Copyright © 2023 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
Hugo Schoessling in front of his hardware store in Jefferson Park, c. 1910.
Hugo Schoessling worked a scenic artist at Sosman & Landis during the mid 1880s. In 1885 his name was included in a list of the firm’s staff members who made donations to the Grant Memorial Fund. On August 2, 1885, the Chicago Tribune” reported that Schoessling donated 50 cents.
Hugo G. Schößling was born in Germany, on May 19, 1869. He was the third child born to Friedrich Wilhelm Schößling (1840-1914) and Louisa F. Hufield (1843-1918).
In 1872, Hugo and his family emigrated from Germany to the United States. Sailing aboard the ship Rhein, they arrived in New York Harbor on June 15, 1872. Passenger lists included the following family members:
Fritz Schoessling (31 yrs., farmer),
Louise Schoessling (26 yrs.),
Adolph Schoessling (5 yrs.),
Carl Schoessling (4 yrs.),
Hugo Schoessling (3 yrs.),
John Schoessling (9 months)
There was an infant son, not included on the passenger list, who also arrived with his parents. Hans, was born March 18, 1871, and also traveled with his family.
Like many Germans, names were slightly altered, Hugo’s father, Friedrich “Fritz” Schößling, became Fredrick Schoessling in the arrival lists of incoming passengers. Although listed as a farmer, Schoessling was a music professor.
Shortly after their arrival, the Schoessling family settled in Pennsylvania where they welcomed the birth of another child, Lena in 1873. By 1876, they had moved west to Chicago, where the family expanded again, and they celebrated the birth of another son, Fred, that July.
The Chicago Directory listings for the next few years shows that the family moved around quite a bit, yet Frederick continued to support his family as a music teacher.
1876 – Schoessling, Prof. Frederick, h. 389 North Ave.
1877 – Schoessling, Prof. Frederick, h. 136 North Ave.
1878 – Frederick Schoessling, teacher, 661 Larabee.
The 1880 US Federal Census listed the Schoessling family living at 566 Sedgwick St. in Chicago. The household included Frederick (39 yrs., music teacher), Louisa (36 yrs.), Adolph (14 yrs., machinist), Paul (12 yrs.), Hugo (11 yrs.), John (9 yrs.), Lena (7 yrs.) and Frederick (4 yrs.). By Feb 1881, another daughter was born to Frederick and Louisa -, Frida, arrived in Feb. 1881. Paul and Frederick Jr. followed in their father’s footsteps, going into the music profession, periodically performing at various venues. Paul became a very well-known cellist. Although musically gifted, Adolph and Hugo entered the technical theatre profession by the mid-1880s, specifically, scenic art, machinery, carpentry and hardware.
The 1886-1887 Town of Jefferson Directory listed both Hugo and his older brother Adolph as scenic artists, living with their family at the southwest corner of Strong and Everett in Jefferson Park. Here were their two listings. This means that when Hugo was listed as part of the Sosman & Landis staff in 1885, it was likely in the capacity of a scenic artist assistant. At the time, Hugo was 17 yrs. old and Adolph was 19 yrs. old. I don’t know how long the Schoessling brothers worked at Sosman & Landis, as I only have located the one Jefferson Directory.
Schoessling, Adolph, scenic artist Hooley’s theatre, city, r Strong sw cor Everett, Jefferson Park
Schoessling, Hugo, scenic artist, r Strong sw cor Everett, Jefferson Park
Schoessling listingsi n the 1886-1887 Jefferson Directory
On Feb. 15, 1894 “The Iron Age” announced, “Hugo Schoessling will soon open a Hardware store at Jefferson Park, Ill.” (page 341). He succeeded in his endeavor, and was soon listed as a hardware dealer on Milwaukee Ave.
On March 14, 1900, Hugo married Ida Sievert in Jefferson Park. At the time, he was 31 yrs. old and Ida was 20 yrs. old.
1900 US Federal Census listed newly married Hugo and Ida Schoessling living as 4319 Orr in Chicago. Although the census listed Hugo as a naturalized citizen, I have yet to locate any records. Ida had emigrated from Germany at the 2 yrs. old in 1882, but there was no indication as to whether she was naturalized or an alien.
On August 15, 1904, Hugo and Ida welcomed their first child, Edward H. Schoessling. That year, Hugo was listed in the Hardware Section of the Chicago Directory: Schoessling, Hugo G. 4319 Milwaukee av.
In 1906, the Schoesslings celebrated the birth of a second son. Robert George Schoessling was born on August 23, 1906.
The 1910 US Federal Census paints a pretty picture of the Schoessling family. They are living at 4875 Milwaukee Avenue in Jefferson Park, Chicago. Hugo is gainfully employed as a Hardware Dealer. That year, their household included: Hugo (40 yrs.), Ida (29 yrs.), Edward H (5 yrs.), Robert G. (3 yrs.), and Ida’s younger brother, Fred Siewert (21 yrs., salesman in the hardware industry). Whether it was premonition or care for his loved ones, Hugo also drew up a will on March 8, 1910, and filed it in Cook County.
Postcard showing Milwaukee Ave. in Jefferson Park.
Less than four years later, Hugo passed away. There was one section that caught my eye:
“I do hereby make, constitute and appoint my wife Ida C. Schoessling sole Executrix of this, my last Will and Testament and it is my wish, and I do hereby request that she may not be compelled to give any bond or security as such executrix, or as Guardian, and that she may settle the estate in her own way and sell any or all of the real or personal estate, at public or private sale, as she may think best, and pay the debts without being compelled to account to the Probate, County, or any other Court; and I do hereby revoke all and every former Will by me made.”
His passing seemed a surprise; his little family was doing so well and his business was booming. The year before his passing, Schoessling was listed in the Plumbing section of Construction News on June 14, 1913: “Plumbing Hugo Schoessling, 4875 Milwaukee Ave.” (page 21). While tracking down his business, I was amazed to find a picture and his young son standing in front of the Schoessling Hardware Store in Jefferson Park. Illinois. It was included in the Jan. 2020 issue of the Northwest Chicago Historical Society Newsletter (No. XXXI).
He is actually shown with both sons, and possibly his brother-in-law who was living with them at the time, c. 1910.
Fred Siewert, who lived with the Schoessling’s and listed his career as “hardware salesman” in 1910. It would make sense that he was working at his brother-in-law’s store while living with him.
Here is the link to the newsletter and photograph: https://nwchicagohistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/NWCHSJan-2020.pdf
Hugo Schoessling died on May 26, 1914, at the age of 45 yrs. old. His father soon followed, passing away on July 13 of the same years. Hugo was buried in Union Ridge Cemetery in Chicago on May 29, 1915. His father was buried at Montrose, with his occupation still listed as a music teacher. Frederick Schoessling was 73 years old when he died, whereas his son was only 45 yrs. old.
The gravestone of Hugo G. Schoessling in Union Cemetery, Chicago.
The gravestone of Hugo’s parents, Friedrich and Louisa Schoessling
Ida Schoessling was left a widow with two young sons, ages 7 and 9. His death certificate listed Hardware & Plumbing Business as his occupation.. At the time of his passing, his address was listed as 52nd and Strong Ave.
Hugo left Ida and with two young sons, ages 7 and 9, to raise. Ida remarried Henry H. Diedesch (1871-1940); Ida died Aug, 1967 (b. March 5., 1881). This was also Henry’s second marriage; his first wife was Jeanette Kneedler Kiefer Diedesch (1872-1920).
On Sept. 1, 1967, in the Chicago Tribune” announced:
“Diedesch.
Ida C. [Schoessling] Diedesch, beloved wife of the late Hugo G. Schoessling and Henry H. Diedesch; loving mother of Edward H [Jewell] and Robert G. [Evelyn]; grandmother of Richard, Phillip, and Anita Barrett; five great grandchildren. Services Saturday, 2 p.m., at John V. May Funeral Home. 4553-61 Milwaukee avenue. Interment Union Ridge. Past W. M. of Providence chapter, No. 287, O. E. S. Past president of the Altrui club and past president of Ladies aux. Master Plumber’s Assoc. Eastern Star services Friday, 8 p.m.” (page 21). She was buried next to Hugo.
The gravestones of Ida and Hugo G. Schoessling in Union Cemetery, Chicago.
Thank you, Wendy
. . . .for your ambition and diligence in ferreting out these stories of theatre artists of our past. The glimpses you provide into their loves and lives add to the joys and complexities of our own. Thank you for finding and sharing these stories!