Person:Henry Wardwell (9)

Graduated from Harvard in 1898.

Living in Western Springs, IL at marriage in 1905. Living on Riverbank Avenue in Chicago at 1910 census. Living in Chicago at 1920 census. President of Burnside Steel & Foundry Company of Chicago. Living on Hyde Park Boulevard in Chicago at 1930 census, owns home valued at $40,000. 1930 census says they were married in 1910, an error.

World War 1 Draft Registration card says he was tall, of medium build with brown hair and eyes. He was living at 1129 East 45th Street in Chicago when he registered on September 10, 1918.

"Chicago-A "Peeping Tom" in the person of a prominent young businessman of the suburb, who was captured after a midnight chase, in which a revolver shot was fired, has thrown the usually quiet village of La Grange into a turmoil of excitement. The prisoner was captured by H.F. Wardwell, 328 South Brainard Avenue, after a chase of half a block. It was only when Wardwell had punctured the framework of a neighbor's house with a bullet that the "peeper" stopped, with the exclamation "don't shoot me! I surrender." Accompanied by several neighbors, who had been aroused by the shot, Wardwell marched the prisoner across the field to the resident of Marshal Rau in another section of the village. The Marshall identified the prisoner and said it was not his first offense in this line. Owing to Wardwell's refusal to prosecute, the young man was released with a warning that if he ever was caught at the same trick again he would be punished severely. Shortly before midnight, a young woman in Wardwell's household, accompanied by a friend, returned to the Wardwell residence from a visit. As they turned the corner of Brainard avenue in Forty-Seventh Street, they became cognizant that they were being shadowed. As they glanced back at him, the shadower stopped and started across the prairie in an opposite direction. When the young couple reached the house, however, they were surprised to encounter the mysterious shadower again. He was but 100 feet distant and was walking slowly toward them. They entered the house and decided to watch the fellow. Their patience was soon rewarded by hearing a stealthy step between the Brainard house and one adjoining. Wardwell, who is secretary to President F.A. Delano of the Wabash Railroad, was then aroused and told of the mysterious stranger's action. Hurriedly dressing and taking his revolver he stepped out of the front door and surprised the stranger between the two houses in the act of peeping in a window of his kitchen. Levelling his revolver he commanded the man, whom he believed a thief, to throw up his hands and step out to the sidewalk. The fellow obeyed but as soon as he reached the light he ran. Wardwell pursued, firing his revolver. It was then discovered that the fellow was in his stocking feet, but without being allowed to get his shoes he was marched across the village to the home of Marshal Rau. He returned for his shoes after he was released. His only explanation of his actions was that we wanted to see how the young couple would act when they reached the Wardwell house. He is in the ice business." -Oakland (California) Tribune 01 September 1908

"Henry F. Wardwell, 83, founder and president of Burnside Steel Foundry, 1300 E. 92nd St., died Monday in his home, 9401 Hoyne Av. Mr. Wardwell was an 1898 graduate of Harvard University and a Spanish-American War veteran. He is survived by his widow, Louise, a daughter Mrs. Louise Stone, and a son, Henry II. Services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel at 2121 W. 95th St." -Chicago Tribune 02 August 1960.

1. ↑ Peabody, Massachusetts Vital Records 1876, Volume 277, Page 274.

   Peabody, Massachusetts Vital Records 1876, Volume 277, Page 274

2. ↑ Harmony Grove Cemetery, Salem, MA Records.