Aaron Minnich Family tree
Aaron Minnich & Polly Albright eloped in Allentown Pa, migrated to these parts on and about 1847 as all old settlers, migrating to these parts the first stop over for some wasthe then site now known as Palatine.
After a short stay there nother site became known through Socrates Rand- a small village then called Rand (now Des Plaines). The Aaron Minnichs packed their belongings and moved. They found a little house near the river which at that time still had Indians on the opposite shores. ( House moved in later years can still be seen on Perry St of Des Plaines, remodeling of which never changed structure of Building).
Here in this house the Aaron Minnichs started their life and one daughter Alice their first, was born. Followed by sons Sid, George, Frank, Jim and the twin boys Arthur and Tom. Arthur now 78 is the only one living.
Aaron Minnich at that time had many fields open to him, worked as a bridge builder, road construction, loved horses and therefore started one of the first teaming and hauling operations, along with being one of Des Plaines first trustees serving at the time with the Senior Held, whose son Walter Held, and who is also up in years, is still living on Jefferson St. Des Plaines, ( It was while serving as trustee that Aaron Minnich died)
His name appears on Plaque in City Hall.
The Minnichs business thrived becoming too large and needing a better place with more prominent headquarters so they m then purchased a building on Ellinwood St. ( where the parking lots are) the building then housed a drugstore operated by Dr.Earle the transaction was made through Senior Wm. Koehler, property tookin an area from Ellinwood to the now said Earle Field, where the Minnichs could handle their extensive business. This area also had a building with store and large flat ( Apt.) upstairs, and a small cottage next too it.
Here the teaming busines prospered and the family started growing up. The store was remodeled into a Saloon and run by son Frank the teaming business and livery stable consisted of teams for rental, hauling, horses and buggies etc., to folks who wished to visit or work outside of Des Plaines. Rev. Father John Linden, Pastor of St. Marys Parish, and then a young Priest often rented a horse and buggy, as he had to travel miles to preach, along with his assignment here. He used to enjoy telling of these early days and his acquaintances with the Minnichs. The Minnich sons all worked with their Dad.
Sid Minich the eldest of the family not only worked for his Dad but worked as a Volunteer fireman for thirty years, Arthur Minnich also became a afireman, working under the 16 year period when Fred Goede, (whose son Walter still resides in Des Plaines,) was firechief. Some of Sid Minnich's family still reside here. The Henry Haas's, Alvin Minnich, Frank Minnich, Des Plaines, Mrs. Mabel Danielson Chgo., Clarence & Margaret (deceased)
Alice the eldest daughter married Fred Reiber from Chicago, he was affiliated with the County Court House for many years. They lived on N.Graceland Ave, owned and operated four homes in that area. They had three sons Aaron, George, and Harvey, The first two passed away in early manhood. All were married, Aaron Reibers children all live in Des Plaines. Harvey resides in Cumberland with his wife Ruth, retiring from the Northwestern R.R. a year ago. He has one son Ray married, who served as Captain in Army.
George Minnich & his wife Fannie lived in Chicago for many years had three sons and a daughter all live out of Des Plaines, one grandson Roy Minnich is with the Eidamiller Realestate office on Lee St. George Minnich passed away at his son Bobs Home in Montana at the age of 81.
Frank Minnich and his wife Ella lived in the cottage on the Minnich estate had two daughters, Myrtle and Elsie, both are married and live in Chicago. Frank Minnich was killed when a horse fell on him, while he was helping his Father to prepare them for hitching.
Jim Minnich married died at a very early age, was married, had no children of this marriage.
Art and Tom Minnich twins born 1881- served the city well, in more ways than one. Both musically inclined belonged to the very first band, and continued with their music throughout their whole lives. Art played his Tuba until he was seventy one years old, traveled with the Northwestern R.B. Band, and had his own Hungry Five band for many years. Tom often helped his brother out as a drummer, and he too played in several orchestras entertaining as often as they were hired to do so and that was often. At that time the Herman Kruse Band, was considered tops, and another in which our own Judge Sengstock took part. Judge Seng- stock loves to recall many of the escapades in which Mr.Minnich participated. Art Minnich had one son Reuben also a muscian died at the age of 34, was married to Rose Rusch of Roselle, they had two children Ron and Diane, Ron lives in New Jersey, and Diane now married lives in Hoffman estates. Granddaughter Julie, resides with her mother and dad in N.J.
Arthur Minnich lives with his daughter Hazel and her husband on 1329 Brown St. Des Plaines, Retired from the R.R. after 50 years.
Tom Minnich died at the age of 66 years of age, he was better known as the city iceman, as he owned and operated the ice business from the Ellinwood St. homstead. He had two daughters, Hattie and Helen, Helen died at a early age. Hattie is married and lives in Mc Henry.
Polly Minnich wife of Aaron Minnich and Mother of this large family not only supervised this families growth and welfare but was a very active woman in her time, and as one of the old timers recall Polly's baking, always hit an all time high at the Congrational Church, when she sent her bakery goods over to be used for the benefit of the church. When Tom's wife died Grandma Polly raised Toms daughter Hattie and Franks daughter Elsie, Polly died at the age of 86- loved by all who knew her.
The Minnich family as a whole were musically inclined as well as civic minded. even though several of them had split views on politics, they did their duties as they seen fit. As in those days there was as is now, certain standards and certain political parties, many of which I recall as a girl, when cabbages tomatoes etc., were thrown on opposite candidates of a party running for office. Parades, are a thing of the past now during election, but believe me during these earlier days, if a candidate got in, there was a parade and everyone turned out. To wish the candidate especially the winner good luck.
Those of the Minnich clan who served the city with their musical talents etc., were Arthur and Tom Minnich Srs., Reuben Minnich, son of Arthur, Hazel Froehlicher, daughter of Arthur, Aaron and George Reiber, sons of the Minnichs daughter Alice, Sid Minnich Srs. sons Al and Clarence.
Aaron Minnich Sr. died in the line of duty while he was Trustee of Des Plaines. As at that time the trustees like alderman had to work as Police officers too. Aaron Minnich Sr., was shot. while trying to prevent a man from killing his family, two shots entered his abdomen one was removed but the latter would have had to require hospitalization and as Grandma Polly was very 111 at the time. Grandpa Aaron would not think of it. Results were his death do to blood poison. To me, he died a hero, as he thought of only those he loved, before himself. What more could any family ask. It was nothing for a Trustee to be called out at any time of the night, for police or civic duty.
Conclusion: The only living member of the Minnith family are as follows.
Arthur Minnich 78, married to Emma Laseke of Arlington Hgts. She died at the age of 73 three years ago June 17.
Of that marriage a daughter Hazel and son Reuben were born. Reben marrying Rose Rusch of Roselle.
Reuben at the age 34 passed away, leaving a son Ronald and daughter Diane. Ronald married his wife Sue in Independence Kansas, while playing on the farm team of the Orioles. A daughter Julie now five lives in Woodbury N.J. with her parents.
Diane married recently to Wm. Castle lives in Hoffman estates, No children as yet.
Hazel daughter of one of the eldest citizens of Des Plaines married Julius Froehlicher of Chicago, Elec.Maintenance for Countour Saws, and have lived in the same building since their marriage 32 years ago, recently observing their wedding anniversary.
They have three children of their own Richard now married to Jaynce Phelps of Des Plaines have three children Kim Marie, Vicki Joe and Kent William. Richard is employed with the Gallen Crown Juice Co., and also teaches Christian Doctrine at St Stephens durng the school year.
Don their youngest son is a Pilot for American Airlines after serving five and a half years as an Airforce Pilot and lat 1t. married Sylvia Church a Stewardess from Wilmington Dela. They have one daughter Valerie and live in Mt. Prospect.
Paulette their youngest daughter is a Sophmore attended St Patricks Academy her freshman year, will finish at Maine West. The Froehlichers also have a foster daughter Mary Ann Sporcic who came to them at the age of nine, attended the Croation school, and granduated from Maine High, now works for a group of lawyers in Chicago.
Mr. Arthur Minnich Grandpa, and great grandpa, loves to recall the good old days, and of course music is the uppermost in his mind. He enjoys visiting with the Folks at the old peoples home on Graceland, and sitting at the R.R. and Buss Stops where he says he doesn't get so lonesome there, and he gets to see many folks who remember him when.
He also recalls that the Northside once had many colored folks from the south residing around where the now Doall plant is situated, stating that after the negros were freed they migrated this way. But were scared away by the young folks of this city, playing ghosts, and tricks upon them.
The Froehlchers have many treasures one outstandin a desk over 150 years old belonging to the Minnich's Srs.
possibly written by Hazel Minnich Froehlicher, 1954?
