From the "The Village of Harlem: Its People, Homes and Business – 50th Anniversary Souvenir 1856 to 1906"
"One
of the most respected and influential citizens of Harlem is Mr. Jacob Gold who
was born in Germany in 1852. He came to Maywood, Ill., with his
family in 1871. Before making America his home, he was for several years
steward, on one of the large steamships plying between Hamburg and New York.
He started his business career in Maywood, where he clerked in a grocery store
for eight years. From there he moved to Oak Park where he was employed in
a similar capacity. From Oak Park, he came to Harlem to live in 1883.
While living in Harlem he was employed in Chiago by the large wholesale grocery
house of J. B. Inderriden & Brother for four years.
"In 1888 Mr. Gold, desiring to engage in business on his own account, opened a first class saloon at 88 Des Plaines Ave., where he is located at present. He has for many enjoyed the patronage of the best class of people of the village.
"Mr. Gold has always been active in working for the welfare of his adopted village. he never sought office, but was always elected on the opposition ticket. He was first elected trustee for two years, in 1894, and again in 1899. and 1901, serving two terms of two years each. During his term of office he was instrumental in compelling the Race Track Company to pay ten thousand dollars into the village treasury, which money was used in building an Electric Light Plant, giving the citizens free street lighting. Also during his term he worked for many improvements, laying of water pipes, building of sewers, etc.
"Mr. Gold belogns to several societies, always being active in the social affairs of the village. In 1880 he was married to Miss Friederica Schwass, who is the daughter of the late Frederick Schwass, one of the earliest of the old settlers who came to the place in the early forties when the country was nothing but prairie and forest. They have two children -- Mrs. Carrie Troost, who lives in the village, and Mr. Geo. Gold, who is employed in the freight department of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Co., also living in the village."