WHAT IS LUSTRE?
1 IS the marvel of the age for preserving finish, keeping it from
orazijag and checking. It stands to reason that finish checks, and
ieu. .asacifiincr ir,nas no equal. It removes ny-specks. Ink stains and all kinds of dirt, and at
the same time polishes with less work than any other article ever produced. It leaves no greasy,
sticky substance, but leaves the finish in the same condition that it was left In at the factory.
With LUSTRE there Is no trouble of keeping your furniture clean and glossy.
When for the SABI
UONE7 you can get it
no,
SWEET AND
ttsuaaaxeu
SICE;
delivered in sealed
bottles, by railing
up Tel. South 817,
or sending postal to
305 30TH ST.
Sidney
ALL EMPLOYKS
In the operating department of the "Alton Road " are
required to pass mental and physical examinations
calculated to secure absolute safety to passengers and
freight. Fidelity, promptness, and accuracy are re-
• arded by the merit system, the result being that one
of the safest railways In the world 's
"THE ONLY WAY**
GEX). «7. CH A R TVTO If, <JEN-I, PAsaENOBB AOKXT,
<V \,.,,, ll 1 IMM-,,
. J".
Metal Roofing.CorHices and sty Lights
2645 STATE STREET.
REFORM ADVOCATE.
^®®®®®®®®4>®€^
S. BERLINER ft Go.
fITH YOUR
425
>LE
rianufacturvri of
monuments
...and...
Rcadstoncs i
nvnto
In GRANITE,
MARBLE
and STONE.
All Kinds of Cemetery
Work.
Desplaines Avenue
and 12th Street,
HARLEM.
P. 0. OAK PARK, ILL.
_ ;j
LISTS
fomii mums'-
Of TRADES.
MATTIR
DISTRIBUTED.
IMITATION
\ TYPfWRITTfN
IFTTERS
REPRODUCED.
40 Dearborn St.]
Witliifl W. DC Wees, Muaem.
SEND FOR CATALOGUE.
Standard of Excellence
Made In 18 Beautiful Tints. Pure White and Black. Is DU R. ABLE.
LUSTROUS AND ELASTIC. Specially prepared for use on Baih
Rooms. Interior Decorations, Furniture, Iron Beds, Lawn Chairs,
Store Fronts and all Decorative Work. Covers about as well as
best yixi'd Faints and dries hard over night. Prices and sample
card upon application.
Co
FMOMC.
MAIN -f
1333 '
128 FIFTH AVE.
JL /Xejui /Mo/son
Slows
R)R EVERY
BUSINESS
AMD IN
EVEKy STYLE
! . <'.'•
Before
Treatment
National Surgical Institute,
Suite 908-909 Masonic Temple.
WE GUARANTEE TO STRAIGHTEN FEET WITHOUT SUR-
GICAL OPERATION.
Club Feet, Lateral Curvatures, Hip Diseases, Spi-
nal Diseases, Diseased Joints, Paralysis, Rectal
Diseases, Crooked Limbs, Chronic Diseases.
Send for- Booklet.
After
Treatment.
E. VON HERMANN'S
PHARMACY
N, E. Cor, 31St St and INDIANA AVE.,
lelephon* 81O8.
OPKN AIX NIGHT.
26
Turn REFORM ADVOCATED
Any man choosing the Northwestern
may feel confident of three things: first,
that his money is safely and honestly in-
vested; second, that he will receive fair and
honorable treatment; and third, that no
Life Company can do so much in reducing
the cost of life insurance or making large
returns on money invested as the North-
western. Sincerely yours,
PHILIP D. ABMOCB.
Old
Life
Age
Irvsuraoice
" Whatntr poet, orator or taye may tati "fit,
Old age it ttill old age." —Longftllov,
Yes, but how It mitigates the asperities it yon have been wise,
and in earlier years provided yourself an annual Income during
old age; thus saving yourself from being dependent on anyone.
Refrains from the Poets)
WITHOUT SrOH PKOVISIOM
"My days are In the yellow leaf:
The flowers and fruits of lore are
gone:
The worm, the canker and the grief
Are mine alone!" —Byron.
"When he Is forsaken.
Withered and shaken,
What can an old man do bnt aiet"
—Hoot.
WITH SOCK novuiov
"But an old age serene and bright.
And lovely as a Lapland night
Shall lead the* to thy grave."
— Wordsworth.
"The very staff of my age,
My verr prop: and I will KM."
Yes, It does make all the difference in the world whether you did
or did not. Shakespeare's reference to his annuity Is touching.
A most excellent provision and the best thing obtainable In those
days. It takes however a large lump, some cash down to purchase
an annuity, while the new Policy Contract of the
fforthtueftern Life
of Milwaukee, requires an annual premium equal only to a fair
Interest on the principal sum. These new Contracts may be se-
cured in amounts from Si. 000 to 1100,000, and secured by Cash
Assets and Surplus, JKW.OO >,000.
The one single contract combines in itself these advantages:
Life Insurance for wife If you die 1
Endowment Insurance for yourself If you live I
Annual Income till you die !
Then Annuixl Income to wife till she dies 1
TKen full face amount to children 1
It is in all respects a flexible, business-like, comprehensive
contract, It Is what you need to-day, and twenty years from to-
day. Send your exact age to A. W. KIMBALL. Genertxl
Agent, C. D. NORTON. Associate General Agent. 8th
Floor Chicago Stock Exchange.
r
I have been a trustee of the Northwestern
Mutual Life Insurance Company for twenty
years. I have several times made an examina-
tion of its assets and investments, and know the
manner in which the company transacts its
business. There is not a more careful, conserva-
tive or safe company in the country than that.
I have two policies in it, and would take more
if I could afford to carry them.
Yours very truly,
D. J. BREWER,
Associate Justice U. S. Supreme Court.
Was an excellent showing, and I congratulate
your company on being able to do so well for its
customers. No other company has done so well
for me.
Yours very truly,
E. BUCKINGHAM,
Prest. N. W. National Bank.
Fifty-sixth Successful year of increasing
strength aurid prosperity of the
New York Life
Insurance Company
346-348 BroaLdwecy. New York City.
JOHN A. McCALL, President.
The Great International Life Insurance Company
Doing business in and under the immediate supervision of
ALL THE CIVILIZED GOVERNMENTS of the world.
Assets over $262,000,000
Consisting exclusively of the very
highest class of BONDS and GILT EDGE
SECURITIES, market value several mil-
lions in excess of company's statement.
Paid for business in force Dec.
31, 1900 $1,202,156,665
New insurance issued and paid
for in 1900 232,388,255
Gain in new insurance in force in
1900 140,284,680
The only company in the world publishing "A Detailed Annual Statement"
showing HOW and WHERE the Policy Holder's Moneys are invested.
(A copy of detailed statement furnish.- 1 on application.)
Other reasons why every mart should insure in the New York Life Insurance Co.
BECAUSE—
It is supervised by K2 distinct governments to
whom it must make sworn reports, and which
governments endorse and certify officially to the
absolute correctness of same. And
BECAUSE—
The spirit of mutuality worked out in practice has
made the New York Life Insurance Co. what it is
today— WITHOUT A PEER! A company of the
people, for the people, and by the people, to whom all
of the assets, surplus and earnings belong. And
BECAUSE—
He who takes a policy in the New York Life Insurance
Co. today virtually makes a bargain with all the civ-
ilized governments of the world, thev in turn agree-
ing to watch his every interest, safefrunrd his invest-
ment, and protect him thoroughly. And
BECAUSE—
It has over $31 .OOO.OOO held in trust as a liability
with which to pay dividends on policies now in
force, and in addition thereto over ?4,280,000 as an ad-
ditional policy reserve, and over $10,000,000 additional
reserved for all other contingencies. And
BECAUSE—
Its policies are absolutely Incontestable from
date of issue, non-forfeiting and free from all re-
strictions, whether in time of war or in time of
peace, and without conditions as to travel, occupa-
tion, mode of living or manner of death, thereby guar-
anteeing a legacy instead of a lawsuit. And
BECAUSE—
It gives a grace of one month in paymi nt if premiums
and lends you money on your policy if you wish it at
5 per cent per annum after your policy has been in
force two years. And
BECAUSE—
Your policy automatically endorses itself as paid np
for the full amount in case of lapse and will pay the
face of the policy without deducting the de-
faulted premiums should death occur within the con-
tended period. And
BECAUSE—
It is the only large company having the right by
charter to act as "TRUSTEE," thug enabling one
to make absolute provision for his female dependants
throughout a period of years, which fund being spe-
cifically protected by the entire assets of the com-
pany, is safe against all comers, and cannot be
assessed, assigned, converted or levied upon by
creditors, or disturbed by the beneficiaries
themselves. And
BECAUSE—
Of the foregoing unequaled facts to the public, it is
the only co iipany qualified to meet tue condi-
tions of the 2Oth century. And
THEREFORE—
You should have the very best policy issued, with the
fewest restrictions, the most privileges, and the
strongest guarantees, and the New York Life's
Investment accumulation policy furnishes it.
CHICAGO VARNISH CO,
22 Vesey Street
NEW YORK
35 Dearborn Av,
CHICAGO
209^211 Pearl St
BOSTON
CHICAGO OFFICE, ERECTED 1895.
MANUFACTURERS OF<*^ T 7 A 1^1 "K. TIY^T ~*£**
HIGH, GRADE VARNlbHhb
For Architectural Purposes, Coach
Builders, Railways, Etc-, Etc*
Send for our book
on Treatment of Floors,
ESTABLISHED
1865
BK
A'.
SC2
** «i_
'£!»
•&**