JOHN HAGIE

 

 

JOHN HAGIE, senior member of the firm of Hagie & Son, established in business at Elizabeth in 1871, and transacts a large and lucrative trade in clothing and gentlemen's furnishing goods. He commenced in a modest manner, but now occupies a fine building, 46x40 feet in dimensions, the greater part devoted to the clothing department. In connection with this he operates a tailoring department, and carries about $5,000 worth of stock. He keeps himself thoroughly posted in regard to the various important matters connected with the business, and is in the enjoyment of extensive trade.


A native of the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, our subject was born April 23, 1833, and is the son of Casper and Catherine (Sutter) Hagie, who were also of Swiss birth and parentage. He remained a resident of his native country until reaching man's estate, and received a practical education in the public schools. When a youth of eighteen years he began his apprenticeship as a tailor, which he has since followed with more than ordinary success. In 1869 he set sail for America on the steamer "Salla" from Hanover, and after an ocean voyage of three weeks landed in New York City. Thence he came directly to this county, and the year following established himself at Elizabeth, opening up a shop on his own account, and running in addition to it a barber department. The latter is now operated by his son Frederick. He added the clothing department about twelve years ago.

Mr. Hagie contracted matrimonial ties, April 20, 1855, with Miss Regula Hoffman, who has borne him three children, all sons -- John, Frederick, and Albert. They are bright and intelligent boys, evidently equipped with the natural capacities of their father. Mrs. Hagie was born in September, 1832, in Switzerland, and is the daughter of J. Hoffman, who was a native of Switzerland and is now deceased.
For a man starting out in life dependent upon his own resources, it must be acknowledged that our subject has made a good record. The joint labors of himself and son have resulted in the accumulation probably of $10,000. The latter was married, May 3, 1880, to Miss Sophia Siedenburg, and they have one child, a daughter, Annie. Father and son, politically, vote the straight Democratic ticket. Mr. and Mrs. Hagie, in 1859, crossed the Atlantic to the old home of our subject, and during this visit there was born to them their son Frederick, who was married, Oct. 31, 1882, to Miss Martha Bateman. They have two children--Sadie and Franklin. The family residence is located in the east part of town, and, with its surroundings, forms one of the ideal homes of Elizabeth. Mr. Hagie and his family stand second to none among the social and business interests of this section.



Transcribed by
Jean Hoffman

From the 1889 History of Jo Daviess Co., IL