Haas, Joseph F.

From HistoryWiki
(Redirected from Joseph F. Haas)

Joseph F. Haas Soundex Code H200

Joseph F. Haas (Friday, November 13,1857-Wednesday, March 14, 1928), a widely-respected public servant. Over his 42-year career in public office, Haas was a school trustee in the Town of Jefferson, a Chicago alderman, Secretary of the Sanitary District, a state senator, Cook County Clerk, Cook County Recorder, and Secretary of the West Park Commission. The city purchased the land for this park just two months after Haas' death in 1928, and completed park plans before year's end. At the time, the surrounding Logan Square neighborhood was in the midst of a residential building boom. Large courtyard apartment buildings were springing up beside existing graystones, and open space was quickly disappearing. The new park included a small recreational building with an open-air shelter house, which the city's Department of Parks and Recreation enclosed around 1947. The city transferred the park site, along with more than 250 others, to the Chicago Park District in 1959.

Obituary, Chicago Tribune, Thursday, March 15, 1928, page 11

All Political Factions Mourn Joseph F. Haas

Veteran Leader Dies of Pneumonia at 71

Politicians of all factions of both parties united yesterday in mourning the death of Joseph F. Haas, county recorder. The veteran of the Deneen organization died at 5:00 a.m. yesterday morning following a sudden attack of pneumonia Saturday night.

His death was distinctly a personal loss to the Deneen group, and was regarded as a heavy political blow as well. The passing of the man who has held public offices for forty-two years switched the control of 600 jobs from the Deneen faction to the organization of State's Attorney Crowe.

Yet, even at the headquarters of his political opponents there was deep regret at the news of Mr. Haas' death. Though he had opponents, he had no enemies.

Hoff Made Acting Recorder

A provision of the law made it necessary for County Clerk Sweitzer to administer the oath of office to Harry E. Hoff, son-in-law of Haas, as acting recorder, Hoff having held the position of chief deputy. This is to be followed by a county board appointment to fill the vacancy until next December. County Commissioner John W. Jaranowski has been told he can have the appointment if he desires it. Jaranowski was Haas' only opponent in the primary to be held Tuesday, April 10, 1928 for the Republican nomination for recorder.

At the election commissioners' office it was said there is no precedent to guide them in the determination whether Haas' name should be printed on the primary ballot. The impression was that it would not appear there, leaving Jaranowski unopposed.

Born Here 71 Years Ago

Mr. Haas was 71 years old, having been born in Chicago, Friday, November 13, 1857. His first job was as an errand boy for the hat firm of J.S. Barnes & Co., in 1872. And, after 28 years, he was a partner in the concern. He began his political career as soon as he was old enough to vote, and his first office was that of school trustee of Jefferson Township.

From 1895 to 1897, he was Alderman of the old 15 Ward. Later he was secretary of the Sanitary District, state senator from the Twenty-fifth district, secretary of the West Park Board, and in 1906 he was elected County Clerk. In 1916 he was elected county recorder and was a candidate for a third term of six years.

He was a member of many fraternal organizations, a member of the Masonic order, and a Shriner. He sponsored creation of the Municipal Court and championed establishment of the Torrens system of registration of property.

His widow, two daughters, Mrs. Barbara E. Riddell and Mrs. Jane Hoff, and four grandchildren survive him. The funeral will be held Saturday, at 1:30 p.m. from the residence at 2548 W. Logan Boulevard to St. Paul's Church, Orchard Street and Kemper Place. It is expected that United States Senator Charles S. Deneen will come from Washington, D.C. to attend. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery.