Jacob H. Abraham, a pioneer brick manufacturer of western Illinois and a long time and honored citizen of Moline, has passed to his final rest. Death entered the family residence 813 Eighteenth Avenue, at 4:30 Sunday Morning. For the greater part of the last two years Mr. Abraham had experienced a decline in health and since he was unfortunately stricken with total blindness his life has been a retired one. It was not, however, until two weeks ago that the aged resident was forced to take to his bed with congestion of the lungs, which developed into pneumonia and ended in death.
If he had lived until New Year's day, Mr. Abraham would have celebrated his 75th birthday anniversary. He was born in Christiania, Norway, January 1 1837 and passed the first sixteen years of his life in that northern land. It was at that time that a cholera plague fastened its disastrous grip upon Norway, and in the hope of escaping the ravages of the pestilence the young Norseman took passage on a slow-going sailing vessel bound for America. Immediately on his arrival in the land of his adoption he journed to Chicago, where he found his first employment in a brick yard.
He remained but a short time in the Illinois metropolis, then went to Rock Island, and later to Keithsburg, Mercer county, where he established himself in the brick manufacturing business on a small scale. This was fifty-seven years ago. Mr. Abraham maintained a residence at Keithsburg for more that a quarter of a century, or until 1882, when he moved with his family to Moline. During the time he lived in Keithsburg, Mr. Abraham was also interested in brick yards at Aledo and Joy.
Shortly after becoming a resident of Moline Mr. Abraham established a brick yard at Seventh street and Twenty-third avenue, the plant now conducted by August Karstens. Eighteen years later he sold his original holding to his son, Oscar, and August Karstens. This partnership was dissolved soon after, Mr. Karstens securing control. Thereupon, in 1902, Jacob Abraham and Son bought land and established a new manufactory. In this business Jacob Abraham retained an interest until several years ago when he retired from all active pursuits. During his long and worthy career Mr. Abraham won an enviable reputation as an expert brick maker, and the high quality of his product created a demand for miles around.
In Rock Island, in 1863, Jacob Abraham was married to miss Hannah Anderson, who died on Thanksgiving day of the year 1896. To this union were born four sons and five daughters, all of whom, with five grandchildren, survive. The children, all of Moline, are Mrs. A.H. Marselus, Aaron G. Abraham, Mrs. Emma Young, Oscar D. Abraham, Mrs. Charles hill Jr. Clarence J., Mrs. Andrew Johnson, Roy B. Abraham and Miss Grace Abraham.
The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the last home and the Rev. C.A. Lincoln, pastor of First Congregational church, will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.
The Dispatch
11 Dec. 1911, Mon-Page 3
Jacob H. Abraham, a pioneer brick manufacturer of western Illinois and a long time and honored citizen of Moline, has passed to his final rest. Death entered the family residence 813 Eighteenth Avenue, at 4:30 Sunday Morning. For the greater part of the last two years Mr. Abraham had experienced a decline in health and since he was unfortunately stricken with total blindness his life has been a retired one. It was not, however, until two weeks ago that the aged resident was forced to take to his bed with congestion of the lungs, which developed into pneumonia and ended in death.
If he had lived until New Year's day, Mr. Abraham would have celebrated his 75th birthday anniversary. He was born in Christiania, Norway, January 1 1837 and passed the first sixteen years of his life in that northern land. It was at that time that a cholera plague fastened its disastrous grip upon Norway, and in the hope of escaping the ravages of the pestilence the young Norseman took passage on a slow-going sailing vessel bound for America. Immediately on his arrival in the land of his adoption he journed to Chicago, where he found his first employment in a brick yard.
He remained but a short time in the Illinois metropolis, then went to Rock Island, and later to Keithsburg, Mercer county, where he established himself in the brick manufacturing business on a small scale. This was fifty-seven years ago. Mr. Abraham maintained a residence at Keithsburg for more that a quarter of a century, or until 1882, when he moved with his family to Moline. During the time he lived in Keithsburg, Mr. Abraham was also interested in brick yards at Aledo and Joy.
Shortly after becoming a resident of Moline Mr. Abraham established a brick yard at Seventh street and Twenty-third avenue, the plant now conducted by August Karstens. Eighteen years later he sold his original holding to his son, Oscar, and August Karstens. This partnership was dissolved soon after, Mr. Karstens securing control. Thereupon, in 1902, Jacob Abraham and Son bought land and established a new manufactory. In this business Jacob Abraham retained an interest until several years ago when he retired from all active pursuits. During his long and worthy career Mr. Abraham won an enviable reputation as an expert brick maker, and the high quality of his product created a demand for miles around.
In Rock Island, in 1863, Jacob Abraham was married to miss Hannah Anderson, who died on Thanksgiving day of the year 1896. To this union were born four sons and five daughters, all of whom, with five grandchildren, survive. The children, all of Moline, are Mrs. A.H. Marselus, Aaron G. Abraham, Mrs. Emma Young, Oscar D. Abraham, Mrs. Charles hill Jr. Clarence J., Mrs. Andrew Johnson, Roy B. Abraham and Miss Grace Abraham.
The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the last home and the Rev. C.A. Lincoln, pastor of First Congregational church, will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.
The Dispatch
11 Dec. 1911, Mon-Page 3
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