Albert Ochsner

• August 5, 1861 - Born in Zurich, Switzerland.
• December 1879 - Left Zurich to come to America.
• January 1880 - Arrived in St. Louis, Missouri (age 18).
• 1882 - Moved to Chicago, Illinois.
• 1885 - Married Emilie Johanne Jordan.
• September 1885 - Son William born.
• May 12, 1887 - Daughter Emma born.
• March 20, 1890 - Son Theodore born.
• 1890 - Became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
• March 1891 - Daughter Clara born.
• 1891 - Moved to Joliet, Illinois.
• February 25, 1893 - Daughter Louise born.
• March 20, 1896 - Son George born.
• July 2, 1897 - Daughter Emma died.
• February 5, 1900 - Son Arthur born.
• March 23, 1902 - Daughter Linda born.

Since Albert came to America prior to the opening of Ellis Island on January 1, 1892, he probably entered the States directly through New York. Prior to the opening of Ellis Island, individual states (rather than the Federal government) regulated immigration into the United States.

Albert worked for several companies in the St. Louis and Chicago areas. Most of his jobs were in factories, and he usually held positions of fireman, foreman, or engineer. In 1891, he became the chief engineer for the Fred Sehring Brewing Company of Joliet. In this role, he made improvements in the brewing process by installing a Bates engine resulting in an increase in the brewing capacity. A bottling department was also established and the plant was enlarged with a new addition. The combined plant housed six engines (with almost five hundred horsepower), two ice engines and fourteen pumps. In addition to his work as chief engineer, Albert built up a business in coal and wood, representing the Joliet Pure Ice Company.

In 1898, Albert built a home on the corner of Nicholson and Douglass Streets. This home was known as Ochsner Hall. It was an imposing three story 40 ft. x 65 ft. structure with a private hall and club room.

Fraternally, Albert was connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the White Cross Fraternity and the Engineers' Association. In politics he was a Republican. Through his efforts the Alpine Swiss Society was organized and Albert was its president and leading member.

Albert Ochsner is last entered in the 1906-1907 Joliet City Directory. It appears that Albert and his family left Joliet in 1907, the same year that his brother, Henry, purchased a homestead in Oklahoma. Several of Albert's children later resided in Chicago, so perhaps that is where the whole family moved in 1907.