FREDERICK HOHMANN

FREDERICK HOHMANN, the popular Village Clerk of Blue Island, is one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of this suburb, and it is meet that this work present to its readers this record of his life, which will be received with interest by many. He was born in Albany, N.Y., on the 12^th of July, 1846, and is the only child of Valentine and Barbara Hohmann. When he was a lad of seven summers he was brought by his family to Cook County, the parents locating upon a farm at Des Plaines, where they still reside.

Our subject continued under the parental roof until eighteen years of age, when he started out in life for himself, going to Chicago, where he learned the carpenter’s trade. In March, 1871, he took up his residence in Blue Island, where he embarked in business for himself, as a contractor and builder, and was thus engaged until 1891. During the twenty years which were thus passed, he erected some of the leading structures in the town, including both business blocks and private residences. He was an expert workman, always faithfully fulfilling his part of a contract, and in consequence received a liberal and well-merited patronage.

On the 27^th of May, 1869, Mr. Hohmann was united in marriage with Miss Rosa Erhart, who was born in Saxony, Germany, and is a daughter of Christoph Erhart, of Blue Island. Nine children graced their union, two of whom they lost in childhood. Carrie, another child deceased, was the wife of A. LaMore. Those still living are Florence, Samuel, Daisy, Frederick, Alice and Howard.

Mr. Hohmann is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife holds membership with the Methodist Church. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, has taken the Royal Arch Degree, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. In his political affiliations he is a Republican, and warmly advocates the principles of that party. In 1879 he was elected Clerk of the village, serving in that capacity for three years with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In 1889, he was again elected to the same office, which he has held continuously since, making eight years altogether. The duties of the position have so increased that for the past two years he has given his entire time and attention to the work. He has met with little opposition in elections, practically being the unanimous choice of his fellow-townsmen, an honor which is well merited and appreciated.

When Mr. Hohmann first came to Cook County, the country about Des Plaines was almost an unbroken wilderness. He has been an important factor in the development of this region, has witnessed almost its entire growth and upbuilding, and well deserves an honorable mention among the useful and respected citizens of the county.

— Submitted by Sherri Hessick on May 15, 2001

DISCLAIMER:  The submitter is not related to the subject of this biography nor is she related to anyone mentioned in the biography.