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CONTAINING
Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens,
TOGETHER WITH BIOGRAPHIES AND PORTRAITS OF ALL THE
©Presidents of the United states.®
CHICAGO:
CI3:-A.F3S^A.3Sr BROS-
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1148911
[IE greatest of English historians, Macaulay, and one of the most brilliant writers of
the- present century, has said: "The history of a country is best told in a record of the
ives of its people." In conformity with this idea the Poutrait and Biographical
Record of this county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and
taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our
corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their
enterprise and industry, brought the county to rank second to none among those
comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli-
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by
industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited
advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an
influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who
have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have
become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and
records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very
many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way," content
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy— "they have done what
they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the
anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace
once more reigned in the laud. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not
be lost upon those who follow after.
Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact
that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be
inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible
given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them-
selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograpb
ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given.
The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the
publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the
information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of
the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested
one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made
at their residence or place of business.
December, 1H'J2. CHAPMAN BROS.
i
AND.r
-«^CsM_.APHl.Elfe
■^%-.v
i^SIlJ 5!?f I
X(4^^I-DvS'
-1-
FIRST PRESIDENT.
GEDBSE 'WASHII^GTON,
'■ \.'<^^?^>^?^<s&^';^^^? \
^^^^)
HE Father of our Country was
born in Westmorland Co., Va.,
Feb 2 2, 1732. His parents
were Augustine and Mary
(Ball) Washington. The family
to which he belonged has not
been satisfactorily traced in
England. His great-grand-
father, John Washington, em-
igrated to Virginia about 1657,
and became a prosperous
planter. He had two sons,
Lawrence and John. The
former married Mildred Warner
and hid three children, John,
Augustine and Mildred. Augus-
tine, the father of George, first
married Jane Butler, who bore
him four children, two of whom,
Lawrence and Augustine, reached
maturity. Of six children by his
second marriage, George was the
eldest, the others being Betty,
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles
and Mildred.
Augustine Washington, the father of George, died
in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on
the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon,
and to George he left tlie parental residence. George
received only such education as the neighborhood
schools afforded, save for a short time after he left
school, when he received private instruction in
Biathematxs. His spelling was rather 'Jefectiv*,
Remarkable stories are told of his great physica:
strength and development at an early age. He was
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair-
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life.
When George was 14 years old he had a desire to go to
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him,
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was
abandoned. Two years later he was appointed
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very
essential to him. In 1751, though only 19 years of
age, he was apixDinted adjutant with the rank of
major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for
active service against the French and Indians. Soon
after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health They
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter
who did not long survive him. On her denuse the
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George.
Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddle, as Lieuten-
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili-
tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac-
cei)ted, which others had refused. This was to pro-
ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North-
western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed
was between 500 and 600 miles. \\ inter was at hand,
and the journey was to be made without military
escort, through a territory occupied by Indians- ,Th«
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
irip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com-
mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was
then begun against the French and Indians, in which
Washington took a most important part. In the
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad-
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock
were disabled early in the action, and Washington
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter
to his brother he says: "I h.id four bullets thrcugli
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped
unhurt, though death was levclin ■ my companions
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit
him.
After having been five years in the military service,
and vainly sought promotion in the ro) al aimy, lie
took advantage of the talU.f Fort Duiiuesnc and llie
expulsion of the French trom the vjlley of the Oliio,
10 resign his commission. Soon after he entered the
Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an
active and important part. January 17, 1759, he
married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy
widow of John Parke Custis.
When the British Parliament had closed the port
■)f Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all "
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila-
delphia.Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their tomnion liberties,
peaceably if possible. To this Coiiiivess Col. Wash-
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con-
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com-
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and
responsible office was conferred upon Washington,
who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted
it on June r9, but upon the express condition that he
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account
of expenses and expect Congress 10 pay -them and
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the
fortunes and liberties of the people of this country
were so long confided. The war was conducted by
him under ever}- possible disadvantage, and while his
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every
obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest
n.ition of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in
a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his
commission as commander-in-chief of the army 10
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He
retired immediately tj Mount Vernon and resumed
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all
connection with public lite.
In February, 1789, Washington was unanimously
elected President. In his presidential career he was
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part
of other governments; trials from want of harmony
between the difierent sections of our own country;
trials from the impoverished condition of the country,
owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His
clear judg.uent could discern the golden mean; and
wliile perha[)S this alone kept our government from
sinking at the very outset, it - left him exposed to
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and
very annoying.
At the expiration of his first term he was unani-
mously re-elected. At the end of this term many
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of Marc h,
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi-
dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there
his few remaining years free from the annoyances of
public life. Later in the year, however, his repose
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France-
At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to
take command of the armies. He chose his sub-
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat-
ters in the field, which he superinter.ded from his
home. In accepting the command he made the
reservation that he was not to be in the field until
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations
h's life was suddenly cut off. December r2, he took
ii seveie cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling
in h's throat, produced inflammation, and terminated
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh-
teenth his body was borne wi'h military honors to its
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at
Mount Vernon.
Of the character of Washington it is impossible to
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad-
miration. The more \\e see of the operations of
our government, and the more deeply we feel the
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest,
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal-
ent and character, which have be-^n able to challenge
the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na-
tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits
of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will
be as lasting as the existence of man.
The person of Washington was unusally tan, erect
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry.
He commanded re-^pert without any appearance of
haughtiness, and ever serious without Keing dull.
J(>^^'^/^ J^^mld
SECOND PRESIDENT.
)HN ADAMS, the second
President and the first Vice-
^ President of the United States,
5 was born in Braintree ( now
(^uincy ),Mass., and about ten
imies from Boston, Oct. 19,
17,^ His great-grandfather, Henry
Adams, emigrated from England
about 1 640, with a family of eight
sons, and settled at Braintree. The
parents of John were John and
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His
father was a farmer of limited
means, to which he added the bus-
iness of shoemaking. He gave his
eldest son, John, a classical educa-
' tion at Harvard College. John
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a
'school of affliction," from which he endeavored to
gain lelief by devoting himself, in addition, to the
study of law. For this purjxjse he placed himself
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He
had thought seriously of the clerical profession
but seems to have been turned from this by what he
termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun-
jils, cf diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,''
of the operations of which he had been a witness in
his native town. He was well fitted for the legal
profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep-
tive powers. He gradually gained practice, and in
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister,
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his
marriage, (i7(''5), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa-
tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial
steps toward holdir.j, a town meeting, and the resolu-
tions he offered on the subject became very populai
throughout the Provmce, and wei'e adopted word for
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous
and prominent advocatesof the popular cause, and
was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg-
lislature) in 1770.
Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegate.s
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress,
which ir.et in 1774. Here he distinguished himselt
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad-
vocated the movement for indeper.dence against th =
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved
and carried a resohition in Congress that the Colonies,
should assume the duties of self-government. He>
was a prominent member of the committee of nve
appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde-
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through
Congress in a three days debate.
On the day after the Declaration of Independence-
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with th!
glow of e.xcited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the
greatest question was decided that ever was debated
in .'\nierica; and greater, perhaps, never was or wil
be decided among men. A resolution was passed
without one dissenting colony, ' that these United
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde-
pendent states' The day is passed. The fourth of
July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in tlie history
of America, f am apt to believe it will be celebrated
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversaryi
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day ofi
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty
God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows
JOHN ADAMS.
games, six)rts, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations
trom one end of the coniinejit to the other, from this
lime forward for ever. You will think me transported
with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of
the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to
maintain this declaration, and support and defend
these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the
rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is
warth more than all the means; and that posterity
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I
hope we shall not."
In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a
deilegate to France and to co-operate with Benijamin
Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money
from the French Government. This was a severe trial
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home,
compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex-
posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis-
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17,
1779. In September of the same year he was again
cnosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi-
ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet
might be found willing to listen to such piojxjsels. He
sailed for France in November, from there he went to
H lUand, where he negotiated important loans and
formed important commercial treaties
Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed
Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement,
toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con-
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he
was advised to go to England to drink the waters of
Bath. While in England, still drooping anddespond-
ing, he received dispatches from his own government
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was
delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he made the trip.
February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. Adams
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face
to face the King of England, who had so long re-
garded him as a traitor. As England did not
condescend to apix)int a minister to the United
States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom-
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to
.nis own country, where he arrived in June, 1788.
When Washington was first chosen President, John
.\dams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President, .\gain
at the second election of Washington as President.
Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash-
ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was
elected President, though not without much opposition.
Serving in this office four years.he was succeeded by
Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics.
While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great
French Revolution shook the continent of Europe,
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with
the majority of his countr)'men led by Mr. Jefferson.
Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people
in tiieir struggle, for he had no confidence in their
power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the
classof atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it.
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or-
iginated the alienation between these distinguished
men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ-
ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies
were with England and Jefferson led the other in
sympathy with France.
The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the
old age of Mr Adams. The violence of party feeling
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just
appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till
after death. No one could look upon his venerable
form, and think of what he had done and suffered,
and how he had given up all the prime and strength
of his life to the public good, without the deepest
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar
good fortune to witness the complete success of the
institution which he had been so active in creating and
supporting. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest
station in the gift of the people.
The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is
well known, on that day two of these finished their
earthly pilgrim?ge, a coincidence so remarkable as
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr.
Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from
his l)ed. On being requested to name a toast for the
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In-
dependence FOREVER." When the day was ushered
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons,
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor-
ious fourth of July — God bless it — God bless you all."
In the course of the day he said, " It is a great and
glorious day." The last words he uttered were,
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at ore o'clock, re-
signed his spirit into the hands of his God.
The personal appearance and manners of Mr.
Adams were not particularly preposses^inp. His face,
as his portrait manifests.was intellectual ard expres
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and h'K
manners were frequently abrupt and unronrteous.
He had neither the lofty digrity of Washington, nor
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked
the manners and address of Jefferson,
i-'7<^Sf€y/:y^'a/l^^
THIRD PRESIDENT.
HOMAS JEFFERSON was
burn April 2, 1743, at Shad-
i^'>\vell, Albermarle county, Va.
Y His parents were Peter and
'•^(Randolph) JefTerson,
the former a native of Wales,
and the latter born in Lon-
don. Tu them were born six
daughters and two sons, of
whom Thomas was the elder.
When 14 years of age his
father died. He received a
most liberal education, hav-
ing been kept diligently at scliool
from the time he was five years of
age. In 1760 he entered William
end Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion
a.id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17
years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he
was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha-
able in his morals. It is strange, however, under
sucli inlluences,that he was not ruined. In the sec-
ond year of his college course, moved by some un-
explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses,
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen
hours a day to haid study, allowing himself for ex-
ercise only a run in the evenirg twilight of a mile out
of the city and back again. He thus attained very
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso-
phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and
Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished
scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls; and
there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man.
Immediately upon leaving college he began the
study of law. For the shoft time he continued in the
practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin-
guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a
lawyer. But the times called for greater action.
The policy of England had awakened the spirit of
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led
him into active political life. In 1769 he was choser.
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses In
1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti-
ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow
Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, thsre
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected lor his new
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest ye*
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon
became the most distinguished resort in our land.
In 1775 he was sent to the Cdonial Congress,
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he
was placed uiwn a number of important committees,
and was chairman of the one appointed for the draw-
ing up of a declaration of independence. This com-
mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams,
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R.
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed
to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested
a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con-
gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July
4, 1776. What must have been the feelings of that
28
THOMAS JEFFERSON.
man — what the emotions that swelled his breast —
who was charged with the preparation of that Dec-
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of
America, .vas also to publish her to the world, free,
BOVciign and independent. It is one of the most re-
markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort
of the mind of its author exist, that alone would be
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality.
In 1779 iMr Jefferson was elected successor to
Patrick Henry, ;.s Governor of Virginia. At one time
the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to
Moniicello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five
minutes ela[)sed after the harried escape of Mr. Jef-
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses-
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never
very good, was much injured by this excitement, and
in the summer of 1782 she died.
Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783.
Two yeirs later he was appointed Minister Plenipo-
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State
in Washington's cabinet. Tiiis position he resigned
Jan. I, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi-
dent, and four years later was elected President over
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity,
and George Clinton, ^■K;e I'lc^dent.
The early part of Mi. JelTcr.Mn':, second adminstra-
tion was disturbed by an event wr.ich threatened the
tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the con-
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled
amljition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a
military expedition intc the Spanish territories on our
southwestern frontier, for the pnrpose of forming there
1 new republic. This has been -■j:^.era!ly supposed
was a mere pretext ; and althonuli it has not been
generally known what his real plans wcie, there is no
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous
character.
In r8o9, at the expiration of the second term for
which Mr. Jefferson had be'^n elected, he determined
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly
forty years, he had been continually before the pub-
lic, and all that time had been employed in officjes of
the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de-
voted the best part of his life to the service of his
country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his
declining years required, and upon the organization of
the new administration, in March, 1809, he b'd fare-
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticellu.
Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole
families came in their coaches with their horses, —
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and
nurses, — and remained three and even six months.
Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a
fashionable watering-place.
The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver- i
sary of the Declaration of American Independence,
great preparations were made in every part of th«
Union tur ^^ celclirnlion, as the nation's jubilee, and
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer,
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara-
tion, to partici).iate in their festivities. But an ill-
ness, w hieh had been of several weeks duration, and
had been continually increasing, compelled him to
decline the invitation.
On llie second of July, the disease under which
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced
state that his medical attendants, entertained nc
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly
sensible that his last hofir was at hand. On the next
day, wiiich was Monday, he asked of those around
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was
the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish tha
he might be permitted to breathe tie air of the fit'tietf
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose
dawn was hailed witn such rapture through our land,
burst uiion his eyes, and then they were closed for-
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble
life! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- -
the day v/hich his own name and his own act had
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him,
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings,
was all that was wanring to fill up the record his life.
Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin-
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors.
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of
freedom; hand in hand, during the dark and desper-
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and
animated their desponding countrymen; for half a
century they had labored together for tne good of
the country; and now hand in hand they depart.
In their lives they had been united in the same great
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not
divided.
In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes
were light, his hair originally red, in after life became
white and silvery; his coiii|ilc-xion w:is t.iir, his fore
head broad, and his whole coui 'en.iin e intelligent and
thoughtful. He possessed great fortitr.de of mind as
well as personal courage ; and :.':s command of tem-
per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends
never recollected to have seen him in a passion.
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un-
affected, and his hosiiitalitv was so unbounded that
all found at his house a re.idy welcome. In conver-
sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic; and
his language was reniaikalily pure and correct. He.
was a finished classical srlmlar, and in his writings is
discemable the care with which he formed his style
upon the best models of antiquity.
^ ^
.. -^
^t_M'^1 ip'k
FOURTH PRhSIDENT.
-K^psjpriQES npDisoi].«$||:
I \MES MADISON, "Father
J ol the Constitution," and fourth
Pie-iideni of the United States,
f \aihorn March i6, 1757, and
lied It his home in Virginia,
/ '— Jiuie 28, 1836. The name of
g James Madison is inseparably con-
nected with most of the important
events in that heroic period of our
I country during which the founda-
tions of thid great republic were
laid. He was the last of the founders
of the Constitution of the United
States to be called to his eternal
reward.
The Madison family were among
the early emigrants to the New World,
landing upon the shores of the Chesa-
peake but 15 years after the settle-
ment of Jamestown. The father of
James Madison was an opulent
planter, residing uixm a very fine es-
tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co.,
Va. The mansion was situated in
the midst of scenery highly pictur-
esque and romantic, on the west side
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of
Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and
political attachment existed between these illustrious
men, from their early youth until death.
The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of
18 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey.
Here he applied himself to study with the most im-
prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor
of constitution. He graduated in 177 i, with a feeble
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsf'
quent career.
Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading.
This educational course, the spirit of the times in
which he lived, and the society with which he asso-
ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-woik o!
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that
his life was not lo be long, he diiected especial atten-
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mmd
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with
almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed
all the arguments for and against revealed religion,
until his faith became so established as never to
be shaken.
In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, lo
frame the constitution of the State. The next year
(1777), he was a candidate for the General Assembly.
He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and
consequently lost his election ; but those who had
witnessed the l.ilent, energy and public spirit of the
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf,
and he was appointed to tlic Executive Council.
Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained
member of the Council ; and their appreciation of his
JAMES MADISON.
mtclleciual, social and moral worth, contributed not
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental
Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in
our laud, and he was immediately assigned to one of
the most cons|)icuous positions among them.
For three jears Mr. Madison continued in Con-
gress, one of its most active and influential members.
In tne year 1784, his term having e.xpired, he was
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature.
No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na-
tional government, with no power to form treaties
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in
the declaration, that an efficient national government
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of
Virginia, inviting the other States to ajjpoint commis-
sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss
this subject. Five States only were re|>resented. The
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up
by Mr. Madison, urgmg all the States to send their
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place
of tnat Confederate League. The delegates met at
the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island
was represented. George Washington was chosen
president of the convention; and the present Consti-
tution of the United States was then and there formed.
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac-
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind
and the pen of James Madison.
The Constitution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was
to be presented to the several States for acceptance.
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent
States, with but little power at home and little respect
abroad. Mr. Madifon was selected by tne conven-
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution,
and urging its adoption. There was great op[X)sition
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and
went into effect in 1789.
Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre-
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the
avowed leader oi the Repubhcan party. While in
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs Todd, a
young widow of remarkable jwwer of fascination,
whom he married. She was in person and character
queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied
so prominent a position in the ve'y peculiar society
which has constituted our republican court as Mrs.
Midison.
Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under
Jefferson, and at the close of his administiation
was chosen President. At this time the encroach-
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war. ,
British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and
our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiimg
in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood
boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought
to, ui)on the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser.
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the
crcw to be paraded before him. With great nonchal-
ance he selects any number whom he may please to
designate as British subjects; orders them down the
ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun-
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the
battles of England. This right of search and im-
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce
the British cabinet to relinquish.
On the 1 8th of June, 181 2, President Madison gave
his appioval to an act of Co.igress declaring war
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on tlie 4th
of March, i8'3, was re-elected by a large majority,
and entered upon his second term of offi e. This is
not the place to describe the various adventures of
this war on the land and on the water. Our infan.
navy then laid tlie foundations of its renown in grap-
pling with the most formidable power which ever
swejjt the seas. The contest commenced in earnest
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February,
1813, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole
coast of the United States under blockade.
The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me
ditator. America accepted; England refused. A Brit-
ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa-
peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens-
burg, upon Washington.
The straggling little city of Washington was thrown
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of tlie
metropolis. The wliole population fled from the city.
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White
House, with her carriage drawn up at the doer to
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers
in a council of war He met our troops utterly routed,
and he could not go back without danger of being
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in
Washington were in flames.
The war closed after two years of fighting, and on
Feb. 13, i8i5,the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent.
On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau-
tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re-
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi
son died July 12, 1849.
y(^i:it-^)^ ')^ i.^ y /'2'^^.c^ /t ^ (;^r—.
^ FIFTH' FJiESlD'S^rr.
>^M
^^ pri]Es n]oi]ROE. mm
AMES MONROE, the fifth
^residentof Tlie United States,
vas born in Westmoreland Co.,
Va., April 28, 1758. His early
life was passed at the place of
nativity. His ancestors had for
many years resided in the prov-
ince in which he was born. When,
at 17 years of age, in the process
'»' of completing his education at
William and Mary College, the Co-
lonial Congress assembled at Phila-
delphia to deliberate upon the un-
^X^ just and manifold oppressions of
ffijl Great Britian, declared the separa-
y tion of the Colonies, and promul-
gated the Declaration of Indepen-
dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly
prolmble that he would have been one of the signers
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left
school and enli.,ted among the patriots.
He joined the army when everything looked hope-
less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring
in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits,
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con-
tending with an enemy whom they had been taught
to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their
polilical emancipation. The young cadet joined the
ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country,
' with a firm determination to live o. iie with her strife
1148911
for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel-
anclioly retreat from Harleam Heights and White
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited^army as it fled
before its foes througli New Jersey. In four months
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg-
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left
shoulder.
As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro-
moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however,
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam-
paignsof 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy
wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued
aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain his
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however,
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag:
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits.
In 17S2, he was elected from King George county,
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that
body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having
at this early period displayed some of that ability
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterward.^
employed with unremittipg energy for the public good,
36
JAMES MONROE.
he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of
ihe Congress of the Uniltd States.
UeeplyasMr. Monioefclt the imperfections of the old
Confederacy, he was opi)osed to the new Constitution,
'.hinking, with many others of Mie Republican party,
'.hat it gave too much power to the Central Government,
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re-
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition
secured its adoption. In 1789, he became amember
of the United States Senate; which office he held for
four years. Every month the line of distinction be-
tween the two great parties which divided the nation,
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more
distinct. The two prominent iaeas which now sep-
arated them were, that the Republican party was in
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a
strict construction of tlie Constitution as to give the
Central Government as little power, and the State
Governmcii!- 1- in i< b i lower, as the Constitution would
warrant. T.i I i 1: '. sympathized with England,
and were in 1 . n ■ 1 ,; lilicral construction of the Con-
stitution, wliii h u'.juld give as much power to the
Central Government as tnat document could possibly
authorize.
The leading Federalists and Republicans were
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more
pure patriots than John Adams the Fedeinlist, and
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In
\building up this nuijeslic nation, which is destined
to eclipseall Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com-
bination of their antagonism was needed to create the
light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de-
nounced as almost a demon.
Washington was then President. England had es-
poused the cause of the Bourbons against the princi-
ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away.
Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be-
tween these contending powers. France had helped
us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms
of Europe were now combined to ])revent the French
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse
thai', that which we had endured Col. Monroe, more
magnanimous than prudent, was nnxiuus that, at
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous
and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres-
ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in
magnanimity.
Washington, who could appreciate such a character,
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness,
by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de-
nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister
of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr.
Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention
in France witii the most enthusiastic demonstK«-tions.
Shortly after his return to this countrv, Mr. Mon-
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held tlie
office for three yeais. He was again sent to Prance tu
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining
the vast territory then known as the Province of
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob-
tained from Spain. Tneir united efforts were suc-
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and
district of Louisiana were added to the United States.
This was |)robably the largest transfer of real estate
which was ever made in all the history of the world.
From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob-
tain from that country some recognition of our
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those
odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng-
land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng-
land on the same mission, but could receive no
redress. He returned to his home and was again
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned
to accept the position of Secretary of State unde:-
Madison. While in this office war witii England was
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during
these trying times, the duties of the \Var Deixartmen:
were also put upon him. He was truly the armor-
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return of
peace he resigned the Department of War, but con-
tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex-
piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec-
tion held the previous autumn Mr Monroe himself had
been chosen President with but liule Ojjposition, and
upon March 4, t8i7, was inaugurated. Four year?
later he was elected for a second term.
Among the important measures of his Presidency
were the cession of Florida to the United States; the
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.'
This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that
time the LTnited States had recognized the independ-
ence of the South American states, and did not wish
to have European powers longer attempting to sub
due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine
is as follows: "That we should consider any nitenipt
on the part of European powers to extend their sys-
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not
view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing
or controlling American governments or provinces in
any other light than as a manifestation by Eurojieai:
powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course
of foreign governments, and has become the approved
sentiment of the United States.
At the end of his ? econd term Mr Monroe retired
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830
when he went to New Vork to live with his son-in-
law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831
5, At
C<jrr^
SIXTH PRF.SIDRNT.
^^mL/rs:s> M^
)H\ QUINCY ADAMS, the
\th President of the United
les, was born in the rural
lie of his honored father.
1 n Adams, in Qnincy, Mass ,
the nth cf July, 1767. His
mother, a woman of exalted
woith watched over his childhood
during the almost constant ab-
sence of his father. When but
eight )ears of age, he stood with
■■ hib mother on an eminence, listen-
ing to the booming of the great bat-
tle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on
upon the smoke and flames billow-
ing up from the conflagration of
Charlestown.
When but eleven years old he
took a tearful adieu of his mother,
to sail with his fatner for Europe,
through a fleet ot hostile British cruisers. The bright,
..nimated boy spent a year and a half in Pan's, where
nis father was associated with Franklin and Lee as
iuinister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted
he notice of these distinguished men, and he received
from them flattering marks of attention.
Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this
-on, try, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad Again
o,.ii Quincy accompanied his father At Paris he
ipi)lied himself with great diligence, for six months,
to.-.'udy; then actom]>ained his fatlier to Holland,
vnere he entered, first a school in .\msterdam, then
the I'n'versity at Peyden. i^bout a year from this
time, in 17S1, when the manl\ 1 oy was but fourteen
yea-s of age, he was selected liy Mr. Dana, our min-
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary.
Tn this school of incessant labor and of enobling
f-ulture he spent fourteen months, and then returned
to Holland thiough Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the
winter, w]ien in iiis sixteenth year. Again he resumed
ais studies, under a pn"ate tutor, at Hague. Thence,
in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father L'
Paris, travehng leisurely, and toniiing acquaiiuanct
witlr liie most distiiigui--hcd men on the Con;incnt
e.xamiuin:; ircnitccliiial remains, galleries of paintings
and all rciiuwiiLtl V, inks of art. At Paris he agaiii
became a^-( i i.itcd wiih the most illustrious men ol
all lands m tiic contemplations of the loftiest temporal
themes which i an engross the human mind.- Afte'
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, ana
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785,
when he rcturiicd tc .'vmcri' a. To a brilliant young
man of eighteen, v. Im h.id seen much of the world,
and 'vlio was taiiiiliarwuh the etiquette of courts, a
residence with his father in London, under such cir-
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre-
ferred to return to America to complete his education
in an American college. He wished then to study
law, that with an honorable profession, he might be
able to obtain an independent support.
Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty
he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be-
ing then but tv/enty-seven years of age, he was ap-
pointed by Washington, resident minister at the
Netheilands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached
London in October, where he was immediately admit-
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney.
assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with
Gieat Britian. After thus spending a fortnight i.
London, he proceeded to the Hague.
In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as
minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal.
upfin arnvinc
London, he met with despatches
directing him to the court of Beilm, but requesting
him to remain in London until he should receive his
instructions. While writing he was married to ar
Amencan lady to whom he had been previously en-
gaged,— Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughte
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American con;ul in london
a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom-
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in X\A
elevated sphere for which she w;is ^^'ined-
JOHN QUINCY ADAMk
He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ;
where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful-
filled all the purixjses of his mission, he solicited his
recall.
Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to
the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then
was elected Senator of the United States for six years,
from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his
ability and his experience, placed him immediately
among the most prominent and influential members
ofthat-body. Especially did he sustain the Govern-
ment in its meas ires of resistance to the encroach-
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in-
sulting our flag. There was no man in America more
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon
these points, and no one more resolved to present
a firm resistance.
In rSog, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres-
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign-
ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked
at Boston, in August, 1809.
While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu-
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the
European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to
the climate and astronomical observations; while he
Kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a
more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found.
All tlirough life the Bible constituted an importart
Ipart of his studies. It was his rule to read five
.chapters every day.
On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the
Presidential chair, and immediately apix)inted Mr.
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num-
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he
sailed in June, iSrg, for the United States. On the
i8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his
home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Mon-
roe's administration, Mr. Adams continued Secretary
of State.
Some time before '.he close of Mr. Monroe's second
term of office, new candidates began to be presented
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought
forward his name. It was an exciting campaign.
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re-
ceived ninety nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four;
William H. Crawford, forty -one; Henry Clay, thirty-
sevren. As there was no choice by the people, the
question went to the House of Representatives. Mr.
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and
he was elected.
The friends of all the disappointed candidates now
:ombined in a venomous and persistent assa\ilt upon
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in
tb« past history of our country than the abuse which
was iMured in oae uninterrupted stream, upon this
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was
an administration more pure in principles, more con-
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun-
try, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, per-
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu-
lously and outrageously assailed.
Mr Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab-
stemious and temperate in his habits; alwa)s rising
eady, and taking muih exercise. W hen at his home in
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast,
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his
own fire and applying himself to work in his library
often long before dawn.
On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew
i Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi-
dent. The slavery question now began to assume
portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un-
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re-
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen
years, until his death, he occupieU the post as repre-
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of
"the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in
the House, he announced that he should hold him-
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually
the first in his place in the morning, and the last to
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. 'I he
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime
in its moral dating and heroism. For persisting in
presenting petitions for the aljolition of slavery, he
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury
with expulsion from the House, with assassination
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final
triumph was complete.
It has been said of President Adams, that when his
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little
child, he was accustomed to repeat every night., before
he slept, the prajer which his mother taught him in
his infant years.
On the 2ist of February, 1848, he rose on the floor
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly
sis, and was caught in the arms of those aiound him
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious-
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around ai.d
said " T/iis is the end of earth ;"lhen after a moment's
pause he added, ^' I am eontent" These were the
last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent."
<;^^-V/
^--c^
r) ^,
^iL^^^
\E --
S£ VENTH PRESIDENT.
.A-.
? -^iL!lCi2/©-^-«<^J^,
NDREVV JACKSON, the
^L\enth President of the
^ L Lilted States, was born in
'^L^©)^^ \ \\ axhaw settlement, N. C,
March 15, 1767, a few days
ifter his father's death. His
parents were poor emigrants
from Ireland, and took up
their abode in Waxhaw set-
tle iient, where they lived in
deepest poverty.
Andrew, or Aiidy, as he was
universally called, grew up a very
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His
features were coarse, his form un-
gainly; and there was but very
little in his character, made visible, which was at-
tiactive.
When only thirteen years old he joined the volun-
teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In
17S1, he and his brother Robert were captured and
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am
a [irisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of
the dauntless boy.
The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate
Dlow at the head of the helpless young prisoner.
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear-
ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other upon the
head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert
with the same demand. He also refused, and re-
ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite
disabled hiai, and which probably soon after caused
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and
were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their
mother «'as successful u> Molaining their exchange.
and took her sick boys home. After a long illnjsi
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon
left him entirely friendless.
Andrew supported himself in various ways, siihas
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and
clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however,
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the
times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of
whicli Tennessee was then a part. This involved
many long and tedious jcurneys amid dangers of
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear,
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmisbl
witn tlie Sharp Knife.
In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who
supposed herself divorced from her former husband.
Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later,
to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur-
rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr.
Jackson into disfavor.
During these years he worked hard at his profes
sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand,
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec-
ially disgraceful.
In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the
people met in convention at Knowille to frame a con-
stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven,
counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the deleeafes.'
The new State was entitled to but one member is
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jaclc-
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its
ANDREW JACKS'ON.
sessions, — ^a distance of about eight hundred miles.
Jackson was an earnest advocate of the De.iio-
cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired
Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr.
Jackson took his seat, Ci/ii. W i^hiiij;ton, whose
second term of office was tlicn c^pi ii.:^, delivered his
last speech to Congiess. A coniniiuce drew up a
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson
did not approve of the address, and was one of the
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been
" wise, firm and patriotic."
Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home.
Soon after he was chusen Judge ^^\ the S ipreuie Court
of his Slate, which position he held f-^r six years.
Wlien the war of 1812 with tlreat Britian com-
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair.
Aaron Bjrr sent word to the President that there was
an unknown man in the West, .\ndrew Jacksun, who
would do credit to a commission if one were con-
ferred uix)n him. Just at tliat time Clen. Jackson
jffeied his services and those of twenty-five hurdred
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops
were assembled at Nashville.
As the British were hourly e.xperied to make an at-
tack upon New Orleans, where Gen Wilkinson was
in command, he was ordered to descend the river
with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The
expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev-
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything,
die men were ordered hack to their homes. But the
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire
devotion to the comrfort of his scjldiers, won him
golden opinions; and he became the most popular
man in the State. It was in this expedition that his
toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory."
Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col.
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in
which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged,
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was
lingering upon a bed of suffering news came that the
Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set-
tlers, were committing the most aufiil ravages. De-
cisive action became necessary. Clen. Jackson, with
his fractured bone just lieginning to heal, his arm in
;i sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis-
tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an
army to rendezvous at FayettesviUe, Alabama.
The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on
one of thebendsof theTallauoosa River, near the cen-
ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Slrother.
With an army of two thousand men. Gen. Jackson
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven
days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or
Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The bend
of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres oi
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow-
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast-
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors,
with an ample suplyof anus were assembled.
The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des-
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When
bleeding and dying, they would fight tliobc who en-
deavored to spare their lives. Fioni ten in the morn-
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the
river; but the unerring bullet >trui k their heads as
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine lumdred war-
rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The
power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold
plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter,
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants
of the bands caiue to the camp, begging for peace.
This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con-
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will
than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian
cain[)aign to so successfid an issue Immediately he
was appointed major-general.
Late in August, with an army of two thousand
men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed
a force upon tlje beach, anchored near the little fort,
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious
assault The battle was long and doubtful. At length
one of the shi[)s was blown up and the rest retired.
Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans,
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued,
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his
troops, which numbered about four thousand men,
won a signal victory over the British army of about
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred.
The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men-
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in T824,
he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however,
successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected
for a second term in 1S32. In 1829, just before he
assumed the reins of the government, he met with
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of
her death he never recovered.
His administration was one of the most niimorabie
in the annals of our country; applauded' oyone party,
condemned by the other. No man had more bitter
enemies or wanner friends. At the expiration of his
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where
he died Tune 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack-
son's life were that of a devoted Christian man.
-w>
■> /yU^"^ ^^<^/.J u<_.^^^
EIGHTH PRESIDENT.
\RTIN VAN BUREN, the
eighth President of the
United States, was born at
Kmderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5,
1782. He died at the same
ice, July 24, 1862. His
body rests in the cemetery
at Kinderhook. Aljove it is
a plam gianite shaft fifteen feet
high, bearing a simple inscription
about half way up on one face.
The lot is unfenced, unbordered
or unbounded by shrub or fluwer.
There -- out little in the life of Martin Van Bureii
of ruman' 1; interest. He fought no battles, engaged
in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those
incidents which give zest to biography. His an-
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin,
and were among the tariiest emigrants from Holland
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer,
residing in tjie old town of Kinderhook. His mother,
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel-
ligence and exemplary piety.
Ai was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un-
usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the
age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies
in his native village, and commenced the study of
,aw. As he had not a collegiate education, seven
years of study in a law-office were required of him
Jjefore he could be ad iiitted to the bar. Inspired with
d lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur-
sued liis studies with indefatigable industry. After
spending six yenrs in an office in '-is native village.
he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his
studies for the seventh year.
In 1803, Mr. VanBuren, then twenty-one yeais ol
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil- "
lage. The great conflict between the Federal and
Republican party was then at its height. i\lr. Van
Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had,
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the
many discussions which had been carried on in his
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with
Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the
cause of State Rights; though at thai lime the Fed-
eral party held the supremacy both in his Iowa
and State.
His success and increasing ruputation led liim
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, th.^
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years,
constantly gaining strf.ngtii by contending in ths
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned
the bar of his State.
Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi.
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for
beauty and accomi)lishments. After twelve short
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consurop.
lion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep ovei
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren waa
an earnest, successful, assiduous lau'yer. The record
of those years is barren in items of public interest.
In 181 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1S15, he was ap-
pointed Attorney-General, and the next jear moyed
to Alljany. the capital of tlie State.
While he was ackno^Vbdged as one of the most
p. ominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had
48
MARTIN VAN BUREN.
the moral courage to avow that true democracy did
not require th.it " universal suffrage" which admits
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of
governing the State. In true consistency with his
democratic principles, he contended that, while the
path leading to the privilege of voting should be open
to every man without distinction, no one should be
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue
and some property interests in the welfare of the
State. *
In 182 I he was elected :, member of the United
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat
m the convention to revise the constitution of his
native State. His course in thii convention secured
the approval of men of all parties. No one could
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the
interests of all classes in the community. In the
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a
-onspicuous position as an active and useful legislator.
In 1827, John Quincy Adams beirg then in the
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to
.he Senate. He had been from the beginning a de-
ermined opposer of the Administration, adopting the
'State Rights" view in opposition to what was
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams.
Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his
^eat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q.
•\dams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it
.\ndrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re-
garded througiiout the United States as one of the
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians.
It was supix)sed that no one knew so well as he how
!o touch the secret spiings of action; how to pull all
;he wires to put his machinery in motion; and how to
organize a political army which would, secreily and
stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By
these powers it is said tliat he outv^-itted Mr. Adams,
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which
few thought then could be accomplished.
VVhen Andrew Jackson was elected President he
apix/inted Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately
appointed Minister to England, where he went the
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met,
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned
home, apparently untroubled; was nominated Vice
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election
of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and
fiowns for none, he took his place at the head of that
Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination
as ambassador.
His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor-
ite ; and this, probably mure than any other cause,
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief E.'iecu
tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re-
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen.
Jackson as President of the United States. He was
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen.
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred
upon him the power to appoint a successor. '
His administration was filled with exciting events-
'Ihe insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in-
volve this country in war with England, the agitation
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer-
cial panic which spread over the country, all were
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at-
tributed to the management of the Democratic party,
and brought the President into such disfavor that he
failed of re election.
With the exception of being nominated for the
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848,
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly ufxin his estate until
his death.
He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal liabits.
and living within his income, had now fortunately a
competence for his declining years. His unblemished
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned
patriotism, ard the distinguished positions which he
had occupied in the government of our country, se-
cured to him not only the hamage of his party, but
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the
4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from
the presidency. From his fine estate at LindenwaM,
he still exerted a powerful influence uixm the politics
of the country. From this time until his death, on
the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of
culture and of wealth; enjoyirg in a healthy old
age, probably far more happiness than he had before
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life-
^ /^^G^lA^n
NINTH PRESIDENT.
ILLIAM HENRY HARRI-
SON, the ninth President of
tlie United States, was born
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773.
His father, Benjamin Harri-
son, was in comparatively op-
ulent circumstances, and was
one of the most distinguished
men of his day. He was an
intimate friend of George
Washington, \\ as early elected
a member of the Continental
Congress, and was conspicuous
among the patriots of Virginia in
resisting the encroachments of the
British crown. In the celebrated.
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har-
rison and John Hancock were
both candidates for the office of
speaker.
fMr Harrison was subsequently
chosen Governor of Virginia, and
was twice re-elected. His son,
i William Henry, of course enjoyed
in childhood all the advantages which wealth and
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav-
ing received a thorough conin.on-school education, he
entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated
with honor soon after the death of his father. He
chen repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of
Jobert Morri^, both of whom were, with his father,
signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Jpon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not-
withstanding the -emonsttances of his friends, he
abandoned his medical studies and entered the army,
.laying flbtj^ined n ronimission of Ensign from Presi^
dent Wabhington. He was then but 19 years old.
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose
death he resigned his commission. He was then ap-
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This
Territory was then entitled to but one member in
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that
position.
In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory
was divided by Congress into two portions. The
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced
in the State of Ohio, was called '" The Territory
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil.
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap
pointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in-
vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four
times appointed to this office — first by John Adams,
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi-
dent Madison.
When he "began his adminstration there were but
three white settlements in that almost boundless region,
now crowded with cities and resounding with all the
tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French
settlement.
The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrisoi.
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. Ah .!•
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.
the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers,
of the Shawiiese tribe, rose among them. Or.e of
these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching
Panther;" the other, OUiwacheca, or "The Prophet."
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit-
able perseverance in any enterprise m which he might
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm,
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting-
grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was
anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored
Indian as the gale tossed the tree tops beneath which
they dwelt.
But the Prophet was not merely anorator: he was,
ill the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent
by the Great Spirit.
Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe-
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter.
October 28, 18 12, his army began its march. When
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made
their appearance and in(]uired why Gov. Harri.on was
approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a
short conference, arrangements were made for a meet-
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace.
But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes-
tations Selecting a favorable sjMt for his night's en-
campment, he took every precaution against surprise
His troops were jxjsted in a liollow square, and slept
upon their arms.
The troops threw themselves upon the ground for
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his
loaded musket by his side,and his bayonet fixed. The
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa-
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi-
ble, and i'lst then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all
the desperation which superstition and passion most
highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the
little army. The savages had been amply provided
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets.
The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide-
(lus yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a
speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them
until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be-
fore them, and completely routing th^ foe.
Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked
to the utmost. The British descending Ironi the Can -
adas, were of themselves a very Ibrmidable force ; but
with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the
forest, sear.hing out every remote farm-house, burn-
ing, [)luadering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier
was plunged into a state of consternation which even
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive.
The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra-
tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit.
Under these despairing circumstances, Gov. Harrison
was appointed by President Madison commander-in-
chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake
Detroit, and to protect the frontiers.
It would be difficult to place a man in a situation
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but
General Harrison was found equal to the position,
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re
sponsibilities.
He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing
with them tlieir fatigue. His whole baggage, while
pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a
valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket
lashed over his saddle Thirty-five British officers,
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle.
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted
before the fire, without bread or salt.
In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of
the National House of Representatives, to represent
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an
active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with
force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested
the attention of all the members.
In 1819, Harrison was elected to the Senate of
Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate.
In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nominated by his
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated
by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency.
The contest was very animated. Gen Jackson gave
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but
his triumph was signal.
The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most
brilliant with which any President had ever been
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin-
istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and
joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison was seized by a
pleurisv-fever and after a few days of violent sick-
ness, died on tlie 4th of April ; just one month after
his inauguration as President of the United States.
J^rhyyz It/^y
TENTH PRESIDENT.
IM^ JOHN TYIEH.^F-:^
OHN TYLER, the tenth
, Presidentof the United States.
He was born in Charles-city
Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He
WHS the favored child of af-
fluence and high social po-
sition. At the early age of
twelve, John entered William
and Mary Col'ege and grad-
uated with much honor when
but seventeen years old. After
"^ graduating, he devoted him-
self with great assiduity to the
study of law, partly with his
father and partly with Edmund
Randolph, one of the most distin-
guished lawyers of Virginia.
At nineteen years of age, ne
commenced the practice of law.
His success was rapid and aston-
ishing. It is said that three
months had not elapsed ere there
was scarcely a case on the dock-
i et of the court in which he was
1. jt retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he
was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State
Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo-
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of
Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he
was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the
unanimous vote or his county.
When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected
a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and
ably wi;h the Dcn-.ocratic party, opposing a national
bank, interr'-'i improvements by the General <^overn-
ment, a protective tariff, and advocatmg a strict con-
struction of the Constitution, and the most careful
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress
were so arduous that before the close of his second
term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He,
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful
in promoting public works of great utility. With a
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen
by a very large majority of votes. Governor of his
native State. His administration was signally a suc-
,cessful one. His popularity secured his re-election.
John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the
United States. A portion of the Democratic party
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course,
and brought forward John Tyler as his op|X)nent,
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of
Roanoke. Mr. T\ler was the victor.
In accordance with his professions, upon taking his
seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposi-
tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and
voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren-
uously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resist-
ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen-
eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr.
Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen.
Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had
abandoned the principles of the Democratic party.
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record
in perfect accordance with the principles which be
had always avowed.
Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of
his profession. Ther? was a :plit in the Deniocr^tic
56
JOHN TYLER.
>x\Vj. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef-
fersonian, gave him a dinner, and sliowered compli-
ments upon him. He had now attained the age of
forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con-
sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri-
vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice
of law, and devoted himself to the cuhuie of his plan-
tation. Soon after this ho remo\ ed to Williamsburg,
for the better education of his children ; and he again
look his seat in the Legislature ot Viiginia.
By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national
convention at Hanisburg to nominate a President in
T839. The maioiity of votes were given to Gen. Har-
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili-
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres-
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa-
thy with the Whig party in the Noith : but the Vice
President has but very little power in the Govern-
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre-
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap-
pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a
Democratic Vice President were chosen.
In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi-
dent of the United States. In one short month from
that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler
thus -;und himself, to his own surprise and that of
the whole Nation, an occuiiant of the Presidential
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the
une.\pected tidings of the death of President Harri-
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of
/^"ril v.-as inaugurated to the high and responsible
ortice. He was placed in a position of e.^ceeding
delicacy and difficulty. All his longlife he had been
opposed tc the main principles of the party which had
brought him into power. He had ever been a con-
sistent, hone:t man, with an unblemished record.
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should
he retain them, and thus suiround himself with coun-
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or,
on the other hand, should he turn against the party
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har-
n-.ony with himself, and which would oppose all those
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub-
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in-
vited the cabinet which President Harjison had
selected to retain their seats. He reccomm .'nded a
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and
bless us.
The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States.
The P'-esident, after ten days' delay, returned it with
r.:s v-'ij. H^ suggested, however. th»t he >vould
approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he
proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval.
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture.
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas-
ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M.
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely
touched the pride of the President.
The opposition now exultingly received the Presi-
dent into their arms. The party which elected him
denounced him bitterly. All the members of his
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a
meeting and issued an address to the people of the
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at
an end.
Still the President attempted to conciliate. He
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs and
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign,
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra-
tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The
land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. Whigs
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more,
however, he brought himself into sympathy with his
old friends, the Democrats, until atthe close of his term,
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr.
Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor.
On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the
harassments of office, tothe regret of neitherparty, and
probably to his own unspeakable lelief His first wife,
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842;
j and in June, 1844, President Tyler was again married,
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of
many personal and intellectual accomplishments.
The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly
in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For-
est, Charies city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in
his manners, richly furnished with information from
books and experience in the world, and possessing
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was
the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the
storms of civil war which his own principles and
policy had helped to introduce.
_ When the great Rebellion rose, which the State,
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Ca\-
houn had inaugurated. President Tyler renounced his
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed-
erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress-
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, b"
force of arms, the Government over which he had
once presided, he was taksn sick ^nd si>oii di^d.
ELE VENfff-pRES'l'^E^-Tr'
JAMES Ko PDI/3^,
Wex^\
m
AMES K. POLK, the eleventh
President of the United States,
WIS born in Mecklenburg Co.,
N C.,Nov. 2, 1795. His par-
ents were Samuel and Jane
(Knox) Polk, the former a son
of Col Thomas Polk, who located
at the above place, as one of the
irst pioneers, in 1735.
In the year 1006, with his wife
and children, and soon after fol-
lowed by most of the members of
the Polk famly, Samuel Polk emi-
grated some two or three hundred
miles farther west, to the rich valley
of the Duck River. Here in the
midst of the wilderness, in a region
which was subsequently called Mau-
ry Co., they reared their log huls,
and established their homes. In the
hard toil of a new farm in the wil-
derness, James K. Polk spent the
early years of his childhood and
youth. His father, adding the pur-
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer,
gradually increased in wealth until
he became one of the leading men of the region. His
mother was a superior woman, of strong common
sense and earnest piety.
Very early in life, James developed a taste for
reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain
a liberal education. His mother's training had made
him methodical in his habits, had taught him punct-
uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his
father, fearing that he might not bf? able to endure a
sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits.
This was to James a bitter disappointment. He
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half
years, in the autumn of 1S15, entered the sophomore
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious
service.
He graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, be-
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in
mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty-
three years of age.' Mr. Polk's health was at this
time much impaired by the assiduity with which he
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few
miles from Nashville. They had probably been
slightly acquainted before.
Mr. Polk's father was a JefTersonian Republican,
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi-
cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was
constantly called upon to address the meetings of his
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that
he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump.
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and
/AMES K. POLK.
courterus in his bearing, and with that sympathetic
nature in the jo} s and griefs of others which ever gave
him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his
strong influence towards the election of his friend,
Mr. Jackso;i, to the Presidency of the United States.
In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was
altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul-
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that
for fourteen successive years, undl 1839, he was con-
tinuec in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew,
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair
of T'^nnessee. In Congress he was a laborious
mero'ier, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was
always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever
he spoke it was always to the point, and without any
ambitious rhetorical display.
During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was
Speaker of the House Strong passions were roused,
and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per-
formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac-
tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was
passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of
March, 1839.
In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was
elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo-
ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 184 1,
his term of office expired, and he was again the can-
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated.
On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugur-
ated President of the United States. The verdict of
the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted
its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the
administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig-
nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the
3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister,
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation
to be an act hostile to Mexico.
In his first message. President Polk urged that
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re-
ceived into tlie Union on the same footing with the
Other States. In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent
with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent :iearly
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande,
where he erected batteries whicli commanded the
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on
the western banks.
The anticipated collision soon took place, and wai
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first
called one of "observation," then of "occupation,"
then of " invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused.
It v/as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration
that the war was brought on.
'To the victors belong the sppils." Mexico was
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our liands.
We now consented to peace upon the condition that
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas,
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal-
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were
some Americans who thought it all right : there were
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico.
On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from
office, having served one term. The next day was
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated
as his successor. Mr Polk rode to the Capitol in the
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even-
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age.
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits,
and his health was good With an ample fortune,
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years
of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the
cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted,
and died on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen.
/
Ci^<::>/z.4::::c.^^, __y^
TWELFTH PRESIDENT.
'■^i®y 1i WIS born on the 24th of Nov.,
®J^\_ \ 1784, in Orange Co., V;i. His
i uhcr. Colonel Taylor, was
a Virginian of note, and a dis-
:^ tinguished patriot and soldier of
the Revolution. When Zachary
wa', an infant, his father with his
wife and two children, emigrated
to Kentucky, where he settled in
the pathless wilderness, a few
from Louisville. In this front-
home, away from civilization and
all its refinements, young Zachary
could enjoy but few social and educational advan-
tages. When six years of age he attended a common
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy,
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char-
acter He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and
manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight
the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There
is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his
childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation.
In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him
the commission, of lieutenant in the United States
army ; and he joined the troops which were stationed
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady
from one of the first families of Maryland.
Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng-
land, in 18 1 2, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder-
ness by Gen. Harrison, on his inarch to Tippecanoe.
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians,
led by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken
company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of
whom were sick.
Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians, stealthily,
and in large numbers, moved ujMn the fort. Their
ap[)roach was first indicated by the murder of two
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor
made every possible preparation to meet the antici-
pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort,
waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk
with him. It was evident that their object was merely
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt.
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept
them at a distance.
The sun went down; the savages disappeared, the
garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before
midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew thaj
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap-
ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor-
ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can
conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc-
ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses-
Until si.v o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict
continued. The savages then, baffled at every point,
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt.
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the
rank of major by brevet.
Until the close of the war, MajorTaylor was placed
in such situations that he saw but little more of active
service. He was sent far away into the depths of the
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which
empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little
to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one
best could. There were no books, no society, no in-
64
ZACHARY TAYLOR.
tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful
years rolled ou Gradually he rose to the rank of
colonel. In the Black Hawk war, which resulted in
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part.
For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in
.the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in
jemployments so obscure, that his name was unknown
'beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance.
In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to com|jel
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re-
tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty,
liac' prouiised they should do. The services rendered
heie secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
ihe Government ; and as a reward, he was elevated
!c ;he rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon
ifter, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com-
nand of the United States troops in Florida.
After two years of sucn wearisome employment
jmidst the everglades of the peninsula. Gen. Taylor
obtained, at his own request, a change of command,
jid was stationed over the Department of the South-
Acst. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi,
vllabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters
•■A Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family
fo> a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue.
Tl,;re he remained for five years, buried, as it were,
fi(,m the world, but faithfully discharging every duty
juposed upon him.
In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land
between the Nueces a.nd Rio (ira.nde, the latter river
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed
by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico
wr, ; brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la
Pa !ma. Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the
^[l,•xicans. The rank of major-general by brevet
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name
was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in
tiie Nation. Then came the liattles of Monterey and
Euena Vista in which he won signal victories over
f( i'ces much larger than he commanded.
His careless habits of d^ess and his unaffected
si/nplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops,
\\ e. sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.'
Tlie tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista
■I'read the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The
n. line of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lii)s. The
H hig party decided to take advantage of this wonder-
fu/ popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un-
'' "'•ed, honest soldier as their candidate for the
I'l esidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an-
ncuncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de-
cl.iringthat he was not at al! qualified for such an
oflice. So little interest had he taken in politics that,
foi forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not
wiihout chagrin that several distinguished statesmen
v/ho had been long years in the public service found
*j, ar claims set aside in behalf of one whose name
had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena
Vista. It IS said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re-
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made."
Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine
writer His friends took possession of him, and pre-
pared such few communications as it was needful
should be presented to the public. The popularity of
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri-
umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, —
Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren.
Thougli he selected an excellent cabinet, the good
old man found himself in a very uncongenial position,
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed.
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party
was pushing its claims with tireless energy, expedi-
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California was
pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or
Indians.
In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor,
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of
but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, 1850.
His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. I am
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un-
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the
affections of the people; and the Nation bitterly la-
mented his death.
Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful
description of his character: — " With a good store of
common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en-
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse
with the wodd. Rigidity of ideas was the conse-
quence. The frontiers and small military posts had
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim-
plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju-
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable,
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or liishal
a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out-
side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held the
ofifender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse),
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase,
'touch with a pair of tongs.'
"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil-
worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In shorf
few men have ever had a more comfortab'lc. '"•^'it.
saving contempt for learning of every kind."
'''M^c£Oj-^rZ fi&ux^ocru)
THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT.
I ^'MILLftRn FILLfflnHE,^^ | i
ILLARD FILLMORE, thir-
teenth President of the United
states, was born at Summer
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on
J thi, yth of January, 1800. His
I ither was a farmer, and ow-
ing to misfortune, in humble cir-
cumstances. Of his mother, the
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard,
of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been
said that she jx)ssessed an intellect
of very high order, united with much
personal loveliness, sweetness of dis-
position, graceful manners and ex-
quisite sensibilities. She died in
1831 ; having lived" to see her son a
' young man of distinguished prom-
ise, Lhough she was not permitted to witness the high
dignity which he finally attained.
In consequence of the secluded home and limited
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad-
vantages- for education in his early years. The com-
mon schools, which he occasionally attended were
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce
and expensive. Tliere was nothing then in his char-
acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he
was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy;
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible,
and had laid the foundations of an upright character.
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier.
Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some
enterprising man had commenced the collection of a
village library. This jtroved an inestimable blessing
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read-
ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with
books. His thirst fur knowledge became insatiate
and the selections which he made were continually
more elevating and instructive. He read history,
biography, oratory , and thus gradually there was en-
kindled in his heart a desire to be something more
than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be-
coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed,
educated man.
The young clothier had now attained the age 0/
nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance
and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened tha'
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample
pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter
Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing ap-
pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint-
ance, and was so much imjiressed with his ability and
attainments that he advised him to abandon his
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The
young man replied, that he had no means of his own.
no friends to help him and that his previous educa-
tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to
take him into his own office, and to loan him such
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous
offer was accepted.
There is in many minds a strange delusion about)
a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col-'
lege. But many a boy loiters through university hall -
«ind then enters a law office, who is by no means as
MiLLARD FILlMOHM.
well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing-
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during
which every leisure moment had been devoted to in-
tense mental culture.
In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he v/as
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region,
his practice of course was limited, and there was_ no
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortun? or in fame.
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers.
His elevation of character, his untiring industry,
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate,
gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to
enter into partnership under highly advantageous
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829,
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the
State of New York, as a representative from Erie
County. Though he had never taken a very active
part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic,
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the
Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parties,
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very
unusual degree the respect of his associates.
In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in
the United States Congress He entered that troubled
arena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our
national history. The great conflict respecting the
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was
then raging.
His term of two years closed ; and he returned to
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep-
utation and success. After a lapse of two years
he again became a candidate for Congress; was re-
elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe-
rience as a representative gave hmi stiength and
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to
any man can be but little more than an introduction.
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener-
gies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every
measure received his impress.
Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and
his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847,
he was elected Comptroller of the State.
Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con-
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi-
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be
proclaimed in tiumpet-tones all over the land. But
it was necessary to associate with him on the same
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman.
Under the influence of these considerations, the
namesof Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849,
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard
Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States.
On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but
about one year and four ^months after his inaugura
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con-
stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi-
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State.
Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend
with, since the opposition had a majority in both
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate
the South; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt
the inadequacy of all measuresof transient conciliation.
The population of the free States was so rapidly in-
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in-
evitable that the power of the Government should
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr,
Fillmore's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill-
more, having served one term, retired.
In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres-
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war,
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed Iha'
his sympathies were rather with those who were en-
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other.
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 1874.
M'
POURTEENTIi PRESIDEJSft
;. afet.:.t.ri&.-!« A,->^fe» jfe.ta.ife j}-^ji,,t.^>. ,fefet.aMyv&'
RANKLIN PIERCE, the
fourteenth President of the
' United States, was born in
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov.
23, 1804. His father was a
Revolutionary soldier, who,
with his own strong arm,
hewed out a home in the
wilderness. He was a man
of inflexible integrity; of
strong, though uncultivated
mind, and an uncompromis-
ing Democrat. The mother of
Franklin Pierce was all that a son
could desire, — an intelligent, pru-
dent, affectionate, Christian wom-
an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children.
Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen-
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors
looked upon him with pride and affection. He was
by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words,
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact
which taught him what was agreeable. Without de-
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural
devotion to books, he was a good scholar ; in body,
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy.
When sixteen years of age, in the year rSzo, he
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was
one of the most jxjpular young men in the college.
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and
genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite.
There was something very peculiarly winning in his
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de-
gree studied: it was the simple outgushing of his
own magnanimous and loving nature.
Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of
the State, and a man of great private worth. The
eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant
political career into which Judge Woodbury was en-
tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci-
nating yet perilous path of political life. With all
the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen.
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here
he served for four yeais. The last two years he was
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote.
In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected
a member of Congress. Without taking an active
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom
he was associatad.
In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age,
he was elected to the Senate of the United States;
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced
his administration. He was the youngest member in
the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom-
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every
station with wiiich her husband was honored. Of the
h RANK LIN PIERCE.
three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with
their parents in the grave.
In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire.
President Polk, uix)n his accession to office, appointed
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States ; but
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the
same time declined the nomination for governor by the
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr.
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847.
He took an important part in this war, proving him-
self a brave and trite soldier.
When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native
State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo-
cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo-
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession,
very frequently taking an active part in political ques-
tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery
wing of the Democratic party. The compromise
iiieasures met cordially with his approval; and he
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa-
mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin-
guished as a "Northern man with Southern principles.''
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse-
quently regarded him as a man whom they could
safely trust in office to carry out their plans.
On the 1 2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven-
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the
Presidency. For four days they continued in session,
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation
brought forward his name. There were fourteen
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly
gained strength, until,- at the forty-ninth ballot, he
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with
great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas-
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their
electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce
was therefore inaugurated President of the United
States on the 4th of March, 1853.
His administration proved one of the most stormy our
country had ever experienced. The controversy be
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its
culminating [wint. It became evident that there was
an "irrepressible conflict" between them, and that
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad-
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution
of the Union were borne to the North on every South-
ern breeze.
Such was the condition of affairs when President
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term
of office. The North had become thoroughly ;ilien-
ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all
the intellectual ability and social worth of President
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad-
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also,
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo-
cated those measures of Government which they ap-
proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him.
On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re-
tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two
had died, and his only surviving child had been
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident , and his
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left
alone in the world, without wife or child.
When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di-
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr.
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov-
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until
the time of his death, which occurred in October,
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopni
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen -
erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al-
leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns ■
people were often gladened by his material bounty.
/^'
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I'IFTEENTH PRESIDENT
:,\ iKii f ri^S6 M I JC. ■ (r ( A l^f A l^f ,
AMES BUCHANAN, the fif-
teenth President of the United
States, was born in a small
roniier town, at the foot of the
eastern ridge of the Allegha-
nies, in Franklin Co., Penn, on
the 23d of April, 1791. The j^lace
where the humble cabin of his
father stnod was called Stony
Batter. It was a wild and ro-
mantic spot in a gorge of the moun-
tains, with towering summits rising
grandly all around. His father
fwas a native of the north of Ireland ;
a poor man, who had emigrated in
t lySj, with little pro|>erty save his
own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer,
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder-
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per-
form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se-
cluded home, where James was born, he remained
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual
advantagi s. VVlien James was eight years of age, his
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where
his son was placed at school, and commenced a
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His
jirogress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de-
veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among
the first scholars in the institution. His application
to study was intijnse, and yet \i\% native powers en-
••r/K
abled him to master the most abstnise subjects wi '-
facility.
In the year 1809, he graduated with tlie highest
honors of his clas^. He was then eighteen years of
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately
commenced the study of lavv in the city of Lancaster,
and was admitted to the bar in 181 2, when he was
but twenty-one )ears of age. Very rapidly he rose
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand
with the ablest law) ers of the State. When but
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, .he suc-
cessfully defended liefore the State Senate 01 e of the
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles 01
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu-
crative practice.
In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and foi
ten years he remained a member of the Lower House
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally
tried some important case. In 1831, he retired
altogether from the toils of his profession, having ac-
quired an ample fortune.
Gen. Jackson, ui)on his elevation to ihe Presidenc/,
appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The
duties of his mission he performed with ability, whicl,
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, ir,
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster.
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the irieas-
ures proposed by President Jackson, of v?.:^'i\\^ repn-
7B
JAMES BUCHANAN.
sals against France, to enforce the payment of our
claims against that country ; and defended the course
of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale
removal from office of those who were not the sup-
porters of his adiiiinistration. Upon this question he
was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay.
He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging
from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure
against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits.
Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the
District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United
States mails.
As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo-
cated that they should be respectfully received; and
that the reply should be returned, that Congress had
no power to legislate upon the subject. " Congress,"
said he, " might as well undertake to interfere with
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the
States where it now e.\ists."
Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr.
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such,
took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing
the Nueces by tlie American troops into the disputed
territory was not wrong, but for tlie Mexicans to cross
the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the
account of the course our Government pursued in that
movement
Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with
the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind
to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. ' He gave his
cordial approval to the compromise measures of TS50,
which included the fugiiive-slave law. Mr. Pierce,
upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr.
Buchanan with the mission to England.
In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven-
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The
political conflict was one of the most severe in which
our country has ever engaged. All the friends of
slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re-
striction and final aliohtion, on the other. Mr. Fre-
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re-
leived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received
174, and was elected. The popular vote stood
1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On
March 4th. 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated.
Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four
vears were wanting to fill up his threescore years and
ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been
allied in political principles and action for years, were
saeking the destruction of the Government, that they
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery.
In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be-
wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin-
I ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in
their assumptions. As President of the United Stares,
bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws,
he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind,
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub-
lic. He therefore did nothing.
The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration
nominal ed Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery
party declared, that if he were elected, and the con-
trol of the Government were thus taken from their
hands, they would secede from the Union, taking
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at
VVasliington, and the lion's share of the territory of
the United States.
Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slaver)'
party was such, that he had been willing to offer them
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the
South had professed to ask of the North was non-
intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu-
chanan had been ready to offer them the active co-
operation of the Government to defend and extend
the institution.
As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow-
ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of
the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im-
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He
declared that Congress had no power to enforce its
laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with
his hand upon his sword hilt, he exclaimed. " The
Union must and shall be preserved!"
South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly
three months before the inauguration of President
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair.
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston ; Fort Sumpter
was besieged; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals
were seized; our depots of military stores were plun-
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-oflfices were
appropriated by the rebels.
The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away,
and close the administration, so terrible in its weak-
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver-
ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the
scepter.
The administration of President Buchanan was
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex-
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame,
that in that dreadful conflict wliich rolled its billows
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's
banner should trium|)h over the flag of the rebellion
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i. i868.
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:T^C^
SIXTEENTH P RES/DENT.
%
^1 < ABRAHAM > ^i>«-Klp < LINCOLN. > 1^
•OK^^Ma?^^
BRAHAM LINCOLN, the
sixteenth President of the
^United States, was born in
Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12,
9. About the year 1 7 So, a
man by the name of Abraham
Lmcohi left Virginia with his
family and moved into the then
wildsof Kentucky. Only two years
after this emigration, still a young
man, while working one day in a
field, was stealthily appro;;ched by
an Indian and shot dead. His widow
was left in extreme poverty with five
ittle children, three boys and two
f girls. Thomas, the youngest of the
boys, was four years of age at his
father's death. This Thomas was
J the father of Abraham Lincoln, the
' President of the United States
whose name must henceforth fo-'ever be enrolled
with the most prominent in the annals of our world.
Of course no record has been kept of the life
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among
the [X)orest of the poor. His home was a wretched
log-cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest.
Education he had none; he could never either read
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for
himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his
starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend-
,ess,, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him-
self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a
?iborer in the fields of others.
Vv'hen twenty-eight years of age he buill a log-
(abin of bis own, and married Nancy Hanks, the
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi-
grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their
second child was Al)raham Lincoln, the subject of
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble
woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel.
"All 'hat I am, or hope to be," e.xclaims the grate-
ful son " I owe to my angel-mother.
When he vvas eight years of age, his father sold his
cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana VVherii
two years later his mother died.
Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated
community around him. He could not have had 3
better school than this to teacli him to put thoughts
into words. He also became an eager reader. The
books he could obtain were few ; but these he "ead
and re-raad until they were almost committed tc
memory.
As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly faroilj
was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sistcx
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mai
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830
and emigrated to iMacon Co., 111.
Abraham Lincoln vvas then twenty-one years of age.
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing
another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and theii
small lot of enclosed prairie phnitcd with corn, when
he announced to his father his intention to leave
home, and to go out into tlie world and seek his for-
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril-
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value ol
education and was intensely earnest to improve his
mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin
which ardent spirits were causing, and I e< ame
strictly temperate; refising to allow a drop of intoxi-
cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in
God's word, "Thou shalt r.ot take the name of thft
Lord thy God in -' .1..;" and a profane expression ht
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. Hiii
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a
single vice.
Young Abraham woiked for a time as a hired labora
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield
where he was employed in building a large flat-boal
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them dow>
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mia
sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin
coin undertook, he performed so faithfully as to giv^.
great satisfacticn to his employers. In this adven
8o
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon
his retura tiiey placed a store and mill under his care.
In 1832, at the outbreak, of the Black Hawk war, he
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew
Jackson the appointmentof Postmaster of New Salem,
His only post-office was his hat. .\11 the letters he
received he carried there ready to deliver to those
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon
made this his business. In 1834 he again became a
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr.
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and
began his legal studies. When the Legislature as-
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back
one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re-
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law.
His success with the jury was so great that he was
coon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit.
In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr.
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question.
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois,
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became
one of tlie leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con-
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most
notable part of his history. The issue was on the
ilavery question, and he took the broad ground of
;he Declaration of Independence, that all men are
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con-
test, but won a far higher prize.
The great Republican Convention met at Chicago
on the i6th of June, i860. The delegates and
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty-
five thousand. An immense building called "The
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven-
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes
were thrown. William H Seward, a man whose fame
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most
orominent. It was generally supposed he would be
the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him:
and as little did he dream that he was to render services
to his country, which would fi.K upon him the eyes of
the whole civilized world, and which would give him
a place in tire affections of his countrymen, second
cnly, if second, to that of W'ashington.
Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore,
constitutionally elected President of the United States.
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good
and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this
high position. In February, 186 1, Mr. Lincoln started
for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his
way making speeches. The whole journey was trought
with much danger. Many of the Southern States had
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination
were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti-
more had arranged, upon his arrival to" get up a row,"
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled
the plol. A secret and special train was provided t(j
take him from HarrisL'urg, through Baltimore, at ar
unexpected hour of the night. The train started at
half-past ten ; and to prevent ai;y possible communi-
cation on the part ol the Secessionists with their Con-
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train haa
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln
reached W'ashingion in safety and was inaugurated,
although great an.xiety was felt by all loyal people
In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Liiicoln gave
to Mr Seward the Department of State, and to other
prominent opponents before the convention he gave
important positions.
During no other administration have the duties
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and
the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in
hi.s own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his
trial-, bo'h personal and national Contrary to his
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the
most courageous of men. He went directly into the
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving,
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he
had left Springfield, in i86r, however, plans had been
made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim
to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant,
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It
was announced that they would Le present. Gen.
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel-
ing, witn his characteristic kindliness of heart, that
it would be a disappointment if he should fail them,
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to
the play an actor by the name of John "Wilkes Booth
entered the box where the President and family were
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the
next morning at seven o'clock.
Never before-, in the history of the world was a nation
plunged into such deep gnefby the death of its ruler.
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was
in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a
model. His name as the savior of his country -will
live with that of Washington's, its father; his country-
men being unable to cjecidf whiih is t' e greater.
>^^_
^^^^-^-M^^y^
SEVENTEENTH PRESIDENT.
■^ Ji i¥ o u w, m mm^i I i^f ^5 Qii<
NDREVV JOHNSON, seven-
teenth President of the United
1^ States. The early life of
Andrew Johnson contains but
the record of poverty, destitu-
tion and friendlessness. He
was born December 29, 180S,
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents,
belonging to the class of the
'poor whites " of the South, were
in such circumstances, that they
could not c?nf;r ^/er. the slight-
est advantages of education upon
their child. When Andrew was five
years of age, his father accidentally
lost his life while heiorically endeavoring to save a
friend from drowning, ^''ni.il ten years of age, Andrew
was a ragged boy abour the streets, supixirted by the
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with
her own hands.
He then, having never attended a school one day,
and being unable either to read or write, was ap-
prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman
was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion-
ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often
read from the speeches of distinguished British states-
men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more
than ordinary native ability, became much interested
in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read.
He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and
with the assistance of some of his fellow- workmen,
■jearned his letters. He then called upon the gentle-
man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner,
I pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed 01.
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest
and recreatior to devote such time as he could to
reading.
He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located af:
Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos
sessed some education. Under her instructions he
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent
in the village debating society, and a favorite with
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or-
ganized a working man's party, which elected him
alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which
position he held three years.
He now began to take a lively interest in political
affairs ; identifying himself with the working-classes,
to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes-
see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age.
He became a very active member of the legislature
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in
1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin 1"an
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to thosv
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased
his reputation.
In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive
elections, held that important post for ten years. In
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and
was re-elected in 1855. In all these resijonsible posi-
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abi,
ANDREW JOHNSON.
ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work-
ing classes. In 1857, J.Ir. Johnson was elected
United States Senator.
Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his
reason, that he thought this annexation would prob-
ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable
50ns of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom,
ftnd become merged in a population congenial to
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com-
promise measures, the two essential features of which
were, that the white people of the Territories should
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they
would enslave the colored people or not, and that
the ^'ree States of the North should return to the
SouLh persons who attempted to escape from slavery.
Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly origin:
on the contrary, he often took piide in avowing that
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir,'"
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget
that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav-
ior was the son of a carpenter."
In the Charleston- Baltimore convention of i8gj, iie
pas the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the
"Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the South-
2rn Democracy became apparent, he took a decided
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap-
pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he
established the most stringent military rule. His
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In
1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15,
1865, became President. In a speech two days later
he said, " The American people must be taught, if
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and
must be cunished; that the Government will not
always beai with its enemies; that it is strong not
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole
administration, the history of which is so well known,
was \n utter inconsistency with, and the roost violent
opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech.
In his loose policy of reconstruction and general
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress ; and he char-
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In
the beginnirig of 1868, on account of "high crimes
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten-
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre-
ferred against him, and the trial began March 23.
It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three
months. A test article of the impeachment was at
length submitted to the court for its action. It was
certain that as the court voted upon that article so
would it vote upon all. Thirty -four voices pronounced
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces-
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac-
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against
him. The change of one vote from the not guilty
side would have sustained the impeachment.
The President, for the remainder of his term, was
but little regarded. He continued, though impotently,
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi-
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar-
alleled since the day s of Washington, around the name
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten.
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im-
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in
politics until 1875. On Jan. 26, after an exciting
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten-
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con-
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special
session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of
March. On the 27 th of July, 1875, the ex-President
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach-
ing the residence of his child the following day, was
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious.
He rallied occasirnally, but finally passed away at
2 A.M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun-
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August,
with every demonstration of respect
^ /^^^::t:'
EIGHTEENTH PRESIDEJSTT.
LYSSES S. GR.A.NT, the
eighteenth President of the
■■''United States, was born on
V the 29th of April, 1822, of
r Christian parents, in a humble
home, at Point Pleasant, on the
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after
his father moved to George-
town, Brown Co., O. In this re-
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses
received a common-school edu-
cation. At the age of seven-
teen, in the year 1839, he entered
'il^ the Military Academy at West
I Point. Here he was regarded as a
solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank
as a scholar. In June, T843, he graduated, about the
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in-
fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis-
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating
Indians.
The war with Me.xico came. Lieut. Grant was
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at
Resaca de la Palnia, his second battle. At the battle
of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that
He performed a signal service of daring and skillful
horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am-
munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along
a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut.
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians,
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one
side of the aniraal, r^ the gauntlet in entire safety.
From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry,
to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the
battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha-
pultepec.
At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re-
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The
discovery of gold in California causing an immense
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt.
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im-
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt.
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the
States; and having married, entered upon the cultiva-
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re-
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga-
lena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, —
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though
I have served him through one war, I do not feel that
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my tword
and see Uncle Sam through this war too."
He went into the streets, raised a company of vol-
unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield,
the capital of the State, where their services were
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt.
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the
volunteer organization that was being formed in the
State in behalf of the Government. On the \%*^ oi
VZySSES S. GRANT.
)une, 1861, Capt. Grant received a commission as
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol-
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such
that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier-
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap-
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and
stripes were unfurled in its stead.
He entered the service with great determination
and immediately began active duty. This was the be-
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond
he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur-
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was
Immediately made a Mnjor-General, and the military
district of Tennessee was assigned to him.
Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how
to secure the results of victory. He immediately
pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can-
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most
severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered,
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf.
Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Te.xas, and pro-
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and
by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas-
ures put tlie Union Army in fighting condition. Then
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lo&kout
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels
were routed witli great loss. This won for him un-
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru-
ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant-
general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant.
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials
.-iiid enter upon th^ duties of his new office
Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge ol
ihe army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de-
stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as-
sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field.
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en-
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur-
render of Lee, April 9, 1865.
The war was ended. The Union was saved. The
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen.
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal.
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered
the country brought him conspicuously forward as the
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair.
At the Republican Convention held at Chicago^-
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a
majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294
electoral votes.
The National Convention of the Republican party
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, T872,
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati-
cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292
electoral votes being cast for him.
Soon after the close of his second term. Gen. Grant
started upon his famous trip around the world. He
visited almost every country of the civilized world,
and was everywhere received with such ovations
and demonstrations of respect and honor, priv.-xte
as well as public and official, as were never before
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States.
He was the most prominent candidate before the
Republican National Convention in 1880 for a re-
nomination for President. He went to New York and
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm
nanieof Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain,
wrecked (Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to
the penitentiary. The General was attacked with
cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23,
1885, the nation went in mourning over the death of
the illustrious General.
0 (-.'L^.^ oA-
NINETEENTH PRESIDENT.
.'syr/'Wcj..^.-
I'^'i^t^a'^t^t^'^tgjjt.;.
UTHERFORD B. HAYES,
the nineteenth President of
the United States, was born in
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al-
most three months after the
death of his father, Rutherford
Hayes. His ancestry on both
the paternal and maternal sides,
was of the most honorable char-
acter. It can be traced, it is said,
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and
Rutherford were two Scottish chief-
tains, fighting side by side with
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert
Bruce. Both families belonged to the
nobility, owned extensive estates,
and had a large following. Misfor-
cane ovw<aking the family, George Hayes left Scot-
land in 16S0, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son
George was., born in Windsor, and remained there
during his liJe. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar-
ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar-
riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel,
son of Daniel, was born in 1724. and was a manufac-
turerof scythea at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes,
son of Ezekiel ai/d grandfather of President Hayes, was
born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer,
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to
Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro,
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth-
erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was
born. He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi-
grated thither from Connecticut, they having beeti
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich.
Her ancestry on the^ale side are traced back to
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers
in the Revolutionary War.
The father of President Hayes was an industrious
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me-
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock-
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con-
ducted his business on Christian principles. After
the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons inexplicable
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio.
The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day
when there were no canals, steamers, not railways,
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived
in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial
fever, less than three months before the birth of the
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be-
reavement, found the support she so much needed in
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the
household from the day of its departure from Ver~
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted
some time before as an act of charity.
Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the
92
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he
^Yas not expected to live beyond a month or two at
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in-
quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died
last night.' On one occasion a neighbor, who was on
fimiliar terms with the family, after alluding to the
iboy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of
nim, said in a bantering way, " That's right! Stick to
him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't
wonder if he woald really come to something yet."
" You reed not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. " You
vait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him
Pre:.ident of the United States yet." The boy lived,
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy
death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his
mother.
The boy was seven years old before he w<;nt to
school. His education, however, was not neglected.
He probably learned as much from his mother and
sister as he would have done at school. His sports
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being
his sister and her associates. These circumstances
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo-
sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings
of others, which are marked traits of his character.
His uncle Sardis Bircliard took the deepest interest
in his education ; and as the boy's health had im~
■proved, and he was making good progress in his
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre-
paration commenced with a tutor at home; bit he
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the
Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en-
tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen,
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842.
Immediately after his graduation he began the
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq.,
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re-
mained two years.
In 1845, after graduatmg at the Law School, he was
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly
afterward went into practice as an attorn ey-at-law
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re-
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice,
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro-
fession.
Xn 1849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his ambi-
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how-
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at
this period, had a powerful influence upon his sul)se-
quent '.ife. One of these was his marrage with Miss
'Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of
Chilicothe; the othev was his introduction to the Cin-
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its
members such men as'^hief Justice Salmon P. Chasej
Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many
others hardly less distinguished in afterlife. The
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did
more than she toreflect honor upon American woman
hood. The Literary Cluu brought Mr. Hayes into
constant association with young men of high char-
acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the
qualities so long hidden by his bashfulne.s and
modesty.
In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge of
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac.
cept the nomination. Two years later, the office o(
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council,
elected him for the unexpired term.
In 1S61, when the Rebellion iiroke out, he was ai
tne zenith of his professional Vf,. His rank at the
bar was among the the first. But the news of the
attack on Fort Sunipter found him eager to take id
arms for the defense of his country.
His military record was bright ard illustrious. In
October, 186 1, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and
in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79tli Ohio
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, h-;
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude
that won admiration from all.
Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and ph^ced
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division,
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted
Major-General, "forgallant and distirguished services
during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In
the course of his arduous services, four horses were
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times
In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from
the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem-
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign,
and after his election was importuned to resign his
commission in the army J but he finally declared, " I
shall never come to Washington until I can come 1 y
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866.
In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio,
over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat.
In 1869 was re-eiected over George H. Pendleton.
He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875.
]n 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub-
lican P.irty in the Presidential contest, and after n
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in
ausjurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his
full term, not, h. wever, with satisfaction to his party^
but his admin Utrafioh was an average o^>
.1-^
v^x^^^.
TiVENTIETH PRESIDENT.
^^m.
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♦^ «♦$ $♦* *«* $*$ ^*$ «** ^** -*- -9.--^ ^*-^-.#^-«^A
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\J.IES A. GARFIELD, twen-
tieth President of the United
States, was born Nov. 19,
1S31, ia the woods of Orange,
L lyahoga Co., O His par-
ents were Abram and Eliza
(Ballou) Garfield, both of New
England ancestry and from fami-
ies well known in the early his-
tory of that section of our coun-
try, but had moved to the Western
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle-
ment.
The house in which James A. was
born was not unlike the houses of
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It
.dc about 20 X30 feet, built of logs, with tlie spaces be-
.^/een the logs filled with clay. His father was a
.lard working farmer, and he soon had his fields
jleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built,
fhe household comprised the father and mother and
heir four children — Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and
"ames. In May, 1823^ the father, from a cold con-
.racted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At
(his time James was about eighteen months old, and
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can
(ell how niucli James was indebted to his b'other's
[cil and self sacrifice during the twenty years suc-
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis-
ters live in Solon, O., near their birthplace.
The early educational advantages young Garfield
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of
them. He labored at farm work for others, did car-
penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that
would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed
mother in he' =tinggles to keep the little jamjly to-
gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug-
gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they
ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain,
modest gentleman.
The highest ambition of young Garfield until hi
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard
a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the
understanding, however, that he should try to obtair
some other kind of employment. He walked all the
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city
Afier making many applications for work, and trying
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos
Letcher, on the Ohio &: Pennsylvania Canal. He re-
mained at this work but a short time wlien he wen';
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in
the meantime, and doing other work. This school
was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of
which church he was then a member. He became
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way
He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon
" exiiausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which
he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest h(^.-
ors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram
College as its President. As above stated, he early
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem-
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where
he liappened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of
Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion;
JAMES A. GARFIELD.
" President Garfield was more than a man of
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs
of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In
my jadgmeni. there is no more interesting feature of
his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty
and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to
the less stately and cultured Christian communions
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true
that as they step upward in social and political sig-
nificance they step upward from one degree to
another in some of the many types of fashionable
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the
:;hurch of his mother, the church in which he was
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec-
^arian charity for all 'who loveour Lord in sincerity.'"
Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. ii, 1858, who proved herself
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of
whom are still living, four boys and one girl.
Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches ini856,
in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet-
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland,
and in x86i was admitted to the bar. The great
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year,
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he liad
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re-
ceived his commission as Lieut. -Colonel of the Forty-
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug.
14, i86i. He was immediately put into active ser-
vice, and before he hadeverseen agun fired in action,
was placed in command of four regiments of infantr)'
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the
work of driving out of his native State the officer
(Humphrey M^irshall) reputed to be the ablest of
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed-
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres-
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him
Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years
before, so now he was the youngest General in the
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh,
in its operations around Corinth and its march through
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the
General Coutt-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose-
crans, and was assigned to the "Chief of Staff."
The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with
his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won
the stars of the Major-General.
Without an effort on his part Ge? Garfield was
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio
had been represented in Congiess for sixty year*
mainly by two men — Elisha \Vhittlesey and Joshui.
R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en-
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that
body. Thert; he remained by successive re-
elections until he was elected President in 1880.
Of liis labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since
the year 1864 you cannot think of a questiori whicii
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before &
tribunel of the American people, in regard to whicL
you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argu^
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by
Mr. Garfield."
Uix)n Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his
party for President at the great Chicago Convention.
He was elected in the following November, and on
March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad-
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter
auspices than that of President Gaifield, and every
day it grew in favo.' with the peo])le, and by the first
of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre-
liminary work of his administration and was prepar-
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams
College. Wliile on his way and at the depot, in com-
pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back.
The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the
left coat sleeve of his victim, but in.licting no further
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never
before in the history of the Nation had anything oc-
curred whfch so nearly froze the blood of the peop't
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit-
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and
was at the summit of his power and hope. Foreighty
days, all during the hot months of July and August,
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent
bearing was teaching the country and the world the
noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass-
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept.
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J , on the very bank of the
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it.
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe-
cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed. '
TWRJSITY.FIRST PRESIDENT.
CMC fi'/'^sa' n; \i ^« m^»Mm
HESTER A. ARTHUR,
twenty-first Presi'^.^m of the
*^* United States, was born in
Franklin Courty, Vermont, on
thefifthof Oc'ober, 1830, and is
the oldest of a family of two
sons and five daughters. His
father was the Rev. Dr. William
Arthur, a Baptist cJ'.rgyman, who
emigrated to tb'.s country from
the county Antnm, Ireland, in
his 1 8th year, and died in 1875, in
Newtonville, neai Albany, after a
long and successful ministry.
Young Arthur was educated at
Union College, S( henectady, where
he excelled in all his studies. Af-
ter his graduation he taught school
in Vermont for two years, and at
the expiration of that time came to
New York, with $500 in his jwcket,
and eiitered the office of ex- Judge
E. D. Culver as student. After
I being admitted to the bar he formed
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate,
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing
in the West, and for three months they roamed about
in the Western States in search of an eligible site,
but in the end returned to New York, where they
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success^
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur
icon afterward raaxpfd the daughter of Lieutenant
Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in
recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa-
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's
nomination to the Vice Presidency, leaving two
children.
Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity
in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit,
brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had
been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon,
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with
his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided
that they could not be held by the owner under the
Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from
the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal.
Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed
to represent the People, and they won their case,
which then went to the Supreme Court of the United
States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause
of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward
the emancipation of the black race.
Another great service was rendered by General
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings,
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare.
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa-
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave-
nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per-
sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all.
General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party.
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov-
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed hmi Engineer-
in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec-
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas-
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered
great service to the Government during the war. At
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr.
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney
of New York, was added to the firm. The legal prac-
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra-
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if
not indeed one of national extent.
He always took a leading part in State and city
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc-
ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July,
20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt.
Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in
June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It
was composed of the hading politicians of the Re-
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their
respective candidates that were before the conven-
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re-
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur
for Vice-President. The campaign which followed
was one of the most animated known in the history of
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his
party made a valiant fight for his election.
Finally the election came and the country's choice
(vas Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated
March 4, 1 88 1, as President and Vice-President.
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then
came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moments of
anxious suspense, wher the hearts of all civilized na-
tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re-
covery of the noble, the good President. The remark-
able patience that he manifested during those hours
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf-
fering man has often been called upon to endure, was
seemingly more than human. It was certainly God-
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr.
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his^
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi'
ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested
in deed or look of this man, even though the most
honored position in the world was at any moment
likely to fall to him.
At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar-
field from further suffering, and the world, as nevei
before in its history over the death of any othei
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty 0/
the Vice President to assume the responsibilities ol
the high office, and he took the oath in New York,
Sept. 20, 1881. The position was an embarr.issing
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do,
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se-
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been
greatly neglected during the President's long illness,'
and many important measures were to be immediately
decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he
became President, and knew the feelings of many on
this ix)int. Under these trying circumstances President
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his owi,
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so
wisely Ihat but few criticisea \iis administration.
He served the nation well and faithfully, until the
close of his administration, March 4, 1885, and was
a popular candidate before his party for a second
term. His name was ably presented before the con-
vention at Chicago, and was received with great
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity
of one of the opposing candidates, he would have
been selected as the standard-bearer of his party
for another campaign. He retired to private life car-
tying with him the best wishes of the American peo-
ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory
to them and with credit to himself.
CXl^^rL^^^ CZ-C^L^CyCCc^iy^A!
TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDPNT.
^V^
,:\//<\>i
♦^; s<*# $<^ ^^^ s<^ s*»i -^ »- $«>$^e«^ $#$ '-^^ g^^;.:
TEPHEN GROVER CLEVE-
LAND, the twenty second Pres-
ident of the United States, was
^^ born in 1837, in tlie obscure
£ town of Caldwell, Essex Co.,
N. J., and in a little two-and-a-
h ilfotory white house which is still
standing, characteristically to mark
the huinble birth-place of one of
America's great men in striking con
trast with the Old World, where all
men high in office must be high in
origiti and born in the cradle of
wealth. When the subject of this
sketch was three years of age, his
father, who was a Presbyterian min-
ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved,
by way C- the Halson River and Erie Canal, to
Fayetteville, in search of an inc-eased income and a
larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most
straggling of country villages, about five miles from
Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour .was born.
At the last mentioned place young Grover com-
menced going to school in the "good, old-fashioned
way," and presumably distinguished himself after the
manner of all village boys, in doing the things he
ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of
all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he
arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the
capacity of the village school and expressed a most
emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this
his father decidedly objected. Academies in those
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to
become self-supporting by the quickest possible
means, and this at that time in Fayette 'ille seemed
to be a position in a country store, where his father
and the large family on his hands had considerable
inflaence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services
liie first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to
receive |too the second year. Here the lad com-
menced his career as salesman, and in two years he
had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness
that his employers desired to retain him for an in-
definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex-
hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or
eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy.
Bat instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette-
ville, he went with the family in their removal to
Clinton, wh:;re he had an opportunity of attending a
high school. Here he industriously pursued his
studies until the fami'y removed with him to a point
on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a
village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica,
M. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching
but three Sundays. This event broke up the family,
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a
small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an
asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two
years, and although he obtained a good reputation in
this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his
S. GkOVER CLEVELAND.
calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order,
ne left the d'ty to =eek his fortune. ?npt="'' o*" crr.;ng
to a city. He tirsc mougnt ot Cleveland, Utiio, as
there was some charm in that name for him; but
before proceeding to that place he went to Buffjlo to
jsk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted
stock breeder of that place. The latter did not
speak enthusiastically. "What is it you want to do,
my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study
lav," was the reply, "Good gracious!" remarked
ih« old gentleman ; " do you, indeed ? What ever put
that into your head? How much money have you
got?" '"Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got
any."
After a long consultation, his uncle offered liim a
place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a
year, w'rille iic could " look around." One day soon
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Roger-;,
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told ihem what he
wanted. A number of young men were already en-
gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, aid
ne was finally permitted to come as an office boy and
Have the use of the law library, for the nominal sum
of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for
his board and washing. The walk to and from his
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, aUhougli
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had
none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular.
On the first day of his service jiere, his senior em-
ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him
with a bang tliat made the dust fly, saying "Thai's
where they all begin." A titter ran around the little
circle of clerks and students, as they thought that
was enough to scare young Grovcr out of his plans ;
Dut in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume.
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland
exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for
chasing principles through a!l their metaphysical
possibil'ties. " Let us quit talking and go and do
it," was practically hi^ motto.
The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was
ejected was tliat of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in
which Buffalo is situated; and i:i such capacity it fell
to his duty to inflict capital pi'-.ishment upon two
cjiminals. In 1881 he was elected Mayor of the
City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es-
pecial reference to the bringing about cer'.am r^.-forros
ill the administration of the municipal affairs of that
rih' Tr ^hi? office, a? w»1I as that of Sheriff, his
periormatice 01 duty tias generally been considered
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer-
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in
a veto message, we quote fiom one vetoing an ini^ui
tous street-cleaning contract: "This is a time fo\
plain speech, and my objection to your action shall
be plainly stated. I regard it as tlie culmination of
a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme
to betray the interests of the peo|)la and to worse
than squander the people's money." The New York
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve-
land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there-
upon recommended him for Governor of the Emijir?
State. To the latter office he was elected in 1882,
and his administration of the affairs of State was
generally satisfactory. The mistases he made, if
any, were made very public tiiroughout the nation
after he was nominated for President of the United
States. For this high office he was nominated July
ir, 1884, by the National Democratic Convention at
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F.
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks,
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he
was elected by the people, by a majority of al>uut a
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub-
lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve-
land resigned his office as Governor of New York in
January, 1885, in order to prepare for his duties as
the Chief Executive of die United States, in which
cai>acity his term commenced at noon on the 4th ot
March, 18S5. For his Cabinet officers he selected
tlie following gentlemen: For Secretary of State,
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; Secretary
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts ;
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New
York; Secretary of the Literior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of
Mississippi ; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas,
of Wisconsin ; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of
Arkansas.
The silver question precipitated a controversy be-
tween those who were in favor of the continuance of
silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr.
Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his
inauguration.
^^^t^Z>^y-~'-ry^t-^-^^(^-'^^
TWENTY-THIRD PRESIDENT.
•">*e.'^^</^o4o. . ■ V^
rNJAMIN HARRISON, the
twenty-third President, is
the descendant of one of the
historical families of this
country. The head of the
family was a Major General
Harrison, one of Oliver
Cromwell's truated follow-
ers and fighters. In the aenith of Crom-
well's power it became the duty of this
Harrison to participate vn tne trial of
Charles I, and afterward tc sign the
deif.ch warrant of the king. He subse-
quently paid for this with his life, being
hung Oct. 13, 16G0. His descendants
came to America, and the next of the
family that appears in history is Benja-
min Harrison, of Virginia, great-grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, and
after whom he was named. Benjamin Harrison
was a member of the Continental Congress during
the years 1 774-5-6, and was one of the original
signers of the Declai-ation of Independence. He
wa three times elected Governor of Virginia
Gen William Henry Harrison, the son of the
distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a sue
cessful career as a soldier during the War of 1812,
and with -a clean record as Governor of the North-
western Territory, was elected President of the
United States in 1840. His saraer was cut short
by death within one month ifter liis in-uguration.
President Harrison wi- bcrn at North Bond,
Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. "0, 18s3 His life up to
the time of his graduation by the Miami University,
at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun-
try lad of a family of small means. His father was
able to give him a good education, and nothing
more. He became engaged while at college to th3
daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female schoo
at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en-
ter upon the study of the law. He went tc Cin
cinnati and then read law for two years. At tht
expiration of that time young Harrison received tt:;
only inheritance of his life ; his aiint dying left him
a lot valued at 1800, He regarded this legacy as a
fortune, and decided to get married at once, taks
this money and go to some Eastern town an '. oe-
gin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and with
the money in his pocket, he started out witu his
young wife to fight for a place in the world. He
108
BENJAMIN HARRISON.
decided to go tx3 Indianapolis, which was even at
ihat time a town of promise. He met with slight
encouragement at first, making scarcely anything
tlie first year. He workerl diligently, applying him-
self closely to his calling, built up an extensive
practice and toolt a leading rank in the legal pro-
i^ssiou. He is the father of two children.
In 1860 Mr. Harrison was nominated for tlie
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be-
gan his experience as a stump speake; He can-
vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by a
handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the 17th
Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its Colonel. His
regiment was composed of '^he rawest of material,
out Col. Harrison employed all his time at first
mastering military tactics and drilling his men,
when he therefore came to move toward the East
with Sherman his regiment was one of the best
'irilled and organized in the army. At Resaca he
ospecially distinguished himself, and for his bravery
nt Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier Gen-
eral, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most
lomplimentary terms.
During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field
lie Supreme Court declared the office of the Si>-
preme Court Reporter vacant, and another person
was elected to the position. From the time of leav-
irg Indiana with his regiment until the fall oi 1864
he had taken no leave of absence, but having been
nominated that year for the same office, he got a
thirty-day leave of absence, and during that time
made a brilliant canvass ot the State, and was elected
for another terra. He then started to rejoin Sher-
man, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet
'.ever, and after a most trying siege made his way
to the front in time to participate in the closing
incidents of the war.
In 1 868 Gen. Harrison declined ' re-election as
reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 1876
ne was a candidate for Governor. Although de-
eated, the brilliant campaign hi- irade won it)rbim
a National reputation, and he was much sought, es-
pecia^.y in the East, to make speeches. In 1880,
as usua!, he took an active par*- in i,ae campaign,
^-nd wi.' elected to the "^Jnited States Senate. Here
ue sei-ved six years, and ras known as one c tlie
tblest men, best lawyer' »ad strongest debaters iii
that body. With the expiration of his Senatorial
term he returned to the practice of his profession,
becoming the head of one of the strongest firms in
the State.
The political campaign of 1888 was one of the
most memorable in the history of our country. The
convention which assembled in Chicago in Jnne and
named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer
of the Republican party, was great in everj' partic-
ular, and on this account, and the attitude it as-
sumed upon the vital questions of the day, chief
among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest
in the campaign throughout the Nation. Shortly
after the nomination delegations began to visit Mr.
Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. This move-
ment became popular, and from all sections of the
country societies, clubs and delegations journeyed
thither to pay their respects to the distinguished
statesman. The popularity of these was greatly
increased on account of the remarkable speeches
made by Mr. Harrison. He spoke daily all through
the summer and autumn to these visiting delega-
tions, and so varied, masterly and eloquent were
his speeches that they at once placed him in the
foremost rank of American orators and statesmen.
; On account of his eloquence as a speaker and hi;?
power as a debater, he was called upon at an un-
commonly early age to take part in the discussion
of the great questions that then began tj agitate
the country. He was an uncompromising ant:
slavery man, and was matched against some of fs-e
most eminent Democratic speakers of his Statu
No man who felt the touch of his blade ds: 'red ti
be pitted with him again. "With all his e'oq-ence
as an orator he never spoke for oratorica'i. effect,
but his words always went like bullets to the mark
He is purely American in his ideas and is a spier
did type of the American statesman. Gifted witl;
quick perception, a logical mind and a ready tongue,
he is one of the most distinguished impromptu
speakers in the Nation. Many of these speeches
sparkled with the rarest of eloquence and contained
arguments of greatest weight. Many of his terse
statements have already become aphorisms. Origt-
nal in thought precise in logic, terse in statement,
ye^ withal faultless in eIoC;uence, he is recogTiiz;ed as
the sound statesman and brU'lan orator c tn^ claj
I
®'
^^■s
St. Clair County,
ILLINOIS.
<s^ . ^-^^^^^.^=.
«« INTRODUCTORY
'iJj^HE time has arrived when it
becomes the duty of the
people of this county to per-
petuate the names of their
pioneers, to furnish a record
of their early settlement,
and relate the story of their
progress The civilization of our
day, the enlightenment of the age
and the duty that men of the pres-
ent time owe to their ancestors, to
themselves and to their posterity,
demand that a record of their lives
and deeds should be made. In bio-
graphical history is found a power
^ »«;>/» Y. to instruct man by precedent, to
*W V^W** enliven the mental faculties, and
^ ^ to waft down the river of time a
safe vessel in which the names and actions of the
people who contributed to raise this country from its
primitive state may be preserved. .Surely and rapidly
the great and aged men, who in their jirime entered
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their
heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re-
maining wlio can relate the incidents of tlie first days
of settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an
actual necessity exists for the collection and preser-
vation of events without delay, before all the early
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time.
To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind
from remotest ages. All. will be forgotten soon enough,
in spite of their iiest works and the most e.irnest
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of
their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion
and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor-
tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed.
ThT pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the
names and deeds of their great rulers. - Tlie exhu-
mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people
to perpetuate the memory of their achievements.
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the
Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu-
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their
great achievements and carry them down the ages.
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea —
to leave so:iictliing to show that they had lived. All
these works, though many of them costly in the ex-
treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac-
ters of those whose memory they were intended to
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity;
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum-
bling into dust.
It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli-
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating
a full history — immutable in that it is almost un-
limited in extent and perpetual in its action; and
this is through the art of printing.
To the present generation, however, we are in-
debted for the introduction of the admirable system
of local biography. By this system every man, thougl
he has not achieved what the world calls greatness,
his the meani to perpetuate his life, his history,
ihrough the coming ages.
The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the
physical man is left. The monument which his chil-
dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme-
tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his
life, his achievements, the vvork he has accomplished,
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated
by a record of this kind.
To preserve the lineaments of our companions we
engiave their portraits, for the same reason we col-
lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we
thi;,k it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to
wait until they are dead, or until those who know
them are gone: to do this we are ashamed only to
publish to the world the history of those whose live?
are unworthy of public record.
#
jl/_^ON. CHARLES BECKER, ex-Statc Treas-
Ifjl urer. It is difficult in few words to accu-
/^^^ rately describe a character. Only the most
(^) salient features can be fitly expressed — the
lights and shades can be understood onl}- by those
who come in contact with the man under various
circumstances. It is difficult, also, to point out the
exact traits to which a man owes his success; suffice
it to say that tenacity of purpose, energy and un-
deniable intellectual ability have been Mr. Beck-
er's most distinguishing traits, and were, without
doubt, his stepping stones to success. Despite ob-
stacles which to many would seem insurmountable,
he pushed his undertakings to a successful issue,
and in the political arena his unerring judgment
and fine intellectual powers iiave found full scope.
Mr. Becker was born in Rockenhausen, Rhenish-
Bavaria, Germany,, Tune 24, 1840. His father. Urban
Becker, was an architect and builder of more than
ordinary abilit3\ had !i large and lucrative business,
and many are the handsome structures that stand
as monuments to liis skill. His wife, whose maiden
name was Mary Spross, bore him a family of thir-
teen children, and with them he emigrated to
America, and settled in Belleville, 111., in 1851,
crossing the stormy Atlantic in order to secure a
home for himself and family. He at once identi-
fied himself with American interests, and, being an
honorable business man and of a genial and kindly
disposition, he won the friendsliip and esteem of
all who knew him cither in a business or social
way. He followed his calling of an architect in
this section until his death, wiiicli occurred in
1874. His widow survived him until March 2.5,
1881, when she, too, passed awa}-.
Charles Becker inherited from his parents quick
mental perception, steadfastness of purpose, and
uncompromising determination, which overcomes
every obstacle in the way of success. He passed
an uneventful boyhood attending the public schools
of Belleville until he was fifteen years of age, at
which time he laid aside his books to enter Harri-
son's Machine Works of Belleville, to learn the
trade of a molder. He remained with that com-
pany until he was twenty-one years of age. The
war, which overturned everything in the United
States except the fundamental principles of indis-
soluble union and universal liberty, called a halt
to the various kinds of labor, and Mr. Becker
left the workshop to enlist in the Union service,
becoming a member of Company B, Twelfth Jlis-
souri Infantr}^ Marcii 8, 1862, he was wounded in
the right thigh and leg at Pea Ridge, and while
he lay on the battlefield his leg was amputated
above the knee. He received his discharge the
following December, and when able to travel re-
turned home and attended school for a short time.
He took a commercial course, but continued to
work in Harrison's shop until he was married, Jan-
uary 2.3, 1864, to Miss Louisa Fleischbein, a native
of Belleville, and a daughter of Jacob and Louisa
Fleischbein, who came to the county in 1832.
Soon after his marriage Mr. Becker removed to
West Belleville, where he kept an hotel until 1866.
At that time he was elected to the position of
Countv Sheriff, which he filled with ahilitv for two
m
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,
years. Succeeding that, he became the proprietor,
in connection with Mr. Erhardt, of a brewery, the
firm being Icnown as Erhardt it Beclier. In 1872,
Mr. Becker was elected Circuit Clerk and Recorder,
being the only Republican elected at that time.
In 1876, upon his re-election, although his party
was defeated by eleven hundred and eighty-tliree
votes, he was elected bj' eight hundred majority,
two thousand in excess of his part3' vole. He was
Chairman of the Republican Central Committee
for one j'ear, and to him the party owes much of
its success. In the capacity of State Treasurer, to
which responsible and honoralile position he was
elected in 1888, he showed himself capable, con-
scientious, painstaking and efficient. His duties
were discharged in a manner highl}' satisfactory to
those concerned, and to his own honor and credit.
For a number of years he has been connected with
the Belleville Stove AVorks, and is now President
of the same.
In disposition, Mr. Becker is cordial, hospitable,
kind and generous, but very unassuming and un-
pretentious, and what honors he has received in
the way of oflicial position have been unsought by
him, but have come to him as the natural reward
of deserved merit. He belongs to several social
and musical German societies, and for the past
twenty five years has been a member of the Phil-
harmonic society. His surviving children are
Bertha, Casimir, Gustave. Arthur Carl and Ray.
Fred is deceased.
JOHN K. WHITE owns and occupies a well-
developed farm in Marissa Township, which
consists of one hundred and eighty acres
_^ and is tillable througliout its entire ex-
tent. It is a portion of the old homestead, and
since it came into his possession he has bj^ well-
directed efforts brought it to a good condition, it
now being supplied with neat fences, good stock
of various kinds, and all the needful machinery
used in its cultivation.
Our suhiect was born in this county, near where
he is at present residing, in 1860, and is the son
of John K. and INIargaret (Hamilton) White. The
father was born in Chester County, S. C, and the
j mother in Randolph County, 111. The father, who
was born in 182.5, was the son of John White,
who was born about 1790, also in South Carolina.
I The grandfather was reared on a farm and re-
I mained in his native State throughout his entire
! life. He fought in the War of 1812, acting as a
substitute for his father. He was very much op-
posed to slavery and, although living in a South-
ern State, never owned a slave. The maiden name
of his wife was Margaret Kennedy; she was the
daughter of .lohn Kennedy, who was of Irish de-
scent. To them was born a family of seven chil-
dren, of whom our subject's father was the
youngest.
The great-grandparents of our subject, AVilliam
and JMargaret White, were born in the North of
Ireland, and soon after marriage came to Amer-
ica, locating in Chester District, S. C, several
years prior to the Revolutionarj- War, in which
struggle the former participated from beginning
to end. William White's father bore the name of
John, and on coming to America departed this life
in South Carolina, thus making three generations
of the White family who are buried in Chester
District. They were all Presbyterians religiously,
.and people greatly respected in their community.
.John K. White, the father of our subject, was
married in 1854 to Margaret, daughter of John
and Sarah (Elder) Hamilton. He came to this
county in 1849, having the year previous accom-
panied his parents on their removal to Indiana.
As a farmer, which calling he followed through-
out life, he was very successful and left at his de-
cease, which occurred in 1866, a valuable estate,
comprising two hundred and sixty acres. Of the
six children born to him, the three living are
Margaret, now Mrs. J. AV. T. Dixon; our subject,
I and Elizabeth, who married Samuel Boyle. Those
deceased are AVillie, wlio died in infnncy: Jennie,
the wife of Charles Ritcliir; Snnili. Mrs. James
i Wylie. The motlier of our sul.jccl, wlio is .still liv-
[ ing, makes her home with Mi-. Wylie and cares for
his three children.
He whose name heads this sketch liei>an life
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
for himself at the age of sixteen years, taking
charge of the home farm, in which he now has one
hundred and eight_y acres. His fields yield abun-
dantly of the various grains and are a source of
sufficient income to surround the family with the
comforts and man.y of the luxuries of life. The
lady to whom he was married in 1889 was Miss
Elizabeth A., daughter of George W. and Rebecca
Guthra. To them has been born one child, a
son, Joseph G. The principles of Democracy meet
witli the hearty approbation of Mr. White, who
never fails to cast his vote for the party of his
choice. He is an active worker in the United
Presbj-terian Church, and, as a reliable citizen and
an intelligent man, wins respect from those about
1^4-^1
(|; ,^ILLIAM P. RITTEXnOUSE, the subject
\oJjl of the present sketch, resides upon survey
w4' 381 , Smithton Township, St. Clair County,
whose attractive and homelike residence is almost
hidden from the highway by a row of beautiful
shade trees, which make the place very pictur-
esque. Our subject was the son of Elijah Rittenhouse,
who was born in the Keystone State in 1801, came
to St. Clair County in 1805 with his parents and
settled on the place where our subject now resides.
The grandfather, Peter Rittenhouse, was one of
the earliest settlers of this township and entered
Government land here. The father of our subject,
Elijah, married Leah Walker, the daughter of an
old sea-captain, who spent his last days as a farmer
in Illinois. After his marriage, Elijah settled on
the place where our subject now lives, and re-
mained there until his death in 1870. He reared
a family of four daughters and two sons, all of
whom grew to maturit}'. They were Elizabeth,
Sarah, Fileanor, Caroline, Elisha and our subject.
The father was in the Indian campaigns of the
early days and fought in the war against the Win-
nebago Indians.
Our subject was born April 9, 184 1, on the place
of his present residence; here he was reared and
attended the district school and was married, in
1870, to Miss Sarah Hill, daughter of Peter and
Emily (Thrift) Hill; her father was born and
reared in this county and still lives near Freeburg,
111., and her mother first saw the light in the State
of Kentuck3\ After his marriage, our subject be-
gan liousekeeping,and on the home place his three
children were born, two of whom are living,
George E. and Charles D., William having died on
the 13th of February, 1892. William Ritten-
house and his wife have two hundred and seven
acres of good land, all of which is well im-
proved, a great deal of it in the locality of the
richest beds of coal, upon which is raised grain,
principally, but, there is also kept up a flrst-class
variety of stock. The husband is a member of the
Grange, and, politically, a Republican. The home
of Mr. Rittenhouse is so beautifully located that
we can understand his affection for it, hidden
away behind the shade of the trees and concealed
from the prying eye of curiosit}'. A place of con-
tentment it is. whose inmates have won the regard
of neiizhlMJisMiid friends on account of their mental
and social qualities. One of the oldest families of
that region, its members preserve and cherish the
good name handed down to them, and their lives
point the moral that good .and honest living ever
brings with it, the approval of friends as well as of
one's conscience.
^.^NDREW J. McCULLEY. The subject of
Wpl the present sketch, born July 12, 1814,
I lii within three miles of the "Hermitage," in
<^ Tennessee, was the son of William and
Mary (Phillips) McCulley, who moved to Tennes-
see from North Carolina. The father was born on
the sea when his parents were coming from Scot-
land,and became a soldier under Jackson during the
Indian AVarand the War of 1812. While fighting the
Indians, he was struck on the edge of the forehead by
a ball, but tied his head up in a han<lkerchief and
continued the fight. Seeing an Indian's head peer
over the log behind which lie was lying, a sharp
120
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
report rang out and soon there was one savage
less. The illustrious ften. .Jackson and the father
were great friends and our subject was named for
their hero neighbor. According to custom, a
negro slave was to have been given as a present,
but events prevented the gift.
The parents of our subject brought him to Illi-
nois when very young to live with his grand-
father, David Phillips, who then lived two miles
south of Belleville. This old gentleman onl^' lived
until Andrew was twelve years of age and then, as
he says of himself, he had to do the best he could.
The exact events of those far-off daj's we may not
know, but at the age of sixteen years our subject
entered the employ of Thomas Harrison cfc Co.,
millers, managed an engine for them until 1830,
and remained with them until he was of age. He
then went into partnership with William H. Gale
in the business of putting up milling machiner3'
in different parts of the State. He soon became
not only a practical miller, but also a milling ma-
chinist. Afterward be was associated with Julius
Wright, who was killed at Pittsburg Landing
during the late war. In the year 1845, our sub-
ject bought fifty-five and one-half acres of land,
on which he still lives, but never has engaged in
farming himself, renting the land out until his
own boys were old enough to manage it, when they
took charge of it.
The marriage of Mr. McCulley took place March
18, 1844, just before the great flood. His wife. Miss
Clarinda Fisher, a daughter of Thomas Fisher, was
born in New Hampshire, and died September 11,
1877, aged about fifty jears. Their children
were as follows: .John, an engineer, is married
and lives at HoUister, Cal., and has one daugh-
ter; Ellen Amelia, who died in the year 1878, was
the wife of Walter Craft, who lives in Belleville
and has two daughters, Ada and Ella; William has
lived in Los Angeles, Cal., since 1886, a carpenter
and builder; .Julia, who married Thomas White and
resides in Los Angeles, where her husband and
brother are in business together, has one child;
Sarah, wife of Adam Harshey, lives in Stookey
Township and has one boy; Thomas, married to
Sadie Rider, lives in Belleville and lias one child;
Elmer lives in IScllevillc and is an engineer. Our
subject married for his second wife Miss Louisa
Clemma, February 9, 1884, whose parents died when
she was very young. Mr. McCulley has been a very
industrious man all his life and followed his milling
business until a few j-ears since. He is a Repub-
lican but a great admirer of Gen. .Jackson, and has
never desired office, as he has always found his
business required all his time and attention.
^i«ii-^"i^ii®^i^
J I ULIUS W. STOFFEL. One of the leading
I merchants in the flourishing little city of
] Mascoutah is the original of this sketch, a
__ dealer in stoves, tinware, hardware, lamps,
wringers and all the usual accompaniments of the
trade. Mr. Stoffel is a native of this city and has
seen it grow with his growth, and has found here
a very pleasant home and a business in which he is
very successful.
The father of our subject w.ns one of the self-
made and progressive business men of Mascoutah
in its early days. I^ouis Stoffel was born in Ger-
many, and came to this country at an early day to
"make" his fortune, as one used to say, but in
these days we put it to "earn" his fortune. After
coming and settling in Mascoutah, he engaged in
the salotm business and followed that occupation
until his death. He was a pleasant man, who made
many friends, and was acquainted with every one
in those days, and the father of a family of twelve
children, all of whom still survive as respected
and useful citizens. Of these children, the subject
of our sketch was the third. The mother of our
subject still lives and finds a pleasant home in
Mascoutah.
Julius W. Stoffel was born July 12, 1858. He
was reared here in his native place, and was given
every advantage of a full course in the excellent
schools. After he had completed his course here,
he went to work to learn the trade of a tinsmith
with Fred Hottes, and after finishing his work,
made a trip into the world, trying his luck in St.
Louis. Being a good workman, he had no difH-
cullv in securing employment, and so remained in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
that city for five or six yeai-s, when he returned and
bought out Mr. Hottes, and for a few months car-
ried on the business at the old stand; he then re-
moved farther up the street, and later bought the
building where he is now located. Here was the
beginning of a most successful career.
The marriage of our subject took place October
25, 1880, with Miss Anna Weber the daughter of
Phillip Weber, of AVest Belleville, 111., as bride.
Mr. Weber is an old settler of that place. The
children who now compose the household of Mr.
and Mrs. Stoflfel, happy, if noisy, are four bright
lads, that promise to be very smart men some day,
unless their looks woefully belie them. The}' are
Frank, Walter, Hugo and Otto. Mr. Stoffel is a
prominent member of Lodge No. 361, A. F. & A.
M., and also belongs to the Independent Order
of Mutual Aid.
This gentleman has done much for the advance-
ment of the town and is much interested in all edu-
cational affairs, having been an intelligent member
of the Board of Education for many vears. In
the political field, Mr. Stoffel stands an ardent Re-
publican, always voting with this party, which he
believes will best earrj' out the principles of good
government. The business in which our subject
is engaged is a very necessary one and requires
close attention, that the different branches, such as
roofing, spouting, guttering, etc., are properly done.
In this, as in everything else, "knowledge is power."
-♦^^^^^1 s <@ sl^^-^
ifpTT? RUBACII, M. D. Prominent among the
ll^^'j successful ph^'sicians of the city of Belle-
!^ "^ ville is the gentleman whose name heads
this brief sketch. Dr. Rubach is one of the good,
sterling men that Germany has given us, having
been born in Nassau, German^', November 29,
1837, being the son of Augustus Rubach. This
last-named gentleman received his education in
the military schools of his native land and served
his country as an officer in the armj'.
In 1841, the father of our subject emigrated to
America and settled in Philadelphia, where he re-
mained for two years, then came West to St. Clair
County to engage in farming, subsequently remov-
ing to Belleville, entered mercantile pursuits and
continued to reside in this citj' until 1871. His
wife was of a distinguished family, being the
j'oungest daughter of President Sclienck, of the
Duchy of Nassau, and her name was Wilhelmina
Schenck. Both are now dead. She bore her hus-
band two children, sons, who lived to maturity.
The youngest, William R., was a soldier in the late
war and acquitted himself with credit in the
Twelfth Missouri Volunteers; he re-enlisted for
three years at the end of his three months' service,
and was promoted to be Adjutant.
Ferdinand, our subject, received his primary
education in the public schools of Belleville, sup-
plementing the instruction received there by
private instruction. AVhen he was only eighteen,
he entered the office of D. A. Hammer, of St. Louis,
to read medicine under his tuition. In addition
to his studies with Dr. Hammer, he took two full
courses of lectures at the Humboldt College, and
then attended the St. Louis Medical College and
graduated with the degree of M. D., in 1858. In
the May following, he went to German}' and en-
tered the medical department of the University of
Wurtzburg, where he remained for eighteen
months, going thence to Prague and then to
Vienna, where he received special instruction from
Prof. Arlt, thence to Berlin, where he studied dis-
eases of the eye, under the celebrated Von Graefe.
Then he returned home after an absence of three
years spent in fitting himself for general pi'actice.
Dr. Rubach commenced his practice in Belleville
and has continued it here ever since, building up
so large a practice that he is overtaxed in comply-
ing with the demands made upon him. In addi-
tion to his enormous practice, he was appointed
United States Examining Surgeon in 1862, and still
holds that office; he was County Physician from
1866 to 1888, and is Treasurer for the County
Medical Association, having held that office for
many years. Dr. Rubach was married. May 4,
1866, to Miss Sophia Mans, daughter of- John
Maus, this union being blessed with four chil-
dren, namely: Johanna, wife of Dr. C. H. Starkel,
of this city; Jennie, Otto and Ferdinand, Jr. Dr.
122
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Rubach possesses a most agreeable manner, wbich
makes bira a favorite among all classes, and tbis
pleasant quality coupled witb bis skill and knowl-
edge of bis profession renders bim one of tbe most
popular and successful pbysicians in tbe country,
wbere be bas practiced for a lliii'd of a century.
OHN JOSEPH. Tbe gentleman wbosesketcb
now occupies our attention is tbe prosper-
ous farmer wbo lives on section 16, New
i^// Atbens Townsbip, St. Clair County. Tbe
German Fatberland was tbe birtbplace of bis
fatber. Clans Josepb, who was born in Baden in
1802, was reared tbere,and in tbe same country
married Marj^ Ann Vagtlin. Following tbe great
company of relatives and friends wbo had already
found a home in tbis country, Claus Joseph came
to America in 1837 and located in St. Clair
County, choosing land one and one-half miles
north of Freeburg, where be lived for two years.
He then removed to the place on which our
subject now lives, and in tbe year 1871 died
tbere, leaving four children: Mary Magdalene, wbo
married George Buecbler, and has since died; John,
our subject; Claus, wlio died at the age of ten
years; and Catherine, who died at tiie age of six
months. •
The subject of tbis sketch is tbe only one of tbe
family left. His fatber was a successful farmer,
and both be and his wife, wbo died in 1886, were
faithful members of the Lutheran Church, being
liberal supporters of it. John Joseph, born De-
cember 28, 1827. in Baden, Germany, was ten years
old when bis parents brought bim to this country,
lie was reared and educated in tbis county, and
acquired a knowledge of the English language
with remarkable quickness. He became acquainted
with the family of John Lortz, an earl3' settler in
this county, jind in 18.50 tbe daughter, Caroline,
became bis wife. After the ceremony, he brought
bis bride to the place where they now live, and
where four children have been I)orn to them, one
of whom died in infancy'; George died when a
bright little fellow of four 3"ears. Louis was born
in January, 1860, is married, and lives in New
Athens in tbis townsbip; and Edward, born in
1861, is married and lives upon bis father's farm,
which he operates.
Our subject has made all the improvements upon
tbis place, and has a good brick house and all
tbe modern improvements. The farm is a fine
piece of land of five hundred and sixty-one acres,
all of which is in a good state of cultivation. His
principal crop is of wheat, and sometimes tbe yield
is wonderful. Mr. Joseph and family- belong to
the Evangelical Lutheran Church, of which they
are devoted members. In his political convic-
tions, he prefers tbe principles of tbe Dem-
ocratic party, and be has held the office of
School Director in several districts. He has
lived a bard, work-a-day life, which bas been
crowned witb success in a worldly sense, and, what
is better, with the reward of an approving con-
science and tbe approbation and esteem of bis
neighbors. His estiinalilc wife and himself are
among the most piominent people of the town-
ship, whom all deem it a happy privilege to know.
ENRY REIS. The gentleman whose name
appears at tbe head of this sketch is a
member of the prominent lumber firm of
M. iV H. Reis, wbo have carried cm their
large and successful business in tbis city for tbe
past twenty -six years.
Mr. Henry Reis, the junior partner of this firm,
is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, born
there September 24, 1839, being tbe son of Val-
entine Reis, also a native of tbe Fatberland,
who came to America in 1849, bringing his wife
and family. He stopped in St. Louis, where he
remained until 1857, and then removed to Scott
County. ^linn., and carried on his business of lum-
berman. Mr. Reis had married Catherine Freehaut
in German}' and they reared nine children, of
whom four sons are located in St. Clair County,
namely: Michael, Valentine, George and Ilcnrv.
i
i'ORTRAIT AND BIOGKAPHICAL RECORD.
123
Henry received his education in tlie excellent
schools of St. Louis. Removing with his father to
Minnesota, he remained for one year, but not lik-
ing that State he returned to St. Louis, residing
there for some time; he then went back to Shakopee,
Minn., and engaged in the grocery business
until 1866, when he came to Belleville to en-
gage permanentl}' in the lumber business with his
brother, M. Keis. The 3\ard is situated on AVest
Main Street, has a frontage of one hundred feet
and is the full depth of the block. This firm is the
second oldest of its kind in the city, and carries
on an extensive business. In addition tolusotlier
interests, Mr. Reis is a Director in the First Na-
tional Bank of Belleville, and owns a one-third in-
terest in the nail mill, which carries on a very
flourishing trade, giving employment to a large
force of men.
AViien Mr. Reis chose a wife, lie selected one of
the maidens of this citj-, namely, Miss Elizabeth
Kissel, who was born in Belleville in August, 1845, a
daughter of Valentine Kissel, the marriage occur-
ring in Jul3> 1866. To this couple have been given
ten children, namely: Mary, wife of Jarob Reis,
of Shakopee, Minn.; Valentine; Henry; Michael;
Louise; Lizzie; George; Herman; Adelhied and
Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Reis are prominent mem-
bers of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Cathedral
and Mr. Reis is Treasurer of St. Peter's Cath-
olic Benevolent Society. The pleasant home of
this entertaining family is on the corner of Race
and Second South Streets, where Mr. and Jlrs.
Reis receive their large circle of friends in a truly
hospitable manner.
••• . <wi "'jS !•
jL ERMAN MOOTZ. The gentleman whose
ijfjll name opens this brief notice is the accom-
^>^ modating pharmacist located on the corner
(^ of Fourth Street and Brady Avenue, in
East St. Louis. Mr. Mootz was born in Hoheneggel-
sen, August 5, 1848. He was reared and educated in
Germanyand attended the gymnasium at Gifhorn,
near Brunswick; ho was graduated there, and then
entered upon the study of pharmacy with the
, Commissary, Dr. Proellius, at the Raatz Apotlicke,
in Hanover.
In 1867, our subject came to America to escape
military oppre.ssion after finishing his course,
leaving Bremen in December, 1866, in the sailing-
vessel "Atlanta," for New York, and was almost
drowned on the passage, as on the 25th of De-
j cember the vessel ran upon a cliff on the English
I Coast during a terrible storm. There were twelve
hundred passengers, all of whom, February 18.
1867, had to be put upon half rations and reduced
to four ounces of water a day. At New York,
he went upon the steamer "Livingston," bound
for Savannah, Ga., and took the position of hos-
pital steward under Dr. Sayers, who was just
starting a German colony on a large rice plantation
seventeen miles south of Savannah; but he only re-
mained there until March 18, 1867, when the col-
ony proved a failure, as the plantation had been
so run down that it was impossible to make the
venture a success.
Our subject then enlisted in the regular army
in the Sixteenth Regiment, Ignited States Infantry.
He was made Hospital Steward, sent from pillar to
post, and was in the midst of the trouble occur-
ring from the Klu-Klux at Louisville, Ga. When
his time was out, he was glad to get his discharge.
In 1870, Mr. Moots became a pharmacist at Louis-
ville, Ky., remaining there until 1871, when he
went to Memphis and took charge of a prescrip-
tion store for Robert Battier, going theuce in
1872 to Providence, La., as clerk for Dr. L. B.
Bernard. In the fall of 1873, our subject pur-
chased a stock of drugs and medicines from Col.
F. Pennington, and did a veiy successful business
until the crisis of 1873 broke it up.
Mr. Mootz then collected what he could and
went to Greenville, Miss., and opened a store.
Eight months later a fire started in a building-
three blocks away and a third of the city was
burned before it could be controlled, and our un-
fortunate subject was the loser of all his stock,
upon which there was no insurance. This was dis-
couraging, indeed, but in the spring of 1876 Mr.
Mootz came to East St. Louis and took charge of
the drug store of Dr. E. Vanquist, conducting his
124
POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
business until 1877, and then bought the stock,
continuing in the place on Collinsville Avenue for
twelve years. In 1888, our subject sold the store
to Drs. Wood and Carr, and in May, 1889, started
a store with an entirely new stock, on the corner
of Fourth and Brady, building up a very fine pre-
scription trade.
The miuriaae of ^Ir. Mootz took place in Lake
Providence, La.. February 3, 1873, to Mrs. Sarah
(Menges) Bernstein. She was born in London, Eng-
land, but was reared from tlie age of two years in
New Orleans. Mr. and Mrs. Mootz have had three
children: Albertine and Canielia; and Dora, who
died at the age of five years. The two daughters
of Mrs. Mootz by her former marriage were Emily
and Rosa, both deceased. Mr. Mootz is a member
of the Ancient, Free & Accepted Masons and
Modern Woodmen. He is a Democrat in his be-
lief, but is not active in politics.
^^m®'
'Jl^-^ M. NEEDLES. One of the most efficient
[f)V officers of the law in the city of Belleville
i^^ is the gentleman whom we have named
(i^ above. Born in Brown County, 111., Octo-
ber 9, 1853, he is the son of James B. and Christiana
(Mace) Needles. The father was born in Balti-
more, Md., and went when a young man to Monroe
County, being one of the pioneers in what was
then the Far West; he began farming, and con-
tinued at that until elected Sheriff for several
terms. He married Miss Mace, a daughter of
Henry Mace, a pioneer of this county. The grand-
mother of this lady had a thrilling experience.
Her name was Andrews, and she was taken cap-
tive and held by the Indians for some time, all of
the family being killed but her; she was ransomed by
the French traders who bought and paid for her
and restored her to her fi'iends. (See sketch of
Dr. Mace.)
The father of our siiliject removed to Brown
County and tlien to tliis county, but finally ended
his days in Washington County, leaving a family
of tliree sons and one daughter: T. B., living in
Nashville, 111.; Mrs. >Sarah E. Cooper; Edward and
our subject. The latter was educated in the com-
mon schools; then went to McKendree College at
Lebanon, in this county, and graduated a B. S. in
the Class of '73. After attending the law depart-
ment of the Wisconsin University, he graduated an
LL. B. in 1876, and was admitted to practice; he
returned to Illinois in 1877, was admitted to prac-
tice liere, and located in Belleville, where he has
had a fine growing practice ever since.
Dr. Needles was made Public Administrator for
one term of four years, and was tendered a re-
appointment. He has been an active politician,
and has been interested in various real-estate in-
vestments, whicii his good judgment has made
profitable; and he also has been collector for the in-
surance companies of the city, giving satisfaction in
all cases. He is a member of the orders of Ma-
sonry and Knights of Pythias, in both of which
he is highly esteemed. Our subject was married
to Miss Clarissa V. Scott, daughter of Isaac Scott,
one of the early pioneers here. The marriage
took place May 9, 1875, and four interesting chil-
dren have been born to our subject and his esti-
mable wife: Homer, Martin, Fred and Elmer. Dr.
Needles holds the office of Police Magistrate for
tiie city, his re-election dating from April. 1892.
JOHN J. McLEAN. Among the many note-
worthy lines of business which have made
East St. Louis a verj'^ important commercial
centre may be mentioned the building and
loan associations. Probably that which has best
carried out the wislies of its founders is the one
bearing the name of tlie Safety Homestead and
Loan Association, of wliich our subject is the effici-
ent Secretary. He is also interested in the real-
estate business of the city, and is connected with
some enterprises in Hillsboro.
The grandparents of our subject many years
ago moved from Scotland into Kings County, Ire-
land, earned on farmins: there, and in that countv
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
125
our subject's father first saw the light. From
there when still .a young man, Martin McLean
came to the I'nited States, settled in the fertile
county- of Westcliester, N. Y., and there married.
For some reason not known to the biographer, he
removed from there and went to Paterson, N. J., and
was connected with the locomotive machine shops
some time; thence went to Metuchen, N. J., and
engaged in farming, bu3'ing one hundred and sixty
.acres of Land five miles from the sea coast. In
1864, Mr. McLean came to Illinois and located in
Montgomery County, near Litchfield, where he
bought a farm of over one thousand acres. On
that place he now resides and has been arr exten-
sive stock-raiser. Politically, he has affiliated witli
the Democratic party. The mother of our subject
was Mary Carj', who was born and reared in Ire-
land, emigrating thence to New York, where she
met her husband. Her death occurred in 1878;
during her life she was a member of the Catholic
Church. Our subject was born in Metuchen, N. J.,
April 4, 1850. He was one of three children, the
others being William II., who is on the home farm,
and Margaret, who is Mrs. M. K. McAnarney, of
Montgomery County.
Mr. McLean was reared on the farm and at-
tended the common school of his neighborhood
until he came to Illinois. In 1870-71-72, he at-
tended the Christian Hrothers* College in St.
Louis, then took a course in a celebrated commer-
cial college and graduated from it. After gradu-
ating, he taught school in Montgomerj^ County
for one year, but in 1873 he was elected to the
office of Treasurer of Montgomery- County, and
held the office until December, 1875, when he be-
gan the real-estate business in Hillsboro. In 1882,
he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court and
County Recorder by the Democrats, and in 1886 was
re-elected, serving two terms in both offices. During
this time, he was admitted to the Illinois Bar, and
in 1890, at the expiration of his term of office, still
continued at Hillsboro. In 1891, he located in
East St. Louis and opened a real-estate business,
dealing in city property. In 1891 he organized the
Safety Homestead and Loan Association, was
made Secretary, and has continued in this posi.
tJOf) eyer since, Mr. McLean \yas one of the
organizers of^the First National Bank of Litch-
field and is still a Director. He also helped to
organize the First National Bank of Hillsboro, and
is jet a Director'of that institution.
Mr. McLean was married in Montgomery County,
in 1877, to Miss Amanda Thomas, the daugh-
ter of Samuel R. Thomas, a prominent stock-
man of this same county. Two children have
been added to this household, Edgar M. and Irene
N. Our subject is a prominent member of the
Catholic Church of Hillsboro, and the family takes
a very important position in the social life of the
city. He is a generous,' libe'rarii^au,'"ver'r kind-
hearted. He is devoted to the jjrinciples of the
Democratic party and a great admirer of ex-Pres-
ident Cleveland.
m>^^<B
jilLLIAM GREBE, M. I). The subject of
the following short sketch, a practicing
physician of Freeburg, 111., is the son of
Henry Grebe, who still remains at his old home in
Germany. The birth of our subject was at Trier,
Germany, in 1862, where he made his home until
the age of eighteen years and where he attended
excellent schools, closing with a course in phar-
macy. In 1881 Mr. Grebe came to the United
States. He first entered a drug store in Philadel-
phia as clerk, remaining there until 1883; he then
went to the College of Pharmacy in that city, w.as
graduated and then visited Geimany, returning to
Philadelphia in 1884.
During his absence, he served one ye.ar in the
army and studied medicine under a German physi-
cian. After his return. Dr. Grebe became a student
at the University of Pcnnsylv.ania, graduated from
the medical department in Septembei-, 1889, then
came West, looking for a location where his educa-
tion and abilities would be appreciated, and finally
decided to locate in the pleasant town of Freeburg.
He made this place his home two years ago and
has lived here ever since. We do not declare that
people here get sick in order that the Doctor may
make them well; but it is not exaggeratioii to sa^
126
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIUCAL RECORD.
that when serious illness comes, the desire of the
friends of the sufferer is that the brilliant }Oung
phj-sician maj' exercise his skill upon them. He
conducts a drug store in connection with liis prac-
tice.
The marriage of Dr. (ireije took place June 23,
1891, the bride being Miss Helen Barthel, the
charming daughter of Henry Barthel, a prominent
merchant of Freebnrg. Tliey have one bi'ight
little one named William Henry, an infant. Dr.
Grebe belongs to the lodge of Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons at this place and has held several
offices in the order; also belongs to the Harugariof
this place and the Athletic Club. By the time the
next Recoiu) of St. Clair County is written we pre-
dict that the name of this young and progressive
l)hysician will be known l)eyond the borders of
niinois.
^^m^-^'^^m^<
^ippKEDEUlCK WILLIAM WOLPERT. Our
irr^iS)] subject is one of the many representatives
/L, ~" of the Teutonic race in this country, who
have brought into American life the patience and
industry which are sometimes lacking in the Ameri-
can artisan. He was bora in Hesse-Darmstadt, May
1, 18.30, and is the son of Frederick William Wol-
pert. His mother died when he was very young,
and his father when he was eight years old.
Our subject went to school until he was fourteen
and was then apprenticed for four years to cutlery
manufacturers at Oppenheim, German}'. Here he
remained until he was eighteen years old as an ap-
prentice, and then, not being satisfied with what
he had learned, he remained with them until he
was twenty years old, thus receiving a very thor-
ough education in his trade. Being an orphan,
with few home ties, he concluded to try his
fortune across the ocean; hence June 5, 18,51,
he landed in New York City, and started out
to find employment. He first engaged in the
manufacture of shears, in Newark, N. J., whore he
remained one year. His next removal was to
Cornwall, Conn., where )]i' ivnijiincd nnlil 18(;].
In 1862, be came to Belleville and opened a shop
of his own. It is one of the largest and most con-
venient anywhere in this county, and has trade
from St. Louis and both East and West. Mr. Wol-
pert is an expert workman, and with so many
years of practice, will only turn out the very best
work. He has with him his son, who has learned
the business, and will succeed him.
Mr. Wolpert was married in Cornwall, Conn., to
Miss Maria Heberer, of German birth. She was a
good wife, and left her husband five children,
namely: Clara, wife of Jules Cottert, of Spring-
field, 111.; Louisa, wife of Peter Wermels, of St.
Louis; Rosa, wife of Jacob Lange, of Pittsburgh,
Tex.; Henry, living with his father; and Gustav
who is living in Columbus, Ohio. Our subject mar-
ried for his second wife. ^Mrs. Elizabeth Rauschkolb,
of this place, also of German lin th. To them have
been born nine children: Elizabeth, widow of Philip
Hoener; William, a carriage-maker of Carlinville,
111.; Anna, wife of C. Brandt, of St. Louis; Louis,
of St. Louis: Louisa, of St. Louis; Otli.i and (ieorge
at home; John, a mail carrierof St. Louis; and Ma-
tilda, wife of Eiitz Schermer, of this city.
The pleasant home of Mr. Wolpert is at No. 301
Walnut Street. He is a member of the German
Methodist j;piscopal Church of this city, and is
one of the Board of Trustees. His son Ileniy
has inherited his father's tastes and talents, and
bids fair to carry on his business with suc-
cess. He was born in Belleville, September 3,
1867 and was educated in the public schools. He has
learned the trade with his father, having been in
the shop since he was fourteen years old.
ICHAEL F. (tE.\RY. The State of Pcnii-
\ sylvania contributed quite extensively to
11. the upbuilding of Illinois, and among
the honest men who came here and have
aken an active interest in everything of value to
his beautiful cily may be mentioned with truth
he name of Mr. M. F. (iearv. Ili.s father was
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born in Pennsylvania, owned a farm on the hanks
of the Susquehanna, and was a very prominent
man in his neighborliood, having acceptably filled
the ofHces of Justice of the Peace, Road Over-
seer, and Supervisor for many years. He was of
the Democratic faith in politics, lived to be nearly
eighty years of age, and died at his home. The
mother of our subject, Mary Kern, was a native of
the Emerald Isle, and died a few 3'ears after her hus-
band, a member of the Catholic Church. She had
been the mother of sixteen children.
Our subject was born in Friendsville, Susque-
hanna County, Pa., August 28, 1840, the eldest
of his father's family. He was reared in Friendsville
among the Quakers, went to school and worked
on the farm among this kind and orderly people,
and remained until seventeen years of age: he then
thought he would like railroad life, and worked as
brakesman for one day. Mr. Geary was made
Yardmasterat Titusville, Pa., on the Oil City Kail-
road, and later was conductor on tlie passenger
train between Titusville and Corry for about four
years. In 1867, he went West through East St.
Louis to Kansas City for the Missouri Pacific Rail-
road as Yardmaster, and in 1871 served as con-
ductor between Sedalia, Mo., and Kansas City,
which was then only a small village.
In 1871, he came to the IronMountain Railroad
and ran a mixed train from Fredericktown to Bel-
mont until 1873; tiien in December came to East
St. Louis in charge of the yards of the Cairo Short
Line Railroad, remaining until 1881, when he went
to Indianapolis in charge of the Indianapolis,
Bloomington & Western and the Indianapolis,Deca-
tur & Springfield for two years as Yardmaster. That
ended his railway career. In 1883, our subject re-
turned here. He had been very fortunate, for in his
whole railroad career no accidents have befallen
him. Mr. Geary was made Superintendent of the
Helms Brewery in 1883, and continued with them
until they sold out in .June, 1888. He then
bought Trauble Hall, and has been in tiie liquor
business since that time. In October, 18;) 1, Mr.
Geary bought thesite, on which he built Geary Hall.
This building is used by fourteen different socie-
ties, and is occupied all of the time, Althougli it
was raised and l)uilt. in fifteen days, it has some of
the finest work upon it to be found in the city; is
33x60 feet, three stories high with basement, and
has all the latest improvements. Mr. Geary owns
considerable real estate in the city, and speculates
with it; is a partner in the firm of Hill Bros, in
the ownership of twenty-five acres in the city
limits, which they will soon l.ay out; has built up
some residences here, and owns other property-.
The marriage of our subject took place in Titus-
ville, Pa., March 4, 1867, to Miss Carrie B. Spear.
))orn in Salem, Mass. They have but one child,
Frank, living at home. Mr. Geary is a member of
many fraternal societies and an officer in some of
them; is Treasurer of Illinois Lodge Ko. 268, K. of
II.; Treasurerof the Chevalier Commandery, K. of
II.; Trustee of Eureka Lodge No. 81, K. of P.; and
Trustee of Rathbone Division No. 17, U. K. and K.
of P., and also is Grand Assistant Dictator of the
Knights of Honor of Illinois. The gentleman of
whom we write has been a Republican all his life,
a delegate to the county and State conventions,
and also to the judicial and congressional conven-
tions, and is now Chairman of the Republican com-
mittee. In 1892, he was elected School Trustee
on the Citizens' ticket, and is President of tlic
Board of Trustees for four clisUic ts.
J( AMES J. RAFTER, A. B., A. M. The pres-
ent practice of law requires the possession
of a very liberal general education besides
^^ a knowledge of the principles elucidated
by Coke and Blackstone. The gentleman whose
name opens this sketch has proved that he has con-
quered all the difficulties in the way, and is now en-
joying a very successful practice in a pleasant
office at No. 119 North Third Street, East St.
Louis.
The grandfather of our subject, Michael Rafter,
brought his family from Ireland to America in
1818 and located on a farm near Augusta, Me.,
where he passed the rest of ids life. The father of
our subject was named Martin, and was born in
County Wexford, Ireland, in 1806. When twelve
128
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAnilCAL RECORD.
years of age, his parents came to America, and, at
the age of maturity, he married into one of the
oldest families of the State of Maine. His
wife was Susan Joyce, who had been born
in the same State. Her mother, the grandmother
of our subject, was an Erskin, of an old pioneer fam-
il\-. Its founder was with Gen. "Washington in the
Revolutionary War, and after its close moved
into the wilderness of Maine. The maternal
grandfather of our subject came when a boy from
Ireland and engaged in the fishing business in
Newfoundland. Going in a schooner to Boston
with his fish, he then settled in Lincoln Countj',
Me., there went to farming and married.
In 1848, the father of our subject came to Illi-
nois and settled in Springfield Township, Sanga-
mon County, and there bought a farm, thirty acres
of which were in the corporation and sixty-five of
it were adjoining. He farmed there and laid out
the Martin Rafter Addition to Springfield, be-
came a very wealth}^ man by his foresight, and
closed his life there in 1881. He had adhered to
the principles of the Democratic party, and was a
consistent member of the Catholic Church. Our
subject's mother, now seventy-six years of age, re-
sides upon a ranch of one hundred and sixty acres
of land in Nelson County, N. Dak., to which she
removed after her husband's death.
Our subject is the fourth oldest of ten children,
and was born in Augusta, Me., March 15, 1846;
was brought to Springfield wlien less than two
years old, was reared in that place, and attended
school there, graduating from the High School
in 1865. Mr. Rafter then went to Niagara Uni-
versity in New York, and graduated in 1868 with
the degree of li. A., and later received the de-
gree of M. A. In September, 1868, he became
Principal of the Pleasant School in Sangamon
County, 111., and in April. 1869, came to East St.
Louis to fill a vacancy in one of the schools, hold-
ing that position until June, 1872, when he went
back to Springfield and began the st\idy of law
with Stewart, Edwards A Brown.
Mr. Rafter was admitted to practice in Septem-
ber, 1874, when he returned here, opened an office,
and has had several partners, but is now conducting
liis business aloi)e, In 1H75, he was elected Sc))00l
Trustee for three years. During the spring of
1883, when there -was much trouble arising from
the dual governments, he was Acting Mayor, and
was engaged in much legal work incident to that
disturbing time. Mr. Rafter engages in a regular
law practice and has had many important cases;
he was the attorney for the Minnie Bowman estate
and laid out and sold Rose Hill, besides managing
much valuable real estate. He owns property on
CoUinsville Avenue and in other parts of the city.
Our subject has been a very active worker in
the Democratic ranks, and has been a member of
the Democratic Central Committee since 1884.
Mr. Rafter was married in Cairo, III., August 30,
1877, to Miss Bibbie M. Crowley, who was born in
Pennsj'lvania, but was reared in Cairo. She was
removed by death in 1887, and left two interest-
ing children, Rose and Gerald, both of whom are
at the academy at Grand Forks, N. Dak. Our
subject is a member of the order of the National
Union and of the Ancient Order of Hibernians,
and he supports the Catholic Church, of which
he has long been a communicant.
\^^
\l^x^llILIP L. WEBER, a prominent insurance
I Jl) agent of Belleville," with his office at No-
\f^ 6 High Street, has been a resident of Belle-
1\ ville since 1871. He was born in Bremen,
Germany, July 7, 1854, and is the son of George
and Sophia (Bruns) Weber. Our subject received
his early education at his birthplace; then learning
the mercantile business, working in a wholesale
office, and beginning first as an apprentice, in which
capacity he served for four years before he was pro-
moted to the position of book-keeper.
Mr. Weber remained with this house until he
came to America in 1871, engaging first in St.
Louis in the dry-goods business, where he re-
mained one year. He then came to Belleville and
engaged in the sewing-machine business here. The
position of book-keeper for William Ekhart, Jr.,
next claimed his .attention, after which, ih 1883, lie
engaged in the insurance business. Ip this departure
r
^i# ^^
^
c^ /a^J/7^'''^
^ — ^,^''-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lie built up a prominent and successful business
with a partner, under the firm name of Weber &
Sikkama, and their office is headquarters for the
Germans of Freeport. Tlie.v do business in ten ad-
joining counties, and they have about seventy
agencies under them.
Mr. Weber has been President of the ( Jermania
Turnverein, and was Secretary of the Liederkranz,
which is the leading song society here, four years.
Our subject was married to Miss Delia Enwright,
of St. Charles, Mo., where she was born. She is
the daughter of James Enwright, a prominent rail-
road contractor of tli«t place. The marriage oc-
curred December 1, 1886, and they have three chil-
dren: Oscar, John and Ella. Mr. Weber had been
previously married to Miss Rosa Iloner, of this city,
who at her death left five children: Arthur, Erail,
Irwin, Walter and Louise. Our subject bought a
l)leasant place for a residence, which he has remod-
eled, and lie has in front of the house a large and
beautifully kept lawn.
^^
^yn^jENJAMIN J. VAN COURT, who is now
r^v ^^'^'"S I'etired on section 29, 0'Fallon Town-
I'^Ml)) ship, is one of the prominent and honored
^&^' pioneers of this county. He comes of a
family of Dutch origin, his grandfather, Job
Van Court, having been born in Holland. He em-
igrated to America with the Van Stuy vesants, and
settled in New Jersey and engaged in farming. His
death occurred in 1820, at the age of eighty-five.
He had previously removed to Bradford with the
Holland Company, consisting of large land-owners,
and died leaving a valuable estate, lie left four
children, John, Benjamin, Lucy and Hannah, all
of whom married and had families.
The father of our subject, Benjamin Van Court,
was born in New Jersey, in 1782. After acquir-
ing a common-school education, he learned the
cabinet-maker's trade and later became a house
and boat builder, Hp wedded Mary, daughter of
Dr. James Lindsey, and re»)ov'ed to Mc^'eyto^vll
on the Juniata River in Pennsylvania, where he
liecame a large grain dealer and extensive mer-
chant. He made several trips to the West pros-
pecting, and finally removed to Illinois, locating
first on a farm in Prophetstown, Whiteside County.
He spent his declining years in St. Louis, and at a
good old age, Januarj^ 5, 1850, passed away at his
residence on Collins Street. His wife survived
him only a few years and died May 14, 1855. at
the age of seventy-one.
In the Van Court family were live children:
Eliza, born December 14, 1810, died at the home
of our subject August 18, 1881. Alexander, born
Februaiy 27, 1812, was married in 1852 to Miss
Chambei'lain, who died in June, 1862, on their
farm near Litchfield, leaving two children; Mar\',
who is now the wife of William Kelle}', of Texas;
and Benjamin, who is married and makes his home
in Texas. In 1849, Alexander started across the
lilains to California, where our subject joined him
in 1853. They spent about five years engaged in
cattle-raising and in the sawmill business. Re-
turning to Illinois, Alexander bought a farm in
Macoupin County, where he remained ten years.
In 1865, he went to Texas, locating near San An-
tonio, where he engaged in farming and cattle-
raising until his death, which occurred February
19, 1881. Maria, the third child of the family, was
born November 19, 181G, and in 1847,at St. Louis,
married John Cormack, a steamboat pilot on the
Mississippi. She died August 28, 1884, at the age
of sixty-eight, leaving one son, Alex.ander. Ma-
hala, born June 18, 1818, died at St. Louis, in
1854.
Benjamin Jackson Van Court, whose name heads
this record, was born December 20, 1820, in Mc-
Veytown, Pa., and ac(iuired his education in the
common schools, assisting his father when not in
the school room. He went into business with his
brother Alexander,and at the age of nineteen came
West with the family, the father having preceded
them. He and his brother built a boat called the
"A. and B. J. V.an Court," and, embarking at
Johnstown, floated it down the canal to Pitts-
burgh, thence down the Ohio to the Mississippi.
There the boat was attached to tho steamer
'"Smelter," which was to tow it to St, Louis, bwt
132
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
before getting fairly started the boat sank, in con-
sequence of the strong current. The}' lost all of
their possessions and barel.y escaped with their
lives.
With his brother, our subject went to Rock
Island and leased the Rock Island House, con-
ducting the same with excellent success for about
two years. In the fall of 1841, they sold, and
went to Portsmouth, Ohio, where they were pro-
prietors of the American House for about two
years. They then went to St. Louis, where, in
connection with T. V. Cannon, they leased the
National Hotel on the southwest corner of Third
and Market Streets, successfully conducting the
same until July, 1846. They then leased the old
Missouri Hotel, which they had charge of until
1850. Our subject then engaged in real-estate
dealing until his marriage on the 17th of January,
1853, to Miss Amelia Mittnacht, of Baltimore,
daughter of George Mittnacht, a native of Ger-
many. She was born December 6, 1829, and the
wedding ceremony was performed by Rev. Dr.
Spring.
The wedding journey of Mr. and Jlrs. Van
Court was a trip to California, where he remained
until the spring of 1854, engaged in ranching and
in the sawmill business. He raised the first crop of
wheat in the neighborhood of Sacramento and cut
the same witli a McCormick reaper. He employed
ten Indians in the harvest field, for the labor of
white men was worth from $8 to $10 per day. Selling
his property on the Pacific Slope, he returned to St.
Louis, where he remained until 1856. While there,
he was identified with the public affairs of the city,
was a member of the City Council, and at one
time was a candidate on the Democratic ticket
for City Treasurer. On the 12th of July, 1856,
he came to O'Fallon, bought a farm of one liun-
dred and thirty-seven acres and built his present
residence. In 1865, he sank a coal shaft upon his
farm, and tlie mine is still in operation, supplying
all the coal for the electrical plants, as well as the
City Light Company of St. Louis. The mine is
now leased to the Consumers" Coal Company of
St. Louis.
ITnto Mr. and Mrs. \':in Court liavc lieen F)orn
nine children: Benjaniin .', died in Culifornin in
infancy; Hallie, born March 26, 1856, is the wife
of Edwin Poindexter, manufacturer of varnishes,
of Chicago; Kate Eliza, born March 6, 1858, died
in infancy; Amelia M., born September 11, 1860,
is the wife of Dr. D. K. Reinhold, of New York,
by whom she has three children, Carrie, Edgar and
Bessie, aged six, three and one year, respectively;
Carrie Virginia, born July 29, 1865, is the wife of
H. G. Finley, a merchant of St. Louis, and they
have two cliildren, Benjamin and Hallie; Benja-
min J., born September 29, 1862, died at the age
of seven years; George, born May 25, 1867, died
in infancy; and Belle, born August 10, 1869, also
died in inf.ancy.
Mr. \n» Cdurl is a member of the Congrega-
tional Church. He has been connected with tlie
Masonic fraternity since 1842, becoming a mem-
ber of Aurora Lodge No. 48, A. F. & A. M., at
Portsmouth, Ohio. He is a charter member of St.
Louis Commandery No. 1, K. T., and one of the
founders of O'Fallon Lodge No. 576, A. F. & A. M.
He was first Master of the latter lodge, and filled
that position for about fifteen years altogether. He
is a Democrat and takes an active interest in the
success of his party, but has never been an oflHce-
seeker. In his business, he has been very success-
ful and won a handsome property. He is now a
wealthy citizen, living retired, and is liighly re-
spected by all who know him.
ASHINGTON WEST, M. D. To attain
distinction in any of the learned profes-
sions is the proud ambition of many a
struggling man, who looks forward to the prize to
be gained toward the end of the race, and which
when gained is accounted as having been worth the
struggle. We occasionally know of an instance
when a man still young has attained to a high ]io-
sition, and his success is certainly worthy of a|)-
plause and emulation. Gratif3'ing has been the
results of the life of the subject of this sketch
in Ills practice of surgery .nnd medicine in tlie
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
133
beautiful city of Belleville, where he is one of the
prominent ph^ysicians.
The Doctor is a son of Benjamin lliileary West,
and first saw the light on the West farm near Belle-
ville, Feljruary 9, 1847. He was well fitted by na-
ture and education for his chosen life worlc, as he
attended the city schools, finishing liis literarj'
course at tlic city universitj- at St. Louis; from
tiiere lie entered the St. Louis Medical College, from
which he graduated in 1868. He was then Acting
Assistant Surgeon in the arra3- for two years, being
with Maj.-Gen. William S. Harney in the Sioux
Indian District, in Dakota, remaining at the front
during those two years of his service, and being
located at the Cheyenne River Agency.
Dr. West was married on the 30th of June, 1870,
to Miss Mary Agnes AVolfc, of St. Louis, daughter
of Thomas Wolfe, one of the leading stockmen in
the St. Louis Pacific Stock^^ards. Dr. and Mrs.
West are the happy parents of six children, namely:
Basmath Ariadne, Mary Agnes, Washington, Maria
Catherine, Waj' and Ruth Wolfe. The children
are all single, and at home, except Basmath
Ariadne, who was married the 30th of June, 1892,
to David Stainrook Booth, a physician of St. Louis,
Mo., and a Professor of Barnes Medical College of
.St. Louis. They have an elegant home at No.
4622 Page Avenue.
After his marriage, Dr. West settled in Belle-
ville, where he has since been in active practice,
with the exception of six months spent in Phila-
del|)hia at the time of the Centennial, when he
was correspondent for a number of papers, and
also attended the clinic at the University of Penn-
sylvania. With this exception, he has been in
active practice here ever since, and now enjoys so
large a patronage that it is difficult for him to an-
swer all the demands made upon his time and skill.
Dr. West is a member of the St. Clair County
and State Medical Societies and American Jledical
Association; lie also was Assistant Surgeon at the
County Farm for twelve years. In ,'uldition U>
his other duties, he served as President vf tlie
Eagle Foundry for some years. Mrs. West, an in-
telligent, refined lady, is a member of Dr. Brook's
Presbyterian Church of St. Louis, and is a descen-
dant of the great Diuiiei P.ooiie, <if Kentucky. Dr.
AVest belongs to no political party, preferring to
cast his vote for the man his judgment pronounces
to be the best, regardless of party distinctions. So-
cially, he is connected with no orders, the duties
of his profession being too heavy to admit of any
such relaxation.
JULR'S J. HEIDINGER. The gentleman
whose name appears upon this page is one
of the representative railroad men of this
section, holding the responsible position of
agent for the St. Louis, Alton & Terrc Haute Rail-
road and attending to the freight and ticket busi-
ness of this road, which does more business than
all the other lines entering the city.
Julius Heidingeris the son of Jacob and Magda-
lena (Schmidt) Heidinger, and was born in this
city September 18, 18.53. His parents were of
German ancestry, and were natives of Rastadt, Ba-
den, Germany, where the father was born June 19,
1807, and the mother in 1811. These honest peo-
ple came to this country in 1848, and, after a long
and tiresome journey, located at Belleville. Here
the father worked at his trade of machinist, faith-
fully following it through life. The five children
who were born to them were as follows: Hugo,
now at CoUinsville; Rudolph, who here conducts
a tin and hardware store; Hermine, wife of II.
Mason, of Paducah, Ky., now deceased; and Quido
B., :i conductcir on the Air-line Accommodation.
At'ter <iiu' siiliject had received his education in
the i)ublic sehiKilsdl' this city, he learned the har-
ness-making trade, and later entered a nail mill;
later he became agent for the old Illinois A- St.
Louis Railroad for five years, having previously
learned telegraphy. Mr. Heidinger then kept a
set of books for the B. F. Switzer ife Co. flouring
mill lor two years. Then he took the Short Line
agency, and has given such satisfaction that there
is no prospect of any change unless for a still
higher position. He has made this line highly re-
spected, and his services are appreciated. He is
interested in other matters besides i-ailrond Imsi-
134
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ness, and has found time to invest largely and
wisely in real estate in this cit_v and in St. Louis.
Mr. Heidinger gave up single blessedness May
9, 1882, wiien occurred his marriage to Miss C'atii-
crine Iloldner, daughter of Fred Iloldner. of this
city, who was born December 7, 1857. Four
bright children have blessed this home, but tlie
Death Angel took the eldest, little .Julius, when
only three mouths old. The living are Roy Reu-
ben, Milo Drew and Magdalena. Mr. and Mrs.
Heidinger are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Cliurch, and are most highly valued as neighbors
and friends. Mr. Heidinger possesses those quali-
ties which go to maice a leader, and manages the
twelve men under his charge without any friction
ami to the interest of his employers.
|^:DWAK1) FK.\NK SCIIOENING. Proml-
|-<j nent among the industries of St. Clair
/A' — -i: County are its milling enterprises, and the
men who have worked in that line have contribu-
ted effectively to the advancement of their commu-
nities. The firm of Hirsch <fe Schoening, merchant
millers at Millstadt, h.as established and success-
fully conducted a flourishing business, wliich has
gained a reputation for progressive methods and
reliable dealings. The junior member of this firm
is the subject of our sketch, a youug gentleman of
enterprise and perseverance, and a worthy re|)re-
sentative of a thrifty German family.
•Tohn Schoening, father of our suljject, as his
name indicates, was a German, and was born in
Holstein, where he was reared to manhood. Farm-
ing w!4S his occupation, his entire life being thus
spent in his native country. He married M.
Brahms, and they became the parents of twelve
children, of whom seven are now living, The fa-
ther was a man of honor and industrious habits,
highly esteemed by his neighbors and acquaint-
ances until death.
In Holstein, Germany, the subject of tliis sketcii
n;i- born November 11, 1853, where lie passed his
childhood years, receiving excellent educational
advantages in the common schools of that prov-
ince. Having resolved upon emigrating to Amer-
ica, lie left his parental home in 186(5, when_aboiil
thirteen years old, in company with the family.
Landing in New York City, they proceeded to
Buffalo, where our subject learned the trade of a
miller. From there he removed to Rock Island
County, III., to follow milling for about one year.
Afterward Mr. Schoening took the long trip across
the plains to California, where he followed his
trade in the S.aeramento Mills for nine months.
Thence the journey was made to Washington, and
through that State and Oregon to Laramie City,
Wyo.
By this time, tired of traveling, our subject went
to St. Louis, ]Mo., to engage with the East St.
Louis Milling Company. He w.is suited here, and
his work gave satisfaction, and he remained until
the fall of 1876, when he came to Millstadt, 111., and
started Frank Bowers' mill, and kept on here until
the summer of 1877, when he went to the mill of
Baker & Stern. Mr. .Schoening remained here un-
til 1884, when he wentto Columbia, III., and became
head miller in the mill there. With such a wide ex-
perience, he thought the time had come to make a
l>ermanent business, so in 1885 the present partner-
ship was formed, which has existed ever since. The
lady whom our subject selected as his bride was
Miss Lena Brucker, the accomplished daughter of
George Brucker, a prominent coal dealer of the
cit}' of Belleville, III. Five children, two sons and
three daughters, have come to brighten the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Shoening; they bear the names of
Lena, George, Arthur, Olga and Minna.
Our subject is one of the important members of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is Mas-
ter of the lodge of the Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons at this place, and has represented that or-
der in the Grand Lodge of the State. Politically,
Mr. Schoening is a Republican and upholds the
banner of a protective tariff. Mr. Schoening has
taken an active interest in educational matters,
and hence has been called upon to serve the dis-
trict on the School Board for the past seven years.
Ho was one of the princiiiiil .agitators in tiic build-
ing of the new school building in Millstadt, and
1
^nA. . ^/^-2^,->^d^c^
lJiyv^<^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
has aided all the eflPorts of the Board to obtain the
best of instructors. His is a progressive township,
and he has done much to push on the car of pro-
gress. Socially, Mr. .Schoening and family are
among the first peflple in Millstadt, and his admir-
able wife assists in dispensing the hospitalities of
thoir iileasant home.
:^^
jlL^^ON. M. M. STEPHENS. Many of the men
jTjV connected with the city government of
/l^^ East St. Louis in various capacities have
if^ achieved distinction in the higher ranks of
official life, but none more so than Hon. M. M. Steph-
ens, the capable and enteri)rising Mayor of East St.
Louis. He stands in the front rank of her busi-
ness intellect; is a man of public spirit, fine ex-
ecutive ability, and correctness in fulfilling any
duties intrusted to him, and is well known for a
high degree of integrity in his general relations.
As the Mayor of East St. Louis, he is praised by
every one, for he has done more for the city than
any other man.
Mr. Stephens was elected to his present respon-
sible position in April, 1877, with a reform city
council. Upon assuming the office, he found a
lamentable, complicated and embarrassed condition
of affairs. By mal-administration and corruption,
the cit}^ had been plunged into an indebtedness of
*8.'j0,000, with nothing to show for the greater
part of it. The city had no credit. The only cur-
rency it had been for years dealing out for labor,
material, etc., was worthless -'script," and the city
was flooded with that. The revenue had been col-
lected for months in advance and squandered. In
fact, everything was in a chaotic state. But Mayor
Stephens had assumed office with a well-defined
policy. With the assistance of those with whom
he had associated and labored for the regeneration
of the city, he determined to enforce and carry
out that policy. He courageously addressed him-
self to the task. He appointed good men to the
official positions. A majority of the city council
voted with and sustained him. Thev restored law
and order; abolished "script" and instifuted the
payment of cash for what the city procured; in-
stalled a good police force under courageous and
competent officers; organized an effective fire de-
partment, and accomplished numerous other pre-
liminary reforms and changes before undertaking
the gigantic improvements which have made East
St. Louis a cit3' of wonderful progress and magic
growth and thrift.
Few men could have succeeded so well in re-
deeming the city from the evils which confronted
it as Mr. Stephens has done. He was not a man
trained for leadership or statesmanship when he
undertook the responsible duties of the mayoralty.
He was a plain man of the people, with no preten-
sion not justified bj' the confidence and compli-
ments of his fellow-citizens. From the very in-
ception of the reform movement to the present
date, Mayor Stephens has displayed the rarest ex-
ecutive abilit3', and has at the same time demon-
strated his capacity for public affairs to an extent
which marks him as a coming man in the larger
sphere of Slate government; for he is quite apt to
be called from the service of his city to the service
of his State in the near future. He has not been
offensive, dictatorial or presumptuous in dealing
with his subordinates, his critics or his friends.
During the recent flood (1892) he worked almost
night and day to defend the city, and his efforts
were rewarded. He is one of the most agreeable
of men, has a heart of gold, and is ever ready to
extend a helping hand to the needy and suffering.
M. M. Stephens was born in Pennsylvania, near
Scranton, Luzerne County, on the 7th of Febru-
ary, 1847. His father, Ziba Stephens, was also a
native of the Keystone State, born in Wyoming
County. The grandfather, William Stephens, was
born in Pennsylvania, where he followed farming,
and passed his entire life. Ziba Stephens was a
large contractor and builder on railroads, and
builtmilesof the Delaware, Lackawanna iSr Western
Railroad. For a time he engaged in merchandis-
ing and later kept an hotel at Abington Centre,
then at Providence, now a part of Scranton. After
residing there for many years, he returned to
Philadelphia. He affiliated with the Democratic
party and was a worthy and much respected man.
138
POETEAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
fiis wife, wliose maiden name was Mary Travis,
was born near Scran ton. She came to East St.
Louis and made her liome with our subject until
her death. She was an exemplary member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
Two of the five children born to his parents are
living, and our subject was the eldest in order of
birth. In 1853, he moved with his parents to
Providence and pursued his sturJies until twelve
years of age, when his schooling was terminated.
He filled the position of brakeman on the Dela-
ware, Lackawanna (fe Western Railroad, and was in
the machinery department of the Delaware it Hud-
son Canal Railroad for three years. He had one
year's experience as fireman, and served as en-
gineer three or four 3'ears. In the fall of 18G4, he
offered his services to his country, but was refused.
Previous to this, in 1862-63, he was in New York
City during the riots in the machine shops, etc.
In September, 1866, he came to Murphysborough,
Jackson County, 111., and was in the machine de-
partment. Later, he run an engine on the railroad
from Carbondale to Grand Tower, and in 1868 he
came to East St. Louis as engineer on the Ohio &
Mississippi Railroad, and was thus engaged until
1874. He met with very few accidents and none
of a serious nature. He abandoned that business
in 1874, and opened the Fourth Ward House,
which he bought after renting four and a-half
years. Later, it became known as the Stephens
House, and was located on CoUinsville and Sum-
mit Avenues.
In 1884, ISIr. Stephens was elected Alderman of
the Fourth AVard, and held that position for two
years. In 1887, he was elected Mayor, and
is now serving his third term, which in itself
is an eloquent proof of his popularity. In Jan-
uary, 1872, he married Mrs. Mary Elizabeth
(Tompkins) Beam, a native of France, who came
to America with her mother. Three children have
been born of the marriage: Lillie, now Mrs. Cud-
dington, who resides in East St. Louis; Emma,
Mrs. Jackiesch; and Leonora Frances. Mr. Steph-
ens is a Knight Templar in the Masonic lodge.
He is an honorary member of the Local Brother-
hood of Locomotive Engineers and their Insur-
ance Agent for the St. Clair Division No. 49, and
served as Chief Engineer and First Assistant En-
gineer. He has served as delegate for the Demo-
cratic ])arty to many of the National Conventions
and also county and State conventions.
1^^
^r^EORGE R. TATE, J. P. This prominent
i|| ;— , farmer and public oHicial lives upon sec-
y^Jf^] tion 19, Smithton Township, and is the son
of Edward Tate, who was one of tlie early settlers,
having come here before the Indians had left, in
181><. Our subject was born on the old place,
where his brother now lives, on the 30th of Aug-
ust, 1840, and was reared there. In 1864, he made
a trip overland to Oregon and California and re-
turned by way of Panama and New York. The
trip from St. Joseph, Mo., clear through to Port-
land, Ore., was made in a wagon drawn bj- four
mules. He remained away almost two years and
engaged in teaching in the public schools there.
After his return, he taught school in this county.
His marriage occurred in 1866 with Sarali C.
Smith, daughter of Robert J. Smith, of this county,
who was horn in ]\Iaine, and came here when very
small.
After his marriage, our subject continued teach-
ing in the district where he resides, and only left
it from 1873 to 1877 when he was the Principal of
the public schools of Freeburg. He taught until
1890, making a period of twenty-five years in the
school-room. Our subject lias been blessed with the
following children: E. Clara, who is the wife of N.
0. Phillips; John J., who died in 1891; Matilda C.
Hallie M., Adelaide and David, all living at home
except the first named. Our subject has one hun-
dred and twenty aci'es of land, all well improved,
and raises on it a great deal of grain, besides an
abundance of berries, which have yielded a gof)d
income; also a fine peach orchard of budded fruit,
perhaps the finest in the county. All of the im-
provements are of the verj' best and every part of
the farm is in the best order and finely cultivated.
Our subject is a member of the order of Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, No. 418. of Freeburg,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
139
and of Belleville Chapter of Royal Arch Masons;
lias been Master of the lodge, and has filled the
office of Junior Warden. .Justice Tate also be-
longs to the Patrons of Husbandry, and has been a
member of the Gi-ange for twenty years and of its
State executive committee for six years. In his
political opinions, Mr. Tate is a Prohibitionist and
has been put forward by the appreciative citizens
of his county as a candidate for Probate .Judge.
He has served acceptably two terms as Justice of
the Peace, and has the satisfaction of knowing that
there is no man in Smithton Township who stands
liigher socially than liimself.
<^ LBERT. E. WILDERMAN. It is not given
^/ |i ^" mau3' to see the wilderness blossom like
jj (i the rose, as has been the lot of the geutle-
^jfl man whose name appears ."vt the opening
of this sketch. From a wild prairie, where savage
beasts, and Indians, a thousand times more danger-
ous than any animal, roamed, he has seen this vast
State develop into the great commonwealth of
to-daj'.
Our subject was the sou of George Wilderman,
a native of the Keystone State, who came to Illi-
nois in the earlj- part of this centurj^, thus becom-
ing one of the early pioneers of this county. Here
his four children were born, namely: Alfred, Cal-
vin, Albert and Margaret, all living. The last-
named child is now the wife of William Sebert, a
prominent musician. George Wilderman was a
very large land-owner in the county, and defended
it from the encroachments of the Indians during
the Black Hawk and minor wars with the savage
tribes of red men. He was a ver}' prominent man
and worthy citizen of the county where he lived,
taking an active part in all affairs of public concern.
Our subject can claim tlie honor of being a na-
tive son of section 6, Freeburg Township, St. Clair
County, where he still resides. His birth occurred
October 25, 1828, and he has lived on the home
place during the sixty-four years of his life. Mr.
Wilderman can relate many interestiiii; incidents
which took place in the early days of the countj',
and these stories are told in a most entertaining
manner, and one that wins for him manj- hearers.
After growing to manhood, he was united in mar-
riage to Sophronia, daughter of Elijah and Mary
Hill, by whom he had the following children:
George R., who resides in this township; Ada, wife
of Louis Sheetz, of New Athens Township; and
Mary, wife of Julius Wilderman, residing in Free-
burg Township.
Mr. Wilderman married again, this union being
with Miss Melissa Thompson, daughter of Abel
Thompson, of Twelve Mile Prairie. This lady
bore him five children, all of whom are living, as
follows: Luella, Hallie R., Calvin, Carrie B. and
Leroy A. Mr. Wilderman is the owner of seven hun-
dred acres of land at present, although he has owned
much more at different periods, which he disposed
of at good figures. On this land he carries on gen-
eral farming and stock-raising, and has one of the
finest farms in the county. Mrs. Wilderman and
daughter are members of the Grange, plajing an
important part in the doings of that body. Our
subject is a strong Democrat in politics, and holds
the important oltice of School Director in his dis-
trict.
Jt — ^ ENRY HUBER. The gentleman whose name
Wjfj opens this sketch is the senior member of
(4^^ the firm of Huber & Son, dealers in general
(^ mercliandise in the town of Freeburg, 111.
The father of our subject was Valentine Huber,
who was born in Germany, and came to America
about the year 1837. He located in Twelve Mile
Prairie, but soon after made a change and going to
Tamaroa, on the edge of Twelve Mile Prairie, en-
gaged in farming until the time of his demise.
He had a family of six children, all spared to
their parents until maturity, and four are yet liv-
ing. Mary is the wife of George Gareyhcr; Mar-
garetta, first married George Klos, who died;
later she married Mr. Wagner, who is also dead;
after his death she married for a third time, but is
now a widow.
140
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD.
Our subject made his home with his good mother
until his marriage with Miss Susanna Jaimet, wiio
was tiie daughter of Charles Jaimet. Her life was
short, and after her death Mr. Huber married lier
sister, Catherine. After tliis event he located in
Tamaroa and lived there twenty-four _vears, en-
gaged in farming; he then went to Freeburg and
worked at tlie trade of cooper for about five years,
when an opening for good mercantile trade pre-
sented itself. He has had seven children, five
of whom are living: Gustavus, junior member
of the firm; Jacob, who follows the excellent trade
of a tinner; Louisa, who is the wife of Philip Wolf,
a cooper of this jjlaee; Peter Pitts and Mary, both
at iiome.
When the Adams Express Company desired to
obtain some reliable representative in Freeburg,
Mr. Huber was selected as its agent, and has man-
aged its affairs here to the general satisfaction since
1879. The religious connection of the family is
with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and they
are members much esteemed in that relationship.
In political matters, Mr. Huber is and has always
been an ardent Republican, and has held the of-
fice of Supervisor. Our subject owned one hun-
dred and forty-five acres of land in this county,
but recently sold it, as his large and increasing
business demands all of his attention. Socially,
the family of INIr. Huber is highly legarded, and
their home is one of the pleasantest in Freeburg.
li^^i ^ i ^ ^i^^ap
'^f DAM PFAFF. The gentleman whose name
(MlJIj opens this article is well known in the
]/ni\ city of Maseoutah, where he has done an
<^ honorable business for many years, and is
now the senior member of the old established firm
of Draser & Pfaff, dealers in lumber, shingles, lath,
nails and all furnishings for the trade. Our sub-
ject first saw the liglit in a country far from this,
and no doubt he still lias fond memories of the
Fatherland. Born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany,
September 18. 183G, he was a boy of seventeen
years upon landing on American shores, leaving
old liome faces and old ways behind him.
The lad came poor, as so many of his country-
men did, and scarcely knew what first to under-
take in this strange land. However, a willing pair
of hands served him well, and he had not been
long in St. Louis before some one desired their
aid. I\Ir. Pfaff eng.aged as a painter, at the muni-
ficent wages of ^4 per month, and worked away
diligently for some time, eventually learning
enough of the tr.ide to be considered an artist of
tiie paint brush, if his canvas happened to be a
house, barn or building of any kind. In 18.')9,
he came to Illinois, located at Turkey Hill in St.
Clair County, and there worked at his trade
until the country of his adoption was convulsed
by the Civil War, when lie was among the first to
spring to her defense.
Our subject enlisted in Company B, Ninth Illinois
Infantry, and on the 19tli of April, 1861, the com-
pany was sent to Camp Butler. After serving the
three months for which he had enlisted, he came
back and worked at his trade until August, 1861,
when he re-enlisted in tlie Forty-third Illinois In-
fantry, took part in the battle of Shiloh, and for
bravery on that bloody field was raised from the
rank of Corporal to that of Second Lieutenant.
His term of service having expired in October,
1864, he was honorably discharged, and returned to
Maseoutah, where he worked at his trade foi- a space
of two years. August 1, 1881, our subject entered
into partnership with Mr. George Draser, Sr., in
the lumber business, and he has continued in that
ever since. Having had practical experience in
some departments of the business, and his present
partner, George Draser, Jr., understanding other
departments in the same way, together they make
a strong firm, as theory is all right, but experience
is the best assurance of success.
Lieut. Pfaff was married on the 25th of July,
1865, to Miss Margaret Ileberer, daughter of George
H. Heberer, an old settler of the county. An in-
teresting family of nine children has grown up
about them, who are as follows: Mary, who
I married Carl Montag, and has a home of her
own; Anna, Amelia, Henry J., George, Charles,
Adam, Ernest and Irwin, who are still at home.
^^^
U^'^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHTCAL RECORD.
143
The children with whom our subject and his wife
had to part were two little ones, Katie and Lena,
and Belle, wlio was taken away at the age of fif-
teen years. Our subject is a very prominent man
in tlie Grand Army of the Republic, holding tlie
-position of Quartermaster of the post. Politi-
cally, he is a stanch Republican, and believes in
upholding the principles for which he fought. He
has served his district on the Board of Education
for a term of twelve years.
"jj^^T. REV. .JOHN .TAN.SSEN, Bishop of Belle-
lU^ ville, was born in Keppeln, Rhenish Prussia,
di iV March 3, 1835. He was educated in the Bish-
op's college at Gaesdonck and at Munster,
and took a theological course at the latter jilace.
The bishopric of Alton, 111., had been erected in
1857,with Bishop Henry I). .Juiicker, presiding, and
while this gentleman was looking for material to
use, he visited the University of Munster and
arranged with several priests and theological stu-
dents to come to his diocese, John Janssen being
one of the number. Upon completing his course
of study in 18;')8, he at once joined Bishop Juncker
at Alton, and on the 19th of November of that
year he was ordained priest. Immediately after
his ordination, he was placed in charge of the Ger-
man Catholic Church at Springfield, and also had
charge of the German Catholics in Sangamon,
Morgan and Menard Counties. At that time there
was one English priest at Springfield and one at
Jacksonville.
Bishop Janssen continued his connection with
Springfield and the above-mentioned counties
until 1863, when he was selected as Secretary to
the Bishop, a position he accepted and ably filled
for five years, or until 1868, when Bishop Juncker
died. He was also made Chancellor of the diocese
and so acted until Bishop Baltes was consecrated,
in January-. 1870. He was then made Vicar-
General to Bishop Baltes and as such continued
for sixteen rears, or until the latter was called
from life in 1886, serving, however as rector of St.
Boniface's Church at Quincy, 111., through 1878-79,
When Bishop Baltes realized the approach of dis-
solution, he appointed Father Janssen his admin-
istrator, and our subject conducted the affairs of
the diocese until its divison in January, 1887.
His appointment as Bishop of the Belleville Dio-
cese, comprising twent}--eight eounties,was received
February 28, 1888. He continued to administer
the affairs of the diocese until the appointment of
Father James Ryan as Bishop of Alton, and on the
23d of April, 1888, he surrendered the office.
On the 2.5th of the same month. Bishop Janssen
was consecrated in the Belleville Cathedral by Arch-
bisop Feehan, assisted b3- Bishop Hogan,of K.ansas
City; Bishop Fink, of Leavenworth; Bishop Spaul-
ding, of Peoria; Bishop Chatard, of Vincenues;
Bishop Bonaeum, of Lincoln; and Bishop Ryan,
of Alton. The diocese of which he has control
contains twenty-eight counties, and he has under
him seventy-one priests, eigtit3--seven churches, one
orphan asylum at Belleville, and a hospital in each
of the following cities: Belleville, East St. L<uiis,
Cairo and Aviston.
\f^RANK SCHMISSEUR. The subject of this
|[^^ sketch was born August 10, 1843, in n log
/1\ cabin which stood in the front yard of his
present residence, being the son of Joseph and
Elizabeth (Chenot) Schmisseur. The father was
born May 6, 1810, in Lorraine, France, and the
mother November 19, 1817, at the same place.
They came to America in 1830, landed in New
York, and then went to Zanesville, Oliio, wlieio
they lived for a time, going thence to St. Louis.
The father conducted a restaur.ant in the latter
city in connection with his father-in-law, Joseph
Chenot, at the old market. The parents remained
in St. Louis until September, IM41, wlien they set-
tled on this place, which contained one hundred
and four acres. Some of the land lias been sold
since. The father died Novemlier 25, 1880, the
mother having preceded him by four years. This
144
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
couple were good and kind parents to the follow-
ing children: Louise, who married Domiuick
Dekuni (see sketch); John J. married RosaDekum,
and is a carpenter in Belleville, with three cliil-
dren; Charles was married to Emily Phillips, and
is proprietor of the West Belleville Custom Flour-
ing Mill; Eugene, a farmer living near Richland,
married Lizzie Battre.
Our subject was reared on tlie home place, at-
tended the common schools, and afterward went
to St. Louis, where he took a course in tlie excel-
lent Catliolic college of the Christian 'Brothers.
He was married September 15, 1874, to Madeline
Russell, daughter of Nicliolas and Rosa Russell,
ller parents were natives of France and came to
America wlien she was three years old. Five liv-
ing children have been born tliem and make a
merry household. They are Mary, Clara, Russell,
Walter and Harrison.
The gentlemen of whom we write has followed
general farming, and derives a good revenue from
the coal which is beneath liis land. In his opin-
ion Ins underground farm does better tlian that
upon the surface. Mr. Schmisseur has held no
public position except that of School Director, as
he is no office-seeker, but a business man, and withal
a very pleasant gentleman, liiglily esteemed by all
who know him.
^jtpS) RNEST R. IIAGIST. The union of families
l|U] in their business enterprises has often proven
If — ^ the truth of the old saying tliat "In union
is strength," and in this case; where the tastes of
both father and son have been in the same direc-
tion, the formation of the mercantile firm of E.
Hagist cfe Son caused no surprise. The subject of
our sketch is the younger member of the above-
named firm, which does business in tlie flourishing
little city of Mascoutah, in St. Clair County, III.
Me is the son of P^rnest Hagist, whose birth occurred
in a land far removed and very different from
llii-j, his adopted country.
Ernest Hagist, Sr., was boi u in Baden, Germany,
in the year 1828, was reared there and received his
education in the excellent schools which offer learn-
ing in Gerraanj-, and then compel her children, if
the gift is disregarded, to attend. He came to this
country in 1851, and located on a farm near Belle-
ville, 111., where he remained about one year; he
then came to a fine piece of land near Mascoutah,
and bought a farm one mile west of this. There he
continued and carried on the business of farming,
but his mind was too acute, and demanded a bus-
ier life, so in 18G0 he moved into Mascoutah,
and engaged in the general merchandise business,
but did not part with his land, as he rented it ad-
vantageously, and still carries on his agricultural
pursuits in connection with his business here.
The marriage of Mr. Hagist, Sr., took place in
1853, when he was united to Miss Elizabeth,
the daughter of Mr. J. F. Frey, a native of Ger-
many, who came to America, and settled in St.
Clair Countjr in 1852. Two children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Hagist, Sr. : our subject, and Minnie,
the wife of H. Sautcr, who has her home in Mascou-
tah. The birth of our subject took place August 17,
1857, on the old home farm of his father, west of
Mascoutah. He was sent to the best schools in the
county, and when he had completed the course
there he was taken by his father as a clerk in the
store, and was taught the immense difference be-
tween debit and credit; he was an apt pu)jil,
and his father could not desire one more faithful
in the discharge of his duties. Mr. Hagist soon
gave such evidence of the true spirit of the mer-
chant that his father took him into partnership
with him in 1880, and now the firm stands E. Ha-
gist & Son.
Our subject showed his affection for his native
city in the selection of the presiding genius of his
household, for it was a resident of Mascoutah who
became his bride in 1880. She was Miss Mary Ricli-
ter, the daughter of Fred E. Richter, who lives in
this cit3', being a retired farmer of the county,
and one of the first settlers in the township. Our
subject has five children, and their names are Os-
car, Alma, Arthur, Herman and Theodore. They
are all bright, happy children, and have the prom-
ise of a successful future before them. Mr. Hagist,
of this notice, has always Ijeen interested in the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
145
educational affairs of his town, and now is serving
a term on the Board of Education. The business
carried on by the (irm of Hagist tt Son is a very
prosperous one, and the members of this firm are
wide-awake men, who not only work for their
own advancement, but also for the advantage of
the beautiful little city of their horn ■. Sueli cit-
izens make the success of a town.
"ll MECHIN & SON. The firm which this
I name represents is made up of John Mechin
j^ jj and his talented son, Armand J. Mechin,
(J^^ A. B. They do the largest and most suc-
cessful trade in fine jewelry in the city. The fam-
ily of our subject is an old and highly connected
one in France, and in the city of Tours Jean
Mechin, the father of John Mechin, was bor». He
became a farmer, was with the French army under
Napoleon in 1812 and passed his last days in
sunny France.
Our subject was born in Tours, I'rance, Feb-
ruary 14, 1822. When f<jurteen years of age, he
was apprenticed to a jeweler in Paris for three
years, then traveled through France and crossed
tiie Channel three times. lie was in the Revolution
of 1848, and then went to London, where he
worked at his trade for eighteen years, and was
foreman for Sir John Bennett's jewelry establish-
ment, which IS one of the largest in that metropolis.
In 187.S, Mr. Mechin took the family to London
and there embarked on the steamer "Canada," of
the Wiiite Star Line. In fourteen days lie arrived in
New York and then came on to St. Louis. Our sub-
ject carried on a jeweler's business on Third Street
in .St. Louis, and in 1876 located in East St. Louis,
in the Workingmen 's Bank Block, continuing there
until 1891, when he took the fine location now
occupied by the firm at No. 31.5 Broadwa3', carry-
ing a regular line of jewelry, regulating and re-
pairing all time-pieces, having a valuable stock
and keeping all the novelties of the most delicate
pattern and finest workmanship. Mr. Mechin is
also inspector of watches for the Cliicago. Cleve-
land, Cincinnati & St. Louis, Cairo Short Line,
Louisville & Nashville, Mobile & Ohio, and Chi-
cago, Burlington & Quincy Railroads.
I Our subject was married in France to Mademoi-
.selle Valentine Mardell, who was born in France
and was the daughter of M. Valentine, a fine
pastry baker and conductor of a restaurant. Our
subject's wife was a devout membei of the Catholic
Church, and died under its ministrations, March 8,
1892. Mr. Mechin was left with the comfort of
four children, as follows: Gus. V. R., Secretary of
eight different building and loan associations and
Pul)lic Administrator, is located in St. Louis; Jane,
now Mde. Darenberg, resides in France; Juliette,
now Mrs. Kelly, and Armand, Jr., reside in East
St. Louis. The record of the firm would not be
complete without a short sketch of the life of this
latter most promising young man, who was born in
London, England, May 15th, 1870, and was reared
in St. Louis, first attending the public schools there;
he then entered the St. Louis University at the
unusual age of twelve years, where he was a student
for two years, and then attended St. Mary's Col-
lege, in Kansas, for two years. Afterward, he went
to the St. Vincent's College, at Cape Girardeau,
Mo., graduating from there in 1889 with the degree
of A. B.
This was not education enough for this ambi-
tious j'oung man, who then took a trip to Europe,
via New York to Paris, to attend the World's Ex-
position, and remained there for three months,
breathing the air of the home of his ancestors.
W'hen he returned, with his polish of manner and
superior education, he had no difficulty in secur-
ing a position with a large firm, but left it in
1891 to become a partner with his father. With
natural aptitude, the J'oung man has already be-
come proficient in the business, and will no doubt
stamp liis name indelibly on the commercial
circles of East St. Louis. Armand is a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; tlie
Knights of Pythias; American Legion of Honor;
and Knights and Ladies of Honor; and is also a
member of St. Patrick's Church. While at Cape
Girardeau, he took quite a prominent part in the
literary exercises of the college, belonged to a
dramatic society, in which he took loading parts.
I4G
poutrait akd biographical record.
and was manager of the base-ball club. Politically,
he has affiliated with the Democratic party, but is
no radical in his views. Mr. Mechin takes great
pride in this talented young son and feels that the
business so carefully liuilt up will he entirely safe
in Armand'.s hands.
^-i^^l<^^-
,ir^ E( )RGE
!|( (- — gentleir
U( Sketch.
C. REBIIAN. The brilliant legal
leman whose name introduces this
Jl sketch, is one of the most enterprising and
successful lawyers of the city of Belleville, is No-
tary Public, and employed in the Abstract Office as
manager, but his main business is in chancery
and the administration and settling up of es-
tates.
Mr. Rebhan was bora in Jefferson City, Mo.,
Jul}' 25, 1856, and was the son of t^mil and Cath-
erine (Miller) Rebhan. The father of our sul)ject
was a native of Germany and was born in Saxony,
that country. Coming to this country in 1848,
he first settled in Missouri, and there married into
the family of a ne:ir neighbor and intimate friend.
AVhen the Civil War broke out Mr. Rebhan
raised Company F, Second Missouri United
States Troops, and was Captain of the com-
pany. After the war was over he came here and
built the Mascoutah Plank Road, being a civil en-
gineer by profession ; lie continued in that employ-
ment, then settled in Sliiloii, and was given the
postofflce, in connection with which he kept a
store, and also did some farming. Captain Reb-
han has been very prominent in local affairs, is a
Republican, has been Supervisor of Roads, and
took the census of Shiloh in 1870-80-90. The
mother of our subject still lives.
The subject of this sketch was sent to school in
Shiloh, where he improved his opportunities, and
then went to St. Louis, where he acted as clerk in
a drug store during the day and went to school at
night. Returning home in 1872, he engaged in
fanning until 1880, when he decided to make a
change in his life. Therefore he went to Belle-
ville and was fortunate in being able to read law
with Gen. Kueffner, and had the satisfaction of
being admitted to the Bar by the Appellate Court
at ]\It. Vernon, May 1, 1885. and after reading for
five years passed at the head of his class. lie then
returned to the office of Gen. Kueffner as clerk,
and also practiced with him.
The gentleman of whom we write was married
February 22, 1889, to Miss Lizzie Gundlach,
daughter of Jacob Gundlach, Sr., and they have
one daughter, Estelle. Mr. Rebhan has been a Di-
rector in the Belleville Pump Works for some years,
ami lins ^.lock in different business enterprises. Our
MiKjcci l.-fi (Mil. Kueffner in the fall of 1889, and
bdiiylil nut the Alistraet OtHce of S. Fietsam, but
in April, 1890, sold it to the Donavan-Guignon
Land Title Company, still retaining an interest
and managing the company at Belleville. Since
then he has given his attention to the buying and
selling of real estate in East St. Louis, and owns a
great deal of valuable property. As he has the
confidence of the people, he is very much occu-
pied in the settling of estates in this vicinity, and
has proven his ability and honesty in many cases.
He is a prominent member of the Sons of 'S'eterans
and at present is Lieutenant-Colonel of tlie Illi-
nois Division. Mr. Rebh.an is a consistent mem-
ber of St. Peter's Catholic Catliedral.
■il? UCirs C. SIIAWHAN. Tiie art studio.
I (^ where nature is not only faithfully pic-
jj^^. turod, but often improved upon, to the
satisfaction of those who do not wish to be too
trutlif uUy mirrored, is conducted on Missouri Ave-
nue under the artistic eye of the original of our
sketch. Mr. Shawhan was born in Cincinnati, Ohio,
June 2, 1848. The father was Harvey Shawhan, a
native of Harrison County, Ky., who was veiy
proud of his father, David, an old Indian fighter
of Kentucky. The latter located in later years in
Warren County, Ohio, and was one of tlie earliest
settlers there, where he passed the remainder of his
life.
Tlie father of our subject was a contractor and
PORTRAIT AND BIOftRAPlilCAL RECORD.
147
builder, who, after working at different places, re-
lumed to the home of his father, and died in
Morrow, Warren County, in the year 1850, at
tlie age of thirty-live years. The mother of our
subject was Phoebe Green, born in New Haven,
Conn., her mother being a typical New England
woman from Martha's Vineyard. Mrs. Shawhan
lived in Maineville, Ohio, where she died in 1890.
Our subject was one of two children, his brother,
.1. W., living in Morrow. This brother was in the
same regiment and company as himself during the
Mr. Sliawlian was reared about eight miles from
the Shalver settlement, and was educated m tlie com-
mon schools of the district. When fourteen years
of age the call came resounding through the land,
for defenders of the country, and among the first
to respond was this young lad, who ran away from
liome and made his way to Camp Chase, where he
enlisted in Company A, Eight}--sixth Ohio In-
fantry, was mustered 'in June 3, 18G2, and was
sent to Virginia. He was at the battle of Buchan-
nan, Va.; was then sent to guard railroad tracks at
Parkersburg; was then put on detail duty to
[iliotograph maps, going tlirough from Memphis
to Corinth under Rosecrans, and afterwards was at
Shiloh, luka, Tuscurabia, Vicksburg and up the
Black River, thence to Memphis and back to Camp
Dennison. At the close of the war, Mr. Shawhan,
still a youth, was mustered out at Delaware, Ohio,
in ,Iunc, 1865, being only seventeen yeai's old, and
yet a veteran soldier.
After his return from the life of a soldier, Mr.
Shawhan went right to work at photogi-aph3- in
co-partnership witli the man he had been associa-
ted witii in tlie army, the partnership I)eingfor one
year in Cincinnati, when he opened a galier}- of
his own. Tlie young man remained at his busi-
ness there for two years and then tried his luck
two years in Newport, Ky., thence back to Cin-
cinnati. In the meantime, JMr. Shawhan opened
a gallery at Lebanon, and took views of the
Shaker buildings. Remaining in Ohio until 1890,
he came to East St. Louis and located, winning
the reputation of turning out the best work
ever done in this city, Oui' subject is a man of
ineaus. owning real-estate in Cincinnati, ajjd is a
Republican of no uncertain kind, believing in the
righteousnesi of his favorite part3', whether it lie
victorious or defeated.
Mr. Sliawhan was married at Lebanon, Oliio, in
1874, to Miss Nancy Thompson, who was born in
Warren Count}', but died at Piqua, Ohio, wliere she
went for her health. She departed this life May
30, 1888, leaving one son, C. B., who lives with his
grandfather at Madison, Ind. Our subject is very
popular, and probably the youngest member of
Alexander Post, G. A. R.,of Piqua. Mr. Shawhan
is an indefatigable worker, and a conscientious,
painstaking and artistic photographer.
JACOB GUNDLACH, .Ti;., a farmer who re-
sides on the northwest corner of section 3,
Smithton Township, St. Clair County, the
^_^ subject of the present sketch, is the eldest
son of Philip John Gundlach, who resides in St.
Clair Township. The later was born in Nassau, Ger-
many, in October, 1820, and came to this country in
1842. He first located on the land where he is
now living, and married Margaret Biebel, daughter
of John Biebel, by whom he had eight children,
all of whom grew to maturity and five of whom
are now living.
Our subject was born December -13, 1854, on the
old homestead in St. Clair Township, in this county,
was leared on the home place and educated in the
public and private schools of Belleville and St.
Louis. Taught in both the German and English
languages, he was fortunate in receiving etflcieut
instructions. After finishing his schooling, he re-
turned to ills fatlier's farm and remained there
until his marriage. This important event occurred
December 28, 1880, when he was twenty-five years
of age. The young lady who consented to share
his fortunes was Miss Minic ileir, daughter of
Philip Herr, of Stookcy Tuwiislii|i, iinw living in
Belleville the life of a retired fanner. Mr. IJerr
came to this country from Germany in 1843, mak-
ing his home at once in St. Clair,
After marriage, Mr, Gundlach came lothis place
148
POETKAIT AJN'D BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and has lived here ever since, upon a fine farm of
two hundred acres in a good state of cultivation.
Mr. and Mrs. Gundlach have three left of their
live children, who are as follows: Peter J.,
born October 9, 1881; Louisa, born Ma_v 6,
1883, and Clemens, born July 20, 1891. Tiiose
wlio died were, John Linus, tive years old, who
died of diphtheria in 1890, and Rosa, only three
years old, succumbed to that dreadful disease at
the same time. Politically, Mr. Gundlach is a
Democrat and believes in tlie principles of that
party. In liis religious relations, he belongs to
the Catholic Church and is a member of St. Peter's
Cathedral, of Belleville. The home of this worthy
family is a very pleasant one, and no cloud has
come to it with the exception of the deaths of the
children mentioned above.
J ^ AMES WILDERMAN. One of the wealtii-
iest and most intiuential men in the county
of St. Clair is the gentleman who resides
on section 8, Erceburg Townshi[). George
AYildernian, the grandfather of our subject, was of
German ancestry-, and was born in Washington
County, Md., whence he came West in 1805, and set-
tled in the Territory of Indiana, which now is the
State of Illinois, locating in Freeburg Township,
where our subject now lives, remaining there until
the time of his death, a few years later. He had ten
sons: John, Jacob, Francis, James, Dorsey, Henry,
Joseph, AVilliam, Levi and George. .Jacob, George
and James served as soldiers in the Black Hawk
War.
The father of our subject .lames Wilderman, born
in Pennsylvania, July 19, 1790, was about sixteen
years old when his father came to this county. He
married Sarah .Tarvis, who died Februar}^ 29, 1856.
(See sketch of Amos Thompson for further history
of the Wilderman family.) James, Sr., died Aug-
ust 3, 1847, and was the father of seventeen chil-
dren, all of whom grew to maturity with one ex-
ception. Tiie children of this remarkable family
were as follo\^s: Eli/,abctli, wife of DeWitt Drew, of
Golden City, Mo.; Nancy, Franklin, Cyrena, Lu-
cinda, William, Mary Ann and John, all deceased;
Sarah, wife of Reuben Ilolcomb, of Green County,
Wis.; Delilah, widow of Henry Ileberer, of Belle-
ville, died May 21, 1892; Thomas, Elinor, Amanda,
and an infant, have all been deceased upward of
forty years; Maria, the widow of John Mc(iuire:
and (ieorge W., deceased.
Our subject was born September 29, 1824, at the
old home place on section 7, Freeburg Township.
He grew to manhood there, and attended school
in Freeburg, and has continued to live on the old
place where he now resides ever since his birth. In
1862, he built his present residence. Together
with the heirs of John II. and Thomas, he has
about one thousand acres of land, and all of this
vast extent is well improved and finely cultivated.
As for location, there is not a farm in the county
which can excel it. The situation of his residence
is most charming, being placed upon a hill, com-
manding a view of the picturesque surrounding
country.
Mr. Wilderman has studied scientific farming,
and, judging by the result, has made a success of
it. He carries on general farming and the raising
of much grain, but gives some attention to stock.
Our subject has many advanced ideas about
farming, and puts them to a practical test.
Politically, he is a Republican, and beginning
with Fremont, has voted for every Republican
candidate. He has served as School Director, and
is a man of great influence in his community, his
advice being much sought after, and his character
beinsr highly esteemed by all who know him.
■JI^-RAXZ SCIIWARZ. The subject of the
t^gj present writing is a prominent grain farmer
ill, "" of section 21, Smithton Township, St. Clair
County. He was the son of John Schwarz, a shoe-
maker by trade, who was born in German}' and
there married Miss Mary Moore, and by that mar-
riage had six children. Our subject was born in
(iermanv in 18311. on tlie .Hth .)f July, was reared
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
149
there and came to America In 1853. He first
landed at New Orleans, then came up to St. Louis,
where he worked for two months at the black-
smith trade; then went to IMinnesota for two
months. Coming back to St. Louis, he remained
four or five months, and then went to Belleville,
where lie resided ten years, during seven of which
he conducted a .shop for himself. At that time our
subject went to the farm, where lie lived for two
years, and then went to another, where he lived
for some time, but finally settled down on the place
where he now lives, and which has been his home
ever since.
Mr. Schwarz was married in 1861 to Miss Mar}'
Pleish, by whom he has had nine children, eight
of whom are yet living. They are: Rettie, Marten,
Frank, Mattie, Lizzie, Jacob, Mary, and Joe,
Mary is deceased. Mr. Schwarz has one hundred
and sixty acres of land where he lives, besides
eightj^-five acres on section 10, raising grain prin-
cipally. His political convictions are in accordance
with the doctrines of the Democratic party. Our
subject has held the.oHice of School Director to the
satisfaction of his constituents. He is connected
with the Roman Catholic Church, and is a man of
habits and character above reproach.
||/_^ ENRY GANTEU, M. D. It is our ple.as-
rj\^ ure to call the attention of our readers to
'iv^^ a disciple of I^sculapius, who resides in the
(^ township of :SIillstadt, St. Clair County,
and dispenses pills and medicaments to the sur-
rounding country. This illustrious gentleman is
a native of Germany (that land of learning which
sends ns so many of its great men in science and
politics), born in Baden, August 18, 1849.
Early evincing a great taste for medical studies,
he lesolved to make this profession his life work.
He accordingly began the study of this branch of
science in his native country and graduated at
"Wiirzburg, Germany, in 1875, from one of the
institutions of loarninii' in thni famous citv. The
following year, feeling that Germany did not af-
ford him a broad enough field, he resolved to try
his fortune across the broad ocean. On his arrival
in the New World, our subject immediately
located at Waterloo, Monroe County, 111., and
began the practice of his profession. This loca-
tion did not suit him, so in about six months
Dr. Ganter changed his place of residence and
went to the pretty little village of Floraville, in
Millstadt Township, St. Clair Country, where he
has remained ever since, engaged in soothing the
pains and ailments of a people, sincerely attached
to the kind-hearted ph3'sician.
Dr. Ganter is the only physician in Floraville,
hence his hands are kept very full with all the
sick, being called upon not only to administer to
those in the village and township, but so renowned
has he become that in all serious cases Dr. Ganter is
the physician upon whom call is made from all parts
of St. Clair County. There are some disadvantages
in being popular, as the good Doctor realizes when
roused out on a cold winter night to make a visit
eight or ten miles off, but the sympathetic healer
never refuses to respond to any call that is made
for his services, whether the patient be rich or
poor. Would there were more as just and chari-
table as this German-American physician of Flor.a-
villc.
Dr. (ianter in 1878, married Miss Caroline
Kaemper, the accomplished daughter of Ernst
Kaemper, an earl^- settler of St. Clair County.
Six children have been sent to bless and make
happier the parents' lives. These bright young-
people are: Alexander, Emma, Lulu, Ida and
Lena. One little one, Annie, was taken away,
and the parents still mourn her loss. Our subject
is very prominent in the Monroe Medical Society,
where his views on various matters pertaining to
the profession are listened to by his brother phy-
sicians with respect and great interest, as thry
recognize his superior knowledge and skill. This
society meets at Waterloo and the meetings are of
great benefit to all concerned.
The people testified their aijprcciation of the Doc-
tor's knowledge in educ:ition:il iiKittvrs liy electing
him School Director, a position he still retains. Dr.
(ianter was President of the Floraville Creamery
150
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Company for some time, and very efficiently dis-
charged his duties in that connection. He is Sec-
etary of the Reading Society of the city and also
a member of the Helvetia Lodge, Millstadt. Dr.
Ganter is a devoted Republican, never allowing
anything to interfere with his loyalty to that
party, and always casts his vote for its candidates
and exerts his influence for their success. In re-
ligious matters, this good man is a Catholic and a
man of whom all speak words of praise and com-
mendation. His acts of charity are many, of
whicii the world knows notliing, and in every
way he seeks to live up to the teachings of the
Divine Master.
iI^-,^^ENRY T. SCHMIDT. Among the honored
[fj, and esteemed young farmers of Smithton
'^)^ Township, St. Clair County, 111., we find
\^) the subject of this sketch, who is a promi-
nent School Director and Township Commissioner.
He was the son of Philip Schmidt, an honest German
emigrant, who was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger-
many,in 1810,audcametothiscountry in 1832, first
locating in St. Louis, where lie remained for three
years, a portion of which time he was employed as
a salesman for the Goodyear Rubber Company.
Thence he came to St. Clair County and en-
tered Government land, living on the farm his
efforts redeemed from the prairie until his death,
in 1878. He married Miss Regina Seibert, who
emigrated to this country in 1833. She was the
eldest of a family of ten children, of whom onl\-
four survive, among whom is Mrs. Schmidt. She
bore him a family of seven children, four of whom
are still living: August, residing in Smithton Town-
ship; Jolin C, residing in Millstadt Township;
George W. and our subject. The father was a
consistent member of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church and lived a worthy. Christian life.
Our subject was born March 13, 1853, on the old
home place, in Smithton Township, where he still
remains. Here Uo received his primary education
in the public schools of the district, SLipplenienling
this by a course of study at Warrenton, Mo. Mr.
Schmidt was married March 30, 1879, to Miss
Katie Forcade, the daughter of Francis and
Barbara (Drugenbrod) Forcade, natives of Ba-
varia and. early settlers of this county. After
his marriage, Mr. Schmidt took his young
bride to the home they now occupy, where they
have spent many happy years. To this union five
bright, intelligent children have been given:
Amanda, aged eleven; Oscar, aged ten; Elsie, aged
nine; Hilda, aged six; and Josic, aged three.
jMr. Schmidt has a fine farm of eighty-one acres of
land, all well improved, in a high state of cultiva-
tion, on which he raises grain and stock, giving
the preference, however, to grain. Like his father
before him, he is a member of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church. Mr. Schmidt is also a member
of the Smithton Treubund, a German society, in
which he is highly- esteemed. In politics, our sub-
ject is a stanch Republican, and the party has re-
warded him with several offices, among which are
those of School Director and Township Commis-
sioner, the latter office having been held by him
for the past four years. Mr. Schmidt is respected
throughout the entire county for his honesty of
character and uprightness.
\|^ ETER W. LILL. The gentleman whose
11 JK sketch is now presented is the present
^J!!**^ Recorder of Deeds of St. Clair County, to
Jl^ whicli office he was elected in November,
1888, for a four-years term, on the Republican
ticket in a Democratic county, showing a personal
popularity which must be gratifying to the incum-
bent. He was born in Belleville February 8,
1850, and was the son of Peter, and Catherine
(Steitz) Lill. Peter Lill, Sr., was burn in
Germany in March 1816, was there educated,
came to America in 1841, and soon made his wa3-
to Belleville, where so many of his honest coun-
trymen had come. He learned the trndc of a
wagonmaker and located a manufactory liere,
where he continued up to 18GG. being among the
m% ^
f
^o^L-UX T(yyy^'i-^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIIICAL RP:CORD.
153
first to conduct a manufactory at this place. In
the year 1866, the family moved to Mascoutali.
lie was married in 1845, his wife having come from
(TLMinany about the same time that lie did. The
family have lived in Mascoutah since tlieir settle-
ment there, and for the past twelve years tlie
fatlier has lived retired from business. For seven
years he held an office in the City Council of
Helleville. ■Mr. and Mrs. Lills' four children
are living, namely: our subject. Emma, Julius
Z. and Adolpli H.
Our subject obtained his education in the com-
mon seliools of Belleville, and supplemented it by a
course at the Commercial College of Bryant and
Stratton, from wliicli he graduated. He then
went into a cigar factory, owning the factory at
Mascoutah from 1873 until 1887. Mr. Lill held dif-
ferent offices in the gift of his township and city,
and at the time of his election as Recorder, vvas
City Clerk and Township Collector. His residence
is still at Mascoutah. The marriage of our subject
occurred October 9, 1872, to Miss Anna M. Naab,
of St. Louis,, a daughter of Martin Naab. The
children that have been added to the household
are: Lillie E., Altna C, Nettie. Amy, Herbert F.,
and Anna. Mr. Lill has been a very prominent
Republican for many years, and enjoys the confi-
dence of his (lartN-.
JOSEPH PENN. One who has retired from
the active duties of life, having accumulated
a comfortable property by which he can
spend the latter years of his life in freedom
from the petty annoyances of restricted financial
standing, our subject now resides at No. 305 North
Jackson Street, where he lias a comfortable home.
He is a native of St. Clair County, and has devoted
himself entirely to its advancement and impnive-
mcnl,
Mr, Peun was horn five miles north of Belle,
villo, 111,, on the I2th of April, 1828, and is n son
uf William nnd Riiniali (Redmond) Penu, jial-ives
j of Georgia and Virginia, respectively. The father
was liorn in 1796, and was reared in the Blue
Grass State, but when about twenty years of age
he came to Illinois with the intention of making a
permanent settlement in St. Clair County. After
reaching this county he selected liis wife in the
person of Miss Rumah, daughter of Samuel Red-
mond, who came to St. Clair County from Virginia
as early as 1818. He was one of the pioneers of
this county and lived to be eighty -seven years of
age. The father of our subject died in St. Clair
County in 1851, and the mother departed this
life in 1842. They were worthy and much re-
spected, honest and upright in all their transactions,
and a credit to any community.
Joseph Penn was the fifth in order of birth of
twelve children, four of whom are now living.
! He assisted hi- r.ilhn ,,\t \_\n- f:uni .-ind altcnded
j the commiMi scliodls. thus passinohis lioyhood and
youth. In June, 1846, he enlisted for one year
I in a company raised in St. Clair County, and com-
I manded by Col. (later Gov.) Bissell. On tlie
I organization of the company he was di ( led si i-
geant, and in that capacity took part in thr li.iiUt'
of Buena Vista. He remained in service for thir-
teen months and then returned to the farm, where
he stayed three months. Afterward he went to
Lebanon and attended McKendree College for one
year, from 1847 to 1848, and then returned to the
1 farm, where he remained until after his father's
death. The latter had married Mrs. Hart, whose
maiden name was Mary Bell, and who was the
mother of onr subject's second wife. In 1855,
our subject married Miss Arminda R. Martindale,
of Lebanon, who died in 1864. Ten years later,
Mr. Penn moved to Belleville but continued his
farming interests. He owns two thousand ai-r(;>
ill ten (lirfcrciil f.-m]i> in St. Clair and .Saiiuainun
Counties. 111., and Cooper County, Mo. Besides 1 his.
he is the owner of the Penn Building, which is
I valued at $30,000 and also the Kenchler Building.
1 which is valued at $50,000.
! Mr. Penn is not active in politics but usually
j votes the Republican ticket. He was President
of the Fair Association for one year and was also
! Superintendent, Iwing very active in promoting
it-s interests, 'I'lic annual reunion of the pld set.
154
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tiers is held under his supervision. Mr. Penn's
second marriage occurred on the 28th of February,
1865, when he was united with Mrs. Susan A.
(Hart) Scott, the widow of John Scott, and daugh-
ter of his father's second wife. The children born
of the first marriage of Mr. Penn are as follows:
Georgianna, who married Finley IMcNulty. of
Springfield. 1 11.; William ('.. of ( o..i„.|('..uiit.v. :\I...
and John, a resi.k-iit of licUevillv. To Uic .mmm,i,,1
marriage no children wfic lioni. I'>y her former
marriage Mrs. Penn liccamc Ihc mother of four
children: Theodore II., of South Dakota; Adolphus
G.. of Cliicago, 111.; Leonora .1. (Mr>. .lohn T. fJeb-
bie) deceased; and John K., a roidciit of Indian-
apolis, lud. For forty years or more Mr. and Mrs.
Penn have beenmernVn'is of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, and the sincerity of their lives proves
lietter than mere words the depth of their belief.
l^r+^[
VfpSUGENE SCIIMISSEUR, one of the leading
lU and enterprising farmers of Smitlilou 'I'own-
soil, having been born, reared, ediu-.-iti-cl. married
and always lived in the township that nowrlainis
him as a res;dent. This little town>liip of Smith-
ton has been the scenes of his labors, successes and
interests.
The ancestors of Mr. Schmisseur were of French
birth, his father having been a native of Lorraine.
France, who came in his earl}' youth to America
and settled first in St. Louis, where he followed
the trade of w;\y-on-maker for a >liort period of
time; lie then operated a restaurant for some time,
but soon left St. Louis, and made his w.ay to St.
Clair County, where he purch.ased land, and con-
tinued to reside until his death. When this me-
lancholy event occurred, Mr. Schmisseur was the
owner of three hundred and sixty-seven acres of
land, all of which had been earned by his own
efforts. A prominent man in his locality, he took
an active part in public affairs, and served his dis-
trict most creditably as School Director, and was
iiiiiversallv niournoil by all w)|o klieM' him, The
maiden name of the mother of our subject was
Elizabeth Chenot; she bore her husband nine chil-
dren, five of whom grew to maturity.
Eugene Schmisseur, our subject, was born De-
cember C, 1849, on the farm of his father in Smith-
ton Township, St. Clair County. After his mar-
riaae. Mr. Schmisseur began farming on the old
hoiiic place, i-oiitinuiuu' there one year, going
tlieiiee to the American liollom and from there to
Hidge Prairie, where he remained four years, and
then to his present home. This farm consists of
two hundred and four acres, all well improved
and in a liiuli >tate of c-iilti\;ition. ( tii this land
are raised grain and stock, the latter lieini^df a very
fine and supciim liiadc
Mr. Scluiii-. ui «,■!- married to Miss Elizabeth
Beatrie, dauL;litei of Nicholas Beatric, a prominent
farmer of St. Clair County. This faithful wife has
borne him seven children: Albert, Edward, Eugene,
Lizzie, Otto, Nellie and Cora, all of whom are
living. These seven children have had the ad-
vantage of a good common-school education. Mr.
Schmisseur is a member of the Indei)endent Or-
der of .Odd Fellows, in which lodge he is Past
Grand, havinii pas.sed :ill the chairs. In |ioli-
tics, he adheres to the platform laid down by the
Farmer's Alliance, and i> one of it> >tancliest sup-
poiters. Mr. Schmis,seur is one of the most promi-
nent citizens of his township, wheic he takes an
active part in public affairs.
-^€^^il-^"i^li^#t^
\|^^^ETER HILL. The subject of this sketch,
I Jl) who resides on section 30, in Frceburg
%^ Township, St. Clair County, 111., was the
ii, sou of James Hill, who was born on the
19th of June, 1811, on Turkey Hill, and left there
in 1832 to live on the place where our subject
now resides. The father pre-empted this one
iiundred and sixty acres from the Government,
and remained there until 1862, when he removed
to Freebnrg. since which time he has lived the
comfoitalile life of a retired farmer, James Hill
WMS married :ibout 1831 to Eliijabeth Thrift,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
155
daugliter of Samuel Thrift. He, owns three
hundred "and seventeen acres of land in Free-
burg Township, was the son of one of the old-
est settlers in St. Clair County, and was himself
one of the soldiers of the Black Hawk War. He
has held the ottice of Justice of the Peace in this
township for three terms. His children were as fol-
lows: our subject; .Samuel, who lives in New
Athens; Elizabeth and James, both deceased;
Jackson, living at Freeburg; Permelia, living at
home; George ^Y., who is managing a mill at St.
Louis; Sarah, Anna, Theresa and Albina .are all
deceased. The father is a member of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church and one of its officers.
Our subject was born on the birthday of the
Father of his Country — February 22, 1835 — on the
same place where he is now living. He was here
reared and educated, and was married in this
county to Miss Emeliue, the daughter of William
Mitchell a farmer. After this ceremony, which
took place in 1859, our subject lived on the old
place for two years, and then removed to the
southern part of the county, but returned again.
Discontented, he concluded to try another change,
and so went to Macon Count}-, where he resided
for four years and again came back to the old
place. In 1877, he sold out and went to Texas,
bnt only remained there two months and then
returned to Illinois and settled in Franklin Countj',
where he lived ten years and engaged ui farming.
Affection for the old place clung to him in all his
changes of residence, and he finally came back to
it, to remain here ever since. He has had seven
children. Ellen died at the nge of seven, and
three died in infancy. Tlie living are Samuel,
Joseph and Minnie. Samuel married Mrs. Nancy
Eubanks, and is living in Freeburg.
Our subject farms three hundred and seventeen
acres of land, part of which belongs to him and
the rest to his fathei > olatc. wheat being his
principal product. Pulitically. Mr. Hill is a Dem-
ocrat and is devoted to his favorite party. He is
a consistent member of the Baptist denomination
and is everywhere regarded with respect and
esteem, because of his consistent, straightforward
life and his devotion to the principles which he
avovvs. Much travel and chanije of place have
broadened his mind and added to his understand-
ing, so that his views vipon the questions of the
day are always presented by him with fairness
and intelligence and with due regard to the opin-
ions of others.
AMES MASON. Age comes to some as a
mellow radiance, and none has it touched
more lightly than the genial host of the
wayside inn, the subject of this notice, who
bears his seventy-five years with scarcely the ap-
pearance of fifly, :iii(l is so genial and companion-
able that tlic yiiuiiui r stranger forgets the dispar-
ity. The subject of this sketch was born in Stir-
lingshire, Scotland, October .30, 1817, the son of
Walter and Isabel (Baird) Mason, who came to
America in 1848, went to Pennsylvania, and settled
in Pottsville, .Schuylkill County, where they lived
and died.
The youth and the active years of our subject's
life were given to hard work. He remained with
his parents and uncles in Pennsylvania more than
a year, when he and a brother started West, and
continued until they reached French Village, near
East St. Louis, in St. Clair Count}', 111., where our
subject obtained work in a coal mine by tlie day,
and continncil there tliree or four years; he then
bought a iiimc "f his own along the bluff, a mile
from French \ iUaiie. iiiierating it three vr four
years and then sciliiiu it. About 1856, ]Mr. Mason
became Supci-intcndciit of the Twiss Mills on the
Short Line Ro.ad. holdiujr the position four years,
and then bouglit propuly :ind luiilt tlie comtort-
able house he has occuiiied since the spring of
18G1. It is a wayside house of .refreslimeiU for
man and beast. Two of his brotliers, Joliii and
Malcom, served as soldiers in the Union army
during the late Civil War, tlie former in the Nine-
tieth Pennsylvania and the latter in the Sixth
Pennsylvania Heservcs.
Mr. Mason has been married three times, liis lirst
m.'irriao'c taking place in August, 18-11, in Stir-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIUCAL RFX'ORD.
lingshire, Scotland, the name of his wife being
Agnes Young, who died in 1845. The two chil-
dren by this niiirriage were Ellen and Isabel; the
former, born February 6, 1843, in Scotland,
married Francis A. McBride, a resident farmer and
stockman of St. Clair Countj', who died January
■26, 18.89, and left two children, W. R. and Lillie.
Isabel was drowned in childhood, near Pottsville,
Pa. .Our subject married his second wife, Agnes
Mair, in 1846, and she died April 2.5, 1876. The
three living children of this marriage are Walter,
a mining engineer, who married Emma Sutton
and resides at Rabe Station, near his father;
Anabel, who mari-ied .lohn Vickers, a ranchman
wlio lives in New Mexico; and William, married
recently in New Mexico, who is engaged in min-
ing. Our subject married in February, 1877, his
third wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Allen, who assisted him
in dispensing hospitality at the family home until
her death, November 6, 1890. Mv. Mason has
never accepted office, and is a Democrat when he
deposits his ballot. The family belongs to the
Presbyterian Church, and are much thought of in
the neighborhood.
♦^^^^It^®!^
S^Y/ •^- i^TAUFENRIEL. The City Council of
I— ^; Belleville, 111., established a public library
/Is " by an ordinance p.assed February o, 1883,
and since that time the gentleman whose well-
known name opens this sketch has been its efficient
Librarian. Since the opening of the institution,
its management has required almost his entire time,
and at present he has the assistance of ]Miss .losi'-
phine Bissell, a daughter of Cov. r.i»fll. (leccasrd.
Mr. Staufenbiel was born near Muhlll;ul^en. Tliur-
ingia, Prussia, September 29, 1833. His parents
were Joseph and Marriana Staufenbiel, natives of
the same countr3^ Our subject was reared and
carefully educated in Germany, taking a full course
at a gymnasium, and then came to America, lo-
cating first at Milwaukee, Wis., where he engaged
in clerking in a brewery, remaining three years.
Jii l$i)\), our subject ct^nie Jo this city, where ho
engaged with the Western Brewer^'^, remaining
with this company for a period of fourteen years.
Folkiwiiig tills he was appointed as a clerk, and
later as Deputy Recorder, in the court house, and
was serving in the latter capacity when he received
the appointment as Librarian. Mr. Staufenbiel
was married to Miss Franciska Kngelmann, of this
city, the daughter of IMicliael Knuclmaun, a civil
engineer, of Germany. Mrs. Staufenbiel was born
in tli;it country in 1840, and she has become the
mother of four interesting children: Anna, Tlierese,
John and Emily, Our subject and his wife are
prominent members of Belleville society and are
highly esteemed by a large circle of friends.
-i-^m^-r
-^
RED PRIESTER,
of the leading (ier-
man- Americans of Belleville, has been en-
_ gaged in the lumber business within her
confines for the past twent^'-five years. The sub-
ject of this sketch imbibed the principles of ster-
ling honesty that have made him honored and re-
spected throughout his entire business career from
his revered father, Jacob Priestcr. ^Ir. Jacob
Priester was also a native of ( icrniany. Init after
the death of his beloved wife, Mnigaret ( I'liester)
Priester, he brought his motherless family to the
LTnited States, making the trip in 18.50, The
father was not destined, however, to live and en-
joy the adv.antages of the l;iiiil to which he had
come in search of freedom and fortune, for his
death occurred in 18;53. One sister of our subject,
Mrs. Paulina Rothgangel, is a resident of Belle-
ville, where she is liighly respected,
Mr. Pri>>ler. our >uliject, was born in Nassau,
(icniiaiiy. S('|.tciiiliri ■>:>. is-i7, and received his
education in th«' cxcclU'iit ( ierman .schools. Upon
coming to St. (lair ('(.nuty, in 1850, he settled
twenty miles south of Belleville, in a locality
known as Dutch Hill, Here he continued to farm
for nine years and had one of the finest farms in the
county, when, in IH.'iit, lie sohl this excellent prop-
erty and camo to iielhvillo. .\fter ))is advent into
tlte city, >lr. Priester eugugeJ in tlie browing busc
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
157
iness, and later took charge of the St. Clair House,
whicli he operated until 1867, when he entered
Ills present business, under the firm name of Oscar
Hemrich & Company, Mr. Priester representing
the company.
The firm opened business on Soutli Illinois
Street, where tiiey are still to be found, conduct-
ing the largest lumber business in the city, carr}'-
ing all kinds of lumber, sash, blinds, doors and
everj'thing pertaining to the business. Their
premises occupy nearly an entire block and are the
scene of active business life. In addition to his
business cares in this direction, Mr. Priester has
the honor of being a Director of the First National
Pank of Belleville. Our subject is a man of un-
usual business ability, and his entire property has
been accumulated by his own efforts.
Mr. Priester was married on the 1st of Feliru-
ary, 1850, before he crossed to America, and the
name of the lady was Mrs. Anna Och. Mr.
Priester and his bride set sail for America, April 1,
1850, and reached Belleville July 4, following.
Mr. Priester and wife are esteemed members of St.
Paul's Free Protestant German Church, in whicli
body they are influential people. Our subject is a
member of the Masonic fraternity and is connected
with St. Clair Lodge No. 24, A. F. & A. M. Few
men are more popular in a community than is Mr.
Priester in the town of Belleville, where he has re-
sided for so many years.
■^#^-
\I>.ESLEY SKAKR. Although quite a young
y^y* man, this gentleman already has consid-
\y^' erable weight in the community where he
resides, a fact which is easily accounted for by his
strong principles, his active interest in the wel-
fare of all around him, and the pleasant manners
which are the crowning charm of a fine nature.
His parents are numbered among the pioneers of
the count}', to whom great honor is due for the
manner in which they bore hardsiiip and priva-
tion, and the toils which they underwent in giving
the genoratioii which followed tliem a highly
developed and beautiful country, with all the
blessings of civilization. It would be strange
indeed if the son of such parents should not pos-
sess the qualities which would lead to his own
financial success, and to a highly respected place
among his fellow-men.
A brief outline of the life of Mr. Skaer's parents
will aid us in our subject's biography. Philip
Skaer was one of the first white men to settle in
this township, and is known to-day as one of its
most substantial and wealthy citizens. He has
always been a man of wonderful energy and en-
terprise, and the result of his good management
and more than ordinary ability is apparent in his
present surroundings. His life partner, the mother
of our subject, was one of the women who ably
assisted her husband in all that pertained to the
welfare of his family, and maintained for herself a
high standard of womanhood.
The subject of our sketch was born in Smithton
Township, High Prairie, on the 14th of Novem-
ber, 1853, and spent his boyhood days in the same
location. He was educated in the schools of St.
Clair County, and after reaching the years which
qualified him to choose what vocation in life he
should adopt, he followed in the footsteps of his
father and became a farmer. On November Ki.
1876, our subject married Miss Mary Eva Kunkel-
mann, the daughter of Leonard Kunkelmaiin, a
IHominent farmer of Monroe County, who is still
living in the village of Smithton. Soon after his
marriage, our subject settled near his father, but a
sliort time afterward removed to the place on
which he now resides. Six children have blessed
him and his wife, one of whom, Catherine, died at
tiie age of one year and ten months. Those living-
are Amanda, born November 16, 1878; Amelia,
July 20, 1880; Henrietta, born in April, 1882;
Elizabeth, March 2, 1884; and Arthur, June 27,
1886.
Wesley Skaer is rich in the possession of an iii-
.teresting, bright and healthy family, and his chil-
dren bid fair to become a credit and blessing to
his declining years. He is a man of advanced
ideas, and believes in thorough education as tlie
most useful factor in. laying a foundation for the
future American citizen. His children are all in-
PORTRAIT AND ]3J0GRAPmCAL RECORD.
telligent, and with the means at his command he
proposes to f5t them for the responsibilities of life
to the best of his ability.
Tlie farm owned by our subject comprises one
hundred and twenty acres of improved land, all
in a state of thorough cultivation. His principal
crop is wheat, and he has the proud satisfaction of
seeiiig fift.y-five acres of this grain on his own
soil this year, which promises an unusual yield.
Socially, Mr. Skaer is a member of the Farmers'
Mutual Benefit Association. He is a strong ad-
herent of the Republican part3', and his support
can always be relied on for the welfare of his party.
He is School Director of his district, and fills that
office with the same zeal and energy that charac-
terize his business transactions. Mr. Skaer is a
keen reader and intelligent thinker, a man whose
faculty of observation has been well cultivated,
and is the possessor of a knowledge of affairs which
makes his statements authentic.
In all his dealings, our subject has preserved the
inherent honestj- and integrity of his character,
and as one of tlie best citizens of this community
holds the unlimited confidence of all who know
him.
^OHN TATE. The grain and stock-raiser
I who resides on section 20, Smithton Town-
^^ j ship, was the son of Edward Tate, who was
^^J/J born in Fayette Count_y, Pa., was reared
and remained there until eighteen years of age,
when he came to Illinois and started to work in
Ridge Prairie and other parts of the county.
Wishing to make a home for himself, he married
Miss Lovina Stuntz, who had also come from Penn-
sylvania. The newly-married couple then removed
to Turke3' Hill, bought a farm and remained there
some four or five years, going then to the place,
where our subject now resides, and there lived up
to the time of the husband's death.
Mr. Edward Tate was the father of the following
children, who all grew up except the youngest, who
died in infancy. There are now living: Char-
lotte, widow of D. L. Phillips; Rachel, wife of
Alfred AVilderman; Sarah, widow of Edwin
Phillips; Lovina, wife of M. S. Carr, of East St.
Louis; George and our subject. Those who have
been taken away are Priscilla F. Terrell, Mary
Ann AValker, Matilda Woods and Margaret Robach.
The father was one of the xihlicrs who made
things uncomfortable for the Indians in tlie lilacli
Ilawk War, and was not uiily ;i brave suldier, but
was also a fine farmer, and owned about ff)ur hun-
dred acres of land.
The birtii of our subject took place June 6, 1827,
on Hazel Creek Farm on Turkey Ilill, he being-
six months old when his father removed to this
place, where he grew to manhood, and has been
ever since, except during a trip, begun in the spring
of 1864, across the plains to Oregon with a mule-
team and horses, and from which he returned
in the year 1865. Our subject, about this time,
married Martha Jane Reynolds, the daughter of
Thomas Reynolds. The latter was born in Tennes-
see and had had a life of more than common inter-
est, reaching Illinois before it became a State and
locating near St. Louis. He married there and la-
ter removed to Twelve Mile Prairie, and lived
upon a farm, but later became a great trader, and
one of the leading merchants of Galena. Mr.
Reynolds was one of the first parties that started
the Pittsburg Horse Road that ran from Illinois-
town to the Bluff, and was a soldier in the Black
Hawk War, in which he was wounded. This
couple had a family of ten childi-en, nine of whom
grew up, and of these Mrs. Tate was the third
and youngest daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. Tate have had nine children, and
of these five still remain. They are: Thomas E., who
is twenty-two years old, and resides in Colorado:
George R., wlio is one year too young to cast a
vote, is at home; Alfred, ten years old; Martlia ('.,
seven; and Margaret Pearl, four. Those who have
passed to the other land are: Mary Ann, at tlic
age of eleven; Charlotte, lietween two and three
years; John, who was not (piite twf); and an in-
fant.
Mr. Tate is a member of the Cirange of High
Prairie Lodge, and h.as been honored willi almost
all of its offices; he is a Democrat in faith, and has
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
been prominent in local political affairs. Our sub-
ject is a large land-owner, having two hundred and
twenty-six acres of fine land on sections 19, 20
and 29, all well improved. He has been success-
ful ill both grain and stock-raising, and is known
throughout this region as a man who understands
the business of agriculture ver^' thoroughlj', hav-
ing made almost all of the superior improvements
on his land and built a very desiralile home for
iiimself and familv.
•>^r<m
^f^REDERlCK T. ROSE, M. D. Few young
|-^j men appear to have a brighter career of
ij^ usefulness before them and one which prom-
ises a more successful termination than does the
j-oung physician whose name opens this sketch.
His tastes he has probably inherited from his well-
known father, and with nature and education
both on his side he cannot fail.
The subject of this sketch was born March 11,
1870, at Columbia, 111. He is the son of Dr. Will-
iam Rose, a native of Germany who came to this
country when but fourteen years of age, making
his home with his uncle. He began a medical ed-
ucation and was graduated at the College of Phy-
sicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, lovVa, beginning
the practice of his ])rofession at Columbia, 111.,
where he has remained ever since, one of tiie old
and reliable practitioners of the State. He has
been tlie Piesident of the Medical Society of Mon-
roe County for a number of years, and is a man of
high standing who takes both a fatherly and pro-
fessional pride in his son's success.
The gentleman of whom this notice is written
resides in the town of Millstadt, and has his oUice
on Main Street. He grew up in the place of his
birth and there went to school, his father after-
ward sending him to Warren ton. Mo., where he so
improved his opportunities that his father decided
to encourage his natur.al leaning toward the life of
a physician, although none knew better than him-
self what a self-sacrificing life it often has to be,
especially in country neighborhoods. At any rate.
Dr. Rose took the boy into his office, opened his
medical libraries, taught him the necessary rudi-
ments of the healing art, and so directed his young
I mind that in 1889 he was prepared for college.
He went into the College of Physicians and Sur-
j geons at St. Louis, Mo., took three courses of
lectures there and graduated from that well-known
j institution March 14, 1892. After passing through
college he came to Illinois and took the necessary
: examination before the State Board and was ad-
mitted to practice.
After this happy termination, our subject came
to the growing town of Millstadt and has made
this his home and has done well here. He has the
pi-oper manner for a successful doctor, and does
not need .age to give him dignit3-. He inspires
confidence, and, no doubt, will one day become
one of the leading phj'sieians of the State. So-
cially, Dr. Rose is an acquisition to Millstadt, and
his presence is appreciated by his many friends
and acquaintances.
(I^'RED SATTLER. This gentleman is' tlie
Ijp^ Superintendent and Manager of the Belle-
/li ville Pump and Stove Works, located at
the corner of Race and Seventh Streets. As his
name would indicate, he is of German descent,
having been born in Baden, March 31, 1852. His
parents were Peter and Elizabeth Sattler, who came
to this cit3r in 1855, where Mr. Sattler was en-
gaged as a wagon-maker, conducting a shop until
his death in April, 1872. Our subject was edu-
cated partially in the city schools, and afterward
learned the trade of a wagon-maker with his
father. At the age of eighteen years, he took em-
ployment witii the Esler & Ropiequet Manufac-
turing Company as painter, and was put in charge
of the paint department from that time. He also
traveled for the company until 1881, when he
came here, and, with Mr. Becker,, organized the
Belleville Puinp Works. From the time of its or-
ganization, Mr. Sattler luas had the full manage-
ment of the plant and has made it a great success.
160
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ill 1883, lie was elected President of the Sucker
Drill Company, at that time the P^sler and Ropie-
quet Manufacturing Company, and still occupies
that position. Business has so engrossed him that
lie has never engaged in politics of any kind.
Like so many natives of the Fatherland, our
subject has musical talent, and is a member of tlie
Liederkrauz and the Kranthaler Musical Socie-
ties. He was married November fi, I880, to Au-
gusta Tieman, daughter of August Tieman (see
sketch), and they have three children: Cordelia,
Elmer and Blanche. Tiie business which Mr. Sat-
tler has so successfully carried on was incorpor-
ated in September, 1881, with a capital stock of
*2r), 000. which has since been increased to -175,000.
The ]5resent officers are Charles Becker, President;
C. T. Mullen, Secretary and Treasurer; and our
subject. Superintendent and Manager. They en-
gage in the manufacture of iron goods, have a
foundry and general machine shop, and give em-
pl03-ment to a number of men, a large proportion
of them being skilled workmen. The stove works
were added in 1885 and are operated by this com-
pany and give employment to one hundred and
seventy-five men for the manufacture of stoves,
ranges and heaters, the business houses occupying
two whole blocks.
I^_^^IRAM A. PIERCE, for seventy years a resi-
|lf)|; dent of this county', owns a farm on section
I"^^ 3, Shiloh Township, where he now resides.
(^) His birth occurred in 1822, within a mile
and a-half of where he now makes his home. His
father was Daniel Pierce, who was a native of
Bradford County, Pa. His mother, who bore the
maiden name of Elsie Tozer, was born in Connect-
icut. Daniel Pierce in early life learned the
blacksmith's trade, which calling he followed until
coming to Illinois. He was one of the earliest pio-
neers of this portion of the State, emigrating here
in 1812, and settling on a tract of land in this
townshi)). As he was possessed of but Utile means.
he purchased a small property, to which he
brought his wife, whom he had married the year
previous. She was tlie daughter of .lulius and
Hannah Tozer. Mr. Pierce added to his small
farm until he had property amounting to about
three hundred and fifty acres, which he brought
under a high state of cultivation and on which he
erected siibstantial farm buildings. Seven chil-
dren blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce:
Juliet ('.; Emily .1., wife of Daniel S. Osborn;
Hannah, wile of Sciota Evans; John O., Daniel E.,
James A. and Hiram A., none of whom are living
with the exception of our subject.
Hiram A. Pierce passed his boyhood days upon
his father's farm in the usual manner of farmer
lads and received such a limited education as
could be gleaned in the district schools at that
early period. He also attended school at Lebanon.
He lived under the parental roof until twenty-
four years of age. When twenty-three years old,
his father died, ami for four years he and his
brother James carried on the farm for their motiier,
relieving her of all care and anxiety.
In 1847, Mr. Pierce was united in marriage to
Mary A. Middlecoff, who is a daughter of George
and Sarah (Scott) Middlecoff. Mrs. Pierce was
born in St. Clair County, but her parents were na-
tives of Virginia, and were among the very
early pioneers of this county. To our sub-
ject and his wife have been born eight children:
Johanna, wife of Adolph Schott; Ralph Ci.; Kate,
wife of Albert Reuss; Louella, wife of Jolin E.
Lemen; Jolm IL, Don Albert, Edgar F.. and Clar-
ence E. John H. assists his father on the home
farm.
In 1851, Mr. Pierce went to Belleville and there
ran a livery stable for some time. With that ex-
ception, his life has been entirely devoted to agri-
cultural pursuits. He has accumulated almost
six hundred acres of as fine land as can be found
in the county. For several years, he has engaged
in stock-raising. He went to "\'ermont and there
purchased for $5,000 a horse of Ilambletonian
breed. He has dealt quite extensively in Durhaiti
cattle. Mr. Pierce is the owner of one of the finest
residences in the eastern pait of St. Clair County,
and in addition to this h.is commodious bains and
^^
I'ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
other well-built farm buildings. His farm is a
model of neatness and shows the caie and time
which are devoted to it liy the owner.
Politically, Mr. Pierce casts his ballot for the
nominees of the Democratic party, which finds in
him a strong supporter. He is numbered among
the earliest settlers of the county, and has added
very materiallv in the development and advance-
ment of the same. He is a public-spirited man,
taking an .active part in all measures, political,
educational and moral, which tend to the welfare
of the eommunily. He is an honored and respected
citizen, and by his upright and honorable course
tiirouoliout life has won the respect of all with
whom he has come in contact.
§ ■ "-E3 <" Y '> C
JniEN.lAMIN HYPES. One of the most ele-
L-^ gant residences of Lebanon Townshii) is
/T) I that owned and occupied by the subject of
^•^s< our sketch. Retired from active business
affairs, he passes the twilight of his honorable life
quietly at his home, surrounded by the comforts
which he accumulated in his years of toil. Through
his long career he has thrown into his daily labors
individual honesty and integrity*, qualities which
ennoble every man, whether rich or poor. From
poverty to prosperity, everj' step was won by hon-
est work and brave efforts, and his biography
therefore is most u.seful as an incentive to others.
Born February 10, 1805, in Botetourt County,
Ya., our subject is the son of Henry and Patience
(Reynolds) Hypes, also natives of the old Domin-
ion. The paternal grandparents were from Ger-
many and the maternal grandfather came from
England. Our subject's parents were married in
Virginia, where his father followed farming. In
1811 they moved to Ohio, and settled near Xenia,
where they made their home as long as they lived.
The father died in his eightieth 3'ear, and the
mother w.as taken away when fifty-six. Our sub-
ject was one of eight children, as follows: Nancy,
who married Nathan Horner; .loseph, who died in
Lebanon and left two children; Washington, who
left St. Louis and joined the United States Navy
in 183.5, and has never been heard from since;
Sarah, who died young; Davison, who departed
this life in 1822; J. W. Wesley, who is still living
in Lebanon, and Asbury, deceased.
In 1828, Mr. Hypes started Westward, coming
down the Ohio in a steamboat, and, landing in St.
Louis, for a time he prospected and afterward set-
tled in Lebanon. In his boyhood, he had no edu-
cational advantages, as there were then no common
schools in Virginia or Ohio. After reaching Leb-
anon, he attended the seminar}' there during the
winter of 1828, and by careful reading and close
observation was enabled to overcome the lack of
early advantages. At Lebanon, he went into the
milling business with Nathan Horner, with whom
he continued in that connection for about two
years. At that time, Mr. Horner was proprietor of a
store in which Mr. Hypes bought a half interest
and assisted in carrying it on until 1840, wlien he
sold out to his partner. In 1842 he went into
business for himself and continued until 18(53,
when he sold his stock. Having bought two hun-
dred and fifty-one acres, one and a-half miles north
of Lebanon, he gave his attention to its cultivation
for several years and then retiied from active
business.
At Lebanon in 1834, Mr. Hypes married Miss
Caroline, daughter of Daniel and Raciiel Murry,
natives of Baltimore, Md. Mr. Murry was a salt
merchant in that city, where he was residing at
the time of the War of 1812. With his wife he
came to Illinois in 1817 and settled in Belleville.
Seven children came to bless the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Hypes, a record of whom we give: Cornelia
died in November, 1891; Adeline married Thomas
Essex, a resident of St. Louis, and a Land Com-
missioner for the St. Louis, Iron Mountain &
.Southern Railro.ad. They have one daughter.
Carrie. William died in November, 1889, at the
age of thirty-four, leaving a widow and one
daughter. He had served as Postmaster of Leb-
anon, also as United States Internal Revenue Col-
lector. James died in boyhood, .lulia married
A. S. McGuire, and lives in Chicago. Benjamin,
a physician, resides in St. Louis and is Professor
in a coUes^e and one of the plivsicians in the City
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAIIIICAL RECORD.
Hospital. Caroline Virginia married W. F. Swallow
and resides in Oreencastle, Ind. Mr. Swallow was
for three years President of McKendree College,
at Lebanon, 111., and is now Professor of Greek in
DePauw (Ind.) College. Onr subject and his wife
celebrated their golden wedding in November,
1884, and both still survive, in fair health notwith-
standing their advanced j'ears.
Mr. Hypes is the onl}' living member of the
Charter Trustees of McKendree College. Politi-
cally, he was first an old-line Whig and later be-
came a Republican. He is a faithful member of
the Methodist Church. A well-preserved man, his
courteous manner and tall, well-built frame give
one the idea of an old-school gentleman.
>=^©i#^N"i^li^^^=^
((©VALENTINE REIS, one of the popular and
/j/ prosperous citizens of the county of St.
(7 Clair, is the senior member of the firm of
Valentine l?eis it Sons, contractors, builders, and"
dealers in ;ill kiinls of wood work. Mr. Reis is
one of the dill sfitlcrs of the county, having come
here in 1846. He is a native of Germany, having
lieen born in Hesse-Darmstadt, December 3, 1825.
The parents of our subject, Valentine and Cath-
erine (Freihaut) Reis, were also natives of Ger-
many. The-family came to America in 1846 and
settled in St. Louis, where the father engaged in
the lumber business, and his son, our subject,
learned the business under him, remaining until
18r)5, when his young spirit of adventure led him
to emigrate to Scott County, Minn., where he en-
gaged in milling and in the lumber business until
1874. At this latter date, Mr. Reis came back to St.
Clair County and started a liuildingand contract-
ing. l)usine>s. in which ho has been exceedingly
successful.
Among the prominent buildings tliat bear tes-
timony to his skill are the following: the Orphan
Asylum, the Sisters' Hospital, County Jail, Con-
vent for Sisters and Priest's house, and the Cen-
tral SchcK^lhouse, all of which are large biick
structures, costing from $18,000 to is'30,0UO each.
Many of the finest residences are also his work. Mr.
Reis employs about forty men, and carries on
about the largest contracting business in the place.
In March, 1889, he admitted his sons into the
business with him, and the firm name is now Valen-
tine Reis k Sons.
Mr. Reis was married at St. Louis in 1853 to Jos-
ephine Ajjselt, of German ancestr}-, and the follow-
ing children have been born to them: Anna, wife of
Carl Knetzyer; Barbara; Henry, living in St. Louis;
Joseph, of the firm of Reis & Sons; Elizabeth,
wife of Henr3' Rapp; Charles, who has a planing-
mill in Carondelct: and Josephine. The family
resides in a fine brick residence on Second Street,
which Mr. Reis erected in 1879. He is a mem-
ber of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Cathedral,
in which he is very influential. Mr. Reis is
a gentleman who has an enviable reputation
among his fellow-townsmen for his honest}^, in-
dustry, and thrift. He has reared a fine family
that adds honor to the family name, and gives
promise of much in the future.
HILIP RIIEIN, the efficient and pleasant
I County Clerk of St. Clair County, has been
in office continuouslj^ since 1882, having
_ been elected in November, 1882, 1886 and
1890, on the Democratic ticket. So popular is he,
that the second time no opposing ticket was set
up, and he is now declared by his friends to be
one of the best officials the county has ever had.
Mr. Rhein is a native of Uhenish liavaria, hav-
ing been born June 17. IcSJi'. ainl i> the son of
Philip and Elizabeth (Rothley) Uhein, natives of
Bavaria. The parents came to America in 1857,
settling in Madison County, 111., on a farm, where
they remained worthy and respected citizens un-
til death.
Mr. Rhein received the greater part of his educa-
tion in the excellent schools of his native land, but
also attended the public schools of Madison County
a short time and then engaged in farming. Our
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
subject continued a tiller of the soil until 1866,
working with his father. Like many other young
men, he tired of the uneventful farm life, so came
to the pretty little city of Belleville and engaged
in the wholesale liquor business for some time, but
in 1873 was appointed to fill the position of Deputy
County Clerk, holding that office until he was elected
Count}' Clerk in 1882, having been in office nine-
teen years, and during all thattimtf has discharged
his duties with satisfaction to all parties.
Our subject was married to Miss Wilhelmiua Ostcr,
who was a native of the Grand Duchy of Nassau,
the ceremony occurring December 10, 1871. Ten
children liave been added to their familj-, namely:
Charles, Frieda, Tillie, Lula, Walter, Louis, Ferdi-
nand, Herman, Hannah and Otto, all bright, inter-
esting children, who reflect credit ujion their
parents.
Our subject is a member of the Liederkranz,
Liedertafel Philharmonic Society and the Turner
Association, in all of which he is highly esteemed
and respected. He has been reared in the Lutheran
faith and is a liberal supporter of the church of
this denomination. Mr. Rhein is a good repre-
sentative of the German citizens who have iSade
this their country by adoption, and who, by in-
dustry and thrift, have taken their places among
the well-to-do and most prominent of the Ameri-
can people.
♦^!
11^-^
C. WILDERMAN. Among the prominent
d. agriculturists of Lebanon Township, St.
I Clair Count}', who have helped to give this
^^_,/' county its proud position in the State, is
the gentleman whose name appears at the opening
of this paragraph. Turkey Hill, St. Clair County,
111., is the native place of Mr. Wilderman, he being
born there June 22, 1827. His father, George Wild-
erman, was born August 17, 1786, and died June 28,
1866, and his mother, ^ffancy (Hill) Wilderman,
was born November 7, 1788, and died August 15,
1866. They were natives of Pennsylvania and came
to Illinois in 1.S06.
Mr. Wilderman, Sr., held no offices, although
he took a very great interest in politics, hav-
ing been a Whig in the early days and a Re-
publican later. The business of his life was farm-
ing, and he died a Deacon in the Baptist Church,
which position he had held for more than lifly
years. Nine children were theirs, as follows:
Francis, Patience E., Celon, George W., A. J.,
Margaret A., Alfred C, J. C. and" Albert E. The
oldest son was killed by being thrown from a horse.
He had married Miss Nancy Howell, and at his
decease left three daughters and five sons, namely:
Elizabeth, who is the wife of George Stookey, and
lives near Freeburg; Mary, who was married to
Joseph Scott, and resides in Shiloh Valley; Nancy;
George married Miss Nancy Short, and lives in
Texas; David, who is married and resides in Barton
County, Mo.;James, a graduate of Shurtleflf College,
at Alton, 111., is unmarried, and makes his home
in this county; John and Francis. Patience E.,
the eldest sister of our subject, married John T.
Lemen, and both are deceased, her death occurring
March 28, 1866, They left one child, Robert W.,
who is engaged in farming pursuits south of the
village of Freeburg. Celon, who was unmarried,
died April 12, 1840. George W. died June 27, 1866,
and is survived by his wife, whose maiden name
was Isabella Hill, and who still resides in Freeburg.
Their four sons are: Hamilton, who resides on
the old homestead; Francis and Thaddeus, living
near Marysville, Mo.; and George, who makes his
home in Chicago. Andrew J. married Eliza Weis
and died May 17, 1850, the year following his
marriage. Margaret A. became the wife of William
Seabut, a music teacher, November 22, 1849, and
their four children are: Karl, who is a lawyer
by profession; George, who is a steamboat clerk;
Annie, the wife of Dr. McGuire; and Willie, a
practicing physician. Alfred C, who is follow-
ing the occupation of a farmer on his pl.ace south
of Freeburg, was married March 12, 1850, to i\Iiss
Rachel Tate, and they have fivesurviving children ;
Albert E. married Sophronia Hill Febru.-u}- ID,
1857, and they reside on the old homestead.
On the homestead where he was born, the sub-
ject of this sketch was reared to manhood, and
early gained a piactical knowledge of agriculture.
16(5
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
As there were no common schools at that early
da}', he attended the subscription schools held
three months in the year. During 1852 he was a
student at Shurtleff College, in Alton, 111., for
three months, and in that brief time made rapid
advancement in his literary studies. Until he was
of age he remained under the parental roof, but
in 1851 purchased a farm consisting of two hun-
dred and forty acres, which was located one and
one-half miles south of Freeburg. Removing to
the new place, he engaged in its improvement and
made it his home until 1858. Mr. Wildcrraan was
married April 22, 1856, to MissM. M.Hiide. .huigh-
ter of William J. and Dovey (Harrison) Mcliride.
She was born in Belleville June 10, 1835. Mrs.
McBride was the daughter of Rev. Thomas Harri-
son, a Methodist minister, who was born December
."31, 1779,and died August 27, 1867, and of Margaret
(Gilbreth) Harrison, who was born July 10, 1782,
and died in February, 1850. Mr. McBride was born
in Virginia March 15, 1808, and died March 16,1873.
His wife was born in Illinois April 30, 1814, and is
still living on a farm south of the old home place.
They had the following children, brothers and
sisters of Mrs. Wilderman: John H., a commercial
traveler, residing in Des Moines, Iowa; Dr. T. H.,
deceased; and W. E., who resides on the home
place, and is a farmer and stock-raiser. The grand-
parents of Mrs. Wilderman were John and Sarah
(Watkins) iMcBride. The former was born in
Loudoun County, Va., in 1766. His wife, who
was born about the same time, died Sejitember 20,
1840.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilderman have the following
children: Hugh 11., who lives in Belleville, mar-
ried Rosella Moore; William Norris, who lives. on
a farm south of Freeburg, married Mattie McGu ire;
Adiel L. died March 22, 1872; Julius, who lives
on the home place, married Miss Ella Belle Frazier;
Dovey and Olive are at home. Mr. Wilderman
came to Lebanon for the i)urpose of educating his
daughters. They have attended McKendree Col-
lege, and are very accomplished young ladies, the
walls of their beautiful home being decorated with
specimens of their skill as artists. Our subject has
held no offices, although he has been a good Whig
and Republican all his life. He is an influential
member of tbe Methodist Episcopal Church. A
pleasant, genial man, he enjo}'S the respect of his
host of friends, to whom his noliility of character
has endeared him.
'^
y,ILLIAM SIEBERT, one of the most pop-
ular farmers of Smithton Township, St.
Clair County, is the owner of a valuable
estate on section 7, survey 8, this township. He is
the son of Francis Siebert, who came from Ger-
many, where he was born and reared. Mr. Siebert,
Sr., married Miss Mary Null in his native land,
and the subject of this sketch was six years old
when the journey was made aci-oss the great ocean.
The family found land suitable for their purposes
one mile south of the present home of our subject,
in Smithton Township, where Mrs. Siebert, his
mother, now resides. The father only enjoyed his
new home one year before he was removed by
death. The five children of this familyare as fol-
lows: Conrad, William, George, Dorotliea and
Henry.
William Siebert, our subject, was born June 6,
1840, in Germany, and can remember very little
of his native country, as he left it at such an iin-
mature age. He grew up on his father's farm and
attended the rough prairie schools of that day,
held in the little primitive log cabins. Januar}' 12,
1868, Mr. Siebert married Mi.ss Magdalena Runtz,
the daughter of Adam Runtz, a resident of Smith-
ton Township. A home had been i)repared for tiie
bride and Mr. Siebert received her on the place
where they have since resided. The family has
been blessed with an interesting family of fifteen
children, of whom eleven are yet living, namely:
Henry, Willie, Theodore, Walter, Martha, Adeline,
Otto, Leonard, Daniel, Katherine and Elnice.
Mr. Siebert has eighty acres of valuable land in a
high state of cultivation which yields fine crops. IIo
is a faithful and active member of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church, while his wife is higidy esteemed
in her connection with the Roman Catholic Church.
Politically, INIr. Siel)crt is a Republican and does
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
167
all in his power to uphold the principles of the
party of Lincoln and Grant. This family is highly
respected and no doubt some of the stalwart sons
and daujiiiters will be heard from in the future of
the State. Mr. Siebert is a gentleman of pleasing
manners and his affable disposition has made him
many friends in the township which he has called
home for the greater portion of his useful and
busy life.
•^m®-
>1LLIAM TOWNSEXD. Among the suc-
cessful farmers of St. Clair County who
have become wealthy and influential and
are now retired from itctive labor, we may call at-
tention to the original of this notice. The ances-
tors of Mr. Townsend came originally from Eng-
land, and both grandfatliers joined in the struggle
for American independence. The father of our
subject bore the name of Wliitefield Townsend, and
was born August 22, 1782, and died .January 3,
1846. The mother of our subject was Sarah Ann
Farrar, born in North Carolina April HI, 17iH),and
died -June 7, 1826.
Our subject's parents were married in Tennessee,
and came to Illinois in the year 1815, settling
about three miles north of Lebanon. There
the father engaged in farming, and there was
reared a familj' of eight children, as follows: Al-
fred, a farmer on the home place, who died when
within two days of being sixty-six years of age,
August 8, 1879; Adeline, born December 13, 1814,
died November 26, 1850, and was the wife of
A. .1. Dagger, who died in Madison County;
Elizabeth, born April 14, 1816, lives with our
subject; .John died in infancy; Edmund, who mar-
ried .lane Iliggins, lives in Madison County.
Nanc3', born April 2, 1821, was married to T.
Townsend, who died in 1846; she died April 2,
1880, and had one child, which died prior to her
deatli. Whitefield, born October 24, 1823, who
died .lanuary 20, 1887, was married to Jane
liradsby, who died in 1851, wlien N married
Mrs, Aiimv Cook, h))u, wjtli fourn'liiUJron, survives
Our subject was the eighth child, and was
reared on the home place, remaining there until
seven years ago, when he removed into Lebanon.
He received the advantages of the common
schools, and passed his life as do other farmer
b03'S who have grown to be the strength of the
nation. Grown to manhood, he became possessed
with a desire for a home of his own, and May
16, 1866, married Catherine Stephenson, a native
of Greene County, Mo., born April 30, 1847. Her
parents bore the names of Henry and Sarah Ann,
respectively. The children of Mr. and ^Irs.
Townsend are Arra, Mary, Ella, I^ola, Kate, .Jen-
nie, and Willie W., who died in infancy. Arra
married C. J. Hanson, and resides with her lliree
children in Madison County.
Mr. Townsend 's original farm contained two
hundred and eighty-seven acres, and to this has
been added from time to time until he now has four
hundred and sixty-three acres. He in former years
was a Whig, but since the formation of the Repub-
lican party has adhered to its principles. No office-
seeker in any sense, he yet uses his influence
wherever he thinks he can do good. He holds
to the faith of the Second Adventists, has a nice
home and surroundings, a family of charming and
obedient daughters, and commands the respect and
confidence of a wide and extended circle of friends
and ac<iuaintanccs.
i'ACOB VALERIUS, a grain fanner residing
on section 7, Smithton Township, St. Clair
I County, was the son of Peter Valerius, who
V*^^ passed the whole of bis life in Germany.
Our subject is one of the men, foreign born, who
have come to this country and by honesty and
industry, combined with economy and self-denial,
have made successful business men, and have
earned comfort for their later years,
Mr. Valerius, of this notice, was born November
30, 1845, and came to this country wlion twenty-
one years old. His lirst chpiee of a home was 014 a
168
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIUCAL RECORD.
farm one and oue-balf miles from the city of
r>elleville, and there he remained four years, when
lie found a location which pleased him better, and
removed to his present resideuce. He married
]Miss Mar}' Catherine Billem in the year l^iTl. She
was the daughter of William liilleni, an old .settlei-
of St. Clair County, wlio had come, from Ger-
many, and at the time of the marriage of liis
daughter lived in Smithtou Township.
After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Valerius removed
to the place where thej' now reside and have spent
these years in making a pleasant home. The}'
have been blessed with a family of eight children,
but only five are living, and these are .John,
Charles, Annie, William and Lizzie. Our subject
has a fine farm of one hundred and flft}' acres,
and one hundred and thirty-five of it are under
good cultivation, yielding large crops of wheat and
corn.
The farail}' residence is a very comfortable one,
built in the year 1884, and in it may be found the
modern improvements which make the homes of
to-da}- palaces compared with those of a generation
ago. In his political convictions, Mr. 'N'alerius is
a Republican, and bi'avely upholds the standard
of that party. He belongs to the Roman Catholic
Church, and is a supiiorter of it to the best of liis
means and .ibilitv.
^-^=m>^^<m
J'^ OHNSON C. SINCLAIR. Pr.^bnbly no man
in the village of lvi>t ( aniiidclct is better
known or more puMik-->|iii iteil than the
gentleman whose name opens this sketch,
now occupying tiie important position of Post-
master and Clerk of the township and also Clerk
of the Village Board, besides being a Notary
Public for the past sixteen years.
The father of our subject was named Levi M.
Sinclair and was born in Columbiana Count3% Ohio,
in 1819, where he was also reared and educated. He
married Elizabeth Myers, danghter of Jacob My-
ers, of that place, and followed the trade of a mill-
wright, carpenter and cabinet-maker. Mr. Sin-
clair emigrated from his home in Ohio to Oska-
loosa, Iowa, in 1850, and there worked as a car-
penter and builder for some time; he then changed
his location to Belmont County, Ohio, where he
worked as millwright and carpenter until" the
breaking out of the Civil War, when he became
one of the Nation's defenders. He became a mem-
ber of Company E, Seven t3'-seventli Ohio Infantry,
and went through the war, taking part in the
b.'ittle of Shiloh, where so many of our brave and
valiant aien fell to rise no more. Mr. Sinclair was
wounded, and w.as afterward promoted for bravery
to the rank of Second Lieutenant.
After the dawn of peace, Levi Sinclair returned,
but with newer ideas and broader views, and de-
' cided to lake his family farther West. He came
with them to St. Clair County and located near
Belleville, following his old trade of carpenter;
but later went into Marion County, 111., where he
farmed land; two years afterward he came to East
Carondelet and located, here remaining untii he
died, August 24, 1878, having never recovered
from the wounds received at the battle of Shiloh.
His was a soldier's death just as truly as if it had
occurred at the mouth of a cannon. In his early
' days he had been a Quaker, but in his latter years
attended the Presbyterian Church. His six chil-
dren were all left to mourn the loss <if a kind
father. These are: Lucy, living in East Caron-
[ delet with her mother; A. B., following the
I trade of painter and Hving in Waterloo; Austin,
a carpenter, living in East Cai-onde let; Roscoe, who
makes Los Angeles, Cal., his home; Orville, living
in Clinton County, this State, a tailor; and .lohn-
son C, the subject of this sketch.
Tlic latter was the second in the family of good
and industrious children born to Mr. and 'Mis.
I,(\ i Siiiilnii. He was born September 7, 1848, in
Ihinovcr, Columbiana County, <;)hio, and was
reared and educated in that place. One of the
liist to leave the plans and prospects of young
manhood and take up his musket in defense of his
country, he enlisted in Company E, Seventy-
seventh Ohio Infantry, October 20, 1861, and was
honorably discharged March 8, 1866, at Browns-
ville, Tex., but was taken i)risoner at Marks Mills,
Ark., and passed thirteen months of )jis young life
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in a rebel prison, being in a wounded condition
when lie was captured. The true story of those
days of suffering can only be learned from his lips.
Our subject was in the battles of Shiloh, Falling
Timber, Corinth, Jackson (Miss.), Hollow Springs,
Memphis, Helena, Camden, Little Rock and Elkins'
Ford. After his release from prison, he took part
in the battles of Mobile and Whistler, Ala., and
during his service he was not only promoted first
to be Corporal and then to be Sergeant, but he
was also given a special modal for bravery.
Toward the close of the war, our subject was on
detac'hed duty, carrying the mail from Brazos to
Brownsville on the steamer " Tamaulitus."
After the war, our subject came to Harmony,
St. Clair County, 111., where he quietly followed
his trade of carpenter, and a 3'ear later went into
farming for two years; he then went into Monroe
County", where he remained farming part of the
time and also doing some carpenter work. From
there he came to East Carondelet, and the fol-
lowing year married Miss Emma Schweickhardt,
whose father still lives in Monroe County, where
he was an early settler. Eight children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair: Lillie, Orville,
Elmer, Myrtle, Theo, Johnson, Ada and Clarence.
Mr. Sinclair learned the trade of carpenter in his
young days and has been engaged as a builder and
contractor in his later years. Our subject has a
splendid war record, as had his lamented father,
and now occupies a prominent position in the
(irand Army and in the Sons of Veterans of St.
Louis. In his political opinions, he is an ardent
Republican, and has been entrusted with the
otiice of Postmaster under a friendly adminis-
tration. His family are all well known in this
neighborhood and universally respected.
JOHN PHILIP KELLEP, whose biogiaphy
I we take pleasure in writing, is one of those
I wortiiy men who take no active part in
'/ public life, butpursue the even tenor of their
Id Iheir cln>seii vocation, arcuiiuihitiii<- bv
thrift, industry and business ability not only the
necessities of' life, but the wherewithal to indulge
in luxuries .should they feel so inclined.
John Philip Keller, Sr., the father of him whose
name introduces this sketch, was born in Hesse-
Darmstadt, Germany, on the 8th of October, 1807.
He received his earl}- education in the common
schools of his native land, and, as soon as he was
old enough, fitted himself for the responsibilities
of life by learning the trade of blacksmith. After
attaining his majority, he was married to Miss Cath-
erine Geisz, whose father held a Government posi-
ition in his native province. The j-ear 1844 marked
an era in Mr. Keller's life, for in that year the golden
opportunity of making a fortune in tiie New
World presented itself to him in such glowing
colors that he left his native land and emigrated
to the United States, and on the 4th of July,
1844, landed in St.Clair County, 111. In con-
sequence of tlie high waters of that year, the
steamboat landed Mr. Keller at the Bluff. One
of the most striking incidents of Mi: Keller's
journey transpired after he reached the portion of
the country where he expected to settle. The year
in which he arrived is memorable for the great
floods which inundated all the Western country,
and St. Clair County presented at that time any-
thing but an attractive appearance to the tillers of
the soil.
Mr. Keller located in Prairie du Long, where he
immediately entered fort}' acres of land under the
Government, the same being partof the tract now
known as New Athens. The results of liis native
industry and thrift soon allowed of his adding
eighty acres more to his first i)OSsession, thus giv-
ing him one hundred and twenty acres of good
farming land in an almost incredibly short time
after his settlement in this community. For the
first three or four years of his residence in St.
Clair Count}-, he lived in a rented house, but, after
adding another eighty acres to the land already
ac(iuired, he built a home near Twelve Mile Prairie.
His first purchase of laud was constantly added to.
and after the lapse of a few years he was the
owner of three hundred acres of fine farming land,
and a man favored by, fortune in all his under-
lakiiiiis. His family consisted of five children, ail
170
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, and
four of wliom are to-day respected citizens of this
State. One son, Loomis Keller, died in early man-
hood, leaving a wife and two children to mourn
his loss; the next in succession was Klizalieth. wife
of Uenr.y Dintelmann, of Belleville, ill.: then cainc
Margaret, who is the wife of Cmnad Diiitclinann,
of New Athens; and Barbara, wife of Micliatl Frees,
of Twelve Mile Prairie, an ohl soldier in the
late war.
One of the saddest afflictions that can be re-
corded in the history of this family was that which
overtook the wife and mother, who for ten years
previous to her death had been blind. She de-
parted this life March 7, 188(1, mourned by a fam-
ily who had learned much by her patience and
fortitude, and beloved by a Idrge and sincere cir-
cle of fiiends.
Mr. Keller, Sr., was an active member of the
Lutiieran Church and a tirin lioliever in its teach-
ings. His sudden and untimely death was an oc-
currence that will ever be deeply regretted in this
comnuiuity. It occurred in the year 1891. On
the 4tii of September of that year, he had attended
the County Fair, and, in crossing the track, was
knocked down by one of the race-horses. Several
ribs were broken, and he lingered but a short time
after receiving the injuries. His name will be
handed down to posterity as one of the best-known
and hiuhly-ivsp.'ctccl citizens ,,r this ronununity,
and those of his iniinediatc' family who live in the
community are respected for their connection witli
a citizen so highly esteemed and beloved.
■John Philip Keller, our subject, was born in
Hesse-Darmstadt on the r2th of August, 1838, and
was five years old when he came with his parents
to America. He received his education in the
schools of St. Clair Count}-, and liere he grew to
manhood's estate. Tiie vocation of farmer was the
one that in early youth seemed most (■oiii;unial,and
he has spent his life as an agi iciillin ist. The farm
on which he now resides consists of one hundred
acres of fine, well-improved and thoroughly-
cultivated land. He has forj-ears given time and
.study to the best methods of cultivating grain, and
is rewarded iov his efforts by knowing that no
faru) iu the commujilty yields a fuier wheal crop
than the one he harvests. He is a man of progres-
sive mind and a humanitarian iu all that the word
implies. He is noted for many characteristics in-
herited from his fatlier, and stands high in the
commnnity as the representative of one of the old-
est and best families in St. Clair Coiinlv.
TOOKEY. A traveh
Inndsof St. Clair L<
h [ileasure that the
6r
prosperity are on every side, and the well-improved
farms far outnumber those which are neglected.
The highly impiovcd faiiii of the gentleman whose
name opens this sketch will uttiact the notice of
the visitor, it is located on scftion 13. Smithton
Townshi]). SI. (lair County. ■ Mr. Stookey, of this
notic-e, was tlif grandson of the Daniel Stookey
who caliie to this county on a prospecting tour
from Virginia, in 1.797, and returned to settle in
1800. X'le old house which he built on the i)lace
in 186^ /s still standing. Daniel Stookey. Sr.. en-
tered considerable land, was one of the Presidential
electors in 1828, in the canvass of Andrew .Jack-
son, and during his early settlement had many
thrilling experiences with the Indians. The father
of our subject was also named Daniel, and he was
born two miles west of Belleville at the old Stookey
homestead in 180(5, where he was reared and edu-
cated. He married Miss Margaret McGuire, the
daughter of Thomas McGufre, an early settler of
this county, who came her^ about 1816.
After his marriage, Mr. Stookey, the father
of our subject, entered the two hundred and
thirty acres where his son George now lives, and
lived upon this place until the time of his death
in IS II. Tlic brother and sisters of our subject
are: I'liomas. who lives in this township; Susan,
who is the wife of Eli Green, and is living in
Florida: Barbara, tlie wife of R. W. Lenien, who
lives in Freeburg Township, this count}-, and Mar-
garet, who is tiie wife of William Pitts, living in
New Athens Township. Tlie mother of tiiis fiiin-
lly was taken away by death iu liHi2,
PORTRAIT AND IJIOGRArillCAL RECORD.
173
Our subject was born October 25, 1833, on the
place where he lives, was reared on the farm to
manhood, receiving his education in the schools of
the district, and in 1856 was married to Miss
Elizabetii Wilderman. She was the daughter of
Francis Wilderman, tlie son of George Wilderman,
who was one of the first settlers of the couuty.
After marriage, our subject began domestic life on
the old place, and Jiere he has since lived, every
year making improvements, until now he has a
very desirable property. Three children have
blessed this household: Emeline, who married James
G. Can-, a resident of East St. Louis; Owen V., who
is a lawyer in Chicago; and Ida, who is at home.
Our subject has three hundred and sixty-three
acres of excellent land, which produces wonderful
yields of wheat and other grain. It is well located,
and as the market facilities are of the best, he has
no difficulty in disposing of his produce. In poli-
tics, Mr. Stookey is, and always has been, a Demo-
crat, but has desired no official recognition. The
religious connection of the family is with the Bap-
tist Church, in which body they are highly useful
and valued members.
1< T >Lr^ »■
/^ APT. JOHN W. RENSIIAW. East St. Louis
(1(^1 has no financial interest of more paramount
^^^J importance than that of real estate, and at
the present time, when the securities of the monej'
market are so depressed, coupled with their di-
minishing earning power, the investing public has
turned its attention to the city real-estate market,
as one absolutely secure, where, if judicious pur-
chases are made, not only is a steady source of in-
come assured, but likewise increase of values.
Prominent among the active and enterprising real-
estate and insurance men of this city is Capt.
John W. Renshaw. He is a native of Madison
County, Ind., and was born at Anderson on the
24th of August, 1836.
Hon. John Renshaw, father of our subject, was
born in Wasliington County, Pa,, in 1798, After
the death of liis father in the Keystone State, lie
came with his inotlici- lu Ivoss Countv, Ohio, when
I but a small boy, and settled with her near Chilli -
cothe, where he grew to manhood. In 1832, he
removed to Anderson, Madison County, Ind., and
there improved one thousand acres of land, on
which he had a sugar camp of one hundred acres.
He was quite a prominent man in his community,
was Sheriff for some time, and also re})resented his
county in the State Legislature. In 1844, he came
with his family to Belleville, 111., and located on a
farm, where he remained for some time, but subse-
quenlly moved to Belleville. He was elected
Justice of the Peace in 1848 and discharged the
I duties of that position until he resigned, after
i which he devoted his time and attention to other
enterprises. In 1871, he took a trip to California
and remained there until fall, when he returned to
i Belleville. From there he removed to Bethalto,
' Madison County, 111., in 1873, and made his home
there until over ninety-four years of age. For-
merly a Whig in politics, he became a strong Re-
publican. He was of English descent, and from
the year 1849 held membership in the Presbyterian
Church. He married Miss Malinda Cissna, a na-
tive of Pittsburgh, Pa., and of Scotch descent. She
passed away in the year 1877. They were the
parents of five living children.
The original of this notice, next to the youngest
child, was reared in Indiana until eight years of
age, and then with his parents came to Belleville
b\- team. The first season he was on a farm and
received his scholastic training in an old log school-
liouse, built in true pioneer style. After remov-
ing with lii> parents to Belleville, he attended
school until 1852, when he was apprenticed to
learn the plasterer's trade under his brother-in-law.
He worked at his trade until 1856, when he went to
Mississippi, settled in AVarrington,and in 1860 was
Judge of Election in that precinct. Being a North-
ern Democrat, he cast his first Presidential vote for
Stephen A. Douglas. He was also engaged in
merchandising at that place with a cousin, John
Fennimore, and continued with him until 1861,
when he returned to his old home in Belleville.
After settling here, he was engaged at his trade
until November, 1864, at which time he raised
Company C, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Illi-
nois Infaiilrv. and was at once made Captain of the
174
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
company mustererl in at Camp Butler under Col.
Kuffner.
Capt. Renshaw went South to Nasliville; tlience
to Chattanooga, where he was engaged in guarding
the railroad; I'i'om there to Atlanta, Ga., thence to
Augusta, and spent the remainder of the time in
the South, where his company was detailed to en-
force tlie measures of recoaistruetiou. In 1866, he
was mustered out at Dalton, Ga., and discharged
at Springfield, 111. During the spring of the
above-mentioned year, he located in East St. Louis
as a wholesale and retail dealer in coal, which he
hauled b}' teams to St. Louis, having hundreds of
teams on ferry boats across the river. He had
otflces in both cities, and continued in this busi-
ness until 1872, when he was appointed Chief of
Police by tlie City Council, and discliarged the
duties of that important position for nine and a-
half years, or until 1881. During the dark days
of East St. Louis, when riots were frequent, his
name was a terror to evil-doers. But for his cour-
age and promptness in quelling all disturbances,
there might have been much blood shed. Per-
haps no man in the city deserves as much credit
foi- breaking up prize-fighting as he. In the face
of great opposition, and when urged by friends
not to take the step, he swore out the first warrant
against prize-fighters, boarded the boat "'Conti-
nental," on which the roughs were taking passage
to the head of the Island, and, by the aid of a few
friends, cliecked the fray. The step was a hazard-
ous one and boldly executed. Prosecutions fol-
lowed which were successful and it soon termin-
ated prize-fighting in this city.
The services of Capt. Renshaw in all public af-
fairs and positions liave been meritorious and he
deserves much credit for his efficiency and dis-
patch. He is a large, well-built man, is genial and
pleasant in disposition, and has won a host of
warm friends. In 1881, he retired from the office
of Chief of Police, and in the spring of 1882 em-
barked in the real-estate and insurance business. He
laid out Winstanley Park, which he added to East
St. Louis, improved and sold. He has a fine in-
surance business and represents eight of the lead-
ing insurance companies in the United States. His
ullico is located at No. 106 North Main Street.
In 1873, Capt. Renshaw was united in marriage
with Miss Caroline, daughter of Capt. John Trend-
ley, who came to East St. Louis when a boy, and
who w.as employed by the Wiggins Ferry Com-
pany over sixty years. (See sketch of Capt. Henry
Trendloy.) Four children have been born to Capt.
and Airs. Renshaw: Henrj', .lohn, Eugene and
Joseph. The Captain was appointed School Treas-
urer in 1877, held that position for four years, and
in 1887 held the position of City Treasurer for one
year. In 1888, he was re-appointed to the office
of School Treasurer and held that position until
April, 1892. He is Notary Public, and is one of
the representative men and old settlers of the city.
He is a prominent member of the Masonic frater-
nity, is a Roj'al Arch Mason in East St. Louis, and
a Knight Templar in St. Louis. He is also a char-
ter member of McDowell Post, G. A. R., East St.
Louis. In politics, he is an ardent supporter of
Democratic principles, has been a delegate to county
and State conventions, and was a member of the
County Central Committee for a number of years.
S-^-i^ilM^
OSEPH LOUIS, one of the mlhiential and
wealth 3' farmers of Smithton Township, is
the gentleman to whose sketch we now call
!^l' attention. Our subject was the son of Jo-
seph Louis, Sr., who was born in Germany, and
came to this country with his parents, first loca-
ting in French Village, this couutj^ Here he
lived a short time, .and then came to this county,
where the father Ijought the home where our sul)-
ject now resides, which is the jjlace where the
grandfather lived and diccl. The father of our
subject married in this county, the lady of his
choice having been Miss Kolsken, and as she was
taken away from him by death, he again married,
and this time the union was with Miss Cloud.
Mr. Louis was the owner of two hundred and
fifty-eight acres of good land, on which he reared
his family of fifteen children, ten of whom are still
living. He was a consistent member of the Roman
Catlidlic Ciiurch, find lived ll|o |ife of a good
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
L75
Christian gentleman. Nearly all of the improve-
ments, including the house, were made by the fa-
ther of our subject, and he was one of the earliest
settlers of this county.
Our subject was born April 2. 18(i2. on the old
homestead, where he continues to reside. Here he
was reared, and received his education in both
German and English, in the p.irochial schools of
Belleville. Mr. Louis has a fine farm of one hun-
dred acres in a high state of cultivation, whore ho
raises both stock and grain.
Mr. Louis was married in 1889 to Miss Josie
Heinrict, accomplished daughter of George Hein-
rict, a pioneer of this township, who has since died.
Our sul)ject brought his young bride to his pres-
ent home on section 5, Smithton Township, where
they dispense hospitalitj' to their many friends in
a pleasant manner. One child, iNLary. has been'
born to them.
Our subject, like his father liefore him. is a con-
sistent member of the Roman Catholic Church, and
also like him endeavors to live up to the teachings
of the Divine JLasfer. Politically, Mr. Louis is a
Democrat, and generally votes the ticket prepared
l)y that party.
.^^^|#|^^E^^
^j^MERY HOLCOMB. The subject of this
11^ sketch resides with his brother, AVilliam H.
[t — ^ Holcomb, on section 35, Millstadl Town-
ship, in St. Clair County, 111., where the^- have one
of the finest farms in this portion of a Stale that
has a national reputation for fine farms. Emery
Holcomb is the son of William Holcomb, who was
born in Union County. S. ('., in llic year 1784,
and who wasthe son ot'.liM'l lidlcdiiili, who lived in
his native State of South Cai oliiia, ,'ind is supposed
to have been one of the soldiers in the Revolutmn-
ary War.
William Holcomb was reared in his native State
until nineteen years of age, when he went to Ken-
tucky nnd frnni there to New Madrid, Mo., and
was liviim- in that place at the time of the iireat
earthquake in 1811. Removing thence to St.
Clair County. III., he located near Belleville
and entered land of the Government and lived
there for several years; but finally coming to tlie
place where our subject now lives and entering
one hundred and sixty acres of land. William
was one of the very earliest settlers here, for at
that time the county was the home of the deer and
of the Indian. Being an Indian fighter, during the
War of 1812 he was the one selected for bravery
to carry a message right through the savage coun-
try at the risk of his life. While living near
Belleville, he was married to Miss Polly Reather-
ford, from which union sprang a famil}^ of eleven
children, of whom there are but three living:
Daniel C, who lives in Madison County; Mary,
the wife of Michael Smith, who resides in Smith-
ton Township; and Sarah, a widow, who now has
her home in Greeley, Colo.
After the death of his first wife. William Hol-
comb married Mrs. Catherine Stout, daughter of
Abraham Eyman, who came to this county at a
very early day from the State of Pennsylvania,
and was of German extraction. By this union
there were five children born, four of whom grew
to maturity, and three of whom are now living:
Emmalissa is with her brother at home; William
II. resides with his family on the old homestead;
and Emery, the subject of the present sketch.
Hannah died November 23, 1882; she had been the
wife of I. W. Thomas, by whom she had ten chil-
dren, six of whom are still living. The father of
this family was a remarkable man in his day, not
only in war, where his record is remembered and
cherished, but in many other respects. He was
made Justice of the Peace on account of his good
judgment,and for sixteen years sc r\('(l Msci.nstaltle;
he acted as Deputy Sheriff under AihIimmui Heard,
and was en I led ui)on to assist at the first hanging in
the eounty. In the Baptist Church he was a valued
member and for many years was .an earnest and
pious exhorter. The land which he bought was
a wilderness, but he cleared and left one hundred
and sixty-nine acres to his family at the time of
his death, which occurred November 3, 1878.
William II. Holcomb, a son of the above i)roni-
inenl man. was born August 2S. 1810, in the old
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,
homestead, and has lived here all of his life. He
was married June 10, 1884, to Miss Margaret A.
E3'man, who was the daughter of Jacob Eyman.
Our subject was born December 23, 1844, here
ou the old place, and has grown up in the countj-,
having attended the common schools. He de-
cided upon agriculture as his occupation in life,
and settled down here with his brother William, and
together they operate this fine farm of one hun-
dred and sixtj-nine acres. They confine their
farming to grain, principally wheat, but have some
stock, including some fine Berkshire and Poland-
China hogs. Some very superior calves have been
raised and sold by them.
Politically, these gentlemen are Republicans, as
was their father, believing that the platform of
that part}- has the right ideas concerning the
proper policy in governing a great nation. Mr.
Holcomb Sr., was formerly a AVhig, and voted
for Fremont and later for Lincoln. Socially, Mr.
Holcomb of this notice is very popular in his
neighborhood, is an active member of the Saxtown
Debating Society, and has been called upon to
hold the office of Township Trustee for some
years, being still in that position.
mi
J/OHN J. WIES. It sometimes seems as if
much of mankind only lived to eat instead
I of eating to live, and to this class the gen-
__ ' tleman whose name opens this sketch is the
frtend in need, as he conducts an eating house and
lunch counter at the l»elay Depot in East St. Louis,
and in addition caters to the public by offering
them the choicest soda and the finest fruit. He is
so pleasant and affable that he has no lack of cus-
tomers and is fast becoming one of the solid men
of this portion of the city.
The grandfather of our subject was Eniil Wies,
wlio was for many years in the German army and
served under the great Napoleon. He afterward
became a carpenter and finished out his days in his
native land. His son Louis, the father of our
.snliicct, was horn in Ilcssc-Dai'mstadl, (lermanv,
and was a baker by trade. In the fall of 1867, he
came to America, via New Orleans, and arrived in
East St. Louis when but eighteen years of age.
Before he had been in this new country long, he
started a bakery on Main Street, and has contin-
ued there to this day. He has always favored im-
provement and reform and has done all he could
to carry out his ideas. Mr. Wies, Sr., built the
first high-grade block in the city, now the
Workiugman's Bank, and still owns the property
and various other valuable pieces. As he believes
that the Repu))lican party carries out his ideas of
(Government, he votes that ticket. The mother of
our subject was Julia Floch, who was born in Hesse-
Darmstadt, Germany.
Mr. Wies, of this sketch, was the fourth of thir-
teen children, of whom ten are living. He grew
up in this city,where he was born August 22, 18(52,
attended the public schools and from bo3"hood
assisted in the baker}'. From the age of fifteen to
eighteen, he worked steadily at his trade, but, tiring
a little, he engaged in the Workingman's Bank as
Collector and remained two years. He then became
clerk for another large house in St. Louis and then
clerk in the Relay Depot lunch counter; he later
became assistant ticket agent at the Relay Depot
and remained there two years. In 1889, he bought
out the whole lunch department of the Relay De-
pot and has added the other features since. It has
proved very lucrative, and is kept going all night,
and under the management of Mr. Wies it has
been well patronized.
Aside from this regular business, our sulyectlias
engaged in buying and selling real estate, dealing
in lots. He has erected two residences on Kentucky
Street and Findlay Avenue, respectively. In Dem-
oci'atic local politics, Mr. Wies is very prominent
and has been a delegate to the county and congress-
ional conventions, and is a member of the City Cen-
tral Committee. He has taken an active part in the
various enterprises intended to build up the cit\',
and is a Director in the first Mutual Building and
Loan Association ; a stockholder and member of
the Auditing Committee of the Second Mutual
Building and Loan Association; a stockholder in
the St. Clair Building and \a>hu Association ; a stock-
holdi'i- ia llie St. Clair Lnnd Assuciation, and also in
■C^O'TZJlO
i^^^^l^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
179
the Workingman's Banking Company. He has
shown his sagacity by Iniying land when low and
watching the market and selling when high. He
is a favorite among his neighbors and business ac-
quaintances and may become one of the city mag-
nates.
J/ AMES II. RICHARDSON. On section 33,
Mascoutah Township, lies a fine farm of
three hundred and eightj^ acres of fertile
land, one of the most pleasant homesteads
in the countj\ The owner, Mr. Richardson, has
used great care and judgment in the cultivation of
the soil, and has placed the entire estate under
good improvements, with the exception of a small
portion, which is in timber.
The fatiier of our subject was .Tolin Richardson,
an li'iglishman, who learned the printer's trade
and followed it until his death. Our subject was
born in Lanin, Staffordshire, England, .lune 28,
182.5. Early bereft of his father, he was obliged
to depend entirel}' upon the care of his mother.
The latter left England when her cliild was about
one and one-lialf years old, and brought him to
liis grandmotlier, who lived in Philadelphia. In
tills pleasant home Mr. Richardson lived for some
time, when circumstances occurred that made a re-
moval to Westchester desirable. Wishing to learn
a useful trade, wlien the proper age arrived he
went to Marshallton, Pa., and there apprenticed
himself for four years to a carriage-maker. Learn-
ing that trade thoroughly, lie left Marshallton and
went to Kennett Square, where he helped make
the first four drills that were made in the Uniled
States.
Our subject remained in the last-named place
three or four years, and then changed his business
to a factory in Bridesburg, where he engaged in
the manufacture of cotton machinery. At that
place he remained one year, and then, returning to
Kennett Square, worked one year in the drill fac-
tory. In 1848, he came to St. Clair County, 111.,
and In tlic fall of that year bought what was called
the Mound Farm, in this township: hut this he
afterward sold. Just about that time the Cali-
fornia gold fever broke out, and he, with others,
decided to cross the plains and try liis fortune
there. .Six months were consumed in making this
! journey, and when he reached the Far West he im-
mediately began working in the mines. Morefor-
I tunate than many, he was quite successful in ob-
taining the precious metal, and iu 1851 he started
for home, via the Pacific Ocean. This latter trip
almost became his last, as through some misman-
agement of the officers, the ship drifted out of its
course, their provisions gave out and for thirty
days the whole ship-load were obliged to exist on
a scant pint of water and a biscuit per diem.
Things began to look ver^- serious at this time,
for even civilized men will commit barbarous
crimes under the spur of thirst and hunger. It
had been decided among the most savage of the
crew that if no help reached them the next day,
lots should be drawn to see which one of their
number should be sacrificed to preserve the rest.
At this critical time land was discovered and as-
sistance was obtained, which was sorely needed.
This is an experience which does not often occur
iu civilized countries in the nineteenth century,
and those who are called upon to endure such
strains upon mind and body can never forget
them.
After his return from his Californian trip, Mr.
Richardson stopped with Mr. Rentchler, afterward
his father-in-law, where he made a dozen wheat-
drills, which were the first made in the State of Illi-
nois, and were sold for $100. There our subject
remained through the summer, after which he
bought the place where he now resides, and in 1852
sowed the first grain on his farm. In that year he
married Miss Maria, a daughter of .Tacob Rentch-
ler, who was an early settler of this county. Eleven
children have resulted from this marriage, and the
seven living are: Mary Jane, the wife of Jacob
Bachraann, of Mascoutah, 111., a teacher by pro-
fession; Sarah, who resides at home; Frank, who
lives on one of his father's farms; Fallen, Annie,
John D. and Laura, who remain with their parents.
The family home is a beautiful brick residence, one
of the finest in the county. It was erected in 1876
after modern plans and is beautifully located.
180
PORTRAIT AND BI0C4RAPHICAL RECORD.
Politically, Mr. Richardson is a believer in the
principles promulgated by Thomas Jefferson and
has served liis district as School Director. He has
had a life of more adventure than many of his
neighbors. During liis trip to California in 1849,
he became better acquainted with the Indian cliar-
.icter than he had ever been before. Just at this
t i me _ the' Pawnee and Shawnee Indians were at
war, and thej- often visiied their enmity upon the
innocent emigrants, who were invading their coun-
try. Our subject was one of those sent forward to
open tlie way for the trains, and the}' made him
captain of the party. At a place called Scott's Bluff
there is a deep cut tlirough the mountains, and
as he rode through here, he came upon an encamp-
ment of Pawnee Indians. He was in, and the
question was how to get out. Knowing if he re-
treated it was certain death, he finally decided to
ride right up to the camp. This he boldly did,
and advanced to the Chief, who regarded him
very angrily, but offered him no personal violence.
Our subject remembered Pocahontas, and seeing
the Chief's beautiful daughter in the tent, he ap-
pealed to her, and with a woman's ready wit she
succeeded in extricating him from his predicament.
Our siJbject relates many other interesting adven-
tures of the trip, which it would be a pleasure to
relate if the limited space in this Rkciiki) did not
forbid.
■>fa-»^-7-w-»-> ^^^^ I . . r ■ ,.
^?|?D0LPI1 SCHLERNITZAUP:K, M. D. Tlie
(@C|ll little city of Millstadt, 111., has among its
III li' highly respected citizens none more greatly
t^ esteemed than the subject of this sketch.
His father was Josepli Schlernitzauer, who was
born in Lorraine, France, February 28, 1795, was
reared there and at that place was married to Miss
Catherine Wassaraw. A farmer in his native land,
when he came here he immediately began to search
for a suitable location in which to carry on agri-
cultural pursuits. The year was 1842, at which
time there was much fine land to be had, and he
first located two miles nortli of Helleville, wliich so
pleased him that he continued at the same place
until the time of his death, which occurred in
November, 1870. Tlie father left a family of four
sons and two daughters, three of whom are still
living. The mother of these children died in 1873.
Their names arc as follows: Joseph, a farmer in
Texas; and Mrs. Philip Herr and her sister. Mrs.
Stoltz, both living in Belleville.
The subject of this notice was born in Loriaine.
under the sunny skies of France, November 9,
1837, being five years of age when his parents
brought him to this country. Growing up to
manhood in this county, he attended the district
schools and there received the rudiments of an
education, which was finished in Belleville and at
Charles Stewart's school in St. Louis. After his
school days were over, our subject went into a
book store in Belleville as a clerk, and it was while
here that he began the study of medicine under
Dr. Roman, of Belleville, through whose encour-
agement he entered the medical college in St.
Louis, from which he graduated March 4, 1864.
After this success. Dr. Schlernitzauer came to Mill-
stadt, and has been in practice here ever since.
The happy marriage of our sdbject took place
June 1. 18(;.3, to Miss Mary Ball, daughter of
Champness Ball, Postmaster of the city of Belle-
ville under the administrations of Presidents
Pierce and Buchanan. This lady lived but eight
years after her maniage. Our subject was again
married, in 1878, this union being with Miss Mary
I'almer, whose father, Andrew Palmer, of .Tancs-
ville. Wis., was the founder of the Toledo BknJe and
one of the foremost newspaper men of this country.
The family of our subject consists now of his charm-
ing wife and their son Robert; William C, a rising
druggist of this city; Leon, in the same business
in Chicago ; and Miss Nellie, who h.as been educated
at a convent in Belleville.
Dr. Schlernitzauer has built up a large jirac-
tice in this city and county, great reliance being
jilaced upon his skill. He is called into consulta-
tion all over the county and is a successful practi-
tioner in his profession. The gentleman of whom
we write is a prominent member of that influential
order known as the Knights of Pythias, and his
face is familiar at their meetings, unless kept aw.ay
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
by professional duties. He is an active member of
the Democratic part}- and gives his vote and in-
lluence to advance its interests. Socially, the
Doctor and his pleasant family take a foremost
place ill Millstadt and deservedly so, for none
could be belter fitted educationally and by tem-
perament for such duties than Di'. and Mrs. Schler-
nitz.auer.
r
^/ D. TURNER. LL. P,. The distinguished
I /^ gentleman whose name appears at the head
,'IL^ of this sketch has the honor of being
the Master in Chancery for the St. Clair Court,
having been appointed to this important office in
December, 1891. He a member of the firm of
Turner k Holder, one of the leading law firms of
the city of Belleville. This gentleman is a native
of St. Clair County, liaving been born on a farm
near the city of Freeburg, October 5, 1849. He is
named for his father, a distinguished pioneer of
this county, who came here from Virginia in ISSO,
when about twent^'-seven years of age.
Mr. Turner was educated in the University at
Ann Arbor, Mich., being graduated in the Class
of '73, having jireviously read law for some months.
After graduating, he located in tliis city and prac-
tised alone until 188;'), when the present firm with
Mr. Holder was established. The.se gentleman have
built up a fine practice and are very successful in
the handling of their cases. In addition to their
other business they are attorneys for the Cairo
Short Line, the Vandalia, and the East St. Louis k
Carondelet Railroads.
Besides his law practice, Mr. Turner has been an
Alderman, serving with great credit to himself and
honor to this city; he has also been Chaii man of the
County Board of Supervisors and is now Director
of the Belleville Savings Bank. In ail of the po-
sitions of trust and responsibility he has held, Mr.
Turner has acquitted himself in a masterful man-
ner, worthy of mention.
.Mr. Turner was unite<l in the holv bonds of
matrimony to Miss Josephine Eckert, of Waterloo,
Monroe County, 111., in August, 1875. To this
happ3' union have come five children, the eldest of
whom, Waldo, is deceased Those living are: Don,
Zylphia, .Josephine and Mary, all bright and intel-
ligent children who are a J03' and comfort to
; their parents. Mr. Turner takes an important part
in the Old Settlers' Society and is one of the
leading, influential men of the community, enjoy-
ing the i-espect and esteem of all who know him.
Public confidence in him is based upon his honest
merit. His scholarl_y attainments, studious habits,
faithful devotion to the interests of his clients,
able and masterlj' handling of cases, united with
sterling qualities of heart — all these combine to
stamp Mr. Turner as a man deserving of the place
he holds in public favor.
>^^<-^
Ir^ENJAMIN HIGGINS was a man of most
^/k^ noble character and of many good qualities,
i^^jl! whose name will long be held in reverence
i ^^s=^ by his fellow-citizens, by whom he was
: considered a most excellent neighbor. He was a
j native of St. Clair County, born one mile south of
Georgetown, and during his life remained in this
county, where his father lived on a farm which was
cleared by his grandfather.
The grandfather of our subject, Timothy Hig-
gins, was a native of Maine, but removed to Ohio
in 1816, and settled in that State about twenty
miles north of Cincinnati.' He remained there,
however, but two 3'ears, when he removed to Illi-
nois and located on the farm where Benjamin af-
terward lived. He married Miss Susan Smith, who
was also a native of the State of Maine, and after
building a log house and reclaiming a home from
what was then a wilderness, he brought his family
hither. Here he helped to make this country what
it is at present, and even assisted in driving the
"red skins" from the territory, suffering all the
privations incident to pioneer life. Of his four
children, all are now deceased. One son, Robert,
was born in Maine in 180.5, and was but Ihirteen
182
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years of age when his father settled in Illinois.
He served as a soldier in the Black Hawk War and
was a very patriotic man, as he enlisted three dif-
ferent times. He settled on the farm left by his
father, and lived there until his death. lie mar-
ried Miss Sarah Carr, daughter of one of the
pioneers of the county, and they livod on the liome-
stead for fift}' years.
Of the family of Robeit Iliggins, which con-
sisted of five daughters and one son, the latter,
Benjamin, is the subject of this sketch. Here
Robert died September 9, 1879, while his wife
survived him until May 1, 1890, when she passed
away, aged eighty-five years. Benjamin Higgins
grew to manhood's estate upon the home farm and
received a very liberal education. In his earl}-
manhood he married Miss Louisa, daughter of the
late Jerry Phillips, one of the worthy pioneers of
the county. But he was not long to enjoy the
blessings thus found, as in four short months death
robbed him of his helpmate, and although he sur-
vived her for forty years he never sought the hand
of any other woman in marriage, which bespeaks
his love more plainly than could be told by pen.
He was ver}' generous with his wealth, and always
kind to tho.se in need of assistance and ready to
extend what aid he could to his brother man.
AVhen his death occurred, March 1.3, 1892, the
community suffered a loss from which it will not
soon recover.
'0SP:P1I R. PADFIELD, .1. P. The follow-
sketch is of one of the best-known men
|l of Lebanon Township, who has lived heic
many years, and is identified with the vari-
ous interests of the neighborliood. The family
record is an interesting one, and we give it in full.
Joseph R. Padfield was born September 24, 1820,
in Mascoutah, St. Clair County, 111., and was tlie
son of William Padfield, Jr., and of Mahala Barnes.
His father was born about 1786, near Hopkins-
ville, K}'., and died there in 1849. The paternal
o-randfather was William Padfield. Sr., a good old
m
Methodist, and tlie religious meetings were held
in his house. He was a native of Maryland, and
died about 183o, aged seventy-five j'ears. Tlie ma-
ternal grandfather of our subject was Joshua Barnes,
a native of Maryland, from which State he moved
to Kentucky ; he was a Methodist preacher, who
came to St. Clair County about 1814, and settled
in Lebanon Township. Death came to him about
the same time as to the paternal grandfather,
when about the same age. An earnest worker, he
was the first Methodist minister in this section, and
helped to establish the first meeting-houses among
tlie earl.y settlers. A full account of tiie life and
labors of this good man would I* very interest-
ing.
Our subject was one of ten cliildien, eigiit of
whom grew to maturity. Susan died when about
fort3'-five. She was the wife of Sampson Briggs,
and left no family. Mary Ann died in 1884. Her
first husband was Jesse Berry, by whom she had
two children. Her second husband was Isaac Hall,
by whom she had also two children. Mv. Hall is
also dead. James R. resides in ( linlon, Iltnry
Count3^ He married Elizabeth Anderson, a na-
tive of St. Clair County, and has two children.
AVilliam >«.,wlio died at the age of thirty-five, mar-
ried P>lizabeth Lunsford, and left one cliild, Mrs.
Marie Campbell, a resident of Belleville. John B.
married Susan Harrington, and lives in St. Louis.
Evan B. married Amanda Bell, and died about the
same time as his brother William, leaving one son,
now living in Clinton, Henry County, Mo. His
widow married John Curtis, since deceased, and re-
sides in Clinton, also. Joshua died when about
twenty-one years of age; Mahala; and Sar.ah, who
first married William Huff, and at Ins death was
again married, is now deceased.
The lio.yhood of our subject was i)assed on a
farm, where he had the advantages of a common -
school education. His marriage to Miss Susan Tip-
ton occiured April 23, 1844. She was a native
of Carter County, East Tennessee, and was the
daughter of James I. Tipton. Her parents lived
and died in Tennessee, and she came to Illinois
with her aunt. Mr. and Mrs. Padfield became the
parents of seven children: Martha, wife of Joseph
Utlev, residing in Boone County, Mo., the mother
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPfflCAL RECORD.
185
of six children; Thomas, who died at the age of
six 3'ears; Matilda, living at home, single; John
C, living in Trenton, 111., a school teacher, who
married Miss Addie Shaffer, and has two cliildren;
Henry L., who married Rebecca fihene; Mahala
and James, who died in childhood.
Our subject lived in Mascoutah Township until
ISf)?, when he moved to Summerfleld and engaged
in the collecting business. In 1864, he bought
eighty acres of land whicli are included in his
present place, where he has two hundred acres.
Mr. Padtield has followed farming most of his life,
and has been very successful. He has occupied
the offices of Township Collector, Constable and
Justice of the Peace, which latter office he has held
for the last eight years. Our subject is a member
of the masonic fraternity, being connected with
Summerfleld Lodge No. 344, A. F. & A. M., of
which he has been Treasurer for the past sixteen
years. The principles of the Democratic party
arc adhered to by him. The Methodist Church
holds him as one of her most valued members, and
his position throughout the neighborhood is one
of imiiorlance, he Ijeing held in highest esteem.
|ll_^ON. PETER SEIIJERT, one of the most
Wj\ influential and prominent men of St. Clair
■^^ County, resides on section 30, Engleman
(^ Township. For many years he has been
before the public, and is now serving as Senator
from the Forty-seventh Senatorial District, a posi-
tion which calls into use his distinguished al)ililies
and keen judgment.
The father of our subject, Balthaser Seibert, was
a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, German}-, and came
to America with his family in 1852. He first lo-
cated on a farm near Belleville, this county, and re-
mained there for twenty-five years. At the end of
that time he removed to Mascoutah,wliere he resided
until the time of his demise. After he came to
America and became acquainted with the political
issues of tlie day, he joined the Republican party
and voted that ticket until 1872, when he became
identified with the Liberal movement, and cast his
ballot with the Democrats until the time of his
death. He left a family of six children, of whom
our subject is the fourth.
The birth of the distinguished gentleman wliose
sketch now occupies our attention took place in
Hesse-Darmstadt, the home of his forefathers,
April 24, 1844. He had reached the age of eight
years when his parents came to this country, and
he was educated in the district schools and at Belle-
ville High School. His schooling completed, he
returned to his father's place and engaged in
farming until his marriage, which occurred in
1868. His wife was Miss Catherine, daughter of
Martin Eidmann, who was one of the pioneers of
this count}', having settled in Turkey Hill, this
township, in 1832. After his marriage, Mr. Sei-
bert located six miles east of Mascoutah, but since
1876 he has resided on the farm which is his pres-
ent home.
Eight children comprise the family of Mr. and
Mrs. Seibert, viz.: Louisa, Amelia, Bertha, Julius,
Emma, Rudolph, Ella and Henry George. The
farm of our subject consists of one hundred and
sixty acres of well-improved land, on which he
carries on general farming, and in connection
with this he engages in stock-raising and dairying.
He has made all the improvements on this place,
and has a home most beantifuUy located, where
his wife assists him in the hospitable entertain-
ment of their friends.
Senator Seibert is a member of the organization
of Knights of Honor, and is also one of the most
prominent members of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit
Association. Politically, he is a Democrat, al-
though previous to 1880 he voted the IJeinihli-
can ticket. He was led to become a Deniocrnl be-
cause that party better expressed his views on the
tariff question. He is a very strong advocate of
free trade, and is opposed to all indirect taxation.
He is a man of strong convictions, who always
docs what he believes to be right, regardless of
consequences, and has always been a strong
worker in the ranks of the party. Although he
has never sought ollice, office has sought him, and
he served as Supervisor of tlie township for three
PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
yeais, and School Director for over twenty j-ears.
So entirely has he gained the confidence of his
fellow-citizens that in 18!)0 they elected him to
the honorable position of State Senator from this
senatorial district. He has ably represented his
constituents, and is as strong a worker in public
life as lie always has been for his party in private
life. He is a great admirer of Henry George, and
believes thoroughlj' in the principles advocated by
that political economist. He has named his young-
est son after the distinguished leader.
J/ULIUS REUSS h.as the honor of being a na-
tive of St. Clair Count3\ He resides on
section 3, Shiloh Valley Township,- and his
^ birth occurred on a farm near his present
home in 1845. His parents were Dr. Adolphus
and Caroline (Raith) Reuss. The father was born
in the city of Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany,
received a college education and was graduated
from one of the noted medical schools of his na-
tive country. After practicing there for a few
years, he determined to seek his fortune in Amer-
ica, and in 1834, in a sailing-vessel, crossed the
briny deep to the United States. He made his
first location in Shiloh Valley Township, this
county, near where our subject now resides, and
the old homestead is still occupied by members of
the family. Here Dr. Reuss continued his practice
in connection with farming for a period of nearly
a half-century and became one of the most promi-
nent and influential citizens of the community.
The Doctor was twice married. In Germany he
wedded Rachel Jucho, who died soon after coming
to this conntry, leaving no children. He then
wedded Caroline Raith, and unto them was born
a family of nine, as follows: Henry, Julius, Caro-
line; Rosa, deceased; Albert; Augusta, wife of
Cliailes Fisher; Johanna, Mary and Ferdinand.
The father of this family was a member of the
Masonic fraternity in Germany, but never identi-
fied himself with that order in this country. He
was a stalwart Republican in politics, ardently ad-
vocating the principles of that party. In his prac-
tice, lie was very successful and won a high rcpu-
tiou as a skillful physician. As his financial re-
sources, increased he added to his possessions until
he owned four hundred acres of land. He was a
great student, an extensive reader, and owned the
largest and finest library in St. Clair County.
This is still in the possession of the family.
Julius Reuss grew to manhood upon his father's
farm and no event of special importance occurred
during his youth. The common schools afforded
him his educational privileges and he remained
with his father, aiding him in the labors of the
farm until after the death of the Doctor. He is
now a substantial and progressive agriculturist,
wiio thoroughly understands his business. The
neat and thrifty appearance of his farm indicates
his enterprise. He owns seventy-four acres of
land and devotes his entire energies to the raising
of grain.
In 1874, Mr. Reuss was united in marriage with
Miss .Sophia Engelmann, daughter of Louis and
Mai'y A. Engelmann. Four children grace their
union, namely: Caroline, Josephia, Theodore and
Erna. The family resides on the farm in Shiloh
Valley Township, where they have a pleasant home.
Mr. Reuss exercises his right of franchise in sup-
port of the Republican party, but has never sought
or desired the honors or emoluments of public
office, preferring to devote his entire time and at-
tention to his business interests, in which he has
met with signal success.
^§M«-^"i^li^^
^^IIOMAS.A. STOOKKY is a iironiinent and
(f^^. successful grain farmer and stock-raiser t>f
^^^' St. Clair County, residing on section 14,
Smithton Township. He was one of the sons of
Daniel Stookey, Jr., who was born in St. Clair
County in 1805, and a grandson of llie well-known
Daniel Stookey, who came to this county from
Bedford County, Pa., in the year 1800. The lat-
ter made his first trip through here in 1797 on
horseback, and in 1800 located at New Design,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in Monroe County, and lived there several years,
when lie located near Belleville and entered Gov-
ernment land. He reared a large family, and died
in 1835, at the age of sixty-four years. His son
Daniel was reared and educated in this county
and married Margaret McGuire, the daughter of
Thomas McGuire, who came to this county in
1818 from Crawford County, Pa.
After marriage, Daniel entered one hundred
and sixty acres of land on section 13, in Smithton
Township, where he stayed until his death, in 1844;
his wife followed him September 2, 1862. At the
time of his death, he owned three hundred and
twenty-seven acres of land, the most of which had
been acquired b}' his own efforts. Of a famil}' of
seven children, six grew to maturitj' and five are
still living, as follows: Our subject; George H.,
who lives on the old homestead; Susan, the wife
of Eli Green, who lives in Florida and runs an
orange plantation; Barbara E., married to Robert
W. Lemon, living in Freeburg Township, where
they own a farm; and Margaret, the wife of Will-
iam Pitts, living in New Athens Township. Mary
Enieline (deceased) was the wife of George 15.
Short, and at her death left a daughter, who mar-
ried Peter Boler and now lives in California.
The subject of this notice was born June !l,
1828, on the old homestead in Smithton Town-
ship, on section 13, St. Clair Countj^ 111. Reared
and educated there, he remained until twenty-
four years old, when he married and removed to
the place where he now lives. Mr. Stookey was
married September 2, 1852, to Cyrena L. Short,
daughter of William B. Short, who was born in
this county in 1803, and whose parents came here
about 1800, being verj' early settlers. Mr. Short
was a prominent farmer of this county. Mrs.
Stookey was born October 17, 1834, on the old
homestead that her father entered from the Gov-
ernment. After his marriage, Mr. Stookey moved
to this place on the 25th of October, 1852, and has
lived here continuously ever since. He has made
all of the improvements on the place, cutting and
burning the brush, cultivating and enriching the
land, and now has one of the finest farms in the
neigliborliood, together with a handsome house
and capacious liariis, and lives in great comfort.
Mr. and Mrs. Stookey are the parents of eight
living children, as follows: William, living at
Hillsboro, Montgomer}' County, 111.; James M.,
on the farm in Saline County, Mo.; Samuel E.,
in Smithton Township, is a fanner on section 13;
Mary E., living at home; George, employed at
Pinckneyville, Perry Cf)unty: Julius. Charles and
Eben, all at home.
Our subject has one hundred and sixty acres
of land, well improved, upon which are raised
large and profitable crops, together with herds of
Jersey cows and other valuable stock. Mr. Stooke_y
is now serving his second term as Commissioner
of Highways. His children have been given good
school advantages, and Charles and Julius have
been at college. Our subject has always held to
the tenets of the Democratic party, and feels sure
that the country would be safe under the manage-
ment of its leaders.
JjOHN RODENHEISER, one of the leading
and influential citizens of the city of Belle-
ville, is a member of the firm of Horn it
Rodenheiser, prominent dry-goods and
carpet merchants, occupying an elegant store in
Belleville, on East Main Street, in the New Monk
Building. The building is 33^x150 feet, and the
firm has been located here since March 11, 1891.
Our subject was born in Waterloo, III, October
18, 1861. His parents were Ernst and Barbara
(Eschenfelder) Rodenheiser, natives of Germany.
The father of our subject upon corning to this
country was first a furniture dealer, after which he
became a hotel-kee|)er. The death of this esteemed
gentleman took place November 9, 1873, but his
wife is still living.
Mr. John Rodenheiser received his earl}- educa-
tion in the public schools at Waterloo, and was
then sent to the Christian Brothers' College, at St.
Louis, where he graduated, in the Class of '80,
with the degree of B. A. When he first came to
tins town, Mr. Rodenheiser was engaged as a clerk
188
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArillCAL RECORD.
for nine years, after which he established his pres-
ent store. The stock he placed in his business was
entirely new and of latest designs. The store lie
occupies is the longest one-floor store in the countj'
and our subject has it fitted up with all modern
improvements, with ten obliging' clerks to attend
to the wants of the large number of customers.
Mr. Rodenheiser was married, May 5, 1886, to
Miss Minnie Maus. Two beautiful and engaging
children have been the result of this union,
namely: Meta and Edwin. Mrs. Rodenheiser was
the daughter of William Maus, one of the old and
respected citizens of Mascoutah, which was the
birth-place of Mrs. Rodenheiser. Mr. Rodenheiser
pays close attention to his business, and on this
account is one of the most successful merchants of
the county, and Belleville regards him as one of
her leading citizens. His hosts of friends proclaim
him to be one of the best men in the world.
jf/_^^ON. JAMES V. SLADE, A. M., ex-State
Ifj) Superintendent and the present Superin-
/^^^ tendent of the East St. Louis public schools,
(^) is a gentleman whose career may be studied
with interest and emulated with profit by young
men, for largely through his own efforts he fit-
ted himself for a calling in which he has achieved
honorable distinction. Energy, force of character,
sterling integrity and kindness of heart are his
distinguishing characteristics, and his brilliant yet
practical mind has been strengthened and enriched
by the highest culture. He was born in Albany
County, N. Y., Februar3' 9, 1837, in which county
his father, Leonard Slade, was also born, in 1802.
James Slade, the grandfather, was born in Con-
necticut, but became an earlj' settler of Albany.
He was a Tery successful tiller of the soil, was of
English descent, and traced his genealogy in this
country back to the founding of Plymouth, Mass.
When a young man, Leonard Slade followed the
calling of a teacher, after which he followed in
his father's footsteps and began devoting his at-
tention to agricultural pursuits in the vicinity of
his old home. In politics, he was first a Whig, and
then became a Republican, of which party he was
an adherent at the time of his death, which occurred
in 1891. He was a member of the Baptist Church,
and was in every respect an earnest Christian. He
was married to Miss Eliza Park, a native of Con-
necticut, and a daughter of Asahel Park, who was
born and spent his life in Connecticut. Mrs.
Slade wa§ born in 1802 and died in 1889. She
had been a school teacher in her youthful days,
and was possessed of rare intelligence and refine-
ment. She bore her husband three sons and three
daughters, all of whom attained maturity, but
only three are living at the present time.
James P. Slade was reared on his father's farm
and received his early training in the public
schools, after which he took an academic course.
In 1854, he entered the Fairfield Seminar^', which
he attended one .year, and the following summer
followed in his father's and mother's footsteps and
taught school, an occupation he followed with the
most desirable results until the fall of 1856, when
he came West and located in Belleville 111., where
two of his sisters were living. He first engaged
in teaching in the district schools of the county,
but at the end of one year was employed in the
Grammar School of Belleville, and after a time be-
came the Principal of the High School, which posi-
tion came to him unsolicited and as a reward
of merit. He entered upon his work thor-
oughly equipped and fully prepared to meet
any professional demands that might be made
upon him, and this has been attested by the
fact that success has attended his efforts from the
start. He ably filled the position of Principal from
1861 to 1866, and then he was appointed by Judge
Hughes County Superintenclent of St. Clair
County to fill a vacancy, and so ably did he fill
this position that at the expiration of his term of
service he was elected to the office and held it by
re-election for ten years, at one time having no
opposition. At another time there were three can-
didates and Prof. Slade had three thousand more
votes than both. While filling this position, he
was Principal of the schools of Belleville, and be-
came noted throughout the State as an able and
experienced educator, as well as a strict discipli-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
narian. lu writing aud speaking, he is clear and
forcible, particularly so when addressing himself
to any subject pertaining to tlie theory and prac-
tice of teaching, and his reasons for his convictions
are always well defined and reasonable.
In 1878, he made the race for State Superinten-
dent of Schools on the Republican ticket, and so
enviable a reputation had he gained as an instruc-
tor of the young, that he was elected by a large
majority and filled the position with distinguished
ability for four years. During this time he
luade his home in Springfield and made many
journeys to different portions of the State on
business connected with his office. In 1878, he
purchased a one-half interest in Almira College, of
Greenville, 111., and the following ytar became its
President. In 1872, he received the degree of A. M.
from Shurtleff College, which honor was unsolicited
by him. AVhile filling the duties of President of Al-
mira College, he was Professor of the Theory and
Art of Teaching and of Mathematics. He made it a
school for both sexes, and while under his control
it greatly improved in various ways and be-
came widely patronized. He continued to hold
the position of President until 1890, when he
leased his share and later sold it. In 1 890, he was ap-
pointed Superintendent of the public schools of
East St. Louis, without any solicitation on his part
and has since abl}' discharged the duties of this posi-
tion. In Prof. Slade are strikingly exemplified those
characteristics and principles which conduce to the
successful filling of positions demanding the dis-
play of great mental abilities; and the arduous bur-
dens that have fallen upon his shoulders have been
carried with an ease, grace and dignity that have
rendered him distinguished throughout his Stale
and have made his life a succession of honors.
He was married in Belleville in 1876, to Miss
Ella Bowman, daughter of Mrs. Fanny Bowman.
Mrs. Slade was born in Belleville, was educated in
the schools of her native town and in the Univer-
sity of Illinois, and afterward followed the occu-
pation of teaching. She has borne her husband one
child, Leonard Tracy. For some years Prof. Slade
was a Trustee of the University of Illinois at
Champaign, appointed by Gov. Palmer, and was a
jiicnilicr of the I'.oard when liie new luiildlng was
erected. In whatever locality he has resided, he
has always taken a prominent position, and while
a resident of Greenville he was earnestly solicited
by the citizens of that place to run for Mayor, but
he respectfully declined, as he preferred to devote
his attention to his profession. He has been active
in helping to establish the Normal Universities in
the State, and has been Treasurer and Vice-president
of the State Teachers' Association, and was one of
the organizers of the Southern Illinois Teachers'
Association, of which he was President at two dif-
ferent times and Secretary a number of years.
He, with others, was instrumental in creating the
Southern Illinois University, and all measures of
education and morality have found in him a hearty
supporter.
Almira College was organized as a Baptist school
in 1855 by the Baptist Society, and Prof. Slade, on
being requested to purchase it, in 1878 boughta one-
half interest, but was soon after elected State Sup-
erintendent, so did not takech.aigeof it until 1883,
when his term expired, after which he operated it
very successfully, as above stated. He has been
prominent for many years in State and National
Educational Associations and has taken high rank
in his profession. He is a member of the Baptist
Church, and for some time has been one of its dea-
3<"T >[i
^=^ EOR(4E HEBERER. Glancing at the l)io-
(11 f— - graphies of successful men and noticing
^%^l that almost invariably Ihey arose from
humble positions in life, it would very naturally
be inferred that poverty in youth is a blessing in-
stead of a misfortune. It is certainly true that
hardships in early life develoi) sturdy traits of
self-reliance and self-denial, whidi often in the
wealth}' lie dormant. There are man_\' citizens of
St. Clair County whose unaided exertions have re-
sulted in prosperity, and an excellent representa-
tive of this class may be found in Mr. Heborer.
This gentleman owns aud operates a finely-im-
proved farm on section 25, Fayctteville Township,
and is numbered among the most jn'ogressiye axfj
POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPIHCAL RECORD.
enterprising fanners of the county. Upon his
estate of one hundred and sixty acres he carries
on mixed farming, raising tlie various cereals to
which the soil is adapted. He uses the latest im-
proved machinery and modern methods in every
department of agriculture, and the result is tliat
lie has attained a degree of success unusual but
highly satisfactory. His life furnishes an excel-
lent example of what niaj' he accomplished b}'
peiseverance coupled with energy and good judg-
ment, for he was thrown upon his own resources
and compelled to be self-supporting when he was
a mere lad, nor did he receive any assistance in
his efforts to accumulate a competencj'.
As were many of the best citizens of St. Clair
County, our subject was born in Germany, his
birth occurring in 18.37. However, he retains no .
recollections of the land of his birth, for he was an
infant of only eighteen weeks when he accom-
panied his parents, George and Christena (Weil-
munester) Heberer, to the United States. His pa-
rents were both natives of Germanj^ the father
born in 1810 and the mother in 1809. The former
was reared in one of the villages of the Father-
land and in his 3'outh learned the trade of a
wagon-maker, which he followed throughout his
entire life. His death occurred May 9, 1846, when
George was a child of nine years, and his body
was the first that was buried in the Darmstadt
cemetery. In his religious belief, he was a de-
voted member of the Lutheran Church, in whicli
faith he reared his four children. They are:
Nicholas, now deceased; George, of this sketch;
Conrad, and Christena, who became the wife of
Daniel Harman.
Karly orphaned by the death of his fathei'. our
subject afterward remained at home with his
mother, and was a pupil in the public school of
Darmstadt at a time when there were but four-
teen families in the district. The school was of a
primitive order, both in the furnishing of the
building and the method of instruction, but Mr.
Heberer made the most of every opportunity of-
fered him and became a well-informed man. When
twenty-three .years of age, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Barl)ara. daughter of .lolui and
Margaret Schuster, and unto tlicin have lieeii boj-n
eight children, only two of whom survive. Anna
M. is the wife of Peter Schickedanz, and Adam 15.
is at home. Barbara, who married Conrad J uener.
is now deceased. In his political belief, Mr. Heb-
erer is firm in his adherence to the principles of
the Democratic i)arty and ever ready to support
the party of his choice l)y iiis influence as well as
his baUot.
■^m^'
"^^LIJAII STOOKEY. The subject of this
lU] sketch is the oldest surviving member of a
/I' — ^/ family that is known all over the county
of St. Clair. His birth occurred September 29,
1813, one-half mile south of the place of his pres-
ent residence, in section 30, St. Clair Township,
The house is still standing, and is now occupied
by Mr. Glad, a tenant, and is one of the landmarks
of the township. The father of Elijah was Dan-
iel Stookey, a native of Maryland, who was reared
near Hagerstown. His father was a native of Ger-
man}', who married Barbara Whetstone, a native
of Virginia, born near the Maiyland line.
Daniel Stookey seems to have been one of a
family of pioneers. His eldest brother, Jacob, re-
mained on tlie home place in Hardy County, Va.,
to which his father removed from Maryland.
Abraham was the next eldest, and removed to
Ross County, Ohio, where he lived and died.
Simon settled in Bedford County, Pa., and Samuel
went to Canton, Ohio. Daniel, the father of our
subject, was the youngest of the family and was not
to be left behind; so he decided to tr}' the West,
but as he did not wish to go alone he was mar-
ried in Virginia before starting. Shortly after
this he removed to Ohio, settling near Chilli-
cothe, and remained two years, when, hearing of
the rich and fertile lands in St. Clair County, 111.,
in 1802 he started across country and finally made
a .settlement on what is familiarly known as the
"old Stookey place." This became the home of his
remaining years, he dying here in 1835, at the age
of sixty-five years. His wife survived him four-
teen \ears, dying in 1!^19, aged se>-ei)tv-live years,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
As far as the biographer can discover, Uie children
of Mr. and Mrs. Stookey were Simon, born in
1796; Moses, in 1798; Aaron, in 1808; and Klijaii,
in 1813. From these brothers liave descended tlie
members of the Stookey family now resident in
lielleville, St. Clair and Stookey Townships and in
Southern Illinois, and wherever found this name
represent* intelligent and honorable people.
It is needless to say that the boyhood of our sub-
ject was spent on a farm, and that his educational
advantages were few. The log schoolhouse was
his temple of learning, and a few weeks, or at
most three months, in the winter for a few years
was all of the time in which he was able to attend
school. The teachers of those days were far from
being the capable instructors of the present.
The^' were strict disciplinarians, and used the rod
without fear or favor. Having only limited op-
portunities, it did not take long to impart all they
knew. Yet such use did the early settlers make of
scant learning, that, combined with industrious
liabits, strong common-sense, and clear-headed
judgment, they grew to years of discretion and
kept pace with the progress of the country, accu-
mulated property and prospered generally. The
most of them filled with fidelity and cai)ability
the various offices of trust and honor to which
they were appointed or elected.
Our subject did not go to school after he was
sixteen jears of age, but grew up on the home
])lace and saw his share of hard work, and took an
interest in the management of home affairs. In
those days the markets for farm products were far
remote, some farmers shipping down the Ohio and
Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans. The nearest
Eastern market was Cincinnati, which in 1810 had
a population of twenty-five hundred, and trips
there were generally made overland. After our
subject left school, he made several trips to Ohio
and Pennsylvania in company with others, driv-
ing and selling cattle. AVhen he reached the
age of twenty-three years, he was united in inat-
limony with Miss Elinor McGuire, born in Craw-
ford County, Pa., March 25, 1815, and whose par-
ents moved to St. Clair County when she was four
years old. Three children were born of this mar-
riage; Miidisoii T.. lioro NovcinbL.i- 2(i, )837 (see
sketch), and living in Belleville; Lafayette, who
died at the age of four years; and William, who
died in infancy.
After marriage our subject and wife lived eleven
years on the home place, now a part of the land
belonging to M. T. Stookey. They have made the
present place their home for thirty-three years.
Mr. Stookey has been Road Supervisor and School
Director, and in his politics follows the faith
of his father, the Democratic. The farm of Mr.
Stookey has_iu it one hundred and thirt^'-five
acres, and there the family lives in great comfort.
In religion, husband and wife are in unison, hav-
ing joined the Baptist Church in their youth, and
have led consistent Christian lives ever since.
Considering his advanced years, Mr. Stookey is
remarkably active and bright, and has a genial,
cheerful, friendly manner, and converses with
the quick tone of youth. He personally, at-
tends to his own business, and bids fair to see
many years of enjoyable life, being of the num-
ber that will never lose interest in their own or pub-
lic affairs so long as they live. Mr. Stookey is
happy in the possession of many cherished friends,
whose intimacy bei^an in their childliood.
/ *^^
,SCAR HEINRICH. The subject of this
notice is a member of the lumber firm of
O. Heinrich and Company, and is the oldest
dealer in the city, having opened up his business
here February 2, 1855. He was born near Dresden,
Saxony, Germany, August 19, 1826, was educated
there, employed as a clerk, and was apprenticed in
a wholesale house for nine years. For four years
he then worked on his father's farm. At this
time he decided to come to this country and left
home alone in 1853, coming to Mascoutah 111.,
and engaging there in the lumber business. Our
subject was married to Miss Johanna Lang, living
in Belleville, but born on the Rhine in Prussia,
February 1, 1855, and who came over in 1849, Feb-
ruary 2, IS55, he (ipeiied ijis present l)iisijiess oi(
192
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tLe same pieuiises he now occupies. At first ]Mr.
Heiuricli owned but tliree lots, but now the busi-
ness occupies thirteen lots on South Illinois Street,
corner of Sixth, near the Cairo Short Line tracks,
where the firm deals in all kinds of lumber, sa^li
doors and blinds, and also a full line of builder's
material.
Our subject is Director of the Belleville Saving
Bank and one of the first stockholders. His feel-
ings on political and secret society subjects have
kept him from joining in eithei'. Mr. lleinrich
lost his faithful wife, February- o, \S'JO, and only
one child, Ida, survives, and she is living with her
father. Her sister Meta, wife of Theo. Schmidt, died
in Pittsburgh, in 1891. Mr. Ileiurich occupies a
very nice residence on the corner of South Illinois
and Fifth Streets. He is a member of the Evangelical
St. Paul Free German Protestant Church, is one
of our best Cicrman residents, and enjoys the re-
spect and esteem of all who know him.
i>^-<i
OHN C. SCrnilDT is a farmer residing on
section 24, Millstadt Township, St. Clair
County, 111., who was born in St. Louis,
^l' Mo., on tlie 28th of January, 1843. The
father of our subject bore the name of Phillip
Schmidt, and his mother was Rachel Sibert. The
father came to St. Clair County and bought a farm
soon after his son's birth, it being located partly
in Millstadt and partly in Smithton Townships.
Here our subject was reared, and here he grew to
manhood. Mr. Schmidt received the advantages
which were afforded by the schools of the district,
and grew up witii the desire and intention of fol-
lowing an agricultural life.
In due time he began to think of a domestic
hearth of his own, and in 18G(! he became the proud
and happy husband of Miss Louisa Kalbefleisch,
daughter of Peter Kalbefleisch, a resident of this
county. After marriage Mr. Schmidt moved with
his wife to this place, which he rented from his
father, and which he bought of the estate after his
fatlier's deatlj. lie has lived here ever since, a»id
has reared a family of seven fine children, who are
named as follows: Emma, George, August, Louisa,
Ida, Edward and Bertha. They all have enjoyed
school advantages and will probably be prominent
people in the couiitv when another Rpxdui) of this
kind is compiled.
t)ur subject is the owner of eiglity acres of land,
upon which much labor and expense have been
lavished, but which repays him with magnificent
cropsof grain, wheat principally. As Mr. Schmidt
views the fine fields of waving yellow grain, he
must feel in a great measure repaid for tiie many
toilsome days and for the many nights when the
setting sun found him with such aching muscles,
that sleep seemed impossible. In many ways Mr.
Schmidt is a fortunate man, and in none more so
than in his land, which yields him a double income.
A great part of it is underlaid with coal and is
very valuable. Besides this, he has a coal mine in
operation upon the land. Much of the land along
this part of the State is rich in coal, and those who
possess it may be considered among the most for-
tunate of property owners.
The improvements on the farm of our subject
are superior to those to be found on many, as both
shade and ornamental trees are to be seen, with
quite an abundance of fruit, while the fences and
buildings are quite up to the average of those seen
through this section of old St. Clair. The Luth-
eran Church is the one in which the family of Mr.
Schmidt finds a home, in which association they
are all highly regarded as good and Christian
people.
Politically, our subject is one of the standi sup-
porters of the Republican party in this district.
He gives his vote and influence to this party, hav-
ing confidence in its leaders. Of late years Mr.
Schmidt has taken an interest in and has joined
the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, in which
body he is considered a valuable member. He has
been prominent in the public affairs of the district,
and has served his fellow-citizens as Commissioner
of Iligiiways, as District Commissioner and as
School Director. Mr. Schmidt has always done his
share in the way of improvemement and is con-
sidered one of the solid men of this part of the
county,
a
Z£^'{^^l-2<n^l/7^2/^t^.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
195
^ OL. HUGO WESTERMANN. The Gov-
jlf^ ernnient of the United Stales makes very
^^ careful selections when the appointment of
important officials comes up, and in this case no
mistake has been made. The revenue is a very
necessary branch of public affairs and those who
manage it must be men of education and judg-
ment. Col. Westermann is the Deputy Collector of
the Thirteenth District of Illinois, to whicii office
he was appointed .July 31, 1889. He has his office
and headquarters at Belleville, and has charge of
St. Clair, Monroe, Randolph and Wasliington
Counties.
Hugo AVestermann was born in Nassau, Ger-
many, December 3. 1827, and was given an educa-
tion at the Polytechnic School in Carlsruhe, Baden.
In 1848, lie was drafted into the army of Nassau,
and served during the War of Schleswig-Holstein
for one and a-half 3^ears as a i)rivatc soldier. At
the expiration of that time, in September, .1849,
he started for America, and after landing came on
West as far as Belleville, where he arrived Januar}-
2, 1850. ■ It did not take long for one of his pleas-
ant appearance to obtain employment, and he im-
mediately became a clerk in a store in St. Louis,
but soon started a store of his own in Belleville
in coni[)any with his uncle Rubach. Here he con-
tinued in this business until shortly before tiie
breaking out of the Civil War.
When the guns were opened on .siuiitcr. Col.
Westermann found an echo in his lnea>t which
made him oneof the first to enlist. He w;i.-. elected
Second Lieutenant of Company A, .Niulh Illinois
Infantry, his commission being dated April 23,
1861. The compan3r was first sent to Springfield
and then to Cairo, 111., for three months' service.
At the expiration of that time, he went out of that
regiment and raised Company II, Forty-lhinl Illi-
nois Infantry, with a commission of Captain from
September 1, 1861. His regiment was sent to Sr-
dalia. Mo., and from there to St. Louis and Ft.
Henry.Ft. Donelson and Shiloh; then to ^■i(•Usl^^•t;,
Helena. Little Kock, relieving lianks at (anion.
Ark., and then retreating to the river for the liattle
of Jenkins Ferry, where they made a good liuht.
They were next sent back to Little Rock.
For etticiencv in service our subiect was pro-
moted to the rank of Major, April 1, 1864. and
was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel April 29, 1865.
Fortunately he was neither captured nor wounded,
although he saw four years and eight months of
actual service. He was finally mustered out De-
cember 1, 1865. Upon his return to Belleville he
engaged as cashier in a dry-goods store and then
served as book-keeper in the Belleville Savinc^s
Bank, and also engaged in the brick business. His
appointment as Deputy Collector of Internal
Revenue for this district proves the possession of
peculiar and unusual ability, and he has served in
that position with fidelity and t.act.
Col. Westermann married Miss Bertha Abend, a
sister of the President of the Bank. They have
two living children: Dorette, the wife of Herman
^loelier, of Indianapolis; and Pauline, wife of
Frederick Paro, of this ciiy. Col. Westermann is
a member of Hecker Post, G. A. R. He has been a
brave soldier on two continents and deserves the
high esteem in which he is held as a favorite citi-
zen and public-spirited man.
€I^^^^|^;i^^ii
CB. CARROLL LL. 11. Among the promi-
. nent young men and successful attorneys of
_^ F'ast St. Louis is our subject, whose high
reinitalion and material prosperity came as the
reward of iinu>ual iialinal al)ilities industrioush'
aiii.lied. II.- wa< n near Wood River, Mad-
ison County, 111., on the 19tli of September,
185(!, and inherits thecpiick wit and native polite-
ness of his Irish ancestors. His father, John B.
Can-oil. wa- born in (^»ueen's County, Ireland, June
10. 1H32. The hitter's father was a battle-scarred
\i-ti'ran of tlie ill-fated uprising for Irish iude-
pi'ndenie in 1798. At the age of sixteen, the
urandfatlicr <if our subject left home, and enlisted
•ill the light dragoons of the I'.ritish army. With
his ciiniixuiy he participated in the Crimean War,
and as a member of the "Light Brigade" was one
of the survivors of the ill-fated six hundred at
I'.alaklava, referred to l)v Tennyson in the follow.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them,
Volleyed and thundered.
Stormed at with shot and shell,
Boldl}' they rode and well;
Into the jaws of death,
Into the mouth of hell.
Rode the Six Hundred.
\l the end of his service, the grandfather re-
turned to the farm in his native country and tilled
the soil until his death. He was an active man in
the Irish Revolution of 1798 and received a pike
wound, from the effects of which lie died many
years later.
The father of our subject came to America in
1855, and at Alton, 111., he was married to Miss
McDonald. About 1858, he opened the first coal
mine in Madison Countj', this State. After the
war lie engaged in farming, and in 1871 settled in
Kast St. Louis, where his death occurred. He was one
of the most upright and honorable citizens and he
never had a nickel or a dollar that he did not
cheerfully give to one in need. He never pledged
his word to break it, and was ever moved by the
noblest of impulses. A friend more true, a husband
or father more kind and devoted, never departed
this life. He was a man of wonderful constitution
and was never ill until his last sickness in 1884.
This developed into pleuro-pneumonia and he
passed away peacefully, as if going to sleep, with
his sorrowing wife and children around him. Thus
passed away a true, brave, and generous-hearted
man. He was six feet in height, was powerfully
built, and was the champion wrestler of the times.
He was Cit^- Marshal of East St. Louis for some
tune. Ill religion he was a member of St. Patrick's
Church. His wife was born in Cavan, Ireland, and
her father died during the cholera of 1844, at St.
Louis, whither lie had moved a number of years
previously. Mrs. Carroll now resides in East St.
Louis and five of her children are living.
Until nineteen years of age, our subject remained
on the farm and attended the common school. In
1871, he came to East St. Louis and clerked in a
grocery store for some time, but at the same time
Mttended night school. Later he entered the High
."•i-litioj in the city, and when about twentv years of
age began learning the printer's trade in IheofBce
of the East St. Louis Gazette, remaining there for
five years, when he became the head of affairs.
Later he began teaching school in the city and
after following this for eight years, four years of
the time of which he was principal of the schools,
he began the study of law under the dean of Mc-
Kendree College, Col. Horner. In 1887, he entered
the Law College and graduated with the degree of
LL. B. in 1889. Afterward he was employed on
the Post-Dispatch of St. Louis, also the Olobe-Dem-
ocrat, and was actively engaged in his practice.
In the spring of 1891, he was elected City At-
torney on the Citizen's Ticket and since then has
held that position. His nuptials with Miss Mary
Barron, a native of St. Louis, were celebrated in
the 3'ear 1880, and four children have blessed this
union: Hazel, Charles, Audrey and Percy. Mrs.
Carroll's father, Capt. James Barron, was a plaster-
ing contractor. In his political views, ^Vlr. Carroll
is a stanch Republican, and he and wife are worthy
members of St. Patrick's Church.
-^^^^^^<^^-^r^
Cj^ARL MONTAG, editor and proprietor of
the Mascoulah Herald, and one of the
if' prominent and influential citizens of Mas-
coutah, has the honor of being a native of the
city which is still his home. He was born October
6, 1861, and is a son of Louis Carl Montag, a na-
tive of Germany, who, in 1848, came to this
country. After a short period spent in New
York, he came direct to St. Clair County, locating
in Mascoutah. He was a builder and contractor,
and followed liis trade here until his death. He
also owned and operated a lumber yard in this
place. He was called to his final rest May 7,
1865, but his widow still survives him. L'nto this
worthy couple were born four children, three of
whom are yet living: Jacob, a resident farmer of
Piatt County, 111.; Mrs. J. N. t^uick, who resides in
Hazelton, Kan.; and Carl, of this sketch.
Our subject spent his boyhood days under the
parental roof, and the public schools afforded hini
PORTRAIT AND l^IOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
197
his educational privileges. However, at the age
of thirteen, he left school and entered the print-
ing office of the Mascoutah Banner, there remain-
ing about two months. The same 3-ear another
paper was started, called the Mascoutah Enterprise,
and he entered the new office, but after a short
time the publication of the paper was discontinued
and Mr. Montag secured a i)Osition on the staff of
tlie Lebanon Journal, with which he was connected
foi- about a year. On the expiration of that per-
iod he entered the office of a new German paper,
the Mascoutah Anzeiger, with which he was con-
nected for a year and a half. The succeeding
year of his life was then spent in the grain busi-
ness, after wiiich he went to St. Louis, where he
worked as a journeyman printer. We next find
him in Chicago, where he worked at his trade
until the fall of 1882. He was then emploj'ed on
the Cleveland Leader, of Cleveland, Ohio, after
which he went New York City, where he worked
at his trade for a year.
On the expiration of that period, Mr. Montag !
returned to Mascoutah, where he spent a year, and
then went to Lebanon, where he purchased the Leb-
anon Herakl, publishing that paper until January,
1885, when he discontinued tlie same, removed
the plant to Mascoutah, and established the Mas-
coutah Herald, of which he has since been editor
and proprietor. It is a bright, newsy sheet, well
conducted. It is published every Friday, and has
a large subscription list, which is well deserved.
June 18, 1891, Mr.Mon tag was united in marriage
with Miss Mary, daughter of Adam Pfaff. This
worthy couple aie highly respected throughout the
community in which they reside, and rank high in
the circles of society in which the}- move. In pol-
itics, Mr. Montag is»a stalwart Democrat, doing all
in his power for the growth and success of the
part3'. He is a member of the Congressional
Central Committee and the County Central Com-
mittee. He has held the office of Justice of the
Peace, to which he was elected in 1886 and again
in 1888. He was also City Clerk from May, 1889,
until May, 1891, discharging his duties witli
promptness and tidelity, to the credit of liimsolf
and to the satisfaction of his constitaents. So-
ciftUv, he is !^ twember of the Od<} FeUows' society,
and of the Knights of Honor. Mr. Montag is a
IHiblie-spirited and progressive citizen, who takes
an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare
of tlie community and uses his influence for its
benefit.
^jr/UGUST J. MILLER, a very prominent
V I ^^^ general f.irmer and stock-raiser of
/// li this section, is located on section 5, Free-
^^ burg Township. Here he has a fine farm,
and one point upon the place is the highest land
in the county, and has been utilized by the United
States as an observatory-.
Our subject is the son of Bolcer Miller, who was
born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, where he
was reared and married. The name of the mother
of our subject was Margaret Stugert. Mr. Miller,
the father of our subject, came to this country
in 1831, and first entered eighty acres of land
of the (iovernraent, and there lived until his
death. He believed that -'a rolling stone gathers
no moss," and in his case he found that it was bet-
ter to find a home and stay there, and put all of
his energies in one place. Here he reared a familj'
of seven children, and died in 1875. Those of his
children living are: our subject; John, who lives
in Freeburg Township; Ilenr}', who lives near Leb-
anon, 111., and .\dam, who resides in this State.
Those who have passed away are Balsec. Christena
and Jacob.
Our subject was born September 15, 1838, on
the old home place. He attended the public
schools and there received his education. In
1868, Miss Margaret Hamann became his wife.
She was the daughter of George H. Hamann, a
farmer of this county. After his marriage, our
subject settled on this place, and has lived here
ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had a fam-
ily of eight children; those who have been
taken from them by death are Lena, Amelia, Ida
and liertha;and those who still remain are: .lulius.
Otto, Kmma and .\nnie.
Mr. Miller has one hundred and seventy-five
acres of hmd. :\\\ well jiiiproved and in :\ fine stiUf
198
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL RECORD.
of cultivation. Politically, he is a Republican,
and socially he belongs to the Farmers' Mutual
Benevolent Association, in which he has been an
active worker. He has been honored by his dis-
trict by being selected as a Director of the schools,
and is everywhere regarded as a man of good
judgment and strict morality.
J/ AMES W. KIKK, City Comptroller andEd-
I itor of the Journal, has been a prominent
I f.ictor in the upbuilding of the city of East
^ St. Louis, and is one of the representative
men. He was born in South Byron, Genesee Count}',
N. Y., on the 1st of April, 1848, and is of Irish
descent, his father, Thomas Kirk, and his grand-
father, Patrick Kirk, being natives of the Emerald
Isle. The grandfather was engaged in the dairy
business in his native country, but at an early
date brought his family to America and located in
Vermont, where he continued his former occupa-
tion. Later, he came to Genesee County. N. Y..
was engaged in the dairy business there, and there
he died when eighty-one years of age. His
wife lived to be one hundred and two 3'ears of age.
The Kirk family was originally from Scotland.
Thomas Kirk, father of our subject, was born in
1812, passed his boyhood and youth in Vermont,
and came with his parents to Genesee County, N. Y,
wliere lie assisted on the farm and in the dairy
business until the New York Central Railroad was
built, when he engaged in contracting and build-
ing between Rochester and Buffalo. After its com-
pletion, he was Assistant Superintendent on this
road for years, but finally retired to Bergen, and
there died. In religion lie was a Catholic, and in
politics, a stanch Democrat. His wife, who was
formerly Miss Susan McDonald, was born in Ireland
in 1824, and while young came with her parents to
America. She is now a resident of Rochester, N. Y.
Of the eleven children born to tliis worthy couple,
ten are living at the present time, and our subject
i> tlie eldest.
Our subject was reared in South Byron, N. Y.,
and since the age of fifteen years has been con-
nected with newspapers. He received his educa-
tional advantages in the common schools and later
began clerking in a diy-goods store, thus accumu-
lating sufficient means to enable him to obtain a
better education. He attended the Collegiate In-
stitute at Batavia, and when seventeen years of
age entered the State Normal at Brockport, from
which institution he was graduated in 1869. He
had taught during this time in the public and
Normal Scliools, and after graduating he received
a State certificate, afterward teaching at Byron and
Bergen, where he was Principal until 1871.
In April, 1871, he came to St. Louis, Mo., just
after the great tornado, and was employed for a
short time by the A. Sumner Piano and Sewing Ma-
chine Company. He was sent to Kansas City for
a few weeks,' and after returning came to East
St. Louis, at a time when the city was beginning to
improve a little. This was in August, 1871. He
went on the St. Louis Daily Times as a reporter
from St. Clair County, East St. Louis and Belle-
ville, and later was with other St. Louis papers
and with the East St. Louis Gazelle as a writer and
reporter until 1885. He earned an enviable repu-
tation as a writer, his articles being extensively
copied, and in that year leased the East St. Louis
Gazelle, which he edited until the 1st of January,
1889.
Previous to this, however, in 1872, lie was ap-
pointed City .\uditor by the Mayor, and held tliat
position in a capable manner for five years, or un-
til 1877, when he became Librarian of the Public
Libraiy, filling that position for eighteen months.
After this he became Assistant City Clerk, and
held that position for three yeafs. During the"dark
days" of East St. Louis he was reporter on the
St. Louis Republican and Globe-Dmnocrat, and he,
with Mayor Stephens and others, united to form a
new eitj- government. This new law was adopted
in tiie fall of 1886. After leaving the Gazette, Mr.
Kirk established the East St. Louis Journal, edited
it under that name for a year, and then changed it
to the Daily Journal in March, 1890. and is con-
ducting it at the present time.
In April, 1887, he was appointed City Auditor
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
by Mayor Stephens, and in September, 1888, he
was appointed City Comptroller. Mr. Kirk owns
considerable real estate in the city, including tlie
Journal office, wliich is a two-story liricic on Broad-
way, at the liead of Collinsville, and his handsome
residence on Pennsylvania Avenue. Mr. Kiik was
married in East St. Louis to Mrs. Mary (Pow-
ers) Godin, a native of Providence, R. I., and tbe
daughter of .John Powers, who was a joiner in roll-
ing mills. She had one son by her foi'mer marriage,
William J. Godin, who is pressman in the Journal
office. Mr. and Mrs. Kirk have one child, Susie.
Mr. Kirk is a Democrat in politics, and has been
a delegate to county and State conventions fre-
quently. He has been a leading spirit among the
Democrats of the city and county since 1871, and
has rendered the city great and valuable service.
For several years he was a member and Secretary
of the County Democratic Committee. Much
might have been written of the public life of Mr.
Kirk, of the predictions that have been fulfilled,
and of the numberless occasions where his opinions,
held in opposition by the wayward views of the
unthinking public, have been justified by results;
but a recital would not be approved by him. He
is one of the county's most influential citizens,
and is a pleasant, genial gentleman. He and Mrs.
Kirk are members of the St. Patrick's Catholic
Church.
/^ HARLES DEXTER. The adventurous life
(11 ^L of the subject of this sketch cannot half be
^^/ told in the limits permitted by the publish-
ers of the record of prominent men of St. Clair
County, but this record would be very incomplete
if there was no mention made of it. Thirty-eight
years seem a short time in which to accomplish so
much, but that is the length of time that has
elapsed since our subject first saw the light in Lan-
caster, N. H. He was the son of Charles W. Dexter,
who was a very important man in his native place.
The stock was good, the grandfather, Horace, hav-
ing been a direct descendant from a "Mayflower"
family. The latter, born in Massachusetts, fought in
the War of 1812, and spent many years of his life as
Captain of an ocean steamer. He finally came
home to Lancaster and ended his days there.
The father of Mr. Dexter, of this notice, became
Editor of the Lancaster Weekly and was also the
Recorder of Deeds of the county and held other
offices. The mother of our subject was Caroline
Smith, who was born in New Hampshire. Her fa-
ther had served as a drummer boy in tlie War of
1812, and was a saddler by trade. Both parents
have passed off the stage of life. Two children
were the result of their union, Bennett W., who re-
sides in Minneapolis, and our subject. The latter
was 1 eared in Lancaster and graduated from the
High School there. He then entered a preparatory
school at New Hampton and in the .year 1874 he
entered Dartmouth College. While here he dis-
played special talent in the geological researches
and was employed by the United States Geological
Survey Corps to assist during vacations in the
(Geodetic Coast Survey. In 1879, he graduated
with the degree of A. B., and then came West as
far as Charles City, Iowa, and then spent one year
in travel.
Daring his travels he penetrated into the wild
country in New Mexico, where the Apaches were
giving the troops much trouble, and with the spirit
of youth and the daring of a man, he joined the re-
gular army on the frequent scouting expeditions
and had some narrow escapes from capture. He
was on the Government Survey and went through
Arizona when the Indians were in one of their
most serious outbreaks. He was exposed both to
the wild animals, which still roamed over those
virgin forests and to the reptiles, but the great-
est peril was from the treacherous Indian. His
work in prospecting and geologizing was so satis-
factory that he was offered the appointment of De-
puty Mineral Surveyor, but by that time his most
ardent desire was to get back to civilization. In
1881, he reached Minneapolis, just at the time the
great real-estate boom struck the city, and he
immediately purchased land and laid out three
additions, Vinton Heights, St. Louis Park, and
Minnetonka Heights. Here he continued in the
same lucrative business until the real-estate boom
200
i-ORTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICIAL RECORD.
struck Denver and there he went and managed
some large transactions. He laid out two addi-
tions, South View Park and Montressor Park, and
after this was all satisfactoril3' attended to he went
to the Pacific Coast, and then returned to Minnea-
polis, but in December, 1889 he located in East St.
Louis. He has ten acres on Tenth Street, on
Broad wa3% which he platted as Dexter 's First Addi-
tion; then he added Dexter's Second Addition and
later Dexter's Third Addition, and McDonald's
East Clearmont Addition. He handles only his
own property and has built about one hundred
residences here. He has his office in the Opera
House Block and owns a house in St. Louis. He
still has interests in Minneapolis, Denver, Kansas
City, Chicago and other points.
Our interesting subject made a great step for-
ward in 1881 by his marriage. The charming lady
was Miss W^'llian Knapp, born and educated in
Charles Citj-, Iowa. He is a strong Republican
and can give many reasons in his cheery style why
he is one. He belongs to the I^nitarian Club of
St. Louis.
Mr. Dexter is a fine conversationalist and his de-
scriptions of killing deer and bear, and of marching
one hundred and even two liundred miles without
sleep with loaded muskets, when on the way to Ft.
Stanton, are ver}' thrilling. He is one of the most
successful business men of this place.
1 MIL J. EGGMANN, lawyer, and State In-
spector of the National Stock Yards at East
St. Louis. Among those who rank deserv-
edly high in the profession of law is Emil J. Egg-
mann, who was born in Switzerland, March 5,
1844, to Conrad Eggmann, who was born at Ro-
manshorn,on Lake Constance, Switzerland, and was
a seaman by calling, which life he commenced to
follow when a boy. He sailed around the world,
and made many voyages to different countries.
He later became first officer and then cashier of a
steamer'on the lakes in Switzerland, and still later
became harbor-master at Romanshorn. He died at
the age of sixty-six years. The paternal grand-
father, who was .also Conrad Eggmann, followed
the calling of a farmer and fisherman, and died
when about sevent3^-five years.
The mother of Emil ,1. Eggmann was Anna
I Kathrina .Jeanrenaud, who was of French de.scent,
but was born in Switzerland. Emil J. Eggmann
j was the only scion of his father's house, and was
j reared in the large manufacturing town of St.
Gallen, where he first attended the gymnasium,
I and afterward the polytechnic school, where he
j completed the prescribed course. Following this,
he was employed as clerk in a mercantile house for
I some time, then spent two years in traveling
j through Southern Europe. He was a fluent speaker
of both German and French, and therefore derived
much more benefit from his tiavels than he other-
wise would. At the age of iiiiit'tcen years he came
to America, deciding to dn ><) wliilc in England,
and with this end in view, he returned to Belgium,
I sailing from Antwerp in January, 1864. and land-
ing at New York. The Civil War in this country
was then in progress, and Mr. Eggmann at once
enlisted in Company F, Eleventh New Jersey In-
fantry, under the name of Emile Jeanrenaud, and
I was mustered in at Newark in November, 1864.
t He joined his regiment in front of Petersburg, and
served until the close of the war. He was in the
Grand Review at AVashington, D. C, and received
j his discharge in July, 1865.
In the fall of that year, he went to St. Louis,
Mo., and a short time after engaged in the general
mercantile business at Meredosia, III., but six months
later began clerking in St. Louis. September 19,
) 1866, he located in East St. Louis, and after a few
3'ears spent as a clerk in a grocery store he began
in the same capacity in a hardware establish-
ment, and although he experienced manj- ups
and downs, he in the main was successful. In
1872, he was elected to the position of Justice of
the Peace, and during the four years that he filled
this position, he dispensed justice with an impar-
tial hand. He was also appointed as Notary, and
soon began the study of law under L. H. Hite,
practicing in the Probate Courts, and in 1 890 was
admitted to the Bar. After his term of Notary
had expired, he was appointed by Gov. Oglesby
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
as State Officer for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals in East St. Louis, and held this position
three and a lialf years. In 1890, he received the
appointment from Gov. Fifer as Public Adminis-
trator for St. Clair County, and in February, 1892,
lie was appointed by the State Board of Live Stock
Commissioners to his present position, which he is
ably filling, and which occupies much of his time.
Our subject's marriage to Miss Caroline Manewal
took pla(e in St. Louis in 1866. She was born in
Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and has become the
mother of nine children: Emil W., who is study-
ing law in St. Louis; Dr. Jerry P., who is a prac-
ticing ph3sician of Chicago; Horace .T., a school
teacher of this city; Katie A., Elvira, George, Aug-
ust M., Tancred C. and Richard J. Mr. Eggmann
is a Knight Templar in the Ancient, Free and Ac-
cepted Masons; is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows; the Ancient Order of
United Workmen; the Mystic Shrine; and the Or-
der of Owls. He is a Republican, politically, and
belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. He
and his family attend the Evangelical Lutlieran
Church.
"^t^ R. H. J. deHAAN, one of the most em-
inent of Western physicians, and, in all
the term implies, one of the most success-
ful practitioners of medicine in the city
of East St. Louis, was born in St. Louis, Mo., May
24, 1858, a son of .]. J. de Haan, who was born in
Coin, Germany. At the age of seven years, the
latter began attending the Latin school of Coin,
where he acquired a good education, and, upon at-
taining the required age, he enlisted in the Ger-
man army, and during the nine years he was in
the service attained to considerable rank. He
served in the Revolution of 1848, in the King's
Guards in Berlin, and was later honorably dis-
charged at Coin. In 1857, he came to St.
Louis, Mo., with his wife, and became manager for
the Saler Publishing House, the largest German
establishment of the kind in the West. In 1865,
he located in East St. Louis, and two years later
became a real-estate agent, and afterward general
paymaster for the Wiggins Feriy Company, but
resigned in 1889, and has since lived in retirement
at liis pleasant and comfortable residence at No.
70 Pennsylvania Avenue. His wife was Catherine
Rudtge, a native of Coblentz, Germany, and by
iier lie became tlie father of two sons and three
daughters, one son being now deceased. The
paternal grandfather was bom in Holland and be-
came well known as an architect of more liian or-
dinary' ability.
Dr. H. J. deHaan spent the first nine years of
his life in St. Louis, Mo., and although he after-
ward became a resident of East St. Louis, 111., he
still continued to pursue his studies in St. Louis,
where he first attended a German institution,
hiter entering the Sacred Heart College at Ruma,
III., where he graduated in the Latin course at
the age of eighteen years. Succeeding this, he
was for about three years Assistant Railroad Agent
for the Wiggins Ferry Company, at the end of
which time, as it had always been his desire to
study medicine, he became a disciple of Esculapius
in St. Louis, under the able instruction of Dr.
Prewitt, and in 1881 entered the Missouri Medical
College, in which he remained until 1883. In
order to further perfect himself in his profession,
he went to Berlin, Germany, in the spring of 1883.
While an attendant of Berlin University, one
of the professors under whom he studied was the
now celebrated Dr. Koch. He graduated in 1885,
with the degree of M. D., and soon after returned
to East St. Louis, not, however, before he had
traveled over the most of the Continent and had
taken special medical courses in Vienna, Paris and
London.
Our subject is familiar with both German and
French, and this aided him largely in his deter-
mination to avail himself of every opportunity
which presented itself to increase his practical
knowledge of his profession, and, in pursuance of
this design, he attended the International Medi-
cal Congress at Copenhagen in 1884, and after-
ward visited the principal points of interest in
the Scandinavian Peninsula. In 1885, he opened
an office in the First National Bank Building and
202
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArillC'AL RECORD.
entered upon the practice of his profession, and it
was not long before the public began showing its
appreciation of his ability, liis earnest effort, and
his conscientious devotion to the duties of his
profession, as it always shows appreciation of gen-
uine merit. Witli professional skill wliich brought
him the best class of patronage, he combines the
tact which makes fast friends of the patients who
come to him for treatment, and tlie closest and
most assiduous attention to business has swelled
his annual income to goodly proportions. This
has also been increased by judicious investments
in real estate, in which business he has sluiwn him-
self shrewd and far seeing.
Our subject was the prime mover in establishing
St. Mary's Hospital in 1889, and since June, 1890,
he has been its Surgeon. He was married in
1886 to Miss Nell Bergen, who was born in Litch-
field, 111., and by her has three bright children:
Adrian, Nellie and Marie. He has recently been
bereft of his wife, whose untimely demise occurred
in 1891. The Doctor has a pleasant home at the
corner of Seventh Street and Pennsylvania Ave-
nue, and is in receipt of a handsome income from
his real-estate ventures and practice. He did
much to boom the town, and has ever been one of
its most enterprising citizens. He is a member
of St. Henry's Church, and is a Democrat polit-
ically.
R. ALEXANDER FEKETE, the efficient
IjJ Postmaster of East St. Louis, 111., and a
well-known physician of this section, was
born in Buda Pesth, Hungary, December
2, 1827, of which country his father, Louis Fekete,
was a Government officer. Tiie latter died in the
'40s. His wife, Elizabeth Sabo, was born there and
bore her husband five children, of whom the subject
of this sketch was the youngest, and is the only one
now living. Dr. Alexander Fekete was reared and
educated in the gymnasium under Jesuit instruc-
tion, and, after completing his course there in
1845, he entered tlie University of Vienna as a
medical student; but at the end of three years he
became involved in the Revolution of 1848, in
which he served during tiie eighteen months that
it was in progress. He was a member of the Le-
gion of Vienna, became First Lieutenant, and was
wounded in the battle of Hermannstadt, on the
10th of January, 1849. His wound was in the
left thigh, whicii prevented him from making his
escape, and he was taken prisoner. Three months
later, he effected his escape, and made his way
to Turkey; in tlic spring of 1850 he left Con-
stantinople with Kossuth, on board an American
vessel of war, and for some time thereafter was in
the liospitals of London.
In tiie fall of 1850, he crossed the Atlantic to
America and reached New York at the end of six
weeks. He became a clerk in a drug establish-
ment in that city, but in 18.52 came AVest to St.
i>ouis. Mo., where he followed the same occupa-
tion, and completed his medical studies, which had
been so seriously interrupted. He graduated as an
M. D. in 1854 at the St. Louis Medical College,
after which he located in Clinton County, and was
married the same year to Miss Kate Fisher, who
was born in Kentucky, a daughter of William
Fisher, a tiller of the soil, whose father had been
a Revolutionary soldier, as was also lier maternal
grandfather. Dr. Fekete remained in Aviston, 111.,
for about five years, and was then a resident of
Marine, Madison County, until the opening of the
Civil War. May 19, 1862, he enlisted in the ser-
vice, and was made Assistant Surgeon of the Fifth
jMi?>c.uii C.n airy, and was in Missouri, Kansas and
Avkan-a- li-liiiiiu luishwhackers. In 1864, he be-
came Snrucnn (if the regiment, with the rank of
Major, and on tlie 14th of April, 1865, was mus-
tered out of the service at Rolla, Mo., the same
night that President Lincoln was assassinated.
About May 26, Dr. Fekete located in East St.
Louis, and for many years thereafter, while on his
long rides over the country to visit his patients, he
carried his drugs in his saddle bags. As a medi-
cal practitioner, he has shown the sarue tenacity of
purpose and the same devotion to duty that he
showed upon the field of battle in two hemispheres,
and Ills painstaking professional effort has placed
him in an independent financial condition. He
is a practitioner of the homeopathic school, and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
205
has been since 1877. In the year 1880, he made the
race for County Coroner on the ftarfield ticket,
but the county was largely Democratic, and he was
defeated by a small majority. In December, 1889,
he was appointed Postmaster of East St. Louis by
President Harrison, and on tlie 1st of February,
1890, he entered upon his duties. At that time it
was a third-class office, but it is now second-ciass,
and has a free delivery.
The Doctor has a pleasant residence at No. 22.3
Collinsville Avenue, where he and his family dis-
pense a refined hospitality. He has two children,
Thomas L. and Ida M. The Doctor has been As-
sistant County Physician for years, and was Health
Officer also for some years. Politically, ho is a
strong Republican.
CSn ONRAD REINECKE, of Belleville, isPresi-
dent and owner of the majority of stock in
_^J the Reinecke Coal Company, beside which
he owns extensive mining interests nearthe Louis-
ville & Nashville Depot and at Madisonville,
Ky. Born in Martsausen, Kurhessen, Germany,
May 19, 1844, our subject is a son of Frederick
and Mary (Gundlach) Reinecke, who became resi-
dents of Belleville, 111., in 1850. The fatiier had
learned the miller's trade in his n.ative land, but
after becoming a resident of America he did not
engage in any special business. His family con-
sisted of two sons and two daughters, of whom
the only survivors are the subject of this sketch
and one sister, Eleanor, the wife of John Brown.
Both p.arents died in this country.
Conrad Reinecke acquired a practical education
in the public schools of St. Clair County and made
fair progress in his studies, as he was an ambitious
youth and was anxious to obtain sufficient educa-
tion to fit him for the practical duties of life.
After leaving school, he turned his attention to
blacksmithing, at which he worked until 186.5, be-
coming thoroughly- proficient in the business. At
the age of twenty-one years, he began coal-mining
as superintendent and manager for John A.
I Reeves, with whom he remained until 1871. At
that time, having through economy and prudence
acquired sufficient means, he became a partner of
William M. Reeves, a son of his former emplo}'er,
in operating a mine at Reeves Station. At tlie
end of three years he came to the conclusion that
he could make more money if he embarked in
business alone, and with this object in view he
j leased some coal land and sank a shaft, which he
is still operating. He has gradually increased it
to its present capacity and now takes out about
j seven thousand bushels of coal per day. He has
[ shipped as manj' as fifteen thousand bushels per
1 day on the Louisville k Nashville Railroad and
gives employment to about fifty men. He has
purchased the coal underneath about one hundred
and sixty acres of land and has been an important
factor in the development of the bituminous coal
resources of Western Illinois.
The mine of which Mr. Reinecke is owner is
equipped with all the necessary machinery and
appliances for the successful operation of the busi-
ness, and the man.agement and practical details of
the work are in the hands of a man who is thor-
oughly familiar with every branch of the business.
He is the organizer of the Reinecke Coal Company,
which has a capital stock of $100,000 paid up. I.
Bailey is the Secretary of this company, also Treas-
j urer and General Manager. Shipments of his coal
are made exclusively by rail to all parts of the
South, where the product of his mine is especiall3'
noted as a superior qualitj- and is in large demand
throughout the territorj^ covered by his trade.
Through his own efforts Mr. Reinecke has at-
tained to his present enviable financial condition,
and has the unbounded satisfaction of knowing
that he is not beholden to any one for the prop-
erty he has acquired, or for the success with which
his efforts have been attended. He has done much
for the community in which he is located, and as
a business man has the respect of all with whom
he has had business relations. He is decidedly
practical in his views, has always been a keen ob-
server and has had the good judgment to grasp at
every opportunity that presented itself for the ad-
vancement of his interests, but never at the ex-
pense of others.
20G
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPfflCAL RECORD.
February' 19, 1884, Mr. Reinecke married Amelia
M. Herman, of Belleville, a daughter of Joseph
Herman, a Bohemian by birth, their union resulting
in the birth of one child, Harrison. He was first
united in marriage with Miss Eliza Reeves, and
by her became the father of three children: Caro-
line, wife of John Penn, of Belleville; Clara, and
Fred, who is attending school. Mr. Reinecke and
his family are attendants at and supporters of the
Methodist Episcopal Cliiircli.
D)'
R. H. C. FAIRBKOTHER. There are men,
and the number is by no means small, who
1^^ drift into what we are accustomed to look
upon as the leai-ned professions in the same way
that thousands of men in the lower walks of life
drift into the ordinary bread-winning occupations.
Having.no special jireference for an3' calling, and
without feeling that they have any particular fit-
ness for a certain profession, they find themselves
drifting in that direction as a result of associa-
tions or en vironments, and in the course of time
they also find themselves shouldering responsibili-
ties for which they have scant liking, carrying
l)urdens which rest heavily upon them, and labor-
ing in a field which has for them no attraction
other than what it yields in the way of annual in-
comes. Dr. Fairbrother impresses even those who
meet him in a casual way as a man who has drifted
easily and naturally into the medical profession,
who realizes that he has made no mistake in the
choice of his vocation, and who feels thoroughly
at home in the position which he occupies. This
impression deepens with a more intimate acquaint-
ance and familiarity with the history of liis life,
and leads to the unbiased and impartial view, that
the splendid success which lie has achieved is the
logical sequence of talent rightly used, together
with energy and industry never misapplied.
Dr. Fairbrother was born near the village of
Bonaparte, ^'an Buren County, Iowa. His father,
Henry Fairbrother, and his grandfather of the same
name, were from Lancashire, England. His mother,
Urania Tollman, now in her eightj'-sixth 3'ear, is
of hardy New England stock tbat can be traced
back to near the lime of the Pilgrim Fathers. The
Tollman family, in April, 1788, assisted in the lay-
ing out and settlement of the city of Marietta,
Ohio. In June, 1844, Dr. Fairbrother's parents,
lured b_y the flattering reports of greater prosperity
in the West, started upon a Westward journey, and
halted at St. Louis during the very high water of
that season. The St. Louis of that da^y presented
few attractions at best, but at that time all the houses
on the river front were half buried in water, and
boats landed and received their freight from the
second-story windows. I^ooking to the East over
the present site of East St. Louis, there was pre-
sented to the view nothing but one broad expanse
of water. Not attracted by anything in the out-
look here, these homeless emigrants, with very
meagre possessions and five little children, wended
still further their journey toward the setting sun.
They finally settled in the interior of the new
State of Iowa, then hardlj' more than a wil-
derness, inhabited by the redman and the buf-
falo. In this wild country home, in a log house,
for there was no other kind, on the 19th of
June, 1845. Heniy C. Fairbrother was born. After
a few years' residence liere, the family, now
ten in number, removed to Clark County, Mo.,
where they followed the occupation of farming.
Upon the breaking out of the war Henry, al-
though only sixteen years of age; with his two
elder brothers, Philo and John, entered the Union
army and went South in the conflict of States.
They were all wounded — Philo but slightly-, John
permanently crippled by two musket-ball shots at
the battle of Pea Ridge, and Henry having his
right arm badly shattered in a night engagement
with Thompson's band of guerrillas in Southeast
Missouri. At the close of the war, he received his
discharge in St. Louis, and returned to his old
home on the farm in Clark County. It was found,
however, that the adventures and exciting scenes
of more than three years of army life had robbed
the plow and the hoe of their former charms.
Realizing that his education had been almost lost
sight of. he began to cast about as to how he should
K)RTRA1T AND BIOGKAPHICAL RECORD.
retrieve this loss. Upon the advice of his mother,
and brother John, who was then a student there,
he began an academical course at Denmark, Iowa,
graduating in the classical course of four j'ears, in
1868, at which time he was valedictorian of his
class. During llie greater part of this time he was
dependent upon his own resources, and earned the
means for his support either by tlie occasional
teaching of a term of school or by various kinds
of manual labor. After graduating he continued
teaching for about one year, when he began the
study of medicine under the direction of Dr. An-
gear, at Ft. Madison, Iowa. He remained here
for a year and a half, maintaining himself in the
meantime by work in a drug store, after which he
came to St. Louis and entered the St. Louis Medical
College.
During the first year of his course his expenses
were defrayed by various kinds of work, chiefly
in the otHce of the old Times newspaper. At the
end of this time, upon the advice of his professor.
Dr. Gregory, he opened an office for the practice
of medicine on " The Island " in East St. Louis.
A pasteboard card with the name and new title upon
It was tacked upon the door of a room in Lovings-
ton's Row. The furniture that decorated this
office was unearthed from the cellar of Con Fal-
lon's saloon on the corner of Sixth and Chestnut
Streets, having gone through a sufficient number
of bar-room fights to be retired from active busi-
ness. What this furniture lacked in quality it
made up in quantity, as it formed a fair-sized load
for a one-horse coal wagon that was passing that
wa}-, and the teaming cost hut a trifle. But as luck
would have it, the office had two rooms, and every
chair and table that had less than three legs was
relegated to the back room. Notwithstanding the
few attractions presented either in furniture or
medical skill, a few straggling patients began to
appear, an occasional emergency call was made,
and the Doctor, for now he was styled such, man-
aged to procure enough in the way of fees to bear
the few expenses incurred and complete his medi-
cal education, graduating in March, 1872.
In December of the same year, having obtained
a pretty fair start in his profession, he was mar-
ried to Miss Mildred A. Carpenter, a teacher in
the public schools of St. Louis, who died of child-
bed fever in September, 1882. A few days after
her death, Eva, their first-born, a bright little girl
in lier ninth year, died of scarlet fever. Still liv-
ing from this union are Raymond, now in his six-
teenth year, and Mildred in her tenth year. In
April, 1883, Dr. Fairbrother was apijointed by Gov.
Hamilton as a Trustee of the State Normal Uni-
versity, at Carbondale. During the fall of this
year, in order to be better fitted for the discharge
of the duties of this position, he visited a number
of the Normal Schools of the Eastern States, chiefly
those of New York and Boston, and made careful
observations of their methods, and brought back
with him man^- suggestions with regard to the
conducting of these schools. He had scarcely re-
turned, when their magnificent L^niversity build-
ing, erected at a cost of $300,000, was consumed
by fire. As the State does not insure its prop-
erty, there was no insurance on the building, and
many were the fears that were felt about obtain-
ing an appropriation for its rebuilding. Dr. Fair-
brother, accompanied by Judge J. B. Messick and
John B. Lovingston, went immediately to Spring-
field and laid before the Governor a petition to
call a special session of the Legislature to make
this appropriation. The petition failed so far as
calling of the session w.as concerned, but it suc-
ceeded in all that was expected. It caused the
subject to be so freely published and discussed
throughout the State, that when the regular
session occurred, the members were so familiar
with the matter that, with very little trouble, the
appropriation was secured.
Dr. Fairbrother gave personal attention to the
erection of the new building, which was one year
in construction and is the finest school building in
the State, .and equal to any in the United States.
In November, 1884, he was united in marri.ige to
Miss Kate H. Merry, also a teacher in tlie public
schools of St. Louis, from which union there have
been born Henry Merry, who died when a little
over one year of age, and Katie May, now in her
fifth 3'ear. For the past eighteen years Dr. Fair-
brother has been an .active member of the St. Louis
Medical Society. He is a member of the St. Clair
County Medical Society, of which he is now the
208
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
presiding officer. He is also a member of the Mis-
sissippi Valley Medical Association, and during
the meeting of that bod)' in St. Louis in 1861, as
Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, he
did much to promote its success. He is now Sur-
geon for the various railroads entering East St.
Louis, and also for the St. Louis Bridge Company.
Although a sincere student of medicine and sur-
gery and actively engaged in professional work,
he has always found time to devote to whatever
concerned the interests of his fellow-men. He
has always been a strong advocate and supporter
of liberal education and has devoted both time
and money to the elevation of the public schools
of East St. Louis, and in securing their freedom
from entanglement with religious dogmas.
In pul)lic meetings for the promotion of the
general good, he is an active participant, and upon
all committees where active work is required, his
name usually appears. At the present time he is
a member of the relief committee for the sufferers
from high water, and a great deal of his time is
occupied in adjusting their claims and distributing
funds. He has also given due attention to the
business side of life, and has succeeded in accumu-
lating a veiy fair competence. He is V'ice-presi-
dent of the First National Bank of East St. Louis
and is a member of its discount board. He is of
a very' social nature and domestic habits, and takes
great pride in his grounds and residence which is
adorned by many beautiful paintings. In politics,
he is Republican, and in his theory of life he is
guided by the principle of love and service to his
family and mankind.
EORGE L. CORLIS. The grandfather of
,=, the pleasant gentleman whose sketch it
^^ gives us pleasure to place before the readers
of the Rkcohd was an English Captain who brought
his family to America. His vessel was afterward
lost, while it was chartered by the United .States
Government, and is now in the French Spoliation
Claim. In the meantime, he had located in Ken-
tucky, and there practiced medicine, in which he
had graduated before he went upon the sea. He
spent his last days in Metropolis, 111.
The father of our subject was Edwin Corlis,
who was reared in Brookville, Ky., where he re-
ceived a good education and became a teacher,
which profession he followed for eleven years,
partly in Kentucky and partly in Metropolis, 111.,
seven years as the Principal of a school. He then
became a general broker and is now traveling
over the West. He has always been very much
interested in school advancement and has served
as School Director and Trustee of Metropolis since
he stopped teaching. He believes in Free Trade
and is a Democrat from principle. The mother of
our subject was Sallie Scott who was born in Ohio,
near Cincinnati, and was the daughter of William
Scott, a native of Scotland, who became a farmer
in Southern Ohio, and spent his last days there.
His eldest son, William, is now a Chaplain in the
regular army of the United States. Both parents
affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The gentleman of whom we write was one of
four children, as follows: Edwin, George, Thrift,
and Scott. George was born in Metropolis, 111.,
May 26, 1868, and was reared in the place of his
birth. He attended the common schools there and
completed the High School course in Cairo, which
he accomplished when he was seventeen years old.
He then returned to Metropolis and began the
study of law under the guidance of ex-Supreme
Judge Mulkey and his son, with whom he re-
mained for several years. In 1888, he entered Mc
Kendree College and graduated from there in 1891
with the degree of LL. B. He had been practic-
ing in Metropolis during his vacation, and his first
case was one of murder, when the brilliant young-
lawyer had the delight of securing the acquittal of
his client. In the spring of 1891, he became a
partner with W. W. Edwards, the Dean of the law
department of McKendree College, and is now lo-
cated in the Flannigan Building, wheie the firm
engages in a regular law practice.
Mr. Corlis is not disappointing his friends, who
predicted from his college triumph, that he would
make a name in the future. He was twice selected
bv his classmates to take the President's chair in
PORTRAIT AJ^D BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
209
the Platonian Society and was the salutalorian of
his class. He is a member of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, the church of his parents, and is proud
of the connection. The Democratic party finds in
him a valiant champion, and we may venture to
predict great things for tliis j'oungson of a college
that has sent out many prominent men in the last
half-centurv.
€i^^>i ^ I ^ 'I^^SIE
Vj[7 OUIS BOISMENUE, CI
I ((^ Brewery of East St.
jl'—^ sentative of one of th(
Chief Clerk in the Heini
Louis, and a repre-
the very oldest families
of the Mississippi Bottoms, is a native of East St.
Louis, born on the 9th of June, 1861. His father,
Louis Boismenue, was a native of Cahokia, this
State, but the grandfather, Louis Boismenue, was
a native of sunny France, born in the southwest-
ern part. When still a single man, the latter came
to America, settled in tlie bottoms of the Missis-
sippi River, and followed agricultural pursuits in
Cahokia after his marriage and until his death.
His son, the father of our subject, grew to man-
hood on this farm, and when eighteen or nineteen
years of age went overland to California with oxen
and horses. He remained there several years en-
gaged in mining, and then returned to the East,
where he tilled the soil for some time. Later, he was
engaged in freighting and trading in pioduce and
provisions with the soldiers at the Western forts,
going as far AVest as Ft. Laramie during the war.
When the railroad came to St. Joseph, he went
from there West for a few years. After this, he
was engaged in the livery business on Main and
Third Streets for four years, but subsequently be-
came Casliier of the East St. Louis Bank, with Col.
Jarrott as President. Mr. Boismenue iield that
position until he had to retire on account of ill-
ness, and was succeeded by our subject. He died
in 1885, when fifty-six years of age. He was Ald-
erman in the city for some time, and in politics
was a Republican. He held membership in the
Catholic Church. He married Miss Josphine Jar-
rott, a native of East St. Louis and tiie daughter
of Col. Vital Jarrott, who was a native of Cahokia,
this State. The grandfather, Nicholas Jarrott, was
a native of France and was one of the first pio-
neers in this section. He was a trader and ran flat-
boats to New Orleans, being at the time of his
death one of the largest owners in the Bottoms.
Col. Jarrott was reared here and educated in the
Jesuit College, Georgetown, D. C. He made the
journey on horseback overland to the Ohio River
at Louisville, and there graduated with the degree
of LL. B. After practicing a short time, he
turned his attention to other enterprises, and dur-
ing the Black Hawk War was an Adjutant-General.
He afterward made a trip to California and Color-
ado on mining expeditions, and was one of the
'49ers in California. He retired to the East much
the richer for his venture to the Gold State. In
the '50s, he served three terms in the State legis-
lature, and after the war he served three terms
more. He was Republican candidate for Speaker
when Col. Morrison was elected. During the war,
he was United States Peace Commissioner over the
Sioux Indians, later Indian Agent for Spotted
Tail, and after the war he returned to East St.
Louis, where he was engaged in the banking and
lumber business. He was President of the East St.
Louis Rolling Mill, and was organizer of the East
St. Louis Bank. In 1875, he was again taken with
the gold fever, closed out business here, and went
to tlie Black Hills, where he was engaged in min-
ing. His death occurred in 1876, when over
seventy-five years of age. He was one of the
original strong Republicans of the State, being
elected Representative on the Whig and Republican
ticket. He was Mayor of East St. Louis one term,
and in religion was a worthy member of the Cath-
olic Church. The mother of our subject died in
1884, leaving four children, as follows: Margaret,
Mrs. Bristbw, resides in St. Louis, Mo.; George
makes his home in Ea.sl St. Louis; and Agnes also
in East St. Louis.
The original of this notice, who was the eldest
cliild, was reared in East St. Louis, and received
his education in the public and High Schools,
graduating from the latter vviien seventeen 3^ears
of age. He then became Deputy City Clerk under
Maurice Tissier for a year, then book-keeper for a
210
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lumber firm for two 3'ears, and afterward Casliier
of the East St. Louis Bank for five years. Later,
he became Tax Collector for East St. Louis for two
terras of one year each. In 1887, he became Chief
Clerk for tlie Heim Brewing Company and lias
been here ever since. He is interested in real-
estate and has about three hundred and fifty
.acres adjoining tlie city limits. Fie has improved
his farm .ind rents it. In the year 1884, he was
married here to Miss Kate Healey, a native of
Ohio, who was reared and educated here. Four
children have blessed this union, viz.: Jarrott,
Adele, Marie and Margaret. They have a pleasant
home on Ninth Street. Mr. Boismenue is a Re-
publican in politics and has been a delegate to
county and State conventions. He is at present a
member of the County Central Committee and is
one of the foremost men of the count}-.
German descent, but was bojn in Switzerland. Her
maiden name was Bertha Guenther, and both she
and her husband were Protestant in their religious
views. She died at the early age of thirty-five.
The son of the first marriage is the partner of the
gentleman of whom we write, and is the President
of the company.
Mr. Berkemeyer of tliis notice was reared in St.
Louis and attended the public schools until his
i sixteenth year, but at that time he went to the
Jl
HARLES F. BERKEMFYER, Secretary and
Treasurer of the East St. Louis Hardware
Company, is the subject of the following
sketch. He is a gentleman in every sense of the
word, and conducts his business with an amount of
energy that ensures success. The company which
he represents was incorporated in 1890, witii a
capital of *o,000, and their place of business is
No. 216 East Broadway, where a building 26x65
.accommodates their large stock of stoves, heavy
anil shelf hardware and agricultural implements.
The grandfather of our subject was named Henry,
and in his native country, Germany, he worked
at his trade of carpenter. He brought his family
to America many years ago and settled in St.
Louis, where he died at the age of ninety years.
The father of our subject was also a fine carpenter,
but he became a farmer in 1877, when he located
on eighty acres in Madison County, where lie still
resides. Our subject is one of the children of his
father's second marriage, the others being Albert,
who resides in East St. Louis; Rosa, who is Mrs.
Isenberg, of Madison County; and (ieorge, who is
i» the employ of lus broilier, The mother wfts uf
farm with his father and resided there for four
years. In 1880, he came to East St. Louis as a
clerk for George Shaub in the hardware and agri-
cultural implement business, and here he con-
tinued for nine years. In the spring of 1890, he
started the present large store, and the company
was incorporated in April. This is a ver}' busy
place, as from roof to basement the space is stored
with all kinds of material in their line. Our sub-
ject manages the store, and the machinery in wiiich
the firm also deals.
Our subject was married, in September, 1888, to
Miss Ann Spannagel, the charming daughter of
Nicholas Spannagel; she was reared and educated
in this city. They have one bright little girl,
Lola by name. Mr. Berkemeyer belongs to the
order of Knights of Honor, and is a Republican
of no uncertain kind. He is highly regarded
among the business men of East St. Louis.
«^; UAM BADGLEY. The very .agreeable
(©/-j|| gentleman whose honored name opens
\l\ il this sketch belongs to a family that has
^ made an impression on the history of this
section. He now resides on a very valuable farm
of four hundred acres of land, which not only
yields a proper amount of grain and fruits, but
holds in its secret recesses v.ist quantities of the
black diamonds which have made the fortunes of
so many, and wliicii are destined to make wealth
for more.
For the date .if his liirlh we must gi) back to the
\ear 1813, January 31. the location liejng near
PORTRAIT AND BIOGEAPHICAL RECORD.
21]
the place now owned by George W. Badgley, in
section 9. He was the son of Aaron and Catherine
(Stroud) Badgle^'. They were natives of Hardy
County, Va., the father born in the year 1773, and
the motiier in 1776. The mother was of Dutch
parents, and was the daughter of Adam and Eve
Stroud — hence the pleasant little fiction in the fam-
il}' that their home was tlie Garden of Eden, with an
Adam and Eve, but no serpent.
The Badgley family first settled in tliis country
in Essex County, N. J., where the grandfather of
our subject, David Badglej', was born in 1749. In
1796, he and his son, the father of our subject,
came from Virginia to St. Clair County, in com-
pany with a number of others, to look at the
country. The long journey was made overland on
horseback, and they came together in order to bet-
ter protect tiiemselves from the attacks of the In-
dians. In this company came our subject's mater-
nal grandfather. Being satisfied with the appear-
ance of the new country, they returned to their
families, and the next year, in 1797, the Badgleys
and the Strouds moved from their Virginia home
and settled in Monroe County, near what is now
known as Bond's Lake. They made llie journey
down the Ohio River on a flat-boat to Shawnee-
town, and went the rest of the way by land. The
country was then jjractically a wilderness, and the
Indians had not been driven West. The tribes
which inhabited tliese regions were tlie Kickapoos
and the Pottawattamies. Before proceeding further
in the immediate history of our subject, we pause
a moment to pay a tribute to the good old grand-
father. He was a Baptist preacher, belonging to
what was known as the Ironsides or Hardsliell
Baptists. He organized the first Baptist Church
west of the Ohio River, at Kaskaskia, and traveled
among the settlers, jjreacliing in the open air and
in their homes, exhorting them to pious living,
joining their sons and daughters in holy matrimony',
baptising them into the church, and administering
words of comfort to the dying and of consolation
to the mourning.
The father of our subject started for Illinois
with his wife and one child, but on the wa^' another
little life was added to the company. Within a
year after arriving iu Monroe County, tlie faithful
wife and the infant died. In 1800, Mr. Badgley,
8r., married again, the wife being Catherine Stroud.
At that time there was no regular survej^ of the
lands by the (Jovernment, nor was the land upon
the market. Mr. Badgley and his father squatted
on land belonging to the Government, the claim
thus established being recognized as giving the
right to purchase. Mr. Badgley continued to re-
side in Monroe County until 1804, when he came
to St. Clair County and settled on the place where
our subject was born. He first took up one hun-
dred and sixty acres, and at his death he owned
about three hundred acres. He followed an agri-
cultural life, and was very successful. He had
onl}' the common-school education of those days,
which was limited to a few weeks in winter in the
log schoolhouse with its surroundings of burnt
stumps. He was a man of prominence, acting
as Justice of the Peace, and was made Overseer
of the Poor. He was a strong Democrat in his po-
litical opinions. After his useful life, he died
lamented by his family and neighborhood and
friends, at the age of eighty-four years, in Decem-
ber, 1828. His wife survived him ten years, and
passed to her rest at the age of ninety-two. Of the
eight children born to them, only three are left.
Elijah was born June 15, 1802, and resides three-
fourths of a mile northwest of the farm of our
subject. He has been a resident of St. Clair County
since 1804. AVith the exception of a partial loss of
hearing, he is in the full possession of his faculties.
He has a remarkable memory, particularly of dates
and the early pioneer days of the county. Strow-
ther, the youngest of the living children, resides
in Bates County, Mo.
The immediate subject <if this sketch was born
on a farm, and reared there. He had very little
chance for obtaining an education, but he was
naturally quick, and has overcome the early dis-
advantages in that line. While young, his father
administered on an estate. It was in the days of
paper money, and the bank that issued the bills
that represented the estate failed, and Mr. Bad-
gley, Sr., found himself seriously crippled finan-
cially. It took him a number of years to make
up the amount lost, and this young man had to
bear the brunt of straitened means, He carried
212
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Eva Zanes, August 17,1834. The father of his
wife died before she was born, and her mother later
married George Estiff. Her maiden name was Re-
becca Stroud, a daughter of Adam Stroud. Our
subject and his wife were first cousins and neighboi-s.
Thej' had but two children, an unusual circum-
stance, as in those days the families generally as-
sumed patriarchal proportions. The children are
Rebecca and Austin. The former married AVilliam
Boggy, by whom she had one child, now deceased.
Her daughter's husband is Ham Scott, who re-
sides in this township. The son, Austin, is his
father's right hand, and resides with him. He has
a very pleasant wife and an accomplished daugh-
ter, Nellie, who is at home with them. His wife
was Mary J. Henderson, of Iowa, daughter of
Thomas and Eliza Henderson. Mr. Badgley has
served his district as School Director and Road
Overseer. He has been in harmony with the Dem-
ocratic party all his life.
J" OHN DOYLE is one of the pioneers of East
St. Louis. 111., with whom time has dealt
most kindly, and althougli he has labored
hard throughout his life, he is in tiie full
vigor of manhood. His early daj'S were marked
by struggles to gain a foothold in the business
world, and that he has succeeded is due wholly to
his own efforts. He was born in County Wexford,
Ireland, in 1837, a son of Garrett and Margaret
(Reynolds) Doyle, both of whom were born in
the Isle of Erin. Garrett Doyle was a worthy
tiller of the soil, but in 1851 became convinced
that better opportunities for advancement were
offered across the Atlantic, and the same year
removed to Canada with his sou .John and secured
employment in the public works of Toronto. In
1854 he returned to Ireland and brought the
balance of his family hither, and, in 1862, re-
moved with them to East St. Louis, 111., and here
resided until his death in 1869, at the age of sixty-
nine years. The mother lived until 1879, when
she, loo, passed away. Si.\ of their children grew
to maturity, but only three are living at the pres-
ent time.
John was the eldest of the family and until
about fourteen years of age he resided in Ireland,
and there acquired a fair knowledge of the "world
of books." He left Ireland in 1851, taking pas-
sage at Waterford on board a sailing-vessel, which
landed at Quebec. He attended the night schools
of Toronto, for he was ambitious and anxious to
obtain a good education, and being intelligent
and industrious, he made satisfactory progress in
his studies. After a time he was bound out to
learn the grocer's trade, and during the three
years that he was thus emploj-ed, his father had
the benefit of his salary. On the 23d of June,
1857, he found himself in Illinois, and soon found
employment with Valentine's Express Company,
at which time there were only two railroads in the
place. He remained with the above-mentioned
company until they sold out to J. H. Alexander &
Co., and later was in the employ of the St. Louis
Transfer Company. He labored in different ca-
pacities from driver up to foreman, attaining the
latter position in 1865. In 1858, the island was
overflowed and Mr. Doyle rode all over the city
in a skiff, and also to the city of St. Louis, where
he was making his home at the time.
Mr. Do.yle has alwajs been a faithful worker
and his untiring industry and persistent effort
have been crowned by success, and he is now in
the enjoyment of a comfortable competency. He
is the owner of some valuable real estate on Col-
linsville Avenue, and is in the enjoyment of a
competency, which is the result of his own earnest
efforts. Taken all in all, Mr. Doj^le's life has been one
success, and the lesson that it teaches is that suc-
cess in life is the reward of honest effort, industry
and sobriety. He has never been an idler or trifler,
but an earnest, conscientious and persistent toiler,
who deserves all the success he has achieved. He
is foreman of the St. Louis Transfer Com-
pany on the Illinois side of the river, and has
been longer engaged in this business than anv
man in the city. He thoroughly understands all
its requirements and his services are highly valued
by the company' with which he is connected.
In 1871, he was elected one of the directors of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
21c
the Douglass School and has held the position to
tlie satisfaction of all concerned up to the present
time, lie is the oldest member of the Board in
the city, and for the past five j'ears has acted in
the capacity of Secretary and Clerk. The Doug-
lass School building is a fine brick structure, the
first in the city, and Mr. Doyle was the only mem-
ber of the Board that was on the building com-
mittee. In 1869, he was elected an Alderman
from the First Ward, in which capacity he served
until 1879, when he, on account of the dual gov-
ernment, resigned and has not accepted any official
position since. He was married in this city in
August, 1867, to Miss Kate C'ooney, a native of
Ireland, and six of the children born to them are
living: Thomas J., who graduated at the St. Louis
I'niversity, is now holding an official position in
a Vandalia railroad office; William J. was also
educated in the St. Louis I'niversity and is now a
railroad clerk at the same place; Henry M. is with
the Illinois & St. Louis Railroad; John O. is
with the St. Louis Transfer Company; Ollie M.
and Robert E., at home.
Mr. Doyle was on the Building Committee of
St. Mary's Church and is now one of the Trustees.
He is a Democrat politically, and has been a dele-
gate to county conventions.
^1©"@@I^I
\j%ATRICK II. STACK,a wealtiiy real-estate
I ]) owner, has been a resident of tlic city nf
iM ^ East St. Louis since 18G4, ;ind has ideiiti-
) \ fled himself with every worthy interest of
this secti(jn. He was born in County Kerry, Ire-
land, but in 1849 was brought by his father, to-
gether with the rest of the family, to America,
taking passage on tlie sailing-vessel "Christdphci'
Columbus," at Liverpool, England. Tiiey reached
New York Harbor after a five-weeks ocean voyage,
and immediately proceeded to Upper Canada,
where the father, Garrett Stack, hoiijilii a farm of
two hundred and fortj- acres, whicli lie improved,
and on whiclt He resided until his dealli, lie was
d Bon of liobert Stack, a fanner, which occupation
i9
the mother's father, Patrick Hanrahan, also fol-
lowed. Mrs. Stack, the mother of the subject of
this sketch, was Miss Johanna Hanrahan, a native
of the Isle of Erin. She died in Canada, after hav-
ing become the mother of fourteen children.
Patrick H. Stack was the fourth in order of
birth, and obtained a good education in his birth-
land, attending school at Ballylougford, Listowel,
and Anttralee, and taking a thorough classical
course. He possessed the bright intellect, keen
wit and versatility for which the Irish people are
noted, and upon coming to America found a wide
scope for the exercise of these talents. He entered
college at Cleveland for the purpose of fitting him-
self for the priesthood, but decided that other
pursuits would be more congenial to his tastes, and
he afterward turned his attention to book-keeping.
He went to Nashville, Tenn.,in 1851, as a railroad
employe, in which capacity he traveled all over the
j Southern States, and later he began contracting on
railroads and levees. I'pon the opening of the
Civil War he went first to Natchez, then to Mem-
phis, and there entered the employ of the Federal
Government as Commissary Supply Clerk, in which
capacity he served three years.
In May, 1864, Mr. Stack came to East St. Louis,
then a very small place, and built three miles of
the Chicago & Alton Railroad, acting in thecapac-
it\^ of foreman. He then turned his attention to
other occupations, and bj- good management be-
came the owner of thirteen acres of land within
the city limits, near Brighton Park, which he ex-
pects soon to lay out in lots. There he is building
an elegant two-stoiy brick residence, which, when
completed, will be. one of the finest in the city.
He owii> otliir valuable property in East St.
Louis, licv-idis one liundredand forty acres of land
near (ai lyli. ( liiiton County, 111., an improved
and valuable farm, which he rents. He has built
many houses in the city, among which may be
mentioned the Turf Club House, on Main Street.
He was mrrried in Chicago to Miss Margaret Lillis,
a native of County Clare, Ireland, and b}- her is
the father of the following children: Johanna,
Mrs. Ilealay, a iTsidciil of St. Louis; Garrett J., a
clerk with Nelson Morris iV Co., of Chicago; ,^o\u\
J., at home, and Margaret V,
216
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Stack lias been a member of the vSchool Board
of East St. Louis for three years, held the office of
.Tustiee of the Peace from 1869 until 1877, and was
Townshij) Collector for one term. He is a member
of the First Mutual Building & Loan Association,
and was one of the organizers of the East St. Louis
Building & Loan Association, in which he is now
Director. At present he is a stockholder in the
Workingnien's Bank, and was a Director for
seven years. He aided in organizing the East St.
T.ouis Gazette, and also has served as Director of
the same. Politically, he is a Democrat, has been
a delegate to countj' and State conventions, and
been chairman of county conventions. He and his
famih- attend St. Mary's Catholic Church. He is
well known in the business, political and social
circles of the city, where for so many years he lias
made his home.
C/i^ APT. HENRY E. TRENDLEY. In order to
^ perpetuate for coming generations the re-
'/ cord of one who was very prominently con-
nected with laying the solid foundation of the
prosperity of East St. Louis, a brief sketch of the
life of Capt. .John Trendley, father of our subject,
who might projierly be called the "Father of the
City," may be of intereot to all. He was born in
the Black Forest, Germany, on June 20, 1804, and
his father, Paul Trendley, was a native of that
country also, and a farmer by occupation. The
latter came to America with his famih^ as earlj' as
1817, and resided for some time in Alexandria,
Va. From there he moved to St. Charles County,
Mo., bought new land, and spent tjie remainder of
his days in improving it. He was a devout Catho-
lic in his religious views.
Capt. John Treudley's youthful days were spent
ill assisting his father in clearing the farm and re-
ceiving what little scholastic training he could in
the pioneer schools of those da3's. After growing
lip, he came to East St. Louis and was with Capt.
WilliMiii WiugiiiM oi) 1ho rivei', lirsl ;is a deck hand,
then as Captain and afterward as agent. When
twenty years of age he was madeCaiitain and con-
tinued with William Wiggins for over fifty years.
Later in life, he became a stockholder, retired and
received his pension. He was well known on the
river, was a man well liked by all, and had a host
of warm friends. His death occurred in October,
1886, 'when eighty-two j'ears of age. A Republi-
can at first, he finally advocated the principles of
the Democratic party and was an active supporter
of the same. He was one of the original members
of St. Henry's Church in East St. Louis and
was deeply interested in its growth and jjrosperity.
Capt. Trendley was one of the oldest members of
the Wiggins Ferry Company when he died.
The Captain had married Miss Harriet Eberley,
a native of Switzerland, who came alone to Amer-
ica. She died in East St. Louis in 1869, when
fifty-five years of age. Ten children were bom to
them, only three beside our subject now living:
Elizabeth, Caroline and .Josephine. Capt. Henry
Trendley was reared and educated in the private
schools of St. Louis, and subsequently attended
the Iniversitj' of St. Louis for two 3'ears. Later
still, he entered McKendree College, vhere he re-
mained for one year, and then began clerking in a
wholesale liquor house in the city. In 1862, he
became clerk and book-keeper for the Wiggins
Ferry Company, the main office being in St. Louis.
He was thus engaged for five years and a half and
was very busy during the war. Later, he engaged
in business on the Island, built a brick store on
Front Street, and was in partnership with John
Eidman in the grocery business for about one
year. After this, he sold out to Mr. Eidman, and
in the year 1869 went as Captain of the "Charles
Mulligan." Since then, he has been on all the
different boats and was on a night boat for some
time. He has been with the Wiggins Ferry Com-
pany since 1862, and is the oldest and steadiest
Captain with them now. At present he is Captain of
the ''Henry L. Clark." Formerl.v part of his bus-
iness was to take excurs
ions u))
he river i
or six-
teen miles.
Cajitain Trendley ow
IS one hi
ndred and
twenty
acres of land on the No
rth BelU
ville Kucl
i Road
uljoining tlic curpurat
on. whi(
li lie lc;i^
•s. 11..
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHTCAL RECORD.
resides on the fai'm, and is a stockholder in the Wiu;-
gins Ferry Com pan j-. He was married in St.
Louis, in 1867, to Miss Celestine Gautier, a native
of St. Louis, and two children have blessed this
union. John-M. was educated in St. Louis and was
for a time Assistant Cashier of the Vandalia Rail-
road, and at i)resent he is tracing clerk; and Rosalie,
now Mrs. AV. W. Dean, of St. Louis, Mo. The fam-
ily holds membership, in St. Henry's Church, and
Capt. Trendley is an ardent Republican in his
political views. He is one of the city's represen-
tative men and is as popular and well liked as his
father, which is saying a great deal.
^^l-^l-Nl^^i^
J^^, LEXANDER FLANNIGEN. The gentle-
((wOj man whose biographical sketch it is now
(fc our purpose to give is a successful lawyer
of East St. Louis, and lias gained ((uite a
name in the county for his good judgment and
sound rendering of the law. His place of business
is ill the Flannigen Building on Third Street,
which was erected in 1882.
The father of our subject was born in Belfast,
Ireland, and was a shoemaker in that country. He
came to America when about thirty years of age
and located in Philadelphia, where he was mar-
ried. He resided on Callowhill Street in that
city, and there his two eldest children were born.
In the year 1853, he started Westward via Galena,
and first made his home in Washington County,
111. He was fond of travel, and visited Indi-
ana and Kentucky'; at Evansville he became
overheated and injudiciously drank a cup of cold
water, which caused his immediate death. The
mother of our subject brouglit her lliree chil-
dren to Washington County, where she had a
cousin, a Mr. McCune. She afterward married a
James McLellan, who now resides in Nashville,
III. Her maiden name was Jane McMunn and she
was born in Belfast, Ireland, after her father,
Hugh McMunn, a native of Scotland, had emi-
grated to that city. She now resides with her
youngest son. Jvl M<'Lellan, who is a banker in
Chanute, Kan. The three children of the first un-
ion, were: James, who now is in Denver, Colo.;
William, who resides in Chanute, Kan., and is
a farmer there; and the subject of our sketch. His
two step-brothers are Edward, and George, who
is a Police Judge at Oklahoma.
Mr. Flannigen was born in Galena, III., De-
cember 8, 1853. He w.is reared on a farm near
Nashville, III., and began early to display his pro-
fessional tendencies. He commenced teaching
school before he had reached his seventeenth year.
He first taught at Bridgeport, 111., and then at Nash-'
ville. 111. He then taugjit three years at Ogle Sta-
tion, and in 1874 he became first assistant in the
Franklin School. Here he taught for three years,
and then began the study of law in the office of
William G. Kase. It required some "grit" to
teach all day and then study nearly all night, but
this young man did not have his persevering
Scotch-Irish blood for naught. In June, 1876, he
was rewarded by being admitted to the Bar, and
November 12, 1877, he entered into partnership
with Benjamin II. Cauby, who is Judge of the
City Court. This partnership lasted until the
election of Mr. Canby, in 1886. Since then Mr.
Flannigen has practiced alone. He is interested in
much real estate, and has a very extensive busi-
ness. He held the office of City Attorney for
three years and was City Treasurer for one year.
While holding the latter olfice, he secured a con-
fessed judgment against the city for i80,000 of
the money belonging to the schools, which had
been improperly used by the city, and with this sum
twoschoolhouses were built. He is a man of very
independent views and has never permitted himself
to join any order, as he wishes to be an unpre-
judiced attorney. He is a decided Agnostic in his
belief, although the teaching of his youth was the
faith of the Methodist Flpiscopal Church. Late
years have also shown him that his political views
are not the same, and now he is a Democrat when
once he was a Republican.
Mi: Flannigen was married here November 30,
1882, to Miss Dora, the accomplished youngest
daughter of Mitchell Marsh, the proprietor of
Suniniil Avenue Hotel, who was a native of Italy;
her iiiotlK'r. Kllzabctli (ioodwin, tlKnigh boru
218
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in St. Clair Count}-, was of French descent.
Walter A. and Nellie are the fairies of Mr. Flan-
nigcn's home, and with the mixture of Scotch-Irish-
Italian-French blood in their veins, they ought to
lie well equipped for almost any emergency of life.
]^-f
1=^- A. TWITCHELL, M. D. The subject of
|k*^ the following sketch represents an old pio-
tli* ueer family of Illinois. He is one of the
mo.st successful of the ph3'sicians of East
St. Louis, and is located at No. 426 Fourth Street.
The grandfather of our subject was born in
Maine, and came to Illinois as one of the first
settlers of Hardin Countj-. He came down tlie
Ohio from Cincinnati on a flat-boat which he had
constructed, and located three miles north of the
river, on Government land, which was then Pope
County, and here he built a mill and operated it
until his death. He was the pioneer miller in
that section, and a very good friend he was to the
farmers who had to come so man\' miles to get
their grain ground. All these things foini whole
histories by themselves, but in a brief sketch, such
as the present Record permits, these things can
only be mentioned. The father of our subject was
born in Hardin, then Pope County, in 1829. His
name was La Fayette, and in his love of adven-
ture he resembled his illustrious namesake. In
1849, when only twenty years of age, he started
overland, witli a number of companions, to Cali-
fornia. It was a five-months walk and many
were the adventures on the way. He remained
for three years in the mines, and was very success-
ful, and returned via the Isthmus of Panama and
New York. He then bought a tract of land on the
banks of the Ohio near Elizabethtown. The farm
consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, and here
he engaged in farming. Later, he built a mill on
Big Creek, one-half mile from the Ohio, and oper-
ated it until it burned. He then went b.ack to
farming and continued there until 1859, when he
u-as seized with the prevailing Pike's Peak fever,
iiiiil went overland again, Ho remained two
years this time, but did not find mining as profit-
able as formerly. Upon his return, in the fall of
1861, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-
first Illinois Infantry as a private, and later was
appointed to be Acting-Adjutant. He served two
years, then came home and made up a company,
with which he returned to the field as one hun-
dred-day men. He was the Captain of this com-
pany, which was consolidated with the Twenty-
ninth Illinois. He served until the close of the
war, was in the siege of Vicksburg, and never re-
ceived a scratch. He returned to tlie peaceful life
his sword had helped to procure, and spent the
next five years in the sawmill business. He was
then called upon by his fellow-citizens to fill the
office of Circuit Clerk, which he acceptablj' did for
four years. During the present administration, he
has been serving as Postmaster of Elizabethtown.
He is a prominent member of the Grand Army, a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and a member of the Republican party.
The mother of our subject was Harriet A.
Steele, born in Rosiclare, 111., a daughter of James
Steele, who was born in Ireland, of Scotch descent,
and came to America when a boy with his parents.
They settled in South Carolina and he afterward
came to Illinois, and located in what now is Har-
din County. The father followed farming until
the time of his death. The brothers of our subject
are: La Fayette, an attorney in Colorado; Dr. B.
E. Twitchell, of Belleville; and .1. W., who is now
in Colorado studying medicine.
Dr. Twitchell passed his boyhood upon the
farm and was employed in the sawmill until his
fifteenth year, when the family moved into
Elizabethtown. There he attended the common
schools and remained at his home until he was
seventeen. He then went to Evansville, Ind., and
became a clerk in a crockery and queensware house,
where he remained for about three years. He
then took a commercial course at the Evansville
Commercial College and graduated. Afterward he
w.as engaged as book-keeper at Rosiclare, 111., for
four years and then took up the study of medicine,
and for five years was under Dr. R. R. Lacy. He
assisted in his practice and in 1«88 he entered the
Medical College of St. Louis. He g'ravlqated from
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
221
there in June, 1890, with the degree of M. D. He
then located here and has worked up a fine prac-
tice. He does a great deal of surgical work, as he
is near the Rolling Mills and the St. Louit* Short
Line Railroad.
Dr. Twitchell was married April i;i, 1882. to
Miss Laura L. Simmons, who was born in Salem,
Ky., but was reared in Hardin Count}-, 111. The^-
have one bright little daughter, Laura Ouida. The
Doctor is socially' inclined and belongs to the
Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen, and the
Knights and Ladies of Honor. He is the Examin-
ing Physician for the Commercial Alliance In-
surance Company of New York. Although an
Eclectic in his education, he practices with the
regular school and belongs to the Eclectic Med-
ical Society of St. Louis. He is a follower of the
Republican party, but no office-seeker. He was
brought up by a pious mother in the faith of the
Methodist Episcopal Ciiuroh and to that he clings.
J'^JEREMIAH BENNETT, one of the honored
pioneers of St. Clair County, residing on
section 26, 0 'Fallon Township, was born
_ ' near Hillsboro, Guilford County, N. C,
January I'J, 1819, and is of English descent. His
grandfather, Elijah Bennett, was born in England,
and having emigrated to this country in Colonial
da^'s, served in the War for Independence, partici- j
pating in many engagements of the Revolution, j
He was a farmer by occupation and died at his
home near Hillsboro, N. C, in 1837, at an advanced
age.
The father of our subject, John Bennett, was also j
a native of North Carolina, and in 182.5 emigrated i
to Tennessee with his familj'. He there engaged in
farming and operating a distillery until 1833, when '
he removed to Savannah, Ga. He afterward went
to the Cherokee Nation, and his death there oc-
curred. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Rosanna Lineberr3% died at the age of seventy-three
vears. Thev were married near Greensboro. N. C,
and unto them were born these children: Eman-
uel and Daniel, who died in infancj'. Sarah, who
was born near Greensboro in 1812, married John
Moreland in Tennessee. In 1836, they removed to
Missouri and resided on a farm near Vienna, where
Ml'. Moreland engaged in business as a stock-dealer
and shipper. They had two sons wlio are now
farming and stock-raising in the Cherokee Nation,
and a daughter, now Mrs. Eliza John, who resides
on the home farm in Missouri. Emily married Elijah
Hathaway and died at the age of seventy-five years.
They had five children: James, Eliza, Pleasant,
Sarah and Paraleah, Polly was married in Ten-
nessee in 1833, to William Moreland and they have
four children: John, G. Wasiiington, Sarah and
Russell. Our subject is the next of the family.
John, born in 1821, is deceased, William died in
1854. Eliza was the youngest of the family.
The subject of this .sketch removed with his par-
ents to Tennessee when six years of age, and in
1835 removed to a farm near Lebanon, St. Clair
County, 111., since which time he has resided upon his
present farm, a period of more than half a century.
The county was then wild and unimproved and
from a tract of raw land he developed a good farm.
He experienced all the hardships and trials of pio-
neer life and since has been engaged in agricultural
pursuits and in operating a coal mine.
On the 29th of October, 1840, Mr. Bennett wed-
ded Mary E. Alexander, who was born October 22,
1824, near Lebanon, on the farm of her parents,
David and Catherine (Thomas) Alexander. After
her mother's death, her father married Naomi
Chase. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bennett were born six
children: Eliza J., born March 1, 1841, was married
in 1859, to John T. Pulliam, a retired farmer of
Wichita, Kan., and they have four children: Charles,
Caroline, John and an infant, Emily, born October
9, 1844, and ,Iohn D., August 17, 1847, died
in infancy. Daniel S., a prominent engineer of this
county, was born October 23, 1849, and on Janu-
ary 1, 1872, married Emeline Cooper, by whom
he has six children: Jeremiah, Arthur, Harry,
Lutie, Daniel and Walter. Margaret, born February
10, 1851, was married in 1875 to Jonathan Wright,
a native of England, and they have seven children:
Hugh, Rosa M., Albert S., Jeremiah B., William,
222
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Elsie M. and John. William H. was born February
1, 1859, and was the youngest of the family. Mrs.
Mary Bennett died September 11, 1880.
Mr. Bennett was a second time married, this union
being with Mrs. Amanda Wolford, widow of Peter
Wolford. She was born near KnoxviUe. Tenn.,
January 31, 1837, and is a daughter of Absalom
and Frances (Quails) Hart, the former a native of
North Carolina, the latter of Tennessee. They
were married in 1834, and removed to Perry
County, Mo., in 1843. The daughter w.as there
married to Mr. Wolford in 1852, and unto them
was born a daughter, Frances Jane, who was mar-
ried April 19, 1881. She died leaving four chil-
dren. In 1861, Mr. Wolford enlisted in the late
war and died in the fall of the same year at Cape
Girardeau of congestive chills.
Mr. Bennett became one of the most extensive
farmers and wheat-growers of St. Clair County,
cultivating at one time five hundred acres of land.
In 1871, he sank a coal shaft upon his farm which
is still in operation. It is now leased to B. Yoch
of Belleville, who has improved it to the extent of
$40,000. This mine yields the finest coal in the
county. Mr. Bennett has been prominently identi-
fied with the history of this community for a half-
century. He was one of the organizers and the
first president of the vigilance committee for the
detection and punishment of horse thieves and
other law-breakers. He is a self-made man, who by
his well-directed efforts and perseverance has ac-
quired a handsome property.
HARLES D. McCASLANl). One of the
most successful business men of this city
is named above. He is probably the largest
dealer in real estate in East St. Louis, and under-
stands the business so thoroughly that he is re-
garded as an authority. His business is carried on
here, but he resides in St. Louis. The father of our
subject was James H. IMcCasland (see sketch of .1.
M. McCasland).
The subject of our sketch was born June 20,
1843, at Woodson, Morgan County, 111. He passed
liis boyhood upon the farm and received a com-
mon-school education, which was included in
eighteen months of attendance. When the call
came for soldiers to rise to the defense of the
Government, young McCasland was among the
first to respond, and enlisted in September, 1862,
in Company H, One Hundred and Ninety-first
Illinois Infantry, and was mustered in at Jackson-
ville and was sent to the fnmt thai fall. He was
with the regiment at Holly Springs, where the
greater part of it was captured, he, with a few
others, being fortunate enough to escape; and also
at the siege of Yickshurg, where the rest of the regi-
ment was put on the gunboat "Lafayette" to run
the blockade. May 16, 1863, and where for two
hours and forty minutes thej- were under the
range of two hundred and forty guns.
Later, our subject was in the Army of the Cum-
berland, and then was made Hospital Steward of
the Twentieth Arnij- Corjjs, and as such he re-
mained until the close of his service. He was one
of the brave men, who, with Sherman, made that
historic march to the sea, and then went to Rich-
mond and took part in the trium[)hal review at
the close of the long struggle in W.ashington City.
He was mustered out in Springfield, iu June, 1865,
and then returned to the peaceful life which his
valor had helped make possible in our fair land. He
literally changed his sword for a pruning hook, and
remained on a farm for three years, wlien, fond
of the life, he went to Missouri and bought a farm
in Livingston County, and remained there until
1875. Desiring a more stirring life, he then re-
turned to Morgan County and engaged in the
stock business. With the good judgment with
which he has been endowed, iie made a suc-
cess of it, and soon was shipping moie stock than
any other man in the county.
Wishing then to deal more widely, I\Ir. McCas-
land went to East St. Louis in 1885, and carried
on an extensive stock business until 1889. AVith
the wisdom of a true financier, he then saw that
it was time to buy land, and he changed his occu-
pation for that of a dealer in real estate. He first
bought tracts of land and sold them, and later
purchased sixty acres of Dr. Stnckler and laid out
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
223
what is known as North Clearmout and the addi-
tion to North Clearmont. Since then he has taken
the lead in tlie business in East St. Louis, and has
made more monej- than anj' other dealer. He has
large possessions here, and owns both residence and
business property on Missouri Avenue and Broad-
way, and is still improving and building.
Mr. MoCasland was married October 11,1867,
to Miss Elizabeth Todd, the accomplished and
charming daughter of Martin Todd, who was born
in Morgan County. One bright daughter is the
result of the marriage, named Arrettia. Our sub-
ject is a genial, companionable man, and is highly
valued in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He makes no excuse for his Republican principles,
but glories in the future he sees for his favorite
liart}'. Mr. McCasland has carved out his own
career and, as a self-made man, can be held up to
the present generation as an example of what can
be accomplished in lliis country b}' pluck and
li<)nest>'.
m>^^<B
^^ HRISTIAN ROHM, Su. This pleasant, ac-
(if ^-^, commodating gentleman- is one of the old-
^^(7 est merchants in the city. His place of
business is located on CoUinsville Avenue, and his
residence in East St. Louis has dated from 1857,
when it was called Illinois Town. He was born in
the province of Nassau, near Ohringen, Germany,
May 6, 1838. He was the son of Philip Rohm,
born in Hesse-Darmstadt, who lived the life of a
farmer and died there in 1851. The good mother
of our subject, a daughter of Daniel Dauster,
a farmer, was given the name of Sophia, and
was born in Nassau, Germany. She spent her last
years in America, having come here three years
after her son, and died at his home in 1883. In
her death the Lutheran Church lost a conscien-
tious member. She left four children : Christiana
Pfeiffer lives in East St. Louis; William is a
coal agent in East St. Louis; AVilhelmie is Mrs.
Steul, of this place.
The sentleman of whom we write was reared in
Germany until he was seventeen years of age, and
received the excellent schooling that is open to all
classes there. His first business training was obtained
in a grocery store there. Not being satisfied, he
concluded to try his fortune across the sea. Ac-
cordingly, he made his way to Rotterdam and
from there to Liverpool, where he took passage on
the sailing-vessel"Aurora"to New York City, arriv-
ing there after a voyage of twenty-eight daj-s. He
then made his way to Buffalo, N. Y., and served
as clerk in a store there until the fall of 1856, when
he came to East St. Louis and learned the butcher-
ing business, and on April 1, 1857, located in
Illinois Town. This is now a part of East St. Louis,
but at that time the village was only a collection
of houses for the accommodation of drovers and
farmers on their way to the mart across the
great Father of "Waters, which they reached by
ferry. He engaged as clerk for two years, and then"
started in the grocery business on Broadway,
wliich he continued until 1866, with the exception
of some time spent at St. Paul in the same line.
He started his meat market here in 1866, and has
been very successful in his business, as he was the
first one in the field. He has been an extensive
buyer at the National stock yards, and kills hogs
by the car-load, having every modern and sani-
tary' convenience in his slaughter house on Rock
Road, one-half mile out of the city. He has a
large and profitable trade and takes pride in hav-
ing everything of the best.
Our subject was married in 1859, in East St.
Louis, to Miss Anne Newcomb, who was born in
Switzerland, of German descent. She was removed
by death in 1873, leaving eight children: Sophia,
married and living in East St. Louis; William,
in business with his father; Anna, at home; Caro-
line, now Mrs. Hinze, of this city; Minnie, who is
dead; Elizabeth, Mrs. Denes, of this place; Louisa,
now Mrs. Conrad, who lives here; and Christian,
who is with his father.
Mr. Rohm believes in Protection, and hence is a
member of the Republican |)arty, and has been
honored by it in various ways. He was an Alder-
man of the First Ward one term and then the
same time in the Seventh AVard. He has acted on
different committees where the interests of the city
224
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
have been at stake, and was on the first reform
council of the city that passed the rule for high
grades and viaducts and for general improvements.
He belongs to the social orders of the Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons and Royal Arcii Masons of
this place, and Knights Templar of Belleville.
He is a man very much respected and is one well
posted in the interesting past of the city he has
seen make such a marvelous ffrowth.
il^^ ENRY VOSS. With the rapid and im-
Wji'i mense growth of East St. Louis, and the
i^^^ ever-increasing demand for residences and
^P manufacturing and commercial buildings,
the real-estate interests have naturally come to form
one of the chief investments for capital with the
well-to-do and thrifty portion of the populace.
The large trade now done in realty of every de-
scription has naturally drawn to this branch of en-
terprise many of our leading capitalists and go-
ahead citizens, and among this number is Henry
C. Voss, who has built up an extensive and influ-
ential connection among speculators, investors,
and those seeking homes for themselves.
Mr. Voss was born on the 24th of June, 1863,
at the old Prairie House, on the St. Clair Turnpike,
now in the city limits of East St. Louis, tliis
being the oldest house in the township. His father,
Henry Voss, was born in Prussia, reared on a farm
there, and served as a soldier in the German army.
Later, he was employed as clerk in a bank, and
when he was twenty-six years of age came to
America, landing in New Orleans, where he re-
mained for some time. He served all through the
Mexican War, and subsequently went to St. Paul,
but, not liking it there, returned to New Orleans,
where he drove a team, transferring cotton bales.
There he became familiar with the cattle business,
and later he came to St. Louis and engaged as a
drover. In the fall of 1848, he came to East St.
Louis, and, with only a capital of 1300, engaged in
bu3-ing and shipping cattle to New Orleans by
steamboat. The business increased in a wonderful
way and he employed many men, thus continuing
until the breaking out of the war, when he lost
consideralile.
In the meantime, tlie father of our subject had
purchased twenty acres of land where the old
Prairie House stands, and there he made his home,
for East St. Louis was his marketing place for
cattle at that time. He added to the original tract
of land he had purchased until he owned three
hundred and fifty acres adjoining the city limits,
and veiy valuable property. Here his death oc-
curred in 1887, when nearly seventy years of age.
He was a Democrat in politics, and a member of
the Catholic Church. Wlien tliirty-three years of
age, he married Miss Margaret Conrade, a native
of Alsace, France, who came to St. Louis with her
parents, both of whom died of cholera in this city.
Mrs. Voss died in 1879. Six children, two sons
and four daughters, were born to this union, and
Henry C. was third in order of birth.
Our subject was reared on the farm, and supple-
mented a district-school education by attending
the city schools. He was early set to work, and
as lie was passionately fond of horses, he became a
driver. He remained under the parental roof un-
til after the death of the father, and two years af-
terward superintended the estate. After this, he
took possession of his propertj' and remained at
the old Prairie House for some time. On the 1st
of May, 1889, he married Miss Natalia Gross, a na-
tive of East St. Louis and the daughter of Louis
Gross (see sketch).
Our subject continued farming until 1891, and
then formed a partnership with Mr. Gross and Mr.
Bennett, under the firm name of Gross, Voss & Co.,
which continued until January 1, 1892, when he
bought Mr. Bennett out, and continued the busi-
ness under the firm title of Gross & Voss. Mr.
Voss is the owner of twenty acres on Arlington
Place, and he is building a fine residence in St.
Clair County Turnpike at a cost of from 18,000 to
$10,000. He is erecting houses on his addition,
which is in one of the most beautiful residence por-
tions of the city. Later, he laid out the Voss Ad-
dition of forty .acres. He is interested in the
street railway between East St. Louis and Belle-
ville. In the year 1886, when not more than
F'^ ;n^
ELIZABETH BORNMAN.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
227
twenty-four j-ears of age, he was elected Village
Trustee of New Brighton, and served his third
term, wlieu it was annexed to East St. Louis. He
has been a School Director of his district, serving
two times as President and two tiraesas Clerk. In
1889, he was elected Commissioner of Highwaj-s
on the Democratic ticket, and the last time was
elected by one hundred votes more than both his
opponents together. He is now serving his sec-
ond term. He has two or three teams on the
road in his division, keeping up roads and bridges.
Since elected to the offlce of Director, he has built
up the Illinois city school, one of the finest in East
^St. Louis, at a cost of $30,000. ^ He was one of the
Commissioners and took an active part.
Our subject's marriage has been blessed by the
birth of two children, Natalia and Louis Henry. He
is a member of St. Henry's Church, in whicli his
father was one of the jjrominent members, the lat-
ter being one of four to build the first church in
East St. Louis. In politics, Jlr. Voss is Democratic
in national affairs, and has been a delegate to
county conventions.
RS. ELIZABETH BORNMAN. The ven-
erable lady whose honored name intro-
duces this sketcla is one of whom the bi-
ographer esteems it a privilege to write.
A woman who has trod the pathway of life for
ninety years with the bravery of true courage in
the face of trial, tribulation and hardship, and who
has shown the devotion to right and the beautiful
traits of Christian character which have distin-
guished Mrs. Bornman, deserves more extended
praise than the feeble pen of tlie writer can indite.
Elizabeth Miller was born June 12, 1802, on
what is known as the Prim farm (now owned by
George Muskoff) on section 32, St. Clair Township.
Her parents, William and Mary (Huffman) Miller,
were natives of the Old Dominion, born in Hard3'
County, near Harper's Ferry. They were of Ger-
man descent, the mother having been educated in
Germany.' In 1797, they came to Illinois and first
made settlement near New Design, Monroe
Count}-, where they lived for about two years.
Thence they came to St, Clair Countj' and settled
on the above-mentioned place, where our subject
was born. At that time the country was in a wild
state, and Indians and wild animals made life haz-
ardous, while the many privations of ])ioneer life
caused much sickness and death. The children who
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller were: Solomon,
who was born in Virginia, came with the family to
Illinois, and died in 1854. He served in the Black
Hawk War in 1832, and was Colonel of a regi-
ment. Kate died .young. Nancy became the wife
of James Smith, and died January 4, 1884, leaving
three sons and one daughter: William, who is a
farmer and resides in Perrv County; Benjamin,
who resides in Stookej^ Township, four miles south
of Belleville. Mrs. Jane Gregg, lives in Kansas.
November 30, 1827, our subject became the wife
of Conrad Bornman, and the house in which she
was married is still standing across the road a
short distance from the present residence. Her
husband was a native of Germany, from which
country he had come in 1817 to New York, and in
1819 to St. Clair Count}^ He was a blacksmith
and brickmason by trade, and not only made brick,
but laid the walls of many of the best business
blocks and residences erected in this section during
his lifetime. An industrious, energetic and public-
spirited man, he was very prominent in his town-
ship. He carried on an ice business for several
_years. At the time of his death, he was President
of the Nail Mill Company, and was also stock-
holder in the People's Bank. He was one of the
pure politicians who could be ardent in the in-
terests of a party without desiring office. First a
Whig, upon the formation of the Republican party
he became identified with its principles and in-
terests. In addition to brick-making, he success-
fully carried on his farm, which, being underlaid
with a rich vein of coal, paid him good returns.
After a laborious, useful and successful life, he
died, November 4, 1875, at Hot Springs, Ark.,
whither he had gone in the hope of recovering his
health, which had become seriousl}^ impaired.
Mr. and Mrs. Bornman were particular!}' blessed
228
PORTRAri AND RTfXiRAPIIK AL RK(()RD.
in their family. Tlic sons grew ap brave »nd manly
and the daughters affectionate and home-loving.
William Henry married .Mary Eckert.and is now a
resident of New Design. Martha is the widow of
Lucien Doussart (see her sketch). James A. served
with credit through the la-st ye.ar of the war in
Company V, Thirtieth Illinois Infantry, and was
wilii Slicrman in the march to the sea. lyouis en-
iistt'd at llie breaking out of the war in response
to President Lincoln's first call for three-months
men. At the end of that time, he enlisted for
three years, or during the war, in Companj- E,
Ninth Illinois Regiment. He participated in the
many engagements of his regiment, and was
wounded in the left arm at the battle of .Shiloh.
After one year of service, he was promoted to be
.Second Lieutenant, and served in the army three
years and four months. Daniel served three
months under the first call in Company D, Ninth
Illinois Regiment. These brothers are all Repub-
licans, and are intelligent, genial men, of whom
any mother could be proud. Iler grief was great
to .see them go out from their peaceful home into
the danger of the battlefield, but they were all
rnercifull}' .spared to her. Frances, Adeline and
Mary .S. reside with the brothers at the home of
the aged mothei- and vie with each other to make
lier comfortable. They watch over her with ten-
der solicitude, and show the greatest devotion and
affection. All of the children had the advantages
of a good education, and Louis attended .McKend-
ree College at Lebanon for three years.
The homestead comprises about one hundred
and si.\t3'-five acres of land, partly within the cor-
porate limits of the city of lielleville. The resi-
dence is a comfortable brick edifice, and the sur-
roundings are very attractive. None of the family
are connected with any religious denomination, but
their preference is the Presbyterian faith, and they
all live good Christian lives.
The venerable lady of whom we write is the old-
est living person in St. Clair Township, and with
the exception of Col. .lohn Thomas, whose sketch
appears elsewhere in these pages, is the oldest per-
son in the county'. Between herself and Elijah
Badgley, whose sketch is elsewhere presented, there
is a difference in age of three da^vs.he being that
much her junior. Notwithstanding her age, Mrs.
Bomman has a bright memory, and can give ac-
counts of events and experiences which have es-
caped those much younger. Witii the exception
of deafness, she is .still in possession of all of her
faculties, and enjoys life, taking an interest in the
welfare of thf>se around her as if she were but be-
ginning life instead of having climbed almost to
the summit. So universally esteemed is she and
.so well known that these few lines will find many
interested readers.
^•f^^-
Its. MARTHA DOCSSARD. The intelli-
gent lady whose name heads this sketch
is the widow of Lucien Doussard, and since
the dav that deprived her of her natural
support, she has lived on the farm left her by her
devoted husband, which her son ojierates for her.
This estimable lady is the daughter of Conrad and
; Elizabeth (Miller) Bornman. (See sketch of Eliza-
I Iteth Bomman.) Mrs. Dous.sard was born on the
j 2.5th of .January, 18.31, in the city of Belleville,
being one of seven children.
Our subject was married November 29, ixri.'j,
to Lucien Doussard, a native of St. Ixtuis, in the
AVest Indies, who was born September 21, 1825.
His parents, Louis and Lucy Dou.ssard, were natives
of sunny France, who removed to .St. Louis be-
fore the birth of their son to engage in the busi-
ness of sugar-planting. In addition to the latter
employment the father held a Government office.
' When still a young man, Mr. Doussard left his
native island and went to North Carolina, settling
in Raleigh, but not being satisfied there, he went
north to Elizabethtown, N. .J., where he remained
one year. From that place, he emigrated U) St.
Louis, Mo., but remained there but a short time.
In May, 1849. he removed lo Belleville and re-
mained in that city for six months and then bought
a farm in St. Clair Township, where he remained a
year, when, his marriage occurring, he removed to
the farm that his wife still occupies. In early life,
Mr. Doussard engaged in clerking, but the latter
PORTRAIT .^JS'D BICKtRAPHICAL RECORD.
portion of his d*ys wa» spent in tilling the soil.
In politics, he was an ardent Republican, uphold-
ing the principles of his party whenever necessary.
He lived and died in the faith of the Catholic
Church. <•{ which his family are also members.
Mr. and Mrs. iJoussard were the parents of seven
children, as follows: .Joseph Rufus, a resident of
I-Ast St. Ixjuis. 111., where he is engaged in the liv-
ery business, lie mairied Catherine .Schreck, and
they have three children. Mary died when still
young. .James is at home, as is also Luc>'. Cor-
rine has renounced the world and its vain pleasures
and is a sister in a convent at Roxburv, Mass.
.Julian Morris is living at home, and Augusta died
when only two years of age.
Mrs. Dous-sard resides on her plea-sant farm of
sixty-seven acres with her son and daughter, who
endeavor to console their revered mother for her
great loss. Miss Lucy Doussard is a refined, intel-
ligent lady, whose sweet manners win her friends
wherever she goes. This is a family whf>s€ name
deserves a place in every history of St. Clair
County, for it is such men and women as Jjelong
to this household that make society better and
purer.
-^m\%^t'^'^^'
^ APT. C H R 1 > T I A .\ I Si.OU). There is
J, -^ a tradition somewhere, tliat the Mississippi
V^ River steamers can J>low up often er and
burn down 'juicker, and make more fuss aJx>ut
their demolition, than .any other UjaV- on the face
of the globe, and for tliat reason, fterhaps, they
have a fascination for the youtli bom along the
Jjanks of the mighty river.
'I*he pleasant and entertaining gentleman of
whom this notice is written was Jx^rn .-Vpril 11,
18.'»6, on the comer of IVjge and -Secf^nd Streets,
Kast St. Louis, when that {>art of the now pros-
perous city was known as Ulood^' Island. HLs father
was .Jacob Ingold. who came from his native town,
liaden. Germany, to Philadelphia, Pa., and. after
making the trip to St. I>>uLs. engaged as a laborer,
and then went as a private m the Mexican War.
After his return, he came to East St. Louis and en-
gaged as a teamster for the Wiggins Ferry Com-
pany. He continued with this company until
1882, when they |>ensioned him and he now lives
retired. The mother of our subject was named
.\nnie M. Fletcher, and. was born in Oermany.
and died May 0. 1891.
The subject of this writing was the onl^- child of
his jiarents. and was reaied on the Island and edu-
cated in St. JyOuLs at the Saxon and Douglass
Schools, .ittending the .Jones Commercial Col-
lege at night. When but a bo}-, he began Uj work
for .J. M. .Jordan, of St. Ixjuis, and remained with
him until in 1874, when he went into the employ
of the Wiggins Fen-y Company as weighrnaster
and as deck hand. He was licensed as Captain
and Pilot in 1881, and Utok charge of the tug •' II.
C. Crewveling." and ran it about three years, when
he took the tug- CluJjb" and after this had charge
of others. He has been either Captain or Pilot on
every JK^t since tliat has done much for the
opening up and extension of development along
the Mississippi River in the last twenty jears. He
was Pilot for three years on the " Napoleon Mulli-
gan " under Capt. Wick. In 1890, he became Cajj-
tain of the '• .John Trundley " transfer-boat. When
the water is low, thev make a run of fourteen miles
from the landing here to Chain of Rocks, at the
new St. I^JiuLs Water Works.
C apt. Ingold was married in East St. Ixjuis, in
1886, U) Miss Caroline Ilentze, who was bom in
East St. I>ouis, and one charming little daughter
has come U> gladden the go<jd Captain's heart.
Her name is Ora Evelyn. He is a democrat in his
politics, and has served as Clerk of Elections here.
He t^elongs to the social orders of Knights of
Pythias and the I'niform Rank of Knights of
Honor.
The subject of this sketch handles the helm with
accuracy, \Kjm • f long service in an employment
for which he always has had a fondness, and he
has the confidence of the |)Cople of East St. Louis,
for they know that he Ls thoroughly- acquainted
with everj- harl>or and rapid and unexi>ected curve
of the Father of Waters, along whose shores he
lias [massed hi.- useful life. He was onl^- twenty-
three years of age when he was first entrusted
230
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
with a steamer, and many have been his exper-
iences since then. He has seen the wonderful
growth of East. St. Louis and taiies great pride in
showing it to the stranger.
a^pSjHOMAK MAY, .In. One of the most prom-
M^s\ inent citizens of East St. Louis, who has
%^'-' held here many official positions of trust
and responsibility' and is at present tlie most effi-
cient Clerk of the City Courts, is Thomas Maj'.
Jr., who was elected to that position in Septem-
ber, 1886. He was born in Baltimore, Md., on the
12th of July, 1857. and inherits from his Irish
ancestors the quick wit, genialty and large-heart-
edness for which his countrymen are known. His
parents, Thomas and Bridget (McDerraott) May,
were natives of the Emerald Isle, the former born
in County Mayo, and a successful farmer in that
country. When a single man, the father decided
that America was the land of promise for a strug-
gling young man, and, after reaching thiscountrj',
settled in Maryland, where he continued his
former occupation. About 1858, he came to Ran-
dolph County, 111., and settled near Waterloo,
where he purchased a farm, and cultivated it until
1869, when he sold out and located in East St.
Louis.
Our subject was first in the employ of the Wabash
Railroad, but subsequentl_y was employed by the
Eads Bridge Company, now the Terminal Railroad
Association, with which he has remained ever since.
In politics, he shows a decided preference for the
Democratic party and has ever upheld its princi-
ples. He is a member of the Catholic Church and
his wife also held membership in the same. She
died in 1861, and Mr. May was married the second
time, six children resultin- from tile last union.
Thomas May, Jr., the only child living of the
first union, remained in Randolph County, 111.,
until 1869, and, unfortunately, his early educa-
tional advantages were limited, as the nearest
school was five or six miles away. However, he
came to East St. Louis at the la&t-named date and
made up for lost time by attending the public
schools until eighteen years of age. After this, he
was employed by the Wabash Railroad Company,
first as water-carrier and later as foreman in the
switch yards. He was also employed in the latter
capacity by the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis Rail-
road until the strike of 1886, when he left and
never went back.
In September, 1886, he was elected Clerk of the
Cit}' Courts over two popular opponents, by a ma-
jority of four hundred. He filled tliat position in
so creditable and efficient a manner that he was
re-elected in the fall of 1890 with no opposition.
Mr. May owns considerable real estate in East St.
Louis, and is a member of the Mutual Building and
Loan Association and also of the St. Clair Associa-
tion, in which he is a Director.
On the 28th of November, 1882, he was wedded
to Miss Rosa O'Brien, a native of Memphis, Tenn.,
but who was reared and educated in East St. Louis.
Her parents, Michael and Margaret O'Brien, were
natives of the green isle of Erin, and the father
was on the police force in Memphis, where he died
during the cholera scourge. The mother finds a
comfortable home with our subject. To Mr. and
May has been born one child, Thomas M. Mr.
Maj' is a member of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen and is Master Workman of East St.
Louis Lodge No. 294. He and his wife are
worthy members of St. Patrick's Church, and he is
a stanch supporter of tlie principles of the Demo-
cratic party.
^^mm-^^^^^^m^
/^, HARLES L. WALRATH. The principal
[l\ I-. requisite in the success of the real-estate
^^7 business, the safest and surest form of in-
vestment, is to have reliable agents who are thor-
oughly posted on their cit\' and locality. .Such a
one has East St. Louis long possessed in Charles L.
Walrath, who is now not only a prominent and
successful real-estate dealer, but is also interested
in the insurance business, for it is an acknowl-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
231
edged fact that insurance is among the most im- I
portant branches of business in any community.
He is a native of tlie Empire State, born in Cana-
joharie, Montgomery County, on the 19th of De-
cember, 1851, and comes of sturdy German ances-
tors. Tlie first members of this family to settle
in America were seven brothers, who came here
at a period antedating the Revolutionarj' War,
and served all through the struggle for indepen-
dence.
The great-grandfather of our subject, Jacob
Walrath, was born in New York State, and, after
growing up, located on a farm in Montgomery
County, where, in connection with farming, he
followed the carpenter's trade. His son (tlie father
of our subject), John J. Walrath, who was born on
this farm in Montgomery County, N. Y., as he
grew up learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade,
and became a contractor, builder and finisher, do-
ing very fine work in wood. Later, he took up
the occupation to wliich he had been reared, and
tilled the soil very successfully for some time.
He tlien sold out and removed to Hillsdale, Mich.,
where he was engaged in carpentering for ten
years. Since then he has resided with his chil-
dren, and although seventy-nine years of age, holds
his j'ears well. He is a Republican in politics and
a Methodist in religion. He married Miss Mari-
etta St. John, a native of Montgomery ('ounly,
N. Y., and the daughter of Sylvan us St. John,
who was born in Connecticut, and was one of the
early settlers of Montgomery Countj'. Mr. St.
John was a very extensive farmer and was Captain
of a State militia company. He was at Lake Erie
during the War of 1812. Mrs. Walrath died in
1882, leaving four children: Rev. J. H., who resides
in Chicago and isa Congregational minister; Louis
E., in Texas County, Mo.; Charles L., our subject;
and Emma F., wife of the Rev. G. C. McClure,
of Cooperstown, N. Dak.
The original of this notice was reared in New
York until the age of twenty years, and from
early boyhood delighted in handling tools. He
.served his time at the carpenter's trade and was
educated at Ames Academy, of national reputa-
tion, When nineteen years of age, be taught
piie winter term of school, and |h 1871 went to
Hillsdale, Mich., where he lived for ten years,
and there attended college, off and on, for six
years. During this time, he taught school for
several terms, and also followed contracting and
building. About 1877, he embarked in merchan-
dising in Hillsdale, and continued this until 1880,
when, on account of his health, he sold out.
In November of the same year, our subject
came to East St. Louis and assisted in settling the
St. John property, left by his great aunt, and since
then has been engaged in the real-estate business
building up and developing the city as much as
any other one man. His office is on the corner of
Third vStreet and Broadway, where, in connection
with the real-estate business, he is engaged in the
life, fire and accident insurance business. He is a
member of the American Building & Loan Asso-
ciation, of Chicago, and is one of the substantial
and popular men of the city. He owns property
all over the city, has built many houses, and is
building right along. He is the largest renter of
houses in the city, and is doing a flourishing busi-
ness.
Mr. Walrath was married in St. Louis, in De-
cember, 1882, to Miss Georgia L. Miller, a native
of St. Louis and a daughter of Dr. Samuel Miller,
of St. Louis. Two children have blessed this
union: Charles Herbert and Jessie A. Mr. Wal-
rath is a Republican in politics, but does not as-
pire to political positions. Mr. Walrath was made
Notary Public in 1887. He is a member of the
Presbyterian Church and is Trustee, Secretary
and Treasurer in the same. He was a member of
the Building Committee of the new church, one
of the finest in the city.
^i^j APT. HENRY SACKMANN. Among the
[|( ^.^ most noted and representative men of East
^^1^ St. Louis, III., stands the name of Capt-
Henry Sackmann, whose high reputation and ma-
terial (nosperity came as the rewards of unusual
natural abilities, industriously applied. Ho is one
of the old settlers of East St. Louis, coming here
in 1846, wheft the cit^' was called Illinois Town ami
232
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
when there was but one house on the Island. From
that time to the present, he has so identified him-
self with tlie affairs of tiie place that their history
cannot be recorded without according him a con-
spicuous and honorable i)art. He has assisted verj'
materially in the progress and development of this
city, and is entitled, with others, to feel a just pride
over the result of efforts that have brought forth
tliu flourishing East St. Louis of to-day. He is at
jircsent the veteran employe of the Wiggins Ferrj-
Company, is the Superintendent of the large cor-
[loration, and holds a very responsible position.
Capt. Sackmann was born on the 8th of April,
18.S4, at Hanover, German j', and his parents were
also natives of that country. The father was a
carpenter b}' trade, and he and his wife passed
their entiie lives in the land of their birth. Our
subject was the third youngest of the children born
to his parents, and remained in Germany until ten
years of age. In 1845, he left Bremen for America
with a relative, and landed in Now Orleans after
an ocean voyage of sixty days. His relative be-
came a soldier in the Mexican War after landing,
and four of five weeks later, or on the 3d of Jan-
uary, 1846, Capt. Sackmann came to St. Louis.
Some strangers bound hiin out to a baker in that
city and he remained with him three years, after
which he became connected with Illinois Town,
carrying and delivering bread on that side of the
1 Iver. He became a practical baker and at the ex-
piration of his time he worked one month for
the Wiggins Ferry Company.
In 1849, he went South, and was a resident
of New Orleans for two years, engaged in selling
goods. In 18.52, he came to Illinois Town, where
Capt. John Trendley engaged him as a deck hand,
and, although he began in that humble manner, he
had any amount of energy and push and soon be-
came pilot, afterward Captain and, fliiall}-, Super-
intendent. He was Captain f«)r many years. In
1871, he became Assistant Superintendent, but
virtually Superintendent, and in 1884, when Capt.
S. C. Clubb died, he became Superintendent. He
is the right man for the right place and is thor-
oughly familiar with everything connected with it.
This company runs live ferry boats, three transfer-
boats and one lug,
Capt. Sackmann is the first man who ever took
a boat up the river and started the excursion trade,
about tliirt_v 3'ears ago. During the war, he had
to work in the Government service. He is the old-
est captain on the river, and there is not a corpor-
ation in the United States that can proiluee a set
of as old men as the Wiggins Ferry Compau}-. This
is the largest ferry on the Mississippi, or west of
New York, and the company- employs in the river
departraent about eighty men. The Captain has a
comfortable home at No. 106 North B Street, and
is surrounded with all the couiforts of life. He
was first married in 18.58, to Miss Caroline Whipel,
a native of St. Louis, and one child, Mary, was
born to this union. She now makes her home with
our subject. Capt. Sackmann 's second marriage
occurred in East St. Louis, in 1870, to Miss Chris-
tine Barnard, a native of St. Louis and a daughter
of John Barnard, who was on e of the old ferrymen,
and died here* Six children were born to our sub-
ject's second union: Charles, a machinist; Amelia,
Katie, Henry, Annie, and Robert E. Capt. Sack-
mann has been a member of the City Council as
Alderman from the First Ward ever since 1876,
witii the exception of four years. He is the oldest
alderman on the board and has been President pro
tem. He is at present Chairman of the Public
Building and Grounds Commitee and a member of
other committees.
A boat on the ri\er. built in 1.SS3. was named
"Heniy Sackmann" for him, and is a transfer, carry-
ing fourteen cars. Another boat, the -'George A.
Madill," a large tiansfer boat for sixteen cars, was
built in 1891. Since the new admistration, he has
been Mayor Stephens' right-hand man and has
taken an active part in all public enterprises for
the prosperity of the cit_y. He is a member of the
School Board of Township No. 2, N. R. 10 W.,
and has held that position for nine years. He is
now the President of the Board.
Although he has had but limited educational ad-
vantages, tiie Captain is a self-made and self-edu-
cated man, and, being a man of observation and
excellent judgment, is well posted on all the cur-
rent topics of the day. He was Special Collector
for the improvement of Front Street when it was
liuill and (■ollectcd >il04,(ii)(i, lie wasaji organizer of
rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Mutual Building and Loan Association in East
St. Louis, and has been Vice-president since 1886.
Socially, he is a member of Helvetia Lodge No.
480, I. (). O. F., and has represented his lodge in
the Grand Lodge twice. He is also a member of
Illinois Lodge No. 268, K of H., the first lodge in
the State, and he was the first Past Dictator of the
State of Illinois. He is a member of Cheva-
lier Commander)- No. 38, K. of IL, of the Uniform
Rank, and was the first past Commander in the
State, this being tiie first lodge founded here. In
politics, he has always been a Democrat, and has
been a delegate to county and State conventions.
He was a member of tlic County Democratic Com-
mittee.
i-^-r y
'jL ENRY OEBIKE, grocer, brings to the de-
JljV tails of the business a thorough experience,
i^^^ united with pride in the quality of the
(^/ goods supplied at his store, so that his name
has become a synonym for excellence. In the va-
riet3' of the goods handled by him, it is hard to
enumerate any special feature, for all that enters
into the line of staple and fancy groceries and
food supplies are comprised in it. Mr. Oebike is
tlie oldest grocer, in point of location, in the city,
for he has been established here since 1858. He
was born in Westphalia, Germany, .Tuly 23, 1836,
in which country his worthy parents, Cliristof and
Anna (Smaudt) Oebike, were also born, the former
of whom was a merchant of Warburg, and a tiller
of his own land. He was Alderman of his town
for years, and died there in 1866, when over sixty-
five years of age, after a useful and well-spent life.
His fatlier, Edmond Oebike, was a rope manufac-
turer, and the mfither's fatlier was a tanner by
trade.
Henry Oebike is the only surviving member of
five children born to his parents, and after obtain-
ing his first knowledge of books in the common
schools, he entered Warburg Seminary, wiiere he
took tlie classical course and i-emaiiie() six \ears,
At the age of seventeen years, he left scliool and
began working in a grocery and iiardware store in
Paderborn, and after attaining his twenty-first
year he was made managing clerk. In 18.58, not
fiincying a military life, lie left Bremen on the
American steamer '"Ariel," and, after a voyage of
about seventeen days, reached New York City,
after which he at once came to East St. Louis on
the Ohio efe Mississippi Railroad to join his l)rother
William, who was in the wholesale grocery busi-
ness in St. Louis. He remained in that city until
September, 18.58, when he opened a groeer\- store
in East St. Louis, buying out the establisliment of
Mr. Millendorf. Tlie place, which was then some-
times called St. Clair Citj-, consisted of only about
one hundred inhabitants.
In 1863, Mr. Oebike bought the block which he
was occupying for $2,800, but in 1866 built the first
brick building on Broadway and moved the frame
building, in which he formerly did business, to the
side of his brick establishment, now occupied by a
shoe store. Up to 1873, Mr. Oebike was .associated
with a partner but he then became sole proprietor
and continued alone until 1890, when his nephew,
Henry Strothman, became his partner. Their es-
tablishment, which is the oldest one in the place,
is located at the corner of Broadway and Collins-
ville Avenue, and is very favorably located for
a successful trade. The store is 36x.')0 feet, two
stories in height, with a large basement, all of
which is in use. They do a large wholesale and
retail business and deal in all articles usually kept
in .-i first-class grocery. Mr, Oeliike now owns two
buildings adjoining, one frame and one brick, and
also the building on the corner of Main and Broad-
way, a three-story building used as a dry-goods
store, beside considerable real estate (over twi>nty
h)ts) throughout the city. In 1873, he laid out some
lots known as Oebike & Kases' Addition, opposite
St. Henry's Church, which he sold at a satisfactorj'
advance; also an addition on Siiort Street, some lots
at the corner of Missouri Avenue and Eleventh
Street, and three and a half acres within the city
limits on the Belleville turnpike. He also built a
residence on Missouri Avenue now owned by Dr.
Strecker.
lu J,s6o, he made a trip to Europe, but nt the
234
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
end of two months returned to his adopted home.
He was an organizer of the East St. Louis Bank,
and after remaining President and Director of the
same for sixteen years he retired. He was a mem-
ber of the Town Council for two terms, was inter-
ested in the incorporation of tlie place in 186.5,
and for ten years was a member of tlie School
Board, and for seven years acted in the capacity
of Prei-iidcnb. He is a Catholic in his religious
views and was an organizer of St. Patrick's con-
gregation, but later, in 1866, assisted in the or-
ganization of St. Henry's Church. He was mar-
ried in St. Louis in 1860 to Miss Lazetta Schroe-
der, who was born in Westphalia, German}', and
died .January 17, 1891, having borne seven chil-
dren, three of whom grew to maturity: Christo-
pher, who was in business with his father until his
death, which occurred at the age of twenty-four
years; Annie (Mrs. Eckert), who was educated in
Belleville Convent; and Mary, who is at home, was
educated in St. Elizabeth's Institute in St. Louis.
Mr. Oebike was one of the organizers and Direc-
tors of the first Street Car Company in the city,
and was also an organizer and Director of the City
Gas Company.
J^OHN P. jNIETZEN was born near Boi.n, on
the Kliine River, in Germany, November
! 23, 1825, but for some time past has been a
_^ wealthy retired citizen of East St. Louis,
111. His father, .John P. Metzen, was also born
there, and followed the calling of a school teaciier
until his death. His wife was Agnes Bierther,
whose father was a Captain under Napoleon Bona-
parte and was a participant in the famous battle
of Waterloo. He afterward became Mayor of the
community in which he lived.
The paternal grandfather. .John Metzen, was
an agriculturist by calling, but was also a soldier
under Bonaparte, as Captain of the Reserve Corps,
and made the march to Russia. To John P, and
Agnes (Bierther) jVIetzen eight children were born,
of whom the subject of this sketch is the only one
in America. Like all German youths, he was given
the advantages of the common schools until he
was twelve years of age, after which he entered
the gymnasium in Koln. At the age of nine-
teen, he volunteered in the German army and re-
mained in the service for three 3'ears, and in 1848
was called to Schleswig-Holstein where he was
wounded in the leg in an engagement.
Mr. Metzen then became an employe of the
Government as Superintendent and Overseer of
the Public Domain, also Superintendent of For-
estry', which positions he filled until 1851, when
he emigrated to America. He left Antwerp in
the fall of that year, but the vessel in which he
sailed became unseaworthy and they had to put
into Southampton, England, for repairs, which
took until December. He eventually landed at
New York City, but soon after went to Chicago,
which was then almost nothing but a bog, and
which gave but little promise of being the mag-
nificent city that it now is. He was employed in
a grocery there until 1856, when he went to
Kansas and bought one hundred and sixty acres of
land at the first Indian laud sales at Paola. He
settled on this land in Franklin County, and for
a long time lived in a dug-out, with no neigh-
bors within many miles. He kept this land until
the opening of the Civil War, when he sold it and
started for Lexington, Mo., to enlist in the Union
arm}', wl.en he was attacked by Gen. Price, and, as
his men were totally untrained and many of them
without arms, he was defeated. He was taken
jirisoner and while in captivity became ill, but
upon recovering was exchanged. He was wounded
at Lexington in the same leg in which he had been
previousl}' wounded, was also poisoned by ivy,
and was so long in convalescing that he did not
again join his regiment.
Our subject returned to Chicago in 1863, and a
short time after removed to St. Louis, Mo., in
which city he was married the same year to jNIiss
Caroline Trick, a native of Germany, who, with
her parents, became a resident of St. Clair County,
111., in 1842. In 1867, Mr. Metzen located in
East St. Louis and soon afterward pur(^hased land
here, which he had previously leased as a place
for holding [jicuics, He iie.xt engaged iu the dairy
/ ,.,'--'^' -■> *5v^.
-'\*'€^
'.O^'p't^^j J y'l^CtJ^
(3f^^ /l^. ^'ll^'&y^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
23;
business, which he conducted on a large scale, and
owned as many as one hundred and twenty cows.
He sold milk and butter and found this business a
profitable one. He became the owner of fifty
acres of land, as well as several blocks in the city,
and in 1889 made his first large real-estate deal,
selling fifty acres to a St. Louis speculator. He
built and owns a block on Missouri Avenue and
Seventh Street, and owns the Buck Block at the
corner of Broadway and Main Streets. Since 1888,
he has been retired from active life and is now
enjoying the fruits of his early labors. He is a
member of the Grand Army of the Republic, is a
Republican politically, and in 1872 was a delegate
to the State convention at Springfield. He has
one son, John P., Jr.
^^ IIARLES II. FIETSAM. The name at the
||( ^ head of this sketch is that of the practical
^^' and successful farmer who resides on sec-
tion 2, New Athens Township. The father of our
subject, Henry Fietsam, was born in Nassau, Ger-
many, November 8, 1791, and in his native land
was reared, aiid there married Judith Monken. He
came to America on the 1 2th of January, 1850, and
first located near Shiloli, 111., where he lived one
year, and then removed to the vicinity of Belle-
ville, where he remained for three years. His next
|)urchase was the place where our subject now lives,
which he bought in 1853. There he remained until
his death in 1872. The mother of our subject sur-
vived until 1876. This worthy couple left twelve
children, all of whom grew to maturity, and five
of whom are still living: Joseph makes his home
in Texas; Henry resides in St. Cloud County,
Jlinn.; George lives in Fieeburg Township, this
county; and August lives in Williamson County,
this State. Those who have passed away are: Se-
bastian, who died in Belleville, 111.; William, John
J., Michael and Fritz, all four of whom died in
Texas; Elizabeth, who died in Germany; and
Adolph, who died on the home place.
Our subject was horn November Id, 1834, in
Nassau, Germany, and was fifteen years ohl when
11
his father decided to remove to America. He
grew to Inanhood in this country, and obtained
but little schooling. However, his natural ability
was great, and he has in a measure educated him-
self.
The marriage of Mr. Hetsam, in 18G1, united
him with Elizabeth Loux, who died two years after,
leaving one daughter, Ida. now the wife of Frank
Aberle, of Fayetteville. In 1864, Mr. Fietsam
again married, his wife being Miss Philomena,
daughter of Frank Zoeller, an early settler in this
county. Mrs. Fietsam was born in St. Louis, Mo.,
and is a lady of great capability, who has assisted
her husband in his domestic affairs and directed
his home with economj- and comfort. There have
been ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fietsam,
all of whom are yet living: Mary is the wife of
Henry Jung, and they live in this township;
Charles is a farmer in New Athens Township; Jo-
seph, Anna, Adolph, Edward, Theresa, Sophia,
Bernhardt and Anthony are at home.
The three hundred and twenty-four acres of fine
land which belong to our subject are in a fine state
of cultivation, and he has made the most of the
improvements himself. Mr. Fietsam belongs to the
Catholic Church. He is a member of the Order of
Catholic Knights, and is Finance Receiver of Lodge
No. 29. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has
held the office of Deputy Assessor of St. Clair
County; is Justice of the Peace, and has been
County ('ommissioner for three years. He was re-
elected when the township was re-organized, but
did not serve. He has always taken an active part
in tlie politics of his county, and is a veiy prom-
inent man there. He was a Director in the Farm-
ers' Life Insurance Company for twenty years,
held the office of Financial Secretary, and for
seven years he has been Treasurer of that organ-
ization.
Jpiv K. J. L. WIGGINS. The eminent East St.
;l Jj) Louis physician and surgeon whose name
(^3:f^ appears at the head of this sketch im-
presses even those wIk> meet liiin in a
casuiil wav n-i ;i man who has drifted easil\- and
238
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
naturally into the medical profession, who realizes
he lias made no mistake in the choice of his voca-
tion, and who feels thoroughly at home in the po-
sition which he occupies. This first impression
deepens with a more intimate acquaintance, and
familiarity with the history of his life leads to the
unbiased and impartial view that the splendid suc-
cess winch he has .achieved is the logical sequence
of talent rightly used, together with energy and
industry never misapplied.
Bom in St. Louis, Mo., in 18.55, he is a son of
Louis C. and Anna (Edwards) "Wiggins, the father
a native of Cape May, N. .J., and the mother of
Philadelphia, Pa. The father was a printer, and
at an early date came to St. Louis, and was en-
gaged on the Republican., which is still printed
in St. Louis. In 1858, he located near O'Fallon,
this county, and opened and developed a farm.
He died in 1878. In politics, he w.as a Republi-
can, and in religion, a strict Baptist, being Deacon
in his church. The mother died in 186.S. Five of
their six children afe now living.
Dr. .J. L. Wiggins, the youngest of this family,
was reared on his father's farm, and received his
early scholastic training in the district schools. In
1864, he went to Natchez, Miss., for his health; re-
maining there two years he attended the Normal
Institute, and later the public schools of St. Louis.
About 1874, he began the study of medicine un-
der Dr. C. R. Oatmann, at Collinsville, remained
with him one year, and in the fall of 1874 entered
St. Louis Medical College, from which he was
graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1877. He
began practicing at Caseyville, St, Clair County,
III., was very successful, and continued there for
seven years. In 1884, he came to East St. Louis,
still a small town, and has pr.acticed here ever
since. In 1879, he took a"post-graduate course in
St. Louis Medical College, and h.as since been en-
gaged in his regular pr.actice.
Dr. AViggins selected for his life companioii.
Miss Louisa C. Moeller, a native of New I'lm
Minn., but who w.as reared in St. Louis, and their
union was celebrated in 1880. In the year 1888,
Dr. Wiggins was elected a member of the School
Hoard, held that position three years, and dur-
ing this time the Webster School building was
erected, also the Franklin Building. He was
Chairman on a special committee that selected
the site and approved the plans of these build-
ings. The.v were erected at a cost of fi40,0()0
each, and are the finest in the country. By his
resolution on the 1st of July, 1889, the American
ttag>was placed on the school buildings of the city
each national holida}', and also one Aa.y of each
week. These resolutions were passed, and were
the first passed West of the Alleglianys.
Our subject has been an agitator for the estab-
lishing of Soldiers' Homes in different localities, es-
pecially in the South, for the ex-soldier who cannot
stand the vigorous winters of the North, and his
suggestions have been commended by all. He is a
member of the Mississippi Valley Medical Society,
also St. Clair County Medical Society as Vice-
President, and a member of the State Medical So-
ciety. He is a public-spirited citizen, is interested
in all improvements, and is one of the city's most
influential men. In politics, he is a stanch advo-
cate of the platform of the Repulilican party.
|lt_.,^ENRY W. HEMPE. It is universally con-
ifji ceded that the distribution of food pro-
^^ ducts constitutes the most important factor
(^ in the long list of a citj-'s industries, and,
such being the case, the grocer must be accorded
the palm as the most important contributor to the
development of this fact, his wares covering al-
most ever3' article of daily consumption known to
man. This branch of mercantile activity is ad-
mirably represented in East St. Louis by the popu-
lar and well-appointed establishment of Henry W.
Hempe, who is not only a prominent business man
of the city, l)ut is Aldcrninn from the Second
AVard.
Mr. Ik'mi)e is a native of (Germany, boin in
Westphalia, February 5, 18;37. andisa son of \\\\\-
iam and AVilhelmina (Welman) Hempe, both na-
tives of the Old Country. The grandfather, Will-
iam Hemi)e, Sr., was a farmer in Germany, and wns
a soldier in Napoleon's army, lie camp of a prom-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
239
inent Gernian family, and was a Lutheran in his re-
ligious views. William Hempe, Jr., was about the
age of King Frederick William, having been born
the same year; he served in the same regiment, and
knew iiim personally, exchanging letters with him
in later years. Like his father before him, William,
.Ir., followed agricultural pursuits, and was engaged
in this occupation at the time of his death, which
occurred in 1870, when he was seventy-one years
of age. He married Miss Welman, the daughter
of Henry Welman, who was a farmer by pursuit,
and who was in the German armv. After the
death of her husband, Mrs. Hempe crossed the
ocean to America, and died at the home of her son,
our subject, when seventy-six j^ears of age. Six
children, three of whom are living, were born to
this worthy couple, Henry W. Hempe being the
eldest.
The original of tliis notice liad early instilled
into his vouthful mind all the details of farm life;
he attended the common schools regularly, and re-
mained under the parental roof until twenty years
of age, when he decided that a better chance was
given a struggling young man in the United
States. After reaching this country, he worked in
an hotel until he became acquainted with some of
the sea captains, and in 1857 he hired out as a stew-
ard on the vessel "IJluchart," sailing from Balti-
more to Bremen. After this, he was on the "'Ed-
ward," and went from New Orleans to the West
Indies, always in the capacit3- of steward. Later,
he was on the steamer "New York," and made seven
trips, crossing the Atlantic Ocean nineteen times,
in storms of all kinds. From 1861 until 1865, he
clerked in a grocery store in New York City, and
was there during the riots.
In 1866, Mr. Hempe came to Si. Louis, Mo., and
was in the employ of H. W. Kohs until 1872, when
he came to East St. Louis and built his present
store. He has continued in business -here since,
and is one of the oldest grocers in the city. He
owns considerable real-estate in different parts
of East St. Louis, and has a fine residence in the
city. In 1888, he was elected Alderman from the
Second Ward, and has filled that position since.
He has been on different committees, and was
Cliairmw of tlie Police Coirunissioiieis, He was
in favor of the late reform movement, and takes a
decided interest in all movements for the upbuild-
ing of the city. He is a member and Director of
the Second Building and Loan Association of East
St. Louis, and socially is a member of thelndepeni
dent Order of Odd Fellows, Past Noble and En-
campment. He was on the Building Committee
that erected the German Presbyterian Church in
1891, and is an active member of thatchurcli. In
politics, he adheres to the Republican party.
bARRY ELLIOT, Jk., Vice-president and
Secretary of. the Elliot Frog & Switch
..=^ Corapanj', of East St. Louis, 111., is a native
(^ of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was born
June 28, 1854, a son of George Elliot, a native of
the land of thistles and oatmeal, and a grandson
of Henry Elliot. The father learned the black-
smitli's trade in "Bonnie Scotland," where he
worked as a journeyman, and later followed that
occupation at Newcastle, in the North of England,
holding the position of foreman until the golden
promises of America drew him to this couutrj^
He located in Cincinnati, and, like the famous
Tubal Cain, he became a noted worker in iron.
His skill in this direction was utilized by the
United States Government upon the opening of
the Civil War, he being employed as smithj' on
board a number of Government boats plying on
the Ohio and Mississii^pi Rivers. Later, he was
located at Cockrum, near Aurora, but in 1867 he
removed to St. Louis, Mo., and became connected
with the St. Louis Railway Supply- Company and
began the manufacture of his patent railroad
switches, which he had perfected while at Cockrum.
They erected a building in St. Louis on Main and
Florida Streets, but the business finally changed
hands and Mr. Elliot's contract expired, and in
1873 he and his brother Henry located in East St.
Louis, 111., and started in business in a small way,
which was the foundation for their present exten-
sive works. He possessed considerable inventive
genius and lia-d ptvtenteil several ottjev of his in.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ventions, among which was a raih-oad car-spring
of great merit. He died in St. Louis in 187.5, at
llic age of forty -six years.
Miss Agnes Charters, a native of Scotland, be-
came his wife, and is now residing in St. Louis, a
worthy member of the Presbyterian Church. She
bore her husband four children, only one of wliom
attained mature years, Harry, the subject of this
sivctcli. He was educated in the public schools of
.\urora until fifteen years of age, at which time he
began working at the machinist's trade in St.
Louis, under the supervision of his father; but in
1870 he left the works and took a course in the
Mound Cit^r Commercial College, of St. Louis. He
then resumed work under his fatlier, and when tlie
latter and his brotlier started in business for them-
selves, he took charge of the books. The business
of the firm increased very rapidly, and at the death
of his father, Harry became the partner, and
the firm, which up to that time had been KUiot
& Bro., now became H. & H. Elliot. This contin-
ued until the year 1878, when the business was
incorporated under the name of the Elliot Frog
ct Switch Company, with a capital stock of
i!lO0,0O0, of which Mr. Elliot is Vice-president and
Secretary. This is one of the oldest manufac-
turing establishments in its line in the United
States and occupies two blocks on Fourth Street,
where excellent railroad facilities are to be had.
Hniployment is given to from one hundred and
twenty-five to one hundred and fifty skilled
mechanics, and their pay roll is over $8,000 per
month. Mr. Elliot superintends the work himself,
.•uid is eminently fitted for so doing, for he is
thordughly faraili.ar with eveiy branch and detail
of the l)usiness, and is careful to see tliat all goods
sent out are in first-class condition, and will reflect
credit upon the establishment. They have a fine
lot of modern machinery, wiiich is propelled bv
two engines, one of sixty-horse and the other of
forty-horse power.
Mr. Elliot has been a resident of St. Louis since
1870, his residence being No. 3871 Washington
Avenue, where lie has a beautiful home in one of
the most popular residence portions of the oily. He
was married in St. Louis in 1881, to Miss Emma C.
i;:iker, a native of that city anc) a daughter of
Capt. Baker, an old settler and a prominent steam-
boat captain. Their union has resulted in the
birth of three children. Mr. Elliot is a member f>f
the Legion of Honor, and politically is a Repub-
lican. He is naturally of a very social disposition
and is a most agreeable gentleman with whom to
have business dealings.
•^^^^I@^@I^^N^
VVII) S. HOOTH, Sh., M. D., died Satur-
day, September 10, 1892, and lies buried
in the Caledonian Cemetery at Sparta, 111.,
the town where he had made his home so
long. The professional reputation of Dr. Booth
was an enviable one, and his knowledge and skill
were highly valued by his fellow-citizens. He was
one of the oldest, as well as one of the most promi-
nent, of the physicians of this part of Illinois, and
had made the city of Belleville his home for the past
three years, his residence in Illinois, however, dat-
ing back for twenty-eight years.
The Booths were among the first settlers of
Philadelphia, being English people who came over
with Penn. ,l)r. Booth was born in that city June
30, 1828. He was the son of Dr. John J. Booth, of
Philadelphia, who was also a practitioner of the
healing art. The latter married Miss Eliza Stain-
rook, of Philadelphia, and moved to Missouri
some fifteen years before his death.
David finished his education at the High School,
and began studying medicine with his father
after he had clerked for four years in a drug
store. He took his first course in lectures in Jef-
ferson College, Philadelphia, and then came West,
and was graduated from the St. Louis Medical
College in the Class of '58. He then returned to
Philadelphia, and went to the University of Penn-
sylvania. Afterward, he went before the Naval
Board and entered the United States navy for
two years; then, resigning, he entered the regular
army in 1863. He took charge of the general hos-
liital in Springfield, Mo., and was made surgeon
of all the hospitals in the city, and there he re-
mained a year, when he resigned, having formed
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
241
many valuable acquaintances and gained a vast
amount of experience. He later settled in Sparta,
III., and here remained a quarter of a centurj-.
Wishing to made his worli more localized, and re-
alizing that he had too much territory to cover, he
acceded to the earnest request of the citizens of
Belleville and removed to this pleasant city. His
surgerj' practice was vei'y great and successful,
and, though a most skillful operator, he was al wa^'S
conservative and conscientious.
Dr. Booth was a member of the American Medi-
cal Association, the Mississippi Valley Medical As-
sociation, and the Illinois State Association, of
which latter be had been President. He was also
a member of the Pennsylvania State Medical As-
.sociation and the Missouri State Medical Society,
the Academy of Medicine of St. Louis, the South-
ern Illinois Medical Society (of which he had been
President), the Belleville Medical Society, the
Southeast Missouri Medical Society and the St.
Clair Medical Society. Of the last-named society,
he had served as Vice-president. To the different
societies, he had contributed a great many valu-
able papers, and was the father of the Illinois Prac-
tice Act.
Dr. Booth was married, in 1850, to Miss Cynthia
Grounds, of Fredericktown, Mo., a daughter of
Adam Grounds, a farmer of that' place, and to
them were born six children. Their daughter
Mary married J. B. Jordan, and dying left an in-
fant son to her father's care. Sarah became the
wife of Dr. Jerome Thompson, of Morrisonville,
111., formerly of Belleville, 111. Frank is the wife
of William J. Burnett, the State agent for the Mc-
Corraick Reaper at Ottumwa, Iowa. Josephine is
the wife of James Sproul, Jr.,a merchant at Sparta.
David S., Jr., is a physician of St. Louis, a
Professor of the Barnes' Medical College at that
place, and Consulting Surgeon of the Missouri Pa-
cific Railroad Hospital. He is also assistant editor
with Prof. C. H. Hughes of the Alienist and Neu-
rologist. He married Miss Basraatli Ariadne West,
of Belleville, June 30, 1892. Jolin J. died in in-
fanc}'.
Our subject had been a teacher of both medi-
cine and pharmacy, having at times as many as ten
students, of whom he exacted daily recitations. |
He early connected himself with church work,
and was a member of the Presbyterian Church of
Belleville, 111., to which he was. a liberal contribu-
tor at the time of his death, having joined l\y let-
ter from the same denomination at Sparta, 111.
He took great interest in educational matters,
and frequently delivered popular lectures on sci-
entific subjects, and made a donation of a large
and valuable geological collection to the museum
of the Sparta High School. He was a member
of the higher degrees of Masonry, and had passed
all the chairs of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. The family has a beautiful home on Jack-
son and Washington Streets.
JT^ACOB MANN, one of the extensive land-
|| owners of St. Clair County and an enter-
II prising farmer who resides on section 32,
,^^ Mascoutah Township, claims Germany as
the land of his birth. He was born in Bavaria on
the 19tli of November, 1834. The days of his boy-
hood and youth were spent in his native land, and
his education was acquired in its public schools.
When a young man of twenty-five years, he de-
termined to seek his fortune in America, of whose
.advantages and o.pportunities he had heard so
much, and so in the spring of 1849, bidding good-
bye to home and friends, he sailed for the New
World, locating in Baltimore, where he remained
for two years. On the ex]jiration of that period he
came West to St. Clair County, 111., working for
about three years on a farm. He then bought land
in Clinton County, and there engaged in farming
for himself until 1871, when he came to this county.
Mr. Mann was married in 1853, to Miss Eliza
Kraus, daughter of Phillip P. Kraus, a resident
farmer of Clinton County, 111. After a short mar-
ried life of three years, the lady died, and Mr.
Mann was again married, his second union being
with Miss Louisa Hubsch, who resided on a farm
in this county. One child was born by the first
union and seven by the second marriaa'e. They
242
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
are as follows: Mary, now the wife of Albert
Scliielen, a resident of East St. Louis, where he
carries on carpentering; Catherine, wife of George
Eberlein, of Mascoutah; Philip, who is engaged in
farming on section 36, Mascoutah Township; John,
who resides upon his father's farm in Clinton
County; Henry, wlio is engaged in agricultural
pursuits in Engleman Township, this county;
Fred, who is living on the old homestead with his
father; Jacob and Eliza, who are also still at home.
Mr. Mann is a prominent member of the Evan-
gelical Church, and served as one of its Trustees
for seven years. He filled the ofHce of School Di-
rector for six years, and was a warm friend of the
cause of education. In polities, he is a stalwart
supporter of Republican principles. His lamled
possessions aggregate five hundred and eightj^-five
acres, one hundred of wliich are in Clinton County,
the remainder being located in this county. Witli
the exception of a sixty-five-acre timber tract, the
land is all under a high state of cultivation and
well improved. He is engaged principally in rais-
ing grain. His well-tilled fields yield to him a
golden tribute in return for his care and labor, and
by his industrious and well-directed efforts he has
acquired a handsome competency, becoming one
of the substantial citizens .as well as one of the
leading farmers of the community.
i"$l"I^3||
j|i_^ON. EDWARD ABEND, President of the
Ipjj Belleville Savings Bank, is a Bavarian, who
%f^ was born on the 30th of May, 1822, a son
(^ of Henry, who was an officer in the revenue
service of his country, a man of broad and liberal
views, and very finely educated. He was very
much in favor of Republican institutions, and his
intimacy with leaders of Republicanism led him
into disf.avor with his Government and he ten-
dered his resignation, and in company with other
families came to America in the spring of 1833.
This little band was destined for Missouri, of which
section glowing accounts had been heard, but upon
their arrival in St. Louis the cliolera was raging,
and two of Mr. Abend's children unfortunatelj'
died of that scourge, as well as himself. The widow
with her remaining famil}' then settled at Shiloh,
St. Clair County, 111., wliere they remained several
years, then removed to Belleville, and in this town
Mrs. Abend was called from life in 1865, her
maiden name having been Margaret Lavalle. Out
of her family of seven children, only four survive,
of whom Edward is the eldest.
Our subject attended the schools of his native
land, where he acquired a fair knowledge of his na-
tive language, and after coming to America he ac-
quired a practical English education in the pio-
neer schools of this section, his first teacher being
George Bunsen. Upon locating in Belleville, he
attended subscription schools for some time, after
which he spent one tertn at McKendree College,
at Lebanon, and left that institution better fitted
than the average boy to make his own way in the
world. He inherited many of the worthy attri-
butes that his father possessed, among which may
be mentioned his strict integrity, his push and
business ability'. For two years after leaving col-
lege he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's
trade, but gave up this work to .assume the man-
agement of a farm for his mother in the vicinity of
Belleville. About this time, he determined to enter
upon the stud}- of law, and for that purpose en-
tered the law office of Lyman and George Trumbull,
where he pursued liis studies with such unremit-
ting ener y that in 1842 he was admitted to the
Bar. He at once opened an office, and his mother
having acquired considerable property, requested
him to take charge of it, and this gradually led
him into more active fields of business life, and
about 1850 he abandoned the practice altogether.
Having always been a thorough Democrat, he
was elected by his party to the State Legislature
in 1849, and served during the session of 1849-50,
taking part in the famous senatorial battle between
Gen. James Shields and Judge Breese. In 1852,
he made a trip to his native land, where he formed
the acquaintance of a number of heavy capitalists,
who made him their American agent, and later
sent him large suras of money to invest in Amer-
ican lands and securities. This, and the proper
conduct of his own affairs, made him a pushing.
i^ORTEAIT AND BIOGKAPHJCAL RECORD.
243
active business man. He has been identiQed with
almost every interest tending to the good or the
material advancement of his section, and in 1856
he became one of the Directors of the Belleville
Gas <fe Coke Compan}', and for years was its Sec-
retary and Treasurer. In 1860, he assisted in form-
ing the St. Clair Savings and Insurance Company,
which was changed to the Belleville Savings Bank
under an act of the Legislature. With the excep-
tion of a short European tour, he has been Pres-
ident of this institution ever since. It is one of
the substantial, well-managed institutions of the
county, and during periods when other banks were
compelled to close, this bank remained intact, and
has ever pursued a course of honor and has met
every demand upon it. Its managers have felt
that any sacrifice of a person.il kind was due from
them if it was found necessary to preserve the
credit of the bank or confidence of the public, and
have never hesitated to make such sacrifice, and as
a result their bank is liberally patronized and is
firmly established.
In 1852, Mr. Abend was married in Europe to
Miss Caroline Wetermann, who died two years
later, and on the 26th of October, 1856, he took
for his seeond wife Miss Anna Hilgard, a daughter
of Theodore Hilgard, Jr., and a native of St. Chir
County, 111. .\lthough a firm Democrat at the
present time, he became a F'ree-Soiler in 1854, over
the Kansas-Nebraska troubles, and took strong
grounds against the extension of slaverJ^ In 1860,
he voted for Abraham Lincoln, and until 1872 re-
mained a Republican, after which he became a
Liberal, and later returned to the Democratic fold.
He has held the position of Mayor of Belleville
four terms, and has also filled other local ottices
with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all
concerned. His legislative career was marked by
ability, faithfulness to duty and activity, and he
has the confidence and respect of the people of his
vicinity to an unusual degree. Although unpre-
tentious, he is a lover of art and music, and his
taste in both is exceptionally fine and cultivated.
He is one whose friendship can not be too highly
prized, for he is of an exceptionally faithful and
generous disposition, and his good judgment is
unquestioned, as are also his practical sagacity and
integrity. Past seventy years of age, his mind is
mature and ripe, and he as yet shows but little
the ravages of time.
The Abend and other families of that migra-
tion were among the wealthy class in Germany,
and were instrumental in bringing many more
very desirable settlers to the United States.
PR. M. R. DOYLE is one of the foremost pio-
fessional men of the county, and his skill
^ and knowledge of his calling are acknowl-
edged not only by those who have employed him,
but by his medical brethren as well. He was born
in Shelby County, 111., July 26, 1859, a son of E.
M. Doyle, a native of Russellville, Kj'., and a grand-
son of John Doyle, a native of Virginia. The
great-grandfather was born in Scotland, but with
two brothers came to America prior to the Revo-
lutionar}' War, in which war the}' participated as
members of the Colonial army. During their
service they were separated and thus lost trace of
each other. The great-grandfather of the subject
of this sketch first settled in Virginia, but later be-
came one 01 the early pioneers of Kentucky and
a celebrated Indian fighter. John Doyle became a
well-to-do farmer of Logan County, Ky., and died
on the land he had tilled for so many years at the
advanced age of ninety years. E. M. Doyle, the
father, was reared on Blue Grass soil, but when a
young man removed to Vandalia, HI., which was
then the capitol of the State, and drove stage be-
tween Vandalia, Springfield and St. Louis. Like
most Kentuekians, he was a noted horseman, and
so skillful a rider did he become, that he was hired
by the Government to break horses. Later, he
turned his attention to farming, purchased some
land and nicely improved it. He first lived in
Fayette County, then Madison, then Macoupin,
and finally located in Shelby County, where he is
the owner of a fine farm, and is extensively en-
gaged in stock-raising, although he has reached the
advanced age of four-score years. He is yet a
very powerful man and is enjoying a iiale and
244
i-ORTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
hearty old age. His magnifieeiit farm comprises
two hundred and forty acres, and for many _vears
Ills thorougli acquaintance witli stock led him to
follow the calling of a veterinary surgeon, but he
has long since given up this occupation.
Our subject's father married Helen Brewer, a
native of Alton, 111., and a daughter of William
Brewer, a native of Pennsylvania, who was one of
the pioneer settlers of Alton and a farmer by occu-
pation. He was one of the famous "forty-niners"
who went to California, and was a verj- successful
miner, but when just ready to start for home with
his hard-earned gold"-dust, he was murdered and
robbed. He was of German descent. Mrs. Doj'le
is about sixty years of age, and, like her husband,
is in the enjoyment of good health. Mr. Doyle is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
politically, is a Republican. He has been married
twice, his first union resulting in the birth of nine
children, three of whom served in the Civil War:
Benjamin enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-
first Infantrj' in 1862, served until the close of
the war and is now a resident of De Kalb County;
Harvey joined the same regiment in 1862, and
now resides in Macon Count}-, and .Tolin joined a
Missouri regiment and served four 3'ears and six
months, and died after the war. Eight children
were born to his second union, three of whom are
living, and of this family the Doctor was third in
order of birth. His maternal grandmother was Eliza
Delaplaine, a Virginia lady, whose father was a
de la Plaine from France, and an own cousin of the
Marquis de La Fayette. He came to America during
the Revolutionary War, espoused the cause of the
Americans, and became attached to the country to
such a degree that he afterward located in Penn-
sylvania, and later came to Illinois during the
early days of the State. He assisted in build-
ing the fort at Alton and was a successful Indian
fighter. His family were Protestants. His daugh-
ter, our subject's grandmother, is now ninety' years
of age, is blind, and resides in Madison County,
111., with a daughter.
Dr. M. R. Doj'le early learned what hard work
meant, for he assisted his father on the home farm,
but he attended school .sufflcientl}' to acquire a
good practical educiition, wliich he finished in the
Valparaiso (Ind.) Normal College. At the age of
twent}- he began the study of medicine, for which
he seemed to have a natural aptitude, and toward
which profession he has alwajs had a decided inclin-
ation, and in 1881 he entered tiie Chicago College
of Ph_ysicians and Surgeons, in which he took two
full courses. During this time he pi-actieed with
Dr. Wayohn, who was a Professor in that college.
In 188.5, Dr. Doyle entered tiie Kentucky School
of Medicine at Louisville, from which he was gradu-
ated in June of tlie same year with the degree of
M. D. He took a special course in chemistry. He
located at Pana, Cliristiau County, III., in 1885,
building up an extensive practice during the four
year.s of his residence there in Shelby and Mont-
gomery Counties, as well as in Christian Count}'.
In the fall of 1890, our subject came to East St.
Louis, where he is one of the foremost practitioners
and has gathered about him a wide-spread patron-
age. He is a member of the Central Illinois Med-
ical Association and the State Medical Association,
and in various other ways manifests his interest in
his profession. He is a member of the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows, and, politically, is a
Republican, the principles of wliich party he at all
times support.*.
J: OHN F. MUELLER. One of the good farm-
ers of the fertile township of Smithton is
1 the subject of our sketch, and he lives on
sections 5 and 6, where his farm of seventj'-
five acres sliows to the stranger the effect of good
management and sensible farming. He is not led
away by any foolish notions, but keeps right on
and raises crops of wheat and corn that cannot
fail to prove that he understands his business. He
is the son of Joseph D. Mueller. The latter was
born in Germany, and came to this country when
about twenty-two j'ears of age, and worked first
in Cincinnati. He then thought he would like to
see the country farther West, and came to Illinois
and located in St. Clair Township in St. Clair
• l>~
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Count}-. Here he purchased a farm and lived
until a short time before his deatii, when he re-
moved to Belleville, where he died. He had a
family of six children, five of whom are still liv-
ing. The living ones beside our subject are John,
Stephen, IMary Josephine, Joseph and Anton.
Mary Helena is deceased. He was among the early
settlers of St. Clair Township, and was a faitliful
member of the Roman Catholic Church. The
mother of our subject was INFary Anna Fisher, and
she too has passed away.
Our subject was born on the old homestead in
St. Clair Township and county, September 7, 1853,
and was educated in the Catljolic schools. He was
united in marriage witli Miss Catherine Louis, the
daughter of Joseph Louis, one of the early settlers
of the townsliip. After marriage, he removed to
the place wiiere he now lives, and here his famil}'
of interesting children has been born. They are
Josepii D., .^L•^ry, Helena, Catherine and Jolinnie.
Mr. Mueller is a Democrat, believing in the su-
periority of principle and executive power as ex-
erted by that form of Government. Tlie Roman
Catholic Church is the religious denomination with
which Mr. Mueller finds a home. This is one of
the pleasant representative (4erman families which
make St. Clair Countv wliat it is.
1^-
//^ IIRISTIAN F. STRECKER, M. D. The pro-
flf fcssion of the ph_ysician is perhaps the most
^i^J trying on brain and body of any in the
field of science, for it absorbs the attention of him
who practices it conscientiously both day and
night, and l)rings into play the most versatile
powers of his being. From a boj", Dr. Strecker
desired to becunic a physician — his kindly nature
turning instiiicii\fly t(j tluit broad field of aid to
human suffering for his life work — and since de-
voting his attention to the healing art, he has
received a portion of his reward in this world, for
he has the confidence, respect and esteem of his
fellow men, and the consciousness that he has
driven sorrow and despair from many homes by
his skill as a physician.
Onr subject was born near Ludwigsberg, Wur-
temberg, Germany, October 20, 1851, to C. F. and
Anna Mariah (Kitzenberger) Strecker, who were
also born in Wurtemberg, the former in 1817 and
the latter in 182.3. The father was an exception-
ally skilled machinist, and while a member of the
German army was a cannoneer. After the death of
his wife, he, in 1866, came with his five children
to America on the steamer -'Saxony," taking pass-
age at Hanover, and after a voyage of eight days
reached Xew York City. Soon after this he came
to St. Louis, Mo., hut later went to Warren ton,
i\[o., in the vicinity of which place he purchased
some land and improved a farm. He died there in
June, 1881, when just on the eve of starting to
Jiurope to make his home. His father, David
Strecker, was an architect, builder and real-estate
owner of his native land, and erected many line
public buildings. He died in Germany in 1884, at
the age of ninety-two years, a member of the Lu-
theran Church. The mother's people were honest
tillers of the soil.
Of five children horn to C. F. Strecker and his
wife, only four are now living: Louis, a business
man of St. Louis, Mo.; August, a farmer of Colo-
rado; Pauline (Mrs. Riechers), who resides in Ne-
braska; and Dr. Christian F. The latter was
reared in the valley of the Ncckar River and ob-
tained a good education in the town of Poppen-
weiler, in the schools of which he remained until
fourteen years of age. After his father had lo-
cated at Warren ton, Mo., he assisted him on the
farm,but later entered the Central Wesleyan College,
in which he stayed for two years, graduating from
the normal department in 1875. He paid his own
way through school with money he earned during
vacations, and in 1875 entered the American Medi-
cal College of St. Louis, from which he was grad-
uated three years later with the degree of AL I).
He located in P>ast St. Louis in 1877, and thvough
honest merit has built up a very extensive practice
in the city and country. He has a pleasant office
on Missouri Avenue, and a comfortable and home-
like residence at No. 705 Illinois Avenue.
In 1884, Dr. Strecker made a trip to the "Father-
land," and, during the four months he remained
abroad, he visited the hospitals of Berlin, Miniich,
248
POI^TRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Vienna, and made atrip through Italy. He was
married in East St. Louis in December, 1884, to Miss
Louisa Tlioma, a native of thecit^^and a daughter
of John B. Thoma, a merchant tailor who died in
189-2. Dr. Strecker filled the position of Alder-
man from 1887 to 1890, being elected on the Citi-
zens' ticket, and was Chairman of the Police Com-
mittee, as well as being a member of other impor-
tant committees. He gives his support to all
movements for the improvement of the city, and
was one who generously aided in properly equip-
ping the police force of the citj'. He is a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is a
Knight Templar in the Masonic order, and belongs
to the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen
and the Sons of Herman. He is a Republican
l)olitically. In his religious adherence, he liclongs
to the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
ylLLIAM BROWNLEE. The record of St.
Clair County would not be complete with-
out a mention of one of the best-known
and most highly respected men of Lebanon Town-
shij). On one of the quiet streets of this beautiful
little city, resides the subject of our sketch, sur-
rounded by all the comforts of life, and affection-
ately waited upon by one of the best of good
wives.
Our subject's fatlier was Christopher Brownlee,
who was born in Iieland, but came to this coun-
try when a young man, and settled in Gibson
County, Ind., where he was married, about 1831.
He was a railroad contractor, and graded seven
miles of the Evansville & Crawfordsville Railroad,
wliicli is now a part of the Evansville & Terre
Haute. He lived to be about eighty-two years of
age. Tlie mother of our subject, Mary Brownlee,
was also a native of Ireland. She passed her life
in (iibson County, and only survived her luisband
five years.
The subject of our sketch was Ixirn in Provi-
dence, R. I., September 25, 1825. When twelve
years of age, lie worked with his father, and suc-
ceeded him in his business of railroad contracting.
He had few educational advantages, and the
school with which he was best acquainted was the
school of hard work. However, he did not permit
this to make him ignorant, but by keeping his
eyes -wide open, and by absorbing all the informa-
tion that came within his reach, he is now one of
the best-informed men of his time, although for
years he has had to contend against a degree of
deafness.
Our subject came to Illinois in 1853, and settled
in Olney, Richland County. He began business
for himself as a contractor on the Ohio & Missis-
sippi Railroad. He graded six miles of the road
when it was building, and became a section fore-
man, and later was promoted to be Roadmaster. He
then wasa freight conductorfor anumber of years.
From 1861 to 1864, he was Superintendent of the
West Division of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad,
and from 1864 to 1870 he was conductor on a
passenger train. Owing to his increasing deaf-
ness he gave up his train. It was during this
time that he removed to Lebanon, for the duties
of his position with the railroad had to decide his
place of residence. He had lived for eight years
in St. Louis. He discharged the duties of the
West Division to the satisfaction of the mana-
gers of the road, but after three years of service in
the place he resigned. He then retired from
active railroad work, but is kindly remembered
by his emploj'ersandthe traveling public, many of
whom he changed from strangers to friends.
All railroad men many well, and our subject was
no exception to the rule. December 24, 1857, he
married Miss Sarah L. Notestine, one of liie mai-
dens of Olney, Hi., but born in Ohio. Two children
have blessed this marriage: Walter G., who mar-
ried May Cunningham, of Lebanon, and is now
Train Dispatcher of the Missouri Pacific Railroad
Company in St. Louis. He has one child. The
daughter is Bertha, who is the wife of Fred C.
Brooks, a merchant in St. Louis. She lias one child
also.
Mr. Brownlee and his estimable wife are among
the best-known and most respected in the city of
Lebanon. He shows on his face the kind disposi-
tion that dwells within, and still enjoys existence
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
by tbe side of his cheery wife, over whoio the
years have glided kindly. He does not bother
himself about politics, but finds plenty in his silent
life to entertain and amuse him. Mrs. Brownlee's
father and mother were among tlie first settlers of
Olnev. 111.
I
I R.S. GRACP] FELICIA (LANDE;R) MUEL-
HEIM. One of the most significant signs
of the overturning of public opinion in
* the last few years is that, in these days, a
woman may become learned and wealthy, may
have opinions and not be afraid to mention them,
may be successful in life, and may be sure that the
male sex will no longer try to suppress her, but
will bid her "God sijeed." The original of the
present sketch is one of the most successful busi-
ness women in the West. She conducts a large
millinery establishment in this city, and her name
appears on quite as m.any papers for improvements
and for charities, as does any man's of like means
in East St. Louis.
The family of Mrs. Jluelheim is an old one,
originally from Wales. The paternal grandfather
came from there and became a large planter near
Lexington, Ky. The father of our subject was
born in Lexington, and also was a large planter
and stock-raiser and one of the pioneer settlers
of his portion of that State. He took part in the
AVar of 1812, and grew very wealthy and promi-
nent in that section. In 1853, he came to Wash-
ington County, 111., leaving his beautiful home and
the social honors that were his, because he could
not approve of slavery, and felt that he must get
into a free State. He was an old-line A\"hig, from
which class have come giants of intellectual strength
among the heroes of the past. Henry Lander was
a man of strong convictions of right. He bought
about a section of land near Nashville, III., and
there passed a peaceful life, improving his estate
until his death, in 1863. He was a member of the
Baptist denomination and departed lamented by
all. His name was well known among the Aboli-
tionists of the North. The mother of this remark-
able man was an aunt to the family of Brecken-
ridge, and her father was a large planter and one
of the first settlers of Christian County, Ky. The
Landers were always proud of their descent, as it
went back unbroken to those of noble birth in
Wales. The beloved mother of our subject was
Elizabeth Purcell, a native of Hopkinsville, Ky.,
and a daughter of the Pennsylvania Purcells.
She lived a blameless life, doing her duty as the
mother of a large family, and ended her days in
Washington County, 111. The father of Mrs. Mucl-
heim was twice married, five children resulting
from the first union and eight from the second.
Our subject was the eldest of the children of the
second marriage of her father. She was born in
Christi.an County, Ky., October 21, 1834, and that
was her home until she was nineteen years old.
She was educated at private schools until her mar-
riage, which occurred in Kentucky in 1852, to O.
E. Davis, a Keiituckian, a cousin of Jefferson Davis,
and who lived but six months after marriage. One
child was the result of this union, Harry Davis,
who now holds the position of Police Magistrate
in East St. Louis. In 1856, Mrs. Davis was mar-
ried to Charles Muelheim, a native of Cologne,
Germany, who had come with his family to Amer-
ica in 1852, and located in Nashville, 111., and en-
gaged in the drug business. He then went into
the management of a store and was a very success-
ful merchant for twenty years. During her life in
Nashville, Mrs. Muelheim was a member of Rebekah
Lodge, and was a Sister in the Masonic lodge.
In 1872, our subject started in the business
which her ability has made so prosperous. Siie
located in East St. Louis in 1882, as she desired to
settle her son. Dr. Robert M. Muelheim, in his [iro-
fession here. Her affairs were in a very ttourishing
condition, but in 1890 she suffered from a fire, and
was burned out. She was not dismayed, but went
right to. work and soon had her present building
of two stories and with a frontage of twenty-
five feet erected. She has the finest front in her
building of any in the city.
Mrs. Muelheim has two daughters remaining of
her second marriage: Carrie, now Mrs. Ch.irles Fos-
ter, who resides in Elmira, N. Y., and Grace, now
2/iO
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the wife of L. C. Doggett, the manager of fhe
business of N. K. Fairbanks in St. Louis, Mo. A
great grief came to Mrs. Muelheim in 1884, when
her talenterl 3-oung son, Robert, w.as removed bj'
death. He was a brilliant young man, and had
graduated with honor from the Jefferson Medical
College, when only nineteen years of age. He
was graduated an M. D. from the State University,
at Champaign, 111., and there seemed to be a bright
future before him, but these hopes were blasted.
Mrs. Muelheim is a devout member of the Baptist
denomination, as were also her ancestors, and has
been a Democrat in her political (>pinions since the
I'lesidency of Gen. Grant. She is a very pleasant
lady in social life, and is one w-ho can hold licr
own and command respect in any jiosition.
JHOHN C. BEIIRENS, is a self-made man and
I prominent farmer of O'Fallon Township,
I who was born in Holstein, Germany, No-
_ vember 3, 1833, and is a son of Christian
and Magdalena (Kolsen) Belirens, both of whom
were also natives of Holstein. The father was a
farmer and fisheiman, who fought in the Danish
army in the war with Napoleon. His death oc-
curred in 1840, and his wife died in 1838. Their
familj- numbered twelve children, six sons and six
daughters, but two sons and two daughter died
previous to the birth of our subject. Cathcrina, the
eldest child, became the wife of John Murthorst,
and died in Germany in 1872, leaving three chil-
dren; Frederick, who was a farmer by occupation,
came to America in 1854, and died in 18.58, near
Dutch Hill, St. Clair County. He was married and
his widow is stilt living in Nebraska. They had
five children, of whom a son and two daughters
are yet living, Lena, Annie and Christian, all of
whom a-e married. Magdalena died in Germany
in 187ij, at the age of eighty -eight years. Slic
was the wife of Jurgin Stange, by whom she had
three sons and four daughters. Claus Detleff,
who was born in 1818, came to America in 1848,
and the following year went to California. He
died in San Francisco, in 1879^atthe age of sixty-
one years, leaving a valuable estate. Annie, born
in 1822, is married and resides in Altoona. She
had five children. Jurgen came to America with
his brother Claus in 1848, and died in St. Louis
in 1852, leaving a handsome property. ^largaret
died in Germany in 1848, at the age of twenty
yeai's.
Mr. Behrens, whose name heads this sketch, ac-
quired his education in the common schools of
his native land, and there engaged in farming
until 1852, when he sailed for America, landing in
New Orleans June 1. He then went up the river
to St. Louis, and thence to the farm of Fred Bogel,
for whom he worked six months at 16 per month.
He then worked on the construction of the Cairo
& St. Louis Railroad until 1855. His business
was to superintend ten hundred and forty acres
()f land and furnish railroad ties. In February,
1865, he bought his present farm, two miles east
of O'Fallon, and he has since made it his home.
Ill September, 1859, Mr. Behrens was united in
tnarri.ige with Miss Clarissa Wakefield, who was
born September 3, 1843, and is a daughter of
Joseph and Matilda Wakefield, of this county.
They became the parents of eleven children, but
lost their first-born, a daughter, who died in in-
fancy. Anna IMargaret, who was l>orn IMarcli 2,
1862, is now married. She became the wife of
Stephen Nicholas, a farmer of Lebanon Township,
June 6, 1892. John Henry, born October K),
1863, is a railroad employe; Albert Christian,
born November 14, 1865, is operating the home
farm on shares; Wilhelm Amos, born December 6,
1867. Cora Clarissa April 2, 1871; jMinnie Pearly,
August 9, 1873; Carl Frederick, September 22,
1875; George Garfield, October 5, 1877; and
Nellie, January 25, 1880. The sixth child, a son,
born in March, 1869, lived only a few days.
Mr. Behrens was reared in the Lutheran faith,
but is liberal both in religious views and in poli-
tics. In 1852, he became a member of Germania
Lodge No. 878, K. II., of O'Fallon. In 1889, he
took a trip to California to settle up his brother's
estate, but. with the exception of this period, h.is
resided continuously upon his present farm for
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
251
about twenty-seven years. He has led a busy and
useful life wliich has brought him a comfortable
comi)etence. He came to this country empty-
handed, but by his enterprise and industry he has
steadily worked his way upward to a position of
wealth and affluence. For his success he certainly
deserves great credit. He is an intelligent man
of studious habits, w-ho keeps well informed on all
current events of the day. He is thoroughly
American in his views, and loves his adopted
country and its institutions belter than the Father-
land. This community tinds in him a valued citi-
zen, who well deserves representation in this
volume.
•^^-
JfuHX :M. M.C'A.SLAND. The original of
the |)rcsent notice is a resident of Jackson-
■ ville. 111., but his business is conducted in
^ East St. Louis, where he has been located
since 1889. His name is one of the powers in the
real-estate market, and for some years his dealings
in realty have been very large and successful.
William McCasland was the grandfather of our
subject, and was born in Virginia, where he carried
on agricultural pursuits. He served tlirough the
Revolutionary War under Gen. Washington, .ind
his wife received a pension uj) to the time of her
death. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and mar-
ried Ellen McCuUough, a native of Ireland. Siie
lived to the age of ninety-three years, and her life
ended in Sangamon Count3', 111. William McCas-
land brought Ills family to Indiana and located in
Jefferson Count}', where he followed farming un-
til he died. The respected father of our subject
was named .Tames Harper McCasland and was also
a Virginian by birth. By occupation, he was a
wood-turner and cabinet-maker and he was en-
gaged in Uie manufacture of furniture in Indiana
luitil isil. when lie came to Illinois. He located
in (iiillaliii County the first year, but this seemed
such a sickly locality that he moved north and
settled in the higher lands in Morgan County, and
there he lived a few yenis and engaged in farming
near Woodson. Some years later, he removed to
Sangamon County, on the Morgan County line,
and located at the middle fork of Lick Creek,
where he farmed until he died, at the age of
seventy-three years, respected by all who knew
him and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
He had been a Republican but never a seeker after
office.
The mother of our subject w;\s .lane Hood, a
North Carolinian by birth, and a daughter of -lohn
Hood, of that State, who afterward became a far-
mer in Indiana and died at La Porte. Our sub-
ject's mother lived until 1868, and left seven of
her eight chddren to mourn her death. Sarah is
now Mrs. Graves and resides in St. Joseph, Mo.; J.
M., a soldier during the war, is now in the real-
estate business in this city; W. A. was a member of
an Illinois volunteer company during the war
and now is in the realty business here; J. T.,
was a soldier also and is now a farmer in Sangamon
County, this State; Elizabeth is Mrs. Ephman and
lives in Wheeling, W. Va.; Thomas O. was another
of this i)atriotic family who entered the army, but
this brave man never returned, being killed at
Murfreesboro, Tcnn.; C. D., still another soldier,
has made a success of real-estate deals in this city.
It is worthy of mention that all these men rose to
distinction in the army and have records of which
they may well he proud.
Our subject was born in Hanover, Jefferson
County, Ind., July 1, 1833. He was reared in
Indiana until nearly eight years of age, at which
time his father moved the family to Gallatin
County, III. The emigration was made by boat to
(iolconda on the Ohio River and then by team to
their destination in Gallatin County. Here his
father raised one crop of tobacco, in 1842, but then
removed to Morgan County as recorded above,
and in 1847 to Sangamon County. It was at this
place that our subject was married, December 22,
18.53, to Frances Collins, who was born near Frank-
lin in Morgan County. Here the young couple
began their married life on :i farm, and later our
subject bought a farm for himself of ninety acres,
near IMurrayville, in Morgan County, He was
one of the brave men who left the plow to answer
the call of his couiitrv, and in Julv, 1802, he eu-
252
POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
listed in Company H, One Hundred and First Illi-
nois Infantry and was mustered into the service at
Camp Duncan. He was sent South to Holly
Springs, where a part of the regiment was cap-
tured, but the company of which Mr. MeCasland
was a member succeeded in escaping. In the
spring of 1863, he was sent toMilliken's Bend and
detailed on a gunboat, the "Lafayette," and on
the night of April 16 ran the blockade at Yicksburg,
later was in the fight at Grand Gulf and went up
with Gen. Banks to the Red River as far as Alex-
andria and then dropped down and anchored at
the mouth of the Red River and tliere remained
until the fall of Vicksburg. Then they were
ordered to Columbus, Ky.,from there to Union City,
Tenn., and afterward were sent to reinforce Rose-
crans at Louisville, Ky.; they then went to Bridge-
port, Ala., where they were incorporated with the
Twentieth Corps and joined Sherman's army for
the Georgia campaign. He took part in the bat-
tles from Missionary Ridge to the fall of Atlanta
and then the brilliant march to the sea. He was
tlirough the Carolinas to Raleigh, was at the battle
of Benton ville, and in all the activities until the
close of the war. He then took part in that mag-
nificent display at Washington and was mustered
out in June, 1865, and came home. Thus ended a
very exciting chapter in the life of our subject,
and while the ballets of the enemy did him no in-
jury he suffered from the hard marching. When
he entered the armj-, his health was in a precarious
state and it was with many misgivings that his
friends parted with him, but he stood army life
better than some who had aiipeared robust at the
outset.
After the war, Mr. MeCasland took to his peace-
ful plow and continued farming until 1881, when
his home was broken up the death of his wife. He
then removed to Jacksonville and there held the
office of Constable until in February, 1889, he came
to St. Louis and six months later located in East
St. Louis. He entered into the real-estate business
and has Ijeen very prosperous. His first large deal
was one in wiiich he made $3,500, and since then
lie has been dealing in lots. He has property in
many of the additions to the city and in Jackson-
ville; has a farm In Franklin Counl\- of seyent\'-
three acres and interests all over the cit_y. He has
had a family of twelve children, two of whom died
in infanc}', but serious illness has often invaded his
home. Those of his living children are as follows:
J. T. bears the name of the Real-estate King of East
St. Louis; .Jane is Mrs. T. B. Howers, of Lincoln,
Neb.; Clara A. is Mrs. Brooks, of this iilarv; Charles
O. is in the real-estate business in this lity; Laura
is at home; Arthur A. is in business in East St.
Louis; Daniel is employed in this city by his
brother, and Fred Elmer is in Jacksonville. Mary
B. was Mrs. Skinner and died in January, 1881, in
ElkCount3', Kan., and Rosa died also in 1881, the
same month as her mother. Mr. MeCasland mar-
ried in Jacksonville, in 1885, Miss Mary V. Orton,
a native of Greene County, 111., and has one child
by this union, Guy Roy. His handsome home is
on one of the beautiful streets of Jacksonville. He
belongs to a family that is very prominent in the
social and commercial world of East St. Louis.
Mr. MeCasland is a member of the Matt Starr
Post, G. A. R., at Jacksonville. He has supported
the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has
been a member for forty years, with his influence
and means. He was a Republican, but since the
formation of the Prohibition part;\' he has found
that the exponent of his views.
-^-^41
<*^DWAKO 1!. DAVIS, attorney-at-law, and
lU] ex-City Attorney of East St. Louis, 111., has
JLi^ gained an enviable reputation for his legal
ability, sound judgment and sterling integrity.
During the years that he has practiced before the
Bar of Illinois, he has become eminent as a Coun-
selor, often in cases involving interests of great
magnitude, and has acquired more than a local re-
nown, on account of his scholarly attainments, his
thorough knowledge of the law, and his devo-
tion to the interests of his clients. He was born
near Batavia, \. Y., on the 12th of March
1839, to David and Harriet (Wilder) Davis, the
former of whom was bom near Pittsburgh, Pa.,
and the latter near Boston, Mas.s„ in 1802, The
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
253
father was a shoemaker by trade, and after his
marriage, wliich took place in Massachusetts, he
removed his family and household goods to Gen-
esee County, N. Y., and engaged in farming, a
calling he followed in that State until 1843, when,
with his wife and eight children, he removed to
Michigan City, going by wagon to Buffalo, and
then by schooner to Detroit. He settled in Lapeer
County among the woods, and after following his
trade for a number of years, located on a tract of
wild land ten miles north of the town. After
clearing and improving eiglitj' acres of land there,
he removed to Tuscola County, and there bought
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he
improved. Here he died in 1880, but his widow
still survives him. The maternal grandfather was
a native of England, and after coming to Amer-
ica settled in Massachusetts.
To David and Harriet Davis the following chil-
dren were born: G. W., a prominent lawyer of
Enst Saginaw, Mich.; Dr. William H., a physician
of Springfield, 111.; Hiram, who had been a resi-
dent of California since 1849, but is now a resi-
dent of El Dorado Countv; and Edwaid R. The
latter was a resident of New York until four j-ears
of age, from which time until he attained his
eighteenth jear he was a resident of Michigan.
After attending school until eight j-ears of age, at
which time it was thought that a strong, active
and healthy lad, such as he was, could make better
use of his time at farm work than at school
his opportunities for ac(iuirina- an education
were very much abridged. After spending two
years at farm labor, he began learning the car-
penter's trade at Almont, at which he worked un-
til he was eighteen years old, when his brother re-
turned from California and started to take him
and the entire family back to that State with him;
but they got only as far as New York City, and
there decided not to go any further. Our subject
then went to Corunna, Mich., and, in addition to
|)racticing his trade, took up the study of law
In 1859 he began devoting his attention to tiiis
in the office of L. II. Parsons, and May 1, 1860,
was admitted to tiie Bar. Soon after this he ojjened
an office at Northport, but in the fall of 18(jl re-
tained to Corunna, lie was married at Oxford,
Oakland County, Mich., in 1863, to Miss Angie A.
Matice, who was born in Onondaga Countj^, N. Y., a
daughter of John Matice, who was an early settler
of New York. After residing successively at Good-
rich and Lapeer, Mr. Davis, in 1865, removed to St.
Louis, Mo., where he was admitted to the St. Louis
Bar, and remained there two years.
In 1867, he removed to Springfield, 111., where
he took a contract to build a $100,000 convent,
which was completed at the end of two ^-ears. In
1868, he came to East St. Louis, 111., and has since
been one of the foremost legal practitioners of this
section. He was elected Justice of the Peace in
1877 for one term, and in 1887 was elected City
Attorney on the Citizens' Ticket, and was re-
elected in 1889. He is the f.ither of two children:
Carrie (Mrs. David Sage), and Inez. He has been
a supporter of Republican principles all his life,
and sociall3', belongs to the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and the Methodist Episcopal Church.
He has been an active and public-spirited citizen
of the town, has always been faithful to her inter-
ests, and as an attorney has not his superior in
East St. Louis.
J I OHN FREDERICK ML'ELLER. The gentle-
man whose honored name heads this sketch
is a resident of Mascoutah Township, St.
Clair County, 111. He is another of the
representatives that the great nation of Germany
has sent to our shores, and like so many others, he
has found the land of his adoption a very ple.as-
ant and fruitful one.
Mr. Mueller was born in Prussia, Germany, Aug-
ust 24, 1828, where he was reared and educated,
and remained until 1849, when he crossed the
great ocean, ami made his way to Pittsburgh, Pa.,
where he first located and engaged in farming,
remaining there until the following year, when lie
decided to fc)llow the course of the sun and "go
West." His choice in this second removal was
Belleville, 111,, where he was employed for two
254
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years by Mr. Bunson and Mr. Neuhofif. At tlie
close of that time our subject decided that it is
not .8;ood for man to be alone, so he won and mar-
ried Miss Henrietta Mann, the daujfhter of Niclio-
las Mann, one of the early settlers of this place.
After the marriage of this happy couple, they
settled on laud rented of Mr. Neuhoff, and
liere they lived for ten 3-ears, when, things having
piospered, our subject bought the nice farm he
now is the proud owner of. The happy owners
removed to their own property with glad hearts, and
here they have lived ever since, improving the land
which they earned b}' the sweat of their brows.
This fine farm consists of two hundred and three
acres of as choice land as can be found in the
county, all of which is in a splendid state of culti-
vation, except about sixteen acres of timber.
On this farm, in which our subject takes so
much innocent and justifiable pride, are neat farm
buildings and large barns, which with the fences
are in good repair. All of the improvements to
be observed on the place have been made by this
energetic farmer, who is resolved to make his farm
one of the best in the countj', and if he continues
to improve as much in the future as he has done
in the past, there is no doubt but that he will suc-
ceed. On this farm Mr. Mueller raises principally
grain, corn being his choice.
On this farm, which is located on section 21, re-
side Mr. iSIueller, his wife and two children, 3Mag-
gie and Annie, the former of whom is married lo
.lohn Renth, but who still reinainsat theoldhome,
her parents preferring that she and her husband
make their home with them. Here, in contentment
.■md happiness dwell this family, of whom our sub-
ject is the honored head, and nowhere will the vis-
itor find more hospitality than at the home of Mr.
Mueller. When he came to America, he was in the
condition of so many emigrants, verj' poor, but
iiis honest industry and perseverance have aided
him in the amassing of a large property, although
some assistance he received, from Germany after
some year's residen(!e in this country, was of much
benefit to him. Even without this help tiiere is
no doubt that he would have succeeded, for he has
many of the qualities that are necessary for suc-
cess, and these, coupled with the industry and econ-
omy of his faithful wife, made success a sure thing.
In politics, our subject is a firm adherent of the prin-
ciples of the Republican party, and loyally suppoi'ts
its platforms and measures, firmly upholding its ac-
tions in all places and upon all occasions, and on ac-
count of this firmness of political conviction, he is
a man of some prominence in the politics of the
Sil-^-t^ll^^^^ ^
■ii^/REDHlCiC MUEIILMANN, Si:. One of
|-^; the most extensive of the manufacturing
Iks concei-ns of Belleville, .and one which has
largely contributed to its importance as a center
for the supply of machinery, is that now conducted
by Mr. Eredrick Moehlmann, and located at the
corner of Illinois and Second North Streets, or as
it is now called B Street. He is engineer and
proprietor of this flourishing shop, and is a gentle-
man of accurate knowledge of the business and
wide acquaintance in the trade. Like many of the
enterprising and progressive men of the count}',
Mr. Moehlmann is of foreign birth, a native of
Hanover, Germany, born on the 2.5tli of December,
1828, and his parents, Henry and Margaret (Pieper)
Moehlmann, were natives of the Old Country also,
the father being a carpenter by trade.
In the fall of 1836, the famil}', consisting of Mr.
and Mrs. Moehlmann and theii' two children, our
subject and Herman (who died in 1837), crossed
the deep to America, and settled in Illinois. The
father followed carpentering in connection with
trading until his death about 1870. He was a
hard-working, industrious citizen, and was well
known and universally respected. He resided
wliere our subject now lives for fort^y-six years,
and took an active interest in all landalile or worthy
enterprises.
Eredrick Moehlmann was but eight years of
age when he crossed the ocean to America, and his
tiist recollections of the town of Belleville were
that it wa> bul m \illage. He attended the snlj-
seriptidii scliooLs then in vogue, secured a fair ed-
'U^
/ ,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
257
tering with his father. Later, he learned engineer-
ing on the river. After this lie became a millwright
and established a machine shop in 1856. By in-
diistr.y and close attention to business he became
the owner of two large lots in town, and on these
he established a large machine sho)), a l)rick build-
ing, operated by a thirty-horse power engine.
Mr. Moehlmann is thoroughly familiar with
every detail of his business, and manufactured
threshing-machines, drills, etc., until after the war,
when he leased the millwright trade. He is one of
tiie oldest men in that business in town. He has
been a resident of this county for many years, has
held a number of local positions, and in everj-
walk of life his career has been both honorable and
upright.
Our subject selected his life companion in the
person of Miss Augusta Doerre, a native of Ger-
many, who came to this country in the year 1848,
and their nuptials were celebrated on the 3d of
.July, 1852. Three children have been the fruits
of this union, and are named as follows: Louis,
Kdward and Fredrick, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Moehl-
mann are worthy and exemplary members of the
Free .St. Paul's Church, and contribute liberally to
its sui)port.
^/ oris (tHOSS was the first citizen of Fast St.
I (^ Louis who laid out an addition bevf)n(l the
'I*— ^ corporate limits of the city. For many
years he has been engaged in the field of realty
operations in this vicinity, and has attained a con-
spicuous place in the front rank of property owners.
To achieve such prominence as that to which lie
has attained, is an evidence of the possession of
|)ersonal and business qualities of the highest order.
Our subject was born in the Seventh Ward of
the city,Sei)tember 28, 1843. His father, Capt.
Knglehard Gross, was born in Strasburg, Alsace,
France, and was a soldier In the French army from
tlie time ho was sixteen j'onrs of age, While on
Iho w.ay to Moscow, Russia, 1)6 Wfls nroinoti'd lo the
rank of Capt.-iin. He was instrumental in saving
the life of a Russian officer who, as a token of grati-
tude, gave him a handsome gold watch set with a
diamond, which the subject of this sketch now has
in his possession and which he values very highly
as an heirloom. Cai)t. Gross wasalwaj's conspicu-
ous for his bravery, and his services were highly
valued by that famous commander, Napoleon Bona-
parte. In 1836, he came to America and located
in Cahokia Township, St. Clair County, 111., where
the first work he did was for old Father Cable, a
Catholic priest, in whose service he remained for
some time. He was very finely educated and could
speak and read German, French and Flnglish, his
knowledge having been acquired principally by
self-application.
In the city of St. Louis. Capt. (Jross organized a
company, which he drilled in French, and which
became a part of the Stat« militia. After leaving
Father Cable, he leased forty acres of land, which
is now within the city limits, and from that time
on bought and traded in lands until his death,
which occurred on the 4th of November, 1855. He
was pre-eminently a man of business, and in the
conduct of hi^ worldly affairs showed judgment
and shrewdness. He became ver\' prominent
throughout St. Clair County and was highly hon-
ored by all who had the pleasure of his acquaint-
ance. Politically, he was a Whig. His wife, formerlj'
Mademoiselle Bridgette Roth, was born in Alsace,
France, and died in East St. Louis in 1846. She
bore her husband six children, but only two grew
to mature years. The elder, Ferdinand, was
(houncd ill Indian Lake near this city when twent\-
\^;i\v:< of ajic .niid Louis, the subject of this sketch,
is the only survivor. After the death of his first
wife Capt. (Jross married again, but his second un-
ion was childless. The paternal grandfather was
a native of ( Jennuiiy lint became a tradesman of
Strasliurg. Alsace, GuriiKiiiy. At the advanced age
of eighty-two years, he joined his son, Capt. Gross,
in East St. Louis, but his residence in this country
only covered a period of six weeks, his death oc-
curring in 184'.l.
When twelve years old, Louis Gross was left
fatlifirl«ss, but even at that early age lip could drill
Mimust (IS well f^s |iis a<:compUslied fatfiei'! >vlioli;ul
258
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
been his teacher. He was thoroughly educated in
English and German in the Christian Brothers'
School on Seventh Street in old St. Louis, and
upon leaving that institution at the age of fifteen
years, he began clerking in a general store, which
business occupied his attention for three years. He
then began farming, a calling with which he had
become familiar prior to his twelfth year, and un-
til he attained his twentj'-first year he continued
to till the soil. He then took charge of the fortj-
acres of land that had been left to him, and in the
spring of 1865 he responded to the draft, but his
services were not accepted. He then returned to
his farm, which he continued to till for five years,
at the end of which time he leased Pittsburgh
Lake and engaged in fishing for five years. He
found this a profitable business and supplied the
St. Louis market, as well as the country on this side
of tlie river.
In 1873, our subject laid out the Louis Gross
Subdivision to East St. Louis, which was the first
outside of the city. These lots found a ready sale
and laid the foundation for his present business.
In 1864, he built and started a hotel, the Hunters'
Retreat, which he conducted in a very successful
and praiseworthy way until 1874, when he built
the New Lake House on Broadway, of which he
was the popular and prosperous proprietor until
.lanuary 1, 1891, since which time he has rented
the house. Upon retiring from the business, he
soon formed a partnership with Henry Voss, his
son-in-law. the firm being known as Gross ife Voss,
and these gentlerai'U have since been quite exten-
sively engaged in the real-estate business. Since
1873, Mr. Gross has laid outthe Gross Subdivision
to East St. Louis, the Louis Gross Addition of lot
33, the Arlington Place Addition and the
Casper Voss Addition. In the spring of 1865, lie
opened Gross Park on Collinsville Avenue, now the
Seventh Ward, which is five acres in extent and is
nicely shaded by beautiful native trees, oak, maple
and pecan. It is neatly arranged with seats and
is supplied witli a fountain, platform and a hall.
.Mr. Gross owns four or five good farms, besides
other valuable real estate, and is considered an
niiihority on values, present and prospective. He
I- ■■ lurtemis, affable and genial. and it is noticeable
that allhis^patrons are^his friends, owing to the
fact that he is frank, prompt and straightforward.
Mr. Gross was married in French Village, De-
cember 25, 1864, to Miss Natalie Weagand, who
was born in Frankfort, Germany, and who died
November 30, 1890, leaving three children : Natalie,
wife of Henry Voss; Louisa and Emma. Mr. Gross
was a Sciiool Trustee for three years, and is^ a be-
liever in Republican principles. St. Henry's Cath-
olic Ciiurch counts him among its most active
members. His home is a very pleasant residence
and is located at Gross Park.
ASPER VOSS, dealer in lime, cement,
., brick, builders' material and supplies, is a
^^^^ member of the firm of Voss & Haas, of
East St. Louis, 111. The enterprising members of
this firm are business men of rare capjicitj^, and the
eminent success of their undertaking has more
than justified their sagacity in establisliiug this
most important branch of business. Mr. Voss was
born in what is now East St. Louis, in the Old
Prairie House. December 14, 1868, a son of Henry
Voss, a native of Germany (see sketch elsewhere).
He attended the public schools, and from thirteen
till sixteen years of age his attention was given to
the monotonous duties of farm work. He then
began learning the trade of a blacksmith at the
Western Forge and Rolling Mills, and at the end
of four 3ears was a practical blacksmith.
After the death of Mr. Voss' father, he and his
brother Henry operated the home farm for two
3'ears, but in 1889 severed their connection, and
Casper J. became the owner of forlj' acres of land
adjoining the cit3' limits. He continued to till
this land until 1891, and during this time was en-
gaged in contracting on roads, but on the 11th of
April, 1892, he became associated lu business with
II. T. Haas, a practical contractor, who now has
charge of that department. In April, 1892, Mr.
Voss purchased his warehouse of Thorn &. Hun-
kins, dealers in lime, cement, etc., of St. Louis, and
is now doing a very extensive retail business on
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
259
Belmont Avenue. They deal in river sand, in the
liauling of which five teams are employed. Their
warehouse is 85x50 feet, and, as they keep a large
and excellent class of goods, they have a corre-
sponding patronage.
Mr. ^'oss was Road Supervisor for three years,
and is still frequently called to superintend road
work, his superior judgment, long experience and
consequently thorough knowledge of the business
being in demand. His land has been laid out into
lots, and is known as Casper Voss' Addition to
East St. Louis. He has made himself a name of
enduring value in the city, and is a practical and
wide-awake man of business. He was married in
1889, on the 5th of November, to Miss Laura Blue-
myer, a native of St. Louis, and their union has
resulted in the birth of one child, Henr^'. Our sub-
ject and his wife attend St. Henry's Church, and
he has always been in sympatiiy with the measures
of Democrac3'.
■If/ OUIS F. EIDMANN, the subject of this
I ^ sketch, resides on section 18, Engelman
jlL^^ Township. St. Clair County, HI. The
father of the gentleman of whom we write was
named Beruhard Eidmann, and was born in the
town of Umstadt, in the Province of Darmstadt,
Germany, March 14, 1817. He was the son of
Martin Eidmann, who carried on the trade of
a wagon-maker in the Old Country, and was there
married to Miss Pvlizabeth Haas, He came to
America in 1833 with his wife and seven children,
and was one of the first settlers of Freeburg Town-
ship, St. Clair County, 111. He lived his life out
in tliat place, and there his family w.as reared.
Bernhard Eidmann, the fatlier of our subject,
was educated in the schools of German}', and be-
fore coming to America was employed as a clerk
in the "Law House" of the province where he
lived. When he reached his home in Illinois, he
began the life of a farmer and continued it suc-
cessfully until the close of his life. He married
Frederica (irnoliel, who was the daughter of (leorge
Gruebel, who came to this countr}' from Germany
and was a brewer on Dutch Hill, in Lenzburg
Township, this count}'. After marriage, he moved
to the farm which our subject now owns and which
he had purchased previous to that time. The wed-
ding eeremonj' took place November 10, 1842,
and as soon as the }'oung couple were married
they began to plan for the future. A nice house
was built and the farm was improved until no bet-
ter could be found in the neighborhood. Three
children were born to this couple.
Of the family of Mr. Bernhard Eidmann, only
two remain, and these are our subject and his be-
loved sister, Lisetta, who is the wife of Charles
Morlock, a farmer who makes his home near Carlyle,
111. The brother, Edward, died at the age of
twenty years. Mr. Eidmann was a member of the
Evangelical Church, and took an interest in relig-
ious matters until the time of his death, October
31, 1869. He started in life a comparatively
poor man, but by hard work gained what he owned
at his demise. By close economy, added to good
management, he acquired a farm of two hundred
and seventy acres, and had the satisfaction of giv-
ing his two children a good start in life. His
widow is still living in Engelman Township.
Our subject was born March 15, 1847, on the
old home place in Engelman Township. He was
sent to the public schools and there obtained his
education. The farm of his father gave him
plenty of occupation, and at the age of twenty-
three, August 2, 1870, he was married to Miss
Catherine Koob. She was the daughter of Philip
H. Koob, a prominent farmer of Clinton County,
111., who late in life moved to New Baden and
then to Mascoutah, where his life ended. After
the marriage of our subject, he lived on the home
place until 1880, when he built the substantial
brick residence where he now resides. When he
bought his present place there were no improve-
ments upon it. lie has been very industrious and
all the improvomonts have been the result of
his own toil.
Mr. and Mrs. Eidmann have seven children, all
of whom are living. Edward C'.,the eldestson, was
graduated from tlie State Tniversity atChaniiiaign,
111.. :uid is )io\v n civil engineer; JJevtha A, re.
260
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mains at home with her parents; Walter Philip is
at St. Louis, a student at Beaumont Medical Col-
lege; Alma F., l^ouis B., Hilda L. and Gustav H.
arc at home. This famil_y resides on the fine farm
of three hundred and ten acres of good land lo-
cated in this township owned by Mr. Eidmann.
In Clinton Countj-. 111., he also owns a fine farm
of one hundred and sixty acres, which is in a good
state of cultivation, except twenty acres whicii
liave been left in timber. He is a grain farmer,
wheat being his most profitable crop.
Both Mr. Eidmann and his wife are valued
members of the Evangelical Church at Mascoutali,
and Mr. Eidmann is also connected with the
Knights of Honor, a prominent organization of
the State. Politically, our subject is a Republican,
one who takes a great interest in the issues of
the day, and has voted the ticket of his party ever
since he obtained the right of suffrage. He has
been a prominent man in the township, and was
made the first Collector under the new organiza-
tion, which office lie lield for two years. At pres-
ent, his time is fully emplo^-ed, as he is serving his
fellow-citizens as School Director. He has served
as Trustee, and is now Supervisor of the township
and Justice of tiie Peace. His family is one of
the oldest and best known in the township, and he
is a man who enjoys th^ respect and esteem of
eveiyone with whom he is brought in contact.
f^.-
JjOIIN L. APPEL. .lustice of the Peace of
I Illinois, was born at Highland, Madison
I County, HI., August 14, 1858, a son of
.Joiin A. and Magdalena (Schwartz) Appel,
both of whom were born in Germany. In 1846,
the fatlier came to America and eventually found
himself in St. Louis, Mo., but at a somewliat Inter
period he settled in Madison County, 11!., near
Highland, where he remained until 1860. at whicii
date he became one of the substantial residents of
St. Clair Count}-.
Ill tlie vicinity of Summorneld, Mr. .Vppei pur-
rli.icd a coal mine, which l)p successfully oper-
ated for about three years, at the end of which
time he opened a mercantile establishment in the
town, which he conducted until his death, which
occuned on the 26th of October, 1887. His widow
survives him and has attained to the age of six-
ty-three years. She liore her husband a famil}- of
nine children, as follows: Lizzie, who died in
Summerfield in 1883, was the wife of Adam Wei-
nentli; Frank; John L., the subject of this sketch;
Amelia became the wife of Michael Frevele. a
farmer living near Summerfield; Louise is the wife
of Philip Biltz, a commission merchant, by whom
she has one child; Bertha married Henry Miller, a
miller by trade and a resident of Summerfield, by
whom she has one child; .Jacob is a wide-awake
business man of Summerfleld; Amalia. and Ida,
who is at home.
.John L. Appel was reared in tlie vicinity of
Summerfield and, like the majority of boys, oli-
tained a common-school education in tlie vicinity
of his home, but he was given still further advan-
tages, and for some time was an attendant of the
city schools of St. Louis, Mo., where he improved
his time and became a well-informed j'oung man.
Possessing an energetic and wide-awake tempera-
ment, it was not his nature to eat the bread of
idleness for any length of time, and, being ambi-
tious to become independent financially, he em-
barked in business, which he conducted in a satis-
factory way. In October, 1881, he was mar-
ried to Miss Christina Ernst, a native of Kansas,
whose parents are both deceased. The father of
our subject was a member of the Board of Alder-
men of Summerfield and, socially, belonged to the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in whicii order
he held official positions.
To Mr. and Mrs. Appel the following children
have been born: Malinda, Edgar, Alfred and
Walter, all of whom are living. Mr. Appel has
held the office of Justice of the Peace since he
w.as twenty-<)ne years of age. or since 1879, and in
1888 was elected Assessor of Lebanon Township,
and is now serving his fourth successive term.
He has been School Director two terms, and in
1883 received the appointment of Town Clerk to
fill a vacancy, and served in this capacity for six
iiionllis. Politically, he is a peu)ocrat, and the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
men and measures of tliat party always And in
him a stanch supporter. Mr. Appel has many
warm friends througiiout the section in wliich lie
resides, and in every respect deserves the high
esteem in which he is held.
JfOHN KLOESS. The life of this gentleman,
I of which we give a brief outline, affords an
|| illustration of the power of courage and in-
y dustry in enabling a man to overcome
early difficulties of no ordinary kind. When Mv.
Kloess came to Belleville he had no money with
which to embark in business, but, undaunted by
obstacles, he labored untiringly, displayed good
judgment in the investment of Ins earnings, and
now, as a reward of his efforts, he lias gained pros-
perity-. He owns considerable real estate, and is
numbered among the most prominent business
men of Belleville.
(Jur subject was horn in (iermany, on the 26th
of August, 1830, the son of I'hilip and Catherine
Kloess. He received a common-school education
in his native country, where he learned the trade
of a baker, and remained until 1848. His mother
died in Oerniaiiy, and his father departed this life
in 1864, after he came here, aged seventy-eight
years. Upon emigrating to America in 1849, our
subject remained for two months in New York, and
afterward came West to Belleville. His brother
Nicholas had come here three years prior to his
arrival and still makes this city his home.
After working at his trade for a time, Mr.
Kloess engaged as a laborer in the coal mines and
later embarked in business. For two years he was
in partnership with Fritz Kempf on Main Street,
after which he lx)ught the place where his yard is
now situated. He has thirty-five acres in a brick
yard, and from employing ten men he has in-
creased the number to one hundred. He has added
to his property until he now has one hundred and
twenty acres, at least seventy acres of which are
in Belleville.
Mr. Kloess began brick-making in 1863, and has
constantly increased the business until he has one
of the largest yards in the city. He uses the Tri-
umph Dry Clay machine, with a capacity of thirty
thousand; also the Henry Martin Machine for soft
inud,capacity twenty thousand; and the Stiff Mud
Brick Machine, of thirty thousand. Five large
kilns are in operation, the brick being sold to both
home and foreign markets. Mr. Kloess has built a
fine brick house of two stories, with private office
on the east side, 40x80 feet, and has planted beau-
tiful shrubbery and flowers, tbirtj^-eight acres being
devoted to the home and brick3'ard. Mr. Kloess
is a Director in the First National Bank, and a
stockholder in the Belleville Savings Bank. He
was a partner from 1870 to 1879 in the Western
Ih'cwery.
March 14, 18.55, was the date of the marriage of
Mr. Kloess to Catherine Mueller, who was born in
May, 1 832, in German 3', near our subject's old home
in the neighborhood of the Rhine. They have a
family of six children, as follows: T.ouis, who mar-
ried Mary Gintz, and is now in I'miinna, Cal; Eliz-
abeth, who is the wife of .Julius Kolil; ,Iohn, who
married Anna Hartman and is engaged with his
father in the brick business; Emma, who married
Henry Shoettler; and Julius and William, who are
in business with their father. The three youngest
sons will probably succeed to the management of
the brickvard when Mr. Kloess retires from busi-
^^■jAPT. (;E0HGK AVASHINGTON EWING.
I|( The prominent gentleman whose well-
^^7 known name ap))cars at the head of this
sketch is the efficient Superintendent and Manager
of the East St. Louis (!as Works. The grand-
father of this gentleman was a distinguished pro-
fessor in Virginia's celebrated college of William
and Mary, and was a native of Fairfax County,
that State. In 1790, he removed to Adair County,
Ky., where he combined farming and teaching and
was a success at both, and became a man of means.
He was made High Sheriff of the county, which
264
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was next to the highest office, that of Judge being
given by heirshij). He was an old-school Presb}'-
terian, of Scotch-Irish descent, and lived until he
was ninety-four years of age. He was one of
three brothers who came from Ireland and settled
in Virginia.
The father of our subject was the Hon. Mathew
Ewing, who was born in Adair County, Ky., in
1795. He was a cousin of Hon. Tiiomas Ewing,
who was known as a very'prominent man in Ohio,
and as one of the most powerful orators of the
day; he also was a cousin of the celebrated Lin-
ens Ewing, the father of the Cumberland Presby-
terian Church. He was reared in Kentucky-, and
when only seventeen years of age volunteered in
the AVar of 1812, and fought through the West
with Gen. Harrison, being at Tippecanoe, and
at the close of the war was a Lieutenant. He did not
return to Kentucky after the close of the war, but
located in Oxford, Ohio, under the following cir-
cumstances. He went to Oxford to visit his friend
and messmate, Henry Hall, and there met his fu-
ture wife. He married and located in her county
and engaged in farming there. He owned a fine
farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the Mi-
ami Valley, but in 1836 he sold it and went to
Ripley County, Ind., and bought a section of
land. This he improved and continued on it
until his death, in 1876. He belonged to the
church of his family, and was a man of much
prominence, having been a member of the State
Legislature for one term. In his younger days he
was what was then called a Jackson Democrat, and
then belonged to the branch that styled themselves
War Democrats. The motiier of our subject, who so
completely captivated the young Kentuckian that
lie was willing to give up his old home and sur-
roundings for her sake, was a native of Kentucky
herself. Nancy Hall was born in Bardstown, K3'.,
a daughter of Henry Hall, who was reared in Ken-
tucky, but who removed to Ohio and became an ex-
tensive fai-mer there. Mrs. Ewing lived to be ninety
years of age, and died at the old farm in 1891.
The record of her children is as follows: Peter
H., who was Quartermaster in Louisville during
the Civil AVar, died in Hopkins, Mo., in 1876;
Isaiah, who is in the Home Guards, resides in Mis-
souri; James was a private in the Mexican War,
I and raised a corapanj' in Iowa County for service in
, the Civil War, and was made First Lieutenant of
the Eighth Iowa Cavalry; he was then promoted to
be Major, and later, Lieutenant-Colonel of the regi-
ment, and now resides in Hopkins, Mo.; Henry,
who was First Lieutenant in the Eightj'-sixth In-
diana Infantry, went through the late war and was
killed on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad in 1885;
Mary, who is married, lives in Osgood, Ind.; Sarah,
who is Mrs. Meyers, lives in Ripley County, Ind.;
Fannie, who is Mrs. Rutledge, also lives in Ripley
County; and John, who died at the age of twent}'-
tliree.
[ Our subject was reared in Ohio until lie was ten
I years of age, and enjoyed common-school advan-
tages. He was then sent to Lawrenceburg, Ind.,
where he learned the brickla^'er's trade, and then
[ engaged in the business of contracting and build-
i ing. In 1852, he removed to Jefferson ville, Ind.,
where he contracted with the State for one hun-
dred convicts to engage in the manufacture of
brick, and for many years before the war he had
the largest manufactory of brick in the State. He
was a success at this business. In 1869, he built
the gas works there, and when the war came on he
had sixteen million of burned brick on hand, one-
half of which he sold for anything he could get.
In 1861, he contracted with the Government to
build a cracker factory at Jeffersonville — a bakery
that would manufacture four hundied barrels of
hard-tack. He built it and put it into successful
operation iu one hundred days. In 1862, he ac-
cepted a commission in the Forty-ninth Indiana
Infantry, but resigned in two weeks, as he found
there was too much bribery going on for an honest
man. He then contracted to furnish the division
with soft bread. He was all through the war a
successful contractor, and at its close returned to
Jeffersonville. His next big undertaking was to
build the gas works at Lawrenceburg, Ind. At
this time he was admitted to practice law at
Charlestown, and in 1868 he became connected
with the Ohio it Mississippi Railroad. He pro-
cured the right of way from North Vernon to
Louisville, and had the general superintend-
ence of the luiilding of the road, but this po-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
265
sition he resigned, and in 1872, he located in
St. Louis. He there engaged in the manufacture
of brick by machinery, with J. L. Griswold, but
this was not a success, as the machinery failed and
the result was a loss for all. He then returned to
the Ohio ik Mississippi Railroad and became As-
sistant General Solicitor and Claim Agent until
1881, when he resigned that position to take his
present one with the Gas Company. W. D. Gris-
wold is sole owner of the plant, and Mr. Ewing
has been sole manager since 1881. He has en-
larged and improved the works greatly, and is
now prepared to furnish one hundred and fifty
thousand cubic feet of gas in twent3--four hours,
in place of six thousand cubic feet as formerly.
He carefully superintends all the buildings, and
has a thorough knowledge of the whole business.
During the flood of 1892, he continued to manu-
facture and furnish the city with gas, to the aston-
ishment and gratification of all. Mr. Ewing has not
been left behind on real estate. He owns a fine
residence on Eiglith Street and Summit Avenue,
which he built at a cost of about #10,000. He
owns other property, and is a stockholder in the
First Mutual Land Association and the St. Clair
Building and Loan Association, and is President
of the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian
Church, of which he is an Elder and a very active
member, and is Chairman of the building commit-
tee of the new Presbyterian Church. He is an ex-
Mason and formerly a member of the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Ewing married Miss Ann Allen, a native of
Connecticut. She died one year after her mar-
riage. He was married a second time in Madison,
Ind., to Miss Abbisenia Run3'on, who was born in
Cincinnati, Ohio. She died in 1856, leaving four
children, two of whom are yet living: Charles
W.. who is a railroad engineer; and J. Frank, who
is General Freight Agent of the New York & New
England Railroad, and resides in Boston. Mr.
Ewing's third marriage took place in Jcfferson-
ville, Ind., in 1862, with Miss Eliza B. Dryden,
who was born in Louisville, Kj'., and of this union
there are four living children: James K., who is
a salesman for the Michigan Salt Company, of
East St. Louis; Ida, who is Mrs. Thomas .1. Zook,
resides in Sioux Cit3'^, Iowa; (jeorge W., ,lr., is a
clerk with the Jacksonville A Southeastern Rail-
road; and Lettie, who is a book-keeper for her
father.
Our subject and the President of the United
States were reared boys together, and Mr. Ewing
is a strong supporter of the parly to which Mr.
Harrison owes his election. Mr. Ewing is one of
the men who has built up East St. Louis by taking
part in every reform and assisting by presence,
purse and influence all the improvements for the
benefit of the citv.
eASIMIR ANDEL. The ple.asant and oblig-
ing Cashier of the First National Bank of
Belleville is the gentleman whose life it is
our pleasure to call attention to in this brief
sketch. Mr. Andel is a native of historic Bingen
on the Rhine, celebrated in song and poetry, hav-
ing been born there in November, 1840. AVhen
he was eighteen years old, he made the journey
across the ocean, coming direct to Illinois, where
he engaged in mercantile pursuits until- the out-
break of the great Civil War, when he, like so
many of our German-American citizens, enlisted,
and served his country until the close of the war.
He first served in Company A, Ninth Illinois In-
fantry, and remained at Cairo during his three
months' enlistment; but at the expiration of that
period he re-enlisted in Company B, Twelftii Mis-
souri Infantrj-, enlisting as First Sergeant, but
being promoted through the ranks of Second and
First Lieutenant to be Captain, serving as Aid-de-
Camp to Gen. Peter Joseph Osterhaus until No-
vember, 1864. During this time, he was wounded
twice, but was always noted for his bravery in the
charge of battle. After his term of service was
over, he returned to St. Louis, and served in the
offices of the Assessor and Collector. In 1866, he
came to this city and engaged in the wholesale
liquor business, under the firm name of Andel ct
Weber, for eight years.
When the Fust National Bank of l?elleville was
266
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
organized, in July, 1874, with a capital of llOO,-
000, Dr. Julius Kohl served as the first President,
and \'an L. Runyan as first Cashier, the last-
named gentleman serving onh' two months, when
he was succeeded by Mr. Andel, who has contin-
ued in that important position ever since, giving
entire satisfaction to all parties concerned. This
bank is the leading one in Belleville, having the
capital stock mentioned above and a surplus of
$95,000.
In 1870, Mr. Andel was united in marriage to
the lady of his choice. Miss Louise Kircher,
daughter of Joseph Kircher. These two are the
happy parents of five children, who have proved
themselves worthy of the father whose name they
bear. They are Josepha Johanna, Gisela Sophia,
George K., William C. and Coleman K.
In the strike of 1874, Mr. Andel was chosen
Captain of Company A, Belleville Guards, and on
account of the military skill he exhibited he was
made Colonel of the Eleventh Regiment Illinois
National Guards during the railroad strike of
1877.
[I],-^ ENRY F. BADER. The subject of this
|fjl sketch is the representative of an old and
/^^ prominent family of East St. Louis, and is
(^ the efficient Vice-president of the East St.
Louis Electric Street Railroad. He is one of the
most reliable pharmacists of the city, and is lo-
cated on the corner of Broadway and Main
Street.
Mr. Bader is the son of John G. Hader, who
was born in Baden, Germany, where he car-
ried on the business of cabinet-making. John had
been apprenticed for seven years to that trade,
and had become a fine workman. In 1841, he
came to America and began business in St. Louis.
He married in this city in 1844, and after this
went into contracting and building. He contin-
ued in active business until his death, in 1876,
when about flfty-six years of age. He had al-
ways been a Republican in his political opinions.
The mother of our subject was Margaret Hartmann,
who came from the banks of the storied Rhine.
Her father came to Jk.merica and engaged in farm-
ing in St. Louis County. Mrs. Bader now lives
in East St. Louis.
Our subject is one of ten children, but now he
and his oldest brother, Louis, a merchant of tiiis
place, are the only survivors. He grew up here
and was educated in tiie public schools of this
city, and when fourteen years old he engaged as
clerk foi- James L. Brackett, a druggist on Broad-
way, remaining with him for three years. In
1875, he went to Memphis and was there engaged
as a druggist, but in about eight months he re-
turned to the store of Mr. Brackett, which was
now conducted by C. E. Neubert. In March,
1881, he bought Mr. Neubert out and then located
on Broadway, where he continued until 1883,
when he came to his present excellent location.
He devotes himself strictly to pharmacy, and
makes a specialty' of prescriptions. In 1-890, he
thought he saw an opportunity and opened a
branch store on Collinsville Avenue, but there
were so many inconveniences that he sold it.
Our subject is the owner of considerable real
estate in this city, and is a stockholder and Di-
rector in the Workingmen's Bank, and a stock-
holder in the First Mutual Building and Loan
Association. He was an organizer, and is Vice-pres-
ident of the East St. Louis Electric Railroad. He is
also a stockholder in the American Galvanized Iron
Car Roofing Company, and a stockholder in the
Landsburg Air-Brake Company, of St. Louis. He
is a member of the State Pharmacist Association,
and is an honored member of the Free and Accepted
Masons, the Royal Arch Masons, of the Knights
Templar, of Tancred Lodge No. 50, of Belleville,
and of the Consistory at Chicago. He has been
much interested in school matters, and was School
Trustee from 1889 to 1892, and has been President
of the Board. He h.as been a Knight of Pythias
since 1879.
Our subject selected as a life comiianion the
daughter of Nicholas Spannagel, who was a
native of Alsace, France, and came to this coun-
try with his parents when quite young. He was
the founder of the Heim Brewery, which he sold,
and then engaged in the inanuf.acture of mineral
^yi^i-i^ f^^^u^c^
.x^
I
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
269
water. He was very successful in this enterprise,
and made a fortune before Iiis deatli, in February,
1K92. His wife was Johanna Jaiins, who was born
in Germany, and died in 188.3. Of their seven
children, Louisa, Mrs. Bader is the eldest. Her
marriage to Mr. Bader took place in 1881, and
four lovely children are the jewels of their home:
Edna, Walter, Henrietta and Louisa.
Mr. Bader is a conspicuous member of the Re-
publican ranks, and has served his fellow-citizens
in the various conventions. He is of such a pleas-
ant, genial nature that his friends who wish him
well are not to be counted.
\li-.^ ON. LOUIS PERROTTET, who owns a
l( jj) splendid farm on section 27, and also a
IW^ finely improved estate on section 28,8hiloh
(^) Valley Township, was born in a French
Province of Switzerland in 1843. His parents,
John and Mary (Pantillon) Perrottet, were both
born in the same province as their son. The
father's birth occurred in 1809, while the mother
was born two years later. The former was reared
in the village, where he received his education and
remained until reaching mature years. When
twenty-one years of age, he enlisted in the Swiss
army and was a faithful soldier during a service of
seven years.
On leaving the army, then being twenty-eight
years of age, John Perrottet mariied and started
in the occupation of farming, which he continued
during the remainder of his life. In 185u, with
his family he set sail for America, coming directly
to St. Clair County, 111. As his means were limited,
he rented property for twelve years, which he op-
crated. He then removed to Macoupin County,
where he i)urchased one hundred and sixty acres
of land. There he lived engaged in the duties of
farm life until the time of his death, which oc-
curred in 1888. His wife had died four years
previous. They reared a family of five chihiren:
Mary, the wife of Adam Royer; John, August;
Sfiphia, wife of John McGee; and Louis, the
youngest of the family. In religion, Mr. Perrot-
tet was a Lutheran. Politicallj', he was a supporter
of Republican principles. The grandfather of
our subject, .lohn Perrottet, and his wife, whose
family name was Derron, were natives of Switzer-
land.
Louis Perrottet, the subject of this sketch, re-
mained with his parents until twentj'-five years of
age. At that time occurred his marriage to Mary
Knobeloch, who is a daughter of John and Eliza-
beth (Hardy) Knobeloch. Mrs. Perrott>.'t was born
in St. Clair County, where her parents were num-
bered among the very early pioneers. Mr. and
Mrs. Perrottet are the parents of eight children:
Elizabeth, the wife of Michael Plab; Emma, the
wife of Fred Clark; Sophia, Charles, Alvena, Ida,
Hilda, and one who died in infancy.
In 1863, responding to the call of his adojited
country, our subject enlisted as a member of the
Fortj'-third Illinois Infantry under Gen. Steele.
He was stationed at Little Rock and never took
part in any engagement. After his marriage, Mr.
Perrottet came to his present farm, where lie h.as
since lived. He now owns a tract of three hun-
dred and eighty acres on section 27, all under a
good state of cultivation and which returns to him
a golden tribute for his many years of industry
and labor. Now fields of grain meet the eye on
every hand, and everything about the place lie-
tokens the care and cultivation of a careful mana-
ger. He is also the owner of two hundred and
forty acres on section 23, this township.
Mr. Perrottet has occupied many ofBcial positions
and has always discharged the duties incident to
them in such a trustworthy and efficient manner
that he has won the approval of even his political
opponents. He was County Supervisor for a term
of five years and was Tax Collector for a period of
two years. Educational measures have always re-
ceived his earnest co-operation and hearty support,
and for sixteen years he has been one of the
School Directors. His ballot is always cast in favor
of the Republican party, of whose principles he is
a strong advocate. In 1890, he was elected .as a
Representative to the State Legislature on the
Republican ticket. In his capacity as Legislator,
he took a very prominent part in trying to have
270
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the present school law of Illinois repealed. He was
also a member of the Finance Committee and
served on the Committee of Agriculture. In his
official position, he has alwa}'s kept the welfare of
the people in view and has done all in his power
to forward the best interests of his county and
State. The cause of right and truth always finds
in him a friend, and to those causes he devotes his
heartiest sj'mpathy and aid. He i^li member of
the Grand Army of the Republic at Belleville. As
a soldier, he was .always found at h"" • post of duty
and was ever to be depended iip' ii as a man of
fidelity to his trust.
.ICHOLAS J. BIEBEL. The prosperous and
/ intelligent farmer whose name opens this
) article possesses one of the finest farms in
the county. He was born near Sargemunde, Lor-
raine, France, October 18, 18.36. His parents came
to America in 1843, and landed in New York and
the same year settled in St. Clair County. They
bought two hundred and forty acres of land three
miles due south of Millstadt, and made that their
home for about twenty-five years. ]Mr. Biebel
then disposed of that place and bougiit anotiier
near Mascoutah, where this worthy couple lived
for the remainder of their lives. The birth of the
father took place April 3, 1805, and he died Feb-
ruary 9, 1875. The mother was born in 1811, and
was removed by death November 4, 1864.
In the sunny land of his birth, Mr. Biebel, Sr.,
was a farmer, and when he came to this countr}'
he continued to till the soil. He was a Demo-
crat in politics, but he never wanted office. A
brother of his was a soldier in the French army
under Napoleon I. The children of this couple
were: Agnes, who was born May 30, 1833, and died
May 15, 1875. She married Charles Schneider, also
now deceased, and lived on the home place near
Mascoutah. She left three boys and two girls, all
of whom are living. Maggie was born March 5,
1835, and died December 26, 1886, leaving a large
family. She married John Grundlach, a farmer
residing in this township. Christian lives two
and one-half miles from Mascoutah and was
born September 26, 1838. He married Josephine
Moll and has four children. Mary Magdalena was
born August 8, 1846, and married Nicholas Staub,
who resides one and one-half miles southwest of
Mascoutah.
Our subject was reared on the old home place
and attended the common school in his boyhood
and the Christian Brothers' School in St. Louis
in 1855, acquiiing a good English and German
education. He was married in September, 1860,
in Belleville, to Magdalena Miller, and they have
been blessed with a family of nine children, as
follows: Rosamond Magdalena, Edward Oliver,
Julius Arthur, Ida Isabella, Emma Matilda, Albert
Allen, Elinor, Walter Nicholas, Richard Roj- and
Julius. The children have all received an English
education and are living in this county, being
much thought of m their neighborhood.
Mr. Biebel has been Highway Commissioner for
three years, and is a Democrat of no uncer-
tain tone. He has lived on his present farm since
the fall of 1862, where he now has three hundred
and fifty-five acres. He carries on a system of
mixed farming and raises stock. He has a very
fine farm, and is a man of education and well in-
formed on all questions of the da}'. His manner
is genial and friendly, and he is regarded as being
very liberal.
\|^, AUL W. ABT, President of t'.ic First Na-
il jy< tional Bank of East St. Louis, is of foreign
'^Mr**^ birth, having been born in Wurtemberg,
jl\ Germany, near Stuttgart, April 25, 1845,
and his father, William Abt, was also born near
Stuttgart, Germany. Our subject stayed in school
until fourteen years old, and was then apprenticed
to learn the mercantile business, continuing in this
for four years. In the summer of 1864, he came
lo America, sailing from Bremen to New York,
and first located in Cincinnati. Later, he was in Chi-
cago for a short time, also in Omaha and St. Louis.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
271
In 1873, he came to East St. Louis, where he was
engaged in the wholesale liquor business for about
fifteen years, and met with substantial results.
In 1887, Mr. Abt lieeanie Cashier of tiie old
East St. Louis Bank, which in 1890 was con-
verted into the First National Bank, he becoming
President. The bank has a capital of $100,000,
and bows to none either in enterprise or solidity.
Mr. Abt laid out the Paul W. Abt First, Second and
Third Additions to East St. Louis during the last
five or six years.
Our subject was married in East St. Lonis to Miss
O. I. Buettner, a native of Germany, and the
daughter of Dr. Buettner, of St. Louis, Mo.
Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Abt.
Mr. Abt is a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and is a Knight
Templar in the Masonic fraternity. He holds
membership in the German Evangelical Church,
and in politics, advocates the principles of the
Democratic party, being a delegate to county and
State conventions.
•4■|l:^^"■
' SAAC EYMAN. The homestead owned and
occupied by the subject of this sketch is one
of the most desirable and attractive within the
limits of Stookey Township. It is plcasantlj' lo-
cated on section 35, and embellished with fine resi-
dence and farm buildings of ample proportions.
The place indicates in a marked manner the hand
of thrift and industry, and portrays to even the
casual observer the fact that it is the abode of those
who belong to an old and distinguished family.
Long before Illinois was added to the number of
States in the Union, Abraham Eyman, the grand-
father of our subject, settled in what was then a wild
and descrl-like portion of Illinois, now known as St.
Clair Countjr. He was born in Pennsylvania in
the year 1767, his father being Abraliam Eyman,
who emigrated from Germany to America when
fourteen years of age and became identified with
the pioneer History of Pennsylvania. Abraham
Eyman, grandfather of our subject, removed from
Pennsylvania to Virginia, where he married Miss
Susannah Whetstone, a native of Hardy County,
Ya. In 1796, this sturdy forefather of the Eyman
famil3' came to what is now Monroe County, III.,
selected a portion of land, and, after planting a
crop, returned home for his family, whicli then
consisted of his wife and two sons. The year fol-
lowing, he p iced all his earthly effects on a flat-
boat, and with his small family started down the
Ohio River t< Ms new home. The spot on which
he had chosen o locate was a veritable wilderness,
its native po) ilation consisting of Indians and
wild be.asts, t lostile nature of the former and
the abundance . the latter offering no very great
possibilities for a quiet, uneventful life to him who
sought to make a home in their midst. He pur-
sued Ins journey toward his new home until reach-
ing a point on the Ohio River where he encoun-
tered a caravan of whites, who were traveling in
the same direction, and, concluding that his wife
and children would be more comfortable for the
rest of the way on horseback, he took the boat and
supplies up the river alone, expecting that on
reaching his destination the party on horseback
would have arrived there before him. His sur-
prise at not finding them there soon gave way to
anxiety, and he started back across the country to
look for his lost ones, who, after many days' search,
he found on the open prairie, wliere they had been
abandoned to make their waj- as best they could.
In 1800, Abraham Eyman moved from his first
home in Illinois to the farm in St. Clair County
which is now owned by his grandson. At that
time, the nearest neighbor except one was twenty
miles awa3'. The discomforts, inconvemencies
and limited resources of a wild, unsettled coun-
try seem to have had no appalling effect on
the man whose history we are writing. His in-
domitable will and never-failing energy mark his
career as one of the most marvelous of his time.
He was a man of wonderful ability, and one gifted
with a genius which made all things that he de-
sired to accomplish not only possible, but certain
of the most satisfactory achievement.
In his early days. Grandfather Eyman learned
the trade of blacksmith, which craft he never
272
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
allowed himself to forget, always having a shop
on his farm. Nature endowed him with the attn-
hutes of a general mechanic, in addition to which
he added the trades of cabinet-maker, shoemaker
and weaver. Some of the chairs and furniture
made by his hands are in nse at the home of his
grandson today. I!e built the first wool-carding
machine produced in St. (lair County. He served
in the War of 1812. When Illinois was admitted
to the Union, lie was chosen by the Wliig party to
represent his district in the first State Legislature
of Illinois. In religion, he and iiis wife were Dun-
kards. Their family originally consisted of twelve
children, three of whom died in early infancy, nine
growing to mature years, as follows: Jacob, Daniel,
Abraham, .lohn; Isaac, the father of our subject;
Nancy, Mrs. McClintock; Catlierine, wife of Jacob
Stout; Susannah, wife of James McClintock; and
Mary, wife of Benjamin McGuire. Abraham Ey-
man departed this life June 8, 1831, his wife sur-
viving him until the 10th of August, 1852, she
then being eighty-two years old.
Isaac Eyman, the father of our subject, was the
youngest of Abraham's family, and was born De-
cember 14, 1812. His education was received in
the common schools of the county where he
lived. The death of his father, which occurred
when he was j'et a boy, threw him on his own
responsibilities. He and another brother, how-
ever, remained with their mother, farmed tiie
l)lace and operated the wool-carding machine,
whicli was the product of his father's genius, but
which he had only lived long enough to see com-
pleted. In the year 1841, Isaac Eyman married
Miss Evelina Lacey, who was born in St. Clair
County, September 11, 1820, daughter of Stephen
and Elizabeth (Primm) Lacey. Stephen Lacey was
born about 1793, his wife also being born in May
of that year. He was drowned March 15, 1821.
His wife survived him. was again married, and
died November 28, 1880. Seven children were
born to Isaac and Evaline Eyman, two of whom
died in childhood, the rest being Nancy; Minerva,
wife of Abraham Gooding; Tlieodore; AValter; and
Isaac, with whom this biograpliy more particu-
larly deals. Isaac, Sr., lived the life of a farmer in
its strictest sense. His sympathies were witli the
old Whig party, but he never took an active part
in politics. He departed this life January 24,
1858, and his wife died June 20, 1863.
Isaac Eyman, the subject of this sketch, received
his education in the public schools of Belleville,
and afterward attended the University of Cham-
paign, 111. He was married November 12, 1884, to
Miss Josia Stookey, daughter of John D. and Mary
(Cair) Stookey, and to them have been born three
children: Jerome, A. Irene and Warren. PoUli-
cally, our subject is a Republican and has served
his township three times as Collector.
There are but few families in any cominunily
who can trace their lineage back so far, and enjoy
the proud consciousness of belonging to such a
distinguished ancestor. The sturdy manhood
and strong principles of tlie grandfather, Abra-
ham Eyman, have descended from the second to
the third generation, and his achievements in all
branches of industry, and his regard for the welfare
of his country and the community in which he
resided, are matters of more than local history.
His mantle has fallen on the survivors of his
house, and it is to be hoped th.at his family will
always have a representative in the community so
freighted with reminiscences of this grand pioneer
character.
SIMON BAUM. This gentleman is the gen-
ial proprietor of the Republican House,
on the corner of Illinois and Second
Streets, where he has a large brick hotel,
with eighteen sleeping apartments in addition to
the other rooms of a hotel. The hotel has a fine
bar and office, and the building is two stories
high. He has had charge of the Republican
House since 1885. At that time he furnished and
fitted it up with all the modern improvements,
and he has since conducted a good business here.
He is one of the most enterprising of landlords,
and has been very successful in his business, as he
gives it his undivided attention.
Mr. Baum was born in Wiiitenibero. (iermauv.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPH'CAL RECORD.
27:5
March 2, 1856, being the son of Patritze and
Mary Baiim. When he was five years old he came
with Iiis motlier to I>ebanon, 111., where he grew to
manhood, and was educated there in the public
schools. In that town he learned the trade of
a blacksmith, going through an apprenticeship.
He then engaged iu the saloon business at l^eb-
aiion, engaging in that business for six years. From
there he went to Kinmundy and engaged in the
same business for one year, and then removed to
Relleville, 111., where he operated a saloon from
1871) to 188.5, on the corner of .Main and .lockson
Streets.
Mr. Baum was mairicd to Miss Johanna Spies,
»f this city. Her father had been the proprietor
of the Republican House, she being born in it, and
has lived here since her birth. The marriage took
l)lace November 10, 188.5. They have two chil-
dren, Carl and Cecelia.
Mr. Baum is a member of St. Peter's Cathedral,
also of the Turnverein,aud of the Krontheler Phil-
harmonic society, and is a prominent man in all
musical circles. He has educated all his children in
music, as he has always regretted that he had no
such opportunities himself. Mr. Baum's aged
mother still lives at Lebanon, well known and
highly respected.
^^^- ^
^T LEXANDER RIEMMLEK. As a worthy
(©y/Jll representative of the intelligence, the in-
/// l4* tegrity, and the moral worth of the people
[^ of Darmstadt, St. Clair County, the sub-
ject of this sketch occupies no ordinar^^ position.
He is widely and favorably known in his native
county, and the fact that he is well spoken of by
high and low and rich and poor is sufficient indi-
cation of his character. Mr. Ruemmler should de-
rive much satisfaction from the contemplation of
the part which he has played in life, building up a
record which his descendants may look upon with
pride. By a course of industry, prudence .and good
management, he has become well-to-do financially,
iK)d his Hue residence and tiiriving business indi-
cate in a marked degree to what good purpose
the owner has labored and expended at least a por-
tion of his capital.
Alexander Ruemmler is one of a family oi eight
children born to Adam and .Iiilia (Heist) Ruemmler,
both natives of Germany. Adam Ruemmler was
born in Oermany, April 3, 1800. He was a shoe-
maker by trade. His wife, .lulia (Heist) Ruemmler,
was born in Germany in the year 1802, and died
in Germany in 1846. Soon after the death of his
wife, Adam Ruemmler joined his son Alexander,
who had preceded him to America, and who at
that time was living in St. Louis, Mo. Adam
Ruemmler followed his trade of shoemaker in this
country nutil the time of his death, which occurred
in 1869. He was reared in, and always clung to,
the Lutheran belief. His father was .John Peter
Ruemmler, born in 1760, and a respected citizen of
the community' in wh-ich he lived in (Termany.
To the parents of our subject were born eight
children, four of whom are 3'et living.
The subject of this notice remained with his
parents until he was fourteen years of age. He had
received the advantages of a good common-school
education, and choosing to follow in the footsteps
of his father, sought the trade of shoemaker, as
the vocation he should pursue through life. He
left his parents and Fatherland in 1848, making
the voyage across the Atlantic ocean in a sailing-
vessel. He landed at New Orleans, and proceeded
from that point up the river by boat to St. Louis.
No man understands more thoroughly than he
the hardships endured by a stranger in a strange
country-, who, with limited means, has the pluck
and energy to start for himself. After reaching
St. Louis, he sought occupation at his trade, and
his first work brought him the munificent sal-
ary of 14 per month; but thrifty (ierman in-
dustry is very strongly exemiilified in his char-
acter, and iu the year 1854 we find him, at the
age of twenty-six years, owner of his own shoj)
and assuming the cares of a business life for him-
self.
The same year which bereaved him of his father
finds him a new settler in Darmstadt, St, Clair
County, his present home. In 1869 ho invested
ills savings in property here, anc[ started the bi|sl«
274
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ness which he has so successfully manipulated,
and founded the home which is to-day a monu-
ment to his energy and ability.
The 29th of June, 1852, was made an interest-
ing day in tlie life of our subject by his marriage
with Miss Dora Stroh, a daughter of Adam and
Dorah Stroh, all natives of Germany. To this
union were born three cliildren, namely: Christian
L., Henry F. and Mrs. Miller. After the death of
the estimable mother of these children, Mr. Ruemm-
ler married Miss Mary May Miller, and to tiiem
liave been born six children: Elizabetli, wife of
Mr. George Sclilesinger; Alexander, Mary, Julia,
diaries (deceased) and Leonard.
At the outbreak of our late National unpleasant-
ness, Mi-.Ruemmler enlisted in the Fourth Regiment
of the Fourth Corps of Missouri, and went to tiie
front with his comrades. He, however, returned
to his family before the close of the war.
A man of more than ordinary intelligence, he
is loolied up to in his community as a self-made
man and a broad thinker. Beginning life dependent
upon liis own resources, he has achieved his pres-
ent position solely by hard work and good man-
agement.
His religious belief is founded on the tenets of
the Lutheran Church, of which body he is an active
member. In politics, he is a Republican, and a
strong believer in, and exponent of, the course
adopted by his party.
^^ LBERT MOOTZ. No special department
^/ I °^ commerce is of more importance to a
|f li community than that of a pharmacist, and
'^ in such connection attention is called to
the popular and prosperous pharmaceutical estab-
lishment of Mr. Mootz, located on Missouri Ave-
nue. In all ages of the world, the art of prepar-
ing compounds for the alleviation of pain and tlie
healing of tlie sick has been regarded as among
the highest of human functions, and it is for this
reason that so nuK'li attention is paid to tiic call-
ing of the druggist in our own day. Mr, Mooti?
was born in Hoheneggelsen, Province of Hanover,
Germany, December 20, 1844, a son of August
Mootz, a native of Brunswick, and an apothecarj'
by calling, which occupation he first followed in
the city of Hanover, and later in Salsderhelden,
Hanover, where he died in the year 1872, a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church. He was married to
Miss Dorothea Peine, who was born in the city of
Celle, Hanover, and died in the year 1877,
after having become the mother of five children,
three of whom survive her. The paternal grand-
father of the subject of this sketch vvas a court
official in Brunswick.
A. Mootz, whose name heads this sketch, was
reared in Germany, and, when eleven years of age,
entered the gymnasium at Eisenach, where he
studied the classics until sixteen years of age, or
until 1860, when he began serving an apprentice-
ship at the apothecary's trade at Holzmindeu,
Brunswick, where he remained four years, after-
ward clerking for three years. In that time he had _
to pass several examinations, but did so successfully'.
In 1870-71, he was an apothecary during the
Franco-German War in the place of the regiment
apothecary at Dingelstadt, Saxonj', but after
some time he returned home, and worked at
his profession until 1874, when he decided that
America offered a better field for a man of energy
and brains, and he accordingly took passage on a
steamer at Bremen, and, after a stormy voyage,
landed at New York City. After five weeks' resi-
dence in that city, he removed to Greenville,
Miss., where he for some time conducted a store in
connection with his brother. After a short time,
his brother come to East St. Louis, but our subject
continued there one year longer in partnership
with a physici.'ui. In October, 1876, he also came
to East St. Louis, and, after being in business with
his brother for about a year, he, in October, 1877,
started in business for himself on Missouri Avenue.
In 1881, he erected his present fine business
block, a brick building with a frontage of forty-
three feet. His store is very handsomely and con-
veniently fitted up, and he carries a large line of
everything connected with his line of business.
He lias a large and influential patronage from tiie
best classes of society, popular prices prevail, and
PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
275
polite and attentive assistants serve his customers
intelligently and promptly. Mr. Mootz was first
married in East St. Louis to Miss Theresa Wel-
ters, who was born and spent her life in this town.
After her death, he took for his second wife Miss
Anna Jackiesch, who was also born in this city,
and by her has two children, Dorothea and Else.
Mr. Mootz and his family- are Lutherans in reli-
gion, and, politically, he is a pronounced Republi-
can. He belongs to the State Pharmaceutical As-
sociation, and is one of the leading piiarmacists of
East .St. Louis.
^=^ OTTFRIED NUETZEL. a prosperous farmer
(11 (— - on section 6, Caseyville Townsliip, is a
^^^JJ[( native of Bavaria, Germany, his birth
occurring December 8, 1832. He is a son of
John and Margaret (Boush) Nuetzel. Both of
the parents were likewise born in Bavaria, the
father in 1803, and the mother on the 1st of
December of the same year. The father was
reared on a farm and in the neighboi'ing village,
where he received a good education. He made
farming his chief occupation through life, and for
many years occupied the responsible position of
Land Appraiser of the locality in which he lived.
He never removed to the United States, but in
1869 made an extended visit to this country,
returning in the following year to Germany.
When he reached manhood, he was married to
Miss Boush, in the year 1827. They reared a
family of four children: .John, now deceased;
Andrew; Gottfried, the subject of this sketch; and
John George, who still resides in his native land.
Two other children died in infancy. Mr. Nuetzel
was reared in the Lutheran faith, and was a mem-
ber of that church.
Until twenty-two years of age, Gottfried Nuet-
zel remained under the p.arcntal roof. In 1854,
believing that the Western World offered greater
opportunities for acquiring a fortune, he left his
home and friends and came to the United States.
He first located in St, Louis, where he worked in
a finishing shop of the iron works for nearly three
years. He next came to St. Clair County, 111.,
and decided to make agricultural pursuits his life
work. Accordingly, he rented land for a few
years near Caseyville, which he operated quite
successfully. Encouraged by this success, he then
rented a large farm in Madison County, which he
tilled for eleven years. He then returned to this
county, in 1871, and purchased the farm on which
he is now located. In addition to his farm of
ninety acres, he carried on a bar room.
Our subject was first married in 1 860 to Catherine
Christ, and to them was born a family- of four
children, who are now all deceased. The motlier
passed away in 1871. Mr. Nuetzel was again mar-
ried, his bride being Anna M. Soellner, daughter
of John M. and Anna B. (Ssengenberger) Soellner.
This worthy couple have become the parents of
five children: John G., Gottfried F., Anna M.,
Caroline L. and George L.
Believing in tlie ability and trustworthiness of
Mr. Nuetzel, his fellow-citizens have a number of
times called upon him to fill local positions of
more or less responsibility and honor. The duties
of these positions he has discharged with zeal and
to the satisfaction of all. In respect to politics, he
is a stanch supporter of the Republican party.
He was reared in the faith uf the Lutheran Church,
and with that denomination holds membership.
For a period of nearly forty years, Mr. Nuetzel
has been a resident and valued citizen of this
State and county and is an example of the worthy
men whom Germany has so often furnished to
America and who are esteemed among her best
friends and citizens.
:^^IIOMAS BURKE, proprietor of tlie Dublin
ff^^ House of East St. Louis, 111., is an able and
^^f' ellicient manager, and has made iiis hotel a
veritable symbol of all that constitutes the com-
fort and pleasure of guests. Mr. Burke was born
in County Uosconimon, Ireland, in 1842, a soj)
276
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Thomas, and grandson of John, Burke, both
of wliom were born in the same county, and there
followed the occupation of farming. The father
was called from the scenes of his earthly labors in
1882, at the age of eighty -six years, his widow,
whose maiden name was Mary Shauney, surviving
him until 1888, when her death occurred atthe
age of eighty-seven years. Four of their six
children are living, the subject of this sketch be-
ing the only one in America.
Thomas Burke was reared on the home farm in
the Emerald Isle, and his education was such as
could be obtained in the common schools. He re-
mained at home until eighteen years of age, then
joined the civil service, and for six j-ears was a
member of the Royal Irish Constabulary. Suc-
ceeding this, he attended a training school for two
years in Dublin, after which he again entered the
civil service, and was stationed at diffei'ent times
at Belfast, Antrim, Durham and Tyrone. He was
in the riots of 1864 in Belfast, when it took ten
thousand men eighteen days to keep the peace.
He remained on duty until July, 1865, when he
tendered his resignation, which was accepted, and
he at once came to America, taking a steamer from
Belfast to Liverpool, and there the steamship
"Baltimore" for the New World, which he reached
at the end of eleven da3'S. He remained in New
York City one month, then went to Galena, 111.,
where he was engaged in the grocery business with
his uncle, and in tiie fall of 1867 went to St.
Louis, Mo., remaining there and in East St. Louis
off and on for some time.
About 1870, he removed to Belleville, 111., where
he engaged in mining, and made considerable
money, which he later invested in a grocery- and
li(]uor establishment at Ogle Station, removing to
Belleville at the end of two years. He conducted
the Fanners' House of that pl.ace for three years,
but in the spring of ISSl 1,,. mme to East St.
Louis and bought the site of liis present Inisiness
house, which was then imi)roved with a commo-
dious frame Ijuilding. He opened his hotel, but
in 1883 put up his present brick building, which
is three stories and a ba.sement in height, has a
frontage of flftj' foet and is sovonty-two feet deep,
'riiis liouse js fi!n)isl!<>d in a lasfeful in;ui|1or,
suited to the demands of his patrons, and his ta-
bles are always spread with the delicacies of the
season. His rates are very reasonable, and he is
an attentive and courteous host. He is interested to
some extent in real estate, owns a small improved
farm in EfHngham Countj', and is a stockholder
and Director of St. Patrick's Building and Loan
Association, as well as the owner of his present
popular hotel. He was a member of the School
Board for three jears, was Assistant Supervisor
for one _\ear of the Fourtli Ward, and politically
has always been a Democrat.
His marriage, which occurred in St. Louis .lanu-
ary 2, 1869, was to Miss Sarah J. INIcDonald. a na-
tive of Pennsylvania, who became an early settler
of Belleville. He and his wife have five children:
Thomas, Charles, Mary E., Julia and Annie. Mi'.
Burke and his family worship in St. Patrick's
Catholic Church, and he is a member of the Catho-
lic Knights of America.
m^^
^im
HI LIP MOESER, M. D. This gentleman
s a popular physician and surgeon of the
ittle village of New Athens, where he has
ll\ made his home since 1882. He is the son
of Henry ^Nloeser, one of the early settlers of St.
Clair County. (.See sketch elsewhere in this book).
The Doctor is a native of this State and county,
having been born on the home place in Sinithton
Township, where he continued to live until he
was ten years old. wlien he left home to reside
with his sister. Mrs. Fliiiip Skaer, with whom
he remained until he was fifteen years of age.
He secured his primary education in the common
schools of the county and afterward took a course
at Bryant and Strattou's Business College at St.
Louis, finishing his literaiy education at McKend-
ree College, Lebanon, III. After this he began the
study of medicine with Dr. Cunningham, at Leb-
anon, 111., and later pursued his studies under the
supervision of Dr. Barnum, at Freedom, 111. He
graduated from the Americ-vn College, at St. Louis,
in 1882, ;tn<l inuuediately Itegan the practice of
f^
''yUl^yxM)
Aff^eA^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
279
liis profession in New Athens, where he has contin-
ued to make his home ever since, building up a
large and successful practice, excelling anj"^ other
pliysician of New Athens in the number of his
Ijalients. In liis practice Dr. Moeser makes a speci-
alty of throat aud lung diseases, applying what
is known as the inhalation of oxygen treatment,
in which he has been exceedingly successful.
Our subject was married to Miss Betty Fries, the
accomplished daughter of (Jeorge Fries, of New
Athens. She bore her husband one child, George,
but the bright, promising little flower was cut down
b^- death, when only five years of age, .Tuly 4, 1889,
and this national liolida3' will ever be a day of
sadness to his afflicted parents.
Politicall3\ our subject adheres to the principles
of the Democratic party and is a stanch member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which
order he has filled all the chairs. He is one
of the leading men of the village and promises
to make himself heard, both in the [)rofessional
and political world.
J I AMES AFFLECK. Tlie subject of this
I notice has lived longer in the city of Belle-
1 ville than any other resident, for he came
^_^ ' here in 182(1 and has made it his home ever
since. His birth occurred either in North Carolina
or Tennessee, and his parents were David and Ann
(Gillespie) Affleck, who were born and reared in
Scotland. Soon after their marriage they came to
America and settled in Wilmington, N. C, but af-
ter a short sojourn there they removed into Ten-
nessee. The father taught school on Stone River,
not far from where Murfreesboro now stands.
Wlien the Illinois "boom" started, they came to
St. Clair County, where he bought land and resided
until his death, in 1819. The mother's death oc-
curred one year earlier. They were the best of
people and showed to the world how the Scotch-
Presbyterian faith can car]y believers through ad-
versity.
t)iii' sulijt'ct was born August 15, 181ii, and was
13
left an orphan in a new country before he was six
3'ears of age, with one relative, Robert Gillespie
Affleck, now of Bolivar, Mo. In those days the
houses of the pioneers were small, but their hearts
were large, and no matter how overflowing the
hearthstone might be, there was always some hom-
iny and a corner for the orphan or stranger. In
1820, our subject came to Belleville with a kind
Tennessee family, and in this city he grew to man-
hood, meanwhile learning the trade of cabinet and
furniture making. After reaching maturity he
earned money enough to pay his board, and then
entered school, where he applied himself so closely
that he obtained a fair education. Thus equipped,
he commenced to work at cabinet-making and soon
had a shoi) of his own, in which he continued until
he thought he could make more b^^ farming. For
a short time he followed agricultural pnsuits, and
later engaged in business as a contractor and builder.
The offer of a position as foreman in the Harrison
Machine Shop seemed too good to refuse and, being
accepted, was filled by him for some eighteen
years. That his services were valued is sufficiently
proved by the fact that they were retained for so
long a period. In public affairs, he is always inter-
ested and does his part toward promoting the wel-
fare of the c'ity. For years he has been Alderman
from the Fourth Ward, and has served in other
places of trust.
November 12, 1835, Mr. Affleck married Hester
Ann, a daughter of Wesley Coleman, and to them
have been born five children, namely: Charles D.;
Mary, wife of Edwin Park, an attorney of Decatur;
Jason, deceased; Amanda, the wife of Judge AVil-
derman; and James R. After the death of his first
wife, Mr. Affleck married Miss Ann E. Richardson,
a native of Ohio. Their famil3- is as follows: Cora,
the wife of Frank L. Stewart, of Carmi, 111.; Es-
telle, who was married to John A. Logan, a second
cousin of the lamented John A. Logan, and lives at
Carmi ; Ben F. is now a Cairo Short Line officer at St.
Louis; Edward G. is in the Harrison Machine Shop;
and Susie R. is attending the Normal School.
Mr. Affleck is a member of the church of his
countrymen, in which he has served as Deacon.
liis son Edward holds the positions of Elder and
Trustee in that cluirch. Although Mr. Affleck is a
280
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tliorough American and proud of the progress made
hy the city of his clioice, he Lakes great interest in
all Scotch-Irish affairs, and has just returned from
Atlanta. Ga., where there was a meeting of the
clans.
(^FDAM fink. The subject of this sketch
(@yLj|| is the largest land-owner in this section
//ni of the count3'. He resides on section 14,
^ J'reeburg Township, and owns nine hun-
dred and fort_y acres of land in one place, and has
;i two-thirds interest in one hundred and sixty acres
in another part.
Our subject was the son of George Funk, who
was born and reared, and also married, in Germany,
h is wife being Catherine Routh ; he came to America
in 1833, and lirst settled where our subject now lives
.and where he entered land of the Government.
At first a log cabin was erected in the wilderness,
and there the family lived until 1861, when Mr.
Funk erected the brick residence which is now
standing. Then the land was wild, and deer and
wild turkeys abounded, and the family went
tlirougii the hard experiences of pioneer life in a
new and unknown country. Of the five children
liorn to Mr. Funk, four are yet living. Catherine
is the wife of Henry Friess: Philip lives in this
county; Margaret is the wife of Henry Routh. The
son who died was George. The father of our sub-
ject owned over seven hundred acres of land here
before his de.ath.
The gentleman of whtnw we write was born Oc-
tober 11, 1830, in tiermany, and was three years
old when he came to America. He was reared on
tlie place where he now lives and never had the
advantage of any schooling. Our subject was
married in 1858 to Catherine Routh, who was the
daughter of Adam Routh and was born and reared
in Germany and came here in 18;')!. After his
marriage, he brought his wife to this place, where
he has remained ever since. His wife died after
fourteen years of married life, and his second
companion w.as Christina Schnure, who .also was
l")iii in (icrmnnw Five I'lijldren were born dur-
ing the life of his first wife. They are George and
Adam, twins, who now are farmers in this town-
ship; Henry also lives in this township; Mary is
the wife of Joiin Dickhaut, aud Charles lives at
home. Eight children have been bora during his
l)resent marriage: Willie, Philip, Anna, Battle,
Emma, Katie, Louisa and August.
3Ir. Funk is general farmer and stock-raiser,
giving particular attention to hogs, as he finds
them more remunerative than any other kind of
stock. He has seen great changes in his long life
in this county aud loves to tell of the times when
it was all a wilderness. He remembers when the
Land was still forest, for he helped his father clear
it. This Large and respected family is well known
in the neighborhood and has many friends.
J] UDGE BENJAMIN BONEAU. Judge Bon-
I eau's father, Joseph Boneau, whose name
I indicates his French extraction, came from
Logansport, Ind., in the eai'ly part of the
present century, and settled in French Milage,
where, in connection with farming, he followed
the occupation of a coal miner until his death,
wtiirh occurred in October, 1834, he having been
iTiishcd and instantly killed by falling slate while
inspecting his own mine. He settled in the above-
mentioned village in 1806 or 1807, and was indeed
the pioneer in the coal business in this section, for
he was the first man who ever mined and sold a
load of coal in St. Louis. He opened and operated
the first coal mine in Illinois, and at the time of
his death was doing a large and lucrative coal
business in the St. Louis market. He was a man
of wealth, owning six or seven hundred acres of
land, and a drift mine in the bluff near French
Village. He sold coal to the Wiggins Ferry Com-
pany, and got out two or three loads per day for
St. Louis and the other market demands. He
was about thirty-six years of age at tiie time of
his death.
Judge r)Oncau"s inotlier was l)orn in Prairie
du Rocher, Randolph County. JU,, about the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
year 1796. Her maiden name was Felicite Gal-
liot, and she was descended from a lon<i; line
of P'rench ancestors, some of whom came to Kas-
kaskia. III., and St. Genevieve,Mo., early in the last
oenttuy. She died in the month of January, 1850.
Her son, .hidge Benjamin Boneau, is one of the
county's representative men, and is in every wny
qualified for the honorable position he is now iiold-
ing. In the year 18.')2. he was graduated at St.
Xavier's .Jesuit College, Cincinnati, and imme-
diately afterward entered tiie Cincinnati Law
School, from which he received his diploma in
1855, having in the meantime been a student in
the law office of King ife Anderson, two of the
most prominent attorneys in the State of Ohio.
In 1850, our subject was admitted to the Bar in
Belleville, when .ludge Breese was on the Bench,
and also the St. Louis Bar, during .Judge Hamil-
ton's incumbenc}' as Circuit .Judge in that city.
This was also in 1856. He practiced law for one
year in Chicago, and for ten or fifteen yoai'S in
Belleville, meeting with unusual success in his pro-
fession while engaged in it; but finding the prac-
tice of law too sedentary and confining, he in
course of time sought other and more active pur-
suits, better suited to his taste and more beneficial
to his health. In the meantime, however, he al-
ways kept up his stock of reading and his study of
law, and is regarded by the members of the Bar as
possessing a clear and analytical legal mind, which
eminently qualifies him to fill acceptably the office
of Count}' .Judge, to wliich the people of this
county elected him in 1890, with a majority of
five hundred over Frank Perrin, who was Presi-
dent of the Board of Supervisors of the county.
.Judge Boneau "s eloquence is natural, fluent and
persuasive. His veneration for the law, and his
high sense of moral responsilnlity, invest his
manner with peculiar gKicc. and this, combined
with hi> accuracy of legal knowledge, lucidity
of statement, felicity of illustration, and copious-
ness of vocabulary, renders him one of the popular
orators of the Illinois Bar. The .Judge has ever
been an earnest supporter of Democratic principles,
and takes an active interest in all political cam-
[)aigns. lie was married on the 12th of January,
1858, to Miss Helen A. Lacroix. a lady reared in
Belleville, and the daughter of E. M. and Mary
Ann (Hopkins) Lacroix, the father an old mer-
chant, and a prominent man of Belleville. To
Judge and Mrs. Boneau have been born five chil-
dren, as follows: Benjamin C, of the electric light
plant of Minneapolis, Minn.; Mary A., at home;
Charles W., in the railroad department of the Chi-
cago post-otlice, being the only Democrat left in the
office; AVilliam C. at home, clerking in St. Louis;
and Leo Ogle, now attending school. This familj-
holds membership in the Catholic Church.
.^#^^-^-.-^^
^^1 DOLPH ANDEL, the genial host of the
V I popular National Hotel, of which he is
/// A the proi)rietor and owner, has been in-
^ terested in operating this same house
since 1880, and has owned it since 1881. This
hotel IS favorably situated on the corner of Main
Street and Public Square, and is a brick building
of four stories. 60x80 feet, with a two-story addi-
tion, giving thirty-six good rooms, with office on
the main floor. Here Mr. Andel conducts a flour-
ishing business, being patronized by the best
people of Belleville.
Mr. Andel is a German by birth, having been
born in Hesse-Darmstadt May 3, 1843, and is a
son of Johan and Catherine (Maus) Andel, natives
of the same i)lace. Mr. Andel was reared and re-
ceived a thoiough German education in his native
l)rovince, but, being dissatisfied with the Old
World, he resolved to seek employment in the
New, so in 1860 he came to the United States, set-
tling in St. Joe, Mo., where he remained for fif-
teen years engaged as a book-keeper in a hardware
store. At the expiration of that time, he came to
Belleville and engaged as a book-keeper with the
firm of C. W. Andel & Co., wholesale liquor dealers,
remaining with them until 1880, when he leased
the National Hotel for one year and began oper-
ating it. At the end of the }'ear, he was able to
purchase it, and since then has been the sole jiro-
prietor of this flourishing hostelry.
Mr. Andel is a member of the Knights of Pythias,
282
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the Liederkranz, and of the Turnverein Ger-
niHii societies. In both of these societies lie is
an honored and respected member. It was in
Missouri that Mr. Andel won and married his
charming wife, Lizzie Klippel, she being a native
of tliat State, and tlie ceremony occurred in St.
.lue .lune 24, 18(!9. Two bright, interesting ciiil-
dreii have blessed this union. Carl W. and Mamie
M. In Mr. Andel we behold one of the inliuen-
ti.il men of Belleville, and one that enjoys the
respect and esteem of ever\-one who knows him,
find, as lie is in a position to become acquainted
with .tII the jieople, his circle of friends is ex-
treinel\- larire.
,1,^^ OiN. .JOHN T. MrCASLAND. There is in
It jl the development of every successful life a
%<^ principle which is a lesson to every man
(^ following in its footsteps, a lesson which
leads to higher and more honorable positions than
the ordinary. Let a man be industriously ambi-
tious, and honorable in his ambitions, and he will
rise, whether having the prestige of family or the
(iliscurity of poverty. These reflections are called
ri>rth by the Study of the life of Mr. John T. Mc-
(■;i-laiid, who is not only the "real-estate king" of
i-",;isl SI,. Louis, but one of the city's most active
and publie-s|iirited citizens, promoting her best
interests in every w.ay. He is a man of unusually
good judgment and has any amount of push and
energy.
Mr. McCasland was born near Murray ville, Mor-
gan County, 111., April 2, 1850, and is a son of
.1. M. McCasland (see .sketch). His childhood
(lays were spent on a farm, where he had the ad-
vantages of the common schools, and he remained
under the parental roof until over twenty-one
,\ ears of age. lie then went West to Colorado, at
tiic lime of the Pueblo excitement, and drove
ovcilauil with team and wagon to that place,
^^\wn' \w sold the outfit and engaged in prus-
["■iiing for gold. <'ontinuing this for about a
year. Returning to Morgan County, 111., he
soon after entered tlie employ of the Equitable
Life Insurance Company and traveled for this
company all over the Union, going to the
largest cities in the different States. He met
with wonderful success, and in his travels, while
stopping at St. Louis, he saw the future of East
St. Louis at a glance. He purchased property in
that cit3', gave up his position with the insurance
company, and in June, 1889, he stepped right
into the real-estafe market with such siiirit and
confidence that the whole community was aroused,
and property advanced in value so rapidly that
hundreds of citizens made snug fortunes in a few
months. He was the original mover in the great
Denverside addition, and is the man who induced
the Denver capitalists to buy that large tract and
plat it for an addition to the city. His personal
investments soon made him rich. He is enter-
prising to the fullest extent, is shrewd, quick and
reliable.
Mr. McCasland believes in the future of the
city and is doing as much as any one man can to
advance it. He is spending here the money he so
quickly earned, and is proud of the progress and
development of the city. He has laid out Mc-
Casland & Guynon's Addition, Claremont Addi-
tion, Pecan Addition, J. T. McCasland Addition,
Claremont Annex Addition, Denverside Addition,
Alta Sita Addition. Beacon Heights Addition, and
is interested in Landsdowne Heights and Rose Lake;
he sold the part known as the "Wedge" to an P^ng-
lish syndicate. The McCasland Opera House, the
finest building in the county and equal to the opera
houses of St. Louis and Chicago, being finished in
the finest style and with the latest conveniences,
was built by him. It is four stories in height, and
is large and commodious. In this his office is lo-
cated, as is also that of numerous other real-estate
and professional men, and it is almost the geograph-
ical centre of the city.
By his wonderful business acumen and excel-
lent judgment, Mr. McCasland has brought P^ast
St. Louis to the front and has advanced her inter-
ests in a wonderful manner. While thus engaged,
ho has made a snug fortune for himself, as well as
for many otiiers in East St. Louis, and has reached
K)RTRArr AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
283
liis present standing as a business man by strict
attention to the interests of patrons, and b}' in all
cases endeavoring to give tlie limit of satisfac-
tion.
Mr. McCasland selected bis life companion in
the person of Miss Juba E. Lusk, a native of Iowa,
and their marriage was celebrated at Cheyenne,
Wyo., in 1887. She is tlie daughter of David C. Lusk,
now (I resident of I^ast St. Louis. The latter was a
delegate to the National Convention at Minneap-
olis and assisted in the nomination of Harrison.
Mr. McCasland is one of the county's most prom-
inent citizens, and is universally liked and re-
spected. He is liberal and open-hearted and no
worthy movement is allowed to fail for want of
support on his part. He is pleasant, affable and
courteous and lias many warm friends.
3^*T~^[i
fP^ YLVESTER FOLRNIE. The sunny land
^^^ of France, the home of La Fayette, has con-
^K^-M ^''"'"'^^ *o the upbuilding of this State
from the early days of its settlement,
when the most of the traders on the river were
brave Frenchmen, to the present time, when some
of the most skilled workmen from that land come
to this older Republic and find a home in the busy
cities where their ancestors only found tlie savage
Indian.
The father of our subject was born in Lorraine,
France, where he lived until tiie age of twelve
years. His parents came to this country at an
early day and settled in Illinois in this locality,
and here Louis Fournie was married to Felissa
Adlebrook, who was born in Lorraine, France, and
came to this country when a young lady.
After marriage, Louis Fournie and his bride set-
tled in "Dutch Hollow," on a farm near Belleville.
The former made a trip to California, and tlicn
came back and bought a farm a mile north of
Belleville, upon which he lived until the time of his
death, being a consistent member of the Roman
Catholic Cliureh. He had seven children. Joseph,
Andrew, Sylvester and Louis are still living.
Our subject was born September 24, 1851, on
the old homestead in this county. He was reared
here and sent to the district schools. The lady
who became his wife was Miss Elizabeth Cully,
the .young daughter of Nicholas Cully, a rnrnuM
of this county. This interesting ceremony look
place in September, 1878. After marriage, our
subject located north of Belleville, where the
smelting works now are, and remained there
until he came to the farm he now lives upon. This
was in 1886, and on his one hundred acres of
land on section 12, Smithton Township, he raises
wheat, corn, oats and potatoes. He also has a
valuable piece of timber land of ten acres, where
he had previously lived. Seven children make
him welcome athome: Katie, Tony, Louis, Ida, Syl-
vester, Tillie, and Charlie, the seven-month-old
baby. In his political belief, Mr. Fournie is a Dem-
ocrat. He belongs to the Roman Catholic faith
and receives comfort from the ministrations of her
priests. He and his capable wife and charming
children make up a happy, peaceful liousehold
among the green fields and meadows that the pass-
ing traveler loves to see and meditate ui)on.
mwm
)IL_^ENRY ELLIOT, President of the Elliot,
il/jl) Frog and Switch Company, which was in-
/^^^ corporated in 1887, was born in .ledburgh
(^ Roxburghshire, Scotland, in 1827, to the un-
ion of Henr^' and Mary (Shortreed) Elliot, both na-
tives of Jedburgh. The paternal grandfather, Henry
Elliot, Sr., was also a native of Jedburgh. The
father was an ironworker and machinist and made
his home in his native town until 1834, when he
removed to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Engl:iii(l, mid
was in the employ of George Stevenson, the lii-si,
locomotive builder. Later, he took charge .-is sup-
erintendent of the locomotive works of Coultli;iril
& Sons, and continued there until 18.t4, when In'
brought his family to America, settling in Cincin-
nati, where he was employed in the Little IMianii
Railroad shops. From there he went to Vincennes,
Ind., where his death occurred in 186.S, when
284
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIIJC'AL RECORD.
sixty-three years of age. Mrs. Elliot died in Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, in 1857. She was tiie daughter of
George Shortreed, a native of Scotland and a shoe-
maker b_v trade. AVhen young, the latter enlisted
in the English army as private, serving in France
and other places. Seven children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Elliot, three of whom survive.
Henry Elliot, the original of this notice, was the
third in order of birth of the above-mentioned
children. From the age of seven, he was reared in
Newcastle and was educated in the common
schools. At tlie age of twelve, he began working
in a grocery store and was thus employed until
fourteen, when he was apprenticed with Coulthard
it Sons, locomotive builders and machinists, as
machinist for the period of five years. At the ex-
piration of this time, in 1846, he went to the Louca
Iron Works, near Whitehaven, but later went to
Liverpool, where he was in the employ of the larg-
est manufacturing works tliere, and assisted in
building the large steamer "Sarah Sands," one of
the first propellers tliat ever crossed the ocean to
America. From there he went to Leith, Scotland,
and was in the employ' of Hawthorne ct Co., man-
ufacturers of locomotives.
Returning to his liome, he was then put in charge
of the erecting shops where he had learned his
trade. He came to America in 1 841), and was the
first of his family to touch American soil. He took
passage on the sailing-vessel "Isaac AVright" in May
of that year, and after a thirty-five days' voyage
landed in New York City. He went from there
to Philadelphia, Pa., and worked for the Baldwin
Locomotive AVorks, remained there for a time and
then went to Richmond, Va., and worked in rail-
road shops there for some time. From there lie
came to Cincinnati and was employed by the Lit-
tle Miami Railroad Company. Subsequently^, he
was transferred to Columbus and took charge of
the machine shops there until 1857, when he came
to Vincenncs, Ind., and was master mechanic on
the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad until 1863. In
1864, he was in the Government employ as master
mechanic with headquarters at Nashville, Tenn.,
and he had charge of fourteen hundred men.
He remained there until the close of the war
and disposed of the machinery. In the latter
part of 1865, he went to Leavenworth, Kan., to
put up some machinery for the Government, but
finally concluded not to do so. Returning to his
home, w!is again employed by the Ohio & Miss-
issippi Railroad Company as master mechanic at
East St. Louis, and continued with this company
until 1873. when he went into business at this
place with his brother George.
They started the Frog and Switch works under
the firm name of Elliot & Bro., on a small scale,
but as George died soon after, his son Harry was
taken in and tlie business was continued as H. &
H. Elliot, with a capital of 15,000. They leased
the ground and sliops. Their business gradually
increased, and as they were the first frog and
switch manufacturers in the United States out of
railroad companies, this opened up a new era of
manufacture. Tiiey do ail kinds of general rail-
road iron work and tools and have several im-
proved frogs etc. This firm became incorporated
as the Elliot Frog and Switch Company with a cap-
ital stock of $100,000 in 1887, with our subject as
President, H. Elliot Jr., Vice-president and Secre-
tary, and W. H. Elliot as Treasurer. This is one
of the oldest manufacturing establishments in the
city. He resided in East St. Louis, Mo., until 1 879,
when, on account of his health, he moved to St.
Louis, Mo. He owns several houses in the former
place and the firm own much valuable real estate
in the city. Mr. Elliot is Director in the First
National Bank and is a stockliolder in the Build-
ing and Loan Association.
;Mr. Elliot was first mariied in Cincinnati to
Miss Mary A. Barry, a native of County Armagh,
Ireland. She died in Vincennes. Ind. Six chil-
dren were born to them, with three living and
married: Susan, married and resides in P2ast St.
Louis; James employed in a shop; Ma}' is married
and resides in Detroit, Mich. Mr. Elliot's second
marriage was with Miss Hessie Roach, a native of
Virginia, and they have three children, viz.: Will-
iam H., Treasurer of the Company; Attie B., at
home, and Vesta F. ^Ir. Elliot and family reside
at No. 3631 Washington Avenue, St. Louis.
Mr. Elliot assisted in drawing up the charter
for East St. Louis, and while in Vincennes was a
member of the city council. He is a Roval Arch
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
285
Mason, and in politics is a Republican. In 1882,
lie made a trip to Europe and has visited that
country' twice since, the last time in 1891. He
had a very pleasant visit back to his old home and
has been all over Scotland, England, Ireland, (Ger-
many, France and Switzerland. The second time
he took his familj' along. Mr. Elliot is a member
of the National Master Mechanics' Association and
is one of tlie oldest members.
JIOIIN HENRY FRIESS, who resides on sec-
tion 26, Shiloh Valley Township, is one of
the worthy citizens that Germany has fur-
nished to St. Clair County. He was born
in Darmstadt in 1825, and is a son of Peter and
Elizabeth M. (Ople) Friess, both of whom were
also natives of Darmstadt. The father was reared
in the village and in his youth learned the shoe-
maker's trade, which he followed until his mar-
I'iage. In accordance with the laws of his native
land, he also served a few years in the German
army.
After his marriage, Mr. Friess turned his atten-
tion to agricultural pursuits, owning a farm in the
Fatherland. At length, he determined to seek a
home in the New AVorld, and bidding good-b3'e to
the scenes of his j'outh, accompanied by his fam-
ily, he crossed the broad Atlantic to the United
States. He came directly to the West, and, locat-
ing in St. Clair County, 111., entered one hundred
and sixty acres of land from the (Government.
The wild and unimproved tract he transformed
into an excellent farm, upon which he made his
home until his death. He was reared in tlie Lutii-
eran Church. His death occurred about 1877, and
his wife survived him four years. To this worthy
couple were born eight children, of whom onl}'
four are now living: George, John H., Frederick,
and Mary, wife of Louis Fisher. Those deceased
are Michael, Peter, Adam, and Margaret, who was
tlie wife of Stephen Piecebanker.
Mr. Friess, whose name heads this record, spent
the 'first eleven years of his life in his native land
and then accompanied his parents on their emi-
gration to America. The days of his boj'hood
were spent under the parental roof and he gave
his father the benefit of his labors upon the home
farm until twenty-eight years of age, when an
important event occurred in his life, his marriage
with Miss Catherine Funk. The lady is a native
of this county, and a daughter of George and
Catherine (Froot) Funk, both of whom were na-
tives of Germany, and came to this country in an
early day. Six children have been born of the
union of Mr. and Mrs. Friess, three sons and three
daughters: Philip, Henry, George; Katie, wife of
Martin Emerick ; Matilda, wife of Gustave Schrader;
and Marj-, wife of Frank Moser.
Soon after his marriage, Mr. Friess purchased
the land on which he now resides. By his indus-
try and perseverance, he has become the owner of
a highly improved farm, comprising one hundred
and eighty acres of rich land, which yields to
him a golden tribute. He is an enterprising
and successful farmer, and his well-directed ef-
forts have brought to him a comfortable compe-
tence, which places hini among the substantial
citizens of the community. He is a member of
the Lutheran Church, and in political sentiment
is a supporter of Democratic principles. Tiie
county regards him as among its valued citizens,
for he has ever borne his part in the promotion
of all public enterprises of worth.
-r^m-r^'
#>
Jl OHN EHINGER. This gentleman is one of
the oldest German-Americans at Belleville,
having come here April 1, 1850. He was
_ ' born in Baden, Germany, April 3, 1823,
and was the son of Xavier and Maria (Wengia)
Ehinger, who spent their entire lives in their native
land. Our subject obtained his education in Ger-
many, and was there taught the carpenter's trade.
For five and one half years he was a soldier. After
the Revolution of 1848, he resolved to go to Amer-
ica. ()n reiichino- this countrv, he fniluwed the trade
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of carpenter, working for eleven months as jour-
neyman. He then engaged in business for himself,
and began taking contracts and building from that
time on. He lias put up a large number of build-
ings, good houses and stores, in this town, as he is
the oldest contractor here. He kept on improving,
and finally began to contract for bridge building,
requiring the assistance of sixteen men. In 1886,
the weight of business became irksome to him, and
he turned it over to his sons, they having been
well trained under him. The sons now have a
building 50x115 feet, with power and everything
well ari'anged for their line of business, and
constantly give employment to twenty-five men.
Our subject married Miss Caroline Suttler, in
1851, the marriage taking pLacc in this city. She
was born in Baden, (Germany, in the year 1826.
Their children were: Charles, deceased; William
and Emil, who form the firm of Ehinger Bros.;
Anna; and Bertha, who is the widow of Conrad
Stoll.
Mr. Ehinger built a fine home on the corner of
Clay Avenue and Lebanon Road, where he has
lived for over forty years. He has had an active
life, and takes great pleasure in seeing the busi-
ness carried on so successfully- in the f.imily.
>-^f^^il-^"i^ll^^i=^ '
PETER SCHWINN, who is the owner of a
) fine farm of six hundred acres on section 2,
Stookey Township, was born in Germany, in
1822, and is a son of Leonard and Margaret
Schwinn, both likewise natives of the Fatherland.
The father was born in 1782, and the mother's
birth occurred the following year. Leonard
Schwinn grew to manhood on a farm, receiving
his education in the schools of a neighboring vil-
lage. He followed agricultural pursuits as an oc-
cupation, and in addition to the regular duties of
the farm owned a large vineyard, from which he
made wine quite extensively.
In 1833, when our subject was a lad of eleven
years, his father left Germany and brought his fam-
ily to the United States, coming at once to St. Clair
County, 111. Here he purchased eight3--seven acres
of the farm where his son now lives. His means being
limited, he bought his property on long payments.
After this he entered forty acres of Government
land and again added to his possessions seventy-
three acres, making in all a farm of two hundred
acres. His whole life and attention were strictly
devoted to the tilling of the soil and kindred pur-
suits.
On tiie 7th of Sc'ptomber, 1848, Leonard Sfhwinn
was foully murdered by a farm hand who had pre-
viously worked for him. At the time, with his
I son, Mr. Schwinn was living alone on his farm, his
wife having died several years before. Our suli-
ject was at a neighbor's when the dreadful crime
j was committed. The cowardly assassin followed
Mr. Schwinn from the house, and shot him in the
I back. The motive of the deed was always sup-
( posed to be robbery, as the victim had a large sum
1 of money in his possession at the time. The mur-
deier was soon captured and received his just
punishment for the awful crime.
At the time of his father's death, Peter Schwinn
I was twenty-eight years of age. He was the young-
est of a family of four children, and, like his father,
his attention was early turned to farming. He has
now six hundred acres of the best farm land, whicii
he has improved and brought under a high state
, of cultivation. His farm is considered one of the
j best in the neighborhood, and his fine residence,
barns and other outbuildings, the latest improved
machinery and well-tilled fields, all indicate the
\ thrift and enterprise of the owner, who ranks
j among the leading agriculturists of the county,
! where he has lived for nearly sixty years. He is
an intelligent and successful business man, iden-
tified with the best interestsof the comnuinity and
ever ready to aid in the jiromotion of such enter-
prises as will advance the general welfare.
The marriage of Mr. Schwinn was celebiated
April 23, 1848, when Miss Christina Mosser became
his wife. To them were born seven children: Mary,
the wife of James Mitchell; Peter, Frederick; jMin-
nie, the wife of Charles Hoff; P^lizabeth, wife of
Louis Rhine; Leonard; and Rosa, who is now de
: ceased. Afterthedeathof his first wife, Mr. Schwinn
I was married to Mrs. Josephine Droit, the ceremony
PORTRAIT AND BTOGRAPinCAL RECORD.
being iierlonned in 1877. She is the daughter of
Louis .niifl Mary (Merselle) Dupont. By her union
with Jlr. Droit were born six children: Louisa,
wife of .loseph Ettienne; C'amiela, Tolma, Colbert
(deceased), AValler and Oliver.
In his political afflhations, Mr. Sehwinn is allied
with the Republican party, and is much interested
in the political issues of the day. His fellow-citi-
zens, appreciating bis worth and ability, have fre-
quently called upon him to serve in local positions,
the duties of wliich he has ever performed with
lidelitv, and to the sati-faction of all.
^f\ XTOX J. MUELLER is one of the sub-
@)0 ."tantial and inrtuential farmers of St. Clair
^ A Township, living on a fine farm one and
(^ a-half miles from Belleville. His parents
were .loseph D. and Annie Mary (Fisher) Mueller,
natives of Germany. These estimable people made
the long and dangerous voyage across the seas in
1848, landing in New York in the same year.
From that city, they went to Ohio and Indiana,
where the father engaged in sawmilling, but, not
feeling satisfied with the countr}-, they in 1852
came to Illinois and settled on a farm about eight
miles from the present home of our subject, re-
moving in 18.'i3 to his present home. The grand-
parents of our subject lived and died in their na-
tive land — Germany. Anton was one of six chil-
dren, who were as follows: .John F., a fanner of
Franklin Township; Stephen, a single man, who is
making his home with his brother John; Helena, now
the wife of .1. H. Germain, a resident of George-
town Road, where he has a fine farm; May, single,
who is residing with her brother Anton ; and .Joseph,
who is also single and resides witb Anton. Mr.
Mueller, Sr., died in 1883, and his faithful wife
only survived him six years, when she, too, passed
unto the better life, in 1889. They had been good,
worthy people and their loss was felt throughout
the township.
Mr. Mueller was reared on the tine farm lie now
occupies and attended the common schools of the
neighborhood, but in addition to the education
received there he learned to speak fluently the lan-
guage of his father's native land. He is yet a young
man, only twenty-eightr years of age, having been
born April 28, 18(U, but is one of the best farmers
in his section and promises to be one of the
weighty men of the county. His farm is a fine
one of eighty-flve acies, which he has well im-
proved and furnished with all the necessary farm
buildings. He was united in marriage .January 21,
1892, to Miss Agnes Krans, a native of Missouri,
the accomplished and charming daughter of Philip
Krans.
Our subject is one of the leading Democrats of
the township and is an ardent supporter of the
principles of Democracy. In his religious views,
he is a Catholic, and lives according to the pre-
cepts taught by his church. With such young
blood as this in Illinois' veins, is it any wonder
that she bids fair to outstrip her sister States in
influence and wealth?
JOHN FREY is the owner and occupant of a
pleasant farm located on section 26, Stookey
Townshi]). It comprises many acres of
well-improved and cultivated land, a sub-
stantial and commodious residence and good barns
being included in the buildings which adorn it. It
is devoted to the purpose of general farming, and
has been for 3'ears the scene of the successful
labors of its owner.
.John and Mary (Mas) Fre}', the parents of our
subject, were born in Prussia, and were natives of
the same town. John Frey, Sr., w.is a weaver by
occupation, but owned a small farm which he man-
aged successfully in connection with his trade. The
subject of our sketch was the third, of five chil-
dren, his brothers and sisters being Adam; Frank,
deceased; Catherine, wife of Peter Rock; and
Mary, deceased. The members of the family who
sought their fortune in close proximity to the pres-
ent home of our subject were Adam, who is a resi-
290
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dent of Missouri; and Catheiine, Mrs. Rock, who
lives in Marion County, 111.
.lohn Fre}', .Jr., received liis education in the com-
mon schools of his native land, and after finishing
the school eoui'se compulsory under the laws of
Prussia, he learned the trade of a shoemaker, which
he followed as a nieiins of liveliliood until he left
his native land to seek a better fortune in the New
AVorld.
On reaching his seventeenth year, the subject of
our sketch became imbued with a desire to investi-
gate the possibilities and discover the rich re-
sources of America, so, leaving his parents and na-
tive land, he started on his journey to the United
States, the Mecca of his hopes of future prosper-
ity. In the year 18.53, he located at Belleville,
111., at which place he found the den; and for men
of iiis craft rather limited; so he obtained employ-
ment in a soda-water factory. Naturally thrifty
and diligent, our subject was enabled to accumu-
late some of his earnings, and after working at the
soda-water business for a short time, he, as the son
of a farmer, became impressed with the fertility of
the district in which he had located, and therefore
left his position in the factory and took a position
on a farm, in order to become thoroughly conver-
sant with the life he meant to pursue.
The year 1872 marks an era in the life of our
subject, he at that period assuming the responsi-
bility of being head of a family. The lady he mar-
ried was Mrs. Barbara Wagner, daughter of Adam
it Barbara (Stein) Haas, and who at the time of
her marriage was the owner of the farm on which
thej' now reside. ]Mrs. Barbara Frey was born near
New Orleans, her birth occurring on board the
vessel that brought her parents to the United
States in the year 183.3. She had the advantage
of a common-school education, and in the home of
her parents, under her mother's supervision, she
was trained in all that goes to make a good house-
wife. She is a lady of most estimable character
and fine principles, one who embodies true woman-
liness and kindness of heart in the spirit with which
she treats her friends and neighbors. She was
brought up in the Lutheran faith, and is a woman
of broad and progressive ideas.
John Frey is a man of excellent habits and fine j
principles, possessing in a great degree those traits
of character that commend him to the confidence
of all about him. Although not a native Ameri-
can, lie was ready to espouse the cause of this nation
as far back as 1865, when he enlisted in Company
B, One Hundred and Fortj'-ninth Illinois Regiment;
after serving in the army for one year, he re-
ceived his discharge. His political sympathies are
with the Republican party, and he is a stanch ad-
herent of the principles and tlieories of the leader
he helps to elect.
"jl? oris FORCADE. Tiie Forcade family has
ll ^ many representatives in Prairie du Long
il^^ Township, and we are pleased to add the
name of Louis Forcade to the long list of honor-
able citizens whose biographies we are publishing.
The Forcade homestead is one of the pleasantest
in this county and shows man}"^ improvements of a
high order, which are the work both of the senior
and junior members of this familj-.
Louis Forcade, the father of our subject, was
born in (Germany, and came to this country with
his parents when a bo.y of twelve years. His
father settled in Pennsylvania, from which State
he moved to Georgetown, 111., where he spent the
rest of his life. His family consisted of nine chil-
dren, six of whom are living.
The subject of this sketch was born on the jilace
where he now lives. May 26, 1848. He received
his early education at the public scliools, and
afterward attended Rohrer's Commercial College.
After leaving college, he at once commenced to
earn his livelihood as an agriculturist. The year
1869 marked an eventful era in his career, as it was
the year in which he married Eva Elizabeth Press,
a daughter of Michael Press, who lived in Monroe
County, 111., and moved thence to Belleville, 111.
Eleven children were born to our subject and his
wife, seveu of whom are still living. They are
Katie, George, Louis, Henry, Eda, Hilda and Lulu,
who .are all at liome.
Mr. Forcade is the possessor of a very fine farm
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
291
comprising some two hundred acres, all of wliicb
is well improved and in a high state of cultiva-
tion. He is noted as one of tlie most skillful and
tlivifty farmers in this section of the country, and
is at the same time one of the most liberal-minded
and progressive men in the community. He raises
some of the best crops of wheat to be found any-
where in this township, and is proud of the record
he has made as a successful cultivator of this
cereal. He is a member of the Lutheran Church,
to which body both he and his wife belong. He
is a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit
Association, of which he is Secretary; and also of
the Trebund order, of which lie is Financial Secre-
tary.
Politically, Mr. Forcadc is a strong Democrat,
and has always voted that ticket. He has been
elected to the ofHce of Assessor of this township,
and for three successive years has held the office
of Collector. He is a strong advocate of educa-
tion and served the coinmunit3' for eighteen years
in the office of School Director.
Mr. Forcade takes an intelligent interest in all
that pertains to the good of the community in
which he dwells. He manifests the same energy
in local affairs which has made liim successful in
his individual efforts, and all duties of office have
been filled by him in a manner creditable to him-
self and those who made such a worthy appoint-
ment. His qualities of mind and heart are duly
appreciated by his fellow-citizens, who accord him
his just measure of respect. He is numbered
among the substantial men of the communit}', and
his example as a man of energy, industry and
Imsiness al)ilit\ may be emulated to advantage.
-^#^-
GE DHASER. (^ne of the most enter-
and successful business firms in the
of Mascoutah is the lumber firm of
Draser & Pfaff, in which the subject of this sketch
occupies the position of junior partner.
George Draser, Sr., was born in the province of
Hesse-Darmstadt, that section of Germany tliat has
^^ FORGE
11 ^«- pi'ising
'^^ city of
contributed so much to the settlement and culti-
vation of the State of Illinois. He reached here
in 1826, and when the first excitement grew over
the fertile lauds to be had in this part of the
West he made his wa3- hither. His first location
was in Georgetown, in St. Clair County, and there
he soon found plenty of employment in his trade
of carpenter. He followed his occupation steadily
for three years, but after that moved to a farm east
of Mascoutah, and here remained for six years,
when the growing village of Mascoutah proving
attractive on account of the amount of building
going on there, he removed to that place and
followed his trade there until 1870, when he saw
a fine opening in the lumber business, and started
a yard in Mascoutah. Previous to this time, he
bought a farm in Clinton County, and lived upon
that for several years, but in 1881 he formed a
partnership with Mr. Pfaff in the lumber business,
which was carried on successfully until 1890. Then
Mr. Draser retired from the firm, and his son
George went into it in his place, and became the
junior member.
(Tcorge Draser, Sr., was married about 1854 or
185u, in Georgetown, to Miss Dora Strom berger,
whose father came to America when advanced in
years. He had followed the occupation of farming
in the Old Country, and continued it in this. Tince
children were born of this marriage, who are
Henrietta, who now is the widow of George Schus-
ter; Mena, who is the wife of John Kolp, who
conducts a successful business in a general store in
Lebanon, in this county; and the tiiird is the sub-
jectof tills notice. Mr. Draser, Sr., has held the
office of Treasurer of the town of Mascoutah,
where he now lives retired.
The subject of this sketch was born March 2,
1865. He grew up bright and active, and attended
the public schools and continued the course un-
til he graduated from the High School of Mas-
coutah in the year 1878. After he left school
he learned the trade of carpenter, and this
proved so profitable that he followed it for six
years, and then went into the lumber business.
His previous trade had given him a good know-
lege of different kinds of lumber, and when he
went into the business witii his father he had
292
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
little more than the details to learn. When his
parents decided to retire from active life, in
1890, he took his place with Mr. Pfaff, and the
firm has made trade very lively in this section for
the past three years.
The lady who became Mrs. Draser on .June 4,
1891, was Miss Matilda Grossman, who was the
daughter of Louis Grossman, of Fayettevllle. The
father was an old settler in this county, and he
died in F.ayetteville about twenty-three years ago.
The political convictions of our subject are those
of the Republican party, and he works for its ad-
vancement. He is one of those solid young men
who become the founders of great enterprises, and
the future maj' hold an important place for Mr.
Draser. He is the onlj* son of his father, and to
this parent he is a comfort in his declining years.
He and his young wife are prominent socially in
Mascoutah.
GUIS G. MILLP^R. No member of any com-
munity in St. Glair County is held in greater
honor and esteem than this gentleman, and
no one is more worthy of the success that results
from diligence, ability and enterprise, than he.
His residence on section 20 has long been recog-
nized as one of the choice local features of this
communit}', its well-kept surroundings and hand-
some buildings giving evidence of care and excel-
lent management on the part of the owner.
Michael Miller, the father of him whose biog-
raphy we are writing, was born in Bavaria, Ger-
many, on the 23d of June, 1823, and after attain-
ing liis fourteenth year, he, with his mother, emi-
grated to this country. His first home on this side
the Atlantic was in New York State, where he
lived for one year. The spirit of enterprise, and a
desire to seek fortune in olher fields, induced him
to leave New York State in 1839 and take up his
residence in the city of Chicago, where he learned
the trade of a shoemaker and worked at the bench
until 1844. Business prospects seemed to him to
be better at St. Louis, and he accordingly started for
that point, where, after being employed at his trade
but a short time, he started in business and estab-
lished himself as a dealer and manufacturer of boots
and shoes. It was about the year 1850, that the pos-
sibilities of St. Clair County as a farming county
attracted Mr. Miller's attention; and, following his
naturallj' shrewd business instincts, he closed out
his affairs in St. Louis, moved to Prairie dn Long
Township, St. Clair County, and purchased forty
acres of land on section 30. Here he built his
home and remained, and here he still resides at
the time of this writing.
In the year 1854, Mr. Miller married Miss Cath-
erine Schwarz, who was the daughter of Jacob
Hammel, a prominent farmer of St. Clair Countj'.
Eight children were born to this couple, seven of
whom are still living. They are as follows: Cath-
erine, the wife of Peter Muskopf ; Mary, the wife
of Philip Peffer, who lives in this township; Louis,
the subject of this sketch; Charles M., who also
lives in this township; Adeline, who is the wife of
James Thompson and resides in Prairie du Long;
Caroline, the wife of John Rittinghouse ; and Henry
W., who lives at home. The family circle was
broken by the death of Adolph F., which occurred
when he was two j-ears and five months old. Pros-
perity was the reward that crowned Mr. Miller's
efforts, and but a short time after settling in this
county, we find his original purchase of forty acres
largel}^ increased. He became an American citizen
in the strictest sense of the term and is a fine ex-
ample of all that the words imply.
Politicalh', Mr. Miller is a stanch adherent of
tlie Republican party and has held the offices of
Road Commissioner, School Trustee and School
Director. His career is well worthy of emulation.
He started in life poor, but by hard work and
skillful management is now one of the most suc-
cessful farmers in this vicinity. His reputation is
that of a man whose motives are actuated by the
highest principles. He added to his farm until it
now comprises three hundred and seventy-seven
acres, most of which are well improved.
Louis G. Miller, the subject proper of this sketch,
was born in Prairie du Long Township, on the old
homestead, where he grew up to manhood's estate.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
293
He received liis education in tlic district school,
which at that time was located on section 21. When
fifteen years of age, he concluded to end his school
life, and became interested in pursuits of labor
more fitted to his taste. A natural and careful
student, he acquired bj^ reading and close study of
books and of all with whom he came in contact, an
education that is, so far as the actual and practical
experiences of life are concerned, quite equal
to that gained in our large colleges; and has not
only developed his inherent faculty of acquiring,
but is also endowed with the abilit3' to make use of
his knowledge and self-training.
In the year 1879, L. G. Miller was married to
IMiss Mary Skaer, daughter of Philip Skaer, one of
the wealthiest farmers in Prairie du Long Town-
ship, who still lives and enjoys his large possessions
on survey 607. After his marriage, our subject
assumed the responsibilities of his own home and
located on the farm which he now occupies. Six
children have been born to him in the years that
have intervened since his marriage: Amelia, Laura.
Clara, Percy J., Malbern P., and Albert .J.
Our subject has a fine farm of one hundred and
six acres, all of which is well improved and in a
high state of cultivation. He devotes his farm
to growing cereals mostl}', wheat being his princi-
pal crop. He is a stanch Republican and the leader
of his party in Prairie du Long. His first vote
was cast for Gen. Garfield and he has voted the
straight ticket ever since and never missed an
election. He has been a member of the County-
Central Committee for the last twelve years, held
the office of School Treasurer from 1880 to 1884,
and was Collector for his township during the same
period. He held the office of Assessor from 1886
to 1889, and has been School Director for the past
five j-ears. He was re-elected to the office of Col-
lector in 1890, and in 1891 was elected Supervisor,
the most important office in the township, which
position he now holds. As a member of the Board
of References, he is Chairman of the Committee
on Elections and Townships, and a member of the
Committee on Paupers, and has also been appointed
Census Enumerator for his township. All these
(lositions he has tillod with honor to himself and
with credit to liis constituents. In the ranks of
the Republican party, he has always been one of
the foremost and active workers, and is popular as
a politician and citizen. He is a young man of
broad and liberal views, is progressive and benev-
olent and a generous supporter of all worthy enter-
prises.
WILLIAM LOTZ was born and reared on
the farm which he now operates, on sec-
„ „ tion 27, Shiloh Valley Township, 1855
being the year of his birth. He is a son of .lohn
and Margaret (Sensel) Lotz. The father was born
in 1820, and his mother's birth occurred on the
27tli of June, 1824, both being natives of Ger-
many. The paternal grandparents of our subject
were Charles O. and Elizabeth Lotz, who lived in
Germany, where the former carried on a farm.
Tliey both came to the United States and died in
St. Clair County. Our subject's father came with
his parents to this country, being then a young
man. Locating in this townsliip, he afterward
married the daughter of Peter and Margaret Sen-
sel. He started to earn his own livelihood by
working for the neighboring farmers, and later
rented a farm, which he cultivated. He accumu-
lated a tract of two hundred and eighty-eight
acres, all of which was a most desirable property.
His first purchase was a tract of fifty acres, for
which he paid $5 per acre.
Our subject was one of four children, but the
others died when quite young. His education
was received in the district schools, supplemented
by a course of study in Belleville. After the
death of his father, he remained on the faim,
which he took charge of as soon as he had reached
a sufficient age. His mother found in him an able
arid trustworthy helper, who relieved her of most
of the cares and anxieties pertaining to the propei-
management of a large farm.
When he had reached the age of twenty-three,
Mr. Lotz was married to Miss Anna Schraeder, a
daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Hamen) Schrse-
der. Unto them two children have lieen liorii,
Tillie and Charles \V. They have also opened
294
PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
their hearts and home to an orphan child, John
Fisher, to whom tliey have shown every kindness.
Mr. Lotz uses his right of francliiso in support
of the Republican party, as did his father before
him. He was chosen Collector of the township in
18;>-2, as the successor of John Pierce. He takes
.in active part in the affairs of education, .ind li.is
l)een School Director for three years. His voice
and influence are ever devoted to the cause of
truth, right and order, and he is highly esteemed
through this section for his independence of char-
acter and loyalty to the public good. He has
lived here during his whole life, and has made
many friends throughout this section. As a farmer,
his efforts have been blessed with success, and he
has attained a fair competence. AVe are pleased
to add this brief sketch of one of the honored
citizens of .St. Clair County to this volume. As
one of our representative men of sterling worth,
he ranks high in this community where he has so
long made his home.
I^1J3:^sI
m
\i OHN Cip:OHGE DEHN. The subject of the
present sketch is a prosperous farmer who
resides on section 24 in Millstadt Township,
St. Clair Count}-. The father of the gentle-
man of whom we write was Henry Dehn, who was
an agriculturist of Germany, where he. was born
and reared and s|)ent the whole of his life.
Our subject was one of three children, of whom
Katherine and Mathias died in their old home in
German}'. He first saw the light on the 22d of Oc-
tober, 1817, at Reinheim, Germany, where he was
reared and educated. When twenty years old, lie
decided to leave the old surroundings and find a
new home and a wider field in America. He made
hi> way to the seashore, engaged passage, and soon
was on his way to New York, where he landed in
1838. His destination was the fertile lands of the
Prairie State. He went first to Philadelphia and
thence to Pittsburgh l>y rail, and then sailed down
the Ohio River on a llat-boat to Cincinnati, and,
as the river was very low at that time, it took a
long time to make the trip. What a new world
this must have opened up to the lad from across
) the sea! It required a great deal of decision of
character to go among strangers in a far-off land
and make a new home, but it was just that very
possession that has caused Mr. Dehn to grow into
the successful man that he is at this present time.
On reaching St. Clair County in the roundabout
I way that poor facilities of transportation then
1 made necessary, our subject engaged to work for
110 a month. After working for fourteen months,
he had saved a good part of his money and, de-
ciding to purchase a farm for himself, bought
eighty acres of land where he now lives from Louis
Grostmann.
In 1841, our subject was united in marriage to
Miss Anna Borbra Grosraann, who was the daugh-
ter of Charles C. Grosmann, an early settler of
this county. From this marriage resulted ten chil-
dren, of whom five grew to maturity, and four arc
still living. They are: Marie Marthareta, who is
the wife of Valentine Schwab and lives in this
townshii); Charles lives in Millstadt and is in the
machine business; Anna Katarina resides at home,
and George died when he was thirty years old.
The names of the children that Mr. and Mrs. Dehn
had to part with were .loliann Philip, Anna
Katarina (twochildren were named by this beauti-
ful (iierraan name). .Iiihann Carl, Marie Katarina
and Fritz.
The subject of this sketch is now the owner of
one hundred and sixty acres of fine fai-ming land,
all of it under improvement except forty acres of
valuable timber. He cultivates all of the cereals,
but gives most of his attention to wheat. He
built his present comfortable house and commodi-
ous barns in 1849, and his land shows what farm-
ing carried on with good management in all mat-
ters can make of a place.
When a draft was made for more men to till up
the ranks during the latter part of the ( ivil War.
the name of our subject was one in the list. He
filled the gap by the purchase of a substitute. In
his political |)reterence, Mr. Dehn is a stanch Ke-
publican and will alw.ays give his influence for
j that part}-, lie has been a menjbt;)' of the Boanl
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
295
of Township Supervisors and lias also filled the
office of School Director for many years.
Pecuniarily, Mr. Delin is well situated and his
son Henry has taken the iii:in:iuciiunt of the farm
off of his hands. He -t.iii'K liiuli in the esteem of
his fellow-townsmen, lircaii-c (if liis practical busi-
ness views and upright dealings with all.
<Spi!DWARD J. Mcquillan, one of the pros-
fe] perous farmers of this countj-, resides on
,'l' — ^/ section 31, Prairie du Long Township. He
is the son of John McQuillan, who was born in
Dayton, Ohio, April 2, 1820, and who lived in
Brown County, Ohio, until about ten years of age,
when he was bound out as an apprentice to a
butcher in Cincinnati. When he was eighteen
years old, he came to Monroe County, 111., and
there followed his trade for a short time, after
which he worked on a farm. He then took eighty
acres of (Government land, and from that small
start as a foundation he built the magnificent for-
tune with which he was afterward blessed.
When .lohn McQuillan was born in Dayton,
there were but three houses in the town, and his
remembrance of that place was not such as to in-
duce him to remain in the locality-. His choice of
location has shown how much he gained by re-
moving to this county, as to his start of eighty
acres he kept on adding property until at one
time he owned as many as three thousand acres of
land. Much of this property he has divided
among his children, until now he owns but twelve
hundred acres. Most of his wealth was made in
farming and stock-raising, although he has also
invested some in patents. He has one patent on
which he now makes considerable simply from the
royalty he receives therefrom.
The lady who became the wife of John McQuil-
lan was Miss Mary Ann Thompson, daughter
of Robert and Ann Thompson, natives of Lan-
caster, England. Of tlieir seven children, five
are still living and tlie\- .ire as follows: our
subject; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Louis
Gregson; Mary, the wife of Theodore Klinkhardt;
John B.; and Martha M., wife of Joseph Roscoe, of
Monroe County. Sarah Ann and Edward are de-
ceased.
Edward J. McQuillan was born in St. Louis, Mo.,
March 8, 1845. AVhcn he was four years old, his
parents moved to Monroe County, 111., and he re-
sided there until his marriage, which occurred
April 2, 1866, when he took in marriage Jane,
daughter of Joseph and Mary Thompson, natives
of Yorkshire, England. Of their two children,
Minnie, the only one living, is the wife of Fred
Staufenbeil, who now operates the two hundred
acres which comprise our subject's farm, on which
are produced fine crops, principally of wheat,
though part of the farm is given up to stock-
raising.
During the war, our subject served as a scout
under Gen. Fremont, but with the exception of
the time thus spent and about six or seven years
that he was engaged in farming near Decatur, III.,
he has remained on the home farm. He is a mem-
ber of the Roman Catholic Church and belongs to
the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. Politi-
call}', he upholds the principles of the Republican
party, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace
for three terms, and is still serving in that capac-
itj', besides that of a Notary Public. He has also
served as School Director in his district fou nine
years, and is a man whose advice and counsel are
much sought after by all.
— '•#j#^-r
\f^?REDERICK AHRENS. One of the men of
t^fcj^ this part of the countv who can look with
1^ pride on an honest and industrious past,
which has been crowned with success, is the
owner of the fine farm of one hundred and seventy-
live acres of beautiful land situated on section 25.
Millstadt Townsiiip. The father of our subject
was one of the honest German farmers who lived
and died in the old home, but wiio encouraged
the voung lite to find a career in the Xcw Country,
296
i-ORTRAlT AND BlOGRAnilCAL RECORD.
where there was more room and chance for ad-
vancement.
Frederick Ahreiis, our suliject, was born in (Ter-
niany, October 7, 1832, and was reared on the old
home there, and sent to the public schools in
his native place. He remained there until he was
eighteen years of age, and then settled his whole
future life by making his way to a seaport and
shipping for America. He reached these shores
and soon found bis countrymen in the State of
Illinois. He located in Smithton Township and,
as he looked about and saw what others had done
for themselves, he resolved that he, too, would some
day own as fine a farm as any. He rented land at
first and soon got a start, and kept on in this way,
renting and working, saving and looking about
for the best place in wliich to place his earnings
and savings for a permanent home. For several
3'ears he did tliis and then decided to locate on
the pleasant place which is now his home. ( )f
course, he was obliged to go deeply' into debt,
but he had established such habits of thrift that
he was soon able to pay all that lie owed. The
place was entirely unimproved, a perfect wilder-
ness, but he went bravely to work, and in an as-
tonishingl}' short time he was able to see grain
where he had found only forest and scrub.
A home in the wilderness is lonely, and work
is discouraging if there is no one to please, there-
fore our subject looked about him and soon foiyid
one who was willing to become his partner in the
new home. This was Miss Anna Wahllenberg,
also a native of Germany, and to her he was mar-
ried in 185.5. Her life ended in 1878, and Mr.
Alirens was then married to Miss Margaret Stur-
zem, who has made him a good and industrious
wife.
The lirst wife of uur suliject left him seven
children, and these are Meua, who is the wife of
William Jelly, and lives in Kansas Cit.y; Rachel,
who is the wife of Louis (iro.ssman and lives in
Smithton Township; Kalherine, who is the wife
of George Ollendorf and lives at home; Lizzie,
who is the wife of John Kelly and resides in this
township; and P^lizabeth. wlm is also at h(ime.
Mary and Fi'ed are the iianics nl llmse who died.
The line farm of Mr. Alliens contains one hun-
dred and seventy acres of land, which would
bring a high price if i)ut upon the market. The
soil is very fertile and the production of grain very
great, although Mv. Alliens prefers to make his
principal crop of wheat. The place now shows
careful farming, and the improvements of fences,
trees and buildings are all that could be desired.
In his political opinions, our subject belongs to
the great party that calls itself Republican, and
is a very ardent supporter of its doctrines. The
family are good. Christian people, consistent mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church, and stand l;igh in
the neighiioriKKid.
^^^l-^"i^ii^^^=^
\I(_, KNRY FL'NK. The gentleman of whom
iKjJ' we write, although deceased, still lives in
Jv^ the esteem and affection of his neighbois
(^, and friends. He was a man of great in-
dustry and left his family with a fine farm of five
hundred acres. He was the son of Christopher
William Funk, who was born in Spesaltine, Darm-
stadt, Germany, and came to this country in 1832,
first locating on the place where the widow of
the lamented subject of this sketch now resides.
Christopher entered this land from the Govern-
ment and worked hard to improve it. Fie was the
father of six children, all of whom were born in
Germany, but one died on this place. The chil-
dren were George; Margaret, who became the wife
of Adam Routh; Henry; Katharina; Holzstophel;
and Regina, who married Peter Friese.
Our subject was born February 23, 1818, in the
same town of which his father was a native and was
thirteen years old when he came to this country. He
grew to manhood on the place where his widow now
lives, and assisted his father on the farm. He was
married in I si."), ti> .Miss Cafheiine Perschbacher,
who' was born in (ierinan^- and came to this county
in 1833. Her father located in .Shiloli Valley, this
country, where he entered Government land.
Mr. and Mrs. Funk of this notice had seven
childivn, six of whom are yet living: Regina, who
married Herman Spelynars and is now deceased;
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
299
George William, who lives iu Belleville; Mary,
wiio married Herman Spel^'iiars; Annie, who mar-
ried Fred E. Stock and lives near Baden; Louisa,
who married William Reinhart and lives in this
townsliip: Henry, who is on the old farm, and Kate,
wild married Edward Hoerino;. The latter is farm-
iiii; the i)lace where Mrs. Funk, Sr., is living.
Our subject accumulated a fine property, and his
widow, with the help of her son-in-law, carries
on his work on three hundred and ninety acres.
Henry Funk died (October 18, 1877, leaving a
cliaractor for honesty and integrity behind him.
lie had been a Democrat m his political belief and
had served the district acceptably as School Di-
rector and his county as Supervisor.
The son-in-law of Mrs. Funk, Edward Iloering,
was born in Mascoutah, this count3-, and was the
son of Philip Hoering, who was a carpenter by
trade. He was educated in Mascoutah, and in
the year 1879 was married to our subject's
daughter Kate. After marriage he located in
Mascoutah and engaged in the carpenter business
for five years and then came to this place. Mr.
and Mrs. Hoering are tiie parents of the following
children: Rudolph, Emma, Clara, Kate, Fred,
;ind George F. Edwin is deceased.
In political affairs, Mr. Hoering votes with the
Democratic party, and is now serving the district
as School Director. Tliis family is well connected
in the county and all are highly respected.
ANIEL HAAS, who owns a farm on sec-
tion 22, Stooke3' Township. St. ('Inir
County, is the son of Adam and Barbara
(Stein) Haas. lie was born in Germany,
in 1821. His father was born in 1784 and his mo-
ther in 1788, and both were natives of the same
town. .\dam Haas was reared on a farm and re-
ceived such educational advantages as were
afforded by the schools of his Fatherland. He early
turned his attention to agrioulturnl pursuits and
during his life followed th.it occupation solely.
U
In 1833, leaving Germany, Mr. Haas, Sr., sailed
Westward with his family for America and landed
in St. Louis the 12th of .June. He came at once
to St. Clair County and here took up one hundred
and sixty acres of Government land, where our
subject now resides. The latter has iu his posses-
sion the Government deeds to this propertj-, which
were signed by Andrew Jackson and Martin Van
Buren. To this property Mr. Haas added from
time to time until he had two hundred and forty
acres. In i)olitics, he was a Whig, and with his
family' was a member of the Lutheran Church.
Unto him and his wife were born ten children, two
of whom died in Germany, in infancj'. The others
were as follows: Louisa and Margaret, both now de-
ceased; Daniel, the subject of this sketch; Jacob
and Catherine, also deceased; Philip; Elizabeth,
wife of Benedict Wealtz, and Barbara, wife of John
Frey.
Our subject received his education in the com-
mon schools of Germany and remained with his
father on the farm until 1846, when he started in
business for himself. At that time, he was married
to Miss Philapena, a daughter of Conrad Hankam-
mer. One child was born of this union, Barbara,
the wife of Christian Heilman. After the death
of his first wife, Mr. Haas wjis married to Caroline,
a daughter of Jacob and Susan Bishof. Ten chil-
dren were born of this marriage. Two of these died
in infancy and eight are still living: Jacob, who
married Barbara Guckese; Daniel A., who married
Lena Hambaum; Christian; Margaret, who is the
wife of Nicholas Rohr; Elizabeth, wife of Charles
Welde; George; Albert, who married Emma Her-
bert, and Charles, who wedded Elizabeth Pinkston.
His second wife having departed this life, our sub-
ject married Mrs. Susanna Deietz, a daughter of
.lacob Rohn. Her death occurred a year and a
half ago.
In his political sentiment, our subject is a stanch
supporter of the Republican party. He is a man
of public spirit, doing all in his power to advance
the best interests of his county and the community.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, in which
he is highly esteemed. He is one of the prominent
and iiilluential farmers of this section and his place
bears on every b.aiid the evi<lcMceof the tlirift .and
300
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
enterprise of the owner. He has one of the most
fertile, best cultivated farms in this locality and
conducts his business affairs with good ability and
discretion. During his long residence in this
county, comprising nearly sixt^' years, he has won
the esteem and confidence of all with whom he has
been brought in contact.
ACOH LEINKH. One of the pleasantest
|)lacfcs in the city of Belleville is the pop-
^^ m ular Green Tree Hotel, conducted by its no
!^fJ less popular owner and manager, Mr. Jacob
Leiner. This gentleman's reputation as a landlord
extends over a wide territory, and he is especially
well and favorably known to the traveling public.
He is well fitted in everj- waj' for the business in
which he is engaged, and around the name of his
hotel hovers the remembrance of fine dinners, ele-
gant breakfasts and delicious hot suppers. His estab-
lishment is one of the old landmarks of the place,
and the rooms are well furnished and well at-
tended to. Mr. Leiner has been a resident of this
place since October, 1874, and since 1876 has been
tlic proprietor of his hotel. He was born in Uhein,
Havaria, German.y, June 23, 1849, a son of V. and
Elizabeth (Plinn) Leiner, the former of whom
was an honest and industrious tiller of the soil, a
man of admirable traits of character, and in the
family circle an admirable husband and father.
He was called from life in 1867.
Jacob Leiner, the subject of this biography, was
educated in the Fatherland, his advantages being
far better than that of the aver.ige young man.
He attended school until twenty-one years of age,
and there his good sense early manifested itself,
for he paid strict attention to his studies, and en-
deavored in every wa}' to improve his time to the
utmost. Although in no vrny a " mollycoddle,"
he was keenly enough alive to his own interests
to obey rules and to endeavor to please his in-
structors. In 1871, he embarked for the United
States and landed at Hartford, Conn., where he
iviiKuncd for three years, at tjie oiid of which time
Belleville, 111., became the scene of his operations.
He at once began the erection of the Green Tree
Hotel at the corner of High and C Streets, it be-
ing a substantially built two-story brick structure,
50x75 feet in dimensions, of which he has since
been the successful and popular proprietor. He
has made this his life work, and as he believes in
doing well what he undertakes to do, he has been
undeniably successful in this field. Besides the
attractions of his house, he is an attraction in him-
self, genial, courteo.us and aflf.ible, with a good
knowledge of the world, all of which qualities
constitute him a model host.
Our subject has shown excellent judnieiit in the
management of his business affairs, as well a.s in
choosing himself a wife, for the lady who litis been
his helpmate for the past eighteen years is
intelligent and energetic, wide awake, enter-
prising and ambitious. Their marriage took
place on the 12th of October, 1874, and re-
sulted in the birth of six children: Amelia, Louisa,
Laura, Lena, Luella, and Otto, the only son, who is
the second of the family in order of birth. Mr.
Leiner is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the
Mutual Aid Society, the Harugari and the Treu-
bund, and for the last three years has been Grand
Master for the State in the latter organization.
He was elected the Jsatioual Grand Master for the
United States in St. Louis, Mo., March 4, 1892, and
has done a large amount of traveling throughout
the State, organizing lodges and installing oflScers.
He has been a representative from his lodge to the
Grand Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. He
and his family are members of St. Paul's Cathe-
dral, to which he is a liberal supporter and of
which he has been Treasurer for many years.
i>^^<i
ORNEL MERKEL. The name here given
5 familiar to the traveling public, for he
^lio bears it looks after the comfort of those
whom business or pleasure detains from home within
the borders of the little town of IMillstadt. He dis-
penses food and refreshment to man and beast, and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
301
lias caused many a dreary hour to pass swiftlj' in
his pleasant hostelry.
The father of the subject of this notice was an
honest farmer of Baden, Germany, who came to
America when his son, our subject, was only eight
years old. He located in Highland, Madison
County, 111., and remained there for several years
farming and teaming. Later in life, he moved
into Millstadt, where he lived until tlie time of liis
death.
The subject of our sketch was born in Badcu,
Germany, in the old home across the water, but his
recollection of it can not be very distinct, as he
left it when he was a lad of eight. He was reared
in Madison County, this State, and went to the
schools of the district in which he lived until he
was considered old enough to learn a trade. He
was a strong boy, and as he loved horses decided
to become a blacksmith, :ind before long bad his
apron, anvil, forge and bellows, and worked for
twenty -eight years at the trade. He became very
expert and was in great demand among those
who were careful of the hoofs and feet of their
faithful friends, the horses.
When Mr. Merkel discontinued liis lilacksmitli
business he began another which has proved as
profitable — that of a butcher^— and he still con-
tinues it in connection with his inn. thus making
sure that his meat supply for his tal)ic will be of
the best and most varied.
The marriage of Mr? Merkel took |)lace in the
year 1883, when he was united to i\Iiss Louisa
Kropp, who was also reared in .St. Clair County,
and who has proven wise and cai)able, assisting her
excellent husband in the management of the house
with economy and thrift. Five children have
come into the household since the marriage,
named respectively: George E., Henry, Oliver,
Alia and Elmer. They are all bright, interesting
children who will make tlieir impress on the future
of the county.
The Roman Catholic faith is llie one lo wliich
the inclination and teaching of .Mr. Merkel natur-
ally lund him and in her ministrations he finds
comff>rt in times of trouble. In his political lean-
ing he is a Republican, and he furthers in many n
(luiet wa\- the interests of liis iiart\-.
For two years, our subject was a member of the
Town Board, and was regarded as a man of
sound sense and good judgment. He is a land-
owner here and one of the most enterprising citi-
zens of the place. In the fall of 1891 he erected
the large, commodious and comfortable hotel, with
saloon attached, where he now carries on his busi-
ness, his out-lay being nearly $6,000.
There is much travel through Millstadt and
there is no place where strangers can find the com-
forts of home, when not actually there, as under
the hospitable roof of .Mine Host Merkel, of the
Millstadt inn.
R. FREDRICK KIRSCH. Although but a
recent addition to the medical fraternity.
Dr. Kirsch has already won an enviable
reputation as a practitioner of the healing
art, and has a large and lucrative practice. Like
many of the representative citizens of the county,
he is a native of Germany, born in Mentz, Hesse-
Darmstadt, February 2, 1859, and is one of five
children, four sons and one daughter, born to Gab-
riel and Annie S. Kirsch, natives of Germany and
Alsace, France, respectively.
The father. Dr. Gabriel Kir.scli, was the son of
an apothecary, and was graduated from the Uni-
versity at Slrasburg, and the University of Hei-
delberg, with the degree of M. D. Afterward, he
practiced in Mentz until 1882, when he retired,
and in 1891 he came to the United States to reside
with his son. Dr. Martin Kirsch, at Abilene, Kan.;
but, not being satisfied with this, he returned to
his old home, where he is now living at the age of
eight_y-two years. His wife died in 1890, when
seventy-nine years of age. Her parents lived to be
ninety-nine and one hundred and two years of
.•ige, respectively. The children born to this much
esteemed couple were .as follows: .lacob.a felt man-
ufacturer of Mentz, (Germany; John: Dr. Martin, a
practicing physician of Abilene. Kan.: and Clara,
.Mrs. Filliuger, who resides in (Germany.
The orioinal of this sketch received his early
302
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
education in Mentz, and was graduated from the
gymnasium as a pharmacist when twenty years of
age. In llie year 1880, he left Bremen on the
steamer "Main," which landed him in tlie harbor
of New York a wecii or so later. For a year and a
half he traveled alx)ut through the various States,
and for seven mouths he worked in the wholesale
business in Denver. He then returned to St. Louis,
and on the 7th of October, 188-2, purch.ised a
drug store, which he carried on very successfully
until 1889, when he sold out.
Our subject selected his life companion in tlie
person of Miss Minnie Reubel, a native of Belle-
ville, 111., and their nuptials were celebrated on
the 1st of October, 1882. Her father, Peter Reu-
bel, was eng.aged in the meat business at Belleville.
In 1888, our subject entered the St. Louis Medical
College, and was gi-aduated from that well-known
institution with the degree of M. D. in 1891). Af-
ter this he bought his drug store of A. Kring, and
is now located on the corner of Tenth and Rock-
road Streets. He h.as a fine store, has it well
equipped with new and fresh drugs, and in his dual
capacity of physician and druggist has met with
tlie support and patronage he so richly merits. In
the whole list of professions there are no two usu-
ally kept distinct that admit of more satisfactory
blending than that of the physician and druggist.
The Doctor's marriage has resulted in the birth of
three ciiildren, as follows: Lizzie, Frank and Ar-
thur. In politics, the Doctor is independent.
HOF. G. LEHMAN, President of the East
St. Louis Board of Education, and a musi-
cal instructor of distinguished ability, was
born in Potsdam, Germany, .luue 1 1, 1845,
of Adolph Leiiman, who w.as engaged in the
;sale grocery business in a town near Berlin,
licli business he was very successful. He died
; native land in 1862. His wife was Minna
rl, a native of Potsdam, whose fatiier was a
erous lumber dctUej' of thill place. She still
]""1
lives in Berlin, is a Protestant in her religious
views, and is now about seventy-nine years of age.
Prof. G. Lehman was the fifth of twelve chil-
dren, only two of whom ai'e residents of America.
He attended the gymnasiuni of Potsdam until he
reached the Senior Class in 1863. He inherited
his love of music from both father and mother,
and from the time he was six years of age received
instruction in instrumental music. At the age of
eighteen years, he braved the dangers of an ocean
voyage in a sailing-vessel, taking passage on the
"America" at Bremen, and reaching New York City
fifty-seven days later. He was engaged in teach-
ing instrumental music in that city for four years,
and from 1867 to 1870 followed that occupation
in St. Louis, Mo. In tlie last-mentioned year, he
located in East St. Louis, and until November,
1891, he was one of the most thorough musical in-
structors of the cit3'. He has endeavored to pro-
mote the highest aims in musical culture, and it is
but justice to say that he h.as signally awakened a
taste for classical music, resulting rn its general
dissemination. Upon ab.andoning the calling of a
musical instructor, he began dealing in musical in-
struments, his establishment being on CoUinsville
Avenue. He began business with a determination
to pursue fair, straightforward and honorable
methods in all his transactions; to handle the best
instruments made, and to sell at the lowest possi-
ble prices. This policy has gained the respect and
esteem of all who have dealings with him, and has
built up for Prof. Lehman a profitable business. He
was the first organist of St. Patrick's Church, and
later of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
While giving instrumental instruction to a large
class, he also conducted two or three singing socie-
ties, and became the leader of the Sangerbund So-
ciety, the East St. Louis Singing Society, the Aeo-
lian Society and the East St. Louis Liederkranz,
but has given them all up, as his time is fully oc-
cupied by his business. He is now the leader of
the Scliweizer Maennerchor of St. Louis. His busi-
ness necessitates two salesmen on the road, and he
is constantly extending his connection. He has
made five trips to Europe, in which continent he has
visited all tlie principal places of interest. He was
married in New York to Miss Marie Berger, a na-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tivc of Germany, who came with her patents to
New York when four years of age. Her union
with Prof. Lehman lias resulted in the birth of
four children: Fred H., Ernest .T., Ida L. M. and
Philip A.
In 1887, the Professor was elected President of
tlie Board of Education of East St. Louis, and is
now filling his fifth term. He was largely instru-
mental in raising the standard of the public schools
of the place to equal those of any in the State,
and he is constantly endeavoring to improve them.
He is a warm patron of education, and all measures
of morality find in him an earnest supporter. He
is a memlier of the East St. Louis Protective
Union, and socially, belongs to the Independent
Order of OddFcllows, and the Knights of Pythias;
politically, he is :i Rei)ul>lican of i)i-(inounced type.
h^+^i
^\ API'. WILLIA:\I II. BENNF/rr. The pro-
Ill p fession of law claiins some of the brightest
/^^7 minds of the age, and in the i)roniinence of
its representatives East .St. Louis need not hide her
head. In the affable gentleman whose name intro-
duces this sketch may be found one who thoroughly
understands the vexed questions which only legal
minds can unravel, and who has met with great
success in his practice. He is located on Main
Street in East St. Louis, where he has practiced
since 1872.
The grandfather of our subject, Howard Bennett,
was a native of Virginia and the owner of a large
plantation there. He was proud of his pure English
ancestry, which he could trace back to Saxon pro-
genitors, and was related to the old and influential
Dearing and Lynch families. He carried out in his
life the fine courtcs}' known the world over as be-
longing to the Virginia gentleman of the "old
school." The father of our subject. Col. James D.
Bennett, was born in Campbell County, November
'.}, 1816. In 1832, he was married in Tennessee,
where he engaged in school-teaching and also be-
gan the study of the law, in wliich he was gradu-
ated and adinitled to tlie liar, lie was a Captain
in the Seminole War, in Florida. In 1837, he be-
came manager of his wife's large estate near Harts-
ville,Tenn., and continued thereuntil the breaking-
out of the Civil War.
October 19, 1861, James D. Bennett was chosen
Lieutenant-Colonel of the Seventh Battalion of
Tennessee Cavalry, and with his regiment went into
camp at Epperson Springs, Macon County, Tenn..
AVhcn the Twelfth and Seventh Battalions were
consolidated, he resigned on account of ill-health.
Hut his love for his State was too strong to permit
of his remaining out of the struggle when the
enemy came near. He raised another regiment, and
as Colonel of the Ninth Tennessee Regiment went
into the service under Gen. John H. Morgan, with
whom he took part in the engagement at Harts-
\ille. When he left home the last time, his health
was in a precarious state and he was besought by
his family to remain with them. He replied, "No,
mj- men are going and I will go with them as long
as I am able to ride." However, he was able to go
no farther than Elizabethtown, Ky., and stopped
at the home of Col. Patton, where he died of
typhoid-pneumonia, January 23, 1863, as much a
victim of War as if he had perished at the cannon's
mouth. The remains were sent home in the care
of his faithful bod.y-servant, Jeff, to whom the
kind master had given his freedom and also a farm
of eighty acres.
James Bennett was a generous, kind man, and,
as an instance of his generosity, we may mention
that every year he was accustomed to set aside a
quantity of produce to be distributed through the
neighborhood to those in need. He was ever ready
to assist young men to a start in life, and his poi>-
ularity was not bounded by the artificial barriers
separating counties. In his religious belief, he was
a consistent member of the Christian Church and
carried out the precepts of its founders in his daily
life. The mother of our subject, Martha lIuU hin-
.son, was born near Gallatin, Tenn., and still resides
on her fine property at Hartsville. Her father was
of Scotch descent and was one of the most exten-
sive and successful planters of Middle Tennessee.
The oldest of ten children, our subject was born
in Hartsville, Tenn., June .5, 1845. He was reared
in the place of his birth and attended the academy
:io^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
there. In October, 1861, he joined the Confeder-
ate army and was appointed Orderly-Sergeant of
Company B, Seventh Battalion. He remained with
his father until the latter withdrew, and then he
also came home. He had beenatShiloh,aud in a skir-
mishing expedition around Corinth. In July, 1862,
he re-enlisted and assisted his father in raising the
regiment and became Sergeant-Major of tlie Ninth
Tennessee Cavalry. He was in the battle of Galla-
tin, with Gen. Morgan; at White's Creek; at Mil-
ton, wheie he was made Second Lieutenant for
gallantry on the field; at Gordonsville; then with
Morgan through Tennessee, Kentucky and into
Ohio, engaging in battle at Somerset, Ky., Green
River, Lebanon and Brandenburg, on the Ohio, and
was the third man who jumped off the boat upon
Ohio soil, lie fought in all the minor engage-
ments in Ohio .and Indiana, and was one of the
sixty men sent to cross the Ohio River at Buffing-
ston Island, where Morgan was repulsed.
Our subject was one of the remainder of the
sixty men who escaped from the island and went
on foot three hundred miles through the mountains,
subsisting upon what the}' could And and often
reduced almost to starvation. AVhen the^' reached
Morristown,Tenn., the}' were reorganized, assigned
to Forrest's command, and took part in the battle
of Chickamauga and Wheeler's raid. Capt. Bennett
was at Murfreesboro, Stone River and Laundy's
Ferry. The regiment then encamped at Decatur,
Ala., and later was sent back to Chickamauga. Our
subject was at the right wing in command of the
picket post where Sherman crossed, and was cap-
tured, being the first officer brought to Gen. Sher-
man. He was a prisoner from November 2.3, 1863,
to October 1, 1864, at Johnson Island, Lake Erie,
and was the youngest officer there. On a cold
winter day, with thirty others, he was taken thence
to be exchanged at Richmond, and, proceeding up
the James River, was exchanged at Atkin's Land-
ing. After two months spent at Wytheville, Va.,
he joined his command in time to participate in
the battles of Big Spring and Abingdon. He was
with Gen. Duke, who, hearing of Lee's surrender,
made an attempt to cross the mountains to join
Gen. Johnson. At Charlotte, N. C, the}- found
Jefferson Davis, and our subject was in Duke's
brigade when Davis was captured near Woodstock,
Ga. There the regiment disbanded. But a few
days before tliat our subject was captured by Gen.
Palmer and was kept at Greenville, S. C, for
twenty days, when he was permitted to return
home.
After his hazardous life, Capt. Bennett settled
down in Hartsville and entered the academy to
\ complete an education tli;it tlie clarion of war had
i interrupted. Latei-, he enteicd the l;iw department
I of the Cumberland Univeisity at Lebanon, from
i which he was graduated in 1 869. He began the prac-
tice of his profession with his uncle, the Hon. R^ A.
Bennett, and the Hon. Bailie Peyton, of Gallatin.
There he remained for two years, and it was not
until the fall of 1872 that he came to East St.
Louis. In 1878, he was City Attorney during
the dual (ioverument, and in other ways became
well and favorably known. He has managed some
valuable property and lias been the local attorney
for the Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroad. For
one year he was connected with the firm of Gross,
Voss & Co., real estate men, but since then he has
practiced law. He has been very active in political
matters and has made many campaign speeches for
the Democratic party. Socially, he is a member of
the order of Knights of Pythias. He has adhered
to the religious faith in which he was reared and
attends the Christian Church.
Mr. Bennett was first married in Tennessee, in
1869, to Miss Onie Payne, a native of that State,
who died two years after their union. His second
marriage occurred at St. Louis in 1880, and the
lady who became his wife was Miss Rebecca Crane,
a native of Beaver, Pa. Her life ended in 1888.
The third marriage of Mr. Bennett occurred in
1890, this wife being Miss Zetta Mill v urn, who
was born in St. Louis.
jl#
31^
/^ HARLES CANNADY, the erticient and
(l[^ telligent Superintendent of Schoiils for
^^J(' Clair County, is the gentleman to wli
we call the kind attention of the reader.
Mr. Cannadv is a native son of Illinois, hav
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
been born near where New Memphis Station now
stands, in Clinton County-, IMaidi 3, 1844, being
tlie son of Stephen and Tabitha (Harrymau) Can-
nady. The former was born in Tennessee, coming
to Clinton County in 1833, where he remained for
a few years, and then removed to AVashington
County, the home of Mrs. Cannady. Tiiis lady
w.as the daughter of Charles Harryman,oue of the
old pioneers of the State. In 1867, he left the
State of Illinois and went over into Southwest Mis-
souri, settling in Jasper County, and removing from
there to Lawrence Count}-, where he died November
16, 1886, leaving nine children to mourn his loss, six
of whom were by a later marriage. The two
brothers of our subject were Elijah, a Justice of
the Peace of Belleville, and Stephen D., of Law-
rence County, ]Mo. Mr. Cannady carried on the
occupation of farming all his life and succeeded
in his life work.
Charles Cannady is a finely educated gentleman,
having attended McKeudree College for three
years, and also the Northern Normal School, at
Normal, after which he taught for sixteen years,
giving entire satisfaction wherever he was engaged,
lie took a prominent part in the schools of Mas-
coutah for ten years, being Principal during tliat
time. This gentleman has been interested in edu-
cational matters ever since he attained to man-
hood, and his efforts in this direction have been of
great benefit to the different schools for whose
improvement he has used his knowledge and
no inconsiderable inlluence. Mr. Cannady had
been Principal of the Mascoutah schools up to
the time when elected to fill the office of County
Superintendent, in 1886, and so creditably did he
fulfill all the obligations of his office that he was
again elected to the same office in 1890. He is not,
however, entireh' dependent upon his exertions
for maintenance, as he is the owner of a fine farm
in Shiloh Valley and a pleasant home in Mascoutah.
Our subject was married to Miss Ella A. Wise,
the charming daughter of Adam Wise, an old
settler of Lei)anon, 111., the ceremony occurring
September 5, 1872. These two are the proud par-
ents of six as fine children as can be found
anywhere in the county. These are: Edward
W., at school; Minnie Lee, Aiali A., Orla, Kelsoe
and Julia. One little one, Charles H., aged eight,
was called home on the 25th of March, 1892.
Mr. Cannady is an influential member of Doug-
lass Lodge No. 361, A. E. & A. M., of Mascoutah, of
which he has been Master, and has occupied almost
all of the offices. His family is a superior one,
owing to the fine educations the members are re-
ceiving at the hands of their father, who is a man
of high attainments, and all of them give promise
of developing into accomplished men and women,
who will be a credit to the parents who bore
them.
W. CARTER, 1). D. S. The subject of
this notice is a man of means and promi-
nence in this citj^, and was the first mem-
ber of his profession to locate here. He
came in 1852 and has been in continuous practice
for forty years.
Dr. Carter w.as born in New Hampton, N. H.,
on the 29th of May, 1826, and w.as the son of Levi
and Maiy (Mason) Carter. The father of our
subject belonged to the Carter family whose first
representative to come from the Old World to
America was Thomas Carter, who was boin in
the year 1611. He came to Massachusetts and
sliared in the first division of the town of Salis-
bury, September 4, 1639. His son John was born
in the year 1650, and his son John, in 1688. The
next in line was Thomas, born in 1713; then Moses,
in 1739; and then came Levi, the father of our sub-
ject, who was born May 16, 1788. The latter married
Polly Mason, who was born April 5, 1792, and the
couple lived in New Hampshire, bringing up one
of those sterling families which have gone out
over the world as a leaven to many communities.
The father was a Colonel of the State militia, and
one of the Selectmen on the organization of tlie
town. He died June 6, 1885, at the advanced age
of ninety-seven years, and his wife's demise oc-
curred October 15, 1840. They were members of
the Baptist denomination.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Our subject was reared and educated among the
New Hampshire hills, and when he came to decide
upon a profession he chose that of dentistry, and
entered the otlice of Dr. Williams, of Waterford,
Vt. He began practice in Uniontown, Ohio, and
remained in that vicinit}- for several years, and
then came to this place, where he has occupied the
office on Main Street ever since. He is a mem-
ber of the Southern Illinois Dental Association,
and had a membership in the Masonic fraternity
before he came to Belleville.
The marriage of Dr. Carter took place December
G, 1855, and the bride was Miss Melissa, the daugh-
ter of Samuel Stookey, who was the son of Daniel
Stookey. The mother of Mrs. Carter was jMar^'
E^'mann, who lived on the farm where her daugh-
ter w.as married. Three children were the result of
this marriage: Mary E., who married Robert
Young; Eliza, known as I-yda, who is still al home;
and Samuel Levi, who died May 28, 1882, at the
age of fifteen. The Doctor has been very success-
ful in his practice, and to him the older citizens
turn, as they have so long profited by his skill.
J I. OHN WEBER. The importance of mechani-
j eal and sanitar.y plumbing cannot be over-
j estimated, and it has frequently been proved
' that much of the sickness developed in
many households has been due to deficient work-
manship on the part of the plumber. The least
defect in the piping may cause sickness and death,
as it lias too often done, without the cause being
known until too late. Fevers, etc., lurk in defec-
tive drainage and sewer connecting pipes, and it is
absolutely necessary, therefore, that the work
should be done by a competent sanitarj' plumber.
Prominent among those in this line of business in
Belleville is John Weber, senior member of the
firm of Weber A- Son, with headquarters at No.
19 South Higli Street, where they have been en-
gaged in plumbing and gas-fltting for tlie past four
years. They are live, energetic business men and
are worthy of all success.
The original of this notice was born in Prussia,
Germany, near the Rhine, on the 18th of July,
1833. and his parents, Jacob and Catherine Weber,
were natives of the same country. In the year
1847, the parents decided to cross the ocean to
America, and with their eight cliildren took pas-
sage for this country. The3' settled at Pomeroy,
Ohio, and after one year came to Belleville, 111.,
whore the father followed his trade, that of a shoe-
maker. He died of cholera in 1849, leaving a
widow and the following children: Ottilli, widow
of Andrew Newraann, of Jackson County; Pliilip;
Eve, widow of Jacob Puterer; John, our subject;
Frank; Kate, who died in 1861; Margaret, Mrs.
Neutzling; and Henry, who died in 1866.
Although he attended school for some time in
his native countr}', the principal part of our sub-
ject's education was received in this countiy. At
an early age, he began learning the tailor's trade
and served an apprenticeship of three years in St.
Louis. Later, he worked as a journeyman for
some time and then started a saloon, which he con-
ducted for twenty-seven years.. After this, he ran
tlie West Belleville Post-office until the office was
abolished, and then engaged in plumbing in con-
nection with his son Edward. He is a practical
plumber, thoroughly understands his business, and
is meeting with unusual success. His son, who has
now taken hold of tlie business, has had consider-
able experience and is an expert i)himber and sani-
tary engineer.
The marriage of our subject to Miss Mary Shall,
of Belleville, daughter of Jacob Shall, an old resi-
dent of the city, occurred on the 20tli of October,
1855, and their union has been blessed by the
birth of eight children, who are in the order
of their births as follows: Am3^ Mina; Jacob, now
clerk in the Western Brewery, married Miss Ida
Bartli; Edward S., Louis M.; Anna S., teacher in
the city; Otto, learning a trade in Belleville; and
Ferdinand F., attending school. Mr. Weber is one
of the excellent citizens of the count}', and in
everj' walk of life has conducted liimself with up-
rightness, justice and fairness to his fellow-citi-
zens. To show his appreciation of secret organiza-
tions, he has joined the Odd Fellows' lodge,
Knigiits of Honor, Knights and Ladies of Honor,
^-5^
I
PORTHAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
311
the Ancient Order of Druids, and the Philhar-
monics. He resides at No. 1002 West Main Street.
He lias been Street Inspector of the city for one
year, for ten years was City Trustee, and for four
years was President of tlie Board, and is now serving
his seventeentli year on tlie Board of Education.
=^#^ai-^"i^iiM^
o^' UC4UST FAULBAUM. ^■. 8. The scientific
'■^^A-r'li attainments of tlie veterinary surgeon
/// A liave so advanced, that the dumb animals
1^1 now liave their sufferings relieved equally'
witli the human race. It requires constant study
on the part of the veterinary student and profes-
sors, however, to attain these results, and tlie an-
atomy of the domestic animals is studied as closely
as tliat of man. Among tliose holding a higli po-
sition in tliis profession in Belleville is Dr. Fanl-
liaum, who has been a resident of the city since
1864. He was born in Saxony, Prussia, November
8, 1838, and received his literary and professional
education at Hanover, Magdeburg and Halberstadt.
After a long course of stud^', lie practiced liis pro-
fession one year, during which time he had the
benefit of the instruction and experience of his
fatlier, Cliristian Fanlbaum, who was for many
years a veterinary surgeon in tlie Prussian army.
In September, 1857, Dr. August Faulbaum came
to the United States and first located in Milwau-
kee, Wis., but at the end of two years he removed
to Chicago. When the war cloud which had hov-
ered over the country for so long a time burst in
all its fury, he enlisted from Milwaukee, August
10, 1861. Not wishing to wait for the whole regi-
ment, he was, with the other members of Com-
pany M, transferred by the Government to the
Benton it Fremont Hussars, and later became a
jjart of the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, the consoli-
dation taking place at Helena, Ark. They were
sent to Pea Ridge and Cotton Plant, and were in
many different localities in Kentucky and Missis-
sippi engaged in cavalry raiding. Dr. Faulbaum
received his discharge from the service in October,
1864, after three and a-half years of faithful ser-
vice in the cause he so warmly espoused. Soon
afterward he came to Belleville, and at once re-
sumed the practice of his profession, and has be-
come the leading veterinary surgeon of this sec-
tion. While in the army he was on special service
as veterinary surgeon to look after contagious
diseases, and has been very successful in his treat-
ment of manj' of the most fatal diseases known to
liorses. His practice extends all over the country,
for he devotes his entire time to this occupalion,
and he has won more than a merely local reputa-
tion.
On the 20th of December, 186;"), Dr. Faulbaum
was married to Miss Ida Daueiskc, of Belleville,
who was horn in West Prussia, Germany, and
was brought to America by her parents when ten
years of age. Of eight children born to them, the
following are living at the present time: Minna,
wife of Nicholas Thome; Justus D.; Lena, Mrs.
George Bracke; Adolph, a successful and exjjeri-
enced druggist; Hellmann, Emma and Otto. Au-
gusta became the wife of George Bracke, and upon
her death left an infant named Charles.
Dr. Faulbaum is well supplied with worldh-
goods, and beside his pleasant and very omifort-
able residence at No. 220 Plast Avenue, where his
home has been for the past twenty years, he is the
owner of a fertile farm of ninety acres near Mar-
issa. His career through life has remained un-
tarnished, and he rejoices in the respect and esteem
of a large circle of friends, whose good-will he has
won by his straightforward course, gcnerosily and
natural kindness of heart.
^^lEOBGE FAIINE, Si:., owns and operates two
[ll (—. hundred and sixty-nine acres of land, upon
'^l^^i which he has resided since 1859. This faini
in O'Fallon Township is situated on section 2, and
is under a high state of cultivation and well im-
proved. The owner was l)orn in Langate, Lorraine,
France, in 1828, and is a son of .lean Nickolas
Fahne. The father, heinu- an only son, was thus
312
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
exempt from military duty, and in June, 1832, he
came with his family to America, landing in Xew
Orleans, whence he went up the river to St. Louis,
lie was there offered a block of land just soutli of
tlie court house, but, preferring to live in the
country, he removed to Belleville, and securing
forty acres of land established a brickyard. lie
afterward came to this township, where he purchased
fifty-nine acres and began farming, which he fol-
lowed until his death in 1878, at the advanced age
of eighty-one years. His wife, Maria Magdelena
Faline, died in O'Fallon Township in 1833.
Tlie family of this worthy couple numbered six
childreji: Peter, who married Elizabeth Remind,
died Februar}^ 7, 1878, at the age of 'fifty-seven
years. They had two children: a daughter who
died in childhood, and George, of Murfreesboro,
Tenn. .Mary became the wife of Christoph Baggy,
and removed to Belleville and afterward to Car-
lyle, where she died at the age of sixty-eight years,
leaving four daughters and one son : John, Mary,
Rosa, Annie and Isabel, all of whom live in Car-
lyle. Margaretiia was married, and both she and
her husband died of cholera in 1849, she being
about twenty years of age. The next ciiild died
in infancj'. George, whose name heads this sketch,
is the next >oungei-. Nicholas, horn in 1848, died
April 8, 1869.
Our subject was onh- four years old when he
came to America. ■ Upon his father's farm he was
reared, there working until 1852, when he started
out in life for himself as a farm hand, being thus
employed until his marriage in 1854. He wedded
Phillipine Loyd, who was born in 1833 and died
November 26, 1869. Eight children were born of
that union: John, born July 18, 1854, wedded
Mary Siegel, daughter of George and Louisa Siegel,
and is a farmer of this community. They liave had
five children: Mar_y, twelve years of age; Louisa, a
maiden of ten; C'elia, who died in infancy; Philli-
pina, four years old, and Clara, ten months old.
Elizabeth, the second child of the Fahne family
died in infancy. Mary, born April 27, 1858, is the
wife of AVilliam Schaefer, a resident farmer of
O'F'allon Township, by whom she has six children:
Pliillipina, George, Linda. William. Anna and
Louisa. Conrad died iu infancy. Georye, born
April 3, 1861, was married, in March, 1886, to
Lizzie, daughtei- of Michael and Ann Rock, and
they have three children: Annie, five years of age;
.Iohnnie,who died in infancy, and Phillipina; they
reside on a farm near the old homestead. Philli-
pina, born April 14, 1863, was married February
17, 1887, to Adam Scliildknecht and they have two
children, George and Lill}-, aged respectively four
aud two years. Margaretha, born September 24,
1865, was married, April 11, 1888, to AVilliam
Siegel, a farmer of Madison County, and thej' have
two children, George and Louisa. Michael, born
February 7, 1868, is at home and completes the
family.
After the death of his first wife, Mr. Fahne mar-
ried Mrs. Catherine (Krug) Meyer, widow of John
S. Meyer; she was born December 21, 1824, in Ba-
varia, Germany, landed in New York August 23
1845, and thence went to St. Louis. By her first
marriage, she had two children. The elder, John
N. Meyer, born July 12, 1853, resides on his fa-
ther's farm; he married Lizzie Ensinger and they
have five children: John, Emma, William, Annie
and Caroline. Ileniy W., liorii December 1, 1859,
lives with his brother.
Mr. Fahne of this sketch has engaged in the
operation of his present farm for a third of a cen-
tury. He is industrious and enterprising and is
numbered among the substantial agriculturists of
this community. In religious views, he was form-
erly a Catholic, but at tliis writing is connected
with no church. In politics, he is a Democrat.
^ERNARD TWENllAFEL. Tiie career of
Jl^>\, this gentleman has been one of persever-
^) J; ance and integrity, and has been crowned
with the success which those meet who stead-
ily pursue their way, doing always that winch their
hand findeth to do. Mr. Twenhafel is an exponent
of the fact so frequently stated, .and which so many
young men seem to doubt, "that in acting well
one's part there all the honor lies."
llenuau Twenhafel, the father of our subject.,
PORTRAIT AND 15IOGRAPH1CAL RECORD.
ni3
was !i native of Germany, born in tliat coun-
Uy ill the year 1800. He received a good
iMlueatioii in tlie (rernian common schools, and,
after Hnishino- his course in school, learned the
trade of baker, which he followed for a liveli-
iiood all his life. After serving the customary
live years in the (German armj', Herman Twen-
hafel returned to his trade and married Miss
IJegina Stienker, also a naliveof (iermany. He was
blessed with a family of six children, three of whom
are yet living: Bernard the subject of this sketch;
Hannah, wife of Courad Lautenschlager; and Caro-
line, who is yet in Germany. Herman Twenhafel
and his wife were always active members of the
Lutheran Church.
Bernard Twenhafel, the subject of this sketch, was
born in Germany in the year 1826. He received a
good education in the common schools of his na-
tive country', and, after leaving school, learned
the trade of a cigar-maker, which pursuit he fol-
lowed for a number of years while in Germany.
The fever of emigration seized him in the year
1843, and he accordingly set sail for America in
that year. After arriving in this country, he lo-
cated at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he soon found
work at his trade, and remained there for three
years. Louisville, Ky., was his next place of resi-
dence, and for seven years he remained in that
cit}- working, and, by economy and industry, accu-
mulating a small sum, the nucleus of the prosper-
ity and fortune he now enjoys.
In the year 1853, Mr. Twenhafel dropped his
trade, and, having become impressed witli the pos-
sibilities to be derived from a residence in Darm-
stadt, St. Clair County, 111., he accordingly moved
to that spot, invested his earnings in property
there, and has ever since been identified as one of
the leading citizens of the county. His first busi-
ness venture in this vicinity was the opening of a
general merchandise store, of which he made a
great success, and from which he retired only a
few j'ears ago, having become known as one of the
most reliable and upright merchants in this part
of the State, his active business career in this
community having extended over a period of
t wen ty-s i x years.
One year after his migration to Darmstadt, Mr.
Twenhafel married Miss Appolonia Fruth, daugh-
ter of Adam and Marj' E. (Petei) Fruth, and to
them were born six children: Anna, wife of F. S.
Weekler; Elizabeth, wife of William Ruemmler;
Mary (deceased); Appolonia, wife of Charles Mar-
lock; Philip B. and Gustave (deceased).
Politically, Mr. Twenhafel is a Republican, and
one of the stanchest adherents of his party. He
has always given the heartiest support to the parly
of his choice, and he never hesitates to cast his
vote for the nominee set forth as the leader
thereof. Socially, he is a member of Lodge No.
418. A. F. t^' A. M., of Freeburg, and carries a life
insurance in the same order.
Mr. Twenhafel has increased his lirst i)iirchase
in Darmstadt, St. Clair County, from time to time,
and is at present the possessor of three hundred
acres of choice land here, in addition to his other
.accumulations. He has made a success of life in
every sense of the word. By judicious invest-
ment and careful management, he has acquired a
goodly amount of property, and his record in all
the relations of life and in the duties devolving
upon him as an honorable man and faithful citi-
zen is of the highest. He is now leading a retired
life and enjoying the fruits of his labor.
:>-^^<-i
JljOIIN M. SULLIVAN. Among the varied
I and extensive business operations carried
li on in the thrifty and progressive city of East
^^ St. Louis, there is none that meets witli
more general recognition than that of geneial mer-
chandising. Among those activel}' engaged in it
is .lohn JI. Sullivan, who has one of the linest, if
not the finest, stores in the city and has established
an enviable reputation not only as a wide-awake,
thorough-going business man, but as a citizen whose
honesty and uprightness have never been ques-
tioned.
Mr. Sullivan was born in St. Louis, Mo., on the
6th of May, 1859, and inherits the quick wit and
active brain of his Hibernian ancestors. His
father, Michael Sullivan, w.as a native of County
314
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Cork, Iieland, and was reared to tbe pursuit
of farminar. When still a single man, lie came
to America and settled in St. Louis, where
he was employed as foreman of a brewery and
took charge of the deliver3' department. Later,
he removed to Leavenworth, Kan., filled the same
position in a brewery there, and there received his
final summons in 1866. The last year of his life
he was engaged in the dair}- business in that city.
He was a member of the Catholic Church, as
was also his wife. Mar}' Cogan, who was a native
of Ireland, born in County Cork. Mrs. Sullivan
came with her parents to Cincinnati, Ohio, where
her father tilled th» soil until his death. After
the death of her husband she resided in Leav-
enworth with her children until 1879, when she
moved to East St. Louis, and there died when
sixt3--eight 3'ears of age. Five children were born
to her marri.age, one daughter being deceased.
Our subject was but a babe when his parents
moved to Leavenworth, Kan., and he was the eldest
child. He was reared in that city, where until the
yeai- 1876 he attended the public schools. When
fifteen years of age he served an apprenticeship at
the painter's trade, and on the 6th of July, 1876,
he moved to East St. Louis, where he was employed
in a foundry as painter for one year. After this
he was on the railroad as foreman, and later ac-
cepted a position as night car inspector for the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Shortly
afterward he began attending the St. Louis Business
College and graduated from that institution. On
the 19th of- August, 1884, he embarked in the
grocer}' business, under the firm name of J. M. Sul-
livan & Bros., and has continued business under
this title ever since. Although he began life at
the bottom of the ladder, by good management
and naturally fine qualifications he has attained a
position of which any man might be proud. He
added to his grocery a meat shop etc., and carries a
fine line of nearly everything except dry goods.
This is the largest establishment of the kind in
the city, and is located at'Nos. 100 and 102 South
Fourth Street. The building is 46x70 feet in
dimensions and two stories in height.
In the year 1888, Mr. Sullivan was married to
Miss Maggie A. Murphy, a native of East St. Louis
and the daughter of Michael Murphy, who was
Alderman and for a number of years a member
of the Board of Education. The latter died in this
city. Mrs. Sullivan was educated here and for
several j'ears was Principal of the Franklin School.
Two children have been given Mr. and Mrs. Sulli-
van, Mary and .lay Martin. In 1885, Mr. Sulli-
van was elected a member of the Board of Educa-
tion and for the last three years he was President
of the Board. In 1887, he ran for the office of
Mayor on the Labor ticket but was defeated by a
small majority. He was at that time a member of
the Knights of Labor. In 1890, he was appointed
a member of the Board of Election Commissioners
of East St. Louis by Judge Boenau and was made
chairman, which position he has held ever since.
Socially, he is a member of the Catholic Knights
of Illinois. He is a member and Director of St.
Patrick's Building and Loan Association, and is a
worthy member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. In
politics, he is a Democrat.
L^p^HEO. ^'()<i^ is a wholesale liquor dealer
//y^v, of East St. Louis. In this age of gross and
^V^^' almost universal adulteration, it is a pleas-
ure to be able to refer to those reliable houses
where the public are assured of obtaining only the
purest and best goods and where no imposition is
practiced upon credulous patrons. Of such is the
responsible establishment of Mr. Vogt, of which he
has had the management since 1888, his house of
l)usiness being lo(-ated on Broadway. He was born
at Huelschotten, near Attendorn, Westphalia, Ger-
many, November 28, 1849, to Peter and Elizabeth
Vogt, the former of whom was a worker in iioii
and a farmer by occupation. He was in an artillery
regiment in the Prussian army and died in 1871.
at the age of sixty-five y.ears. His widow died in
1877, when about seventy years of age.
Theo. Vogt is one of two surviving inemhers
of the family of five children, born to his parents,
his sister Marguerite, Mrs. Schulte, being a resident
of St. Louis, Mo- He was reared to a farm life in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
315
German}', obtained a common-school education,
and at the age of eighteen j^ears went to Radevorm- !
wald in tlie Rhine country, where he learned the I
tanner's trade, at which he worlicd until 1869. In
the fall of tliat 3'ear, he took passage at Bremen
on tiie sailing-vessel "Cosmus" for America, and i
reached the citj' of New Yorlv after a voyage of
thirty-eight days. After working a short time in i
the metropolis of the New World, he came to St. |
l.ouis. Mo., in Januar}', 1870, and for ten months 1
thi'reaftcr worked at his trade. In 1870, lie entered
I'iona College, St. Francis, Milwaukee County,
Wis., completing the course after an attendance
of two years and six months. He then came to
O'Fallon, 111., where he taught in the parish scliool
for one term, then came to East St. Louis, and for
six years thereafter was a teacher in the pulilic
schools of this city.
For eighteen months our subject traveled over
several States for the firm of Harold des Giaubens,
whicji experience was very valuable to him. He
llien started in the grocery business at No. 1601
Morgan Street, St. Louis, but three years later pur-
eliased a retail liquor house in that city. In 1888,
he sold liis establishment tiiere, and bought tlie
wholesale liquor establishment of Paul Abt, in East
St. Louis, which was located on Missouri Avenue,
and was a brick building, two stories high, with a
frontage of forty feet. In 1891, he built his pres-
ent fine brick establishment, which has a sixteen-
foot frontage on Broad waj-. It is a two-story
building, veiy finely furnished, has an elevator
and is heated by furnace. This is considered the
handsomest block on Broadway and is a credit to
the town.
Mr. Vogt is interested in mines in Colorado, has
an exceptionally liandsome residence at No. 420
North Seventh Street, whicli was erected at a cost
of $10,(100, and is tiie owner of otiier valuable
|iro|ierty. He was married in P^ast St. Louis, in
1878, to Miss Lizzie de Haan, who was born in
Coin, Germany, a daughter of Capt. John de Haan.
She was reared and educated in St. Louis, AIo., and
lias borne lier husband tlie following children : Kate;
Ida; Gertrude, who died at the age of three years;
'I'lieo; Eniil;and Margaret. ]\Ir, Vogt and ids fam-
ily attend St. llejiry's Church, lie belongs to the
Catholic Knights of America, and in politics is in-
dependent, casting his vote for the one he consid-
ers the best man. He is a pushing, enterpris-
ing young merclianl and is deservedly popular
with all with whom he h.as dealings. His goods are
of the finest quality and are quoted at tlie lowest
prices.
m
ENJA:MIX PAlMvEH (;KEEN. There arc
very few counties in tlie United States that
do not contain men wlio have prosecuted
a successful career, rising from poverty to
)oteuce by dint of energy and industry, coup-
led with good management. An example of this
kind in St. Clair County was found in the person
of the gentleman whose name introduces these
paragraphs and whose home was located on section
28,- Marissa Township. There he owned a good
estate, which was supplied with every needful out-
building and a substantial residence. His life was
brought to a close April 11, 1890, when sixty-eight
years of age.
He of whom we write was born in County An-
trim, Ireland, in 1822. He was the son of Sir
Francis and Rebecca Green, botli of wliom weie na-
tives of the Emerald Isle, and on coming to America
were pioneers in St. Clair County. Benjamin P.
of this sketch Ijeing reared to farm pursuits, when
ready to choose an occupation in life followed that
line of business, and, being a man of more than or-
dinary push and enterprise, was very successful in
his undertaking.
The lady to whom Mr. (Jrci'U was nuuried in
1865 was Miss Sarah, daugiitcr of .Inincs and
Elizabeth (Kilpatrick) Gitty, and, like her husband.
was also born in County Antrim, Ireland, in the
year 1832. Her father was a linen weaver in that
country, which occupation he followed until his
decea.se. Mrs. Green is the only member of the
family of seven children who came to America,
three of her brothers and sisters dying when young.
Her paternal grandfather, Henry Gitty, Sr,, was
born in the same house in Ireland where his sou
316
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRARHICAL RECORD.
James was born. Mrs. Green came to America
when twenty-eight years of age, in company witli
licr cousin, William Gipson, and, locating in this
county, was married the following year to our sub-
ject. Their union has been blessed by the birth of
ten children, of whom those living are: Thomas L.;
Jane R., wife of Edward Johnson; Charles M. and
Robert J. (twins); Henry E.; William P.; Herbert
G.; and Jose|)hine, Jlrs. Charles Edminson.
l^+^-[
YMAN T. CARR. The gentleman whose
name stands at the opening of this short
^ sketch has the honor to be the Justice of
the Peace for Smithton Township, in which he has
a fine farm, he being one of the most influential
farmers of his locality.
Mr. Carr is the son of William Carr, who was
born in St. Clair County, February 24, 1809. The
latter was the son of Abner Carr, who came to this
county from Virginia and settled in this township,
where he entered land from tlie Government.
Here his son William grew to manhood and mar-
ried Miss Sarah Miller, daughter of Reuben Miller,
one of the pioneers of Monroe County. After the
marriage of Mr. Carr, he located in Prairie Du
I>ong Township, where he continued to live until
1861, when he went to Randolph County and en-
tered land and continued to live foi- six years.
This gentleman was a brave .soldier in the Black
Hawk War, defending his county from the en-
croachment of the .savage Indian. He and his es-
timable wife were the parents of ten children, five
(if win mi are still living.
Our suliject .first saw the lighf of day Deccml)er
•2'J, 1839, in St. Clair County, in the old home-
stead, and here he was reared and educated in the
common schools of the period, remaining witli his
father until his marriage in 1862, wlien he settled
on a farm in Randolph C<iunl\ . and there re-
mained for fifteen years. In 1876, he came to St.
Clair County and located at Douglas, where he re-
mained for three years and then went further
south, but after n. short residc^nce (•anietotlie \)\:\.fv
he now occupies, on section 15, Smithton Town-
ship, where he has a fine farm of two hundred and
twenty acres, one hundred and eighty acres of which
are in a high state of cultivation, and on which he
raises corn principally.
Mr. Carr was married in 1862 to Miss I-^lizabeth
Adams, the accomplished daughter of Andrew
Adams, of Randolph County, where he was an .ex-
tensive farmer. This lady departed this life in
1870, leaving two children, Clara and Cora. In
1881, Mr. Carr was again married, this time to
Mrs. Redcnhouse, whose maiden name was Ellen
Woods. She has borne him three children, Rupert
L., Flora E. and Paiilin.i, all bright, interesting
children.
Mr. Carr belongs to Lodge No. lis, A. F. iV- A.
M., of Freeburg, 111. Politically, he upholds the
principles of the Democratic party, by whom he
was ekcted to the office of Justice of the Peace
three years ago, which office he still holds in
a manner entirely satisfactory to all parties con-
cerned.
-^-^^1®^®!^^
If ENRY KNOBELOCII, a prosperous farmer
Hjl on section 27, Shiloh Valley Township.
'M^^ was l>orn on the same farm where he now
(^ resides in 1860. He is a son of Balthazar
and Elizabeth (Leibrock) Knobeloch. His father
is still living and resides also on section 27. He
was born m Darmstadt, Germany, in 1819, and was
a .son of John AV. and Mary (Ma_y) Knolicldcli.
natives of Olmstadt, Germany. The grandfather
of our ^ullje(•f was ben n in 1777, and his grand-
mother 111 1781. lie was a farmer by occupation
in the Fatherland, and brought his family to the
United States in 1832. He at once .set out for Il-
linois and inirchased a farm in St. Clair Countw
the identical faiiii now owned by his.son. He had
a large farm in ( ieriiiany, which he sold before
emigrating to the New AVorld. Thus provided
with several thousand dollars, he was enabled to
purchase about four hundred and twenty aeies of
fertile i)ro|)erty. lie reared ,'i f;nilily of foiir soiis
rOETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
317
and one daughter, all of whom have since passed
away, with tlie exception of our subject's father.
They were all reared in the Protestant religion
and had fair school advantages. John Knobeloch
died in 1835, and his wife survived him until she
too was called to the Better Land, in 1857.
The father of our subject received a good com-
mon-school education in the Old Country, and
lived with his mother until his marriage, which oc-
curred when he was twenty-nine j'ears of age.
Tiie lady of his choice was I"]lizalieth, daughter of
Lawrence and Eve Leiljrock. To Mr. and Mrs.
Knobeloch were born nine children: Margaret,
the wife of .J. C. Koska; Sophia, .Tulius, George,
Henry; Elizabeth, the wife of J. C. Hacket; Mol-
lie. now deceased; Emma and Rudolph, also de-
ceased. The father carried on the occupation of
farming on the homestead with his brothers for
seventeen years, when his father's estate was di-
vided and he is now the owner of about sixteen
hundred and twenty acres of land.
Henry Knobeloch, whose name heads this sketch,
passed his boyhood daj's on the farm and grew to
manhood under the parental roof. His education
was received in the district schools and in the
town of Belleville. When twenty-four years of
.age, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth M.
Meyer, who is a daughter of Conrad and Barbara
(Bergan) Meyer. Mr. Meyer was a native of Baden,
German}', where he was born in 1829. He was
reared to city life and learned the stone-cutter's
trade. AVhen twenty years of age, he enlisted in
the array and served there for a period of about
one year. He then left his Fatherland and crossed
the broad Atlantic to the United States, where he
remained about three years. He then made
a visit 1(1 his native country, was there mar-
ried, and after a short time again sailed for
the New World. Arriving in this country with
his bride, he went to St. Louis, and there
made his home. In 1861, he entered the United
States army, in Company C, Thirty-fourth
Illinois Regiment. After his discharge from the
service, he went to Mascoutah, where he r.an a saw-
mill, and in addition carried on the labors of a
farm. He and liis wife reared a family of ten
children, of wlmn) th"' wife of ovir subiect is the
fifth in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Knobeloch
have one daughter, Gussie.
After the marriage of our subject, he continued
to live with his father on the home farm for two
years, and then removed to Mascoutah, where he
resided for about a year. At the expiration of
that time, he returned to his father's farm, where
he has since made his home. He is a member of
the Farmers' ^Mutual Benefit Association, and also
liolds raenihersliip with the IX O. H. Politically,
he is a stanch advocate of Democracj'. Though
comparatively a 3'oung man, he has already shown
marked business ability, and has shown great en-
terprise and industry in his care of the homestead.
He is widely and favorably known in this county,
where he has resided since his birth.
^m MSON BAER, of liaei- Bros., dealers in horses
C@/u[| and mules, is one of the enterprising busi-
lll vk ness men of the townsiiip where he lives.
<^ He is a native of Germany, having been
born in Wurtemberg, August 8, 1851. He was
reared and educated in his native land, where he
remained until he had reached the age of seventeen,
when he crossed the ocean and came to this town in
1869, his brother Aaron having preceded him. He
was engaged in the same business, that of dealing
in horses, from the first.
The first partnership which our subject formed
was that of Lowenstein and Baer Brothers,which did
business at the same place thej' now occupy. In
1882, the name was changed to Baer Brothers, and
they have done a heavy business ever since. Their
stables and otHce are at High .'ind Washington
Streets, Belleville, 111. They have a large brick
barn, 40x100 feet, with an addition in the rear of
one hundred and fifty-tw.o feet. They do a very
large business, handling from five to six hundred
mules and horses a month, being the exclusive
sellers and exchangers of horses.
Mr. Baer was married in this town to Miss Sadie
Sanger, who is a native of the pKace, having been
318
PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAnUCAL RECORD.
born here February 6, 1865. The ceremony took
pl.ice November 4, 1885. They have three bright
iiitellinent children, Harry, Eugene and Herschel.
Mr. Uacr is a member of tlie Schar Enieth Con-
gregation at .St. Louis. He is a good business
man and has established and built up a fine busi-
ness that yields a good income. • He and liis charm-
ing wife are highly respected tliroughouttlie town-
shi|), and resides in a fine bi ick home on Wash-
ington Street, which ]Mr. IJaer i)uilt.
ikM. ^^^'^^ ^^- ^■^'•J^I'^'KY. The gentleman to
whom we call the attention of our readers
is a prominent and influential farmer of
St. .Clair- Township, where he operates an
excellent estate of eighty acres, all well improved.
He is serving his third term as Townsliip Supervi-
sor, which position he has filled witli credit to
himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents.
Our subject was born November 23, 1839. _ His
father, who also bore the name of Moses, was
born in Hardy County, Va., in 1798, being a son
of Daniel Stookey anda brother of Elijah Stookey
( for wliom see sketch). Moses Stookey, Sr., married
Elizabeth Anderson, a native of tlie Keystone
State, who was born in 1805 and died sixt3'-three
years later, in 1868. They were the parents of
eleven chihhen, but only three beside our sub-
ject are living. Tliey are as follows: Elizabeth,
now Mrs. Wood; Jolin D., wlio resides on a farm
adjoining that of our subject; and Dr. L. P., of
Belleville, whose sketch will be found on another
p.age of this volume.
In his boyhood, our subject received a common-
school education in his district, attending school
during the winter term and working on his fathei's
farm in the summer. He grew to a stalwart man-
hood,well-fitted to bear his part as an intelligent ag-
riculturist and a public-spirited citizen. Thought-
ful by nature, he prefers to deliberate over matters
of importance rather than express an opinion
hastily, but his itlens when presented are worthy of
tlue consideration. Besides his line farm, he owus
forty acres in Smitbton Township and forty acres
in Millstadt Township.
In 1862, Mr. Stookey married Miss Mary Adams,
who lived to bless his home for twelve years, and
wns then taken away by the dread angel. Death,
February 27, 1874, leaving two children, Alonzo
and Barbara, who are unmarried and at home. Mr.
Stookey was again married, in 1879, the lady of his
choice being Miss Mahala, daughter of John and
Nancy Little. Mrs. Stookey was born near Mill-
stadt in 1850. Her mother is still living and re-
sides in Kansas. Throughout the community where
she resides, Mrs. Stookey is well known for her
sweetness of disposition and kindly consideration
of all with whom she comes in contact.
Sir. Stookey' is one of the representative men of
the township, in which he has been ver3- promi-
nent, especially in political matters. He u|)holds
the principles of Democracy with vigor and enthu-
siasm, and uses his influence in behalf of the party
of his choice. Alike devoted to i)ublicand private
iiiterest>. hi.-, career as citizen and farmer is one of
fi
^#i#^i^..|^i|lM.
ONJIAD AHLERS, who represents Lenzburg
., Township on the Count}' Board of Super-
^^y visors, also operates a tine farm of one hun-
dred and twenty acres, part of which was left him
by his father, and which is pleasantly located on
section 12. He is a thorough tiller of the soil,
having been reared to that occupation, and has
carried it on successfully for a number of years.
His property is well improved, well stocked, and
in all respects an attractive and valuable piece of
land.
Our subject was born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1847,
and is a son of William niid Christina (Schultz)
Ahlers, who were natives of (ierniaiiy, the father
being born February 1. 1801, and the mother in
1807. William Ahlers was a shoemaker by trade,
which occupation he followed during the greater
part of his life. Ho wtismurrieil in his nati\eland,
soon after which event lie cau»e U) Aaierica, in
VI 'ii^ .ii*
RESIDENCE OF COf^RAD AH LtR5 , SEC . 12 LENZBURG TP,5T. CLAIR CO, ILL
JT I Ji'
.* .».^
J
^ill|ipiPPilWiii||iiipiip
i€'W- ^
RESIDENCE OF M.M.STOOKEY, SEC,32 , ST. CLAI R IP ST. CLAIR COJLL.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHieAL RECORD.
321
1833, making his first location in Baltimore, where
he resided for several years. Thence he went to
Pittsburgh, Pa., later to St. Louis, Mo., and finally
with his family came to Dutch Hill Prairie, this
county, where he engaged in farming. He was re-
garded with a high degree of respect by his neigh-
bors and acquaintances, and was a man of energy
and prudence.
Our subject is the fourth in order of birtli among
five children who grew to mature years, three dy-
ing in infancy. Those first mentioned are: Charles,
who is now deceased; Henry, Louisa, Conrad and
Fred. In religious affairs, the father was a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church, and politically always
voted the straight Democratic ticket.
He whose name heads this sketch remained on
the home farm until after his marriage with Miss
Mary Breadweiser, wliich was solemnized in 1870.
Mrs. Aiders is the daughter of William and Doro-
thea Breadweiser, the former a carpenter by trade.
She presides with dignity and efficiency over her
liome, looking carefull_v to the welfare of the
household. The two children born to herself and
husband are deceased. Mr. Ahlers is a man of true
religious principles, and belongs lo the Lutheran
Church. He is one of the most public-spirited and
progressive men in his township, which he is serv-
ing in the capacit}' of Supervisor and Justice of
the Peace.
H. ALEXANDER S. HALSTEAD, a mem-
ber of tlie dental firm of Halstead it Woelk.
is justly regarded as one of the thoroughly
reliable and etticienl masters of tlie den-
tal profession in Belleville, 111., and has won an
enviable reputation for the careful, skillful manner
in which he performs all operations. The firm is
well provided with ever3--new improved appliance
for making the extraction of teeth as easy and pain-
less an operation as possible, and they also preserve
the natural teeth and fill them. Their operating
roum is equipped with the latest impioved operat-
15
ing chairs and with the best instruments known to
the profession.
Dr. Halstead has practiced his profession in
Belleville, 111., since the j'ear 1886, and has recently
taken his former student, Robert Woelk, into the
business with him. Mr. AVoelk is very familiar
with the dental business, is highly respected in
social as well as professional circles, and is a young
man of sterling worth.
Dr. Halstead was born in Shiloh Nallej- Town-
ship, this county, on the loth of December, 1853,
and is a son of A. S. Halstead, Sr., who was one of
the early settlers here, coming from Covington,
Ky.. in 1808. The latter married Miss Eliza J.
Scott, of St. Louis, Mo., but a native of Quincy,
III. Her father, Dr. W^illiam Scott, located in
Shiloh Valley, this county, in the year 1844.
After the death of her husband, which occurred
when our subject was but three months old, Mrs.
Halstead made lier home with her father for many
years. She is now residing at Santa Barbara, Cal.,
with a daughter, Josie A., wife of William Rainey,
formerly of Nashville, 111. Our subject was reared
principally in his native county and was educated
in McKendree College, Lebanon, later teaching
school for a short time. He passed an examination
for cadetship at Champaign, but instead attended
the school of pharmacy at St. Louis. Later, he at-
tended the St. Louis Medical College for two years,
after which he practiced dentistry, and following
this he attended the St. Louis Medical and the Mis-
souri Dental Colleges, graduating from both insti-
tutions.
Our subject first located at Mascoutah, but later
came to Belleville, as above mentioned. He docs
not practice medicine but has built up a large
practice in dentistry and is one of the leading, act-
ive dentists of the day. What time he can spare
from his profession he devotes to horticulture, and,
as he owns one and a-half acres on Sycamore Street,
the most of this is utilized in that occupation. In
connection, he also owns a retail store for cut
flowers and candies at No. 1202 Olive Street, St.
Louis. He owns considerable real estate in the
county near the city, about four hundred acres, or
one-fourth of an undivided sixteen hundred acres.
While residing in Mascoutah, he >vfis engaged in
322
jfORTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
general merchandising in addition to his pro-
fession. He is a member of both tlie Illinois and
Missouri State Dental Societies, and, socially, is
identified with the Knights of Honor.
Dr. Ilalstead selected his wife in the person of
Miss Kate Kunz, of Mascoutah, daughter of Charles
Kunz, one of the old business men of that place,
who was prominent as a miller, merchant and dis-
tiller. This marriage occurred on the 20th of
April, 1879, and three children have been born to
them, namely: Dora, Louisa and Charles Koester.
In all laudable enterprises. Dr. Halstead takes a
deep interest, and he and his admirable wife are
classed among the foremost citizens.
J' OHN JACOB EBEHHART owns a farm on
section .3, Caseyville Township. lie was
born in Germany, his birth iiaving occurred
in Wurtemberg, in 1821. He is a son of
Ludwicli and Barbara Eberhart, both natives of the
same country and born in the same province. Our
subject received his education in the common
schools of his native laud and there grew to man-
hood. He resided under the parental roof until
thirty years of age. When about eighteen he was
apprenticed to a baker in order to learn that trade.
Tliis occupation he followed until coming to the
United States. Leaving his parents, friends and
country, he crossed the briny deep in 1850. He
(irst located iu Massachusetts, where for four years
he engaged at work in a woolen factoiy. Then
believing that the West afforded better opportuni-
ties for advancement and for making a fortune, he
came to Illinois, settling in Collinsville. For
seventeen years he worked at his trade at that
point, and with the careful savings of years pur-
chased land in Madison County, just across the
line from where he now lives. He resided on that
farm for many years, and then purchased ninety-
three acres in Caseyville Township, this county,
on whicli he settled in 1886. His property has
greatly increased in value and has been brouglit
!ii)(ler a liigli stMte of cijltivation since coming
into ills possession. To achieve this result he has
devoted all of iiis time and attention, and well
merits the reward of his labors.
In the year 18.t1, Mr. Eberhart was married to
Miss Barbara Muchler, of Massachusetts. She is a
daughter of Andrew and Catherine Muchler, of
that State. Mr. and Mrs. Eberhart have three liv-
ing children: Gottlieb, who married Elizabeth
Ambrosias, and has two children, Herman and
Theodore; Barba and Mary. John died when young.
In politics, Mr. Eberhart is non-partisan, con-
sidering it alwa_ys best to vote for the man rather
than the party. He fulfills the duties of citizen-
ship with fidelity, and is much interested in all
measures calculated to advance tlie best interests
of the community and Slate. He is a loyal citi-
zen of his adopted country and takes an active
part in everything tending to advance her pros-
perity. He and his family are wortliy and hon-
ored members of the Lutheran Churcli.
l>^^-<m
'ji^iRANCIS M. BEGOLE. an extensive farmer
|-W^ of Caseyville Township, owns and operates
/1\ a farm on section 3. He was born in this
county, in the same township, in 1838, and is a
son of Joshua and Mary (Terry) Begole. The fa-
ther was born in Maryland, near Hagerstown, in
1792. His wife was a native of St. Clair County,
where her birth occurred in 1808. On the father's
side of the family he is a descendant of the
Huguenots, many of whom came to America
after their persecution in France. Joshua Be-
gole was reared to manhood on a farm, and re-
ceived but a limited education in the common
schools. When young, he removed to Genesee
County, N. Y., and lived there for a number of
years. At about thirty 3'ears of age, turning his
face Westward, he came to Illinois, and located in
St. Clair County. For a short time he worked by
the month on a farm, until he had settled where
he should purchase land. He then, in company
with his brother-in-law, Eliva Lankeste. purchased
ftboLit one hundred and sixty acres of laud on
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
323
favorable terras and long time. When he came to
the West, he was without means, hut through in-
dustry' and good business investments accumulated
about eight hundred acres of fine land.
On the 2d of March, 1824, Mr. Begole wedded
Mary Terry, a daughter of George and Sarah
Terry, of this county. To them were boi'u a fam-
ily of twelve children, three of whom died when
young. Those who grew to adult age were William
R., now deceased; Frank; Sarah, the wife of Gideon
Leinen; Andrew, also deceased; Mary, who was the
wife of Levi Piggott, and has now departed this
life; James M., deceased; F. M., our subject; Cyrus
S.; and Cynthia, who is the wife of Edwin Lemen.
This family were all members and supporters of
the Baptist Church, wliei'e they were highly es-
teemed. Politically, the father belonged to the
old Whig party, and later was a supporter of the
Republican part3\ For eight years he was Justice
of the Peace, the duties of which position he trans-
acted with abilit}' and wisdom.
At the age of twenty-three, our subject lentod
his father's farm and proceeded to devote his at-
tention to agricultural pursuits. He had pre-
viously received a good education in the common
schools, and to this he has constantly added by
study and good reading, and is now a well-in-
formed man, thoroughly inteiested in the great
issues of the day. After fai'ming for some years,
his father gave him a tract of one hundred and
fifteen acres. To this he has added until he now
has six hundred and forty-five acres of as fine land
as can be found in the county. He has devoted
his entire time and care to the development and
improvement of this property, and his efforts have
been blessed with marked success. On every hand
is seen the evidence of the thrift and i)r<)gressive
spirit of the owner.
On the 2d of March, 1887, Mr. Hegole was mar-
ried to Miss Clara Lemen, daughter of Isaac and
Caroline (Hogan) Lemen. To our worthy subject
and his estimable wife two children have been
born: Charles E. and Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. Begole
are Baptist in religious f.iitli. being memlieisof tlie
Bethel Chapel.
In polities, Ml% Begole is a stanch supporter of
the principles of the Republican party, to which
he gives his warm support. For over fifty years
he has lived in this county, and is widely and
favorably known throughout this section. Hisin-
rtuence is always cast on the side of right, and in
all local affairs he takes an active part. He is con-
sidered to be a man of sterling worth and honor-
able character, and has won by these qualities many
friends, who esteem him as highl3' as he deserves.
^#^
,^UGUST BARTHEL, M. A.. LL. B. The
W-"!, original of this brief notice is the City
jl 11 Attorney for Belleville, and one of the
(l^ firm of Bartliel <k Farmer, lawyers. His
parents, Henry and Anna (Bumb) Barthel, were
natives of Germany, and were born in Hesse-
Cassel and Bavaria, respectively. The father's
birth took place August 28, 1828, and ten years
later he came to this county. He still lives in
Freeburg, engaged in busine.ss, but his wife died in
1872.
Our subject was born at Freeburg, in this county,
November 3, 1861, and was educated at the college
of the Christian Brothers in St. Louis, and was grad-
uated as a Bachelor of Arts in 1883, after which he
was a year in the law office of Turner & Iloldor, of
this city. He then attended the law department
of the AVashington Fniversity in St. Louis, and
was graduated in the Class of '86 as LL. B. He
was admitted to the Bar in Missouri, in May, 1886,
and was admitted by examination to Mt. Vernon m
August, 1886, and is now permitted to practice in
the federal courts by virtue of his graduation. He
located for practice in the city of Belleville with
James M. Hay until 1888, when he went to Kansas
City, Kan., and remained there practicing for fif-
teen months. He then returned to this citj', and
in 1889 he again went into partnership with Mi-.
Hay, and so continued until September, 1891, when
he formed a partnership witli James A. Farmer,
and the firm lias continued very successfully
ever since.
Mr, Barthel was elected City Attorney April 7,
1891, for a term of two years, .-vnc] lie gtill holds
324
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the office, which he has fllled to the satisfaction of
the city. He was the Village AttoiEey of Freeburg
for several years, and was also the Secretary of tlie
Fair Association of Belleville.
Our subject, January 15, 1890, was united in
marriage with Miss Angelina Reichert. of Freeburg,
who is the accomplished daughter of Joseph and
Maria Reichert, two of the old settlers of Free-
burg. Both Mr. and Mrs. Barthel are highly re-
garded for their social qualities, and Mr. Barthel is
regarded as one of the most promising of the
young professional men of the flourishing cit_v of
Belleville.
ylLLIAM A. DARROW, who owns and op-
erates three hundred and fifty-four acres
of land on sections 27, 28,22 and 15,
O'Fallon Township, was born March 19, 1837. His
father, Charles B. Harrow, was born September 19,
1806, and the grandfather was born in Seneca
County, N. Y., in 1872. For a number of years,
lie lived on a large farm east of O'Fallon. In
connection with farming, he was also a minister
of the Baptist Church and a carpenter. In 1848, he
removed to Collinsville, where his death occurred
the following year at the age of eighty-two years.
His wife was a native of Vei iiiont and died on the
old home farm in 1855.
Charles B. Darrow, the father of our subject, was
married in Randolph County, K. Y., February 12,
1826, to Sarah Peach, and they afterward removed
to the old Darrow homestead near O'Fallon, where
the father engaged in farming until his death, with
the exception of a period he spent in the lead
mines of Iowa. He died October 28, 1839. His
wife long survived him and died at the home of
her son, Washington Darrow, December 27, 1891,
at the age of eighty-seven years. Their family
numbered six children: Lucinda, born January 2,
1827, is the wife of C. J. F. Bridges, who resides
near Oak Hill Church. Of their seven children,
f.mi- aiv livhio-: -WilliMm, n \KUuU-y „f Decatur,
111.; Hiram, a painter and paper-hanger of Decatur;
i Leonard, a gardener of O'Fallon; and Alonzo, a
tinsmith, who resides with his mother. George
Washington, born February 26, 1829, is farming
near O'Fallon. He married Dricilla A. Stites, and
of their eight children, six are yet living: Alice,
after the death of her first husband, Theodore
! Peach, married George Ogle, of O'Fallon; Lizzie is
' the wife of Walter Lemon, of East St. Louis; Heber
is married; Lucy is the wife of Frank Wade, a
school teacher of O'Fallon; Aithur, aged eighteen,
and Maud, fourteen years of age, complete the
family. Lucy Lord, born November 24, 1831, is
I the wife of Daniel Donivan. She died in Duquoin,
in 1878, leaving eight children: Horace, who is
I married and resides in Montana; Alonzo, who is
married and makes his home in Washington;
i Amanda, wife of Willard Thing, of Duquoin;
I Ellen is living with Alonzo; Charles is married
and resides in Gaylord, Kan.; Virginia is the wife
of FAi House, of Duquoin; Herbert is married and
resides in Duquoin, and John is living near O'Fal-
lon. Mary Amanda, the fifth child of the Darrow
family, was born July 16, 1834, and died Sep-
tember 4, 1853. Charles, born March 23, 1840, mar-
ried Mary Dwyer and is living on the old home
farm. They had six children, four yet living:
Oliver, of Denver; Nellie, Willard and Junette,
at home.
Tlie subject of this sketch was educated in the
common schools and remained on the home farm
until his marriage. lie wedded Malvina, daughter
of Mary and William Simmons, their union being
celebrated near O'Fallon March 3, 1859. They
became the parents of eight children, as follows:
Elijah, born January 21, 1860, was married March
7, 1888, to Emma Carter, daughter of Ilarriman
Carter, of Chicago, and is engaged in farming.
George, born July 30, 1862, owns a creamery in
O'Fallon. Mary Addie, born January 22, 1865,
became the wife of Charles R. Peach, March 7,
1889, and they have one child, Edna. Mr. Peach is
connected with the Electric Light Company of
Denver. Frank B.,born October 20, 1867, died April
14, 1868. Fannie, born December 28, 1869, is at
home. Eva, born January 3, 1873, died January
r.t, 1871. Lora Amanda, born J:|iuiarv 4, 1875,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
325
and Joseph August, born Deceniber 31, 1887. com-
plete the family.
Upon his marriage, Mr. Barrow located upon
the farm of his father-in-law, where he lived until
1864. He tlieu removed to the farm which has
since been his home. He now owns and operates
three hundred and fifty-four acres of highly im-
proved land and is recognized as one of the pro-
gressive and prominent farmers of tliis community.
In politics, he is a Prohibitionist. He has served
as Highway Commissioner and School Director,
and was Trustee of the schools of the township for
thirteen years. Since 1854, he has been a member
of the Baptist Church, and his upright life and
many excellencies of character have won him the
high regard of all with whom he has been brought
in contact.
i^H-^i
<^ MLLIAM B. ENGELMANN is a resident
\rJ// of P^ngelman Township, where he occu-
\y\v pics a position as one of the best and most
successful farmers of the locality. His excellent
farm is located on section 20, and here it is that
this honored man pursues his agricultural life. In
addition to his farm duties, our subject has the
honor of being the Township Clerk, which posi-
tion has been his since 1884.
Mr. Engelmann was the son of Theodore Engel-
mann, who was born in Winnweiler, Rhenish Ba-
varia, Germany, July 16, 1808. IMr. Engelmann,
Sr., was educated in the best universities of his
native land and studied for the Bar. In the
year 1833, in consequence of liis alfiliations with
a Revolutionary movement, he was forced to
leave his native countrj' and sought a home
in America. The first location o' this gentle-
man was in St. Clair County, where he had the
honor of being one of the earliest settlers of this
count}'. After remaining here for some time, he
went to St. Louis, where he engaged in newspaper
work and in the real-estate business.
In 1840, Mr. Engelmann returned to St. Clair
County and located in Belleville, where he was
appointed Deputy Circuit Clerk, which position he
held until elected to the oltice of Circuit Clerk.
At the expiration of his term of ofBce, he engaged
in the practice of his profession and continued to
reside in Belleville until 1860, when he removed
to Engelman Township, which bears his honored
name, and settled on the farm our subject now oc-
cupies, and here this respected and honored citi-
zen resided until his death, March 7, 1889. In
1845, he had married Miss Johanna Kriblien, of
St. Louis, who is still living.
Mr. Engelmann had four children who grew
to maturity, and three of these are still living.
These children are: Bertha, wife of Henry Kirciier,
who resides at Belleville; Emelia, deceased; Annie,
who lives at the old homestead, and our subject,
who is the eldest of the familj'. When Theodore
Engelmann came to this county he was a Demo-
crat, but when the Republican party was organ-
ized, as he was a strong Union man, he espoused
the cause of the new party; however, when the
great questions which had caused the war were
settled, Mr. Engelmann returned to the Democratic
partJ^ He was the son of Frederick Engelmann,
who came to this country from German}' in 1833.
In his native land lie held the position of Keeper
of the Forest. Frederick Engelmann was the father
of ten children, of whom but one is now living.
Col. Louis Engelmann, a hero of the Mexican War.
He served in the Mexican War as a Lieutenant
and in the late war as a Colonel. He was promi-
nent in the history of St. Clair County until his
death, in 1890.
Our subject, William Engelmann, w.as born in
Belleville, 111., where he was reared, and was edu-
cated in private sciiools. He makes his home on the
old homestead with his mother and sister. Here they
have an excellent farm of four hundred and twenty
acres of very fine land, located in the township
tiiat bears their name. On this farm is a large
residence built in the old Southern style. In po-
litical matters, our subject is a Democrat and ad-
vocates the |]iiiiri|iU's of Free Trade. So promi-
nent did he become in politics, that at the organ-
ization of the township he was elected Township
Clerk, in 1884, and so creditably and successfully
32(;
PORTRAIT AiSfD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
did he fill till liis duties that tlie people felt that
tiiey had tiie right man in tiie right place, so have
continued to elect him to the same oftiee ever
since.
Jp^RED JUSTUS, a general merchant of Mas-
— ^ coutah, has engaged in business in his line
S for the past ten years, or since 1 882. He has a
well-stocked store, complete in all its appointments,
and carries an excellent line of goods. From
the beginning, his trade has constantly increased
until it has assumed excellent proportions. His
courteous treatment and fair dealing have won
him a liberal patronage and he ranks among the
successful merchants of this cit}^
Mr. Justus has the honor of being a native of
this county. He was born on the old. homestead
farm, about a mile and a half northwest of Mas-
coutah. His father, Andrew .Justus, was a native
of Germany, and came to America in 1836, locat-
ing first in New Orleans and afterwards in St. Louis.
Subsequently, he returned to Germany and married,
after which he brought his bride to this country.
They began their domestic life in St. Clair County,
upon the farm which has since been in the posses-
sion of the family. There Mr. Justus carried on
.agricultural pursuits with success until 1874, when
he came to Mascoutah and lived retired until
his death, which occurred on the 5th of October,
187;"). His widow yet survives him and still makes
her home in this city. She owns the old home
farm. In their family were seven children, but
only two are now living. Andrew, the brother of
our subject, also resides in Mascoutah.
Fred Justus was born on the oth of December,
1864. His education was acquired in the public
schools, and he Later learned the shoemaker's trade,
coming to Mascoutah in 1870 for that purpose.
For eleven j-ears, he followed tiiat occupation with
good success, but at length determined to give his
time and attention to other pursuits, and in 1882
bought out the stock of his uncle, Adam Breugel,
a general merch.iut of tiiis place. Since that time
he has been in his present line of business.
In 1883, Mr. Justus married Miss Ella Richter,
daughter of Fred Richter, one of the early settlers
of Mascoutah. By their union have been born
four children, three of whom are still living:
Matilda, Adelia and Roland, aged seven, four, and
a year and a half, respectively. They lost one son,
Tlieodore, who died in 18it0, at the age of seven
3'ears.
Mr. Justus is a nicmber of the Presbyterian
Church, to the support of which he contributes
liberally and is one of its faithful and active work-
ers. He i.s a friend to all moral and educational
interests, and the community finds in him a valued
and respected citizen. In his social relations, he
is an Odd Fellow, and in political sentiment he is
independent, supporting the man whom he thinks
best qualified for the office, regardless of party
affiliations. His fellow-townsmen, recognizing his
worth and ability, elected him to the office of City
Treasurer in April, 188',), and on the expiration of
that term of office, in 1891, he was elected to rep-
resent the Second Ward in the City Council. He
discharges his public duties with a promptness and
fidelitv which win him the commendation of all.
\TP^, OBERT S. COULTER, editor of the Mai-
\li^ issa Messenger, was born in the village of Old
ii\V Miirissa, March 15, 1866, As the eldest son
\^ of ten children, Mr, Coulter assumed the
responsibilities of life for himself, to some extent,
at the early age of sixteen, and after making his
w.ay through the schools of Marissa, entered Ew-
iug College, where he; spent four terms, r.anking
during that time .as a liigh-grade student. After
leaving Ewing College, he spent two years at the
Marissa Academy, and there gained the honors to
which his natural endowments entitled him.
Mr. Coulter's career as a printer w.as commenced
under the supervision of Mr, .1. AV. Wells, who was
at that time editor of the Marissa Monitor: He was
next employed as compositor on the Monitor and
Sun, published at Pinckneyville, 111., at which town
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
327
he remained one year. In 1887, he returned to
Marissa, and in company with two others started
the Marissa Messenger. Few men of liis years have
succeeded in carrying on an enterprise so success-
fully from the start, as the present editor of the Mar-
issa Messenger. One year after the inception of his
paper, Mr. Coulter succeeded in buying out his
partners, and since then has managed, edited and
conducted the paper solely on his own account.
Enterprise coupled with ability ever seeks new
worlds to conquer, and in connection with the
Marissa Messenger, Mr. Coulter prints a religious
payer known as the Advocate and Ensign. This
paper is edited by the Rev. R. W. Chestnut, and
published in the interest of the Reformed Presby-
terian Church. It was formerly published in Phil-
adelphia. A prominent and ardent member of the
Baptist Church, Mr. Coulter exhibits the courage
of his convictions in his religious belief. Politically,
he is a Republican.
The father of our subject, Dr. Arthur P. Coulter,
was born in Washington County, 111., February
24, 1836. He commenced his career at the age of
nineteen, as teacher in the district schools of his
native county. He pursued the duties of teach-
ing for two years, after which he began the study
of medicine, and graduated in his chosen profession
at the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati,
Ohio, in the year 1859. After graduating. Dr.
Coulter practiced in his native county one year,
and in 1860 removed to St. Clair County, 111.,
where he has since lived, practicing most of the
time at Marissa. He is a noted member of the Ill-
inois State Eclectic Medical Association, and also
of the United States Eclectic Medical Association.
Dr. Coulter is a Mason of liigh degree, and
is also an adherent of the Republican party. He
is the father of ten living cliildren, seven daugh-
ters and three sons. His esteemed wife was Miss
Phffiba C. Jackson, a native of St. Clair County,
and daughter of Joel and Elsa (Mason) Jackson,
who were also the parents of ten cliildren.
Dr. Coulter's parents were Robert S. and Isabella
Wiley. Robert S., grandfather of our subject, was
born in Brown County, Tenn., in September, 1809.
He was a farmer by occupation, and came with his
parents to Madison County, 111., about 1818. He
married at the early age of twenty, and to him
and his wife were born seven sons and four daugh-
ters. Politically, he was a Whig, and in religion
a Presbyterian. He died May 15, 1852, his wife
surviving him until January 12, 1890. His father
was also Robert S. Coulter, a native of South
Carolina, who, at tlie age of twelve years,
carried a musket in the Revolutionary War. He
was of Irish jjarentage, a farmer by occupation,
and proud of tracing his family back to the house
of Stuart.
-^
jENHARD YOCH is one of the oldest and
most successful operators in coal in the
country, and his long connection with this
industry, his intimate acquaintance with
the trade, his promptness in filling orders, and his
reliable methods of dealing have made him not
only prominent and successful, but have also
secured him great popularity- with the trade. lie
has been a resident of St. Clair County-, 111., since
he was six months old. He was bom in Prussia,
German}^, March 20, 1847, to Christian and Cath-
erine Yoch, who brought him to America in the
latter part of that year. The father turned his
attention to farming and mining after reaching
tills country, and followed both occupations on
land that he purchased, his mine being now known
as Yoch Station, on the Air Line Railroad. He
was one of the earliest miners of this vicinity
and was quite extensively engaged in that occupa-
tion. He and his wife became the parents of eight
children, four of whom are living at the present
time: John, a successful farmer of this section;
Joseph, a resident of California; Benhard, tiie sub-
ject of this sketcii, and Laura, Mrs. Acker, of
Belleville.
Benhard Yocli was educated in the seliools of
Belleville, and later he received instruction from
a private teacher in his own liome, under whom he
finished his scholastic education. He then began
learning the business of coal mining with his fa-
ther, with whom he remained associated, in eon-
328
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
nectioii with three brothers, until the former's
decath, and during this time he followed his calling
at Nashville, 111., Yoch Station and Clyde. The
firm was known as Yoch Bros, until 1886, at which
time they sold out to the Consolidated Coal Com-
pany, after which Benhard Yoch became connected
with the Crescent Nail Company, but of recent years
has again devoted his attention to mining coal. He
remodeled a shaft on the Ohio & Mississippi Rail-
road, near Lebanon, which mine has a capacity of
forty car-loads of coal duUy; but it is not running
to its fuU'extent at the present time, as the mine
is being remodeled and new and improved machin-
ery is being introduced. Mr. Yoch has long been
prominent in connection with the coal interests of
tills section and has secured success as the conse-
quence of the superior quality of the coal produced
from his mines and the uniformly honorable and
correct methods which have ever chaiacterized liis
dealings with the trade.
He has been interested in the Y improved nail
for the past two years, which became an incorpor-
ated company with a capital stock of 125,000, of
which Mr. Yoch is President, Manager and Treas-
urer, and Lawrence Muren Secretar}'. Mr. Yoch
is an enterprising business man and is held in high
favor in commercial as well as social circles
throughout this section. His business career has
been marked by justice and fairness, and he has
ever been the soul of honor in his dealings.
Throughout the many years covered by his busi-
ness history, he has alwaj'S been considered reliable
and accurate, and as a natural consequence, his pa-
trons are his friends and place implicit confidence
in his word. He has resided in Belleville since
1884, and has a handsome and stately brick resi-
dence at No. 301 South Illinois Street. He was
married in this city February 25, 1868, to Miss
Agnes Acker, by whom he has seven children:
Laura, wife of Lawrence Muren ; Emma; Maggie,
Agnes, Jane, Jacob and Edward.
In addition to the other important enterprises
in which he has been engaged, Mr. Yoch is the
patentee of the machine for the manufacture of a
nail tliat is entirely new, and he is the only one to
put his product on the market in this country. It
has all the good points of the wire nail with super-
ior holding power to a steel nail. This nail has
already come into prominent notice and gives
ever3' promise of being very extensively used
throughout this country. Mr. Yoch .and liis family
attend St. Peter's Cathedral.
^li-^-i^i
(M)ALENTINE WASEM. The prosperity of
St. Clair cannot be attributed entirely to
the efforts of Americans, for much has been
accomplished by those of foreign birth who have
sought a home in the Land of the Free. Germany
has contributed of its tlirift. England of its vigor,
France of its economy and Holland of its patient
perseverance. Among the natives of Germany
who have sought a home in this county and have
here attained independence and prosperity, may be
mentioned Mr. Wasem, Postmaster of Fayetteville.
With reference to the parents of our subject, the
following may be noted: His father, Valentine
Wasem, Sr., was born near the River Rhine, Ger-
many, May 17, 1818, and was reared to manhood
in a village, although his occupation was from
youth that of farming. In his native land he was
married to Catherine Hupperrich, and unto them
were born nine children, two of whom died in in-
fancy. The others were as follows: Valentine,
the subject of this biographical sketch; George
P., Catherine, Plnlabena, August, Adam, and Isa-
bella, who died at the age of nine years.
Accom|)anied by his family, Mr. Wasem, Sr.,
emigrated to the United States in 1851, and located
in Belleville, but only remained there a short time,
removing thence to a tract of land which he pur-
chased near Fayetteville. On that place he re-
mained, industriously laboring as a tiller of the
soil, until 1874, when he sold his farm, removed to
Belleville, from there to Marissa, and after the
death of his wife came to Fayetteville, his death
occurring in 1888 at this place. His wife died
about eight years prior to his demise. In his po-
litical views, he was a Republican, and served as
Justice of the Peace for several years.
The subject of this notice was born in Germany,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
331
and was six years old when be came to America,
and here acquired liis education. After emigra-
ting to this countr.v, he aided his father on the
farm until he was twenty-four years old, when he
established a home of his own. He was then mar-
ried to Miss Lottie Karch, a native of Mascoutah,
and the daughter of Charles and Christena Karch.
Nine children have been born to them, who are:
Isabella, Charles, Julius V., Edward, Amelia, Emma,
Josephine, Louisa and Matilda.
During the Civil War, Mr. Wascm, who, al-
though not a native of this country, was neverthe-
less loyally devoted to the Union, enlisted in
1864 as a member of Company E, Fifty-ninth Illi-
nois Infantry, Gen. Thomas commanding. Among
the important engagements in which he participa-
ted may be mentioned the battles of Resaca, Kene-
saw Jlountain.. Atlanta and Nashville. At the ex-
piration of his term of service, he was mustered
out at Brownsville, Tex., in 186(), and was honor-
ably discharged in Springfield, 111.
After operating a rented farm for a few years,
Mr. Wasem removed to the village of Fayetteville,
where for some time he was engaged as engineer
of the gristmill, and also operated a threshing-ma-
chine. In 1889, he was appointed Postmaster of
the village, and his service in that direction is in-
variably pleasing and satisfactory to his fellow-
townsmen. In his political opinions, he is a
Republican, and socially, is identified with Mas-
coutah Lodge No. 286, I. O. (). F.. and Ilecker
Post, G. A. R., at Belleville.
^\ ADISON T. STOOKEY, Superintendent of
the City Water AVorks, has attained to a
III Ls place in the regard of the people second
'*' perhaps to no other citizen of Belleville.
The story of his life proves that the successful
man is he who employs his powers with the great-
est industry and most perseverance. An energetic
business man, he has been the source of benefit to
his community, and has aided its material progress
in no small degree.
A brief mention of the ancestors of our subject
will not be without interest to the reader. His
grandfather, Daniel Stookey, was born near Ha-
gerstown, Md., in the year 1770, and came of Ger-
man descent. In 1800, he came to this county
and settled in wliat is now St. Clair Township,
taking up a claim. He was one of the earliest
settlers, following his brother-in-law Abraham Ey-
man, who had come here in 1798. They made an
examination of the lands during a horseback trip
in 1797, and were pleased with the appearance of
the country. Daniel Stookey was a prominent
man in his community and the owner of consider-
able land. He was the father of nine children, of
whom the only survivor is P^lijah, father of the
subject of this sketch. He was born and reared
in St. Clair Township, and still lives within one-
half mile of his old home. He married Miss Eleanor
McGuire.
Our subject was born at the old homestead No-
vember 26, 1837. In boyhood, he first attended
the district schools, later was a student in the
Belleville schools, and then went to Shurtleff Col-
lege, TTpper Alton. Afterward he engaged in
farming, in which he met with success. His first
marriage united him with Miss America Gooding,
of Millstadt Township, and the child born of this
union now resides in Belleville. The present wife
of Mr. Stookey was formerly Miss Mary Cooper,
of St. Louis, and is a lady of rare worth of char-
acter.
Mr. Stookey is well known throughout Illinois,
having served in various public capacities. For
six years he was a member of the State Board of
Agriculture, and in 1879-80 served as General
Superintendent of the State Fair, having charge of
the State Fair at Springfield, and the Fat Stock
Show at Chicago. He was a member of the first
Fat Slock Show held in the Exposition Build-
ing in Chicago. He is President of the Belleville
it Carondelet Railroad, which is now leased to the
Cairo Short Lme. His fellow-citizens elected him
County Treasurer on the Democratic ticket and
re-elected him three times, his terra of service ex-
tending from December, 1879, to December, 1886.
After retiring from that ofHce, Mr. Stookey be-
1 came connected with the Water Works as Superin-
332
PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAflllCAL RECORD.
teiident, in which position he has since served effi-
ciently. The Watei' Works were established in this
place in 1885, and now there are fourteen miles
of mains, three reservoirs and stand-pipes. The
water conies from Richland Creek and tributaries,
and the pumps have a capacity of about two mill-
ion five hundred thousand gallons per day. In
1880, Mr. Stookey removed to Belleville, but he
still owns his farm, although his personal attention
is given almost exclusively to his city business.
Socially, he is a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Ancient
Order of United Workmen.
Oi
L\
HILIP SKAER. The owner and occupant
an excellent farm situated in section
18607, lot 14, Prairie du Long Township,
St. Clair County, 111., is a man of large
experience in the community where he has made
his home for so many years. His estate is the re-
sult of hard labor, and his farm is well improved
and forms a comfortable and attractive spot in
this part of the State.
The parents of our subject were born in Ger-
many, and located in this State about the year
1836, near Smith's Village. George Philip Skaer,
the father of Philip Skaer, was one of the most suc-
cessful merchants of the early period of his loca-
tion here. His family consisted of eight children,
seven of whom are living. He was a man of
strong characteristics and sterling worth, one
whose friendship was worth gaining, and whose
integrity could be relied on.
Philip Skaer, whose biography we are writing,
was born in Hesse-Homburg, on the 19th of Novem-
ber, 1823. He was thirteen years old when his par-
ents emigrated to the United States. He grew to
manhood in this county, and was married in 1849,
to Miss Elizabeth Moser, the daughter of Henry
Moser, one of the early settlers and most respected
citizens of this county. Mrs. Skaer's parents came
from Germany in 1830, and were married in Belle-
■yille, this county, the same year. They had eight
children, all of whom are deceased but two, Mrs.
Skaer and her brother, who lives in Kansas at
Wellington.
After his marriage, Philip Skaer located at High
Prairie, two and one-half miles from George-
town, where by industry and thrift he soon ac-
cumulated enough to purchase a farm. He later
sold this and moved toSt. Paul, Minn., and later to
Mankato, where he helped to erect the first hotel.
On his arrival at the latter place, he found
plenty of Indians. It was about the year 1861
that he purchased the farm on which he now re-
sides. At the commencement of our late Civil
War, Mr. Skaer was drafted in the army, and served
his countiy to the best of his ability. His union
with Miss Moser was blessed by eight children, six
of whom are living. They are Wesley, who
resides in this township; Peter; Mary, wife of
Louis Miller; Emeline, wife of Charles Miller;
Henrietta, who has not yet left the paternal roof,
and Louis. Mr. Skaer has buried a son and daugh-
ter.
The Skaer farm covers a territory of three hun-
dred and three acres, all of which is well improved
and in a high state of cultivation, showing keen
management and most excellent skill, on the part
of its owner. Although the educational advan-
tages accorded Mr. Skaer in early life were very
limited, his possession of the faculties which can
be educated by observation places him among the
most intelligent men of this community. The
hardships of his own early life have influenced
him to make the gaining of an existence easier for
those who have claims upon him, and he has there-
fore given each of his children a part of his own
accumulations, with which to set themselves up in
the pursuits most agreeable to their tastes and
abilities.
Mr. Skaer favors the Republican party with his
political support, and although never occupying
office, he is known in the community as one whose
help can always be relied on by the party of his
choice, and his strong belief in the principles of his
party gains the confidence of those wavering be-
tween the two great leaders of our political parties.
His religious belief and spiritual hopes are cen-
tered in the Lutheran Chureii, of which he is a
PORTRAIT AiSit) BIOGRAPItlCAL RECORD.
member and hearty supporter. He is a man of in-
telligent and progressive ideas, a practical and
successful agricultui-ist, and one who in every de-
partment of life has fulfilled the duties that lie
before him in a creditable manner. The qualities
of a sturdy manhood are frequently developed
amid pioneer scenes, and as one of the early set-
tlers in this township, Mr. Skaer can look over a
lapse of fifty-six years of labor, from which to-day
he is reaping the benefit, and enjoying the com-
mendation of all wlio have known liim through
tiie vicissitudes of life.
Mrs. Skaer was a devoted wife and mother, a
kind neighbor, and a faithful friend. She assisted
largely in the growth of all her husband's enter-
prises, and by that patient skill wiiieh forms
so large a part of the feminine character, watched
over her family, and instructed them in the paths
of honesty and virtue, which never fail to shed a
radiance of honor on the progenitors of a race.
JOHN SAUTER, a retired business man, re-
sides in the city of Mascoutah, this county.
He was the son of Conrad S. Sauter, who
^ was born in the Rheinpfalz, in Bavaria,
Germany, April 6, 1809, where he was reared and
educated and learned the trade of a cabinet-maker.
He was married in Germany, to Miss Magdalena,
daughter of Christopher Gross, who bore him
twelve children, two of whom grew to manhood,
.lohn and Conrad, the latter being scalded to
death in the mill at Lebanon, April 4, 1865, while
following the milling business.
Conrad Sauter came to America in 1845, arriving
in Belleville, III., June 4, of that year, and later
came to Mascoutah. which was at that time called
Mechanicsburg. He bought a farm about two
miles east of Mascoutah, and after farming here
three years, he moved into the cil}-, where he en-
gaged in working at his trade for five j'ears.
Then he bought a farm about one-half mile north
of the city, where he remained until 1857, when
he returned to Europe and spent nine months in
the Fatherland. Upon returning to this country,
he engaged in the distillery and sawmill business
in Mascoutah, which he followed until 1862,
his wife dying December 3, of that year. Retiring
from this business and forming a partnership with
Mr. G. Anderson, he engaged in the milling bus-
iness at Lebanon. Three years later, he retired
from this business, turning it over to his sons,
John and Conrad.
The father of our subject, in 1864, took for his
second wife Mrs. Mary Melvin, an English lady,
and continued to make his home in Lebanon, until
his death, February 10, 1889. Two children were
born of this union, one of whom grew to woman-
hood and married Mr. Raleigh Horner.
Our subject was born September 1, 1846, on the
old homestead in Lachen,by Neustadt on the Hardt
Germany. He received some education in his native
land, but upon coming to this county his oppor-
tuuities for an education were limited; however,
being of an observing disposition, he acquired a
practical knowledge, which served him to a good
purpose in his after life. In 1864, he returned to
Germany, where he married, June 19, Miss Mar-
garetta, a daughter of John George and Barbara
(Schwartz) Trieb, the former of whom was a farmer.
Upon returning to America, he, in partnership
with his brother, succeeded his father in the mill-
ing business, which they continued to operate for
two years, when his brother met his death by the
explosion of a boiler. Our subject then sold out his
share in the mill, moved to Trenton, 111., and form-
ing a partnership with an uncle, Andrew Eisen-
mayer, bought another mill which he operated until
1870, when he sold out and retired from business.
In 1875, in company with his family, Mr. .Sauter
made a trii) to the Old Country, where they spent
one year.
He whose name heads this sketch has two chil-
dren, Henry and Lisette. The former was ed-
ucated in the schools of Mascoutah, and took a
course at McKendree College, at Lebanon, and
.•jIso a business course in Johnson's Commercial
College, at St. Louis. He married Miss Minnie E.,
daughter of Ernest Hagist, of this city, and resides
in Mascoutah. Lisette is living at home.
Our subject owns one thousand acres of land in
334
PORTRAIT ANt) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
this county, with the exception of ei^ht^y acres,
which lies in Washington Countj-. all of which he
rents out to reliable tenants, from whom he re-
ceives an excellent competency. He is a public-
spirited citizen, a true husband, an indulgent
father and a generous friend. His presence among
us is an honorable addition to this community.
The family are all members of the Evangelical
Protestant Church, and politically-, Mr. Sauter is a
stanch upholder of the Republican party.
^^, LEX. WOODS, M. D. Among the people of
^Ol St. Clair County, as well as the surround-
lljlti ing counties, the name of Dr. Woods is
^fl almost a household word. He was born
November 14, 1845, and traces his ancestry back
to his great-grandfather, John AYalker, who was
born in Nova Scotia and was there pressed into
the English service, coming with the British
soldiers to the United States during the Revolu-
tionary War. His sympathies, however, were with
the Colonial army, and the first opportunity that
presented itself he deserted from the British army
by knocking down the guard, taking forcible pos-
session of his pass, and assuming his name of Woods.
He succeeded in reaching the American lines, and
enlisted in the Patriot army just before the battle
of Long Island, in which he participated. After
the war was over he lemoved to Cleveland, in
which city his son John, the grandfather of the
subject of this sketch, was born.
John Woods was reared to farm life, which occu-
pation he alwa3-s followed, and about 1800 removed
to Illinois and was one of the first settlers of Turke}'
Hill Prairie. He was quite a sporting man, and
besides being an enterprising tiller of the soil, in-
dulged in hunting and horse-racing. He was a
Democrat of the Jackson ian school, and was called
from life in 1855, at the advanced age of eighty
years. Dr. Alex. Woods' father, John Woods, was
named after his father and was born in the Turkey
Hill settlement, near Belleville, March 14, 1813.
He was brought up on a farm and was a partici-
pant in the Black Hawk War of 1831-32, it being
said of him by .James (llasgow that he was the
only man that killed an Indian from their vicin-
ity. Dr. Alex. Woods has in his possession the
frame of a pocket mirror that was taken from the
pocket of this Indian. January 5, 1833, our
subject's father was married to Miss Catherine
Carr, who was born on Turke}' Hill Prairie Sep-
tember 23, 1812, after which he began farming on
Prauie du Long, but removed to near Belleville
in 1851, becoming the owner of two hundred and
twenty acres of fertile prairie land four and a-half
miles south of the town. He greatly improved
his home place, but at various times owned other
farms. He became wealthy, and died May 19, 1875,
at the age of sixty-two years, a member of the
Baptist Church.
The maternal grandfather was Henry Carr, who
was born in Randolph County, Va., June 2, 1788,
where the grandfather, Joseph Cai-r, was also born.
Both were farmers, and in 1793 removed to New
Design, Monroe County, 111., but a year later went
to Turkey Hill, St. Clair Count}'. In the fall of
the same year they were compelled to return to
New Design, owing to an Indian outbreak, but
after the Indians had left the war-path they re-
turned to their former home, where Joseph Carr
spent the remainder of his days. Henr^- Carr was
a soldier in the War of 1812, being with Gov.
Reynold's Rangers. He died in 1868 and his wife
in 1865, when past seventy-nine years of age. Her
maiden name was Mary Arnett, and she was reared
and educated in this section of the country, being
a sister of Rev. Nathan Arnett, a pioneer Bap-
tist minister of the country.
The brothers and sisters of Dr. Alex. Woods are
as follows: James A., who was a farmer, enlisted in
Company E, Fifty-ninth Illinois Infantry, August
2, 1861, during the Civil War and served until
January, 1866. While fishing in the Gasconade
River at Hartwell, Mo., a water-spout burst, and
before he could leave the island on which he was,
the water rose so rapidly that he was drowned, to-
gether with his youngest son. This sad event oc-
curred in the year 1885. Joseph resides at Ne-
vada, Mo., engaged in farming. Ellen, his only
sister, also survives. Dr. Alex. Woods was reared
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
335
on a farm near Belleville, but his earl_y advant-
ages for acquiring an education were limited.
He was compelled to walic one and one-half miles,
had to cross a large creek on a foot-log, and the
sehoolhouse was a ver}- primitive log structure,
where the most elementary of instruction was
given.
At the age of fifteen years. Dr. Woods went to
St. Louis, Mo., and enlisted in the same regiment
.as his brother, but about three days later his father
came for him and took him home, where he re-
mained about a 3-ear longer, when his patriotic
feelings could no longer be repressed, and in
August, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, One
Hundred and Seventeenth Illinois lufantr}', and
was mustered in at Camp Butler. He was in tlie
engagements at Queen's Hill (Miss.), Ft.de Russy
(La.), Pleasant Hill and Tupelo (Miss.), Nash-
ville, Ft. Blakely, and thirty-three skirmishes. He
w.as never off duty nor in the hospital until the
day he was mustered out of service, August 6,
1865, when he remained there for a few days only.
He held the rank of Corporal and was the j-oung-
est man in his company.
Upon his return home, he began attending Bry-
ant & Stratton's Commercial College of St. Louis,
and after a short time spent on the farm he began
teaching school. November 29, 1866, he was mar-
ried to Miss Mary C. McGnire, a native of this
county and a daughter of Benjamin McGuire, a
Pennsylvanian by birtli. After his marriage. Dr.
Woods farmed on eighty acres of land near Belle-
ville until 1870, when he sold out and located in
Freeburg, entering in the fall of that year the St.
Louis Medical College, from which he graduated
March 13. 1873. witli the degree of M. D. During
1872, he practiced in Fayetteville, but after his
graduation he located at Freeburg, wliere he was
also engaged in the drug business. From 1879 to
1881, he was located at Benton, Franklin County;
and from 1881 until he was elected County
Coroner in 1884, he was in the drug business at
Freeburg. He was elected to his present ottice on
the Democratic ticket with a majority of twelve hun-
dred and fifty-four votes, and in 1888 was re-elected
by six hundred and sixty-two votes. He has been a
resident uf F.-^st St, Louis since J.^iiuaiy, 1888, and
has conducted a drug store here since April, 1888.
He has held eight hundred and seventy inquests
since he has been in office and has successfully fol-
lowed uj) several clews in murder cases.
For three _years he was Secretary- of the State Cor-
oners' Association; is Past Post-Surgeon of the
Grand Army, of Belleville; is a member of the
LTnion Veteran Le.ague, and is a member of Lodge
No. 418, A. F. & A. M., of Freeburg; and is a member
of Belleville Chapter No. 106, R. A. M. His chil-
dren are as follows: Silas E., a graduate of the St.
Louis School of Pharmacy, is in the drug business
at Jackson, Mo., and now a student of medicine;
Alonzo B. is a clerk for Nelson Morris & Co.; Car-
rie, Mary C, and Alex. Stephens. The Doctor re-
tired from the office of Coroner of St. Clair Coun-
ty December 5, 1892, .after holding the office for a
term of eight years, being the first physican to hold
the office in his county, and bringing a quiet dig-
nity to bear in the fulfillment of his duties, which
commanded the respect of all.
PHILIP RUESTEH. Could the biographies
) of the best residents of St. Clair County be
written in detail, a large and most interest-
_ ing volume might be compiled. It is our
pleasure, however, to select the principal facts in
their lives, and record them for the perusal of com-
ing generations. The gentleman with whose name
we introduce this sketch is at present residing in
the village of Lenzburg, where he is doing a good
business as a saddler and harness-maker.
Our subject, who is a native of this county,
was born April 1. 1858. His parents, .John and
Catherine (Bearrach) Ruester, were natives of
Germany, the father being born in 1816, and the
mother in 1815. .John Ruester was given a good
education in his native land, where he in later life
owned and operated a linseed-oil factory. After
locating in the United States, however, he turned
his attention to working in a mill, which occupa-
tion he followed for i\ number of wnrs, V>y his
336
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
union with Miss Bearrach were born twelve chil-
dren, seven of whom died when young. Tliose
who grew to mature years were Louisa, Margaret
(deceased), Valentine, Martin and Philip. Our
subject's parents were both members of the Luth-
eran Church, being people of true religious prin-
ciples. The father, who was a true-blue Republi-
can in politics, died in 1892, when seventj'-six
years of age, while his wife, who lived to the ad-
vanced age of seventy-three yejirs, departed this
life in 1888. John Ruester, the paternal grandfa-
ther of our subject, was a native of Germany, and
on coming to the United States located on a farm
near Belleville, this county, in 1853.
Beginning life for himself at the early age of
fourteen years, our subject learned the trade of a
saddle and harness maker under the instruction
of Anton Kehrer, of New Athens, this county.
After remaining with him for tiiree years, he went
to St. Louis, Mo., where he spent a twelvemonth,
and in 1878 we find him in New Athens, this
State, where he opened a shop on his own account.
He was successfully engaged in that place for five
years, when he took up his al)ode in Lenzburg,
where he has since been identified with its best
residents.
Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Conrad and Cath-
erine (Deitz) Spitz, became the wife of our sub-
ject in 1881. To them have been born four chil-
dren, only two of whom, Lena and Gustav. are
living. In his political relations, Mr. Ruester is a
stanch Republican, and socially, is a member of the
Knights of Pythias of Belleville. His name is
among the members of the Lutlieran Cluircii, in
which body he is an active worker.
^IL^ARTMANN KOCH. Biographies of suc-
llTj cessful, and especially of good, men are
l^^ most useful as incentives to others, teach-
i^j ing noble thinking and energetic action
for their own and the world's good. He who
gives others an example of industry, sobriety and
cuusisteut honesty of purpose in life, lias a prestnt
as well as a future influence upon the well-being
of his community, for his life and character affects,
unconsciously though it may be, the lives and
characters of othei-s, and thus the influence is un-
ending until time itself shall cease. Too much
])raise cannot, therefore, be given to those who by
their worthy lives are entitled to more than pass-
ing mention.
Tlie subject of this biographical review was
born in Germany in 1883, and is the son of Justus
and Catherine (.Schneider) Koch. His parents
were also born in the Fatherland, tlie father in
1811, and the mother in 1818. Justus Koch re-
ceived his education in the common schools of his
native land, where in his youth he learned the
trade of a blacksmith, and was thus occupied, in
connection with the business of a wagon man-
ufacturer, throughout iiis entire life. His death oc-
curred in the prime of life, when our subject was
only two years of age. After his death, a posthum-
ous son was born to the mother of our subject, who
was named Henry Philip and is now deceased.
Mrs. Catherine Koch came to the United States
many years afterward and died at the home of her
son Hartmann, in Darmstadt.
The early years of Hartmann Koch were un-
eventfully i)assed in his native land, where he at-
tended the common schools and learned the trade
of a blacksmitli with an uncle. In 1854, he left
the Fatherland, and, crossing the Atlantic, for a
few months after landing made his home in the
citj' of Baltimore. Later, he removed to St. Louis,
where for seven years he worked steadily' at his
trade. Coming thence to the village of Darmstadt,
he opened a shop, where he has since been engaged
at his trade. In connection with this occui>ation,
he is the owner of three hundred and sixty acres
of valuable land, whereon he conducts farming
operations with skill and success.
At the age of twenty-five years, Mr. Kocii was
united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of
Joseph and Clara (Aple) Dierburger, and they
have become the parents of nine children, three of
whom died in infancy and George and Clara in
their youth. The surviving children are Mary,
Elizabeth, Amelia and Matheas. In his relig-
ious connections, Mr. Kodi is ;i iiipiiiber of the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD.
337
Presbyterian Church, while his wife is a Catholic.
His political preferences have brought him into
sympath\- with the Republican party, and he is one
of the public-spirited and progressive members of
that party in the county.
Mr. Koch is a man who stands high in the
esteem of all who know him, and his honorable
life and uniform kindness of heart endear him to
iiis acquaintances. In writing of him, one is re-
minded of the picture drawn by the poet Long-
fellow, of the village blacksmith:
Week in, week out, from morn till night,
You can hear his bellows blow;
Y<iu can hear him swing his heav^v sledge.
With measured beat and slow.
Like a sexton ringing the village bell
When the evening sun is low.
Toiling, rejoicing, sorrowing.
Onward through life he goes;
Each morning sees some task begun,
Kach evening sees it close;
Something attempted, something done.
Has earned a night's repose.
Thanks, thanks, to thee, my worthy friend.
For the lesson thou has taught;
Thus at the flaming forge of life
Our fortunes must be wrought.
Thus on its sounding anvil shaped
Each burning deed and thought.
'T^l M I L E REBHAN, a prosperous farmer of
|Wj section 5, Shiloli Valley Township, is a na-
|_ ->' tive of (Termany, his birth having occurred
in Col)urg, in 1817. He is a sou of Louis and Lou-
isa Kebhan, the fatiier's birth occurring in France
and the mother's in Mciningen, Germany. Louis
Rebhan grew to manhood in a city, received
a good education, and was reared in the Catholic
religion. He was an attorney-at-law, and occupied
a position in the official department of the coun-
try. He was sent .as a minister to Coburg, (Ger-
many, wliich j)Osition he oceuiiied until his
death. When a young man hp left France, and
at that time spelled his uaine Rohw, By permis-
sion of the King, the spelling of the name was
changed to Rebhan, which his descendants have
since adopted. He and his wife reared a familj' of
four children: Louis, deceased; Emile; Adelina
L., now deceased, who was the wife of Gadlop Muld-
rop; and John, who still lives in the Old Country.
Of this family our subject is the only one who
came to the United States.
Our subject received a good common-school ed-
ucation, and in addition took a collegiate course.
He then continued his studies and commenced the
reading of law. He next learned the trade of an
architect in the Government department. In 1849,
Mr. Rebhan was united in marriage with Louisa
Fensline. Some time afterward, on account of the
Revolution, he came to America, his wife having
died just before his departure, leaving three chil-
dren: John, deceased; Edward, who hassince come
to the United States; and Anna, also deceased.
After arriving in the New World, our subject first
settled at New Orleans, where he worked at his
trade for a period of about two years. He then
came to Belleville, and has lived in this county
since that time. He has been a civil engineer, and
surveyed all of the plank roads of the count}^ He
also followed agricultural pursuits quite exten-
sivelj'. At the breaking out of the late war, Mr.
Rebhan raised Company' F, Second Missouri In-
fantry, which was under Gen. Lyons. He partic-
ipated in the battles of "Wilson Creek and Bearge.
On account of sickness, he returned home at the
end of the first year, and located at Sliiloh. where
he has since resided.
In Belleville, Mr. Rebhan was united in marriage
with Catherine Miller, daughter of George Chris-
tian and Elizabeth Miller. To this worthy couple
four children have been born: George C, an at-
torney of Belleville, a sketch of whom will be
found on another page of this work; Eld ward;
Amelia, the wife of Louis Shmisour, who is now de-
ceased; and Louisa.
Our subject is a Protestant and a member of
the Lutheran Church. Socially, he is a member of
the Masonic order, and the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, but has his p.ass from each. He takes
an active part in all local political affairs, and is a
supporter of the Republican party, He is a man of
338
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
good education, and well informed on all the lead-
ing questions of tlie day. For over fort^' j'ears he
has been a resident of this county, and is accounted
one of its most public-spirited and representative
citizens. As a farmer, he is considered a man of
enterprise and ability, and has acquired a compe-
tence through years of industry and hard labor.
._^^____.
/^ HRISTIAN ETTLING. The subject of this
[l( sketch resides on survey 607, Prairie du
^^J Long Township, St. Clair County, 111. Ills
father, Conrad Ettling, was born in Haml)urg,
Germany, in the year 1801), on the 21st of
October. The earlj' part of Ihe latter's life was
spent in his native vill.ige, where he learned
and afterward plied the vocation of a stone-
mason. His wife was a Miss Caroline Iluck, a
native of the same place. In the year 1837, Con-
rad Ettling emigrated with his family to the
United States, and on his arrival in this country
located at Detroit, where lie lived but a short time,
moving from there to St. Louis, whei'e he worked
at his trade for sevei'al months, and then moved
to St. Clair Count.y, 111. He rented a farm three
miles south of Belleville, and lived there about six
years, afterward renting several other places, on
which he spent about four years, when he bought
what was then known as the old Reding House
place, on which he resided for over twenty-two
years. He had been in this cdinitry «>\-ei- thirty
years when he indv-ed to JMieKuru. this (-(miily,
where he still lives. His c:isli possessions un his ar-
rival in America consisted of ^i), and his life is one
of the best exemplifications of thrift, industry, .and
Christian Ettling, witli wliosc name we intruduci;
this sketch, was born in Hamburg, Germany, on
the 4th of December, 1836. He was only one
year old when his parents came to America, and
his whole life has been spent on a farm. He re-
ceived a fair education in the common schools of
St. Clair County, and upon arriving at nianhooii's
estate, received from his father fifty acres of land
with which to start the life of a farmer, which he
had chosen as his life pursuit.
On the 29tli of February, 1860, our subject mar-
ried Miss Catherine Moeser, daughter of Henry
Moeser, one of the pioneer settlers in this part of
the State. After his marriage, he located at
Prairie du Long, where he lived two years on
his own farm. After his two years' residence at
Prairie du Long, he went back to his father's farm,
where he stayed six months and then located on
the fifty acres which his father had given him, and
wliich was situated in Smith ton Township. .Vfter
a period of eighteen years, Mr. Ettling sold the
last-mentioned farm, and bought the pl.ace on
which he now lives.
Catherine (Moeser) Ettling, the first wife of our
subject, died August 21, 1882. She was a wo-
man of most estimable traits of character, and her
loss was mourned by a large circle of friends. Some
time after this bereavement, ]\Ir. Ettling married
his second wife, Miss Catherine Bretsoli, a daugh-
ter of Philip Bretsch, who was a resident of New
Athens Townsiiip. Tlie first Mrs Ettling was the
mother of twelve cliililieu, and the second wife
has borne our subject five, making a family of sev-
enteen children, fourteen of whom are still living,
and are as follows: Peter, who follows the trade
of a carpenter at Freeburg; Mary, who lives in
IMontgoniery County, .-incl is the wife of .Tacob
Klein, a fanner; .lacoLi, who lives in Monroe
County; Willie, a resident of Freeburg; George,
K.atie, Lizzie, Christoiilier and S^mma, who all live
at liome. One of the saddest incidents in this
I'aiiiily's history was the drowning of one son,
Philip, a boy who gave most exceHent promises
for future manhood. In addition to tlie chiblrer
above mentioned are: Bertie, llihla, (iustav,
.Tohnnie and Elsa. Three members of this family
died in iiifaiiev.
Jlr. Ettling is the owner of one hundred and
thirty-eight and one-half acres of land, well iin-
l)roved and in a good state of cultivation. He
raises wheat, corn and oats, but his principal crop
is wiieat. He is a well-known and .active member
of the Lutheran Church, to which body he has
ahv.ays given hearty support, and both he and his
/:
^rvn^ O-d (/A OA^^y^
<^ /? ■)-'\^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
341
wife are ainoug the sincere workers and stanch
members of that organization.
Mr. Eltling's political sympathies extend to the
Democratic i)arty, and he is a Rrm believer in the
strength of its principles and the efficacy of its
platform. He has held the office of Trustee in his
township for the past six 3ears. and has served as
Si'hool Director for three terms. With an intelli-
gent conception of his duties as a citizen, a fe(!ling
of good-will toward mankind, and a deep regard
for his own family, the subject of this sketch en-
deavors to honorably' fuUill all the duties which
devolve upon him, and in so doing he has gained
the respect of all with wliom he comes in contact.
THOMPSON, a
-knov
-n and
Jl prominent citizen of Belleville, is now
retired from the active duties of life and
is enjoying the fruits of his early labors.
He was born fifteen miles northeast of Portland,
Me., April 2G, 1807, a son of Abel Thompson.
His grandfather, Amos Thompson, Sr., was born
in 1749, and, with his brother Jonathan, .accom-
|>anied Col. Arnold and his army through the
wilderness from Maine to Quebec in the fall of
1775, and participated iu the battle of Quebec,
vYliere Gen. Montgomery was killed and Col. Arn-
old wounded.
Abel Thompson, the eldest child of Aliel Thomp-
son, Sr., was born in the spring of 177;). It is
said he was the second child born in Lincoln
(now Sagadahoc) County, Me. In the war with
England in 1812-13, he was a Lieutenant in a
military company, and was called into active ser-
vice in that war. lb' was a ship carpenter, mill-
wright and farmer, lie married Mary Hay nes in
1796, or 1797, and had nine children, two of
whom died in infancy; the remaining seven were
Elizabeth, Hannah, Mehetabel, Amos, Eleanor,
Haynes and Abel. When he left Maine for the
West, the two eldest children, Elizabeth and Ilan-
ried and setth'd in .MNine, In 181,j, he drove
across the country from Maine to Cincinnati, but
was unfortunate in having his horse stolen by
Indians. While absent on his trip to the Far
AVest, his mill was bui'ned, and on his return
East he determined to take advantage of the
larger opportunities which the Par West afforded.
In the fall of 1816, he commenced his long jour-
ney Westward, and at the head of the Allegheny
River, built a flat-boat, on which he floated down
to Cincinnati. Then he embarked on a keel-boat
for Kaskaskia, 111. It was his intention to start a
mill six miles south of Belleville, where he located
with that object in view.
However, before his plans were completed, Mr.
Thompson was taken ill with malarial fever and
died September 17, 1818, his wife's death oc-
curring two daj's before his own. Mehetabel
became the wife of Samuel Phillips and died at
an advanced age. One of her sons, Daniel T.
Philips, resides in Cornelius, Ore., .and another
in St. Clair County. Eleanor married John
Alexander, of St. Clair County, and both are
deceased, her death occurring at the age of forty-
two years. Abel married and liecame the father
of a large family of children and died at the age
of sixty-eight.
The memory of our subject carries him back
many years,and he well remembers the earthquake
of 1811, although at that time he was only four
years old. He also recalls the naval battle between
the "Boxer" and the "Enterprise" in September,
181,3, when he could hear the noise of the conflict,
although some fifteen miles distant. Both the
commanders, Bo^ie and Brocke, were killed in the
battle, and Mr. Thompson has since visited their
graves at Portland, Me. Our subject visited
Maine in 1829, and after an absence of fift3'-tliree
years again returned to Maine in 1882, and vis-
ited his aged sister Hannah, who was then living
at the age of eighty-six years, but is since de-
ceased.
Early orphaned by the death (if his parents,
Amos Thompst.Jii found a home with a neighbor-
named Fowler, with whom he remained one year.
During the suiiinier of the ensuing year, he
cociked for .Mr. I 'owler, who was at that time build-
ing a mill. Alter several severe spells of sickness,
342
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he was bound as an apprentice to John Stuntz, a
tanner and furrier, whose father was one of the
Hessian soldiers sent liere to Gght for George HI
of England, but who deserted in the first engage-
ment and joined the Americans and fought for
tliem during the American War. Mr. Stuntz
agreed to send the lad to school, a promise
which he faithfull}' kept. With this noble old
German our subject remained until he was twenty-
one years of age, and until he was twent^^ attended
the district schools during the winter months. He
then began learning tlie carpenter's trade with
Mr. Fowler, and worked at that trade for about
twenty- years. In 1829, he assisted Mr. Fowler in
building the County Court House in Belleville.
In 1830, Mr. Thompson made his first purchase
of real estate, one hundred and sixty acres, upon
which he resided for a period of thirty years,
and, as lie had hardly enough money to pay for
it, he borrowed loO for forty days through the
influence of a good friend, Edward Tate. The
loan of $50 which he made fell due on a Sunday,
and he promptly paid it that da^-, thus relieving to
some extent his obligation to his warm friend, Ed-
ward Tate; that was the first mone\' borrowed for
which he had to give securit\-, and since then he
has been enabled with onlj' his own name to get
what money he has needed. Early in life he learned
the important lesson that a punctual man com-
mands his neighbors' purse strings.
May 15, 1831, our subject was married to Miss
Irene Moore, a descendant of Shields Moore, who
settled at Baltimore, Md., in 1732. After his mar-
riage, Mr. Thompson settled on his farm, and
here resided until about eight years after the
death of his wife, which occurred in 1852. AVhile
living on the farm, he dealt largel3- in stock, and
after his removal to Belleville in 1860 he became
an extensive property-holder. In connection with
his son Alonzo, he at one time owned seven thou-
sand acres in Barton County, Mo., where he still
owns twelve hundred acres. As this land was pur-
chased some thirty years ago, it has since greatly
increased in value.
In company with his son Akmzo .'uid his son-
in-law, Mr. Harrison, our subject has purchased
lMri>e tracts of land in Missouri, all of which have
proved good investments, and with them he has
speculated extensively in Illinois land. He was a
Democrat up to 1856, and was elected a member of
the Legislature in the sessions of 1842-44, 1844-46.
also 1866-68, including two called sessions, and
proved an able and incorruptible Legislator. Since
1856, he lias been a Republican. He is a man of
exceptionally fine mental powers and possesses
business instincts of a high order. His good judg-
ment and honor are thoroughly appreciated, and
he has been administrator of a great many estates.
The cliildren horn to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson
were as follows; Alonzo, a real-estate agent of
Omaha. Neb.; Mary Eleanor, wife of T. Harrison,
of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Josephine (Mrs. J. D.
Truett), who died in Indiana in 1882; Cyrus, a
manufacturer of Belleville; Eugene, who died at
the age of nine years; and Charles H., a money
broker of Portland, Ore.
In taking a retrospective view of past events
in this world of changes during his long life, it
is with pleasure that our subject calls to mind
the many wise admonitions and kind treat-
ment received from John Stuntz and his wife,
Elizabeth (Hill) Stuntz, during the eight years
and seven months in which he was a member of
their family. Our subject now resides with his
son, Cyrus Thompson, in Belleville, 111.
man is a member of of the First Christian
Church in this city, and is a business rep-
resentative of the firm of Evans, Snider, Buel A
Co. The name of Cash is well known through-
out Virginia, and from that family came James
Cash, the father of our subject, although his birth-
place was in Kentucky, lie was reared on a farm
and then learned what was a very important
trade — tanning; after he had learned how to
prepare leather, he found out the proper way
to use it. He appears to have been skilled in
many ways, for he also learned the trades of car-
1 peiiter ami stone mason, He coiiductt'<l his tail-
PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
• 843
neiy in Morgan County, Kj'., and also engaged in
farming. He also gained a reputation as a hun-
ter. In 1857, lie concluded to remove his family
to Audrain County, Mu.. and this change was
made with wagons, the place selected for the new
home consisting of three hundred and twenty
acres of unimproved land. Here Mr. Cash lived
until within one year of his death, when he re-
moved to Centralia, Mo., and died there in 1867.
The mother of our subject was Sally Cree, a Ken-
tuckian by birth. Her death occurred April 1,
1875, at the age of sixt3--nine years.
The subject of this sketch was the youngest of
eleven children, five of whom are living. He was
born August 27, 1851, in Morgan County, Ky.,
and was reared in Missouri from the age of six
years. He had no school advantages at all, as this
was a pioneer countiy, and the " work school "
was the onl}- one thought of. In this school he was
pretty thoroughly disciplined, .is his father died
when he was sixteen years of age and he had to j
think of taking care of himself, which has often
been a serious undertaking for those much older
ill life and experience than a lad of sixteen.
However, he soon obtained work at herding cattle
at 818 a month, and continued at this until he
came to St. Louis, in 1869. Here he found em-
ployment in the old North Missouri Yards driving
cattle, and there he remained until the completion
of the Union Stock Yards, when he worked there
one year as hog accountant. In 1875, he came to
the National Stock Yards, and was employed there
for eighteen months, and then began to speculate
in hogs for himself, and did much in this line.
In 1887, he became hog salesman for the firm of
Hunter, Evans A Co. until the lirm of Snider,
Evans & Co. was formed, with which compaiiN- lie
has been ever since.
Mr. Cash is a Democrat of the strongest type,
and is highly regarded in his party. He is a
member in the National Union, and has been the
main organizer and pillar of the Christian Church
of this city, which he h.as supported with both
purse and iiiHuence.
The marriage of Mr. Ca^li look place in St.
Louis, in 1874, with Miss Alice Sutherland, one of
the fair daiioliters of Keiituck\-, and two cliildreii
have blessed this union. The eldest, Hugh Em-
mctt, was removed bj' death, but Walter S. re-
mains. He will not be ashamed to read the record
of dilliculties overcome by his father, for the trials
of early life ver}' often form character and make
men what they are. Two of the brothers of Mr.
Cash took part in the Civil War.
[L_, ENRY CLAY ECKERT, an enterprising
jfji) farmer and prominent member of tlie
i^\^ Grange, living in Smithton Township, was
(^; born November 5, 1850, of German-Amer-
ican parentage. He was the son of Michael Eck-
ert, who came to this country with his parents
when he was eleven j'ears of age. This was in
1837, and they were among the earliest settlers of
St. Clair County. The birthplace of our subject
was on the Drumhill Farm, near Fayetteville. He
received a good education, attending the free
schools, afterward spending one year at McKendree
College. He had better advantages than most of
the boys of his age or locality. After the death of
his brother, he removed with his parents to Belle-
ville, 111., in 1875. After several years in that
city, he married Mar\' L. Miller, who was tlic
daughter of Michael Miller, one of the earliest
settlers of St. Clair Countv. Our subject lived
in Belleville until 1879, wliien he removed to
Richview Farm, situated on the Cairo Short Line,
just above Wilderman Station. He has been a
farmer all his life, and has followed the business
intelligently, using the latest agricultural devices,
and buying the best breeds of cattle, sheep and
poultry. He has at this writing five hundred young
chickens of pure blood, and sells poultry for breed-
ing purposes; he also manufactures on his place
a fine article of gilt-edged butter. The children
are Walter E., Eugene A. and Alvin Otis. His
only daughter, Amelia, has passed aw.ay.
Mr. Eckert has two farms, one containing one
hundred and eighteen acres, and another two hun-
dred .Tiid ten acres. The land where he lives is
344
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
underlaid with coal, wbich makes it very valua-
ble. The large brick residence which Mr. Eckert
erected in the course of time, is one of the finest
in this part of the county, and cost him $5,400.
He also has a large poultry house, built after the
latest models, which cost him 1200. His land has
.ill the latest improvements, and is well tiled
where that was necessary'. He firmly believes
that farming can be greatly improved b3' better
methods, and that the breeding and raising of bet-
ter stock will always pay in the end. He keeps an
account of all that he buys and all that he sells,
and at the end of the year has as clean a balance
sheet as any merchan t.
Mr. Eckert is a Republican, and has always been
one, and is a strong believer in the protection of
American industries, and an advocate for an hon-
est American dollar. He belongs to the Grange,
and at one time took an active part in its meet-
ings, but lately a hardness of hearing has pre-
vented his attendance. He believes in the Grange
jjrinciples, and is truly one of the most enterpris-
ing farmers in tlie county, and has endeavored to
place agricultuie upon a proper footing in his
county. Men of his stamp will soon give a quietus
to those who look at the farming community as a
necessary part of a State, but to be regarded as
rather out of the rapid march of progress.
^^EOKGE W. SHH^MAN, proprietor of the
fij (—, Western Keg Works, near the Louisville tt
sQJ^ Nashville passenger depot, is one of the
successful men whose history forms the glory of
St. Clair County. One of the prominent features
of the business men of Belleville, 111., is their
energy and push. Mr. Shipman is no excei)ti<)n
in this respect, but affords a striking example of
the truth of the assertion. He is a man of excel-
lent business (lualitications and good habits, and a
citizen who lias the Inchest regard of all who know
uintv seat of li
11 near St. Clairsviile. the
Cuuntv, Ohio, uii the Idth
of September, 1821, and is a son of Walter and
Ann (Wilson) Shipman. The father was a car-
penter by trade, but in connection was also en-
gaged in farming and was the owner of eighty
acres of land, on which he made his home. He
died in Belmont County, and left a family of nine
children, all but one now living. Our subject re-
ceived his early education in the log sehoolhouse
of pioneer da3's, but as the sehoolhouse was two
miles distant from his home and in the woods, his
scholastic tiaining was limited to about four
months in all. However, he had a naturally
bright and active mind, and by observation and
study later in lite, he became quite well posted on
all subjects of moincnl.
Our subject was only about eighteen years of
age when his father died, and he subsequently be-
gan learning the machinist's trade in Martin's Ferry,
Ohio. He was the first man who ever put a
threshing-machine on wheels and llueshed with it
in that position, and this created a demand for his
machines. He became a member of the firm of
Shipman, Bales ilr Co., and continued in this bus-
iness until 18(50. At the breaking out of the war,
he enlisted in Company F, Fiftieth Ohio Infantry,
and was in the arm}' of the Cumberland through
Kentucky and Tennessee. He served his country
faithfully for three ^years, and during that time he
never received a wound nor was he taken prisoner.
He served as wagon-master for about twenty-two
months. After returning from the war, he worked
at the machine business, and in 1869 established a
manufactory of nail kegs at Martin's Feny, which
he conducted until 1871. From there he moved
to Port Clinton, Ohio, thence to Wood County,
Ohio, in 1874, and in 1877 he located in Belle-
ville, 111., where he engaged in the manufacture of
nail kegs. He soon established a manufactory of
his own near the Western Nail Works, with steam
power and all the improved machinery for the
manufacture of kegs. He built all his machines
but two. His manufactory has a capacity of
twenty-five hundred kegs per daj', and he employs
about sixty hands, m.aking a pay roll of about
^1,200. This is one of the most flourishing insti-
tutions of the city, and is the principal keg fae-
tor\-, ,Mr. Shipman is thorouglii\- ali\e to the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
347
business interests of this bus\' city, and his factoiy
reflects the hij^hest credit upon his management.
On the 26th of .Tuiy, 1873, Mr. Shipman was
united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Ann Brown,
of Colerain Township, Belmont County, Ohio, and
she now presides over his fine liome at No. .522 D
Street, Belleville. This is one of the loveliest
places in the city, and attracts the eye of all. Mr.
Shipman was previously married to Miss Martha
Smith, of St. Clairsville, and six children were the
fruits of this union: William; Martha, wife of
George Fowler; Lillian, wife of E. J. Smallwood;
George W., Charles and Stephen E. Mr. Shipman
owns several lots and two houses in the city and
other real estate. Socially, he is a member of
Belmont City Lodge No. 221, 1. O. O. F., at Mar-
tin's Ferry, Ohio, and the Grand Armj-. Mr. Ship-
man was Alderman of the First Ward for one
term. By his last union, he became the father of
one son, Jefferson Brown.
Tr^^OBERT CUNNINGHAM. It isan undenia-
jll^ ble truth that the life of anj' man is of great
:*> % benefit to the community in which he lesides,
" when all his energies are directed toward ad-
vancing its interests, and when he lives according
to the highest principles of what he conceives to
be right. Mr. Cunningham is one of these men.
He has been prominently identified with every en-
terprise of importance in the county, and no laud-
able movement is allowed to fail for want of sup-
port on his part. At present he is serving as
.\lderman from the First Ward of East St. Louis,
and is discharging the duties incumbent upon that
position in a very satisfactory manner. He has
been a resident of East St. Louis since I860, and
has been with the Wiggins Ferry Company since
1872. Throughout St. Clair County he is well
known, and is regarded as one of its representa-
tive men.
Like many of the i)rominent citizens of East St.
Louis, Mr. Cunningham is of foreign biith. He was
born in County Louth, Ii-eland, March 17. 1845.
His father, John Cunningham, who was also born
in that count}-, was a stonemason and contractor,
contracting for stone and brick work. He lived
to the good old age of seventy-eight years, and
died in 1887. Upright and honest in every walk of
life, he won and held the respect of all. He married
Bridget Gorman, also a native of the green isle of
Erin, and her death occurred in 1847. Three
children were born of this union, but our subject,
the youngest child, is the only one in America.
One of his brothers, Bernard, resides in the old place,
and is a stonemason. Pati-ick. the other lirotlier,
is a machinist of Dublin.
Robert Cunningham was reared and educated
in his native countrj'. AVhen eighteen years of
age he decided to cross the ocean to America, and
in July, 1863, he took passage at Liverpool with
his uncle, Patrick Gorman. Thirteen days later
they landed in New York City, and went from
j there to Toledo, Ohio, where our subject was en-
gaged in different occupations for two years. In
December, 1865, he removed further AVest, and
engaged as a steamboat hand between St. Louis
and New Orleans. He was on different boats
until the spring of 1867, when he came to East St.
Louis, and made a trip of thirty-five hundred
miles in fifty-seven days, on the steamer " St.
Luke." Later, he ran on the Upper Mississippi
River, on the steamer " Key Cit}-," of St. Paul, and
W.1S thus engaged one year. Returning to East St.
Louis he was with the Vandalia Railroad for one
year, and subsequently was engaged in driving-
transfer wagons for the St. Louis Transfer Com-
pany two years.
In 1872, Mr. Cunningham engaged with the
AViggins Ferry Company as deckhand, and worked
his way up to foreman, which he has held since
1875. He is in charge of a set of men, and thor-
oughly understands his business. He is also quite
extensively engaged in the real-estate business in
this city. In 1870, he was united in marriage
with Miss Mary Hoey, a native of Ireland, and nine
children have resulted from this union: Mai}-:
who is a teacher in the Douglas School; John, a
time-keeper for the AViggins Belt Line; Robert,
Katie, Agnes, Joseph, Edward, Annie and Thomas,
all but the two eldest at home.
348
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In 1883. Mr. Cunningham was elected Alder-
man from what w.as tlicn the Third (now the
First) Ward, and has filled that position ever
since. lie has served on different committees, and
is Chairman of the Railroad Committee. Mr.
Cunningham is an e'arncst advocate of the im-
provement and advancement of the city, lias per-
formed honorable and efficient service, and is en-
titled, with others, to feel a pride and satisfaction
over the result of efforts and labor that have cul-
minated in the East St. Louis of to-day. In 187G
he was elected School Director. He is a member
of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and in poli-
tics, is a strong Democrat. He has frequently
been a delegate to county conventions, and has
been President of the Democratic convention for
years. Mr. Cunningham is a member of the first
Building and Loan Association of East St. Louis,
and has been a member of the Grand Jury. He is
a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and
contributes liberally to its support.
\W_^ ON. GUSTAVUS KOERNER, ex-Lieuten-
Wjfj ant-Governor of the State of Illinois, is a
My^ distinguished German-American writer and
(^] statesman, and was born at Frankfort-on-
the-Main, (Germany, November 20, 1809, in wliich
country his father, Bernhard Koerner, was a book
publisher and a prominent citizen of Frankfort.
The latter was repeatedly elected to the Legislative
body of this free city, in which he became conspicu-
ous for liberalism. Gustavus attended the academy
(gymnasium) of Frankfort and became a student
at Jena, whose university was then the center of the
students' association known as "Burschenschaft."
He was a stanch adherent of that patriotic body of
students, and became imbued with a warm and
sincere devotion to the cause of German liberty
and unity. In 1830, he pursued his studies at the
University of Munich, and with others was charged
while there with having resisted the police, and
was arrested and imprisoned for four months.
Upon being released and discharged b}' judgment
of the Supreme Court of Bavaria, he went to Hei-
delberg, where he finished his studies, being grad-
uated in 1832 and receiving the degree of LL. D.
Soon after this, he was admitted to the Supreme
Court of his native city to practice his profession.
In 1833, the movement to place the Govern-
ment on a Republican basis met his hearty ap-
proval, as it did that of thousands of other young
professional men, and lie became involved in the
uprising at Frankfort, April 3, 1838, and in the
conflict with the soldiers was wounded. Upon his
recover3', with the assistance of friends, he escaped
to France, but was not permitted to stay in that
country, and was sent by the French Government,
under escort, to Switzerland. He soon after, how-
ever, returned to F^rancc, and from the city of Paris
went to Havre, wliere he found old friends in the
Finglemann family about to embark for America.
He joined them and June 18, 1833, arrived in
New York City. In July, lie reached Belleville,
St. Clair County, where he settled and where he
continued to reside. He entered the law school at
Lexington, Ky., and in 1835 was admitted to the
Bar, and throngh his undeniable ability soon at-
tained a reputation that called him into many
cases of importance in the local and Supreme
Courts. In 184o, his reputation as a clear and log-
ical reasoner and a sound jurist received com-
mendable and honoi-able recognition, and be was
appointed by the Governor of tlie State to a posi-
tion on the Supreme Bench, and the next year was
elected to the same position by the Legislature.
He wore the judicial ermine with dignitA', ability
and ease, and upon retireriient from the Bench in
184!l,when the office was made an elective one, he
bore with him the respect and good-will of all, and
the consciousness that he had done his duty so far
as he saw it.
Our subject declined to be a candidate for re-
election and returned to Belleville and resumed
his practice. His judicial opinions while on the
Bench were marked by great clearness, and exliib-
ited thorough research and careful analysis, and
are j'et held in high esteem by the Bar of tiie
State. Being in accord with tiie Democratic party,
he was elected to the Legislature by it in 1842,
and ten j'ears later was elected to the honorable
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
349
and responsible position of Lieutenant-Governor
of the State, his majority being very large. He
was the first German in the State to be so hon-
ored. As a presiding officer in the Senate, he was
distinguished for the correctness of his rulings,
and ins thorough knowledge of parliamentary law.
In 1854, lie took a decided stand against the ex-
tension of slavery and made it a point to be in
constant touch and sympathy with the advanced
of the age, who abhorred mental or physical slavery
in whatever form it appeared. His course was
exceedingly unpopular, and he and many other
able men found themselves outside their party b3'
their refusal to subscribe to the principles and up-
hold the tenets as represented by the slave oli-
garchy of the .South, who represented the domi-
nant wing of the party. The active and positive
position he took on the Kansas-Nebraska ques-
tion brought him in sympathy and accord with
Abraham J^incoln, Lyman Trumbull, John M.
Palmer, and all the great leaders of the progressive
tliought of that day, and together they constituted
tlie leaders through whose agency the Republican
party was formed and brought into organization
and power. Mr. Koerner became the acknowl-
edged leader of the party throughout Soutlicrn
Illinois,
In 18.58, he was a member of the convention
that nominated Lincoln for United States Senator,
and stumped the State in his behalf. In 1860, he
was a delegate-at-large to the Chicago convention,
and was a member of the committee that wrote the
memorable platform, upon which committee were
also Gov. Boutwell, Carl .Schurz and Horace Gree-
lej'. In 1861, he was active in raising the Forty-
third Illinois Infantrj', but was appointed Colonel of
\'olunteers by President Lincoln and was assigned
to the staff of Fremont and later to the staff of
Halleck. Illness compelled his resignation in March,
1862, but his influence still continued to be felt
and he did much to induce the mass of Germans to
remain loyal -to the Government. In June, 1862,
Lincoln again manifested his confidence in one
who had remained so loyally his friend, and Mr.
Koerner was appointed Minister to "Spain, which |
position he filled with distinguished abilitv for two ■
and a-half years, when he resigned. He did much to
maintain a strict neutrality on the part of Spain,
I and his services to his country were very valuable
i and of a most satisfactory kind.
In 1868, he was Elector-at-Large for the State and
I presided over the electoral college of Illinois, cast-
ing the electoral vote for Grant. In 1871, he was
appointed by the Governor of Illinois one of the
newly-created Board of Railway & Warehouse
Commissioners, of which body he became Chairman
and did much valuable services in working and
guarding the interests of the people. In 1872, he
became a Liberal in his political views, and in that
year was the Liberal Democratic candidate for
Governor of the State, his name adding much
strength to the new party, which was born at Cin-
cinnati and of which Horace Greeley was the cham-
pion. He ran eleven thousand votes ahead of the
Presidential candidate. With a record untarnished
and integrity and honesty of purpose unquestioned,
he again assumed the duties of his profession, in
which he still continues and gives every evidence
of a much longer period of usefulness. During
his long and busy life, he has found much time to
devote to literary pursuits, and in 1833 he wrote
some valuable articles for a monthly magazine,
Das Atialand, published at Stuttgart, German^y,
correcting erroneous ideas of this country which
were entertained in Germany. He has contributed
man}' other articles of note to leading magazines
and periodicals, all of which show the workings of
a scholarly and active mind that has been strength-
ened and enriched by the highest culture. His
style in writing and speaking is smooth, forcible
and convincing, and in 1840 he translated into
German all the general laws in the revised code of
Illinois of 1833. After his ministry in Spain, he
published at Frankfort, Geimany, reminiscences of
"Aus Spanien," and in 1880 "Das Deutsche Ele-
ment in den Vercinigten Staaten von 1818-1848,"
a large and exhaustive work which w.as i)rinted
in Cincinnati.
June 15, 1836, he married Miss Sophia, daughter
of Frederick Theodore Engelmann, late of St.
Clair County, and his union resulted in the birth
of five sons and three daughters, one son and
two daughters of whom are living. This, in brief,
is a sketch of one of the old settlers of St. Clair
350
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRATHICAL RECORD.
County and one who has been conspicuous for
half a century in the political affairs of his adopted
country. Few men living have been more promi-
nent in the State or have extended more influence
or been more thoroughly representative than has
he. He has grown old gracefully, and his declin-
ing years are being spent in the bosom of an affec-
tionate family and in the circle of an extended
friendship.
Jl'OHN S. CARSON. Prominent among the
shining lights of the legal profession stands
the subject of this brief sketch, who lias
^ ' made the beautiful little city of Belleville
his home for several years past.
Mr. Carson is a native son of Illinois, having
been born in this State, at Nashville, June 10,
1851, the son of Robert and Nancy C. (Mitchell)
Caison. The last-named persons were both na-
tives of Todd County, Ky., who came to Washing-
ton County with their parents, and married soon
after arrival. Here they entered land that now is
a part of the suburbs of Nashville, and lived and
died on the farm they reclaimed from the prairie,
the father dying February 10, 1889, and the
mother in 1860. When the death of the mother
occurred, there were two children left the sorrow-
ing father: our subject and a daughter, Sarah Jane,
wife of Richard Snead, of Nashville. Mr. Robert
Carson was a prominent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South.
John Carson was educated at McKendree Col-
lege, Lebanon, 111. After graduating, he engaged
in the mercantile business at Nashville, but, feel-
ing that his attainments fitted him for greater
things, he abandoned his occupation and removed
to Belleville in 1884, in order to engage in the
study of law under Mr. Winkleman. After several
years of hard and persistent study, he was ad-
mitted to practice at the Bar by an examination
of the Appellate Courl at Mt. Vernon. Before
taking the examination, he was engaged for two
years in the real-estate business, but finall}' opened
his office for practice at No. 18 South Illinois
Street with Mr. Winkleman as a partner. Since
that time, so successful has he been, that the busi-
ness is in a flourishing condition, and Mr. Carson
and his partner have more practice .all the time
than they can possibly attend to.
In addition to his professional duties, Mr. Car-
son has served in several public capacities, having
been United States Ganger during 1885 and 1886;
he was also elected a member of the City Council liy
the Democratic party, to whom he owns allegiance.
The marriage of Mr. Carson and Miss Mar}' J.
Eckert, daughter of Leonard Eckert, of Monroe
Count}', occurred September 5, 1872, and there
have been four children added to their familj-
since then: Robert L., Jessie, Frank Houston and
John Edward.
Mr. Carson is one of the leading members of Ihe
Knights of Pythias, and is now holding one of
the chairs in that order. lie and his interesting
family occupy a comfortable residence at No. 917
Park Avenue. Mr. Carson is one of the most re-
spected business men of Belleville, much of whose
prosperity is due to just such men as our subject.
'/ii^^ ^um ic^^gp
IL^ ANS SCHWAIJZ, editor and proprietor of
the Ta//eblati und Arbeiter Zeifung at Belle-
ville, was born April 23, 1851, in Neustadt,
near Nuremberg, in Bavaria. His educa-
tion was gained in the schools of his native vil-
lage, where in his youth he learned the trade of a
printer, becoming a skillful compositor, and famil-
iar with the "art preservative." For eleven years
he was editor and business manager of a |)aper in
Germany, in which he gained a practical exper-
ience that h.as been of ineslimnble value to him in
this country.
In the year 1883, Mr. Schwarz emigrated to the
United States, coming West to .St. Louis, where he
remained for one year. During the following year
he came to Belleville, of which city he has since
been a resident. In 1885, he established the ^-l;'6e(7er
Zeitiincj, which he first conducted as a weekly issue.
r
■■m
'p)
^(ytAyty<:^ /2^-eAy yQU</^
^5^^> ec^Ai
PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3.53
but one year later added a daily paper, which has
since been under his personal supervision. The
weekly journal contains eight pages, devoted to
news of general interest, as well as matters of local
importance only. The daily paper, which is a four-
page sheet, has a large number of readers, and is a
favorite among the citizens of Belleville and vi-
cinity. It is published in German, and is consid-
ered authority by the people of that nationality who
reside in St. Clair County.
Although he retains a deep regard for the Father-
land, Mr. Schwarz is also devoted to the interests
and welfare of the country of his adoption, and
represents our best type of German-American cit-
izens. He is identified with several German organ-
izations, among them being the Harugari, the
Arbeiter Untcrstuetzungs Verein, and the Ger-
man-.\merican Typographical Union No. 18, and
the Treul.und.
EV. FATHER CHRISTOPHER KOENIG.
has been a well-known and public-
spirited resident of East St. Louis since
.January 27, 18(59, is a man of education
and refinement, highly respected and esteemed,
not only by his congregation, but by all who
know him, and he has ever manifested a deep in-
terest in the noble work in which he is engaged.
He was born in Attendorn, Westphalia, Germany,
October 6, 1842, a son of Christopher and grand-
son of Frank Koenig, the latter having been a
tiller of his native soil and a soldier in Bonaparte's
army. He was in the Russian campaign for a short
time but was taken sick and returned home. He
was called from the scenes of his earthly labors in
18.04, at which time he lacked four months of be-
ing one hundred years old. His mind was unim-
paired up to the day of his death, his memory-
bi-ight,and in his latter j'ears he showed a remai'k-
ably vigorous constitution, for even at the age of
ninety-nine 3-ears he did considerable work.
Christopher Koenig, the father of the subject of
this sketch, was the owner of a small farm in Ger-
many, but the prospects offered to men of enter-
prise and push in America were alluring, and in
18fi3 he came to this country with his wife and
two children, one son having preceded them
hither. They embarked on the sailing-vessel
•'Tuesco" at Bremen and landed in New York at
the end of twenty-eight days. They at once pro-
ceeded to Columbia, Monroe County, 111., to join
their son. Their father died in 1877, at the age of
seventy-three years, at the home of our subject, in
East St. Louis. His wife, whose maiden name was
Elizabeth Tillmann, was a daughter of Peter Till-
mann, a school teacher of Germany, and died in
the year 1882. Father William was educated for the
priesthood in German 3', came to America m 1860,
and died in Columbia, III., where he was p.astor of
a church, in 1864; Elizabeth is the widow of Mr.
Goelz and resides in this city with Father Christo-
pher Koenig, her brother. The latter attended the
common schools until he was fourteen years of age,
after which he remained with his parents and .as-
sisted them on the farm, being compelled to give
up the Latin studies which he had commenced.
He became a resident of Columbia, 111., in 1863.
and at once resumed the study of Latin under his
brother. At the end of one year, he entered St.
Francis Seminary of Milwaukee, Wis., where he re-
mained until 1868. He was then ordained by
Archbishop Hennis, receiving his first appointment
to East St. Louis on the 27th of Januar.y, 1869.
At that time his congregation consisted of forty
families, and services were held in a frame build-
ing on Collinsville and St. Louis Avenues, which
had been erected in 1866 by Father Rinkens.
In 1873, the erection of the present beautiful
church was commenced and on Christmas morning
of the same j-ear the first services were held. At the
same time this commodious and handsome house
of worship was erected, the parochial residence was
also built, and in 1887 the parochial school build-
ings of St. Henry's Church were established. Four
teachers are kept constantly employed, and the
pupils number two hundred and sixty. Thechuich
occupies one block on Broadwa}', between Fifth
and Sixth Streets, the congregation of which now
1 numbers three hundred families, and when this is
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
taken into consideration, together with the many
expensive iminovements that have been made, it
indicates a praisewortln- spirit among tlie people
and earnest and persistent efforts on the part of tlie
pastor. St. Mary's Hospital on Missouri Avenue,
between P>ighth and Ninth Streets, was erected in
1889, it bting a two-story brick and basement
liuilding 80x40 feet in dimensions. It was opened
in 1890 and is in charge of nine Sisters, who are in
every way fitted to care for those who niaj' come
under their care. Father Koenig in a Democrat, is
a believer in America and Americans and advo-
cates their attendance at the iiolls.
I^EV. C. H. A. VAX DKR SMISSEN. This
llWf prominent and much-esteemed minister of
iA\\V the Gospel is a native of Germany, and
was born in Fredericksstadt, Schleswig-Hol-
stein, December 4, 1851, and is a son of C. J. and
S. V. (van der Smissen) van der Sraissen, the latter !
being the second cousin of her husband. The fa- \
ther was at first a book-binder, but in 1837 he be-
came a minister in the Menuonite Church and
continued in the active discharge of his ministerial
duties imtil 1890. He came to America in 1868,
as Professor of Theology in Wadsworth Mennonite
College, Medina Countj', Ohio, and was a man of
nnicii more than ordinary ability, being educated
in some of the best colleges of his country. He
continued in the above-mentioned college until j
1879, when he went to Hayesville, Ohio, where our
subject had a charge. While a resident of the old
country, Mr. van der Smissen was considered one
of tlie finest preachers in the province, and was !
noted for his eloquence, deep reasoning and true ;
piety. His death occurred on the 29th of May,
1890, when seventy-eight years of age. The mother
was born on the 15th of March, 1814. Their
children were as follows: Elizabeth, who married
M. D. Homey, a Director of the Idiot Asylum
at Nassau; Wilhelmina F. became the wife of
Henry Schwacke,a school teacher in the Ft. Wayne,
Ind., schools, and they reside in that citv: tiillierl
Theodore died in infancy; Jacob Theophil died
on the ad of February, 1850, when six years of
age; Helena Dorothea died .lanuary 22, 1850, at the
age of four years; Hillcgonda, single, resides with
the mother in Summerfield, this county; Gysbert
died in infancy.
The original of this notice remained in Fred-
ericksstadt up to 1868. lie was educated in the
best schools of his native countrj', and was a stu-
dent at the gymnasiums in Husum and Weilburg.
In 1870, when the Franco-Prussian War broke out,
he went to the University of Basle and remained
there two years, taking one year at Tubingen and
half a year at Halle, thus completing his theologicvl
education. He traveled over Europe, visiting
Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France and
Holland, and took this trip to broaden his views
and his education. He came to America in 1874,
landed in New York, and went from there to
Wadsworth. He was ordained a minister of the
Mennonite Church October 15, 1874, being or-
dained by his father and Rev. E. Hunsberger, in
a church near Hayesville, Ohio, where he then en-
tered actively on his ministerial duties. He preached
for three years on alternate Sundays in Cleveland,
Ohio, from 1875 to 1878, and in 1880 went to
Coshocton, Ohio, where, in connection with preach-
ing, he taught German. There he remained until
.Tune, 1881, and in July of that j-earhe took charge
of the Mennonite Church at Upper Milford, near
Zionsville, Lehigh County, Pa., where he remained
nine years. He came to Summerfield, St. Clair
County, 111., as minister of the Mennonite Church
in 1890, and here he has continued since. He is an
earnest worker in the vineyard of the Lord, and
much good has he accomplished by his earnest
words and profound reasoning.
Mr. van der Smissen was married on tiie 12lii of
October, 1881, to Miss Mary E. Knight, a native of
New Castle, Coshocton County, Ohio, born on the
19th of November, 1845, and the daughter t>f
George and Keziah Jane Knight. Her father
was a farmer and tanner, and her childhood and
youth were spent, with the exception of a few
years, on a farm near New Castle. In this home,
around which cluster so many cherished memories
of hapiiy days, she received her early training — a
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
trainiiig- that was in every way normal, laving a
broad foundation for her later unexceptionable
fitness for the varied duties of life. Though con-
stitutionall}- weakened by a severe attack of scarlet
fever when six ^^ears of age, she was always fond
of work, and her naturally skillful hands were early
trained in such work as sewing and other liouse-
hold duties, while at the same time her intellectual
and religious culture were with equal care provided
for by her parents, who appreciated the value of a
good education founded in a knowledge and fear
of the Lord. At an early age she became a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church, of which her fatlier
was an Elder.
Having improved all available school advantages
at home. Miss Knight afterward attended college
at [layesville, Ohio, and still later, having taught
several terms in Utica and Muskingum County,
she took a full course in the Steuben ville Ladies'
Seminary, graduating from that institution with
honor in 1869. Being compelled to abandon her
intention of becoming a missionary on account of
her health, she again turned her attention to teach-
ing. She taught various terms in the academy of
her brother. Prof. L. Knight, at Ft. Madison, Iowa;
in the academy at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where her
brother-in-law. Rev. L. M. Belden, was teaching; in
Morgantown, W. ^'a.; and in the public schools of
Coshocton, Ohio. While teaching in the last
place, during the winter of 1880-81, she l)ecame
acquainted with her future husband, who came
there as a teacher of (German. They were married
in October, 1881, Mr. van der Smissen having in
tlie meantime accepted a call to the pastorate of
the Upper Milford congregation at Zionsville, Pa.,
and entered upon his ministry there. Immediately
after their marriage slie was, at her request, received
as a member of the church of her husband, and
from that time until her death, which occurred at
Summerfleld, 111., on the 13th of February, 1892,
slie was hisdevoted, faithful and efficient helpmate
in his pastoral labors.
While living at Zionsville, two children were
born to our subject and his wife, a son named Karl
Chi-istian, and a daughter named Jenn ie Alida, upon
whose lives the mother's early influence will always
be felt. She was a loving, faithful and in every
way accomplished Christian wife and mother, a
true helpmate to her husband in Sunday-school,
Chi'istian Endeavor Society, Ladies' Jlissionary
Society and Young Girls' Mission Band. Her
memory will be blessed by many and most 1)\-
those wiio knew her best.
Mr. van der Smissen is a member of the Cliri>tian
Endeavor Society, served as Secretary in Pennsyl-
vania, and recently here. Lrpolitics, he attiliates
with the Republican party. He has a genealogical
tree extending back to the year 1444, and a.
family history printed in pamphlet form. He is a
man of fine intellect, wonderful reasoning powers,
and one who has won the esteem and respect of
every one. He has a tine and complete library,
and is regarded as an able and eloquent preacher.
i>^^<P
ELIJAH CANNADY, .1. P. In this sketch
we present to the attention of our readers
, a short record of the life history of a man
who is well known in the city of Belleville. His
father, Stephen Cannady, came from his native
State of Tennessee when only ten years of age,
and became a farmer in AVasliington County, this
State. In 1867, he moved to Jasper County, Mo.,
and m 1868 he settled near Marionville, in Law-
rence County, Mo. He married Miss Tabitha Harry-
man in Washington County, and nine children were
bora to them. There are but three of this family liv-
ing: Charles, the Superintendent of Schools; our
subject and Douglas. At the home in Marionville,
Mo., the father, who liad always ui)lield the prin-
ciples of the Democratic party, and who was much
respected, passed awaj' November 17, 1877; the
mother also ended her days there.
Our subject was educated first in the district
schools, and later embraced the oiiportiinity of at-
tending the Normal School at Normal, 111., after
which he became a teacher, and for seventeen years
was an efficient instructor. He was then still a
young man, his birth having occurred August 7,
1849, in Washington County, and he decided to
take up the study of law. Fortius purpose he eu-
3nG
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
teied the office of Frank Penin, of Mascoutah,
and in 1887 he was admitted to the practice of
liis profesf<ion by examination at Mt. Vernon.
Ilis first location was at Hutchinson, Kan., where
lie practiced four montlis,and tlien lie came here,
where he was fully occupied until his election
to the office of Justice of the Peace, .January 2,
1891. He li.as engaged in some real-estate and in-
surance business matters, and owns propertj' in
the city. He has a fine farm in Washington
County of two hundred and twenty-six acres, and
lioth improved and unimproved city property.
Mr. Cannady was married September 4, 1873, to
Miss Diana M. Sackett, a daughter of Henry and
.lane Sackett, of Washington County. Four chil-
dren have come into this pleasant household: .Jane;
Stephen Henry, who died in 1881; Elijah and
Philo. Our subject is a member of the Indepen-
dent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of
Pythias and also of the Independent Order of
Mutual Aid. Mr. and Mrs. Cannady are pleasant
people, and have many friends in the city and
if^^IlKODORE .1. KKAFFT, whose residence is
ji^^N located at No. 229 High Street, Belleville,
\&'- 111., was born in Rhenish Bavaria, -January
IT), 181.S, a son of I^ewis Job Krafft, Vicar of the
parish of Alsenborn, in the liheinpfalz. The moth-
er's maiden name was Margareta Hilgard, and lier
brother Theodore was a Judge of the Sni)reme
Court. Theodore J. Ivrafft was reared and edu-
cated in the land of his birth, and from his early
manhood was a stanch supporter of Republican
principles. He entered Heidelberg University at
the age of eighteen years, having prior to that
time attended the Lyceum at Zweibrucken, the
home of an uncle, and while pursuing his studies
in Heidelberg he became well versed in law.
In 1832, after a family consultation, his uncde
sent him and a cousin, I^dward Hilgard, to the
I'nited States to find a loeation where the family
might settle. Thev started nn their jdiuncv in Mav,
1832, in a sailing-vessel from Bremen, and landed
on American shores the following July. They at
once went to Rochester, N. Y., on the Erie Canal,
where the cholera was at that time raging, but left
it behind them at that city, and pursued their
journey Westward. They remained on a farm in
the vicinity of Pittsburgh the following winter,
and the next spring they traveled over Illinois and
Missouri, and finally selected St. Clair County, 111.,
as the scene of their future operations. At that
time there were a few scattered German settlers,
but no regular colony, but as they all liked the out-
look, they here located. They were afterward
joined by others of their nationality, among whom
may be mentioned Gustavus Heimberger, and Mr.
Ledergerber, whose son Frederick is a distin-
guished attorney of St. Louis. They reached this
country the same j-ear as the Englemanns. Edward
Hilgard afterward returned to Germany and mar-
ried his cousin, a daughter of Judge Hilgard, and
in the year 1835, returned to this country in com-
pany with his father-in-law and family. Mean-
time, Theodore Kr.afft had selected a farm for the
Judge near Belleville, a portion of which is now
West Belleyille.
Mr. Krafft engaged in general merchandising,
which business he continued until 1840, when the
great financial crash of that year swept his prop-
ert3' away. Judge Hilgard, having lost his wife,
reared his family in this country, but in 1865 re-
turned to the Fatherland and made Heidelberg his
home until his death in 1879, at about the age of
eighty-three years. He was a land speculator, and
was a man of exceptionally sound judgment and
business acumen. Although Mr. Krafft failed in
business in 1840, he did not take advantage of the
bankrupt law, and for fifteen j-ears thereafter was
busily employed in paying off the debts which his
house had contiacted. For six years succeeding
his failure, he resided on a farm south of Belle-
ville, then returned to the city and began the
study of law, which he began practicing after two
years spent in the mercantile business. He served
as Justice of the Peace for twent^^ years, at the
same time continuing his law practice. Politi-
cally he is a liberal Repulilican, holding Democratic
ideas on the tariff question. During the war, when
rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
357
the President called for men for the one hundred
days' service, although be was over sixty years of
age, he enlisted to give younger men the example,
and the needed courage. He was taken sick at
Camp Butler and returned home. Later on, he
rejoined his regiment, the One Hundred and Sev-
enteenth Illinois, at White Station, near Memphis,
Tenn., but on account of his age was not mustered
into the service.
Mr. Krafft has since conducted a law and insur-
ance business with good success, but has transferred
tiie heavy part of the work to the shoulders of his
son, Walter Krafft. Our subject was married Octo-
Iwr 31, 1838, to Miss Mary E. Mitchell, daughter
of Capt. .Tames Mitchell, but .June 16, 1890, was
called upon to mourn her death, she having borne
him five sons and one daughter: James F., of
Minneapolis, Minn.; Lewis, an attorney at San
.lose, Cal.; Walter, who is associated in business
with his father; Theodore, a merchant of Spring-
Held, Mo.; George, a manufacturer and painter of
Belleville; and Louise, wife of D. II. jNIurray, a
grocer of Minneapolis, Minn. The daughter died
in California, August n, 1891. Edward Ililgard,
after spending five or six years in this country,
returned to Germany, and there was called from
life.
KAXK W. AHERLE. The village of Eay-
lloxyy etteville is indebted, to no small extent, for
't^ its steady progress and growth to the in-
defatigable labors of Mr. Aberle, well known as the
proprietor of the Okaw Hotel at that place. His
entire life has been passed there, and he is thor-
oughly identified with its varied interests, contrib-
uting his efforts to the promotion of its welfare
and doing all in his power to advance its material
growth.
As stated above, Mr. Aberle was born in Fay-
etteville, the date of his birth being .lanuary 18,
1860. He is the son of Marcus and Margaret
(Pfiffner) Aberir, the father a native of Wurtem-
lierg, Germany, anil the mother boin in Switzer-
land. Marcus Aberle spent his boyhood years in
a village of Germany, where he gained a limited
education in the common schools. By trade he
was a plasterer, which occupation he followed
until he emigrated to the United States in the year
1848. Coming to this country and locating in
St. Clair County, he was here engaged at his trade
until the opening of the Civil War. At that time,
he embarked in the fruit distillery business, in
which he continued actively engaged until liis
death, which occurred at Fayette viile in 1883. In
his religion, he was a devoted member of tlie
Catholic Church, and was ever ready to contrib-
ute generously of his means to forward tiie inter-
ests of his church. In his political attiliations, he
was a strong Republican and took an intelligent
interest in affairs of national importance. His
wife passed away in 1869, at the family home in
Faj'etteville.
The paternal family consisted of six children,
as follows: Elizabeth, Frank, Amelia, Marcus,
Dena and Antone. The eldest daughter is the
wife of AVilliam Brueckner; Amelia, Dena and
Antone are deceased. Marcus is- a resident of
Fa}'etteville. The subject of this sketch attended
the schools of Fayetteville in his boyhood, and the
education there gained has been of great assist-
ance to him in his business transactions, as well
as in his social life. When twenty-one years of age,
he commenced in the world for himself by renting
a farm of Louis Kuntz, where for a few years he
conducted agricultural operations with fair suc-
cess. Afterward, he commenced in business as a
fruit (li-^iillii-. nliii-li lie contiiiued until he opened
hi.s hcihl ill iss'.i. \\^' still owns a farm of sixty-
six :icre> near Fayetteville, where he is interested
in raising fine horses, as well as in general farm-
ing.
In 1881, Mr. Aberle w.as united in marriage
with Miss Mary, daughter of Charles ;in(l Kh/.alieth
(Laux) Fietsam. This estimable lady was born in
St. Clair County, 111., and is the mother of two
children, Frank and Theodore, bright and intelli-
gent lads, in whose training and education the
parents take deep interest. The Catholic Church
is the religious home of the family, and Mr. and
j Mrs, Alierle are among its most :ictive members,
358
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Our subject is identified with the Catholic Knights
of Illinois, and is otherwise prominent in religious
enterpiises. Politically, he is a Democrat, casting
his ballot for the candidates of that part\-.
II/, KNKY BRUI]GEL. The gentleman wiiose
|ifj\ name appears at the head of tiiis sketch is
/l^^ one well known in tlie city of his residence,
(^) as his fatlier was in business there manj'
years and he now holds the honorable position of
Mayor of the city.
Henry Bruegel is the son of Valentine Bruegel.
who was born in Germany and came to America
about 1848 or 1849, and located first in Missouri,
after which he came to Belleville, III.; in 1S.')6, he
located in Mascoutah and engaged in tlic manu-
facture of wagons. He was married in :\Iissiiuri to
]Miss Maria Hohmann, a resident of that State, wlio
was also a native of Germany, and fr(jin this
union came seven children, of whom our subject
was the third in ordei- of birth.
Mr. Bruegel operated tlie wagon business for a
Unig time, but he was finally induced to dispose of
this, and then went into the saloon business, which
he followed until the time of his death, in 1872.
The mother of inir subject lived until five years
later.
The birth of our subject took place September
1 1. IS.")?, in tlie city of Mascoutah. He was edu-
cated in the public schools of this place and was a
liright pupil, being one who easily led others to
tliink as he did. After his father thought his
education had gone on sufficiently, lie took him
into business with himself and taugiit him tiie
principles of trade. When the father was removed
by death, the whole responsibility fell upon his
young shoulders. P^very la<l
not have discharged liis dnty
this young man, but lie fell
until the death of his beloved
her sta.y and support.
After the death of his mother, which took place
in 1H77, our subject went to St. Louis an<l re-
of his years could
-o his mother as did
the necessity, and
mother lie remained
mained in business there for a year. He thei
went West and traveled through Colorado f.:r
about four years, when the old homesick feeling
I came over him and he returned to Mascoutah.
He reopened his father's place of business and has
continued there ever since.
The domestic affairs and home of Mayor Bruegel
are presided over by his ciiarming wife, whom he
married in 1883. She was formerly Miss Annie E.
Christ, daughter of Henry Christ, of St. Jose()h,
]\Io., and her father still resides there. ]\Ir. and
Mrs. Brugel have one little lad, Valentine Theo-
dore by name.
The Evangelical Church is the one in which Mr.
Bruegel finds a home, and in this connection he is
regarded with much resjiect. His purse is always
ready to assist in anything looking toward im-
provement, and many of the best enterprises that
have been carried out in Mascoutah were put
under way during his term of five years on the
City Council. His election to the honorable and
responsible office of Mayor of the city of Mascou-
tah took place in 1890, and he still serves his
fellow-citizens to the satisfaction of his constit-
uents, and covers himself with glory in his wise
administration of the affairs of the beautiful little
city of Mascoutah, where the name of his family
has been known for so many years.
Mr. Bruegel is a man who takes pride in being a
Republican of the strongest type, and allows noth-
ing to interfere with his political views. He sup-
ports the platform of his party with pleasure and
is considered one of the burning lights of Repub-
licanism in Mascoutah. No local p.arty measures
can be carried out without his aid, and he is the
first man to be consulted in all such matters.
^Is^^sj^
^^EORGE EBERLEIN, a dealer in boots and
il shoes, is one of the prominent business men
V^JJIJ of Mascoutah, 111. His business is conducted
under the firm name of George Eberlein & Son,
the fatlier of our subject, who also bears the name
of (ieorge Eberlein, being the senior partner.
c
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
359
Ihey do an excellent business and their large and
(instantly increasing trade is but the just reward
vif their industrious efforts.
George Eberlein, Sr., is a native of Germany.
He was born in Hesse- Darmstadt on the 14tli of
January, 1827, was reared to manhood in the land
of his birth, and in 1854 emigrated to Illinois, lo-
cating in Lebanon. He soon afterward, however,
removed to Mascoutah and began woiking at his
trade of shoe-making, which he has followed con-
tinuousl}' since. He began here b.y working as a
journeyman; in course of time he became proprietor
of a shop of his own, was successful in his under-
takings and his financial resources having increased,
he opened the boot and shoe store in 1863. lie
was married in 1852 to Miss Catherine Engelter,
and unto them have been born two children, a son
and daughter: George, whose name heads this
record, and Anna, wife of John Rausch, who
travels for the Pauly Jail Building Company.
Mr. Eberlein is a supporter of the Evangelical
Church and is a prominent and influential citizen,
who takes an active part in all that pertains to the
welfare of the community and its uiibuilding.
Eor two years he has served as one of the Alder-
men of the First Ward.
George Eberlein, Jr., has spent his entire life in
this city, having the honor of being one of its na-
tive citizens. He was born on the 8th of August,
1855, and acquired his education in the public
schools, after which, under his father's direction,'
he learned the trade of a shoe-maker, and to that
occupation devoted his energies until he went into
business with his father. The present partnership
of Eberlein & Sim was formed in March, 1881, and
has existed ever since without an interruption.
In 1881, Mr. Eberlein was united in marriage
with Miss Catherina Mann, daughter of Jacob
Mann, who resides near ISIascoutah, and is one of
the early settlers of St. Clair County. Two chil-
dren grace the union of our subject and his wife,
Annie and Henry. The Eberlein family is one of
prominence in the community and its members
rank high in social circles.
Among the leading business firms of Mascoutah
is numbered that of Eberlein i^- Son. To the ex-
[lericnce and inaliire judgment of his fatlier o\\v
subject added the enterprise and progressive spirit
of a young man, and prosperity has crowned their
efforts. They own the store building which they
occupy and which is well stocked with everything
in their line. They have a large trade and b\' cour-
teous treatment and fair dealing have secured the
confidence and high regard of their many patrons.
ISIr. Eberlein, .Ir., is a member of the Independent
Order of Mutual Aid, and is also Financial Secre-
tary of the lodge. He belongs to the Fire Com-
pany and is at present a member of the Board of
Education. In politics, he is a supporter of
Republican principles but has never been a politi-
cian in the sense of oftice-seeking. His high repu-
tation as a businessman is certainly well deserved.
*^F DAM FRIES was born across the seas in
^ V I Hesse- Darmstadt, Gernianj', February 24,
I iM 1837, and was brought by his parents to
^ this country when but an infant six
months old. He was the son of George Fries, who
settled on Turkey Hill, where he remained until
1859, when he moved to New Athens. At Turkej-
Hill our subject received what educational ad-
vantages the public schools of the township af-
forded.
Adam Fries took for his wife Miss Margaret
Fries in 1861. and located on Turkey Hill, where
he lived two years, when he moved on section 12,
Engelman Township, and there still makes his
home. The farm comprises one hundred and forty
broad acres of well-improved land, which j'ield
him excellent crops, and forty-seven acres of tim-
ber land. He also pays considerable attention to
stock-raising, making sheep a specialty. He has
l)rovided his farm with neat, substantial buildings,
all indicating that he is a thrifty, careful man-
ager and has a clear understanding of the best
methods of conducting his work.
By the union of our subject and his estimable
wife three children have been born, who are as
follows: .Vdani J., who is serving his second term
3G0
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
•of this township; Eliza, wlio is the wife
of John BischofiE and lives in Mascoutah; and
Louisa, who is yet under the parental roof. Mrs.
Fries was called from this life in 1878. Our sub-
ject married again, this union being with jMiss Mar3-
Lischcr, a worthy woman and a daughter of Peter
Lischer, who lived in Mascoutah. Two children
were born to this couple to gladden their lives,
.Vnna and .Johnny', both living at home. Mr. Fries
is a member of the Lutheran Church. Socially,
lie is a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit
Association. Politically, he is a stanch Republi-
can, finding the breadth of the platform claimed
l)y that party to agree with his views of equity
and freedom. He has served as School Director
twelve years, and is an honored member of the
.«ocietv in which he lives.
I^+^H
J' \ OHN BOIINKMEIKR. One of tlie successful
I and prosperous farmers of this portion of
: St. Clair County is the subject of this
' sketch, who resides on his fine farm of one
hundred and thirty acres, located on section 2.3,
Sugar Loaf Township, St. Clair Count}', in the
State of Illinois.
The enterprising and tluifty fatlier of our sub-
ject bore the name of Francis Bohnemeier, and was
Ijorn in West Bohrdhouse, in German}^, on the
(Jlh .January, 1821, and there grew to stalwart
manhood. When he had reached the age of ma-
turity, he left the country of his birth, resolved
to acquire name and fortune in the land across the
sea. He reached America and in the year 1842
made his first home on a farm near St. Louis,
where he hired out to work. Here he remained
for three years and then went into tlie city and
followed teaming, which he ccmtinued for some
three j-ears longer, during which time he acquired
some property. He was united in matrimony to
JMiss Erfman.
After m.arriage, our subject made the city of St.
Louis his homo for a space ot seven busy yc:irs and
at the expiration of that lime lie was able to pur-
chase the farm where he now lives, and removed
from the city to it. He has made this place his
home for the past thirty-eight years. When he
first came only thirty' of the one hundred and ten
acres of the place were cleared, but the sturdy owner
went right to work and in an astonishingly short
time great fields of grain took the place of the
wilderness. He was the father of four children,
George, Fritz, an infant deceased, and our sub-
ject; but only the latter remains of the family;
his wife was taken away in April, 1892. He is a
member of tlie Evangelical Lutlieran Church, as was
she, and both have long been highly regarded
members there. He has been so highly regarded
in tliis relation tiiat for eleven years he was Trus-
tee of the church; he has also served his district for
six years as School Director. He is a perfect type
of a self-made man, for he had no help either to
get to this country or after he came here. He had
to work to pay his passage money after his land-
ing on American soil, and now he owns two hun-
dred of as fine acres of that soil as one need care
to see.
The birth of our subject took place April 13,
1856, in the ciLy of St. Louis, and he was brought
into St. Clair County when he was ten days old.
He was reared here in the old home place,
•grew up an industrious lad and attended the dis-
trict schools, and when old enough took his place
as a farmer and has continued in agricultural life
ever since. The marriage of our subject took
lilace December 12, 1878, to Miss Mary Young,
who was the daughter of Philip Young, who came
into this county at an early day and was one of
the pioneer .settlers. The birthplace of the wife of
our subject was in St Clair County, and after mar-
riage neither she nor her young husband desired
an}' pleasanter location. They settled on the old
place where they have made their home ever since,
and plenty and contentment reign there. Four
bright little children cluster around their fireside
and we give their names, feeling sure that a future
record will give then; notices of their own, as from
these peaceful homes comes the hope of the coun-
try. Mary has seen eleven j'cars, John is at the age
of ten, William is six and Henry is ten months old.
(_)ui- suliii'ct is a urain farmer and cultivates one
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
363
hundred and thirty acres of land. He has his farm
in a fine state of cultivation and raises good crops.
He has Iield the office of School Director, and in
politics prefers the doctrines of the IJepublican
party. His religious connection is with the
Evan<jclical Lullicran Church.
' -^~o2^^^1fe'7'l"l^ife^^i^5o'^ — -^
(il IrALTKR J. BHODERICK. The life of this
\jijll gentleman furnishes an example of what
^^^^ a man with brains and business ability
can accomplish by persistence, sagacity and in-
dustry. His career, in its practical results, is an
encouragement to every struggling young man
who has ambition and resolution and a genius for
hard work. The seed that he has sown lias fallen
upon good ground and has grown and brought
fortli an hundred fold. He is at present one of
the most successful commission merchants at the
National Stock Yards of East St. Louis, and is
Secretary of the Live Stock Exchange. As a
member of the Hrm of Little k Broderick, he has
been actively and extensively engaged in the live-
stock business for more than fifteen years, or
.ilmost since the opening of the National Stock
Yards.
During that time, tiie firm has establislied a re-
putation for ability and straightforward conduct
in the commission business, which is admitted over
every section of the territory tributary to this
market. Tiie firm has always realized and put in
practice the idea that the judgment required to
value the property consigned to a commission
house comes only by experience, and rather than
delegate to other parties the power of selling their
customer's stock, they have always attended to the
selling of all consignments to their house in per-
son. By so doing their customers have received
the best service which it is possible to render at
:iii\- and nil times since the establislnncnl of the
Our sulijcct was born on Prince VAw
in llic (iulf .if St. Lawrence, July •!. 18
son of .hu.K's and Ellen (Cohillj l!ru(
I>laiid,
nul is a
natives of Erin and born respectively in the
Counties of AVaterford and AVexford. The father
graduated from Trinity College, Dublin, as an M. D.
Availing himself of the free trade understanding
that existed between this country and Ireland, he
emigrated to America and located on Prince lid-
ward Island, where he practiced his profession very
successfull}' for many years. He was the oldest
practicing physician there, was also engaged in
fanning, and there passed the remainder of his
days, his death occurring in 1889, when eighty-
eight j'cars of age. He was a postmaster there for
some time, was always a liberalist, and held mem-
bership in the Roman Catholic Church. The mo-
ther of our subject came to Prince Edward Island
with her parents when young, and died when
seventy-six years of age. Ten children were born
to this union, nine of whom grew to mature years
and eight of whom are now living.
Walter J. Broderick, seventh in order of birth,
passed his early days on the farm and had good
free school advantages, attending Charlottetown
Academy for a number of terms. He then en-
gaged as a clerk in a general store at Orwell for a
few years, but afterward clerked in Charlottetown,
the county seat, for four or five years. In 1872,
he came to Illinois, but later went to St. Louis and
was employed as book-keeper in the old Allen yards.
Ill 1873, he located here and continued with his
firm as book-keeper for two or three years, when
he was taken in as partner under the firm name of
Daeley, Miller it Co., and became hog salesman. In
1883, the firm dissolved partnership, our subject
retiring, and he then started the firm of AV. J.
Broderick tt Co., live-stock commission merchants,
wliicli continui'd as such for two years, when the
present linn, Little & Broderick, was estalilislied.
Mr. Broderick was an organizer of the St. Louis
Stock Exchange and has been its Secretary since it
was organized in 1885.
The pleasant home of our subject is located at
No. 637 Ninth Street and is presided over by his
wife, formerly Miss Annie E. Stephens. She re-
ceived a good education in Halifax, and was mar-
ried to Mr. Broderick in 1876 on Prince Edward
Island, of which she is a native. Six children
have liccii liorn (o this union, viz.: diaries F.,
364
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
Marj' E., Josephine B.. Walter M.. David C. and
W. Morris.
Mr. Broderiek is very prominent in political
affairs as a stanch Democrat and is deeply inter-
ested in the welfare of his party. He has been a
member of the Democratic Countj^ Committee for
eight 3'ears,is now a member-at-large of the Demo-
cratic State Central Committee, and served as del-
egate to county and State conventions. At all
times, he has been a strong supporter of the reform
government of the citv.
J I OHN D. MOLLMANN, who is a manufae-
j tiirer of and dealer in saddles, harness, etc.,
was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 20th
^_ ' of December, 183.S, and is a son of John
H. Mollmann, who liade good-bye to the Father-
land in 1849, and crossed the Atlantic to America,
locating in St. Louis. He soon afterward was
taken ill and his death occurred in 1853.
The subject of our sketch spent the first sixteen
years of his life in his native land and then ac-
companied his father to America, residing in St.
Louis for some time afterward. In that city he
served an apprenticeship to the saddler's trade,
being thus employed until twenty years of age,
when he began working as a journeyman. The year
1857 witnessed his arrival in Mascoutah, where
he embarked in business for himself in bis present
line, which he has followed continuously since with
good success. By his industrious and well-directed
efforts he has built up a good business and is enjoy-
ing an excellent trade, to which he is well enti-
tled.
In l.s(jl. Mr. Mollmann was united in marriage
to Miss Minnie Hagist, a daughter of Andrew
Ilagist, and by their union has been born a family
of nine children: Julia, the eldest, is the wife of
Philip Mann, n fanner; Ida is a teacher of recog-
nized ability in the |niblie schools of Mascoutah;
II. K. is married and curries on a harness shop in
\fiio.lv. 111.; Kliza is at liunie; F. W. is now man-
nrrinpf the Imrncss shop owned by his father in St.
l.ilH>r\. Ill,; Miiniic is a teacher; August is in his
fntht.-i-> ciiipluy: otio is now learning the printer's
trade; and Julius, who completes the family, isyet
attending school.
Mr. Mollmann is a member of the Masonic fra-
ternity, and has held all the offices and served as
AVorshipful Master of Douglas Lodge No. 361, A.
F. it A. M. He is also a member of the Knights of
Honor, has tilled all of its chairs, and is High Priest
of the Encampment of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. He is serving as School Trustee of
the township, and has been a member of the Vil-
lage Board of Mascoutah. In politics he is a
stalwart Democrat, and an in flexible adherent of
the principles of that partj'. We find in our sub-
ject a self-made man, who started out in life empty-
handed, but by industry and enterprise has stead-
ily worked his way upward until he has acquired
a handsome propert}' and is numbered among the
substantial and valued citizens of the community
in which he makes his home.
Fp'KEl) DAAB, a prominent dealer in lime,
(g; cement, fire-bricks and all kinds of biiild-
"^ ing material, excejit common brick, is a na-
tive of Hesse-Darmstadt, and was born January 2,
1844, being the son of Daniel and Elizabeth
(Herbert) Daab. He received a part of his educa-
tion in Germany. The family moved toMillstadt
in 1853, the father there engaging in farming.
They remained there until the death of the mother
in 1857. The father died in 1881, at the age of
eighty years and left a family of five children.
They are as follows: Henry, who is still in Germany,
a minister of the Gospel, located in Berlin; John,
who died in Burlington; Mary, who became the
wife of George Schuchman; Lizzie, who married
AVilliam Bernliam, a former resident of New Al-
bMIlS, 111.
Our subject continued his education in IJelle-
ville. and engaged as clerk in Columbia, 111. Me
was onlv ten vears old when tlic family came to
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
365
Belleville. In 1870, he was engaged as agent of
the raih'oarl business of the Cairo Short Line
Railroad, where he remained until 1882, when he
went into business for himself. He began at his
present location, at the corner of Illinois and
Seventh Streets, and was the successor of Thomas
Coffey.
Mr. Daab was married, December 2(i, 18G8. to
Miss Sophia Beck, a native of Columbia, 111., a
daughter of Christian and Sophia Beck, of German
birth. Four children have been given them and
their names are as follows: Sophia, Hannah, Mary
and Lulu.
^h: Daab has been a member of the Masonic or-
der and now resides at his pleasant home at the |
corner of Illinois and Seventh Streets. I
|| BRAM GOODING, of the lirm of Gooding
& vStookey, manufacturers of drain tile,
brick, flower-pots and general clay goods
near the town of Belleville, has been lo-
cated at his present stand since 1879. The works,
of which these gentlemen are the proprietors cov-
er what would be considered a city block, and
tliey have three large kilns in operation. The ex-
tent of their manufactory necessitates the employ-
ment of ten hands, and their machinery is of the
best and latest kind for the successful manufacture
of their product. They turn out first-class articles
in every respect, for every care is taken in their
manufacture, and the burning and finishing are all
systematized and achieved with the greatest econ-
omy of time and labor. Their articles are unrivaled
for durability, finish and uniform excellence, and
are general favorites with whoever handles them.
Every effort is made to give complete satisfaction
to patrons, and the firm is widely known in trnilc
circles for its enterprise and integrity.
Mr. Gooding was born near Millstadt, III., ,lan-
uary 28, 1830, a son of Robert Gooding, a pioneer
of 1H16 from Fleming County, Ky. The grand-
father, Coinelius ( Jooding. came liitlici- in 1^15,
took up land and here made his Ik.iiic IIic re-
mainder of his life. He was a man of remarkably
good judgment, and for some time held the oflice
of Justice of the Peace. Robert Gooding was mar-
ried to Miss Mary Jones, a native of Bourbon
County, Ky., their union taking place while in the
Blue Grass State. Nine children were given them,
all of whom lived to maturity and married: Cor-
nelius, of Jasper County, Mo.; Belinda, wife of
David Phillip; Harriet, wife of Joseph Stigers, of
St. Joseph, Mo.; Charles, of Monroe County;
Nancy, wife of Ilenrv Gordon, of Campbell Hill,
111.; Margaret, wife of Charles Henckler, of Net-
tleton. Miss.; Abram, the subject of this sketch;
Robert, who was a Lieutenant in Company E,
Fift3'-ninth Illinois Infantry, and was killed in
a battle in Tennesseee December 16, 1864; and
America, wife of M. T. Stookej'.
Abram Gooding received such education and
rearing as is usually given the farmer's boy, and
remained with his father on the farm in St. Clair
County until about eighteen years of age, at which
time he left home to seek his fortune, and in 1849
became one of the famous gold-miners of Cali-
fornia, making the trip to that region overland,
and reaching Sacramento City after a four-months
journey. He then went into the mines at Placer-
ville, where he mined for some time with fair re-
sults. In 1851, he came to Clinton County, 111.,
where he settled down to the quiet, yet healthful
and independent, life of a farmer and stock-raiser,
purchasing his property with means he had gained.
The calling of the agriculturist occupied his time
and attention until 1873, when he spent one year
with his children in Greenville, 111., and in 1874
began dealing in stock in Belleville, a calling for
wliicli he w:is .'ininently Htted, owing to his long
rcM.li.ncc nil the f;il-lil.
Our subject was first uuirricil to IMiss Maria An-
derson, who lived but fifteen months. His second
marriage was to Miss Malinda Stookey, daughter of
Moses Stookey, and their union resulted in the
birth of six children: Ba)^ard (deceased); Leora,
wife of Charles Stookey; Amy (deceased); Almira,
at home; Ada (deceased); and Althea in Chicago.
Mr. tiooding was married a third time, June 11,
1885, this union being with Miss Minerva F.Eyman.
who wns liorii in StookeyTownsliip,fivemiles south-
366
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
west of Belleville, June 3, 1846, a daughter of Isaac
and grand-danghter of Abraham Eyman, the latter
having been one of the pioneers to this section,
whither he came in 1786. He entered six hun-
dred and forty acres of land, for which he received
a patent from the Oovernment, and on this land
in Monroe County he resided until 1800. He was
originally from Pennsylvania, to which region his
ancestors came from Germany during the early
history of this country. He greatly improved his
farm in Stooke_y Township, and on this land he
built a earding-mill. A part of the old family
residence still stands and is occupied by the fifth
generation of E\'mans, it never having passed out
of the hands of the family.
Isaac Eyman, Mrs. Gooding's father, was born
December 14, 1812, on this farm, being the young-
est of a good, old-fashioned family of twelve chil-
dren. He was married to Miss Evaline Lacy, a
daughter of Stephen Lacy, a pioneer of the section,
who owned a farm adjoining that of the E^-mans,
and there she was born on the 11th of September,
1820. Isaac Eyman spent a useful life on the home
farm, and there was called from life January 24,
1858, his wife's death occurring June 20, 1863.
I'hey left a family of five children: Nancy M,
Minerva E. (Mrs. Gooding), Theo A., Walter,
and Isaac K. Mrs. Gooding is an earnest member
of the Baptist Church, and is a highly refined and
intelligent lady. The grandfather, Abraliam Ey-
man, was a member of the first Legislature of the
State, and he and his family were ineinbeis of the
Dunkard Church.
■^#^-^' ■■< .^j^r^
k
4^ ARTIN BUG, a retired farmer, who for
III il many years has carried on a farm situated
ij 'A; on section 16, Shiloh Valley Township,
J St. Clair County, is a native of Germany.
He was born in Bavaria, in the year 1826, and was
a son of Martin and Angelika (Bug) Bug. Both
parents were natives of the same province. The
mother, who was born in 1803, was by birth a dis-
t;iiil relHlive of her husband. Ih was a farmer by
' occupation, and died when our subject, the only
child of the family, was but a year old. Mrs. Bug
was again married, this union being with Adam
Schwarz. The latter emigrated to the United States
1 in 1842, and settled in Shiloh Valley Township.
The following year he sent for his family. He first
I purchased forty acres of land near Mascoutah, and
! afterward added to this tract twenty acres more.
! During the greater part of iiis life he turned his
1 attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits. A
numljer of years before his death, he removed to
the town of Belleville, where he lived a retired
life. His wife survived him and passed away Feb-
ruary II, 1889.
Our subject came willi his mother to the United
States when seventeen years of .age, and soon after-
ward started to earn his own living. He com-
menced his life as a farmer by renting land on
section 16 of Shiloh Valley Township and lived
1 there for many years. In 1852, he was married to
[ Salomea Arbogast, daughter of Christopher and
Salomea Arbogast. To our subject and his worthy
j wife fourteen children have been born, those living
being Salomea, the wife of -John M. Meyer; Chris-
tina, wife of Louis Meyer; Mary, wife of Joseph
Panter; Willam, who was married to Fredericka
j Hess; Elizabeth, wife of George Siebert; Anna, wife
I of Albert Pierce; Louisa and Charles. This family
i have all had the advantages of a good education
and are thus fitted to encounter life's battles.
j After leading an active life for many years,
) Mr. Bug removed to the village of Shiloh, where
j he has a pleasant home. In 1890, he ceased from
his active labors and has sine:- lived a retired life.
He was reared in the Lutheran Church, in which
! he now holds membership. In all political and
local interests he takes a prominent part, and has
' seen much of the growth and progress which this
county has made in the last half-centur3'. His
; right of franchise he uses in tlie support of the
Democratic party, which finds in him an earnest
advocate. He was Supervisor of the township
under the old law for a period of about fourteen
years. He is a self-made man, having commenced
life empty-handed, and has won prosperity and
success through his own well-directed efforts. He
is a man of good business ability, Avhich he shows
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
367
bj- his wise iuvestments and marked advancement.
He is one of the many lo^'al citizens whom Ger-
many has furnished to America, and is ever a
eliampion of tlie riglits and progress of his adopted
hind.
li the n
ICHAEL FRIEDEKICK. Tlie gentleman
/liom this skctcli is written is one of
natives of tlie sunn_y land of France.
Many of his countrymen have found a
home in this land, and have been among the earliest
and bravest of the settlers of the State.
Jlichael Friederick was born April 8, 1839, in
Lorraine, France, and lived in that province until
he was five years old. In 1844, with his parents,
he came to this country, and with his brothers and
sisters he grew up here. The first location of the
family was made right here, on the place where
our subject now has his home, and he has around
him the familiar things of childhood. As soon as
he was of the proper age, he was sent to the public
schools, and there not only learned the language
of the people with whom his life was to be spent,
but obtained a common-school education in the
ordinary branches taught at that time.
On the 2d of July, 1868, our subject was married j
to Miss Marie Biebel, who was the daugiiter of
Nicholas Biebel. a resident of Prairie du Long
Township, St. Clair County, where he was buried.
The marriage was followed by the young couple
going to the home place of the husband, and there
the family all resided together until 1886. At j
that time Mr. Friederick moved into ^lascoutah
and tried hotel-keeping for a time. He conducted
tiie Franklin House for four years, Init at the end
of that time he returned to tiie farm, where he has
continued ever since.
The loss of his wife was a great afiiiction to Mr.
Friederick, which sad event took place January 16,
1892. Eleven children, however, are left to com-
fort him in his declining years. The oldest son,
Michael, lives in Belleville, 111.; Katie, became the
wife of Marion Batelmie, and lives in this county;
Lena is the wife of Philip .Schubkegel; Lizzie is
the wife of Jul Haas; Caroline is Mrs. Fritz Shup;
Edward lives in Belleville; AVilliani,at home; Mar-
garet, in Chicago; and Mary, Otlio and Cecelia re-
side at home.
The farm of Mr. Friederick consists of two hun-
dred and forty-five acres of fine land. It is in a
good state of cultivation and he is considered a
very fortunate man. His sons assist him in its
management, and the yield of grain is alwa3's
large. His improvements are the ones all good
farmers make, and his receipts from his produce
are very gratifying. He is a member of the Work-
ingmen's Society, an organization well known
throughout the State, he attending its meetings in
Mascoutah. In his politics, our subject believes in
the perpetuation of Jeffersonian principles, and
votes with the Democratic party.
Mr. Friederick is a valued member of the Roman
Catholic Church of Mascoutah, and in the cem-
etery of that church lie the remains of his beloved
wife. He has done the best he could for the fam-
ily of children, and has the satisfaction of know-
ing that all are doing well. His neighbors re-
spect him, and all of the neighborhood know fav-
orably his family and himself. Having lived here
.as long as any of the settlers in the township, Mr.
Friederick has seen the wonderful changes that
cultivation has made in the country. He has seen
many people come and go, but his pleasant rela-
tionship has continued with all, as he is b3- nature
a man who easily makes and retains friends.
J'~/UL1US C. AND Gil STAVE BOCqllET com-
I prise the (irni of Bocquet Bros., dealers in
i general merchandise, of Mascoutah, 111.
They are leading business men of the city,
and with pleasure we present this record of their
lives to our readers. The gentlemen are sons of
Charles Bocquet, a native of Creuznach, Germany.
He came to America in 1848, and, in the autumn
of the following year, located in Mascoutah,
where he built and opened the first brewery in this
368
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
place, operating the .same for a period of about ,
eighteen 3-ears. He was married in Maseoutah to
Miss Margaret Yung, daughter of John Yung,
who immigrated to this country from Leiningen,
Germany, and settled in Maseoutah about the
year 1850. Mr. Bocquet long continued to en-
gage in the brewer}' business, but during the last |
few years of his life lived retired. He died <m the
12th of June, 1890. His wife still survives him.
Ill their family were seven children, five of
whom grew to manhood and womanhood, and are \
yet living: Charles, who is engaged in the dry-goods
business in Waverly, Iowa; Albert, a barber of
Maseoutah; Philip, who is proprietor of a boot
and shoe store of this place; and Julius and Gus-
tave, who constitute the firm of Bocquet Bros. I
Julius C. Bocquet was born in this city on the
16th of Noveml>er, 1863, and in his youth attended
its public schools, and afterward completed his
education in the State University of Champaign,
111. He then engaged in teaching for five years
in the public schools of Maseoutah and for two
years in the country schools, following that pro-
fession altogether for a period of seven years,
after which he embarked in general merchandising.
He is a member of the Turner Society.
Gustave Bocquet also has the honor of being
a native of Maseoutah. He first opened his ej'es
to the light of day on the 26th of February, 1866,
and the days of his boyhood and youth were spent
under the parental I'oof, his education being ac-
quired in the public schools. He afterward learned
the printer's trade in the office of the Anzeigei-,
at that time owned by Capt. Dilg. He followed
that business for about eight years, and then went
to Waverly, Iowa, where he entered the store of
his brother Charles. After two years, he disposed
of his interest in the business, and, returning to
Maseoutah, entered the employ of George Reich-
ardt, a general merchant of this place, for whom
he clerked for about two years. In company with
his brother, he then became proprietor of a store,
which is now filled with an excellent stock of goods.
They have a good trade and are doing a fine busi-
ness, whicli is constantly increasing. By fair deal-
ing and courteous treatment, the_y have secured a
lilieral patronage, which is certainlj^ well deserved.
The members of the firm are wide-awake and en-
terprising young business men, sagacious and far-
sighted, industrious and persevering, and are rap-
idly winning success.
•-^^^if^'^al^l^^^
. DKCKKK, |)roprietor of t'.ie Mas-
Hotel of Maseoutah and a well-
known citizen of St. Clair County, is a na-
tive of Germany. He was born in Frank-
weiler, near the Rhine, in the Province of Bavaria,
December 9, 1824. and grew to manhood in the
town of Oberlustadt, being educated in the public
schools of that place. His parents were Peter L.
and ]Martha Margaretha Decker. The father was
born and reared in the town of Frankweiier and
was a black.smith l>y trade.
After completing his education, our subject
learned tlie trade of blacksmithing with his father
and then went to Geinsheim, where he worked for
six months. Wlien a young man of twenty years,
he determined to try his fortune in America, and
embarked on a sailing-vessel in the latter part of
1844, landing at New Orleans on the 8th of Janu-
ary, 184."). Twelve dajs later, he reached St.
Louis, where he worked for one year at his trade
with his brother. In 1846, he came to Maseoutah
and again embarked in his chosen occupation.
It was in 1851 that Mr. Decker was united in
marriage with Miss Mary Anna Brentzel, daughter
of Mathias Brentzel, a blacksmith of this city, with
whom our subject had worked for four years. In
1850, he went to Belleville, and in company with
William Lutz established a blacksmith siiop, where
he worked for about two years, when the partner-
ship was dissolved and Mr. Decker built a smithy
of his own on East Main Street in Keileville,
where he remained for about six weeks. During
that time, his father-in-law died, and Mrs. Brentzel
requested him to remove to Maseoutah and take
charge of the shop of her deceased husband, so in
1852 he rented his shop in Belleville, and in July
of that year removed to Maseoutah. lie then
worked at his trade from 1850 until 1863. when
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
369
be sold his shop and bought the Mascoutah House,
continuing in tlie hotel business ever since. In con-
nection with the liotel, he also runs a liverj' stable
and saloon.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Decker have been born ten
children, seven of whom are yet living, as follows:
George, who is married and is agent at Belleville,
111., for the Adams Express Company, in whose
employ he has been for almost a quarter of a cen-
tury; Jacob is married and is a dealer in farm im-
plements and machinery in Mascoutah; Eliza and
Emma are at home; Henry is married and carries
on the hotel; Philip is engaged in the grocer}' busi-
ness in Chicago, and Ottilie completes the family.
In his political affiliations, Mr. Decker is a Re-
publican; he voted for John C. Fremont in 1856,
and has supported each Presidential candidate of
the Republican party since that time. In 1881, lie
was elected Commissioner of St. Clair, which office
he held for one term. In 1876, he was candidate
for County Commissioner, and in 1886 he was
nominated for the office of County Treasurer.
Socially, he is a member of the Odd Fellows'
society ^Ir. Decker is widely known throughout
the count}', where for forty-six years he has made
his home He is now doing a good business and
has prospered, having a handsome competence.
JETER SCHNEIDER. An excellent ex-
) ample of the sturdy enterprise, thrifty
habits and persistent industry', char.acter-
[ \ istic of so many of our farmers, may be
found in the life of Mr. Schneider, who is now
living in Lenzburg Township. He owns nine
hundred acres of valuable land, whose possession
attests his success in worldly affairs, and whose im-
proved condition and orderly appearance furnish
equally good evidence of his intelligent concep-
tion of the details of his vocation and his progres-
sive spirit in all that pertains thereto.
A native of Germany, our subject was born in
Bavaria, January 9, 1821, and was the son of Peter
and Barbara (Kempf) Schneider, also natives of
the Fatlierland,;^the former^having been born in
1799, and the latter a couple of years later. Peter
Schneider Sr., received an excellent education in the
model schools of his native country, and, being
reared to farm pursuits, followed that occupation
his entire life. On coming to America in October,
1838, he was accompanied hither by his entire
family, and in February of the following year came
to Dutch Hill Prairie, this county. Being a man
of means, he at once purchased five hundred and
fifty acres of Government land, which he cultivated
in the best possible manner. He was a member
of the Lutheran Church, and was always found
read}' to take part in every good work promul-
gated in that religious society. He was in the best
sense of the term a public-spirited man and a pro-
gressive citizen, and in politics voted with tlie
Democratic party.
Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Peter
Schneider all are dece.ased with the exception of
our subject, who was the fourth in order of birth.
The others bore the respective names of Catherine,
Mary, Rosena, John and Henry. The paternal
grandfather of our subject, Andrew Schneider, was
a native of Germany, where he followed the occu-
pation of a fermer.
Young Schneider i-eceived a thorough training
by his excellent parents and from early boyhood
bore a part in farm work, thus becoming thoroughly
versed in its details. He received a good educa-
tion in the public schools, adding to the practical
knowledge he already possessed and strengthening
the foundation on which he has reared a super-
structure of general information since reaching
m.aturity. He was seventeen 3'ears of age when he
accompanied his parents on their emigration to
America, and in 1848 was married to Miss Johanna,
daughter of vSebastian and Margaret Dressel. Mrs.
Schneider was carefully reared by Christian par-
ents and was well qualified to take upon herself
the duties of wifehood when united to our subject.
She has been an efficient aid to him, not only
making his home cozy and attractive, but by prud-
ent management and good counsel assisting him
in the accumulation of property. Their happy
marriage has been lilessed by the birth of nine
370
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
children, three of whom died young in years.
Tliose who grew to mature years were: Caroline,
who married Heurj' Knecht, and left at her de-
cease one son; .lohanna, who is the wife of George
Perschbacher; Henry, who married Miss Caupert;
Mary C, who married Henry Knecht; Charles H.,
who became the husband of Miss Arena Schaller;
and Regina, who married Harmon Echerl.
Our subject like his venerable father, is a liberal
supporter of the Lutheran Church, of which de-
nomination he is an active member. His wife, who
was held in high esteem for her Christian character,
departed this life .lanuary 18, 187(), and was fol-
lowed to her last resting-i)lace by numerous friends
and acquaintances.
Mr. Schneider always takes an interest in politi-
cal affairs, voting the straight Republican ticket,
lie is intimately connected with the financial af-
fairs of the township and, indeed, of the county,
and his opinions are considered valuable. He is a
man 6f progressive ideas, of more than ordinary
intelligence, and possesses a nature which for geni-
ality and kindliness is unexcelled. He has made
his property by his own efforts, and b^' dint of his
personal qualities is now one of the leading and
wealthy farmers of St. Clair County.
!-^+^^
ipi.ICHOLAS E. AMMEL. The subject of
I 111 this sketch is one of the young, energetic
/l\,i^^ and progressive farmers of St. Clair County.
The faithful and acceptable discharge of his duties
as Collector, and the business-like manner in
which he manages his farm, prove him to be a
man of considerable executive ability and give
promise of a prosperous and successful future.
Our subject was born February 18, 18,58, ten
miles north of Belleville, near Falling Springs,
and is the son of Martin and Frances (Faust)
Ammel. His father was born in France, six miles
from Strasburg, August 26, 1830, and was brouglit
by his parents to America in 1833. Tiiey landed
in New Orleans, and there took passage on tlie
steamboat "George Collie"" for St. Louis, where
they arrived about a week before Christmas. They
remained in thai city for two weeks, and then
came to St. Clair Count3-j»nd settled four miles
north of Centreville (ni the C. & St. L. Railroad.
Here they passed the remainder of their lives.
The paternal grandfather, George Ammel, was
born in 1798, and died in the fall of 1844.
The paternal grandmother, Dorothea (Kist) Am-
mel, was born in 1803, .and died in 1886.
The fatlier of our subject remained at home
until he was sixteen years of age, when he went
to Belleville and learned the trade of a black-
smith under Wame^' Williams. He worked at his
trade until 18.56, when he bought a farm at Fall-
ing Springs, eleven miles from Belleville, and
there engaged in agricultural pursuits for nine
years. lie next went to East St. Louis, and con-
ducted an hotel for about a year, and later bought
a house and lot in Millstadt, where he lived a
year. He next bought a farm of sixty acres one
mile north of Belleville, where he now resides.
He is the inveutor and patentee of a slide-road
grader and a wheel-road grader patented July 4,
1880. These graders are now in general use and
the patentee enjoys a royalty income from them.
The subject of this sketch was reared on the
farm. He enjo\-ed the advantages of a common-
school education such as a farmer lad usually ob-
tains. In order, however, to better qualify him-
self for life's work, he went to Milwaukee, AVis.,
and there attended St. Francis College for seven
months. .Tune 14, 1881, he married Lena C, the
daughter of Henry and Mary Ann (Karlskind)
Louis, who were farmers on an adjoining estate.
On that place the bride was born and reared. Her
parents have both passed away, the father as long
as thirty-one years ago and the mother May 9,
1882. Six children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Ammel, namely': Alvina, born April 4, 1883;
Matilda, July 29, 1885; Irene, February 1, 1888;
Viola, March 13, 1889; Corinne M., December 7,
1890, and Estella, April 30, 1892. All arc spared
to their parents, with the exception of Irene, who
died June 5, 1889.
Our subject has lived at his |>resent place of
residence ever since his marriage. The farm con-
sists of one hundred and twentv-flve acres and is
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD.
(levoterl to general farming and stock-raising. Mr.
Ammel. is a breeder of registered Chester White
hogs, and a1 all times has some very fine stock on
Ills place. In public affairs he is interested and
well-informed, and has been called by liis fellow-
litizens to numerous positions of trust and re-
sponsibilitj'. Among the olfices whicii he has
tilled is that of Township Collector, to whieli he
was first elected in 1886. lie is now serving his
fourth term, having been re-elected in April,
1892. He is also School Trustee, to which office he
was elected in 1890. He was chosen Director and
Secretary of St. Peter's Institute at Belleville. In
polities, he is a Democrat, and is as earnest in
that as in other relations of life. He and his fam-
ily belong to the Catholic Churcli.
^^^^^m^^^-^^m^
^^. IIARLES RUNKWITZ, engaged m general
(l( farming on section 3;J,0'Failon Township,
^^r' is a worthy representative of an honored
pioneer familj' of the county. He was born on
the old homestead where he yet resides, January
3, 1841. His father, Karl Kunkwitz, was born
on the 27th of September. 1800, in Altenburg,
Duchy of Saxony, Germany, and was a book-
binder by trade. In his native land, he was mar-
ried in 1828 to Dorothea Fredericka Drescher,
who was born February 21, 1806. In the spring
of 1834, the_v sailed for America, landing at Balti-
more. AVith a part}- of their countrymen, they
went across the Alleghany Mountains to Wheeling,
Ohio, where the colony separated and Mr. Kunk-
witz and his wife made their way down the Ohio
River to St. Louis. They subsequently came to
this State, where Mr. Runkwitz entered forty acres
of land from the Government. This is still a part
of the homestead of the family. He engaged in
farming until his death, which occurred October
17, 1849, of cholera. The grandparents both died
in the Fatherland.
The Runkwitz family numbered nine children:
Henrietta, who was born in Germany in 1829.
came to America with her parents and was married
in this county to Emil Lummer, who died near
0" Fallon about 1872. She now makes her home
in Jlilwaukee. AVis. By their union were born
nine children, of whom four are yet living. Gus-
tave died in infancy. Charlotte, born in Ger-
many ill 1831, was married in 1847 to John P.
Trautwein, and they became the parents of four
ciiildren, as follows: Herman, who is married and is
a fanner of Missouri; Matilda, who died in 1869;
Dorothea, who became the wife of William AVcil,
of Shiloh Valley, and died in 1884, leaving three
children; and Julius, who is married and follows
farming in Franklin County, Mo. air. Trautwein
died in 1861,and she was again married, this time to
August Lummer, and they have one child, Charles,
who is married and lives in Franklin County, Mo.
Thekla, born in Germany in 1833, is the wife of
Ernst Gilauf, a farmer of Franklin County, Mo.,
by whom she had seven children, as follows:
Charles, who married Dorelia Robertson and lives
in Sullivan, Mo.; Otto wedded Jennie Parks and
is a farmer of Franklin County, Mo.; Lotta died
at the age of twenty-five years; lienjamin died at
the age of nine years; Louisa resides with her
father; Ernst died in 1887; and Kichard is at
home. The mother of this family died in October,
1891, in Franklin County, Mo., at the age of fifty-
seven years.' Richard, born Alarcli 27, 1838, mar-
ried Julianne Jfeuich and resides on a farm in
O'Fallon Township. They had five children: Al-
vina, born in 1864, is married and has four chil-
dren; Emilia wjis born in 1866, is married and has
three children; William, born August 30, 1868;
Josephine, November 20, 1872; and Ida, January
12,1 874, are still at home with their raotlier. Rich-
ard Runkwitz died on the home farm in O'Fallon
Township, January 21, 1877.
Charles Runkwitz, whose name heads this sketch,
is the next younger and he is associated in business
with his brother, Herman, who was born March 24,
1843, in O'Fallon Township. In 1867, he married
Aurelia Budnie, and unto them were born five
children: Minna, twenty-three years of age; Erwin,
twenty years of age; Johannah, who died in 1880
at the age of six years; Richard, a lad of thirteen
years; and Fannie, who is twelve years of age.
The youngest of the Runkwitz family is Sophia,
I'ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAFHICAL RECORD.
who was born in 1845, in this county, and in Ma)%
1862, became the wife of Otto Doeswetler. They
soon afterward removed to Wisconsin, where he is
engaged in businessasa veterinary surgeon. They
have twelve children.
Herman Runkwitz was a soldier in the late war.
He enlisted in 1863, as a member of the Forty-
third Illinois Infantry, and was in the service
until 1865, being stationed at Little Rock during
tlie greater part of the time. After leaving the
army, he took up his residence on the old home-
stead, wliere he and his brother Charles have since
engaged in farming. In connection with the heirs
of tiieir brother Richard, they own one hnndred
and twenty-six acres of land, which is under a
iiigh state of cultivation and well improved. Tliey
are enterprising and progressive farmers, widely
and favorably- known in the community where
they have so long resided. Charles Runkwitz served
as Highwaj^ Commissioner for one term aiJd Her-
man held the oflice of School Director for two
^^, EORGE CROSUY, a prominent and highly-
;|[ g-j esteemed farmer of O 'Fallon Township, re-
^^J siding on section 27, was born in Ponte-
fract, England, May 12, 1833. His father, Thomas
Crosby, was born in Yorkshire, in 1802, and was a
gardener for the Duke of Cleveland, learning
his trade of gardening at Hammersmith. Subse-
quently, he had charge of the Duke's plate. In 1 844,
he crossed the Atlantic, landing in New York,
whence he made his wny to Nashville, Tenn., and
took charge of the establishment of John Bell,
l)eing overseci- of the house and garden. His wife
had charge of the education of Mr. Yeatman's fam-
il}' of St. Louis. In 1852, he and his wife came
to St. Clair County, and located on what is still
known as the Crosby Farm. Here he successfully
carried on the nursery business until his death,
whicli occurred in the fall of 1880. In politics he
was a Democrat until the late war, when he became
a liberal Republican. In early life lie was a mem-
ber of the Ejiiscopal Church but afterward joined
the Baptist Church, as there was no organization
of the former denomination in the community
where he lived. He was buried in the old Rock
Spring Cemetery, he having selected this place be-
fore his death. Mr. Crosb}' was twice married. He
first wedded Mr.<. Faith Wood, of Appleton, York-
shire, England. By her former marriage was born
a son, in 1817, William Wood, who came to Amer-
ica about 1840, and died in Athens, Ga., in 1866.
He landed at Alexandria, Va., where he made the
cabinet casings for the exhibition of bric-a-brac
collected by Commodore Perry on his trip around
the world, which cabinet is still in Washington.
William Wood removed from Washingtou to Nash-
ville, Tenn., thence to Athens, Ga., and later to
Atlanta, Ga. He had a large undertaking business
in Atlanta and furniture business in Athens, where
he owned an extensive factory. He died leaving a
large estate. He had a son and daughter, and the
latter, Annie, became the wife of William A. Hemp-
hill, the owner of the Atlanta Constitution. She
died two years after her marriage in 1856. Mrs.
Crosby had by her second marriage two sons:
George and Thomas.
Thomas Crosby died in Athens, Ga., in 1858. He
was born in Pontefract in 1836, and came with his
parents to this country in 1844. He removed from
Nashville, Tenn., to Athens, with his half-brother,
William Wood, and carried on a steam planing-
mill and furniture factory until his death. At the
age of twenty he was married, and his widow, who
has been a second time married, is still living in
Athens, Ga. The mother of our subject died in
Pontefract, England, in 1840, and Mr. Crosby
afterward married Mary Ann Hall, of Yorkshire.
We now take up the personal history of our
subject, George Crosb}', who attended the common
schools of his native land until coming to America
with his parents. From New Y'ork he went to Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, where he learned the trade of a tlorist
in the employ of Jacob Iloffner, a wealthy an'd re-
tired merchant. He remained with that gentleman
for five years, and then joined his father's family
in Nashville, Tenn. He afterward became con-
nected with his half-brother, William \Vood, in the
furniture business, which he followed nnlii 1854,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
when he came to this count}- to visit his fatlier,
who had previously located in O'Fallou Township.
He determined to make his home in this commun-
ity .and lias since been one of its leading farmers
and nurserymen.
In l«(;i, Mr. Crosby married Anna, daughter of
John Rader, a farmer and 1 nd-owner. He took
charge of the home farm and nursery, which he still
occupies and operates. Their union was blessed with
four children. Sarah Ann, born in 1862, was mar-
ried in 1880 to Edward E. Rebhahn,who is interested
in the Crosby Nursery. They have three children:
Ijertha Stella, eight years of age; George Emil, six
years old; and Ella Louisa, a maiden of four sum-
mers. Thomas died in January, 188.5, at the age
of twenty 3'ears. William Rader, born in March,
1865, is living on the home farm, and has gained a
national reputation as a marksman and expert
shot. In 18!H), he won the State champion-
ship of Colorado, Montana and Idaho, a diamond
medal, and in 1887 won the State champion
medal of Southern Illinois at East St. Louis and
again at Mt. Vernon. George Edward, born July
18, 1870, is attending McKendree College at Leb-
anon, taking the regular course of stud_y, and for
two years was a student at Normal, 111. The
mother of this family died on the home farm in
1874, and her remains were interred in Oak Hill
( Cemetery. Mr. Crosby was again married, July
» 13, 1880, this time to Miss I^lviraKcehler, who was
born September 10, 1843, in O'Fallon Township.
They have a daughter, ilary \'iola, who was born
April 28, 1881.
Since coming to this county-, Mr. Crosby has re-
sided on the old homestead. His farm comprises
one hundred and seventy-nine acres of valuable
land, thirtj^-six of which are used for nursery pur-
poses. He is well known as a nursery man and is
a practical and progressive farmer, whose thrift
and enterprise are indicated by the neat appearance
of his jjlaee. In politics he is a stalwart advocate of
Democratic principles, and has served as a delegate
to tiie county and congressional conventions; in
1«71, he was a member of the National Convention
which convened in Cincinnati, Ohio, and nomin-
ated Horace Greeley. Socially, he is a member of
Lodjje No. J76, A. F. A- A. M., of O'Fallon,
and the Chapter of Lebanon, III. For many years
he has made his home in this community, and is a
highly respected citizen whose many friends hold
him in warm regard.
^^SCAR F. BRKHITFIELD, I). 1). S., a promi-
I ji nent young professional man of Belleville,
'\iJ(^ was born in Pottsville, Pa., May 9. 1857.
and is the son of Charles and Carrie (Walther)
Erightfield. His paternal grandfather, whose
name was also Charles, was a native of Germany,
and with his wife, who was born in England, be-
came one of the early settlers in Fayette County,
Pa., where Charles, Jr., was born in 1824. An up-
right, energetic man, he belonged to that worthy
class of pioneeis to whom we are so greatly in-
debted.
Although employed at various places, Chailes
Brightfield, Jr., has been a resident of the Key-
stone State during his entire life, and has there
followed his occupation of a steam and gas fitter.
His home at present is at Beaver Falls, Pa., and,
although not quite a young man, he retains to a
large degree the activity of former years, and is
hale and hearty.
The subject of this sketch received the rudiments
of his education in the grammarschool at Ashland,
Pa., and subsequently carried on his literary stud-
ies in various places. Leaving school, he learned
the trade of a glass-blower at Pittsburgh, and,
while following that occupation during the winter
months, saved his earnings, so that he was able in
the summer to study the sciences, especiall}' chem-
istry, to which he was partial. For a short time ire
followed his trade at La Salle, III., and also in
Milwaukee, Wis., and in 1883 came to Belleville
for the purpose of accepting a position at the glass
works here. ^Meanwhile, his leisure hours, which
were few however, were industriously devoted to
the accumulation of knowledge, and he became a
well-informed man, with a broad knowledge of the
classics and the sciences.
In September. 1888, our subject went to Chi-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cago aud studied dentistry under Dr. E. J. Perrj',
Professor in tlie Northwestern I^niversity at Evan-
ston, remaining with tliat gentleman for one year,
and afterward entering the Lake Foiest University,
graduating from the dental department of that in-
stitution March 24, 1891. At once after com-
pleting his dental studies, he came to Belleville,
which he considered his home, and opened an
office for the practice of his profession, which he
has since followed. Although he has been here
but a short time, he is well and favorably known
to the citizens, and has built up a large and con-
stantly increasing practice.
Dr. Brightfield recently bought an elegant and
commodious residence at No. 404 West Main
Street, where he and his wife have established a
beautiful home. The lady, who on April 7, 1891,
became his wife, was Miss Emelia, daughter of
Jacob and Elizabeth Tisch, early settlers of St.
Clair County, and widely known thi'oughout this
section of country. Mrs. BrightGeld was reared in
the belief of the German Lutheran Church, to
which slie has since adhered. They have one child,
Oscar F., Jr., who was boin June 28, 1892. In his
social connections, the Doctor is identified with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Knights of Pythias, and also holds membership in
tiie Delta .Sigma Delta of his college class.
^>-:^^-<
"ijL^ARTMANN KOCH. Biographies of suc-
\l)i cessful, and especially of good, men are
/^^ most useful as incentives to others, teach-
(^y ing noble thinking and energetic action
for their own and the world's good. He wlio
gives others an example of industr}^, sobriety and
consistent honest_y of purpose in life, iias a present
as well as.a future influence upon the well-being
of iiis community, for his life aud character affects,
unconsciously though it maj' be, the lives and
characters of others, and thus the influence is un-
ending until time itself shall cease. Too much
praise cannot, therefore, be given to those who by
their worthy lives are entitled to more than pass-
ing mention.
The subject of this biographical review was
born in Germany in 1833, and is the son of Justus
and Catherine (Schneider) Koch. His parents
were also born in the Fatherland, the father in
1811, and the mother in 1818. Justus Koch re-
ceived his education in the common schools of his
native land, where in his youth he learned the
trade of a blacksmith, and was thus occupied, in
connection with the business of a wagon man-
ufacturer, throughout his entire life. His death oc-
curred in the prime of life, when our subject was
only two years of age. After his death, a posthum-
ous son was born to the mother of our subject, who
was named Henry Philip and is now deceased.
Mrs. Catlierine Koch came to the United States
many years afterward and died at tlie liome of her
son Hartmann, in Darmstadt.
The early years of Ilartniann Koch were un-
eventfully passed in his native land, where he at-
tended the common schools and learned the trade
of a blacksmitli with an uncle. In 1854, he left
the Fatherland, and, cros.sing the Atlantic, for a
few months after landing made his home in the
city of Baltimore. Later, he removed to St. Louis,
where for seven years he worked steadily at his
trade. Coming thence to the village of Darmstadt,
he opened a shop, where he has since been engaged
at his trade. In connection with this occupntifin,
he is the owner of tlnee hundred and sixty acres
of valuable land, whereon lie conducts farming
operations witli skill and success.
At the age of twenty-five years, ]Mr. Koch was
united in marriage with Miss Mar^-, daugiiter of
Joseph and Clara (Aple) Dierburger, and they
have become the parents of nine children, three of
whom died in infancy and George and Clara in
their youth. The surviving children are Mary,
Elizabeth, Amelia and Matheas. In his relig-
ious connections, Mr. Koch is a member of the
Presbyterian Churcli, while liis wife is a Catholic.
His political preferences have brought him into
sympathy with the Republican party, and he is one
of the public-spirited and progressive members of
that party in the county.
Mr. Koch is a man who stands high in iho
esteem of all who know him, and his honorable
life and uniform kindness of heart endear him to
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his acquaintances. In writing of him, one is re-
minded of tiie picture drawn by the poet Long-
fellow, of the village blacksmith:
Week in, week out. from morn till night.
You can hear his bellows blow;
You can hear him swing his heavy sledge,
AVith measured beat and slow.
Like a sexton ringing the village bell
When the evening sun is low.
Toiling, rejoicing, sorrowing,
Onward through life he goes;
Each morning sees some task begun,
Each evening sees it close;
Something attempted, something done.
Has earned a night's repose.
Thanks, thanks, to thee, my worthy friend,
For the lesson thou has taught;
Thus at the flaming forge of life
Our fortunes must be wrought.
Thus on its sounding anvil shaped
I^ach burning deed and thought.
\T7=?) MIL .T. FINKE. The original of this notice
l^ carries on tlie largest and best-equipped
i' — --^' confectionery establishment in the city. His
grandfather, who was a merchant in Germany, was
the first of the familj' to come to America, and
here he followed the lucrative business of a black-
smith in the State of Maine. He finally located in
Belleville and there ended his life. Our subject's
father bore the name of Adolph, and was born in
the Hartz Mountains, in Germany. He w.as but a
young man when he readied America; he went at
once to Alton, 111., and there eng.aged as a clerk in
the Hopkin-Willow drug store. Later, he bought it
and conducted it until 1873, when he came to
East St. Louis and started a drug store, becoming
so successful that he was enabled to build the
Finke Block in 1873. lie was the owner of other
property, but in 1881 he sold his store, although
he retained the ownership of the block, and re-
turned to Alton and resumed his drug business.
He owns the block there and conducts a flourish-
ing drug business. The mother ot om- subject
was named Ernestine Bradfish, and was born in
Saxonj', (ieimany, and was the daughter of Chris-
topher Bradfish, also born in Saxony-, who came to
America and settled in Alton and went into the
shoe business.
Our subject is the eldest of a family of seven
children, six of whom are living. He was born in
Alton, III., August 27, 1864, and was reared in
Alton until his ninth j'ear, then remained in this
city with his parents until his seventeenth year.
He attended the public schools here, but when his
father returned to Alton, he went with him for
two years and then returned to St. Louis. He de-
cided to become a confectioner and served an
apiJi-enticeship for about three years, after which
in 1886, he started in the business for himself.
He went to Wichita, Kan., and opened a store for
sweets, and for three' years made a success of it,
also dabbling a little in real-estate. He desired
a larger field and in 1889 he sold his business
there and came to East St. Louis, and began what
has been a very successful venture since. He is
located on CoUinsville Avenue, where he has his
manufactory which is 25x50 feet in dimensions.
He has every convenience for his business, and
keeps all his supplies in the best condition. He
has parlors for the accommodation of the public for
ice cream, and has much patronage on account of
the manner in which it is made and served. He is
very enterprising, and manages the business him-
self. Mr. Finke is a Keimblican in his political
opinions, and is regarded as a rising young man.
JI^ATHER JOHN HARKINS, A. B. and A.
jyjg; M., pastor of St. Mary's Church, at East
ili "' St. Louis, III., is a native of the green isle of
Erin, where he first saw the light of day Decem-
ber 1, 1862. His father, John Harkins, was a ship
contractor in Ireland, but in 1864 came with his
family to America and settled in Carlinville, Ma-
coupin County, 111., where he eng.aged in general
contracting, a calling he followed until his death.
378
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
which oceuned in 1887, at the age of fort^'-nine I
}'ears. His wife was Elizabeth Kelley, a daugliter
of Patrick Kelle^y, a farmer who came to Carlin-
ville anri died at that place at the age of eighty-
three years. Mrs. Harkins still resides in that
place; she became the mother of seven children, and
with the exception of their father's death there
has been no break in the family circle.
Father Harkins' first recollections arc of C'arlin-
ville, and in the parochial schools of the Catholic
Church of that place he obtained his early
training. At the age of seventeen years, or in
1879, he entered the University of St. Louis, Mo.,
which was taught by Jesuit Fathers, where he con-
tinued successfully pursuing his studies until 188;5,
graduating in June of that year from the classical
course with the highest honors of his class, for
which he received a handsome gold medal. Three
years later, he received the degree of A. M. from
his alma mater. In the fall of 1883, he entered the
Benedictine Monastery of Spencer County, Ind.,
where he pursued a thorough theological course,
completing his studies in June, 18('i6, and being or-
dained Priest. He celebrated the first mass in
Carlinville on the 29th of June, and after one
montii spent there in rest he was sent to Mound
City, Pulaski County, to take charge of St. Mary's
Church, which remained under his care for three
years. He also had charge of missions at Burnside,
Johnson County; Stone Foi't, Saline County; and
]Metropolis, Massac County.
September 13, 1889, he was appointed to St.
Mary's Church, East St. J^ouis, which congrega-
tion he organized on tlic 13th of October, 1889,
the first services being held in the old Franklin
Building at the corner of Fourth and Converse
Streets, with about one hundred families. Im-
mediately after taking charge, he began the erec-
tion of St. Mary's Church, the corner stone being
laid July 4, 1890, by Right Rev. J. .lanssen, Bishop
of Belleville. It is a handsome brick edifice, and
the first services were held in it in Januar_y, 1892.
It was erected at a cost of 135,000, and is a monu-
ment to the religious zeal of the members of that
church, as well as to the enterprise and earnestness
of Father Harkins. It now has an attendnnco of
two hundred and twi'iil\-live families, ;ind Si.
Mary's parochial school, which is under the man-
agement of four competent instructors, has an
average attendance of about two hundred and
twenty.
Father Harkins belongs to the Catholic Knights
of Illinois, as well as to several other worthy organ-
izations, and, not being at all old-fashioned or be-
hind the times in his views, he believes in voting
and is himself a Democrat. He is very agreeable
in manners, and by all who have had the pleasure
of hearing him preach he is considered an eloquent
and interesting speaker.
■ C,-'
ERMAN VOLKENINO. This gentleman
)l' is one of the leading business men of Lenz-
burg, where he is engaged in the drug busi-
ness, carrying a full line of pure medi-
cines, together with a variety of fine toilet articles.
He has done mucli toward advancing the prosper-
ity of the village by embarking in this enterprise,
and by his unceasing application to business has
secured a comijetency, and his unwavering hon-
est3' and true nobility of character have won him
the high regard of his fellow-men.
Like many of the best citizens of St. Clair Count3-,
our subject was born across the waters in Prussia,
the year of his birth being 1 829. He is a son of Lud-
wig and Louisa (Tieman) Volkening, also natives
of the Fatherland, where the former was engaged
in the hotel liusiness and also served as a .soldier.
Our subject was tlie third in order of birth in tlie
parental family of five children, and received an
excellent education in his native land, completing
his studies in one of the best colleges in Prussia.
At the early age of fourteen years, young Vol-
kening began to learn the drug business in Ger-
many, and in 1854, thinking to better his condi-
tion in the United States, emigrated hither and
established in tlic grocery business in the city of
New York, llr was there successfully engaged for
a i)eriod of thiitcen years, and at the expiration
of thai lime ivinie to Lenzburgand engaged in tlie
aencral nificMntik' liusiness in this village before it
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
379
was platted. Later in life, he turned his attention
to the drug business, which he has since continued
to follow with marked success.
;Mr. Volkening finds time in the midst of his
personal interest to bear an active part in the po-
litical affairs of his neighliorhood, and during elec-
tions votes a straight Democratic ticket. He is
also interested in educational matters and in all
movements whicli lend to the geiieral welfare of
the village. He is strictly honorable in his deal-
ings and is therefore kindl3' regarded liy all with
whom he has to do.
While residing in New York City, he of whom
we write was married to Miss Helena J>. \'olken-
ing, the date thereof being 1855. The lady was a
distant relative of our subject, and a daughter of
Charles and Augusta Volkening, natives of Prus-
sia. Their family comprised the following-named
four children: .Tolianna. Fritz, Helena and Menrv.
-^^1
/p^iERHARD KNKWITZ. Among the early
/j settlers of Dutch Hill Prairie, St. Clair
^^^ County, 111., no family has made for itself
a better record, and one upon which their descen-
dants may justlj' look with pride, than the Knewitz
family. Thej' have always been looked upon in
this community as people of correct habits and
>ound piiiuiples and as progressive in their ideas.
Fi f ty-fi vc years ago, Gerhard Knewitz, tlieu twen-
ty-seven years old, left his native land, Germany,
to seek that better fortune which he felt assured
awaited him in the New World. He had received
a good education in the Fatiierland, and his robust
constitution and tine physical endowments had
cost liim SIX years' service as a private in the (ier-
maii aniiy. wliich duty he filled with honor I.,
iiimself and liis country, licing honorably exempted
after his approiitic('-lii|i until his country's needs
demanded her wcll-traiurMl -oldiers tii fight cai'iiest
battles.
Coming to America in 18:!s. (Jerliard Knewitz,
Sr., owned as lii> worldly po,-scssi'jns twent.y-five
cents in money and a somewhat scanty supply of
clothes. This limited possession of earthlj' effects
compelled him to begin working by the day or
month. The true German thrift, economy, patience
and perseverance are well ill usti-ated in his charac-
ter, for in almost an incredibly short time we find
that- by his own industry he had accumulated
enough to purchase forty acres of Government
land at IL25 per acre. To say that this honest
German pioneer made a success of life would be
but faint praise for so sterling a character, whose
ambition was to achieve success, and whose pros-
pects at the beginning of his career in a strange
country seemed so limited.
Soon after the acquisition of the land referred to.
Mr. Knewitz, Sr., married, and as the result of his
union five children were born to him. Two of his
children died j'oungiu life; the others were Henry;
Gerhard, .Jr., of this sketch; and Barliara, who be-
came the wife of Joseph Ebner. We find the same
habit of accumulating practiced all along the years,
and the forty acres of land first purchased by Mr.
Knewitz, Sr., have been added to by four hundred
acres, until at the time of his death he was recog-
nized as the owner of one of the finest farms in
his township, as well as the maker of a pleasant
home for himself and family. He and his wife
will always be remembered as honored and re-
spected members of the Lutheran Church. In the
year 18.')"). Mrs. Knewitz passed awaj', leaving a
void in the happy household, and twenty-two
years after, in the year 1877, her husband sought
the rest of the faithful in the realms of the eternal.
Gerhard Knewitz, of this sketch, was born in
1843 on Dutch Hill Prairie, St. Clair County. His
mother dying when he was twelve years old, and
he being tlie second youngest of the family, it
would not have been strange had the boyish ten-
dency to elude study prohibited him from acquir-
ing tiie knowledge and education which are ever
tlie foundation of success in life. An excellent stu-
dent, however, we find him qualifying himself for
broader fields bj^a thorough course in the common
schools of his township. After leaving school, he
followed the life of a farmer and remained with
his father on the old homestead. In 1.866, he mar-
ried Miss Caroline Hager, a daughter of Peter
and Louisa Hager, and to them were born five
380
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cliildren, namel^y: Frederit-k, Peter, Rosa, Barbara,
and Etta, deceased.
After the death of our subject's first wife, he
•ngain mari'ied, his second wife being Miss Eizabeth,
daughter of Michel and P^lizabeth (Oelshicli) Nold.
This second union was blessed by four children,
tluee of whom are living: Otto, Gerhard, Jr.,
and Louis. Mr. Knewitz and wife are working
members of tlie Lutheran Church, noted for llieir
charity and kind and unostentatious manner of
jjcrforming Christian and neighborly deeds. Mr.
Knewitz votes the straiglit Republican ticket,
and has officially represented his Townsliip, as
well as filling the office of Trustee for two years.
He now owns five hundred and fifty acres of as
fine land as can be seen in this part of the State.
<jl? EMUELTODl). The gentleman with whose
I (^ name we introduce this sketcli has wit-
■L^^ ncssed and materially assisted in thegrowtii
and development of St. Clair County, and more
especially Prairie duLong Township. He belongs
to that chiss of pioneer residents to wliom so large
a delit of gratitude is due from the present genera-
tion, owing, as it does, all its advantages for a
more easy life and a higher degree of culture to
the noble hearts who endured privation and hard-
sliip, and opened the way for civilization tlirough
the trackless prairie.
Tiie father of Lemuel Todd was Mr. .John Todd,
a native of Virginia, in which State he spfentmany
of his boyhood days. AVIien quite a young boy-
he moved to Tsortli Carolina, and from there to
Tennessee. He was lirst mairiod to :\Ii>s Allen,
of Tennessee, who Ixire him fnuvtecn c-hildren,
the subject of our sketch being the thirteenth
child in the family group. A short time after
the birth of her fourteenth child, Mrs. Todd
died, leaving a mournful houseful of bereaved
little ones. Dr. Todd's second wife was a Miss
Aurringtoii, who died after giving birth to one
child. After residing in Tennessee for a nmu-
ber of years, Mr. Todd, .Sr., removed to Johnson
County, 111., wdiere he remained for eleven years,
leaving that location for Washington County, and
removing thence to St. Clair County, 111. Almut
the year 1836, he located .at New Athens, in winch
village his sons rented and cultivated a farm, while
their father worked as a carpenter. During this
period of his career he married Mrs. Sarah Otter,
of Belleville, from whom he obtained a divorce,
and then married Miss Nixon. In company with
his last-mentioned wife he removed to Waterloo,
Monroe County, 111., where he lived until her
death, after whicli event he married Mrs. Hill.
From Waterloo he removed to a farm in Xew
Athens Townsliip, where he remained until the
time of his death.
Mr. Lemuel Todd, the subject of this sketch, was
liorn January 3, 1826, in North Carolina. He came
with his fatlier to St. Clair County, when very
young. At the age of nine years he was bound
out by his father to Archibald Hood, with whom
he remained for four 3'ears. The life of a bound
boy has many sad reniiniscieuces for him, as the
treatment received from his employer necessitated
his father cancelling the contract and taking the
boy home, where he remained until he was seven-
teen years old. Iielping his father on the farm.
His next work was that of a farm hand working b3'
the month, after which he went to herding cattle.
At the age of twentj'-two, Lemuel Todd married
Miss Phrebe Hill, who lived but a short time after
their union. She was a daughter of Jonathan
Hill, one of the early settlers of this count}-. Af-
ter his marriage, Mr. Todd located on the farm
w-here he now lives. The issue of his first w-ife
was one child, Nancy Jane, who died at the age of
fourteen years. In 1883, he married his second
wife, who was Mrs. Mary Ritlenhouse, a daughter
ofMicliMcl Noldd. She was born in Germany,
and '■amc to this eouiitry when she was twelve
years old, locating with her parents at Freeling,
where she remained until her marriage with Will-
iam T. Kitteiihouse. She was the mother of two chil-
dren, one of whom dird when ten months old.
The suhjtcl of our sketch now live.- on a farm
of one hundred and twcnly-tlircc acres. all of wliich
is under lirsl-class culti valion, and which he still
^^--
-^-fl^ "i^N
* . ■v^i?^3jC"SWm>,^
Jru-Ou^iZi^ J^fviu-^4lh~
Portrait and biograi'hical record.
manages and gives his personal supervision. He
is an autliorit}' on all matters pertaining to local
history, having watched the growth of this com-
munity since 1837. He often entertains his friends
with reminiscences of the time when he worked
near the site of his present home for the munifi-
cent sum of 13 per mouth, and is amused at the
expressions of wonder that flit over the faces of
some of his young audiences, who breathlessly in-
quire how he lived on it. Few men have the
alnlity to recount the leading incidents of their
life's history with the truth of detail which Mr.
Todd's hearers are ever able to discern in his
stories of the long ago. He is recognized as a
stanch adherent of the Democratic party, and is ever
ready to place himself at the service of the good
cause. He has filled tlie ortice of Town Supervisor
for six years, and was afterward elected to the
office of School Director, in which capacity he
served for a term of three years. Few men in
their declining years can look back over the vista
of years and view a better record tlian the one en-
joyed by our subject, who now, in the autumn of
his life, is calmly enjoying the fruits of his arduous
labors, surrounded by the esteem of his fellow-
men and the sincere affection of those who express
their gratitude to him as a friend and counselor.
=1^4-^1
^^ ITGUSTITS C'HEXOT. The propriety of
%fJ\\ fire insurance is recognized by all prudent
I ii men, but the greatest objection that is
W generally made to old-line companies of
recognized solidity is that the insurance as fur-
nished by them is a dear investment, the premium
charges being out of all just proportion to the
amount necessary to pay losses and expenses; and
an insurance contract combining safety with econ-
omy is something that has been much desired by
the majority of the insuring public. To fill this
want the Belleville St. Clair County Farmers' JIu-
tual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated in
1.S83 and has since enjoyed a steady increase in
business. Tlic company has earned the iitrov of
18
the business community and the confidence of the
public at large by uniform fidelity in the execu-
tion of all its contracts, and is now an active factor
in the insurance business of the count\'. The
affairs of the company are in the hands of gentle-
men of prominent and substantial business stand-
ing, Augustus Chenot. I Ik I'l (-id rut, being a gentle-
man of superior executixc ability and a popular
and [jrogressive citizen. The compan3' is noted
foi' the promptness and fairness with which it ad-
justs and pays losses, and is an excellent medium
for the procuring of safe and reliable insurance.
The main office is at Belleville.
Augustus Chenot is a native of France, born in
Lorraine October 1, 1828, and is a son of John .1.
and Barbara (Fistuer) Chenot, both natives of that
countrj'. John J. Chenot was an old soldier and
held the rank of Captain under Napoleon. He
brought his family to the United States in 1830,
landing in New York, and after residing in differ-
ent States until 1842, made a permanent settlement
in St. Clair County-, 111., six miles north of Belle-
ville, where he was engaged in keeping a country
store. He was always honorable and upright in
his dealings, was highly esteemed in the commu-
nit3', and was a man of true worth. His death oc-
curred in 1863. The mother had passed away in
1849. Their children, seven in number beside our
subject, are as follows: our subject; Charles, of St.
Louis; Francis, also of St. Louis; Elizabeth (de-
ceased); Henry; .Toseph, in Texas; Mrs. John De
Veaux; and Mrs. Bishop, of Collinsville, 111.
The original of this notice received a college ed-
ucation in St. Louis and was afterw.ard busil.y en-
gaged in the store with his fatlier until his marriage
April 14, 1857, to Miss Elizabeth Boul, a sister of
Hon. Nicholas Boul, present Representative in the
Legislature. The following children were born
to them: Augusta, wife of John Rink, of Belleville;
Albert, William, .John, Edward, Benjamin, and
Emma. >Iis. Chenot died on the 30th of August.
is.sc. After his marriage Mr. Chenot decided
that farming was the occupation to which he wished
to devote his time and attention, and he has fol-
lowed that ever since, but in connection therewith
has engaged in other enterprises. He is one of the
most siilislantial and iiromiiienl farnicrs of this
384
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
countiy, owning one hundred and forty acres in
the home place, one hundred and ninety in another
part of the county, a good farm in Madison County,
and considerable city property. In superintending
his farm and in attending to the insurance busi-
ness our subject has his time full}- occupied, but
he finds time to discharge his duties as a citizen
and public-spirited man. He has been School Di-
rector for twenty-four years and was County Com-
missioner for two years, in 1874 and 1875. He be-
came a member of the insurance company in 1876
and has been a Director and officer since. He has
a residence two miles east of Belleville and is one
of the representative men of the county. He is a
member of the St. Peter's Catholic Cathedral, in
which he has served as Trustee and has been Trea-
surer for seven years. He has been connected
with the St. Clair County Fair Association for the
past twenty years and is now its Vice-president.
early education in the district schools, completing
a course at the Central Wesleyan College, at War-
rington, Mo. He was married in 1887, to Miss
Julia Stapf, by whom he has two children: Emmetl
Robert, aged four years; and Alice, aged one year.
Mr. Funk is operating a farm of one hundred
and fifty-five acres of land, owned by his mother,
on which he grows grain, chiefly depending upon
wheat for his crop. He is an enterprising young
farmer, and understands the work in which he has
been engaged all his life. lie is a member of the
Mascoutah AVitchland Society. Politically, he is a
Democrat, and upholds the principles of that parly
on every occasion.
^i#^|-^"l^li^^l
\I|!„„^ENRY C. FCNK. Among tlie enterprising
ij jij 3'oung farmers of Freeburg Township, St.
il\^ Clair County, is the one who resides on
(^|) section 11, and it is to his histor}^ that the
attention of the reader is called.
Mr. Funk is the son of Henry Funk, wlio was
one of the early settlers of this very beautiful
county. A traveler through this section of coun-
try, as his e\^es rest upon the fields of waving
grain and nodding corn, does not realize the
years of patient effort that were necessary to
bring these same fields to their i)resent state of
perfection, nor does one to whom fanning is a
mystery begin to realize the hard labor required
to keep this degree of cultivation up. Trul}-, in
this world, " there are no gains without pains."
Through all of the hard work attendant upon
the breaking of a new country, went the father of
our subject, and his son endeavors to maintain
the same state of excellence on the farm which he
is operating for his widowed mother.
Our subject was born on the ])laee where he
now resides, Decemhei- 5, 18r)6, He received his
fAMES A. WYLIE. An honorable position
among the agriculturists of Marissa Town-
ship is held b.y the gentleman above named,
who is the fortunate possessor of one hun-
dred and eighty acres of fine land on section 3.'5.
The well-tilled farm is devoted to raising mixed
crops and the ordinary amount of stock, both grain
and animals being of good quality. A homelike
dwelling and various outbuildings indicate to the
passer-by that the land is occupied by a family tif
enterprise and good judgment.
Our subject is the son of Alexander and Nancy
(Wilson) Wylie and was born in Randolph
County, this State, in 1854, within a few miles of
his present home. His father, who was born iii
Scotland, came to the United States with his parents
when quite young, and spent the greater part of
his life in Randolph County. James of this sketch
was reared on the home farm and received such an
education as the common schools of his day af-
forded. To that foundation he has added by read-
ing and observation, his effort being to keep himself
well informed regarding current events and the
topics of general interest. When starting out for
himself, he rented land and began tilling the soil,
gradually accumulating the means with which to
l)Urchase his ijresent fine estate.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
385
AVhen reaehiug his majority, James Wylie aud
^li.ss Sarah C, daiigliter of John K. and Margaret
White, of this county-, were united in marriage. A
sketcli of Mrs. Wylie's parents, wiio are prominent
residents of Marissa Township, will be found on
another page in this volume. To our subject and
his wife were born a faniii\ of five children, two
of whom died in infancy. Those living are John
W.. Nancy A. and James F. Tlie wife aud mother
departed this life March 7, 1887, and her remains
were followed to their last resting-place by many
relatives and warm friends.
Mr. Wylie is an ardent Prohibitionist in iiis
political views and uses his influence in every pos-
sible way to advance party interests.
R. ALPIION.SO XAVIKU ILLINSKI.
) This pioneer physician of the Mississippi
Bottom was born in the province of Yal-
hejima, Poland, in 1817, where his father,
Alexander lUinski, also a native of Poland, was a
land-owner and planter. lie was a very promi-
nent man and passed his entire life in his native
country. His wife, Anna, was also a native of
Poland. They were the i)arents of twelve chil-
dren, our subject being second in order of birth.
Two of our subject's brothers were exiled to Si-
l)eria and served their time in the mines. One is
there at the present time, as is also one nephew.
The original of this notice was reared and edu-
cated in the Gymnasium of Kremnitz, and pos-
sesses a strong constitution, great will power and
remarkable endurance, or he could never have
stood the life he has lead as a physician. He re-
mained in the Gymnasium for live years and re-
ceived a classical education. At this institution
the study of the Latin, Greek, French, Russian,
German and Polish languages, mathematics and
the natural sciences was obligatory. Then sciiool
was maintained on the high-pressure principle,
studies were crowded too rapidly one after another,
and youths were expected to accomplisli tlie work
of ailiilts, Tliose who possessed strong (_ ^tilu-
tious stood the ordeal, while others failed. Our
subject stood well in his classes. Prompted b\-
patriotism, at the age of fourteen years he
joined the insurgents' army as a lancer, but was
promoted to be First Lieutenant before the close of
the Kevolution. After the capture of War.saw, the
command to which he was attached retreated to
Galicia. a part of Austria, for refuge, and he re-
mained there about a year. In 1834, a peremp-
tor3^ order was issued exiling all insurgents either
to Russia or France. Our subject naturally chose
the latter, but the order was in the meantime,
changed to America in place of France.
.\t the time of the issuance of this order, our
suljject was confined in a prison at Olmutz, with-
out knowing the reason, and there he lay for six
weeks. He believed that a mistake had been made,
the authorities intending the incarceration of an
older brother, Anthon}' Illinski, who was a leader
among the insurgent soldiers, and as such was
thought to merit greater punishment than simply
to be exiled. This brother made good his escape,
and, true to his military instincts, joined the French
in the Algerian War. He then served as a Turk
and joined the regular army of that people. The
love of Poland as a dear dream yet lingered with
him, so he obtained leave of absence from his com-
mand and joined Kossuth in his vain endeavor to
redeem his fair land. He was every inch a soldier,
and life presented no charm for him, so that no
sooner were Kossuth's hopes crushed and his armies
disbanded, than he joined the Turks again, be-
coming a General in their arm}'. In the memor-
aljle charge of Balaklava, he received a wound
from which he soon after died, in 1856.
Dr. Alphonso X. Illinski came to America from
( lalicia, and lauded in the city of New York on
tlic 28th of March, 1834. After traveling for a
year, he landed at Havana, the Queen City of the
Antilles, and there obtained employment in an
hospital because he could speak so many different
languages. He there develoi)ed a taste for the
study of medicine and the practice of surgery.
Later he graduated in medicine, and in 1837 came
to Louisiana, where he remained until one year
Inter, wlien he came to St. Louis, Mo. He entered
McDow.-irs Mediciil College in l.s4(t, and gradu-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ated from that institution two years later with the
degree M. D. He then came immediately to St.
Clair County, 111., and has been in the active prac-
tice of his profession here for fifty years, or since
1842. He first located in the village of Cahokia,
and as there was not a buggy in the county at
that time, he made his professional rounds on
horseback with saddle-bags. He was obliged to
swim streams during the high waters of 1844, 1858,
1883 and 1892. He practiced all over the Missis-
sippi Bottom and never knew what it was to feel
fatigue until after the age of sixty-five.
In 1887, after the death of his son-in-law. Dr.
Jennings, to whom he had given his practice, he
located in East .St. Louis to assist his daughter and
keep her company. He has practiced since then
and is the oldest physician in St. Louis. He had
the largest practice of any physician in the county
and often had to visit as many as sixty patients
in a daj-. He at one time owned farms in this
county, but he has sold them. He was deeply in-
terested in bee culture for some time and had as
many as seventeen hundred hives wliile at Cahokia.
The Doctor was married in St. Louis, Mo., in 1843,
to Mrs. Jane (Butler) St. John, a native of St. Clair
County, and two children were the fruits of this
union: Cora, Mrs. Droit, who resides in Cahokia;
and Clementine, widow of Dr. Jennings, who resides
in East St. Louis. The Doctor's second marriage was
to Miss Virginia Black, a native of St. Louis, Mo.,
and three children were born to tliem, viz.:
Anielka, Seaii and Alexus. The Doctor is a member
of the St. Clair Medical Society, and in politics, is
a stanch supporter of Democratic principles, having
been a delegate to county and State conventions.
m>^^<\
"'CESSER is one of the
prominent of the farm-
He is the owner of
*^^' several fine farms and raises great crops of
the cereals, priucipall.y wljeat and corn, his resi-
dence being situated on section 28, Mascoutah
'J'ownship, St. Clair C'oimty,
The f.ather of our subject was George C. Fuesser,
' who was a native of Byne in Haslach, Germany.
: and was boin February 2, 1825. He was reared and
I received his education in his native place entirely,
and in 1842 he came to this country. When he
first came to the United States, he engaged in the
: trade of wagon-making and he followed this for
some time, but later went upon a farm, where
he remained for two years. His employer was a
Mr. Leitroch, and our subject gave good satisfac-
tion in his work. In 1846, Mr. Fuesser married
' Miss Mary Dundor, the daughter of Andrew
, Dundor, and our subject at this time bougiit a
j farm in this township, where he remained about five
I years. He then moved to Mascoutah, but did not
live tiiere long, and returned to the farm, where
he continued until 1860, when he moved back into
the town. Here lie continued for a space of six
years when he again went back to the farm, and
remained there until 1873. At this date he made
his final removal, coming to this place and here
living until his death, March 8, 1880. His wife
still survives and finds a pleasant home in Mas-
coutah. There were four children of this marriage:
George Adam, who resides upon the home place;
John Philip, who is our suliject; Anna, who lives
in Mascoutah; and Carl Adolph. who nl^o lives at
the old home.
Our subject was born February 6, 1853, in this
township, and here was reared and went to school.
He has grown up to be a practical farmer, one
who understands the business and knows how to
make it a paying one. He owns quite a deal of
land, having one hundred acres here in Mascoutah
Township, and also one hundred and fifty-three
acres in Engelman Township, making in all two hun-
dred and fifty-three acres. Carl Adolph, his brother,
owns one hundred and five acres of fine land in
this township, and the farms of both brothers have
been carefully cultivated, and show care and proper
tillage. Looking at the fields of waving grain of
which these young men are the owners, one can
not think that Dakota holds the best wheat farms
in the West. The daughter, Annie, owns fifty-three
acres of land, and a fine residence in Mascoutah.
Siie is a pu|Hilar stenographer, the only one in Mas-
coutah,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
387
Politically, Mr. Fuesser is a Republican, and takes
quite an interest in all that interests his chosen
party. He is well known throughout the
county and possesses the respect of all. He is
not one of the oldest settlers, but his father was,
and in this way his name is well known to all.
The old settlers are fast leaving only a name be-
hind them, and this Record desires to so preserve
their names and sketclies of their lives, that future
generations may see who and what manner of men
were those who first conquered the wilderness, and
made the land tiie pleasant place it now is for their
descendants.
EV. HENRY .JOHN IIAGEN. In tiie life j
of the Chancellor of the Belleville Diocese, [
there is much for the reader to admire and
emulate, and it affords us pleasure to incor-
porate in this volume the main events of his use-
ful and honorable career. A man of brilliant at-
tainments, whose splendid education has been of
great value to him; with genial manners, gentle-
manly bearing and fine physique, tall and dignified,
it is not strange that he occupies a place so promi-
nent in the esteem of his fellow-men. He possesses
conversational abilities of a high order and the
executive attainments which admirablj' qualify
him for the responsible position of Chancellor.
Fatlier Hagen is still a young man, and tliisfact,
together with his unusual talents and tiie success
already achieved, gives his friends reason to liope
for a career of honor in future j'ears. He was born
in Gerraantown, Clinton County, 111., May 21,
1861, and has alwaj's been a resident of tliis.State.
His parentage is German, his father, Theodore H.
and his mother, Margaret (Kreke) Hagen, having
been born in Oldenburg and Hanover, Germanj-,
respectively, whence thej- came to America as chil-
dren witli their respective families and were mar-
ried in Germantown, Clinton County', 111. The
father, who was a wagon-maker by trade, followed
that occupation in his native land, whence he emi-
grated to America in liis young manliood.
In the village of Gerraantown, the subject of
this sketch received the rudiments of his education
in the parochial schools, and afterward entered St.
.Joseph College at Teutopolis, 111., when thirteen
years old. He pursued his studies in that institu-
tion of learning, from which he was graduated at
the age of sixteen, after having completed the
course of study with honors. Having resolved to
enter the priesthood, he commenced the stud.y of
theology In St. Francis Seminary, near Milwaukee,
Wis., and after remaining there for a short time,
went to Europe and finished his education in the
famous University of Innspruck, Austria, gradu-
ating in 1883.
September 23 of the above-named year. Father
Hagen was ordained priest at Alton, 111., the cere-
mon}' of ordination being in charge of the late
Bishop Baltes. The first pastorate of the young
priest was the mission at Mt. Vernon, this State,
and he also had charge of the missions at McLeans-
borough and Okawville, this State. During the six
years in which he was thus engaged, he was instru-
mental in advancing the welfare of these missions
and also in increasing their numerical strength,
and his faithful ministry gained him a large num-
ber of friends.
In October, 1889, Father Hagen was transferred
to the Cathedral at Belleville, and one year later
was appointed Secretary to Bishop Janssen and
Chancellor of the Belleville Diocese, in which hon-
orable place he still labors. He is a worthy adjunct
to so grand a man as Bishop Janssen. The finan-
cial matters of the diocese almost invariably pass
tlirough his hands, and, being thoroughly informed
in business affairs, he is successful in this, as in
other departments of his work.
jli_ ON. JOHN THOMAS is descended from
Wjfi Welsh ancestors, who came to America at
/^^^ the beginning of the last centurj'. His
(^ great-grandfather became the head of a
family of seven sons and three daughters; one of
his sons, Griffith, became the father of eight sons
388
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
aud tvvt) daugliteis. Of this family was John
Thomas, the father of the suhject of this sketch.
He was born in North Carolina, and was united in
marriage to Miss Jane Smitli, a native of that
State, by whom he became the father of a large
family of children, onl_v two of whom are living
at the present time. Hon. John Thomas was born
in Wythe County', Va., Januai-y 11, 1800, and as
his father was a blacksmith and farmer of strait-
ened circumstances, at an earl}- day he had to as-
sist in supporting the family-. Living in a slave
State, where wealtliy planters owned inost of
the land, his father decided to move to a free State,
where his children could have better educational
and social advantages, and the winter of 1817-18
was spent in Indiana, but on the '28th of April,
1818, he reached St. Clair County, 111., and they
halted near the present village of Shiloh, then
known as the Alexander settlement, where the fa-
ther at once opened a blacksmith's shop, there
being already a mill and distillery there. Here
he followed his trade, as well as the occupation
of farmer, his spare moments from his shop be-
ing devoted to clearing his land from timber
and brush. On this farm he resided until his
death in the year 1848, at about the age of eighty
years, his widow surviving him until 1854, when
she, too, passed away, and both are now sleeping
their last sleep on the old home farm. Her father
was a physician and served in the Revolutionary
War. John Thomas, the father of our subject,
served in the War of 1812 in his business capacity,
and was extensivelj^ engaged in the manufacture
of horseshoe nails. Dr. William L. Smith, Mis.
Thomas' brother, who met his death by drowning,
left considerable valuable property.
The early education of Hon. John Thomas, as
well as that of his brothers and sisters, would have
been sadly neglected had it not been for their ex-
cellent mother, who was a finely educated lady.
She taught all her children to read and write and
instructed them in the rudimentary branches.
John never saw a schoolhouse or church until after
he was eighteen years of age, but he was an indus-
trious and moral young man, and in his youth
imbiticd principles of industry and honor that
were of material benefit to him in later years.
Like a dutiful son, he assisted his father on the
home farm until he was twenty-one years of age,
at which time, feeling the need of a better educa-
tion, he divided his first _vear of independent life
between working and attending school, and as his
mind was active and sound, he made rapid prog-
ress in his studies. He learned the blacksmith*s
trade of his father and followed this occupation,
in connertidii witli tilling rented land for about
six years, when, in 1828, he made his first purchase
of real estate and stocked his farm, and from that
purchase of land dates his prosperity. He was
shrewd and far-seeing and knew that permanent
prosperit\' would come to him who would invest
liberall}', or place his means in land, and that it
would be only a question of time when the broad
and fertile prairies of Illinois would be brought
into market, and would be in great demand by the
tide of immigration, that would pour in from the
East and from foreign shores. He therefore pur-
chased all the land he could get and pay for, not-
withstanding the fact that officious friends in-
formed him that he was acting foolishly and was
inviting bankruptej-. He had an abiding faith
that real estate was the true source of wealth, and
he had the satisfaction of seeing land for which
he paid only a few dollars increase in value to
exceed $400 per acre. The history of his success
in the accumulation of a fortune is the history of
nearly all the rich men of Illinois. In 1824, an elec-
tion was held in order to determine whether slavery
[ should exist in Illinois, and Col. Thomas bitterly
opposed the measure and did all in his power to
defeat the scheme. As a consequence a committee
I was appointed to horsewhip lam, but, having a
t bod3-guard, the matter was compromised by a
good man being chosen from each side to decide
the matter in the fistic arena. It resulted in the
victory for the Colonel, and a majority of ninety-
seven votes was polled against slavery, the State
I going seventeen hundred majority. Lieut.-Gov.
I Kinney, the Colonel's father-in-law, was the owner
! of about a dozen slaves, resided about three miles
from Belleville and w.as one of iiis strongest oppo-
nents.
In early life he was very devoted to military
pursuits, and in 1832, during the Black Hawk War,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
389
he enlisted in the service, and raised a compan}' of
volunteers and started for Iowa. Later, he was
compelled to return home on account of his fani-
113-, but on some slurring remarks being made of
him by Gov. Reynolds, he cast aside personal con-
siderations and the next day started out to organ-
ize a company, of wliich he was made Captain.
The question then arose who should l)e Colonel,
and as Capt. Thomas' knowledge of military tac-
tics was well known, his numerous friends chose
him, altliough Gov. Reynolds was in favor of
Buckmaster holding the position. Col. Thomas
was elected b3' thirty majority, and with liis com-
mand marched witliin fifteen miles of Black Hawk,
where they were joined 113- Capt. Stiliman with
three hundred men. A part of this force met
Black Hawk in battle, but were defeated, and the
following day the entire force marched against
him, but only found the smouldering remains of
his camp fires. They then went to Ottawa, 111.,
and found that the most of the few settlers of that
place had been murdered by the redskins, and al-
tliough Gov. Reynolds had previousl3' discharged
his men, the settlers asked for his protection and
Col. Thomas assisted in organizing a company,
and of tills and three other comi)anies. Col. Frye
was placed in command. At this time Col.
Thomas, notwithstanding Ivis refusal, was elected
Lieutenant Colonel, and with his command, com-
prising three companies of Regulars, took up his
station at Kilr03''s Grove. .Tune 16, 1832, he had
a brush with the Indians and killed seven of them
and lost three men.
To a certain extent Mr. Thomas has been in pol-
itics for many years, but has never been an ofHce-
seekei'. He always freely expressed his views on mat-
ters of public interest, and his position upon (pies-
tions of importance was known to be sound and the
result of honest conviction. In 1838, he was elected
to the Legislature as an independent candidate,
the Whigs and Democrats e.ach having candidates
in the field, and made a very capable legislator.
In 1836, when the State had decided to adopt the
internal improvement system, Col. Thomas be-
came a contractor and worked about two or three
hundred men. He took a ver3' important part in
many measures of interest, and did a great deal
to mould public opinion in the early history of
the State. He constantl3' labored for the good of
his section, was utterl3' disinterested, and his many
brilliant powers of mind, his soldierly and manl3'
conduct, and his kind heart, won him the warm
regard of such noted men as Abraham Lincoln,
John J. Hardin and E. D. Baker. He was instru-
mental, while a member of the Legislature, in estab-
lishing the ferry at St. Louis, and although the fight
was a long and bitter one, it eventually resulted
in favor of its establishment. While in the Legis-
lature, he introduced a bill to fence in stock, leav-
ing fields open. lu the year 1878, he was put upon
the Republican ticket for State Senator, made
a strong canvass, and carried the two representa-
tives with him, even after Esq. Gilliland, of
Lebanon, was induced to make an independent
canvass. He has ever been a wheel horse of his
party, and the efficient service he has rendered has
been fully realized. In 1862, he was elected by a
majority of eleven to the Legislature, after a very
hard political fight, and was re-elected in 1864
b3' a big majorit3'.
The same year Mr. Thomas was a delegate to the
Baltimore Convention, where he made a strong
speech to the Illinois delegates, and he was also a del-
egate to the Chicago Convention of 1860. He has
magnificent and very extensive farming interests,
his land consisting of about four thousand acres,
and has fed as high as two thousand hogs at one
time. He is an extensive stockshipper, in fact it
is the nature of the gentleman to rise above
mediocrity in anything he undertakes. While a
member of the Legislature in 1864, he presided as
Speaker of the House about two thirds of the time,
in which capacity he was very able and popular.
While yet a resident of Virginia, he imbibed prin-
ciples antagonistic to slavery, for he knew and
felt its baleful influence, and he firmly believed
that the normal condition of all men was to be
free and equal in the e^es of the law. In 1862,
during the exciting times of the Rebellion, he
wielded a powerful influence in the Legislature,
and he was lo3'al and patriotic to the core. He
favored every measure for the speedy termination
of the "irrepressible conflict" and the preservation
of the Union. The four times that he has been a
390
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
member of the Legislature have demonstrated in a
marked degree the high estimation in which he is
held bj' the public. He is a truly able man and is
warmly in favor of the education of the masses,
and believes that therein lies the future hope and
perpetuation of the free institutions of America.
To his marriage with Miss Kinnej^ ten children
have been born, five sons and five daughters. The
mother of these children died in 1868, and in .Tan-
uar}-, 1875, he married Magdalena Holdner, a
widow, and daughter of Jacob A'onEue, a native
of Switzerland. Such in brief is the history of
Col. John Thomas, a man of brilliant mental
powers, strong individuality, undaunted courage
and manliness, and withal kind hearted, gener-
ous and true. A model American citizen, he is
also a model husband and father, and a loyal and
generous friend.
^7_^ ENRY VOSKAMP. A compendium of bio-
Wjii graphical sketches of St. Clair County,
/^^^ would be incomplete without an outline of
(^ the life of .the above gentleman, who, al-
though quite young, has gained an excellent repu-
tation. The grandfather of our subject was a
native of Holland, and after coming to the Uni-
ted States located in Johannisburgh, AVashington
Count}^, 111., where he died at the advanced age
of ninet3'-niue years.
Henry Voskamp's parents were Henr^- and Anna
(Remmers) Voskamp. Henry Voskamp, Sr., was
born in Osnabruck, Holland, in the year 1802,
and his wife was born in Oldenburg, Germany,
in the year 1819. After obeying the laws of
liis native land in regard to educational matters,
Henry, Sr., chose the vocation of forester as tlie one
in which he would seek a maintenance. He worked
in this line for several years and then concluded
tiiat there were better opportunities for him in
America, so he invested a part of his savings for
tlie necessary transportation and embarked for the
United States. He immediately located in St.
Clair Countv after his arrival, and his first enter-
prise on^this'side of the ocean was to buy a small
stock and commence life as a peddler of small-
wares and general merchandise, taking for his
route that portion of the State near liis new home.
He soon became known as an honest dealer, and
success'crowned his efforts.
Henry A'oskamp brought with him not only the
money necessary' to start in business but the
wealth he had inherited from bis Dutch grand-
fathers, namely: tlirift, industry, energy and per-
severance. In a very few years after his arrival
in this country, he opened a store in Fayetteville,
where he sold general merchandise, and where tlic
people for miles around knew they could obtain
every commodity they wanted. The success of this
store is but another milestone in his history, sliow-
iug that fortune smiled on his efforts, and Henry,
Sr., was known as one of the solid merchants of
Fayetteville for forty years. He drifted, througli
business transactions, into the hotel business,
but tlie life of a farmer had always been one of his
dreams, and, selling out the hotel, he undertook
the cultivation of three hundred r.eres of land
which he had .acquired, and lived a life of retire-
ment from mercantile pursuits. His first wife,
Mary Lueka, having died, Mr. Vo.skamp married
Miss Anna Remmers, and our subject is the
only living child of tliis union the two chil-
dren of the first wife having died in infancy.
Politically, Henry Voskamp, Sr., was a Democrat,
and worked for the interests of his party when-
ever its standard was at issue. He died in the
year 1872, his wife surviving him seven years.
Henry Voskamp, Jr., undertook the task of self-
support wlien he was twenty-one years of age.
His first business venture was in a general merchan-
dise store in Fa^'etteville, which position he occu-
pied for two years. He then sold goods and clerked
for several firms for a number of years, and after-
ward took the position of collector and general
agent for the News-Democrat and the Zeitung, two
papers published in Belleville, 111. In the year
1888, our subject married Miss Emma, daughter of
Rudolph and Anna (Hermann) Heimberger. Tiio
result of this union has been two children, namely,
Hermann and Anna.
Although now only thirly-four years old. Henry
. iffoMlUl)
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
393
A'oskiimp is recognized as one of the prominent
citizens of liis countj', and is a man calculated in
ever^' respect to make for himself and family a
place in the front ranks of Fa_yetteville societ)'.
His political sympathies are with the Democratic
party, and he has ever manifested a high degree
of [)ublic spirit, interesting himself in every move-
ment which would tend to advance the interests
of Ills Cdiuity.
IJdtli y\v. and Mrs. A'oskamp are liberal and in-
telligent thinkers and together take an active in-
terest in matters of local importance, both of a
social and public nature, and wield a decided in-
fluence throughout the- community and even lie-
yond the vicinity of their home.
The heritage of sturdy- ancestry has ever been
an element of progression in this country, and in
this instance it is one clearly recognized as a lead-
ing factor in that which goes to make up the best
of our citizen.s. No family can boast better pro-
genitors than the one whose representative is the
subject of this sketch, and the characteristics dis-
played by father and grandfather have descended
until the third and fourth generation.
ll@^@l^^
JIJOUX .JACOB RAYHILL is now the oldest
I living .settler of Engelman Township, and
l| one of the most honored pioneers of .St.
^j_/^ Clair County. He was born on the farm
which is yet his home on section 3, his birth oc-
curring on the 4th of March, 1824, and for almost
.seven t}' years he has witnessed the growth and
upbuilding of this county and aided in its devel-
opment. His father was born and reared in Bote-
tourt County, Va., and was married in Alleghany
Couuly to Sarah Dew, sister of Rev. John Dew,
wlio was born in Hampshire County, Va.
In the .State of his nativity, Mr. Rayhill followed
farming for several years, and was for three months
a soldier in the AVar of 1812. He also engaged in
teaching school. It was in 1818 that he emigrated
to St. Clair County, 111., locating three miles east
uf Belleville, on what is known as the John Ryder
farm. A year later, he went to Engelman Town-
ship and bought land on sections 2 and 3. At one
time he owned over one thousand acres, and, with
the exception of a quarter-section, he entered the
entire amount from the Government. In the fam-
ily were four children who grew to manhood and
womanhood, but only two are now living: John
Jacob, and Virginia, widow of James Michell, a
resident of Marion, Kan. Charles died in 1882,
and Betsy Ann died on the (itli of April, 1841.
Mr. Rayhill, father of this family, was a faithful
member, active worker and liberal supporter of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he
was first a Whig and afterward a Republican. He
died on the 2d of October, 1867, at the advanced
age of seventy-nine years, and his wife departed
this life July 28, 1862.
We now take up the personal history of our sub-
ject, who was educated in the subscription schools
of this county and grew to manhood upon the
heme farm. On the 7th of May, 18.56, he married
Miss Adeline, daughter of Pintcher and Elizabeth
Pitts, early settlers of this county. They began
their domestic life upon tlie farm which is now the
home of Mr. Rayhill, and unto them were born
four children, but three are now deceased. Vir-
ginia M., who became the wife of AVilliam H. Hug-
ger, a farmer on section 3, Engelman Township,
died in 1888; George died in 1880, and Sarah
died in infanc.y. Charles Edward is still living
on the old homestead. He married Miss Bertha,
daughter of Jacob Ei.senmayer, who came to Ma«-
coutah in an early day. The daughter was reared
and educated in Mascoutah. Unto Charles and
his wife have been born two children, Wallaceand
Edna. The mother died November 28, 1866, and
was buried on the old Rayhill farm. She was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Rayhill owns five hundred and thirty-six and
one-third acres of land in Engelman Towiislii[), of
which three hundred acres are under a higli state
of cultivation and improved with all the acces-
sories of a model farm. As before stated, he is
one of the oldest residents of the county, and can
remember when the Indians were still residents of
the neighborhood and when deer and other wild
game were to be had in abundance. Throughout
394
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his entire life, he has followed farming, except in
1850, when he went across the plains to California.
While en route, they were attacked with cholera
and two young men of the party died. On reach-
ing his destination, Mr. Rayhill engaged in min-
ing. The return trip was made by the Isthmus of
Panama and New York. As there were no rail-
roads, he had to go l)y steamer back to New Or-
leans and tlience came up the Mississippi to St.
Louis. He left San Francisco on the 1st of April,
and arrived home on the 3d of May. In early
life, he was a supporter of the Whig party, but has
voted the Republican ticket since the organization
of that party and is one of the st.anch advocates of
its principles. He is a jirominent and influential
citizen, widely and favorabl}' known, and his ster-
ling worth and strict integrity- have won him the
confidence and high regard of all with whom he
has been brought in contact.
JJl OSEPH A. KURRUS. The old saying that
Ij industry brings sure reward, as surely as does
l! virtue, is proven in the life of the gentle-
,^_Jj man whose name opens this sketch. He be-
gan at the bottom of the ladder of fortune, but
now is regarded as one of the financial pillars of
East St. Louis. His livery and undertaking estab-
lishment is located at Nos. 104, 106 and 108 Third
Street, with a frontage of seventy-two feet, running
through to Main Street. Tiie buildings are all of
brick, and are made to accommodate the necessary
equipages and parapheuialia necessary for the car-
rying on of the largest business of the kind in this
city.
Our siilijeefs grandfather was in the wars of Na-
poleon, and had removed in 1792 from Alsace,
France, to Baden, Germany, where he died in 1814.
The father of our subject, Frank, was born
May 4, 1794, in Baden, (Germany, where he con-
ducted a trade as locksmith. Frank followed the
example of many of his countrymen and came to
America, reaching here in 1860, and locating at
East St. Louis, as a locksmith, where he died Aug-
ust 28, 1867. The mother of our subject was a de-
vout Catholic, born in Baden, Germany, February
2, 1802, and lived in this country until she was
eighty years and fifteen days old.
The gentleman of whom these lines are written
was the fifth of a family of six children, and was
born March 13, 1840, in the city of Endingen,
which is a iiistoric old fortified town of Baden,
with but three entrances. He received the rud-
iments of an education in the German schools
and made himself generally useful to his fa-
ther and also to his uncle in the grain business.
When twenty years of age, Joseph came by way
of the sailing-vessel "William Frothingham" to
America, landing (after a voyage of fifty days,
forty of which were stormy) in New York, and
then traveled to different places, until he finally
rested at East St. Louis, April 19, 1861. The
young man did not wait for work to find him, but
began immediately as a carpenter, then as a coal
heaver, and at last worked on the St. Louis, Alton
& Terre Haute Railroad as night watchman and
night baggage man on Front Street for twelve
years, until 1873, when long frugality enabled him
to go into the grocery business on the corner of
Fourth and Market Streets. He there continued
until 1883, when he began his present business.
This was begun on a small scale, he first buying out
Meyer & Strotman, and when the business war-
ranted it, built his present large establishment,
stocking it with everything in his line; he also
does em.balming.
Mr. Kurrus is a large owner and dealer in real
estate in the citj-. He laid out the Kurrus place
in 1891 on the Belleville turnpike, and sold all of
the twenty-acre tract one mile e.ast of the city
court house. Our subject .also sold the one hun-
dred and three acres laid out as Forest Lawn, and
has on hand a number of residences and four luick
blocks, besides a farm in this count}', and is a
stockholder and Director in the Glenn Manufactoiy
here. In November, 1 86.5, our subject was united in
marriage with Miss Elizabeth .Tohannes. She was of
German birth and passed her whole life in this i)lace.
She died and left her sorrowing husband six chil-
dren: Frank J., who is with his father in the liv-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
395
eiy business, Elizabeth, Joseph A., Charles, Lena
anrl F"re(lerick. Mr. Kurrus believes in the prin-
eii)les of the Democratic party, and gives his vote
for the candid-ites selected by it. He is a member
of St. Henry's Churcii, and is a man who stands
very iiigh in the financial circles of this city.
^Ip^ V. RAAB, M. D. There are some doctors
|fe] who diagnose cases and administer raedi-
J' — -4 cines very much after the manner of a
priest administering extreme unction. Tiieir pro-
ceedings are characterized by a .solemnity that
makes the patient feel him.self, even when his ail-
ment is not a serious one, almost witliin the grasp
of the Grim Destroyer. There are other phj'sicians
wiio seem to look upon the patient as a machine,
the parts of which have in some way or other been
tiirown out of gear, and, losing sight of the fact
that the machine has sensibilities as well as func-
tions, they proceed with hammer and tongs to
remedy the difHculties complained of. Still an-
other class of physicians, recognizing the fact that
there is something more than a barren ideality- in
ministering to a mind diseased, or in other words,
tiiat the mental condition of the patient has in
many cases much to do with his physical condi-
tion, always leave their patients in that happ_y
frame of mind which contributes in no small de-
gree to speedy recovery, providing the nature and
character of the ailments or the intensity of suffer-
ing are not such as to make a placid condition of
llie mind impossible.
It is to the latter class of physicians that Dr.
Raab belongs. He was born in Belleville, October
20, 1859, a son of Henry Raab, the Superintendent
of Public Instruction for the State of Illinois.
Tiie latter was born June 20, 1835, and fortun-
ately received his education in a gymnasium in
(iermany. When seventeen j'ears of age, he left
home, friends and native land, to seek a home in
the New World, and in 1852 resided for some
time in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio; the follow-
ing year he was in both .St. Louis, Mo., and Belle-
vdle. 111. He followed the calling of a teacher in
these places, and so proficient was he that for many
years he held the position of Superintendent of
the city schools. In this capacitj^ his fame as an
educator and disciplinarian went abroad, and in
1882 he was elected State Superintendent of
Public Instruction, and w.as re-elected to the posi-
tion in 1890, during the interval being a resident
of Belleville. In him are strikingly exemplified
those characteristics and principles which conduce
to the occupation of positions demanding the
displa}^ of great mental abilities, and which have
made him distinguished as an educator and his
career a succession of honors. He was married to
Miss Matilda Von Lengerke, a native of Hanover,
(iermanj-, and their union resulted in the birth of
five children, tliiee of whom are living: Dr. E.
P.; Lena, wife of Hugo Eyssell, of Kansas City,
Mo.; and Matilda, the private secretary of her
father.
Dr. E. P. Raab received his literary education in
the public schools of Belleville and in Washington
University, of St. Louis, Mo., and later graduated
from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. Fol-
lowing this he read medicine with Prof. A. W.
Miller, of the University of Pennsj'lvania, and at
the same time took lectures, graduating in the
Class of '81. For some time thereafter he was tlie
resident physician of the German Hospital of Phil-
adelphia, and still later was assistant to Dr. James
M. Collins, of Philadelphia. During this time he
continued to pursue his medical studies .with ear-
nestness and zeal in the University of Pennsyl-
vania, taking the auxiliary course of medicine and
receiving his third degree, and in the month of
June, 1882, was graduated as Doctor of Philosophy,
lie immediately came West and located at High-
land, III., where he was successfully engaged in
the practice of his profession until Februaiy, 1885,
when he went to Europe for the advantages of
further study and preparation for his work. He
spent some time in Berlin, ^'icllna, iMunich and
Leipsic, in the renowned medical institutions of
which places he further fitted himself for his call-
ing. He spent two very profitable years abroad,
and acquired a thorough knowledge of the Ger-
man language. He then returned to his home in
396
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL IffiCORD.
America, and in December, 1886, located at Belle-
ville, where he at once entered into an extensive
practice, for which he had thoroughly fitted him-
self during his eight years of preparation and
study.
Our subject is possessed of much native tact and a
broad knowledge of mankind, and while diagnos-
ing a case carefully and administering expedi-
tiously the proper remedies, he has also the happy
faculty of getting that class of patients who are
not quite sure whether they want to live or die)
witii whom every physician has more or less to do,
very much in tiie notion of living. There is a
sunshine in the presence of the man which pen-
etrates and dispels the gloom hanging about the
chronic sufferer, and there is a heartiness in his
greeting, coupled with a generous sympathy, which
forces upon even the confirmed hypochondriac the
conclusion that life is, after all, worth living. He
is eminently fitted for his calling, both by nature
and training, is very popular and is highly hon-
ored by his professiojial brethren.
He was marrried to Miss Minna Fleer, a daugh-
ter of J. II. Fleer, a native of Herford, Germany,
their union taking place October 31, 1883. It has
resulted in the birth of three bright little children:
Ijise Charlotte, Henry Frank and Anita Emma.
Dr. Raab is a member of the Knigiits of Pythias,
the Illinois Medical Society, the .St. Clair County
Medical Society and the Belleville Medical So-
ciety, being Secretary of the latter, and ex-Sec-
retary of the county association. His office and
residence are at No. 301 South High Street.
»^l-^"i^li^^^<
WILLIAI
charge
.... the nil
JAM WINKELMANN. The honest dis-
I of evei'y trust reposed in his hands,
\V?^ the unusual ability shown in different di-
rections, and the interest he has taken in the ad
vancement of measures for the good of St. Clair
County, have caused William A\Mnkelmann long
since to be classed as one of the leading citizens of
this part of the State. All that he has achieved or
gained has been the result, of his own good fight-
ing qualities. He is now one of the prominent
legal lights of the State and is noted for his legal
attainments.
Mr. Winkelmann was born in Destel, Prussia,
February 28, 1829, and is the son of Christian and
Wilhelmina Winkelmann, the father a practicing
lawyer and a large property-holder. He was a
man of much prominence in his country and one
whose mental capacity was far above the average.
He was the second of ten children, three of
whom are now living, a brother in Germany,
and a sister, now a widow, residing in St. Louis,
Mo. He had every opportunity for receiving a
good education, but he was satisfied with a public-
school education, being of such a disposition that
he could not submit to the dull and irksome routine
of school life. His knowledge, therefore, is not
derived from books, but from actual experience
and contact with the world.
To a youth of his pushing energy and ambition,
the better chances of the United States became a
temptation that could not be resisted, and he de-
termined to seek his fortune on this side of the
ocean. On the 25th of April, 1849, he left his native
country and came direct to St. Louis, where he ar-
rived on the 2d of July of that year, without
money, or relations or friends to apply to for assist-
ance. He was a complete stranger in the city.
Right then and there, for the first time in his life,
he realized that henceforth his success in life must
depend upon himself. He soon found work at
teaming, for which he received $10 per month and
board, but after following this for six montlis
his employer failed with some of our subject's
money in his pocket. The latter began driving a
team at a sawmill in St. Louis, receiving as com-
pensation $25 per month, and continued at this
for eighteen months, when the men and teams were
removed to Jefiferson County, ;\Io. There he con-
tinued the same occupation.
At the end of six month, young Winkelmann
bought a wagon and team and liauled iron ore
from Pilot Knob and Iron IMountain to St. Gene-
vieve, a distance of twenty-five miles. At the
end of two years, he sold his wagon and traded
his horses for a saloon in Caledonia, AVashington
County, Mo. On the 7th of November, 1855, he
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
397
w:ts married at Judge Perryman's to Miss Elizabetli
II:inger, an American lady, and the next day left
for the Prairie State, lauding at Monroe City,
;\Ionroe C'ount\-. At that place he conducted a
successful saloon business for two years, and during
tills time he became convinced that:
'•Honor and shame from no conditions rise.
Act well your part, there all the honor lies."
AVhile thus engaged in business, our subject be-
gan the study of law, secured a dictionary, "Walk-
er's American Law," and "Haine's Treatise," and
with the assistance of his wife and the dictionary
overcame the difficulties of the language. He be-
gan practicing in justice courts and met with signal
success from the first. While in court at Waterloo,
he applied to Hon. .T. B. Underwood, of Belleville,
to read law in his office and in a week had read
■'I51ackstone" through. The following spring he
was admitted to tlie Bar by the Supreme Court,
and his first year's fees amounted to $1,500. In
1868, he came in contact with Judge Gillespie on
a question concerning an injunction suit, which
resulted adversely, but lie removed his case to the
Sviprerae Court, where he became victorious. The
better class of citizens began to recognize his mer-
its and to employ him, so that his practice soon
lirought him in from «<8.000 to $10,000 per year.
He made large investments in landed property and
at the present time is the owner of twenty farms,
all highly cultivated, and comprising forty-six
hundred acres in St. Clair, Clinton and Monroe
Counties. His real estate aggregates not less than
%!200,0()0.
Always a Democrat, Mr. Winkelmann frequently,
in heated campaigns, takes the stump, and his
speeches are noted for good, sound sense and a
thorough familiarity with the questions of the
day. He is a gifted orator and commands and
holds the attention of his audience by his earnest-
ness, logical statements and forcible delivery. As a
lawyer, he is well read, and as a criminal lawyer, he
excels. His aggressiveness is frequently displayed,
as indicated in the following: The judge presiding
over a trial of a case at one time, being in a bad
humor, said to our subject: "Mr. Winkelmann, you
give me more trouble than any other member of
the Bar." Quick as a flash came the answer from
Mr. Winkelmann: "May it please the Court, I have
more business than any other member of the Bar."
The Judge smiled and business proceeded. The se-
cret of his success lies in his self-reliance, industry
and indomitable will, trained in the hard, rough
school of adversity. At an early age, he learned
to depend upon himself, and as a consequence has
met with enviable success in all his attempts. He
has a library composed of eleven hundred volumes
and is thoroughly posted on all subjects.
In 1882, Mr. Winkehn.ann became the owner of
the Belleville fair grounds, and the purchase price
and improvements he has made on this have cost
him $-10,000. This is one of the finest in the State
and stands next to that of St. Louis. It is a gen-
eral resort. He is also a member of the Fair Asso-
ciation. Mr. Winkelmann had, in the early part of
1882, the misfortune to lose his wife, and on the
5th of December, 1883, he married Mrs. Lucretia
Shook, widow of Isaac Shook, and the daughter of
Maj. Wooters, of Monroe County. Her husband,
Isaac Shook, was a farmer near Belleville. One
son, William, was born to our subject's first union.
He died in 1885, when thirty-two years of age.
Mrs. Winkelmann is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and is a woman of true culture
and refinement. Their pleasant home is located
at No. 417 B Street.
/^AFT. MILTON McFARLAND. The
(l( original of this notice is the pleasant and
^^J^' accommodating Superintendent of the Wig-
gins Ferry Company under Capt. Sackmann. He
has a thorough understanding of his business and
is one of the most efficient men in the em[)loy of
this company.
The grandfather of our sul)ject was a planter in
North Carolina, of Scotch descent, and the father
was born in the same State, where he turned to
agricultural [jursuits. When a young man, he
emigrated to Missouri and made a settlement at
Farmington, where he married and bought a farm
of one hundred aad sixty acres, which he improved
398
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIDCAL RECORD.
and operated until 1866, when became to St. Louis.
Here he lived retired until his death in 1873.
He was a quiet, easy-going man, and a Democrat
in politics, often serving in township ottices. He
was a member of the Presb3'terian Chinch. The
mother of our subject was Amanda Frezelle. who
was born in North Carolina, and died at her home
in 186.^. She was the mother of twelve children,
and all grew to maturity and ten are now living.
Three brothers of our subject, John, Newman and
George, were in the Civil AVar in the Confederate
army.
The original of this sicetch w-as reared on the
farm until he was seventeen years of age and was
given the rudiments of knowledge in the little log
.schoolhouse of the district. His birth took place
at Farmington, Mo., December 14, 1849, he be-
ing the third youngest. He was reared on tlie
farm until he w.as tired of its duties, and as there
was no school during the war, he learned little in
books in those disastrous 3'ears. In 1866, he came to
St. Louis and obtained employment with the Clii-
cago A Alton Railroad Transfer Company in Fast j
St. Louis, and remained there until the spring of
1871, when he began with the Wiggins Ferry
Company as a deck hand on the "Ed C. Wiggins"
for Ca[(t. Pernoe, and then for Capt. Trendley on
the same boat. He worked his wa^^ until he be-
came pilot on the old "Simon C. Christy," and for
five or six years he remained as pilot, but in 1880
he became Captain of the old "Springfield" and ran
it for four years. He then became Captain on the
tug "Samuel C. Clubb,"and for three years he ran
that noisy little boat and had charge of various
other boats until in 181)0 he was made Assistant
Superintendent under Capt. H. Sackmann and this
important post, requiring a man of energy and gk-
perieuce, he has held ever since.
Our subject was married In East SI. Louis, in
1873, to Charlotte Miller, a native of Buffalo,
N. Y. They have five cliildren living: Harvey,
FlOyd, Lotta, Pearl and Freddie. The Captain is
a member of the Knights of Honor and tlie Uniform
Rank of the Knights of Honor, and in politics is a
Democrat, but lives too busy a life to care for office.
He has clung to the faith of his ancestors and
attends the Presbyterian Churcli.
Capt. McFarland, like all the other captains in the
emplo.y of the Wiggins Ferry Campany, is a whole-
souled man and is also a thorough business man.
We cannot account for it, but there seems to be a
|)eculiar spirit of friendliness about these good
cai)lains wliicli makes them pleasant men to meet,
and tliey all have long tales of experiences which
never happen to men in other lines, which they tell
for tlie stranger's entertainment. Long live Capt.
McFurland.
y
LIJAM J. :\11LLKU. One of the finest
farms in Sraitlitun Tii\vn>hi|) and the first
in St. Clair Cniiiily pnipcr tliat was set-
tled, is the one upon which our -iiliject resides. It
is comprised in Survey 389. Mr. Miller came of
French parentage, being the son of Michael Miller,
born in Alsace, France, in 1811. The grandfathers
of Mr. Miller on both sides fought under the great
Napoleon, during and after the French Revolu-
tion, one of them having an eye shot out. Two
relatives of his father fought under La Fayette in
the Revolutionary War in America. The father of
William came to this country when a boy and
located with his parents in New York State, and
some time in the '30s came to Illinois. He selected
Ridge Prairie as a home, and took up one hundred
and sixty acres of land from the (Tovernment, and
after making some improvement sold it and
bought eighty .acres; but in 1848 came to the
Turkey Hill farm, which he bought and there lived
until seven years before his death, when he moved
to Belleville, and died July 16, 1883.
The mother of our subject was Christina Karls-
kind, daughter of Sebastian Karlskind, a farmer of
this count}'. Michael Miller had six children and
all are living, as follows: Magdalena, wife of N.
J. Biebel, who lives in this county; Peter, who
also lives iii this county; Joseph E. and D. F., who
live here; ;Mary, Mrs. Eckert; and W. J. The
father, :i wealthy man, was a great reader and
took an iuleresl in all education.al matters.
Our subject wasl)oni October 30. 1 8.50, at the old
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
399
homestead, was reared on the farm and received
his education in the district schools, supplemented
with a course of instruction at the scliool of the
©ied,
■ 4t the frnnily residence, three miles Southeast of
East St. Lmds, on the Centreidlle Bond on
Sunday, .lune 11th. 1893,
at r, o'rlork P. ./)/..
ROSALIE PFEIFFER,
.Mother of Anthony and Ale.xander F. Pfciffcr.
aged OS years, ,; months ami G dar/s.
Faneral nill fake jd a re from the family reside
on- IV'ednesday, June l^th, at S.-.J/) o'chiek
A.M., to French MUage Cemetery.
Friends of the family invited to attend.
m
an orpliiin at thcMge (if i-ii^lit \r:u\sliut was reared
to a farm life in liis n:iti\c hind; upon attain-
ing; a suitable awe, h<' ontor(!<l the French army and
saw seven years of cavalry service. After receiv-
ing his discharge, he began working at the shoe-
maker's trade, and in 1847, while still unmarried,
ime to St. Clair Countj', 111., and located in
iier, where he worked at his trade and also
ed. In 1852, he was married, and located at
roville Station, purchasing a farm of eighty
I four miles from the Mississippi River, which
uccessfullj' tilled until his death in 1875, at
ige of sixty-four years. He was well educated
spoke with equal fluenc.y French, German and
lish. The maiden name of his wife was Eliza-
Pfifer; she was l)orn in Alsace, France, her
uts having been born in Lorraine. Her father
a farmer in his native land, but after coming
uHierica in 1836 was a resirleut of Birkner, 111.,
re he was called from life. Mrs. Isch died in
1, at the age of forty years, having become the
her of nine children, seven of whom grew to
urit}^ and six are now living: Kate (Mrs. Yoch)
les in California; Joseph is a merchant of
allon; Rose also resides there; Alex resides in
Louis; Nick is a grocer of O'Fallon; Lizzie, de-
ed, and Anthony.
'lie last-mentioned son was first an attendant
tlie public schools of Centreville Station, and
873 entered Bryant k Stratton's Business Col-
, from which he was graduated. When his
er died, he was the eldest child at home and
n his shoulders he took the burden of educat-
the younger members of the family. He de-
'i\ the farm of eighty acres to the raising of
etables and made daily trips to St. Louis to sell
luorluce. Through his efforts, the family was
I t(i<iethi'r, but, when just about to graduate his
■r Lizzie was burned in the Belleville Convent
which was a sad blow to the entire family.
two younger brothers were graduated from tlie
ne Institute. In 1885, one of his brothers look
burden of the farm from his shoulders and
< freed, he came to the city as Assistant Cashier
I 111' Woikingmen's Banking Company, but in
iiiilier of the same .year he was made Cashier.
His establishment was organized in 1870 with a
capital of $50,000, which has since been increased
to #150,1)00. He is one of the largest stockholders
and also a Director. He is a stockholder in the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and operated until 1866, when he came to St. Louis. Capt. McFarland, like all tlie other captains in the
Here he lived retired until his death in 1873. i employ of the Wiggins Ferr^- Cam pan j, is a whole-
He was a quiet, easj'-going man, and a Democrat souled man and is also a thorough business man.
in politics, often serving in township offlces.
was a member of the Presbyterian Church,
mother of our subject was Amanda Frezcllc,
was born in North Carolina, and died at her 1
in 1865. She was the mother of twelve ciiik
and all grew to maturity and ten are now li\
Three brothers of our subject, John, Newman
(icorge, were in the Civil War in the Confedi
army.
The original of this >ketch was reared on
farm until he was seventeen years of age and
given the rudiments of knowledge in the litth
schoolhouse of the district. His birth took j
at Farming-ton, Mo., December 14, 1849, he
ing the third youngest. He was reared on
farm until he was tired of its duties, and as t
was no school during the war, he learned littl
books in those disastrous years. In 1866, he can
St. Louis and obtained employment with the
cago ife Alton Railroad Transfer Company in
St. Louis, and remained there until the spriuj
1871, when he began with the Wiggins F*
Company as a deck hand on the "Ed C. Wigg:
for Capt. Pernoe, and then for Capt. Trendlei
the same boat. He worked his wa3' until he
came pilot on tiie old "Simon C. Cliristy,"anc
five or six years he remained as pilot, but in 1
lie became Captain of the old "Springfield" and
it for four years. He then became Captain on
tug "Samuel C. Clubb,"and for three j'ears he
that noisy little boat and had charge of var
other boats until in 1890 he was made Assis
Superintendent under Capt. H. Sackmann and
important post, requiring a man of energy and
perience, he has held ever since.
Our subject was married in East St. Loui;
1873, to Charlotte Miller, a native of Hufl
N. Y. They have five children living: Har
Floyd, Lotta, Pearl and Freddie. The Captai
a member of the Knights of Honor and the Unif
Rank of the Knights of Honor, and in politics IS a nve iieif; .u!ir\ . mrs. j'>cKen; ana \\. ,j. i iiL-
Democrat, butlives too busy a life tocare for office, i father, a wealthy man, was a great reader and
He has clung to the faith of his ancestors and [ took an interest in nil educational matters,
attends the I'rosbytorian Cliurcii, C)ursnhjcct wasl)()rn October 30. (85(1, at tluMihl
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
399
homestead, was reared on the farm and received
his education in the district schools, supplemented
with a course of instruction at the school of the
Christian Brothers in St. Louis. In November, 1876,
he married Miss Jenny Terrell, daughter of Isaac
Terrell, a farmer of this county, and an old settler
from Kentucky, who came here with his parents in
tlic year 1829. Our subject has had three children:
( 'ora, Wilmer T. and Don K., all at home. He has
a line farm of two hundred acres under cultiva-
tion, and also a mine of wealth in his Perclicron
and French Coach horses, his Short-horn cattle and
IJcrkshire hogs. All of these are registered, and
first premiums liave been taken at St. Louis at
different times upon various animals of his breed-
ing, besides many other premiums at various other
fairs. Mr. Miller is preparing for a sale of blooded
stock to take place soon.
Our subject is one of those progressive farmers
wild liave left the old methods behind and
adopted such improvements in farming, drain-
age and stock-raising as will make St. Clair
County the garden of the Stale, if his example is
generally followed. He is a valued member of the
(irauge, holding the office of Treasurer, and be-
longs to the order of Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons. Mr. ^Miller and estimable wife have a
high standing in the neighborhood, and the suc-
cess which has crowned the efforts of our suliject
lias earned for him the good opinion of all.
l>^^<:
J^; NTHONY ISCH, Cashier of the Working-
@L!li men's Banking Company, has held his po-
|fli sition since December, 1885, and has
<^ proved himself the right man in the right
place. He was born at Centreville Station, 111.,
February 24, 1856, his father, J. N. Isch, being a
native of Alsace, France. His grandfather was a
soldier in Napoleon Bonaparte's armj' and made
the march to Moscow, Russia. J. N. Isch was left
an orphan at the age of eight years, but was reared
to a farm life in his native land; upon attain-
inn ;i suit;ilile age, he entered the French army and
saw seven years of cavalry service. After receiv-
ing his discharge, he began working at the shoe-
maker's trade, and in 1847, while still unmarried,
he came to St. Clair Count3% 111., and located in
Birkner, where he worked at his trade and also
farmed. In 1852, he was married, and located at
Centreville Station, purchasing a farm of eighty
acres four miles from the Mississippi River, which
he successfully^ tilled until his death in 1875, at
the age of sixty-four years. He was well educated
and spoke with equal fluency French, German and
English. The maiden name of his wife was Eliza-
beth Pfifer; she was born in Alsace, France, her
parents having been born in Lorraine. Her father
was a farmer in his native land, but after coming
to America in 1836 was a resident of Birkner, 111.,
where he was called from life. Mrs. Isch died in
1874, at the age of forty years, having become the
mother of nine children, seven of whom grew to
maturity and six are now living: Kate (Mrs. Yoch)
resides in California; Joseph is a merchant of
O'Fallon; Rose also resides there; Alex resides in
St. Louis; Nick is a grocer of O'Fallon; Lizzie, de-
ceased, and Anthon}'.
The last-mentioned son was first an attendant
of the public schools of Centreville Station, and
in 1873 entered Brj'ant & Stratton's Business Col-
lege, from which he was graduated. When his
father died, he was the eldest child at home and
upon his shoulders he took the burden of educat-
ing the younger members of the family. He de-
voted the farm of eighty acres to the raising of
vegetables and made daily trips to St. Louis to sell
his produce. Through his efforts, the family was
kept together, but, when just about to graduate his
sister Lizzie was burned in the Belleville Convent
fire, which was a sad blow to the entire family.
His two younger brothers were graduated from the
Home Institute. In 1885, one of his brothers took
the burden of the farm from his shoulders and
thus freed, he came to the city as Assistant Cashier
in the AVorkingmen's Banking Company, but in
December of the same year he was made Cashier.
This establishment was organized in 1870 with a
capital of 850,000, which has since been increased
to *150,0(l(). He is one of the largest stockholders
and also a Director. He is a stockholder in the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
First Mutual Loan Association, the Etna Buikling
ife Loan Association and the Missouri (Tuarantee
Building <fe Loan Association.
Our subject was married in St. Mary's, ^I<>., De-
cember 2d, 1890, to Miss Mary Kreilich, vvlio was
born in Belleville, 111., a daughter of Frank Krei-
lich, of Lorraine, France. Mr.Isch is a wide-awake,
wliole-souled young business man, is shrewd and
l)ractical, and gives every promise of becoming
wealthy. He is, politically, a Republican and is a
strong worker in the ranks of his party. While at
Centreville Station, he served in tlie capacit3' of
Township Clerk one year. He belongs to St. Pat-
rick's Catholic Church.
.^^^^^^ ..
yj; D. VANBLARCOM is a gentleman of
thorough experience in real estate, both as
^Jf^ a means of speculation and permanent in-
vestment. For soundness of judgment and keen
appreciation of high-grade real-estate values, he lias
not his superior m the count}'; and, being prompt,
energetic and thoroughly reliable in all his deal-
ings, and honorable in carrying out his undertak-
ings, he has secured the confidence and favor of
the public, and numbers among liis most regular
clients leading citizens in all walks of life. He was
born in Paterson, N. J., November 28, 1845, to the
Hon. .T. A'. R, Van Blarcom, also a native of Pat-
erson, through whom he traces his ancestry back
thirteen generations to the first settlers of Hobo-
ken, N. J., who came from Holland in 1640. The
paternal grandfather, Brant Van Blarcom, was born
in New .Jersey and was a land-owner and agricul-
turist of that State. The father of the subject of
this sketch was a merchant, but later became
known throughout the State as a leading politician,
and for some time was a member of the Legisla-
tuie of New Jersey, elected on the Democratic
ticket, lie died in 1857, when just in the meridian
of his political career, at the age of thirty-nine
years. His wife was Euphemia Dixon, who was
born in Paterson, N. J., a daughter of William
Dixon, whose grandfather was a member of ;i
wealthy family of Steelville, England. The mother
died in 1850, and three of her six children survive
her: Gertrude,wife of J. D. Mercelis; J. C, Cashier
of the National Bank of Commerce, of St. Loui?;
and W. D., the subject of this sketch.
W. D. Van Blarcom was reared in Paterson aud
was educated in the common and High Schools and
in time became a good classical scholar. In April,
1861, he enlisted in the State militia of New .Ter-
sey and went to Trenton to enter the service, but
an uncle, who was Quartermaster at that point,
informed the authorities of his age, and his services
were refused. In 1863, he entered St. George's
College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., but one year later
left that institution to enter Rutger's College at
New .Brunswick, N. J. In the fall of 18G5, he
turned his footsteps Westward, and in October of
that year reached St. Louis, where he became a
salesman for Ford, Dixon & Co., saddlery and
hardware merchants, and remained in their employ
until 1868, when he engaged in the insurance
business. He was sent to Louisville, Ky., to open
a branch department for "the St. Louis Local Life
Insurance Company, and at the end of six months
went to St. Joseph and Kansas City, opening
branch houses in both these places. At the end of
one year, he returned to St. Louis and retired
from the life insurance business to engage in
the fire insurance and brokerage business, aud
was made a Director in the Excelsior Fire In-
surance Company of St. Louis, which continued
until 1872, when it was wiped out of existence by
the Ciiicago fire. Mr. A'aii IJlarcom then became
manager for several E.astern insurance companies,
and had the largest agenc}' of anyone in St. I.nuis.
He was a Director in the Commercial Insunuuc
Company of St. Louis, and did a very extensive
business.
In 1875, our subject was taken ill with typhoid
fever, but upon his recovery he again became man-
ager for some Eastern companies, continuing until
about 1885, when he went to Durango, Mexico, at
the sdlicitatioM of a mining company in St. Louis,
and remained there as Superintendent and Busi-
ness Manager for three years. While there, he
learned to sj)eak the Spanish language and acquired
some inlci'csl in mining stock, wliirh lie worked
i^iy
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
403
for some time and tlien sold out. He returned
Nortli in 1889, and, after some tliouglit, decided
to locate in East St. Louis, for ho believed that
the town had a brilliant future before it, and has
been a resident of the place since January, 1890.
He first opened a real-estate office on Broadway,
but in 1891 located at the corner of Broadway and
C'ollinsville Avenue. He makes a specialty- of high-
grade business and investment property and has
made more sales than any otiier real-estate agent
in the cit}'. He sold at on* time seven hundred
acres of land near the stock-yards, which was the
largest single acreage sale made in the county, and
which required the most comprehensive judgment
and finest financial ability. His sagacity, skill and
invariable success have made his name a mascot to
any real-estate enterprise.
Mr. Van Blarcom was married in Troy, N. Y., in
1869, to Miss Fannie Conant, a native of that city
and a daughter of A. J. Conant. the celebrated
artist, who is now a resident of New York City, and
is considered one of the best, if not the foremost,
male artists in the I'nited States. He was a resi-
dent of St. Louis for about a quarter of a century.
Mrs. Van Blarcom was reared in St. Louis and is
finely educated. She has borne her husband six
children: W. D.,. Jr.; Howell, Blanche, Carrie, Dixon
and Conant. Mr. Van Blarcom is a Knight
Templar, A. F. & A. M; belongs to the order of
Elks, and, politically, is a Republican of the most
pronounced type.
OHN SEIBERT, one of the most extensive
land-owners of St. Clair County and a
j^llj highly respected citizen, residing on section
y^'' 34, Shiloh Valley Township, claims Germany
as the land of his nativitj-. He was born March
27. 1819, and is a son of John and Catherine Sei-
bert. both of whom were natives of Olmstadt,
Germany. The father was reared in the city, but
was ft farmer by occupation, AVhen a young nmn,
U^ was married, ftn(j| by tl+e mlo\\ \ye\v bu)!i tliif«'
J9
sons: Balth, George A. and John. Tlie father
died when our subject was only about six vears of
age. In religious belief, he was a Lutheran. His
widow afterward came to this country, crossing
the Atlantic in 1832, .-md at once located in St.
Clair County, 111., where she spent the remainder
of her life, dying in 1852.
The subject of this sketch received but meagre
educational privileges. He attended the common
schools of his native land until thirteen years of
age, and then, bidding good-bye to the old home
and friends, he came with his mother to America.
He began life for himself 1)3' purcliasing two hun-
dred and eighty-eight acres of Government land, a
wild and unimproved tract, upon which not a furrow
had been turned or an improvement made. Of his
success he may be truly proud, for it is evidence of an
industrious and enterprising life, char.icterized by
perseverance and good management. As his finan-
cial resources have increased, he has extended the
boundaries of his farm until it now comprises one
thousand acres of valuable land.
As a companion and helpmate on life's journey.
Mr. Seiberl chose Miss Dorothea, daughter of Wen-
die and Anna Knobeloch. Her father was a pio-
neer of Shiloh Vallev, and one of the wealthy and
public-spirited citizens of the township. Ten
children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Seibert,
seven of whom are yet living, as follows: Marv,
wife of Henry Fries; George, Charles; Augusta,
wife of Henry Gauch; Bertha, wife of George
Ruester; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Hebler, and
Otto. The mother of this family was called to her
final rest on the 28th of September, 1891. Mr.
and Mrs. Seibert had traveled life's journey to-
gether for forty-five years as man and wife, shar-
ing with each other the joys and sorrows, adversi-
ties and prosperities of life. She was a faithful
companion and helpmate to him, a devoted wife,
a loving mother and a cherished friend, whose loss
was deeply regretted throughout the entire com-
In political sentiment, Mr. Seiberl is a Democrat.
He is also a self-made man, whose possessions stand
.as a monument to his own labor. Overcoming the
ubstntfles in his path, ho has steadily mounted the
lHc(t|v|' of success fHMl luvs !)ot ouly Illftf^c s goOf]
404
POKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL EECORD.
home for himself but has also given liis children
good homes. He is a man of sterling worth and
integrity and has the respect and confidence of all
who know him.
=^
■ji^RAIsCIS MAULE, Vice-president and Sec-
\-^^ retar_y of the Maulc and the National Coal
1^ "" Companies, is a young man of great natural
ability and indefatigable perseverance, whose posi-
tion is among the foremost business men of St.
Clair County. Possessing the keen insight into
affairs which has contributed to the attainment
of his present success, his prospects for the future
are golden, and he will undoubtedly become the
possessor of wealth in the honorable discharge of
his business obligations. Among the citizens of
Belleville, where he has spent the greater part of
his life, he is well and favorably known as a
worthy representative of an honored family.
Elsewhere in this volume will be found a sketch
of the father of our subject, John Maule, as well
as a full description of the Maule Mine, which was
sunk in 1886 and is one of the largest in the
county. About one-fourth of a mile west of the
Maule is the National Mine, which is located on
the line of the Belleville ife Carondelet Railroad
and contains complete equipments for shaft min-
ing. The yards and offices of the Maule Company
are located at No. 17 Clark Avenue, St. Louis, and
there is a brand) office at East St. Louis. The
financial position of the company is assured, and
in business circles they have attained prominence
and great intluence.
The parents of our subject were .loliii and Mar-
garet (Archibald) Maule, natives of Scotland. The
mother died in August, 1870, leaving three children
beside our subject: Maggie, Mrs. John Doan; Jean-
nette, wlio is the wife of Fairly Neilson; and Rob-
ert, who is Superintendent of the Maule Coal
Company. Francis, of this sketch, was born at
Cascyville, ill., February 28, 1865, and passed his
cliildliood d.ays in mingled play and study. Ills
fdiuMlioM was ciMiijili'ted ;it ! he High S<-hool (if
Belleville and included the study of the branches
usually taught in those institutions of learning.
His culture has, however, been principally self-
acquired and proves him to be a man of large re-
sources.
In connection with his father, our subject
learned the practical part of mining, and also was
employed for some time as locomotive engineer,
remaining in that position until the incorporation
of the i\Laule Coal Company in 1888, two years
after the mine was opened. From the time of its
inception, he has been identified with the company,
and to his energy no little degree of its success is
to be attributed. The local affairs of the cit3' of
Belleville and all enterprises of a public nature are
sure of his deepest interest and unswerving devo-
tion, and, although by no means a partisan, he is
a stanch supporter of the Democratic party.
On the corner of Race and Franklin Streets an
elegant two-story brick house is being built, which
when completed is to be the home of 3Ir. Maule
and his family. His wife, to whom he was married
in September, 1883, was known in maidenhood as
Elizabeth Taylor and is an accomplished and cul-
tured lady, whose ]josition in social circles is one
of prominence. She is the daughter of Jonas and
Jane (Taylor) Taylor, natives of England, who
have for many years resided in Belleville. Four
thildien have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mauie,
who are Sarah, Elizabeth, Beatrice and John T.
M'
\T^^REDERICK KOEBERLIN, M. D. The sub-
U^(g" ject of the following sketch, the oldest phy-
/ll) sician of the town of Freeburg, was born
in the village of Griesbach, in the province of
Bavaria, Germany, in 1831, and there he remained
until the .year l.^^jl, I lis descent was through a
line of ministcis (in Ixilh sides of his family, his
father being Rev. Christopher Koeberlin. The latter
was a good, pious man, who long labored as a
minister in the Lutheran Church. Our subject
(.ibtuiiifil his t'(hi(_-ali(iii at Augsburg, and came
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
405
to tliis country in the year 18.54, having received
his medical education in the best scliools of Ger-
man3-.
After reaching America, liis first location was
Lancaster, Ohio, where he remained a few months
and then went to Carrollton, 111., forming a
partnership with an American ph_vsician. Our
subject soon decided to find a larger field, so went
to St. Louis, and as a preparation for future en-
larged usefulness, entered the medical college
there in order to familiarize iiimself with the
American terms used in practice. Remaining
tliere until his object had been attained, he then
located in the town of Freeburg. This village
then bore the name of Urbany. Ever since that
time, 1857. Dr. Koeberlin has been a successful
practitioner in this place, relieving p.ain, curing
disease and soothing dying beds with skill, devo-
tion and kindness. In the year IHOO, our sub-
ject was married to Miss Rosa Ochs, daughter of
Rudolph Ochs, one of the early settlers in the
county, having come here in 1833 from his birth-
place of Frankfort-on-the-Main, in German}'. His
wife died at an advanced age.
Our subject became the father of ten children, but
only three have been spared him, and they are:
Millie, Erwiu and Fred. Krwin is a druggist in
St. Louis. Dr. Koeberlin is a member of the St.
Clair County Medical Society, and has held the
office of President in it; he is also a member of
the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and has
held all of the offices of the lodge, having been
AVorshipful Master of the Freeburg lodge for over
ten years, also a charter member, and has always
taken an active interest in the work of the fra-
ternity.
Politically, our sul)ject is a believer in the doc-
trines of the Republican party; was a member of
the Board of Trustees of the city for a number of
years, and for a quarter of a century has held tlic
office of Trustee of Schools. l)i. KoclitMlin has a
very large practice and probiibly kiuuvs nioic of
the inside life of the county of St. Clair, than any
other man in it. lie is beloved and respected, and
his judgment is relied upon when less experienced
pliysicians quail before some terrible scourge of
disease, as they feel their helplessness to cope with
it. The success of the Doctor lies in his large
sympathy, as well as in his superior skill and
knowledge. His presence inspires confidence, and
faith is a potent factor in physic as in religion.
Patients of iiis realize that he makes a careful
study of e.ach particular case, and that his best
efforts will be put forth in their behalf. Dr.
Koeberlin keeps abreast with the times in his pro-
fession, availing himself of all possible sources of
information in his beloved profession.
\f7 EONARI) TRAIBEL. One of the old set-
I (@ flers and pleasant business men of East St.
Ill— ^^. Louis is the subject of our notice, who has
resided here since 1859 and has seen many of the
wonderful ciianges that have taken place on both
sides of the mighty river. The fatiier of our sub-
ject was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and
followed the trade of a baker in his native country,
where he died in 1854. The maiden name of his
wife was Fredericka Meidneiger,and her liirtliplace
was in Wurtemberg,(iennany.
Mr. Traubel of this notice was the youngest of
four children and was born in Hesse-Darmstadt,
May 29, 1839. He attended the excellent free
schools of his iiati\e i)lace until his fourteenth
year, wlien he began tlie trade of a baker under
his father. Our subject, however, concluded to try
his fortune in the New World, and accordingly
set sail for America, landing in New Orleans, .lan-
uary 8, 1857, after a stormy passage of fifty-four
days, although regarded by him as a pleasant trip.
He remained and worked in that city at his
trade for sixteen months, but in the spring of
1 858 came up the river and located at St. Louis, and
there worked along until 1859, when, in the month
of August, he came over and located in this place,
wliicli was then called Illinois Town, and had been
laid out in 1817. He bought out Mr. Weis, whose
name is an old and familiar one here, and in the
spring of 18(!1 built on Broadway and located
there, engaging in the bakery business which he
406
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
continued for thirteen years. Our subject had the
largest bakery liere and sold bread all through the
surrounding country. In 1872, he began the liquor
business. In 1865, Mr. Traubel built a double dwell-
ing on the corner of Fourth Street and Missouri
Avenue, and in 1888 built the brick business block
in which his business is conducted. This is .SOxlOO
feet and two stories in height.
In 1872, our subject had the misfortune to lose
his bakery by the fire which destro^-ed many old
landmarks, notably the toll-gate on the St. Clair
County' turnpike, but in 1873 he put up a brick
block. Nos. 211-213 Broadway, and called it Trau-
bel's Hall. This has thirty-one feet frontage, is
one hundred in length and has two stories and a
basement. He owns also a residence on Sixth and
Missouri Avenue that has fifty feet frontage. Mr.
Traubel was married here, October 15, 1859, to
Miss Annsten Delht, who was born in Kur-IIessen,
Germany, and six children have come to gladden
their hearts. The.se are: Karl, Robert, Otto, Will-
iam, Laura, and Anna. Mr. Traubel is well-known
here, being the second oldest business man in the
city, and is member of the Ancient Free and Ac-
cepted Masons and a Royal Arch Mason, at Alton,
and was Treasurer of the Blue Lodge and the
Chapter for ten years. Our friend is a true-blue
Republican, and boldly expresses his opinions
without fear or favor. He has lived through some
very exiting times here, and could fill a volume
with interesting reminiscences of his eventful ca-
reer.
'1! J. LINDLY. The gentleman whose honored
I name appears at the opening of this sketch
^l| is a representative of the men of energy,
5^//' ability and enterprise who have made St.
Clair County so prominent in the State. His name is
associated with the ri.se and progress of its agricul-
ture, as one who has made a success of tilling the
soil and of improving tlu^ stock of the county bv
careful breeding,
Mr. Lindly was born in Mftdison County, on a
Jirui about suve» miWn flOfto pf Lubauon, Jnuuary
20, 1831, and was the sou of John and Sarah P.
(Gonterman) Lindly. His father was born Feb-
ruary 27, 1791, in North Carolina, where his father
resided. The grandfather took part in the Revo-
lutionary War, and was descended from English
parents, who could point with pride to their"May-
flower" ancestors. The paternal grandfather was
engaged in fanning, and also was a preacher in the
Baptist Churcli, traveling about in thai relation,
administering to the people in Kentucky and in
Illinois. He moved into Kentucky when the
father of the subject of our sketch was about twelve
years old, and from there into Illinois just be-
fore the War of 1812. He died about tlie year
1840, at the .age of seventy-five.
Our subject is doubly well born, for his revered
mother, who still lives in beautiful old age, can
trace an unbroken line back to the Puritan band
that came over in the "Miiyflower" and settled on
the bleak New England coast. .She was born Feb-
ruary 24, 1799, and her life has been one of great
interest. Slie was the daughter of Jacob and Mary
Gonterman, and was born near Ilopkinsville, Kj-.,
as her parents did not come to Illinois until she
was about seventeen. They were of Dutch ances-
try and came originally from New Jersey. They
were old settlers of Madison County, and located
four miles e.ast of Edwardsville and lived .and died
at that place. Mrs. Lindly, Sr., has two living
sisters: Mary, who is the widow of the lamented
Julius Barnsback, a merchant of P^dwardsville, who
died about forty years ago; and Lucinda. who is
the widow of Ross Houk, who died about twelve
years ago.
The parents of our subject were married in Mad-
ison County in 1818, the father having served for
three years in the War of 1812, for which service
the aged widow now receives a pension. He
engaged in farming after marriage and attended
to his religious affairs in the Baptist connection
as carefully and as conscientiouslj' as he did every
other duty in his path of life. He believed in
the principles of the Republican party and w.as al-
ways ready to uphold them to the last, he dying
October 3, 1863. He had been twice married,
his first wife being taken away in the first year
u}' her ujttrried life. The cUildjX'H of his sec.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
407
ond marriage were numerous, and from thera
have descended some of tlie best families of
this section. "William Madison lives near Pana,
111., and married Lizzie Ann Gears; he became
tho father of fourteen children, ten of whom are
still living'. Lucinda lives seven miles north of
Lebanon, in Madison County. She first married
John Van Hoozer, and had two children, one of
whom died in the service of his country. His
name was Henrj', and he belonged to the One
Hundred and Seventeenth Illinois Infantry. The
other son, William, was also a member of that
regiment and is still living. Lucinda married
.Jefferson Bergen and has four living children;
Hannah lives at Alton, and married Aaron Van
Hoozer, who was a farmer and died in 1882; he
was a Lieutenant in the late war, and left his
widow with six children. Mary is living in Belle-
ville. Her first husband died about thirty years
ago, leaving three children. Her second husband
was Hezekiah McCoy, who is engaged in mining.
She has three children by this marriage. Sarah P.
was the wife of .John Pyle, a farmer, and died in
188'2. She left five children. Elizabeth lives with
her mother and is the wife of A. W. Brasher, a
merchant in this town, and has two girls. Ellen
P. is single and lives with her mother. Two chil-
dren died in infancy.
Our subject received a common-school education
and had the advantages of a two-years course in
an academy. Removing to Lebanon in 186(5, he
has devoted his life to carefully educating his
childien, to the improving of his farm and to the
raising of fine stock. Mr. Lindly was married in
1853 to Miss Amanda Palmer, and four children
were the result of that union. They are as fol-
lows: Joseph N., married to Miss Alice Carson, is
a merchant living in Lebanon and the father of
one child; Madison N. is a Deputy United States
Marshal, located at South McAlester, I. T., a law-
yer by profession and has three living children.
Cicero J., the next son of Mr. Lindly, deserves
more than a passing notice, as he has become a
very prominent man in his State, being Judge
of the Bond County Court and President of
the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, of the
State of Illinois. He rose to great prominence
during the last contest for election of United Stales
Senator at Springfield, 111., in the winter of 1891,
he being the candidate of the Farmers' Mutual
Benefit Association. He received the votes of the
Republican members on the last ballot, but the
final result was in favor of John M. Palmer. He
married the daughter of Abraham McNeil and has
one child. The next child of our subject was his
daughter Mary, who married John Taylor, a min-
ister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has
two children.
Mr. Lindly of our sketch was married a second
time, March 7, 1873. Ilis choice was Ella II.
Pierson, a native of New York, who was born April
29, 1846. Two children have been added to the
family by this union, namely: Cleda and Albeit.
The sons of Mr. Lindty have all graduated from
the schools here and from the Commercial College
of St. Louis, while Cicero and Madison are also
law graduates. Joseph was graduated from the
Scliool of Pharmacy in St. Louis.
Mr. Lindly has always been a Republican, but
while taking great interest in the stirring events
of the life of the Nation, has never consented to
accept an ottice. He clings to the faith of
' his ancestors, and liberally supports the Baptist
Church. His afipearance is that of a strong and
rugged farmer and stock-raiser, whose contented
face tells of the success that has crowned his labors.
^i^i|-^i"i^ll^^€
^^DOLPHUS NORTH. Like many of the
^/ H ''*'P'"*^S'^"tativeand much-esteemed citizens
ijr^ of St. Clair County, 111., Mr. North is a
^ native of the Keystone State, born in Mc-
Alisterviile, Juniata County, November 14, 1834,
and his parents, John and J.ane H. (McAlister)
North, were natives of the same county, tlie father
born in 1799 and the mother in 1801. The elder
Mr. North was a merchant for many years in MeAlis-
terville, and was also engaged in the hotel busi-
ness. He was a man noted for his honesty and
uprightness, and was an ardent member of the
Presbyterian Church. In politics, he .afliliated with
i-ORTRAlT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Democratic party. His death occurred on the
17th of Marcij, 1872, and his life companion fol-
lowed him to the grave on the 14tii of August,
1890, when eiglity-nine years of age. They were
the parents of an old-fashioned family of eleven
children, who were named in the order of their
births as follows: Calvin Blythe, Hugh McAlister,
Tliomas Elliott, Amelia Evans, Catherine, Adol-
phus, Samuel Evans, Edmund Dot_v, Elizabeth,
Jane, John Dallas and Alice.
The eldest son, Calvin Blythe, resides in Selin's
Grove, Pa., and is cashier of the First National
Bank there. He married Miss Annie Richter, and has
one son, Hugh McAlister, who resides in Columbia,
Pa., and is a prominent attorney of that city. The
latter is wealthy, being worth over =^500,000. He
married Mi.ss Serena M. Franklin, of Lancaster, Pa.,
and has a son and daughter. Thomas Elliott re-
sides in Carbon dale, 111., and is a merchant, a mem-
ber of the firm of North, Campbell iV Co. He
married Mrs. Hattie Campbell and became the
father of three children. Samuel is also in Car-
bondale, engaged in merchandising. He married
Miss Mary Campbell and three children were born
to his union. Edmund Doty is a lawyer, and resides
at Lancaster, Pa. Catherine died when a child.
Elizabeth, married Dr. W. Richter, wholesale lum-
ber merchant, and resides in Philadelphia. They
have one son. Alice died in childhood. John D.,
is a farmer of Kansas. Amelia was the wife of
Robert Thompson, and died when about twenty-
six vears of age. The paternal grandfather of
these children was one of the early settlers of
Pennsylvania.
The boyhood of our subject was passed at Mc-
Alisterville and he received a rather limited educa-
tion there, experience having been his teacher for
the most part. The arduous duties of the farm
occupied his attention until twent^'-two years of
age. but at the age of seventeen he had begun lea;-n-
ing the blacksmith trade, and continued this in con-
nection with agricultural pursuits until the former !
age. He then branched out for himself as travel-
ing agent for F. M. Swyer & Co., of Belleville, his |
business being to collect money for the firm. He
was thus engaged for four years. At the breaking j
out of the war, he returned to Belleville, and on |
the 4th of April, 1861, "he was married to Miss
Paulina Bradsby, daughter of James W. Bradsby,
and a native of Lebanon Township. The follow-
ing children liave been born to this union: Alice,
who died in childhood; James Calvin, Minnie M.,
Jo!;n Edwin, one who died in infancy, Samuel Dal-
las, and Henry D.. who also died in infancy. The
eldest child is single and at home; Minnie M. mar-
ried Louis Reinliardt, a merchant, and has one
child; John E., single, at lK>me; and Samuel I).,
also at home.
Mrs. North, a lady of much refinement and cul-
ture, died in January, 1880, when about forty-four
years of age. Mr. North's second marriage oc-
curred on the 17th of November, 1880, to Miss
Laura Louisa Swyer, a native of Belleville. Her
parents were natives of Virginia. Mr. North has
resided on his present farm since his first marriage,
and has a tract of three hundred and thirty-four
acres, all well cultivated and well improved. He
has been School Director of his township and has
also been Trustee of his township. Socially, he
is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and has gone through all the chairs of
the lodge. In his religious views, he is a Presby-
terian.
HH.LIP ADAM GAUCH. Among the prom-
inent agriculturists who were born across
the seas and who have brought to this
^ country those characteristics which make
them successful here, is the subject of this sketch,
who resides on section 10, Smithton Township.
He was born in Berne, Germany, May 18, 1829,
and came to America with his parents. His father
was Christian Gauch, also a native of Germany.
When the family first came to this co\intry they
located in New York City for the first winter.
Mr. Gauch and family then removed to Nor-
wich, Conn., but .that place did not seem enough
like home to induce them to remain, and the3' went
on to Allegheny City. Pa., from there to Belle-
ville 111., and finally to St. Louis, where the father
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
409
settled on land about tliree-quarters of ;i mile from
Douglas, and there remaiued for a yeav. At that
time he was looking for a place for a permanent
home and found it in the land which our subject
now owns. Here the family moved and the father
finally died. He had a familj' of eight children,
only four of them now living.
Our subject was about twelve years old wiien
the father located on this place. He worked with
his parents until manhood, and in due time
thought of a home of his own. In pursuance of
this idea, he was married to Miss Anna Mary Bren-
ner, the daughter of George Brenner, an early set-
tler here. After their marriage, the young couple
made this tlieir home, but on the loth of December,
1891, the wife died. Her birth occurred in (Tor-
many in 1848, and she had lived in this ((luntry
since her ninth year.
The farm of our subject contains one hundred
acres of highly improved land, on which he raises
both grain and stock. He carries on a system of
general farming, wliich he has learned the secret
of making very profitable. Mr. Gauch is nicely
located, his brick house and neat barn and out-
buildings reflecting great credit upon liis taste,
lie raises a great man}- apples on this place and
never has any difficulty in disposing of them. Mr.
Gauch obtained a better education than many far-
mer boys and is a very intelligent man. He is a
member of the Evangelical Church and is highly
regarded in this connection. Politically, he is
and has always been a Republican, and is a man
who stands well with every class in liis neiglibor-
hood.
||b for St.
Ij^^ proves
DWARD D. STOOKKY, Deputy Recorder
Clair County, is a man wiio dis-
the statement that a prominent man
never lias a prominent son, as both he and his
father have figured conspicuously in the histoiy
of this county. The latter, Maj. Aaron Stookey,
son of Daniel Stookey was born September 21,
1808, and was educated in a private school on his |
father's farm, which occupied the present site of
Belleville.
Aaron Stookey continued to reside on this
farm, and served as one of the early militia-
men during the Black Hawk War, being a Major.
After the close of that war, he returned to the
farm and married Miss Margaret Miller, also a na-
tive of this county, born in June, 1809, a daughter
of one of the oldest pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Stook-
ey lived on the farm and reared a famil}- of six
children : Albert, who died in the army, a member of
Company E. Fifty-ninth Illinois Infantry; Vincent
engaged in hardware trade at Pinckneyville, 111.;
Caroline, who was born, educated and died in this
county; William, owner of a large stock ranch in
Dawson County, Neb.; Lewis, a farmer of St.
Clair Township; and our subject, the 3^oungest of
the family. The father, Aaron, lived on the farm
taken up b^' his father, and our subject still owns
part of the original homestead, it never having
been out of the Stookey family. The revered
father died some years ago, January 18, 1878, but
his wife survived him until January 18, 1892,
when she too joined the unseen throng.
lidward, our subject, received his education in
tlie public schools of Belleville and at St. Louis in
a widely-known commercial college. After com-
pleting a course at the last-named institution, he
taught school for twelve years in this county, until
1888, when he was appointed to his present posi-
tion by Mr. Lill, which office he has filled efficiently,
giving the most perfect satisfaction. In addition
to his other duties, Mr. Stookey deals somewhat in
East St. Louis real estate, which demands his at-
tention and presence in that city to a great extent.
In April, 1880, he decided that it is not good
for man to live alone, so he took unto himself
a wife in the person of Miss Clementine Coop,
of Waterloo, III., daughter of Thomas Coop, one
of the first settlers of Monroe County, having emi-
grated there when only a boy in 1818, and becom-
ing a prominent farmer of that section. Mrs.
Stookey was born September 18, 1857, and is a
graduate of St. Joseph's Convent at Waterloo. Mr.
and Mrs. Stookey are the happy i)arents of five
children, Albert, Mary, Chester, Elmer and Cle-
mentine, and are very i)rominent meinbers of St.
410
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Luke's Catholic Church. Mr. Stookey is identified
with the C. K. of I. W.C.U., and is Trustee of
Schools for St. Clair and Belleville. Thus brieflj-
have we endeavored to outline the life of one of
Belleville's most prominent and influential citi-
zens.
"^ OHN GRIFFIN resides on section 2.5, Free-
I burg Township, where he has a fine farm
^^1 of two hundred and nineteen acres. His
^^^ prominence among the citizens of St. Clair
County is tiie result of liis straightforward deal-
ings with all, as well as the enterprise he displays
in the management of his afl'airs. He is well known,
for he has spent his entire life in this county, and
has ever maintained a deep interest in its progress.
His father, Abraham Griffin, was also a native of
Illinois, and resided where our subject now makes
his home.
The birth of our subject took place July 3, 1837,
in New Athens Township, on Grumm Hill, where
he was roared and educated in the district schools.
After tlie death of his father, whicli occurred when
he was a child, lie was taken into the home of his
uncle, John Griffin, after whom he was named. He
was heir to 1800 from the estate of his fatlier, and
upon receiving it, when he became of age, lie went
to school during one winter in Mascoutaii. He then
worked out for a year, and carefully economized
his earnings in oider that he might establish a home
of his own.
The marriage of Mr. (Triffln united him with
Miss Mary, the daughter of Edward McCaren, for
whom he had been farming. After his marriage,
our subject remained with his father-in-law for
three years, and then bought a part of his grand-
father's place for $1,500, paying for the land as he
was able. A man of excellent judgment, lie was
wise in his investments, and gained a competency
thereby. He bought eighty acres of land where
Henry Berte now lives, and after cultivating it for
a year, sold it to Charles Moloch at an advance of
$1,300. He then bought from Nathan Laud a farm
of one hundred and sixty acres in Freeburg Town-
ship, and a year after purchasing the place he was
able to sell it at an advance of * 1,300, the buyers
being Messrs. Cooley and Etling. He then bought
from Blaney Pitts the place where he now lives,
and about three years afterward located upon it.
Aftei- the death of his first wife, our subject
married Ellen C, the daughter of William Wilder-
man, who was an early resident of this county.
Mr. Griffin lias had a family of five children, of
whom but one remains. The children of his first
union, Cynthia and P-dward (tlie latter a physician
of Jackson County), are botli deceased. John, born
of his second marriage, is also deceased. Arthur is
the only son now living.
Tlie farm of Mr. (iritlin sliows care and attention,
and proves him to be a good farmer. He raises
grain principally, and understands the soil, so
that his crops are never a failure. Politicallj', lie
believes in the doctrines of free trade as held
by the Democratic party, and is never backward
in showing liis faitli in the tenets of that party.
He lias taken a great interest in educational mat-
ters, has been called upon to assume the im-
portant office of School Trustee, and lias served
liis district as School Director for nine years. Mr.
Griffin has been a very hard worker, and his fine
farm and comfortable buildings prove his industiy.
He has made all of the improvements on the place,
there having been nothing here but a barn .and an
old well when he came.
^i^^' ^ I ^ i^^Sii.
jEORGE and PETER KANZLEH. Well-di-
rected energy and honorable dealings al-
ways tell in business as in everything else.
Kanzler Bros, have conducted a very prosperous
business since 1880, and during the whole time
that has elapsed their trade has advanced by
rapid strides, until to-day they are enjoying per-
haps tlie largest trade in the city. It may natur-
alllj' he asked, what has contributed most to so
great a success.' Everytliing connected with their
business and their manner of conducting it has
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
413
each and all contributed to this result. They
have their quarters at Nos. 327 and 329 North
Illinois Street, Belleville, where thej- cater to a
medium and fine trade, and are always abreast of
the times. They have a large double store and
carrj' a large line of staple and fancy drygoods
and groceries.
Peter Kanzler was horn in Belleville, 111., on the
1st of February, 185(1, to the marriage of Charles
F. and Johannah (Rudolph) Kanzler, natives of
(lormany. The parents were reared in their na-
tive country, and were there married. After the
birth of two children, or in 1848, they sailed
for America, and in the same year located in
Belleville, 111. The father had followed the trade
of a shoemaker in his native country, and he con-
tinued this after reaching Belleville. He went
still farther and opened a shoe store, which he
carried on with much success until his death, in
.lanuary, 1869. Like the majority of his coun-
trymen, he was industrious and persevering, and
these characteristics brought him in substantial
results. He left n widow and two sons, George
and Peter.
The educatif)n of the latter was received in the
schools of Belleville, and, as he had inherited the
thrift and energy of his father, he began clerking
as soon as he left the schoolroom. He was first
with J. W. Koska, later with Burchard & Drees,
then with AVest it Fuchs, and finallv with H.
Deidesheimer, with whom he i-emained for a
period of eight years. About this time, he had
accumulated considerable means and a strong de-
sire took possession of him to embark in business
for himself in the firm of Kohl, Lind & Kanzler,
dealers in drygoods and groceries. This partner-
ship lasted for three years and then our subject
opened a small grocery store for himself at his
l)resent location. This was in 1879, and after
continuing this successfully for one vear his
brother George became a partner under the firm
name of Peter Kanzler & Bro.
During the year 188.5, Peter Kanzler sold out
and went to Europe, where he remained some
time, but upon his return he resumed his former
business under the firm name of Kanzler Bros.
The}' have carried on business under that title
since, and are meeting with success. Their store
is 50x70 feet, is well filled with a full and com-
plete stock, and is located four blocks north of
the court house. From a small beginning they
gradually increased their business until now they
have a fine large stock in each line.
Mr. Kanzler chose his bride in the person of
Miss Ida Amanda Beyer, of Belleville, 111., and
their marriage was solemnized on the 17th of Feb-
ruary, 1878. She is a daughter of Simon B. Beyer.
Mr. and Mrs. Kanzler are the parents of three in-
teresting little children: Johanna C, Charles Fred-
erick and Arthur Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Kanzler
are members <if St. Paul's Free Protestant Cliurcli.
It-^ARRy FRANCIS PARRY. The business
irjj, in livestock of all kinds engages theatten-
JW^' tion of a number of prosperous firms, and
(^p) the number of animals received at and
shipped from East St. Louis, 111., makes up a prom-
inent item and one which adds materially to the ag-
gregate of the city 's trade. One of the most exten-
sive and prosperous firms of the West is the Camp-
bell Commission Company, of which Mr. Parry is
the efficient manager. The company was incorpor-
ated with a paid-up capital stock of $125,000 and
does business with the Union Stock Yards of Chi-
cago, 111.; the National Stock Yards of East St. Louis,
111.; the Kansas City Stock Yards, of Kansas City,
Mo.; the Union Stock Y'ards, of South Omaha, Neb.;
and the Union Stock Yards, of Sioux City, Iowa.
The gentlemen composing this firm meet with suc-
cess that is warranted by the fact that they possess
the requisite qualifications for conducting the busi-
ness, their knowledge of live stock and their ac-
quaintance with stock men being extensive. By
fairness in their dealings with the trade, they have
built their business to its present gratifying pro-
portions and have demonstrated what can be ac-
complished by enterprise supplemented by experi-
ence.
Mr. Pari'}' was born at Chester Springs, Chester
County, Pa., January 4, 1853, to Captain Joseph
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Parry, who was also born in that country, in 1828,
at which place tlie grandfather was also born. The
great-grandfather came to this country from Wales,
in company with several brothers and was a partici-
pant in the Revolutionary War, after which he set-
tled in Pennsylvania where lie spent the remainder
of jiis daj's. The grandfather was a farmer, and on
his place in Pennsylvania relics of the Revolution-
ary AVar could be found for many years after. His
land was situated near Paola Monument, which was
erected in remembrajice of the bloody Paola mas-
s.acre, and was the scene of several battles. He
reached the age of eighty-six years and until
almost the last of his life he was noted for his
great strength. He was a Quaker and possessed
the gentle manners and peaceful disposition for
which that religiou!* sect has always been noted.
Capt. .Joseph Parry was a miller by occupation,
and after his marriage to Miss Emma Rogers in
Chester County, Pa., in 18.54, he removed to Del-
aware and located at Smyrna, where he engaged in
milling and farming, in partnership with David ,7.
Murphy, which business he successfully continued
for four years. While on business in Philadelphia,
Pa., he died in 1872, at the age of forty-four years,
and his death coming so unexpected!}' was a great
shock to his family. He obtained his title of Cap-
tain while a member of Company E, Fifth Delaware
Infantry, being commissioned by President Lincoln
through Secretary Stanton. In October, 1862, he
was honor.ably discharged and returned home. He
was a Democrat politically and was a pillar in the
Methodist Ei)iscopal Church. At the time of his
death he weighed about two hundred and fifty
pt)unds. His wife's people were Friends, or Quakers,
and were of English descent. She died in Dela-
ware in 1861, having become tiie mother ()f four
eiiildren, two of whom grew to maturity: .lohn L.,
a stock dealer of Kansas; City, Mo.; and Harry
Francis, the subject of this sketch.
This wide-awake business man was reared in
Smyrna, Del., and received a careful industrial
training on his father's farm, and a practical and
thorough education in the common and High
Schools of Smyrna, and in Wilmington College, of
Wilmington, Del. Upon the deatli of his father he
began working for a brother in the milling busi-
ness, with whom he remained until he was twenty
years of age. In 1873 business considerations in-
duced him to remove to St. Louis, Mo., but after
some time devoted to the milling business in that
city, he decided that the work was too arduous, and
formed the resolution to learn telegraph}'. The
stock yards of East St. Louis were just about com-
pleted at that time, and as he had early in life de-
veloped a genius for the successful conduct of
business affairs, he was placed in charge of the
office at this place, of which he was the successful
manager until 1885, when he resigned. With an
excellent recommendation from his former employ-
ers, he took charge of the office books of J. H. Camp-
bell & Co., and when the firm was incorporated he
became one of its stockholders and manager at the
National Stock Yards of East St. Louis, having en-
j tire charge of the business at that point. The estab-
lishment with which he is connected is one of the
largest commission houses in the United States
and is well and most favorably known to stockmen
throughout the country.
Our subject is a stockholder in the First Mutual
Building & Loan Association, and the Second Mu-
tual Building & Loan Association; he belongs to the
St. Louis Live Stock Exchange, of which he is A'ice-
president, is active in upholding the present gov-
ernment of the city, and w.is one of the three com-
missioners appointed by Judge Hay to .assess all
j property owners who were benefited by the erec-
: tion of the East St. Louis Viaduct. He was one
of the prime movers in the organization of the East
St. Louis Public Library and Reading Room, and
j is now Secretary and one of the Board of Di-
[ rectors. A Democrat in politics, he is no aspirant
for office, much preferring the duties of civil life
to the turmoil of politics. Socially, he is a member
of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in
; which honored order he was for two years Wor-
shipful Master, and also belongs to the Order of
Owls. Coming as he does from good old Quaker
j stock, he inherited all the physical and intellectual
j vigor of his ancestry, along with the prudence
I and good judgment which have always distin-
I guished that sect, and has always i>een quick to
perceive and grasp at an opportunity for protitable
[ investment. His code of morals is of the Quaker
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
type, impelling him always to a just consideration
of the rights of all with whom he is brought into
contact, and to a conscientious observance of all the
proprieties of life. Thus he has won many friend-
ships, which grow stronger with more intimate ac-
quaintance.
Mr. Parry is erecting for liimsclf a beautiful resi-
dence at No. 634 Ninth Street, and also owns other
valuable property in the city. He was married in
Delaware in January, 1875, to Miss Mattie Stock-
well, a native of the State of New York, a daughter
of Louis Stockwell, of the old Commodore Stock-
well family. She died in 1876, leaving one child,
Harry, who is attending Dover Academy in Dela-
ware. His second marriage took place in St. Louis
in 1881, Miss Jennie Richards, a native of Belle-
ville, 111., and a daughter of August Richards, be-
coming his wife. Mr. Parry is an ideal man of
business, active, energetic, honorable and cordial,
and to the commercial and social circles of p]ast St.
Louis he is considered a decided acquisition.
'^W^ i- DANIEL. The Blue Grass State h.is
I '^\ given to Illinois many estimable citizens,
V_y hut she has contributed none more worthy
of notice or more highly esteemed than the sub-
ject of this sketch, who is one of the prominent
stockmen of the State, being a member of the
Evans-Snider-Buel Co., large commercial men with
a capital stock of 1200,000. He was born in
Winchester, Clark County, on the 24th of July,
1848. to the union of Willis and Sarah G. (.lack-
son) Daniel, who were natives of Kentucky. The
paternal grandfather was a Virginian by birth, but
an early settler of Kentucky, and was related to
the celebrated Daniel Boone. The maternal grand-
father was also an early settler of Kentucky. The
father of our subject was reared in his native State,
and after marriage followed farming near Win-
chester until his death in 1852. Afterward, the
mother married Dr. S. N. Yates and removed to
Sturgeon, Mo., where her death occurred. She was
a member of the Christian Church. To the first
union were born seven children, four of whom are
now living, and three children were the fruits of
the second marriage, two now living.
T. J. Daniel, who was next to the youngest in
order of birth of the children born to the fii'st
union, was reared in Kentucky until eight years of
age, when he came with his niothei- by boat to St.
Louis, in 1856. They went \i)j team from there to
Sturgeon, and our subject attended the public
schools there. Later. 'he entered the college at
Mexico, Mo., and remained there two years. From
early boyhood, he had shown a marked liking for
stock farming, and in 1870, when twenty-two years
of age, he started out for himself. He came to St.
Louis and entered the Ashbiook yards, where he
was engaged in driving stock with a pony for a
year. Afterward, he was employed by tlic Irons
Casting Company, was with them for six years and
the last year he was foreman in the cattle yards.
In 1877 he came to the National Slock Yards,
was in the employ of the company for three j'oars,
but has been familiar with the stock yards since
1874. In 1880 he became a partner with Little,
Jarvis k Co., acting as cattle stockman, and con-
tinued with them about four years, and then en-
tered the employ of Hunter, Evans & Co., as cattle
salesman. In 1889, the Evans-Snider-Buel Co.,
was incorporated and he became a stockholder and
was cattle salesman. This company is doing a
flourishing and extensive business and has offices in
Chicago, Kansas City and here, our subject super-
intending all the sales. Mr. Daniel is the owner
of considerable real estate in the city and is a
member of the First Mutual Building and Loan
Association. He resides at No. 5.33 North Eighth
Street.
The marriage of our subject to Miss Mary .M.
Yates occurred in St. Louis in 1877, and three
children have been given them : James H., deceased ;
Thomas Jefferson, Jr., and Flato Willis. Mrs. Dan-
iel, who was born in Missouri, was reared in St.
Louis. In April, 1890, Mr. Daniel was elected a
member of the School Board and holds that position
atthe presenttime. In April of the following year,
he was elected Alderman from the Sixth AVard.
He is at present Chairman of the Water Committee
and has held many positions of trust in the city.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In politics, he is a Democrat, has ever been an
active worker for his party, and has been a dele-
gate to count}' and State conventions. Socially,
he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is
interested in all religious enterprises, is Deacon in
the Christian Cliurch an<l .assisted in building the
^-..^^|^^>
^jS^DWARD ,1. SCOTT. The agreeable and
jU] popular Clerk of the Circuit Coiut of St.
/'* — -^' Clair County, at Belleville, was born in
this county November 14, 1834, and was the son
of Felix Scott, one of the old settlers. His grand-
father, Josepii; of Scolch-Irisii descent, was a very
old pioneer, who took up land when the present
State was yet a Territory, having come from Vir-
ginia. The father of our subject was born in the
same place, but obtained his education in this
county and here grew to maturity.
The grandfather of our subject had a powder
mill on his place and provided the powder used
in the Black Hawk War. The old gentleman spent
his last days with his son in this city, and died in
1871 or 1872. Felix Scott, the father of our sub-
ject, married Miss Nicy Moore, daughter of Gen.
James Moore, of Monroe County, who figured
prominently in the Black Hawk War. The Scott
family lived on the old homestead until Felix
came to Belleville, about 1878, and remained here
until the time of his death, about six 3'ears later,
at the age of seventy-seven years. The family
consisted of two sons, our subject and James M.,
now of Huntsville, Mo., who was a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our subject enjoyed the advantage of an edu-
cation at Shurtleff College, in Upper Alton, and at
McKendree College. His career began on a river
steamboat, where he remained for two and one-half
years, and then worked at farming until the peal of
the war bells rang out. Then he enlisted, in August,
1862, in Company I, One Hundred and Seven-
teenth Illinois Infantry, and was sent to Memphis,
thence down through the States where the war
was raging. Mr. Scott was at Meridian, Miss.; Ox-
ford, in the same State; through the campaigns in
Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri; thence back to Ten-
nessee; then to Mobile, Ala.; and finally reached
.home in 186.5. Entering the struggle a private,
for meritorious conduct lie was promoted to be
Orderly-Sergeant.
After his return, Mr. Scott engaged in farming
fora year, and then went to Duquoin, III., to carry
on a business in hay, when, one year having
passed, he was appointed a clerk in the Census
Department in Washington City, becoming later
a clerk in the Land Office. Our subject then re-
returned to the farm for two 3'ears, after which
he was elected to the position he now holds. The
old home farm, which his grandfather obtained
from the Government, is his, and it is a place of
interest as being one of the oldest in the countj'.
The title has never been out of the Scott family.
The marriage of Mr. Scott took place January 17,
I860, with Miss Mary E. Wilderman, a daughter
of Francis Wilderman, one of the old settlers.
One child is the result of thij union, Felix, who is
at school in St. Louis. Mr. Scott is a member of
Hecker Post No. 2, G. A. R. He and his ple.is-
ant and entertaining wife are members of the best
circles of society in Belleville.
-^^-
^Tp5s. AVID D. MILLER. Sixty-two years of resi-
!l Jl dence on a farm must create an affection for
y^ the place, which no doubt is understood by
the subject of the following sketch. He was the
son of Absalom Miller, who came here from Vir-
ginia at a very early day and bought land of the
Government. He had first settled north of East St.
Louis, but remained there only a short time, when
he came to this place and soon married Miss Sallie
Carr, who was the daughter of Henr_v Carr. The}-
reared a family of six children, all of whom
reached a good age but are now deceased, with the
exception of our subject. They were Alexander,
Jefferson, David, Bethsheba, Betsey and Mary.
The father was one of the soldiers who did such
good service in the Black Hawk War, and was a
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
very successful farmer, at one time ownino; two
large tracts of land in this county.
The subject of this sketch was born where he
now lives December 11, 1829. He was reared and
educated here and grew up to understand the busi-
ness which has occupied his life. He was married
in 1856 to Miss Sallie Burnett wiio was the daugh-
ter of Alexander Burnett, a farmer on Townsliip2,
where Mrs Miller was reared. Two children were
born to Mr and Mrs Miller: Andrew O., who mar-
ried Miss Ella 8. Smith and lives with our subject,
and James, who married Miss Lizzie Smith and
lives near.
The farm of Mr Miller contains one hundred
and eighty-two acres, all well improved, and upon
which great harvests of grain are raised. Mr.
Miller is a member of tlie Farmers" Mutal Benefit
Association, and politically is a strong Democrat.
Ha has held the office of School Director, and lias
given such good satisfaction that lie has served for
twenty-seven years by election. He has taken a
very active part in th^ conventions of his political
party in the county and in 1890 was sent as a del-
egate to the State convention at Springfield. He
is a member of the Central Committee, and has been
Chairman of the local county and township com-
mittees. In his long residence here he has seen
many improvements.
DWARD F. BIHESACHEK is a gentleman
JO has held the important office of School
rector for twelve years and is one of tiie
prominent and influential farmers of his localitv.
He is of German descent, as both his parents were
natives of the Fatherland, the father, George,
coming to America in 1828, landing in New York,
from which ]>lace he came, two years later, to St.
Clair County, settling on the farm where his son
Edward now resides.
The mother of our subject, Christina Koatli.
came to the United States aliout four years later
|,httu he wbo WAS destined to be hec husband, laud<
ing in New Orleans, from which place she made
her way to St. Clair County and married Mr. Brie-
sacher the same year. These two carried on farm-
ing on the little farm they bad bought, and here
they both died, the mother, November 28, 1880,
aged sixty-nine years, and the father, February 28,
of the following year, aged seventy-two years.
They were blessed with nine children, of whom the
following are now living: George, born .June 5,
1836, is a farmer residing in Smithton Township,
just across from the St. Clair Township line. He
married Caroline Vollmer and they have four liv-
ing children, three boys and one girl. Henry is
the next child born to George Briesacher, Sr., and
he was born July 15, 1850. is now a traveling-man
with seven living children; his wife is deceased.
Catherine is the widow of Frederick Peteis and
resides in Stookey Townshij), her husband having
died April 24, 1892, when nearly fifty-four years
of age, leaving his widow with nine children.
Sophia is the wife of John Woltz, a railroad man;
they have no family; and our subject.
Edward F. was reared on the home farm, where
he was born February' 8, 1854, and where he has
since resided. Here he received the common-
school education in the country schools and re-
ceived a further education from his parents in the
language of his beloved native land, Mr. Brie-
sacher now being able to read and write in Ger-
man, as well as in the language of his own land.
He owns thirty-nine acres of fine land on section
ai,and devotes himself to the pursuit of general
farming with great success.
Our subject, on the 12th of April, 1880. led to
the altar Miss Elizabeth Seifert, a native of St.
Clair Township, who was born just south of Belle-
ville. Her father, George, died in August, 1875,
but her mother is still living, residing southwest of
Belleville. Five children have blessed their happy
union, namely: Julia, who was called awaj' ere her
tiny lips could frame the names of her parents;
Amanda, nine years of age; Adolph, seven years
of age; Richard, five years of age, and baby Theo-
dore, just two years old.
Mr. Briesacher is independent in polities, always
follows his own -convictions, regardlos.s of part)-
lines, lie is a consistent nieinber of tUe JivangeJ.
418
PORTRAIT AND BIOGKAl'HICAL RFX'ORD
ical Churcli, in which body he exerts a large
amount of influence. He and his wife are people
who are widely respected and universally liked
and esteemed liv the entire eommunitv.
IjUi^ ARTIN W. SCIIAEFER is State Attor-
11 l\\ "°-^ ^^'^ ^^' ^^'^''" t^ounty, having been
I; 1 elected to that office in November, 1888,
'* for a four-years term of service, and he
fills the position in a manner which reflects credit
upon himself and to the satisfaction of the people.
Mr. Schaefer was born at the village of Troy, in
;Madison County, 111., on the 20th of March, 1857,
Iteing the son of Jacob and Margaret (Noll)
Schaefer, natives of Germany, who came to Amer-
ica and settled in St. Louis, where the father pur-
sued his trade of tailor. In 1852, the^' removed
to Madison County, and remained there, the fa-
ther pursuing his trade, until 1858, when they set-
tled in Lebanon, this county, where both jjarents
still reside, enjoying the evening of their useful
lives at peace with their neighboi-s and consistent
members of the Lutheran Church.
Martin received a better primary education than
falls to the lot of many boys, being educated at
JIcKendree College, at Lebanon, from which he
was graduated in the Class of '7G, and which con-
fei-red the degree of A. M. upon him in 1879. The
future State Attorney at once began the study of
law, and was graduated from the law department
in the Class of '79, being admitted to the Bar in
May of the same year. While pursuing his course
of law, he was teaching in this county-, thus earn-
ing sufficient money to carry on his studies. In
1880, he entered into partncrshiii in the bunking
business with the lion. Henry Seller and .lames
]>. Baker in Lebanon, wliieli continued until Ihr
fall of 1881, when he came to Belleville, and in
April, 1883, was elected City Attorney, holding
that office for three terms of two .years each, and
continuing in it until elected to his present jiosition
in 1888. In the fall of 1882, he formed a part-
nership in law with Williauj II. Snyder, Jr., sou of
Judge Snyder, which continued until Mr. Schaefer
formed his present partnership with the Hon.
James M. Dill in the fall of 1884. They have a
large practice and both gentlemen are considered
men of great ability and skill in all legal matters.
The marriage of Mr. Schaefer and Miss Louisa
Weigel took place November 11, 1879. This
charming and accomplished lady is the daughter
of John Weigel, one of the older citizens of Leb-
anon, who came to that city in 1852, or there-
abouts, and here it was that Mrs. Schaefer first saw
the light. She and her husband have been blessed
with five children: Edna, Leota, Elmer, P^dwin
and Otho, all bright, intelligent, and very inter-
esting children. Mr. Schaefer is a prominent mem-
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and is Grand Master, having been elected in No-
vember, 1891. He is a man that commands the
respect and esteem of all who have the pleasure
of his acquaintance, which is extended. Admir-
ing friends predict a bright future for the studious
and painstaking young lawyer.
/^) l^-^l^''^^"^ Rl'-iM15t- ^I- !->•■ who is eng.aged
fl( in the practice of the medical profession in
\^' Mascoutah, was horn in Ilesse-Cassel, Ger-
many, in the year 185(5, and is the third in a fam-
ily of five children, four of whom are yet living.
The father was for some years an officer under
the Prussian (iovoriiment. He died in his native
land in .1881; his widow, who makes her home in
Germany, still survives.
The Doctor spent his early boyhood under the
parental roof and acquired his education in a
gymnasium. When sixteen years of age, he de-
termined to seek a home in .Vmerica, and in
the year 1872 crossed the broad Atlantic, He
at once went to Martinsville, Mo., thence to St,
Louis, Mo,, and began the study of medicine in
the Missouri Medical College, from which institu-
tion lie was graduated in 1878, His preceptor was
Dr. 11. Staudiiiger, of Marthasville. Mo, After his
giaduatiuii, he lemuved to Fayetleville. St. Clair
PORTRAIT AND EIOGRAPinCAL RECORD.
County, opened an office and began tlie practice
of his chosen profession, which he followed at that
place continuously from 1878 until November,
181)0. On the 22d of thnt niontli he came to Mas-
coutah, wliere he has since resided.
Ur. Rembe was married in 1884, the lady of his
choice being Miss Lannie Alta Hogshead, daugh-
ter of Andrew Hogshead, a resident farmer of
Washington County, 111. By their union have
been born two interesting children, both sons,
Edward Albert and Boyd. The Doctor and his
wife are well-known people of this community al-
though they are numbered among tlie later ar-
rivals, and during their short residence liere llie_v
have won" man 3^ friends.
Dr. Rembe holds membership with the St. Clair
County Medical Society. lie practices in the regu-
lar school of medicine and receives a liberal pat-
ronage, to which he is justly entitled b3' his skill
and ability. Ills office is located at his residence,
on the corner of Mill and Chestnut Streets. In
his social relations, the Doctor is a Mason and a
Knight of Honor, and takes (jiiite an active part
in both lodges. Those who know him esteem him
highly for his sterling worth and among his pro-
fessional brethren he ranks high.
YMAX P. STOOKKV, M. 1). The subject
of the following sketch is one of the lead-
ing phj-sicians and surgeons of Belleville, a
grandson of Daniel Stookey (of whom see sketch)
and son of Moses Stookey. The latter was born in
Virginia in 1799, and when one year old came with
his parents to Belleville and was here educated and
grew to matuiily. llr "m^ a fanner by occupa-
tion and lived in wliiit is now St. Clair Township
until the time of his death. He married Miss
Elizabeth Anderson, who was born in Wilkes Bane.
Pa., in 1805 and came West with her parents
about 1808 or 1810, settling in this county. The
marriage took place June 17, 1824, and they reared
a family of eleven children, our subject being tlie
voungesl. Tliev were Samuel, who died after ma-
turity; Jane, the ,wife of Thomas Tarr; Enos (de-
ceased), who went across the plains and settled near
Salt Lake City; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Woods of
this county, the only remaining daughter; Bar-
bara (Mrs. Wilson), who died some years ago; J.
D., a farmer in St. Clair Township; Malinda (Mrs.
Cooding), now dead; M. M., a fanner and memlicr
of the County Committee of St. Clair Township;
William, deceased; Emma (Mrs. Green), dead.
The mother of this family was a pious woman, being
for juany years a member of the Baptist Church.
Our subject was educated in the common schools
of Belleville, and, displaying studious habits, was
sent to Shurtleff College in Upper Alton. He
taught school for one term and then read medi-
cine, mainly b}' himself, so determined was he
to become a physician. He received some assist-
ance from Dr. Perryman and then attended lec-
tures at the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis,
graduating in the Classof '72, and at once located
here for practice, where he has continued in it
ever since. Appreciative professional brethren
have made him President of the St. Clair Medical
Society, and he is a member of the Southern Illi-
nois Medical Society. A very large number of
enthusiastic admirers not only depend upon his
skill as a physician, but also cherish him as a close
and dear friend.
The marriage of Dr. Stookey took place October
22, 1867, with Miss Louise Brumbaugh, the daugh-
ter of Simon K. Brumbaugh, whd died .Inly M,
1892, in Blair County, Pa., haviii- hrci, I,,,,,, in
1806 in Hagerstown, Md. On Sepleuiber 27, 1891,
he celebrated his golden wedding. Mrs. Stook-
ey was born October 26, 1845, in Woodbury,
Bedford County, Pa. There have been five chil-
dren added to the household of Dr. and Mrs.
Stookey-, three of whom are living: Lyman B.,
Adele and Byron L. P. Nettie May and Bayard
are dead. Dr. Stookey is a man of prominence in
the Masonic fraternity, a 11 iIum- <if Lodge No. 27
and Past Grand of the I'lidr nf tlir West Lodge,
I. O. 0. F., being one of its chiuU'i- iiienil)ers. The
Doctor belongs to the Baptist denomination, but
Mrs. Stookey was reared a Lutlieran. both being
valued members in their respective churches. The
Stookey residence is at No. IG South High Street,
420
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and the office, with drug store attached, at No. 14.
The family are bighl.y connected in this neighbor-
hood, and are most affectionately regarded in the
community.
♦fl^l^E^M-^
,^^ A Mr EI. CLARK is a prominent and
'^^ representative farmer of St. Clair County
iLcUj) "*^^' making his home on section 23,Shiloh
\'alley Township. He w.as born Septenibor
2.5, 1823, in Robinson County, Teun, and is a son
of Charles and P:iizabeth D. (Miller) Clark. The
former was born near Richmond, Chesterfield
County, Va., and his wife was a native of the same
.State, her biilh having occurred in Lancaster
County. The paternal grandfather of our subject,
.lesse Clark, was also born in the Old Dominion.
The father grew to manhood on a farm, aud, con-
sidering that schools at that early day were very
scarce and poorly conducted, the education which
he received was very fair. He further studied
until he became very well informed and was con-
sidered a most intelligent man. He was a soldier
in the War of 1812, but was never in a battle,
serving most of his time as one of the guardians
of a fort. His father gave him a farm when quite
young, but he was not content to settle down
to agricultural pursuits, therefore for a great
m.auy years he engaged in teaching school. When
about twenty years of age lie was married, his wife
being but seventeen. He removed to Tennessee,
but all of his children, with the exception of our
subject and one sister, were born in Virginia. His
family consisted of eight children, all of whom
lived to reach their majorit.y: Jesse M. has now
passed away; Mildred, deceased, was tlie wife of
Rev. Larkin Crutcher; Julia, the wife of James
Park, is also deceased; Elizabeth, who married
William Cox, has since passed away; Charles M.;
Rhoda, deceased, was the wife of William Madox;
Samuel, the subject of this sketch; and Maria J.,
who is the wife of Bernard Struniberg.
On going to Tennessee, Charles Clark made n
geltlewewt \u tl+o ^IJdenjess und tUeie (.leured fiml
developed a farm. In 1830, with the younger
members of his family, he removed to Illinois, set-
tling first in St. Clair County, where he took up
forty acres of land. There he resided for some
years, and then located in Madison County, where
he cultivated a farm until the time of his death in
184.3. He was a member of the Baptist Church and
was highly esteemed for his noble life and Christian
character. I'olitically, he was an advt)C!ite <if the
Dcniocriuy.
I'ntil the death of his father Samuel Clark
remained with his parents, .assisting in the cultiva-
tion of the home farm. His early days having
been passed in the wilderness far from schools, he
received no educational advantages, but has become
an intelligent and well-informed man through his
own study, reading and observation. For some
years he carried on the home farm for his mother,
who relied on him to attend to her business and
farming interests. In 1849, during the California
gold fever, in company with six companions he
crossed the plains with ox-teams, taking just six
months to make the journey. He located on Feather
River, Cal., where for two years and a half he mined
quite successfully. He then returned by way of
the Isthmus of Panama, landing at New Orleans.
From San Francisco he took passage in a sailing-
vessel .and was sixty days on the bosom of the Pa-
cific. He then returned to Illinois, coming up the
Mississippi River, and purchased the farm where he
now lives with the earnings of his Western trij).
He first purchased eighty acres, but now owns one
hundred and ten .acres in this county and one hun-
dred and seventy acres in Missouri. All of this is
well improved and valuable property.
In the year 18;)2, Mr. Clark was uiairied to
Sarah Ellen Henderlight, a daughter of AVilliam
and Lucy Henderlight. By this marriage two chil-
dren were born, of whom the younger is now de-
ceased. The elder, James, is now in Colorado,
where for several years he has been engaged in
mining in the Rocky Mountains. After the death
of his first wife, our subject was again married,
Sophrouia Alerrill being the lad}' of his choice. .She
is a daughter of Sylvester and Susan (Varner) Mer-
rill, To our worthy subject and his wife tlie fol-
lowing (-■hiUlreii were boru; Sylveslef J^|.j.'5uswn K.,
^
a?^.
rORTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
423
who is tlie wife of Thomas Kerr; Samuel D.; Alfred
S.; Catherine E.; Jesse Frederick and AnnalM. Mr.
Clark is a member of the Baptist Cliurch at Oak
Hill, and takes an active interest in its work. He
is a supporter of the Republican party, whose cause
he does all in his power to forward. He is well
known throughout this county and section, wiiere
lie has lived for forty years, and may well be ac-
counted one of the earliest settlers and pioneers of
this section. He has witnessed much of the phe-
nomenal growth of the State and county, in whose
development he has very materially assisted.
-^^-
//rv4 ^^■'^- I^^JI^-^ CANGE. The most imperisha-
'// IV ble monuments erected to commemorate
the virtues of friends who have been re-
moved from earth are not those built of
cold marble or granite, but are to be found in the
memories and affec tion of the bereaved ones. In
the present instance, the lady whose name appears
at the opening of this sketch has cheerfully given
us a few of the leading events in a life which, al-
though now ended, is not forgotten.
Paul Cange was born in Natchez, Miss., Febru-
ary 27, 1837, and was the son of French parents.
His mother, whose maiden name was Margaret
Tiibout, came to America about 1833, and is still
living. The first wife of Mr. Cange bore the
maiden name of Louisa Marniella, and died about
twenty-five years ago, leaving the following chil-
dren: Paul, Louis and Joseph. Paul, who is a
farmer, married Miss Lina Brickler, and they have
four children; Louis is unmarried, and lives near
Galveston, Tex.; and Joseph, who married Lizzie
Ramsager, is engaged in agricultural pursuits at
Wetaug, Pulaski County, this State.
Tlie second wife of Mr. Cange bore the maiden
name of Louisa Chivoron.and died in July, 1873,
leaving the following children: Charles, wliose
homo is in St. Clair County; Victor, residing in
Pulaski County; Edward and Frank, who live with
their grandmother near Belle\ilIo; and August,
also a resident of St. Clair Comity.
20
The subject of this biographical notice was born
February 11, 1858, the daughter of Edward and
Minnie Tvvele. She was brought to America by
her parents when oulj' eight years old, and came
to Belleville two years ago. Her father moved to
St. Louis, where he still resides. Her mother died
in 1868. Our subject is the only surviving child
among four, and is a lady of education and culture.
October 9, 1877, she was united in marriage with
Mr. Cange, and unto them were born six children,
one of whom died in infancy. The others are at
home with their mother and are Minnie, William,
Jule, Adolph and Louisa.
The death of Mr. Cange, which occurred August
14, 1891, was the result of a sad accident. He was
run over by a train on the Louisville & Nashville
Railroad, and thus suddenly was terminated the
life of one of St. Clair County's most highly-
respected men — a good son, a loving husband
and father. Mr. Cange was the owner of a fine
farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which is
embellislied with a substantial set of farm build-
ings, and contains all the improvements necessary
to modern agriculture. In the fall of 1892, Mrs.
Cange moved to Belleville, where she now resides,
the farm having been sold and the money divided
among tiie heirs. In her home she was ever
a devoted wife, and is a wise and careful mother.
Of a kind and charitable disposition, her benefac-
tions are numerous and cheerfully bestowed.
\Tn\JjEV. HENRY MEYER. The divine command,
|lk^ "Go yc into all the world and preach the
^ * Gospel to every creature," has for more
than eighteen hundred years been accepted
by a few who felt that the words were spoken for
him and must be obeyed. The subject of this sketch
felt the personal application of them and since his
ordination in 1863 he has never swerved from the
path i)ointed out to hiin. lie is now the pastor of
St. IVter's Evangelical Chnich in East St. Louis.
The fallicr of oiii- Mibjcct was ChristJau Meyer,
424
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
who was born in Oveastedt, near Minden, Ger-
many, where he had a farm which he left to come
to the new, free country over the ocean. In
1854, he accomplished this, but lived only a short
time to enjoj' his new surroundings, as he died in
the same year, a consistent member of the Lutheran
Ciuirch. The mother of our subject, Louisa Meyer,
was born in the same place as was her husband and
bore the same family name, altliougli no relation
to him. She died in 1854, in Ft. Wayne, leaving
nine chihlrcn.
IMr. Me^er, our subject, received a good educa-
tion in the excellent German schools and was fif-
teen when he came to America, making the trip
by way of Bremen, where he took a sailing-vessel
the "Wielaud," ' bound for New York. After a pass-
age of thirty days he landed there, and came on
to Ft. "Wayne, where his father bought a farm of
two hundred and forty acres. After the death of
his parents it became necessar\' for him to put his
shoulder to the wheel in earnest. He kept the
children on the farm for some years, stifling his
desire to study for the ministry. However, in
1857, he was able to attend Concfirdia College, at
Ft. Wayne, and in 1861. Iir - ra^luiicl fn.m there,
after which he went to C'oiK'ordiM ( ullage at St.
Louis, graduated from that well-known seat of
learning in 18()3, and was ordained that fall as a
minister in the Lutheran Church. He entered on a
pastorate at Hermansburg, in St. Louis County, and
later at Litchfield, 111., where he remained for about
three years. He was enabled to build a church
there and was the organizer of the first congrega-
tion and was the first pastor.
Ill 1871, he came to East St. Louis, and took
charge of the membership here, wliich only in-
cluded about thirty families. This mission had
been started in 1865 by Rev. Mr. Burfiend. The
first services were lield in the old building now used
for a parochial school. In 1881), the present edi-
fice, called St. Peter's, was erected, and is a large
l)riek building on Eighth Street. The congrega-
tion has now increased to over one hundred fami-
lies and the school has eighty pupils. The rever-
end gentleman has done a noble work here and re-
ceives the love and gratitude of his flock.
Mr. Mevoi' was married in SI, Louis ('mintv l<>
Miss Mary Fanlstich, wlio was a native of St. Louis
County, and nine children have been born to
them. Frederick is a clerk in East St. Louis;
Louisa, Dora, Minnie, Annie, Mary, Emma and
Adela are at home: Matilda is deceased. The
gentleman of tliis notice is a truly good man and
lias the confidence of the citizens, irrespective of
church affiliations; he is also a scholarly man and
has a very fine library, containing some rare books,
one of which is a Bible published in 1686. Mr.
Meyer is very pleasant and affable and his knowl-
edge of German literature is wonderful.
IU^^I:NRY R. white. The subject of this
Ijjl sketch, residing on section 1, Millstadt
l^^^ Townshii), St. Clair County', 111., was born
(^) in Jackson County, Ga., in August, 1811,
and came to the State of Illinois with his parents in
1814, where the brother of his father had prev-
iously purchased land. They settled in W.ishing-
ton County and there our subject grew to manhood,
surrounded bv the hardships and vicissitudes of a
life of toil in a new country. His opportunities
for education were extremely limited, but at man-
hood very naturally his desire was for a home of
his own. In this desire he was seconded by
Miss Miranda Lacy, who was born on the place
where our subject now makes his home. The
marriage took place March 2, 1837, and after this
event our subject bought a farm in Washington
County, between Richview and Ashle}', remaining
there nine years, when he sold that to come to his
present place of residence. Mr. White has always
followed agricultural pursuits, but, like Cincinna-
tus, left his plow to become a soldier, and volun-
teered in the Black Hawk War. Peace, however,
was declared before he reached the scene of strife.
Jlr. and Mrs. Wliite have been blessed with a
family of seven children, six of whom arc now
living. The one hundred and ninety acres of fine
land which our subject owns he does not farm, but
rents out and enjoys the income. The place is in
a fine state of cullivation :ind Mr, White can look
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
425
at it with pride and take pleasure in the improve-
niPiits, all of them made by himself, only twent\--
livo acres having been cleared when he came upon
the place. For Mr. AVliite there is no. party but
the Republican party, and as long strength of
mind and body is vouchsafed him will cast his
vote for that party, because in it he sees the true
principles of good government. For his upright-
ness of character, our subject often would have
been chosen .as the occupant of some official posi-
tion, but had nu ambition in that direction.
The Methodist Episcopal Church is the religious
denomination to which our subject belongs and
with hiiu his two daughters join. In this body
they are regarded as very highly respected
members and are trul}^ good people. In his long
life in this county, Mr. White has seen many
changes, and remembers well when the floiu'ishing
city of Belleville was little more than an Indian
village. Seventj'-flve years of life in one neigh-
borhood must cause strong affection to grow and
cling, and how familiar all the old landmarks must
be to a man of Mr. White's years! Of such a (piiet,
unostentatious life, yet so just and upright, the
biographer would like to make a more extended
record, for in these days of hurry it serves a
good purpose to view the contentment which a
life of retirement can bestow, when it follows
long years of true manhood; but space is limited.
It only remains to say Mr. White is one who has
never hid his light under a bushel, nor dissembled,
but has always appeared before the world in his true
character, honest in conviction, true to duty, faith-
ful in the right.
\li-^ UGII MACKEY WILSON, .Justice of tiie
jv jij Peace and Police .Justice of East St. lyouis,
^^ 111., was born in Rockbridge County, \'a.,
{^; fourteen miles from the noted Natural
Bridge, on the 2.5th of August, 18,52. His father,
Hugh, and his grandfather, William, were also
born there, and both were extensive plnnleis. The
latter died in |Hfi:!, at the a<rc of tight \ -seven
years, his wife having been a member of the cele-
brated Mackey family of Virginia. Hugh Wilson,
Sr.,sold his Virginia plantation in 1858, and lo-
cated in Miami County, Ohio, where he became the
owner of a tract of land comprising three hundred
and twenty acres, which at the time of his death
in 1882. at the age of sixty-eight years, was a finely
cultivated and valuable farm. He was a Democrat
throughout life, and for many years was -an elder
in the Presbyterian Church. His wife, Mary A.
Robison, was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a
daughter of Joseph Robison, a native of the Isle
of Erin, his birth occurring near Londondeny.
After a short residence in Nova Scotia, the latter re-
moved to Rockbridge County, Va., where he Ije-
carae a wealthy planter. lie also ow:ned a large
tract of land near Little Rock, Ark., and just be-
fore his death rode on horseback all the way from
his home to that place to dispose of this property.
After reaching the place he wrote a letter home
saying that he had sold the land for cash. He
kept the money in his saddle-bags, and, as he was
never afterward heard from, it is supposed that he
was murdered and robbed. He had been a soldier
in the War of 1812. In religious views he was a
Presliyterian, being descended from Scotch an-
cestry. The widow of Hugh Wilson, Sr., resides
in Troy, Ohio.
Hugh Mackey Wilson is one of three surviving
members of a family of nine children, the other
two members being John, who is a farmer of Miami
County, Ohio; and Frank, a grocer of Troy, Ohio.
The subject of this sketch was taken to Ohio when
a lad of six years, was reared on a farm in that
State, and was educated in the High School of
Troy. In 1870, he went to Rockbridge County,
\'a., to make his home with his Tncle Robert, and
tiicre, after a time, engaged in teaching school,
making a specialty of penmanship and book-keep-
ing, which he taught in different colleges of
Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois.'
He was very successful in this line of work, but
finally became a book-keeper for Wolworth &
Cowell, of Columbus. Ky., the largest manufac-
turers of whip handles anil stocks in the world.
He remained tlu-rolive years, Imt the school f.i-
426
PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his children good educational advantages, he re-
moved from there, and in 1887 became a resident
of East St. J>oiiis, 111. While in Kentucky, he or-
ganiztid the first Building and Loan Association,
which became a very prosperous organization be-
fore he left the place, and also opened two or three
societies, becoming Secretary of all of them. Af-
ter becoming a citizen of East St. Louis, he en-
gaged in the retail paint and glass business, and
(lid considerable painting and decorating, which
he found a profitable business.
He continued to pursue this calling until No-
vember 16, 1890, when he was burned out, after
which he turned his attention to the real-estate
business, in partnership with James K. Pawing, the
firm being known as Ewing & Wilson, and until
elected to the position of Justice of the Peace,
Ai)ril 5, 1891, he was a successful real-estate, loan
and insurance agent. His otHce is located at No.
110 North Main Street, and the duties of his po-
sition keep him very busy, there often being
twenty-nine cases a day on the docket. He is a
Democrat politically, is a Presbyterian in his re-
ligious views, and socially belongs to the Inde-
l)endent Order of Odd Fellows. He was married
in St. Mary's, Ohio. October 18, 1877, to Miss Ida
Hapson, who was born and reared there, and their
union has resulted in the birth of three children:
Cliarles, Leah and Hanv.
*i(a-' ""-f^
=«®>
J' OSEPII HYACINTH GERMAIN. The sub-
ject of the following lines resides on the
j northeast quarter of section 9, Smithton
^ ' Township. His father. Hyacinth Germain,
was a native of Lorraine, France, born April 19,
1819, and emigrated to America in 1832, settling
near French Village, in St. Clair County, where he
l)ovight land. Here he was married, August 22,
1843, to Miss Anna Mana, the daughter of Philip
(lundiach, one of tlie early settlers of this county,
who came liere in 1812. After his marriage, he
liicMted on section 10. Sinilhton Township, where
]\r lidugiit two hundred acres of land at $12 per
acre. He kept on increasing his property until he
owned three hundred and seventy acres of land,
and was considered one of the wealthiest men in
tlie county at that time.
Hv.icinth and Anna Maria Germain were the
parents of nine children, eight of whom grew to
years of maturity, and two are still living: our
subject and Nicholas, who is a farmer in this
township. The deceased are Elizabetli Scheer,
who died in Missouri in 1888; Mary S., Mary
Magdalena, Rosa, Katherine Agnes, and Jacob,
all of whom died at home; and Anna Margaretta,
who died at Colorado Springs, Colo., April 17,
1.892. The father of this family was an excellent
man and a public-spirited citizen. He was a mem-
ber of the Roman Catholic Church, which he served
as Trustee. In educational matters, he was much
interested and filled the position of School Director
for some time. The brother of our subject's father
was one of those who made the trip to California
in 1849, during the great gold excitement. The
mother of our subject still lives and is tenderly
cared for by her son Joseph, with whom she re-
sides.
The gentleman of whom we write w.as born No-
vember 16, 1852, on the old home place on section
10, Smithton Township, where he was reared. His
education was acquired at St. Joseph's College and
the Christian Brothers' School at St. Louis, and
at Vincent College, in AVestmoreland County, Pa.
Thus we see that he had many superior advantages.
In 1877, he took a trip to Colorado with his
youngest sister, Katherine Agnes, who remained
in Colorado while he took a trip into California.
Later, Margaretta went out to Colorado and joined
her sister, and in the spring all returned home.
September 10, 1878, our subject married Miss
Mary Helena Mueller, who was the daughter of
Joseph 1). Mueller, .i prominent farmer in this
townshiii. After marriage our subject located on
the place where he now lives, on section 9, Smith-
ton Township. He and his wife had three chil-
dren: John and Joseph, who were born October 8,
1891 ; and Mary Jane. They had .an adopted son,
Frederick J., now almost twenty years old. Mr.
Germnin was bereaved by the death of his wife,
October 22, 1891. and siie was buried at Wal-
[*
4 %
I I
1
■~ «
fr .^^sf'r V ''.'^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
429
nut Hill Cemetery, near Bellerille. She was a mem-
ber of the Roman Catiiolic Church and is remem-
bered for her lielpfulness in every good cause in
her church and neighborhood.
In his religious convictions, Mr. (ierniain is a
Catholic and is highly esteemed for liis true Chris-
tian life. He is a Democrat in belief, and has served
as School Director, being a man well known and
respected in the community. He is the owner of
one hundred and fifty-four acres of well-improved
land, and in addition to general farming is also
successfully engaged as a stock-raiser.
--~##@~—
(l[_^ UGH MILLS. In choosing a pursuit in
[TjVi life, taste, mental gifts, opportunity and
/■y^^ disposition to labor should be considered,
(^P as every young man who has any ambi-
tion to become a respectable and useful citizen
desires to succeed therein. The business oppor-
tunities in this country are great and are open to
all, whether native or foreign born, and all a
young man requires is to determine what his nat-
ural gifts, taste and capacitj- will enable him to
successfully grasp and prepare himself for and
when thus determined, industriou,sly persevere
in his vocation, observing courteous and honoi--
able methods in all relations. If this is done, suc-
cess, the aim and object of all, will be the reward.
A narrative of success in life affords a lesson
from which others can profit. Near Cumberland,
in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, there was born on
the 6th of April, 1835, a boy who grew up to
sturdy manhood, ambitious to excel in the pur-
suit of his choice. This was Hugh Mills. His
father, Hon. Jonathan Mills, was a native of West-
moreland County, Pa. The grandfather, Thomas
Mills, was also a native of the Keystone State,
where he followed agricultural pursuits until 1814,
when the natural advantages of what was then
considered the Far West tempted him to move to
the IJuckeye State. He made the trip by team
and wagon, settled in Tuscarawas County, and,
entering land, passed the remainder of his days in
improving it. He was a soldier in the War of
1812, and inherited the sturdy, energetic character
of his Welsh ancestors.
Hon. Jonathan Mills was reared amid rude
pioneer scenes in Ohio, and, when old enough,
began working on the Ohio Canal. Later, he began
following the pursuit to which he had been reared,
farming, and in addition was actively engaged
in stock-dealing. He was interested in the building
of the branch of the Ft. Wayne Railroad, the first in
the county, and shipped produce over it. He was
the largest stock-dealer in the- county during the
war, and handled an immense amount of stock.
He was a very prominent horseman in the county
and had some very fine animals, owning the first
trotting horses in the eount3^ In 185B and 1857
he was elected to the Legislature, being the first
Republican ever elected in that county. He was a
very prominent politician and was one of the or-
ganizers of the Republican party. His death
occurred in 1869. lie was a local preacher in the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and was very active
in all good work. His wife, formerly Miss Sarah
Downing, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, and
is the daughter of Hugh Downing, a native of
Virginia, who came to Ohio when a young man.
He served faithfully in tlie War of 1812, and was
present at the surrender of Hull at Detroit. He
was a brother of Gen. Downing, and of Scotch
descent. The grandfather was a fanner and dis-
tiller in his native country, and died there when
eighty-seven years of age. The mother of our
subject now resides in New Cumberland, Ohio.
Of the nine children born to this union, seven are
living at the present tiine. Two brothers served
in the Civil Wnr.
lluuh MilN. tlic eldest of those cliildivu, passed
ills lioyhooil and youth on the farm and his edu-
cation was confined to tlie common schools, taught
in the log schoolhouse with slab seats, etc., of
those days. His youthful muscles soon became
hardened to manual labor, and when sixteen years
of age he began to take a decided interest in live
stock, principally liorses, cattle and hogs. He
remained under the parental roof until nineteen
years of age, but previous to that he had run the
first Buckeye reaper in the county. At the last-
430
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mentioned age, be began for himself by trading in
stock, and when twenty-one years of age he lo-
cated on a farm. In 1858, he came to Clay City,
111., purch.-isert a farm in Clay County, and
branched out as a dealer in stock.
In the fall of 1861, filled with a patriotic desire
to aid his country, he enlisted and raised part of a
company — about twenty-five men — for the Sixth
Cavalry, but was rejected. He subsequently en-
listed, but was again rejected on account of phys-
ical disability, but in the same year he was author-
ized by Dick Yates to raise a conipauy.
After his war experience, Mr. Mills added to iiis
farm until he owned four hundred and eigiity
acres of nicely improved land adjoining Clay City.
In 1880, he came to St. Louis, Mo., to engage m
the stock business, and entered the National Stock
Yards as a member of the firm of C. M. Keys & Co.
In 1882, he located with his family in East St.
Louis. Since joining the firm, Mr. Mills has han-
dled the business continually to the satisfaction of
a large circle of constituents, and few houses in
this or other businesses stand higher, commercially
speaking, than the firm of C. M. Keys & Co.
Having ample capital to handle the business in
every legitimate manner, the house is, from its
own funds, able to make advances to stock-feeders
and shippers, as their trade requires. They do a
regular, safe business, amounting to handsome
proportions, and have won a strong position by
reliable and faithful service. They also have a
branch house in Kansas City and do a large busi-
ness there. As a cattle and sheep salesman for tlie
firm, Mr. Mills has met with wonderful success.
Our subject resides at No. 716 Summit Avenue
and has one of the finest houses in the cit3'. He
also owns a farm, and is engaged in breeding
standard-bred horses, Mambrino, Hambletonian
and Blue Bull, owning "Dexey," a pacer with a
record of •2:22i. He was the owner of the first
Hereford cattle in Clay County and was an organ-
izer and Director of the Clay County Agricultural
Society for over twenty years, being President of
the same for one year. He is Director of the first
Mutual Building and Loan A.ssociation, and is
prominent in all good work. He was married in
Dunkirk, Hardin County, Ohio,
",6, to Miss
Ellen Rubens, a native of Plymouth, Ohio, who
bore him six children, four living, viz.: Joseph,
who resides in St. Louis and is in business at the
National Stock Yards; Emma, at home; Charles,
in the Kansas City Stock Yards, a hog salesman;
and Mary, at home. Mr. Mills is a Chosen Friend
in the order of Masons, and in polities is a stanch
supporter of the principles of the Republican
party.
Jj^ NTON SEHLINCEK. The gentleman
Oi whose name heads this biography is the
I li President of the Sehlinger Grain Company,
^ incorporated, with a paid-up capital stock
of $15,000. His son Tony is the Secretary and
Treasurer. Mr. Sehlinger was born in Baden, Ger-
many, February 23, 1837, and obtained his educa-
tion there, being fourteen years old when his father
came to America. The latter was the son of John
and Magdalina (Schindler) Sehlinger, and settled
in Belleville, following the same occupation, that
of butcher, as his father and grandfather before
him. The father died June 6, 1860, leaving three
boys, Anton, Augustus and Charles, the two latter
now being in Louisville, K3'.
Our subject went into the country three miles
northeast of town and lived there twelve years.
Being too young to settle on land for himself, he
resided with his uncle, Joseph Schindler, his mo-
ther's brother, until the latter went to Mascoutah
and started a tlouring-mill. Anton then joined with
him and learned the business, being book-keeper
and manager from the start. He was married
January 23, 1866, to Miss Louisa Faust, daughter
of Nicholas Faust, of this city, and still continued
at Mascoutah, finally becoming a partner. The
unele died in 1878, but Anton continued in the
business until 1883.
In 1887, he came to this phiee and established a
grain business with F. Enkelke, the firm being
Sehlinger k Co. Tliej- dealt heavily in grain and
flour and soon our subject bought out the entire
business, consisting of warehouse and elevator.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,
431
with a capacity of fifty thousand bushels; also the
residence and grounds surrounding it. Since that
time he has greatly remodeled and improved the
property. He owns 300x130 feet on South Abend
Street, from Xo. 800 to No. 812, and a whole
block on East Eighth Street. His house does
an immense business, being connected with the
Cairo Short Line by switches, and doing the
heaviest grain trade in this vicinity, shipping all
througli the country. In addition to this busi-
ness, the firm has a flour and feed store opposite
the market on North Illinois Street, where they
do a large wholesale and retail business. He
is the father of six children: Tony, Mary C,
Lena J., Anna L., George M. and Edward. The
family are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church
and enjoy the society of a large circle of friends.
Mr. Sehlinger's fellow-citizens persisted in elect-
ing him to the office of Alderman, but he declined
the honor with thanks and positively would not
serve, the cares of a wide extending and steadily
growing business requiring all his time.
JAMES L. PERRYMAN, M. D. In tracing
the genealogy of the Perryman family, we
find that its members were originally from
England, and that the first branches that
took root on American soil were three brothers,
James, John and David, who came here with Lord
Calvert, brother to Lord Baltimore, in 1():j2, and
formed a colony in Maryland. One became sec-
retary to Lord Calvert, another was a member of
the first Colonial Parlia nent, and the third be-
came prominent in the frontier Indian wars. The
great-grandfather of our subject held an appoint-
ment under the King of England which required his
residence in the colony further South, in fact, in
the Carolinas, he being something of an executive
officer and military protector.
James S., grandfatlier of our subject, was born
ill Carolina and reared to martial life. During
the Revolutionary War, he was with the Colonists,
and reached tlie rank of Colonel under Gen.
Wayne, lb- i)aitici|i:iteil in the battles of Sara-
toga, German town. Brandy wine and Yorktown.
After the war, he settled in Claiborne County,
Tenn., and married Miss Nancy Condray, becom-
ing the father of a large family. His son, Chailes
Mattison, father of our subject, was born there in
1809, and there made his home until 1832, when
he came to Illinois, settling near Lebanon, St.
Clair County. Later, he moved to Jefferson City,
Mo., where he died in 1854. He was a man of
superior mental attainments, being far ahead of
the majorit}- of men in his choice and use of lan-
guage. The great abilitj^ to talk or write well is
characteristic of the Perryman family, and many
of its members have attained distinction as orators.
Charles M. Perryman was married in Tennessee
in 1829, to Miss Louisa J. CoUingswortli, a na-
tive of Claiborne County-, Tenn., her birth also
occurring in 1814, she being the daughter of a Rev-
olutionary soldier. Dr. James L. Perryman, the eld-
est and only survivor of four sons, was born
April 11, 1831. His brother Frederick died in his
fifteenth year; Bluford Hamilton, the third
brother, became a prominent physician and died
in 1860; and Horace M., the youngest, was also
educated in medicine and gave great promise of a
brilliant career, but was cut down by the reaper,
Death, in 1870, when thirty-two years of age.
The two brothers last named left children, most
of whom found a comfortable and pleasant home
with Dr. and Mrs. Perryman, and are now grown
up and settled in life.
Dr. Peri\vnian, the original of lliis notice, en-
tered McKendree College when in his sixteontli
year and took a full course, manifesting at an
early age a diligent interest in the acquisition of
knowledge. He was graduated in 1849, and, hav-
ing the study of medicine in view, entered the
office of Drs. W. W. and J. A. Roman at Belleville,
where he remained for some time. Later, he took
two full courses in the INIissouri State University,
at St. Louis, being graduated with the degree of
M. D. After practicing for a short time, he en-
tered and was graduated from the St. Louis Med-
ical College, and then took a course of surgical
lectures in Jefferson Medical College, in Phila-
delpliia, and also in the College of Physicians
and Snrueons in New York (itv.
432
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Our subject intended to become a Professor in
tiie University of Missouri, but his father's deatli
disarranged his plans, as it threw tlie entire care
of tiie family upon him. He toolf cliarge of tlie
family and educated his brothers in medicine until
they became self-supporting. The Doctor is a
physician of established reputation, and h-as stead-
ily risen in the channels of medical life. He is
actively engaged in the practice of his profession
and is one of the eminent physicians of the county.
He is progressive and advanced in his ideas, and
is a member of all the medical societies. Polit-
ically, he affiliates with the Republican party, but
has never cared to hold office. He often takes tlie
stump during heated political campaigns and, as
he has the famil.y gift of oratory, he is warmly
welcomed everywhere.
On the 20th of April, 1855, Dr. Perr\ man mar-
ried Miss Virginia Bradsby, daughter of Richard
Bradsby, an old settler of Kentucky, whose f.a-
ther, William Bradsby, and brothers were Revo-
lutionary soldiers, going from Virginia to join
Washington's command. William emigrated to
Kentucky with Daniel Boone and was active in
the events that made Kentucky' the "dark and
bloody ground." Richard Bradsby came to Illi-
nois in 1804, expecting to go to Missouri, but not
being able to cross the river, settled in this State.
His death occurred on the 5th of September, 1875.
Our subject is possessed of all those qualities
that make a successful and popular physician. He
is urbane, pleasant and sympathetic, and a very
attractive conversationalist, his mind being well
stored with history, literature, poetry, philosophy,
etc. As a surgeon, he has gained a wide-spread
and enviable reputation, and is one whose career
lias been marked by success. He is one of the
substantial men of the county, has a very elegant
home in this cit_y, and is surrounded by all the
comforts of life. He has been in active practice
for over forty years and gives his attention prin-
cipally to diseases of women, nervous diseases and
surgery. No physician in the countj' has a better
record in his profession than he.
Tiie Doctor speculates in lands and mines in
Colorado, and owns much good farming land in
Missouri and Illinois. lie has an adopted daugh-
ter, Anna Mary Schaedel Perryman, who is now
seven years oC age, and he has reared nine
nephews and nieces, never having had 'any chil-
dren of his own. The Doctor is a member of the
Catholic Church, hut his wife holds membership
in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
^mm^^^m^m
EORGE J. MUSKOPE, one of the rising
III L ; young farmers of St. Clair Township, is a
^^^l gentleman who combines independence and
self-reliance with energy, and with these qualities
is bound to make a success of whatever he under-
takes. Our subject was born at High Prairie, in
Millstadt Township, on the 21st of April, 18CG,
being the youngest of three children liorii to.lohn
and Catherine (Probst) Muskopf.
Tiie father of .lohn Muskopf, Henry, died March
3, 1883, aged eighty-five, and his wife, Charlotte
Muskopf, died March 2, 1882, aged seventy-six.
These estimable people came from Germany in
1835, and settled in St Clair County on a farm.
The maternal grandfather is still living, a vener-
able old gentleman of seventy-seven, making his
home in Saxton, Millstadt Township. His wife,
Catherine, however, died about sixteen years ago
I when nearly seventy years of age. The grand-
parents on both sides were honored and respected
pioneers of this great State. .John Muskopf died
May 5, 1871, his wife having been called to her
heavenly home October 16, 1867. Both these
good people breathed their last in Millstadt Town-
ship. They had three children: Catherine, who
died in infancy; .John, who died at the age of
seven; and George .1., our subject.
George .1. Muskopf was reared on his father's
farm in Millstadt Township, and received a com-
mon-school education, as <lo almost all of the
farmer boys of this generation. While yet a young-
man he started to support himself, working on
farms in various places in Southern Illinois and
Eastern Missouri, and the experience thus gained
fully equipped him for the serious duties of life.
Returning to the scenes of his childluxxl. our sub-
'^}fyyi^ Uu>^^'^^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
435
ject bouglit the farm where he now resides, in St.
Clair Townsliip, two years ago. It is a fine tract
of eiglity acres, known as the August place, where
was born Mrs. Elizabeth Bornman, the oldest liv-
ing person born in St. Clair Township, a sketch of
whose life appears elsewhere in these pages. Here
he has made a comfortable home for himself and
family, whery they reside, enjoying the respect
and confidence of all their neighbors.
Mr. Muskopf was united in marriage to Miss
Sophia Miller, daughter of Peter and Mary Miller,
who are still living, residing about one and one-
quarter miles north of Floraville. The cere-
mony took place April 1, 1888, in Floraville,
Millstadt Township. Mr. and Mrs. Muskopf have
two children: Otto, aged three years, and John
F^dwin, nearly two. Our subject is indepen-
dent in politics, always voting for the best man
in his estimation for an office, regardless of
party lines. His high sense of honor and gen-
eral fitness for an}' of the township offices are well
known by all the voters of the township, and
there is no doubt but that he will be called upon
in the future to till at various times most of the
offices that lie within the gift of the people of the
townsliip. Mr. Muskopf and liis wife are consist-
ent members of the Evangelical Cliurcli.
J[OHN RANK. No better representative of
honest, upright manhood can be found than
the above-named gentleman, an influential
_^ citizen of Fayetteville. He is a native of
Alsace, which, at the time of his birth (1843), was
a French province, but is now owned by Prussia,
having been lost to France in the late Franco-
Prussian war.
The parents of our subject were David and
Catherine Rank, l)oth natives of France, the father
born in 1820 and the mother in 1817. David
Rank spent his early life in his native village, and,
as soon as he was old enough to he of service, was
pLaced liy liis fatlier in a woolen mill, where he
learned the trade of a weaver, lie was (juite
young when he married Catherine Kocher, and
they became the parents of eight children, three of
whom were born in France and five in America.
The only surviving members of the family are
,Tohn, and INIary, now the wife of .lohn Neice.
David Rank, ac.comi)anied b}' his wife and three
children, emigrated to this country in the year
1846, and settled at Belleville, 111., where he
worked for eight years as a biick-maker. A few
hundred dollars was the extent of his moneyed
possessions, but after obtaining the work whicli
seemed to him most lucrative in the vicinity where
he located, his true thrift}' nature asserted itself,
and in 1851 he moved to Fayetteville and bought
village property. He continued the business of
brick-making in his new place of residence, where
he owned his own plant,and conducted a most ex-
cellent business in this line until his death, which
occurred In Fayetteville in 1855. A man of up-
right principles and strong personal characteris-
tics, he was an ardent believer in the Catholic
faith and a member and generous supporter of the
church. His widow is still living, .and makes her
home near her son John. She is beloved for her
amiable and womanly qualities.
The gentleman with whose name we oi)eiiod this
biographical sketch commenced his acquaintance
with the realities of life at the early age of thir-
teen, at which period he accompanied his father
to the brickyard, and there assumed the duties
his youthful years allowed him to perform. He
worked at this trade until the war of the Union
broke out, when, fired with youthful but ardent
ambition for the land of his adoption, he enlisted
in Company F, Ninth Illinois Regiment, and,
under the command of Gen. Sherman, went to the
front. Among the one hundred and ten battles in
which he participated were those of Ft. Donelson,
Shiloh and Corinth. He was captured at Resaca
and placed in Andersonville prison, where he re-
mained twelve months. From Andersonville he
was taken to Charlestown, Ft. Lawrence and Wil-
mington, aiid finally transferred to the Union
ranks. He received many wounds during the cam-
paign, one being a gun-shot m the face, received
at Ft. Donelson, and he was shot in the left side
436
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and face at Sliiloh. At Resaca he was wounded
in the head, and also received a wound in his leg,
which resulted in his capture by the enemy. After
serving the cause of the Union nobly, he was mus-
tered out at Springfield, III., April 12, 186.5.
After returning home from the war, John Rank
married Miss Johanna AVaeltz, a daughter of Will-
iam and Barbara (Dressel) Waeltz. To them were
born ten children, six of whom are yet livfng:
Kmnia, wife of Martus Aberle; Mary, John,
Adolph, Edward and Johanna. After his mar-
riage, our subject immediately commenced life as
a farmer, in which capacity he remained for fifteen
years, devoting himself to the pursuit of agricul-
ture with no small success. As he advanced in
years, however, the vicissitudes of army life, and
the wounds received in his country's cause, com-
menced to tell on hiss3-stem,and he became a con-
firmed invalid. His indefatigable courage during
his many encounters with the enemy vvon for him
the commendation of his superior officers, and, as
a reward for his services, he is to-day the recipient
of Uncle Sam's bounty to the extent of $72 per
month; among the highest pensions paid to any sol-
dier of the late war. After losing his health, he
moved to the village of Fayctteville, where he lives
a retired life, respected by all who are honored with
his acquaintance. He is with the Republican party
as one of its most ardent adherents, and cast his
first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln for his
second term.
h^-^l
|[l_. ENRY BOEMER. The intelligent gentle-
W~ji man whose sketch it becomes our pleasure
.!4\^^ to place before the public is a teacher in the
(l^ graded school of Millstadt, 111. He li.as a
very pleasant home in this city, which he built in
1888, and there he lives in comfort, surrounded by
his books and music and attended by his charm-
ing wife.
Mr. Boemer of this notice is the son of Casper
Boemer, and his birth occurred January 31, 1859,
at the old lioineslead, where he was reared from
childhood. This was the home of his parents and
is situated one and one-half miles west of Millstadt.
Our subject attended the district school during
boyhood and as soon as of proper age he went to
St. Louis, and there attended the excellent com-
mercial college of Bryant and Stratton, graduating
from there April 26, 1877. He taught school
in this township for four years and then went to
the Normal College at Carmi, 111., and began teach-
ing school. He was retained for seven years in
Stookey Township, and then came home and taught
for two years in liis home district. In 1891, he
was elected to a position in the graded school at
Millstadt and has been attending to his duties here
ever since.
Our subject has traveled quite extensivel3' in the
Northern part of the United States. He is partic-
ularly interested in physical geography, and in
1880 made an extended trip through Wisconsin
and Minnesota, studying the geography, and the
topography of the Mississippi Valley, and the up-
per part of the United States, gathering many
facts and exploding many theories and gaining an
experience which serve to make him a more com-
petent teacher than before.
Mr. Boemer's first marriage united him with Miss
Katie AVilkins, but the life of this young bride was
short, for in one year she had passed away, leaving
little Katie, who was also taken. After this break-
ing up of his household, Mr. Boemer remained at
home until in June, 1888, when Miss Katie Merod,
the daughter of Mrs. Frederick Merod, became
his wife, and since that lime his domestic affairs
have been comfortable and pleasant. One son,
Irving, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Boemer.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church claims this
worthy cou[)le as members, and Mr. Boemer is a
member of the choir, his musical abilities making
the position one of peculiar fitness. Our sub-
ject has all the talent of his ancestors in music,
which he enjoys and understands. He is leader
of the Liederkranz, which position he has held
for a great many years. He is one of the
foremost workers in the keeping up of this society
and has been an officer in it since its organization,
being Chairman of the Building Committee and also
Treasurer, and lias had all of the overseeing of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
437
the work on the Society's building to look after.
He has taken a great interest in all the musical or-
ganizations of the city and has been leader of the
liand.
The Democratic party has a strong adherent in
Mr. Boemer and liis vote and influence are given
for that part^'. He is a man of fine physical health
and has accomplished a great deal of good and has
attained a prominent position for one of his age.
During his vacations he combines pleasure and
business and travels for the Mervin School Supply
Company of St. Louis. At the last meeting of the
lioard of Supervisors in October, 1892, he was ap-
pointed by that body Justice of the Peace for
Millstadt 'rownshii).
♦^^i@®Hi^l^^
jILLIAM H. PHILLIPS. Here and there
among the fertile farms of the Prairie
^W State may be found quiet, retiring people
fif l>olh sexes wlio have kept out of the vexing
whirl of life and liave found peace and content-
ment in the surroundings of a retired home.
Such has been the case with the subject of our
sketch, who resides on section 18, Freeburg Town-
ship, and was born on tlie 30th of December, 1832.
His father was Benjamin Phillips, a native of
Orange County, N. C, born iu 1793. The father
removed into Tennessee when young, and was
reared there until the opening of the Wijr of
1812, when he enlisted and took part in the bat-
tle of New Orleans.
After the war, Benjamin came from Tennessee
to St. Clair County in 1815, entered land from
the Government near Freeburg, and located on
section 7, which had been entered by George
Wilderman, and here lived until the time of his
death. His wife was Sallie Wilderman, daughter
of George Wilderman, one of the early settlers of
the county, who bore him the following children,
of whom six are still living, as follows: Elizabeth,
Emclinc, Sarah, Jane, Eliza and our subject.
Those who have passed out of this life were Maria,
Nancy, IMinerva, Patience and A'irginia. This sol-
dier of 1812 was a valued member of the Baptist
Clnirch, and had served several years as Justice of
the Peace.
Our suliject first saw the light on the old home-
stead on section 7, was educated in the district
schools, and has lived all his'days on the home
place. The farm consists of one hnndred and forty
acres of land in a good state of cultivation, but
Mr. Phillips does not farm himself. He makes liis
home with his sister Sarah Jane, who was born
on the old place. Mr. Phillips is a Democrat, and
so votes when he goes to the polls. He has lived
so quietly that the great questions that produce
so much angry discussion the country over do
not disturb him in his quiet retreat. Our subject
I has never married, yet in his single estate has
doubtless enjoyed life fully as much as many who
have become benedicts. Gentle and unobtrusive,
I Mr. Phillips accords to every man the right to
j his opinions. Honest and upright, he yields to all
what is due in just measure. The fame of his
deeds may never reach the outside world, yet,
after all, no higher praise can be bestowed upon
any man than that his life is upriglit, and that no
wrong or oppression was ever perpetrated by him.
Such may be trutlifully written and said of kind-
hearted William II. Phillips.
PvRANCIS A. WILDERMAN. In every lo-
j; cality reside those who have successfully
accomplished their life work and have
earned a season of rest while the work is resigned
to younger and more eager hands. Tliis is the
case with the subject of the present sketch, who is
a retired farmer living on section 7, Freeburg
Township, St. Clair County, and is a son of Dor-
sey Wilderman, a native of Baltimore, Md., who
was born there February- 11, 1792, the son of
Joseph and Patience Wilderman.
The paternal grandparents lived first near Bal-
timore, Baltimore County, Md.; afterward in
Pennsylvania, and then decided to remove farther
438
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
West. They went down the Ohio River and
stopped six months in Pittsburg; thence proceeded
to New Design, Monroe County, wliere tliey re-
mained but a short time, when they came to >St.
Clair County. That was in 1805, at which time
.loseph Wildernian entered land on section 7, and
there he made liis home until he died. He was a
soldier in the Blaclc Hawk War. The name of his
wife was Patience Loury, and they were the parents
of eleven children. John started with the family
hut left them at Petersburg, went .South, and was
never heard from afterward. George, Levi, Frank,
William, Henry, James, Dorsey, Betsey, Michael
and Sarah were the remaining children.
Dorsey Wilderman, the father of our sub-
ject, was married to Miss Pluvbe Carr, daugh-
ter of Joseph Carr, a prominent farmer of this
county and an early settler, having come here in
1790. After his m.arriage Dorsey Wilderman lo-
cated on the pl.ace where our subject now lives,
and remained until the time of his decease. He
left eight children: Priscilla. Mrs. Adams, de-
ceased; Jacob lives in Franklin County; Jeffer-
son, deceased; Mary, who was married to John
Chesney, is now dead; Sallie is married to Ris-
den A. Moore, and lives near Belleville; .James, de-
ceased; Cordelia died at the age of fifteen; and
Charles lives near Equality, Til. Dorsey Wilder-
man was in the Black Hawk War, and died Aug-
ust 24, 1857.
The birth of our subject took place September
8, 1832, on the place where he now resides. He
was educated in the old subscription schools of
his day, and passed his time on the farm,
doing much work and taking his ease after-
ward. His marriage occurred in 1857, with
Miss Martha Pitts, the daughter of Kenchen Pitts
and his wife Elizabeth. The father of Mrs. Wild-
erman was born in South Carolina and lived there
until ten years of age, when he went to North
Carolina, and three years later removed to Tennes-
see, growing up to manhood and marrying there;
thence going to Morgan County, 111., about 1827,
and entering Government land in this county,
about two miles below Freeburg. He died in
Nashville, 111., in 1875.
After his marriage oiu' subject continued to live
on this place, and here his four children have been
born. They are: Floia, who is the wife of Dr.
Hertel, of Freeburg, 111.; Millard, who married
Emma Herman, lives near Freeburg, and is a
farmer; Julius, who married Mary Wilderman,
lives in this township; and Myrtle, who is the
wife of Henry K. Kessler, who is the foreman of
the Barnard Gasoline Stove Works. Our subject
has two hundred and twenty-two acres of land,
and all but fifty acres are well improved and in a
good state of cultivation. He has retired from
active labor himself, but his sons operate the
farm and raise grain principallj'. Politically, he
is a follower of Thomas Jefferson.
Mr. Wilderman has filled the important offices
of School Trustee and School Director for a long
time, and is very much interested in all things
looking toward the improvement of his section.
This is one of the representative families of this
county, and of its members old St. Clair may well
be proud. Energetic, honest, progressive, and
upright, these are the kind of people who will
build up an}^ section, and make it to take high
rank amona; the communities of this great State.
J JOHN R. LYONS. Among the residents of
St. Clair County who have prosecuted their
j life work successfully and are now enjoy-
' ing the fruits of their prudence and energy
surrounded with comforts, is the gentleman above
named, who is now occupying a pleasant home in
Marissa and has a sutticient income to afford him-
self and family a maintenance during the remain-
der of their lives. He was born near Winnsborough,
Fairfield Countj', S. C, in September, 1814, and is
the son of James and Jane (Elder) Lyons, natives
of Ireland. The parents were married in the
Emerald Isle, and on coming to America, in .laii-
uary, 1805, located in the above-named State,
where they followed farming. When leaving
their native home, they were accompanied by two
children, one of whom died while en route to the
United States.
POETEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
439
In 1833, Mr. and Mrs. James Lyons came with
their family and few worldly effects to this coun-
ty, locating on (jublic land in Marissa, within a
few miles of where our subject is at present resid-
ing. They reared a family of four sons and three
daughters, four of wliom are still living and occu-
pying good positions in life. The father, who was
a devoted member of the Reformed Presbyterian
C'huich, died in September, 1866, while his good
wife, who was also a member of that denomina-
tion, preceded him to the better laud by a num-
ber of years, her death occurring iu 1852.
When reaching his twenty-first year, John R.
Lyons of this sketch began life for himself by
operating his father's farm, and he continued to
make his home with his parents until their death.
Young L^-ons commenced at the bottom of the
ladder, and so successful has he been in his social
calling that for a number of years he has lived re-
tired, able to indulge in luxuries and recreations
suited to his years and tastes. He owns five hun-
dred acres of land, the records showing him to be
one of the heaviest tax-payers in the township.
The entire amount has been accumulated by energ}'
and perseverance, united with economy and good
business qualifications, and the youth who may
peruse this sketcii could do no better than emu-
late his example. His life has been well spent and
his work well done, and when death shall have
closed the scene, his memory will be greatly cher-
ished, and the verdict of all who have known iiim
will be, "He has done what he could."
The marriage of our subject witii Miss Mary,
daughter of William and Nancy MuKey, was sol-
emnized January 19, 1843. Her parents were
born in Ireland, where the father was a farmer by
occupation. Mr. Lyons' pleasant home was presided
over and brightened by this estimable lady until
February 7, 1885, when she passed away. She
reared a family of seven children, only one of
whom, William K., is yet living. With her husband
she was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, and was always found to be active in
every good work.
In the spring of 1892, our subject visited his
f)!d home in South Carolina, which was his first
trip to the old place since 1833, It was very hard
for him to realize that he had spent his boyhood
days there, the familiar faces having passed away
and the scenes changed, until it seemed to him more
like stepping into another world. Mr. Lyons is
the oldest settler now living in Marissa, and al-
though the weakest member of his family physi-
cally, has led a very active life and is well pre-
served for one of his years. One of his sons,
James G., entered, the Union army when nineteen
years of age, and being taken sick with the ty-
phoid fever, died at Ft. Hinman in 1863. For
years Mr. Lyons worked for the good of the
Republican party, but he is now laboring ardently
for Prohibition, standing high in the councils of
that political party. He is an honest, intelligent
man, has true hish wit. and is a favorite with all.
•f^^---
SLIEPEH. Till
this notice
engaged in. the s;iluoii business
th:
iin_
/jb village of New Athens. He is the son of
Frederick Sliejier, who was born in Germany, and
there married Miss Eleanor Rockebant, and came
to this country in 1828. His first location was
eleven miles from St. Louis, Mo., where he en-
gaged in farming for fourteen years; he then
went to St. Louis, residing there until his death,
in 1888. Three of this family of six children are
li\ ing, namely: our subject, Christina, and Mena,
who now lives in California. The birth of our
subject took place June 10, 1831, on the old home
place in Missouri, and theje he grew to manhood,
at which time he learned the trade of brick-mak-
ing, which he followed for twenty-two years, the
greater part of the time being spent in St. Louis.
In 1860, our subject removed to Cairo, built a
house there and opened a saloon, where he contin-
ued seven months, and there his eldest son was born.
About this time he became engaged in coal min-
ing, and followed this business for nine years,
lie then bought a farm three-fourths of a mile
from West Belleville, removed to it and lived
there for a period of nine years. He tjioii located
on a farm five miles south of New Athens, which
440
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he still owns, consisting of one hundred and
twenty acres. In 1859, he was married to Miss
Augusta Shank, daughter of Christian Shank, of
Columbia, 111., and eight children were born
to them. The living are Ellen, Mar_y, Louisa,
Willie and Ida. Willie is opeiating his father's
farm, and the girls are all married but Ida. Those
who died were: Robert, at the age of tiiirty-one;
Louisa, who died at the age of four; and one wlio
died an infant.
Our subject belongs to the Lutlicran C'liuroh,
and is very liberal and good-hearted. After he
left the farm he came to New Athens and engaged
in his present businiss. Mr. Slieper lost his wife
April 12, 1892, which has been a great grief to
him, but his children arc all doing well, which is a
source of comfoi-t to him. To these our subject
displayed a generous spirit when starting them
out in life. He is a very intelligent- and much-
traveled man, having passed man^' years steam-
hoating on the Mississippi River, and liavingniade
trips all over the United States.
^^EORGE B. GELWK'KS. a retired coal op-
Itl (-— erator, is one of the leading and most pop-
'%^( ular citizens of Belleville, having come to
this beautiful little city in 1850. Although
called awaj' from its confines by the voice of duty
in 1862, he returned to this place when his term
of enlistment expired and has since made it his
home. This place is very dear to him, as Belle-
ville is the scene of his labors; and here it is that he
climbed from obscurity to prosperit}- and made
the fortune he now enjoys.
Mr. Gelwicks is the son of George and Mary
Ann (Stephenson) Gelwicks. The father, George
Gelwicks, was born in Ilagerstown, Md.,. where he
engaged in coach-making and blacksniithing, but
came to Illinois soon after his marriage with Miss
jNIary Stephenson, of Baltimore, making the re-
moval about 1838. After arriving in Illinois he
settled in Calhoun County and engaged in school-
teachin"-. In addition l<> his efforts in nn educa-
tional line, he owned and operated a farm, where
left a
mak-
his death occurred in 1840. Mr. Gelwicks
family of five children and a faithful and
wife to mourn his loss. The latter is still
and now makes her home in St. Louis.
Our subject earae to Belleville in IHuii
ing the trip with his mother. After his arrival in
the county an uncle took charge of the little
fatherless boy, and reared and educated him. As
soon as he was old enough, he relieved his uncle
of the burden of his support and entered a
printing office, where he remained until .luly 4,
18fi2. when, prompted by a sense of patriotic duty,
he enlisted in Compau}- F, Seventieth Illinois In-
fantry. The regiment was sent to Camp Butler,
Springfield, III., where our subject was detailed to
exchange prisoners at Yieksburg in that same
year. In October, 1862, he received an honor-
able discharge, his term of enlistment havnig ex-
pired, and he returned home.
At first 5Ir. (ielwicks resumed his former occu-
pation, remaining in the ollice of the Belleville
Advocate for about six years, but about that time
his attention was called to mining, and he resolved
to invest his spare capital in a mine. Accordingly,
he purchased a mine on the Mascoutah Road,
which he operated for seventeen years. One of
the shafts was sixt^' feet deep, and the vein struck
was six feet through. This so encouraged Mr.
(Jelwicks that he cleared off ten acres and gave
active emploj'ment to twelve men. As was only
natural, our subject made a large amount of
money from this mine, and when he felt that it
was being exhausted he disposed of his stock.
Mr. Gelwicks has been so successful in his- man-
agement of mines that he was offered the position
of Superintendent of the mines of the Electric
Light and Coal Company, having charge of all
work underground in the mines of the company,
and this occupies the greater portion of his
time.
Mr. (iclwieks was married to Miss May Cecelia
Majors, horn in Belleville, daughter of .lohn P.
Majors, and thirteen children were born to
them, of whom but six are now living, namely:
Mary ('., (.Hivia, (ierlrude. Tvaura. Nora and Rich-
ard. Oursiiliject is a inemlx-r of the Ancient
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
441
Order of United Workmen and Iron Hall. In him
Uie Methodist Church has one of her stanchest
members, and he and his estimable wife are im-
|)ortant factors in that Iwdy. Through the Build-
ing Association Mr. Gelwicks bought and built a
neat little home in 1885, situated at No. 1010
Mascoutah Avenue. Mr. Gelwicks may well be
regarded as one of the repiesentative men of
Belleville, where so many years of his life have
been spent.
,^ ONRAI) KILIAN. a piominent and pros-
[ti p perous farmer living on section 4, Smitli-
^^^' ton Township, the subject of the present
sketch, is the son of John Kilian, who was born
in Germany in 1804, married Barbara Reiuhart
there, and emigrated to this country iu 1844,
locating first in St. Clair County, five miles north
from Belleville, and living there five years. Then
he came to Smithton Township, where he bought
one hundred and five acres of land at $26 per
acre, and kept on buying until now two hun-
dred and ten acres of line grain land and meadows
comprise his property, which he has gradually paid
for, although poor when he began. He has
had six children, of whom four are living, as fol-
lows: Katherine Sutter, who lives in St. Louis;
Annie Elizabeth Vollralh, who lives iii Edwards-
ville; Jacob, who resides in Smilhton Township;
and our subject.
The birth of Mr. Kilian of this notice took place
August 18, 1832, in Germany, he being twelve years
old when his father brought him to this country.
Between that time and the time that his father
bought the farm, Conrad largely assisted him in
every way possible, and it was principally through
his efforts that the place was bought and [jaid
for. In course of time, our subject married
Mary F. Riplej', the daughter of William and
Elizabeth Ripley, her father being a prominent
farmer and early settler of this county, liut a
native of N'irginia, .Mrs. CoiuikI Kilian was horn
and reared on the old Ripley homestead, and edu-
cated in this county. After his marriage, our sub-
ject settled on the place where he now lives, and
has remained there ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Kil-
ian have had five children, as follows: Ellen, wife
of Henr\' Marsha, lives near Springfield, 1 11.; Eliza-
beth Ann, wife of Henry Moeser, of Smithton
Township; John E., living at home with his
father; Sarah V., living at home; and Mary, who
also remains under her father's roof.
There are one hundred and thirty acres of good
land in Mr. Kilian 's farm, and it is well im-
proved and well cultivated, fifteen acres being in
timber. Our subject holds religious connection
with the Methodist Episcopal Church and there
his family also worship. Politically a Repub-
lican, Mr. Kilian always votes that ticket, and has
held the responsible offices of School Trustee and
School Director for twenty years, to him being
due the excellent school organization of his dis-
trict.
J] OHX T. WARD. The birthplace of the sub-
I ject of our sketch was Turkey Hill, St. Clair
1 County, ni., the date of his birth being
_ ' October 28, 18.30. He was the son of hon-
orable parents, his father being John Ward, a na-
tive of South Carolina, born in 1796, and his
mother Mary Hill, born in 1801 in Pennsylvania.
In the year 1806, the father and grandfather of
our subject made the trip overland to Illinois,
making a settlement on Hazel Creek, near where
our subject was born. Then the country was in
a wild, unsettled, uncultivated state and the In-
dians were very numerous and troublesome.
The father of our subject was a lad of ten years
when he reached this State. Hebrew up like a giant,
and seemed to thrive on the hardships of that
time, taking part in the Indian wars on the Missis-
sippi, and doing his share in subduing the savages.
His corn was raised in a field where the city
of Belleville now stands. He remained near Tur-
key llill until 1836, when he removed to Belleville
and lived in that city for eighteen years, and then
442
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
came to the place on which our subject now re-
sides, be^'ond the western limit of the city. His
useful life ended April 23, 1868.
The mother of our subject was a typical pioneer
woman and her experiences began early in life.
On emigrating to Illinois, she and her mother
came down the Oliio River by boat and then
walked the distance between that stream and
.St. Clair Count}'. Our record of her life is not
as complete as the biographer desires, but we know
that a part of her family took a prominent place
ill the early struggles with the savages. Her
brother David lived to be ninety' years old and
was one of the early Indian fighters. Mrs. Ward
died in September, 188.3. Only two children were
born of this marriage, our subject and his brother
Mark, who now resides in Wellington, Kan. The
latter has been twice married, his first wife lie-
ing Mary Jane Kirkpatrick, one child resulting
from this union. Ills second wife was Elinor
Wilderman a cousin of Judge A. S. Wilderman, of
Belleville; there are three children l)y this marriage.
Our subject was reared in Belleville until he was
about fifteen years of age. From 1845 to 1848,
lie attended McKendree College at Lebanon, III.,
and after he left there he engaged as a clerk for
one year, but at the expiration of tliat time he
went back to the farm. This he found both pleas-
ant and profitable and he has made it the business
of his life. Tlie marriage of Mr. Ward took place
May 1, 1849, to Miss Lucy Ash, the estimable
daughter of Cliristo[)her and Nancy Ash, who were
natives of Ireland and the State of Virginia, re-
spectively. The children who have been added
to the household in these years are as follows:
AVilliara Edgar, who is a lawyer, married Lizzie
Phillips and resides at Belleville and has a family
of five children; Walter Lee, who married Amelia
Davis, resides on the home place with his six chil-
dren; Albert Grant, who married Bertha Louisa
Freikert, since deceased, resides in Belleville with
his two children; Louis Thomas, who was lecently
married to Miss Philopena Bauer, lives on a farm;
Ella, Kate, Fannie Beatrice and Mary Louisa are at
home. The first wife of Air. Ward died and he
married her sister Catherine in March, 1878.
Mr. Ward has been a successful horse-breeder and
has confined himself to Hambletonian stock, being
one of the first in this section to recognize the fact
that imported stock was the best investment. Botii
offices of Highway Commissioner and School Direc-
tor liave been filled by him to the satisfaction of
the communitj'. Our subject is a believer in tlie
doctrines of the Republican party and has voted
that ticket for many years. In his religious con-
victions, he follows the teachings of John Wes-
ley. Mr. Ward has lived in his present house
for thirty-three years and his first home, built
forty-tliree years ago, is now occupied by one of
his sons.
^€^^il-^"i^llS#H
OIIN BERTELOTIL The subject of this
short sketch is a farmer residing on section
8, Smitlitou Township, in St. Clair Count}'.
His father was Peter Berteloth, who was born
in Germany and was reared there. He was also
married in that country to Miss Anna Barbara
Kilean. When he first came to this country, he
located in Smith ton Township, where he bought
land and where his son now lives. Only two of
his children, Adam and our subject, are now living.
He owned one hundred and twent}' acres of land
which he had earned himself, and died in 1870
after a life of honest toil; his wife is still living.
Oursubject was born on the 16th of October, 1842,
in Germany and was but nine years old when he
came to this country. He went to the district
schools and learned very quickly, as all of the young
German lads do, often putting to shame the Amer-
ii;in youth, lie was married to Aliss Ida Weinel,
the daughter of George Weinel and was born in
St. Clair Township. Her father was born in Ger-
many and came to this county first settling in
St. Louis, whence he came to St. Clair County.
He had the following children, of whom only one
licsidc ihe wife of oursubject is living: Ida, Fred-
erick, (leorge, Katherine, Lena.Wilhelmina, Louisa,
M.agdalena and Henry. Frederick is a farmer liv-
ing in Kansas. Cieorge Weinel was a member of
the Lulheraii Church when a \oung inau, but later
^p'
't'T^Ui
L^<L^e/
tMi-i^u/^ cJ tn^A^-^i-^
^
(rvyiJ^U-l-l4y'
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
447
in life joined the Metliodist Episcopal Church.
Iieniy find Frederick were both in the Civil War
.and the former died there. The mother of Mrs.
Berteloth w:is Catherine Skaer who was liorn and
married in Germ. any.
After liis happy marriage our subject located on
the place where he now lives, and has faithfully
and industriously followed his business as farmer
ever since. He built his present comfortable resi-
dence in 1884. He cultivates fifty acres of his own
and twenty belonging to his mother. He raises grain
and is very successful. He has a pleasant and in-
telligent family of six children: .\my, Magdalene,
Ida, John, Albert and Wallci-. In his political
preference, Mr. Berlelolli is a Kc|iublieanand votes
with that party. His church connection is with
the good people who follow the rules laid down by
.Tohn Wesley. This family is pleasant and hospi-
table and there is no place in which tlie woithy
stranger finds a warmer welcome than at the board
of this large-hearted German citizen.
\T^,ETER M. UOMELSER. Men are to be
I ))) J"*^S^'^ ^y achievement, and it is always
•^m?**^ safe to accept results as a proof of the
Jl\ possessions of the powers and capabilities
which lead up to them. Of successes in the busi-
ness world which have been earned by the exercise
of sound judgment, thorough business tact and
indomitable energy, there is no more eminent ex-
ample in this section of the country than Peter M.
Romeiser, who is now at the head of a large retail
clothing house in Belleville. In these days of
competition, it is merit that wins in the arena of
business, and the high commercial character, the
discriminating judgment, the eye th.at sees and the
executive ability that is enabled to improve op-
portunities, are attributes which are possessed b}'
JNIr, Romeiser in ii marked degree.
Our subject was born in Steinau, Electorate of
llesse, Germany, November 11, 1842, but left his
native land wUon lesstlian lifttien years of age, and
21
in August, 1857, crossed the ocean in a sailing-ves-
sel. After a voyage of ninety days from Bremen,
he arrived at New Orleans in the latter part of
November. From there he journe3ed b}' steamer
to St. Louis, after which he went to Waterloo, 111.,
where he clerked in a general store until the out-
break of the Civil War. In June, 1861, he en-
listed at Belleville as a private in Com[)anj' F,
Twenty-second Illinois Infantry, then in camp at
the Belleville Fair grounds.
Mr. Romeiser was a participant in the battle of
Belmont, was through the New Madrid and Island
No. 10 campaign, and Later was in the siege of
Corinth, Miss., during which time the battle of
Farmington, Miss., was fought. During the sum-
mer and fall of the same year, he was with his regi-
ment at Nashville, Tenn., and on the 30th and 3 1st
of December, 1862, he was in the famous battle of
Jlurfreesboro, where his regiment was almost an-
nihilated. After that battle he was appointed one
of the color-bearers of his regiment, and went
through the TuUahoma campaign, and was in the
battle of Chickamauga, where he was wounded,
and where he would have fallen into the hands of
the enemy had not his regiment commander
helped him off the field. He remained in the field
hospital until shortly before the battle of Mission-
ary Ridge, when he re-joined his regiment, al-
though he was still suffering from his wound. He
took part in that battle, his regiment being a part
of Gen. Sheridan's famous division.
On the 27th of November, 186.'), ^Ir. Romeiser
received the following letter from the command-
ing officer of his regiment, which he cherishes as a
proud memento of the war for the Union:
Hmd Quarters 22d HI. Inf.
Chattanooga, Tenn., Noc. 27, '63.
Serijt. Bomeaer, Com. F.
Sir: — I present you with a Sergeant's warrant in
token of my admiration of your courage and good con-
duct in the battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga
fought on the 19th <{• 20th of Septe^nher and 25lh
of Nov., 1868. I trust you will live to carry our
banner as bravely as you have heretofore done until
thin fjebellion is efu^hcd.
F. Sirana-ick,
Lt. Cul. Cvm'dij Jteg.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
After the battle of INIissionary Ridge, Mr. Ro-
iiieiser went with his regiment to East Tennessee,
and in the spring of 1864 became a part of Sher-
idan's command. He was a participant in the At-
lanta campaign as far as New Hope Church, and
W.1S in the battle of Resaea. In June, 1864, the i
term of the enlistment of the regiment had ex- j
pii'ed. and Mr. Romeiser returned with it to Spring-
field, 111., where he was honorably discharged on
the 7th of July. In the fall of that year he en-
tered a store at Columbia, 111., wiiere he clerked
until October, 1.S6.5, when he entered a commercial
college at St. Loiii;^, Mo., and took a course in tliat
institution. In the spring of 1866, he accepted a
position as salesman in a wholesale clothing house
in St. Louis, where he remained until the 1st of
January, 1868, when he gave up his position to
accept a situation in a commercial house of Rotter-
dam, Holland. However, he longed to be back in
the country whose flag he had borne in times of
l)cril, and in 1869 he returned to the United States,
and taking Greeley's advice to young men to "go
West," in March of thatyear he found himself on a
homestead on the Solomon River in Cloud County,
Kan. Hardly had he settled there when there
was an Indian outbreak in that section, and all the
settlers having families were compelled to seek safe-
ty farther back. The men, mostly those without
family ties, formed themselves into a militia com-
|)any, which Mr. Romeiser joined, and with which lie
served during the summer and fall of 1869. In
the spring of 1H70 he went back to his claim and
commenced farming, which occupation he con-
tinued with indifferent success until the spring of
187.'5, when he rented his land and went to St.
lx)uis.
In June, 1873, Mr. Romeiser came to Belleville
and accepted a situation with George A. Bradford,
then a ])rominent clothier, with whom he remained
until 1878. In August of thai year he rented a
small store, which then occupied a porticm of the
site of the present store building, and by Septem-
ber he w.as ready to open his establishment to the
public. Emil Geil was then his first and only as-
sistant. In 1879 Charles A. Grossart, who at that
lime was little more than thirteen years of age, en-
Icicd the store. Both Mr. Gcil and Mr. Giossart
proved themselves excellent business men. As a
partial acknowledgment of their faithfulness and
ability the}' were made participants in the business
when it was merged into a stock company, in Feb-
ruary, 1892, with a fully paid-up capital of $50,-
000. Mr. Romeiser became President; Emil Geil,
Vice-president; and Charles A. Gross.art, Secre-
tary.
Taking into consideration the very conserva-
tive character of Belleville, the growth of the busi-
ness has been phenomen.al. Within two years from
its beginning, the store had to be enlarged; this
in turn was soon found to be too small, and in
1883 the present store building was erected. Of
the two floors, 43x86 feet, only the lower one was
used as a salesroom at first, relegating unseasonable
goods and duplicates to the second floor. But the
rapidly increasing trade demanded larger assort-
ments and more room for the customers, and the
second floor was changed into a salesroom, and now
these two ver^' large rooms are actually insufficient
to accommodate the ever-increasing trade, and
from present indications it seems but a question of
time when additional room must be provided.
When Mr. Romeiser entered the commercial
arena in this city, in 1878, "A fair field and no fa-
vor" was inscribed upon his banner, and he has
ever given careful consideration to the needs of
the public, and has m.ade the laige establishment
over which he presides a lecognized synonym for
all that is popular, progressive and honest. Ilis
personal character is as high as his business repute,
his honorable deportment in all the affairs of life
commanding the confidence and respect of all who
know him. He is a member of Hecker Post of
the Grand Army of the Republic, and was twice
elected its Commander. At the Grand Arm}' State
Encampment held at Springfield in 1892, he was
elected a delegate to the National Encampment
held at Washington, D. C, in September, 1892.
On the 18tli of May, 1876, Mr. Romeiser married
Elise Hilgard, and they are the proud parents of
the following-named children: Theodore, Leonore,
Emma, Petra, Edwin, Corona and Roland. In
1889, Mr. Romeiser erected an elegant residence at
No. 228 Abend Street. It is a two-story brick
building, containing ten rooms, improved with all
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
449
modern conveniences, and cost 110,000. Every-
thing in his liouse and about tlie grounds shows
tliat he ijossesses excellent taste and is a man of
refinement and culture. His busy life has not pre-
vented him from active participation in all worthy
projects for the advancement of the material inter-
ests of the city. His career furnilies one of the
most notable examples of success in the commercial
history of the place, and advancement has come to
no one more worthy, or who has earned it more
fairlv than he.
S ^"S3<^ T >[=~ §)
\l7 oris (iKAXER, the gentleman to whom
jl (^ the attention of the reader is called in tiiis
1^^ short sketch, holds the important position
of County Surveyor for St. Clair Count3-, having
been first elected to that office in November, 1877,
and so creditably has he discharged the duties of
his position that he has been re-elected continu-
ously ever since. Our subject is a native of this
county, having been born in St. Clair Township,
February 12, 1853, being the only son of George
V. and Louise (Guentz) Graner, natives of He.sse-
Cassel and Leipsic, Saxony, respectively.
The father, George, was- born in Germany, in
1822, and there learned the occupation of civil
engineer. When he emigrated to this country,
in 1849, he located in Shiloh Township, this
county, and entered upon the duties of survej'or.
As very little of the country had been surveyed, a
fine field was before him, and he laid out a large
number of the farms and towns of this locality'. He
held the position of United States Assessor under
President Lincoln and was one of the most prom-
inent men of the county. In addition to his other
occupations, the father of our subject gave pri-
vate instruction in mathematics and continued in
the discharge of his duties until death intervened,
August 28, 1875. George Graner married Mrs.
Guentz, who came to this country in 1848.
She bore her husband but one child, our sub-
ject. By a former marriage she had one son.
Henry Guentz, a Justice of the Peace in Belleville.
Her death occurred in 1880, and her loss was
deeply felt by her affectionate son Louis.
Louis Graner was educated in the public schools
of the neighborhood, and also studied civil engin-
eering under his learned father. With such a
teacher, he could not help being a good surveyor,
and his first work was done on the Cairo Short
Line as Assistant Surve^^or. So satisfactory was
it that he was given charge of the survey for the
Illinois & St. Louis Railroad from Belleville to St.
Louis. Much additional railroad labor, as well .as
practical surveying throughout the town and
count}', has been performed by our subject. When
not engaged in railroad work, the citizens of
Belleville embrace the opportunity to appoint this
talented gentleman to some office where his skill
will benefit the town, being City Engineer, having
filled that office for some time.
The marriage of our subject to Miss Au-
gusta Meyer, of Alma, Kan., occurred May 28,
1876. This charming lady was born in St. Louis,
August 11, 1858, and is a daughter of August
Meyer, a merchant of that city. To Mr. and Mrs.
Graner have been born five bright, intelligent
children, as follows: George, Louisa, Emma, Au-
gusta and Matilda. This family occupies an ele-
gant home in Highland Addition to Belleville, sur-
rounded by every modern convenience, and here
this highly-respected and esteemed gentleman is to
be found at all times, when the cares of his business
do not compel him to lie absent, in the midst of
his wife and children.
•^^I®#©l^l^^
J'~|AC0B SCHWAEGEL. The gentleman
whose life it is our privilege to present to
1 our readers, is one of the enterprising young
__ ' farmers of Smithton Township, St. Clair
County. He is of fJerman descent, his father,
Charles Schwaegel, having been born in Ger-
many, but came to America in 1845, locating
in Millstadt Township, where he m.ade his home
and has since resided. He worked perseveringly
and faithfully, and is now enjoying the fruits of
450
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,
that industry, being regarded as one of the sub-
stantial men of the townsliip, as well as one f>f the
wealthiest.
It. is tiiis township that can claim the honor of
being the birthplace of our subject, for here, on
INIarch 14, 1860, a son was born to Mr. Schwaegel,
Sr., who was destined to become the subject of
this sketch. The name of Jacob was bestowed
upon him, and here ho was reared and educated,
learning to manage a farm on his father's estate.
In due time he was united in marriage to Miss
Louise Munier, who was the daughter of Hya-
cinth and Anna (Hess) Munier, natives of France,
and to this union have been born three bright,
interesting children: Joseph, Adolph and Otto.
Jn 1885 our subject located on his present farm
on section 30, Smithton Township, St. Clair
Ctiunty, where he has a fine property, upon which
is raised chiefly grain. Mr. >Schwaegel is a be-
liever in the doctrines and teachings of the Koman
Catholic Church. In political matters he is a fol-
lower of the princii)les enunciated by Thomas
.lefferson, upholding the doctrines of Democracy
in every particular. He is very industrious and
enterprising, and will, make his mark in the
township, where he and his family are already re-
garded with res|iect and esteem liy their hosts of
friends.
JiACOB KHJAN. The subject of this short
sketch resides on section 8, Smithton Town-
I ship, St. Clair County. The father of this
_ gentleman was John Kilian, who was born
and reared in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, and was
there married to Miss Barbara Reinhart. He was
a tiller of the soil in iiis native land, and decided
to continue that calling in a section wheie the re-
turns would be greater for the time expended.
Reaching the United States in 1845, he first
located in St, Clair County, about four miles
Dortii of Belleville, but tliis location not being
rnlisfaclorv, he rcaiovcd tu the farm suutii uf
I Belleville, which has been his home ever since.
I Only four of liis family of six children remain, as
follows: Kli/.abeth, the wife of Y. Vollrath, living
at Edwardsville, Jtl.; Katherine, the widow of
John Sutter, living in St. Louis; Conrad and
i Jacob, living at home. Two children died in
I infancy.
j The birth of our subject occurred .lanuary 7,
I 1838, near Hesse-Cassel, Germany, and about seven
years of his life had been passed when his father
emigrated to this country. Jacob was educated
in tiie district schools, and obtained a fair educa-
tion for the times. In 1863, he decided to make a
home for himself, and went about it by marrying
Miss Sarah Merrill, the daughter of Sylvester
Merrill, a native of Connecticut, who had come to
St. Clair County when a young man and had set-
tled at Turkey Hill, three miles east of Belleville,
where Mrs. Kilian was born and reared. She was
next to the youngest of thirteen children. Her
father was quite a prominent man in the county',
having been School Commissioner for St. Clair
County, a fine farmer and a very wealthy man.
After his marriage, Mr. Kilian located on the
place where he now lives, which was bought in the
year 1859, it then having no improvements on it,
but he went to work with a will, and now has one
of tiie finest places in the district. Mr. and Mrs.
Kilian have five children, who have grown up to
be comforts to their parents. They are P^mma,
wife of Henry Sensel, living in St. Louis; AValter,
living near Trenton, a farmer; Susie, wife of
George Hartnugel, living in St. Louis; George
and Annie, who are at home.
Our subject's fine farm contains one hundred
and seventy acres of land, all well improved, and
on which are raised the best of crops, attention be-
ing also paid to stock-raising. Mr. Kilian also has a
farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Sunimer-
Held, which is in a good state of cultivation.
Both he and liis wife are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, he belonging to the
German and she to the English branch. In his
political belief, Mr. Kilian is a Republican, and
upholds the principles of that party in ever.v way
in his i)f)wcr. Before closing this brief sketch of
a veiy prumiiiunl man in his district, we may
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
451
mention that his landed possessions amount to
live hnndiod and four acres of the finest Illinois
soil. Tlie two hundred and fourteen acres which
he owns near Trenton arc as good land as there is
in that vicinity, and are occupied by his son Walter.
This family is ^ell and favorably known in this
locality, its members being honest, hard-working
and God-fearing people.
Ir^ ^'' "KIMBERGEK. The name with which
b^ we liead this biography needs no introduc-
'■^\ tion,the owner being well known in public
and private life as a citizen of high repute
in Fayetteville, St. Clair Count.y. Mr. Ileimberger
was born in Mascoutah, this county, in the year
1«;58, his parents being Gustavus and Mary (La-
fontaine) Ileimberger. Mr. Ileimberger, Sr., was
horn near the banks of the Rhine, at a place called
Speyer, Bavaria, German.y, in 1809; the mother of
our subject was born in Carlsrulic, (iermany,
August 29, 1818, and died November i;5. 1877.
Our subject's father was educated in the world-
famed college of Heidelberg, Germany, and after
llnishing his collegiate course adopted the pro-
fession of attorney. He was a man of distinctive
traits, and soon after entering his professional
career became identified with a political faction
which at tliat time was obnoxious to the (Tcrnian
(iovernment, and had to flee his native land. He
reached America in 1833, and located near Belle-
ville, 111. Here he dropped his profession and be-
came an hotel-keeper at Mascoutah. When llie
Mexican War broke out, Mr. Hcimberger, Sr., who
was then in the South, enlisted in the Third
Louisiana Regiment at New Orleans. He was se-
verely wounded at Tampico, and lost the use of
his left arm. Being a very higiily educated
man and master of seven languages, he was
appointed Spanish interpreter for (ien. Shields
during the remainder of tlie war. In 1840, after
the close of the Mexican War, he went to Cali-
fornia and was engaged in mining, but not being
successful in this line, he departed from California
and located at Guatemala, Central America, where
he was engaged in trading and boating. From
this last-mentioned jilace we trace him to Valpa-
raiso, Chile, and from Valparaiso to Brazil, where
he was engaged as a foreman in a diamond mine
for several years. His next location was Cul)a,
where he was known as a tobacco exporter. From
Cuba he went to New Orleans, but left that city
in 185.5 because his political views did not co-
incide with those held by the people of the Cres-
cent City, as he was an anti-slavery man.
Although our subject's father was engaged in
many different kinds of business, he was never a
financial success. He was a well-known newspaper
correspondent for many leading newspapers dur-
ing his travels, and was a man of marked natural
abilit}-. He departed this life on the old Hilgard
farm, near Belleville, in the year 1857. The
mother of our subject was one who was veiy
much respected in this community on account of
her amiable disposition and the keen management
which she displayed in her home affairs, and dur-
ing her husband's wanderings it was her abil-
ity which kept the family together. She departed
this life in the year 1882.
The subject of our sketch began life on his own
responsibilities at the age of twelve years. He
obtained his first employment from his grand-
father, who then owned a drug-store at Mascoutah.
His next position was that of a clerk in a general
merchandise store at Belleville, and from there he
went to learn the trade of a watchmaker. After
learning his trade, the firm with whom he was em-
ployed broke up -in businesss, and he went to St.
Louis, where he became engaged as a gunsmith.
He remained at this last work but a short time
and returned again to Belleville, where lie took a
l)osition as clerk in a store.
In 1861, our subject enlisted in Companies E
and F, Ninth Illinois Infantry, under Grant and
Sherman. During the war, he took part in sixty-
three engagements, the most important of which
were Ft. Donclson, Pittsburg Landing. Corinth
and Atlanta. At Corinth, he received a sunstroke,
which necessitated his going to the hospital for a
few weeks. He had the distinguished lionor of
being eolor-beaier for his regiment three years
452
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
nnd never received a wound or was taken pris-
oner. He received liis discharge from the army
on the 28th of August, 1864, at Springfield, 111.
After returning home from the war, our sub-
ject became engaged as a clerk in Belleville. He
served various firms in this capacity, and for sev-
eral years was known in the community as one of
the most popular men engaged in this pursuit.
November 8, 1866, formed a new era in his life,
as on that date he married Miss Anna Hermann,
daughter of Joseph and Anna Hermann. The re-
sult of this union has been four children, who
are Emma, wife of Henry Voskamp; Anna, Gus-
tavus and Herman.
Mr. Heimberger believes that the best American
citizen is he whose possibilities of a good educa-
tion are not limited, and, with that end in view,
has liberally educated his family both in the Ger-
man and English branches. He is a stanch Re-
publican, and is a member of Hecker Post No. 443,
G. A. R., at Belleville. He was for many years
a member of St. Clair Lodge No. 24, A. F. &
A. M., of Belleville.
In the year 1880, Mr. Heimberger located at
Fayetteville and opened an office as real-estate
agent and Notary Public. He also represents one
of the foremost and best-known fire insurance
companies in the West, and during the past twelve
years has built up a large and lucrative business
in these lines. He is respected as a citizen and
solid business man of Fayetteville, and is a man
of more than ordin.ir\- intellisenee and ability.
•^^•^ —
JHOSEPH EDWIN MIIJ.EH. One of the
best, most intelligent and scientific farmers
of St. Clair Township is tlie gentleman
whose sketch is now under consideration.
His home farm comprises one hundred and sev-
enty-two acres of fine land and is situated on sec-
tion 32. The paternal grandfather of our subject
was Peter Miller, who served under Napoleon
Bonaparte from 1793 to 1800, and was a member
of the Old (;uard, the reply of whose Sergeant,
Cambronne, at Waterloo, "The Old Guard dies
but never surrenders," has gone the rounds of the
world.
Our subject was born .lune 8, 1842, two miles
east of Belleville. His father, Michael Miller, was
a native of Herbitzheim, Alsace, then in France,
and was born December 31, 1811, and died July
16, 1883. His mother was Christena Karlskind, born
in Langdorf, Lorraine, also then in France, Sep-
tember 12, 1813. Siie was one of a family of two
sons and seven daughters, of whom Mrs. Cather-
ine Kupferle, now a resident of St. Louis, is the
onl}' survivor. Her father, Sebastian Karlskind,
served in the wars of Napoleon, and was seri-
ously wounded at Austerlitz; her mother died in
France. In 1832, her father came with tlie chil-
dren to America, and landed in New Orleans,
where he remained until 1838; he then came to St.
Clair County, and settled on a farm about three
miles northwest of Belleville, where he passed tlie
remainder of his days, dying October 5, 1890, in
the seventy-eighth year of his age, a well-known
and respected citizen of the county.
Our subject's father was fifteen years of age
when his parents came to America, bringing the
little family with them. They landed in New-
York July 4, 1826, on the fiftieth anniversary of
the Declaration of Independence, on which day
two signers of that immortal document, Jolin
Adams and Thomas Jefferson, passed out of life.
The family of Mr. Miller settled in Lewis County,
N. Y., then a new county. After remaining there
a short time, they removed to Cincinnati, thence,
in 1831, to New Orleans, where Peter Miller died.
In 1833, the father of our subject came to Illinois,
and settled on eighty acres of land on Ridge Prai-
rie. In 1834, he went to New Orleans, but re-
turned in 1837, and purchased a tract of land on
which he resided permanently'. In 1838, he was
married to Miss Christena Karlskind, and six chil-
dren were the fruits of this union: Lena, wife
of N. J. Biebel (see sketch); Peter, who lives
on Turkey Hill, two miles east of Belleville, mar-
ried Barbara Pairot, has two children and is a
farmer. The other brothers and sisters are, D. F.,
who lives three miles e.ast of Belleville; William
J., of Turkey Hill; and jSIary, IMrs. Henry Eckart.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
453
Our subject was the the third child of tiie fam-
ily, and grew up on the farm, always taking a deep
interest in it; he received a good common-school
education and then attended the Christian Brothers'
College, in St. Louis, for three j-ears, or until he
was eighteen ; he then attended a commercial school
in Belleville, returned to the farm, and in 1866
took a pleasure trip to California, remaining away
one year. The marriage of our subject took place
June 9, 1870, with Miss Eva C. Amrael, daughter
of Martin and Frances Aminel, who was born June
15, 1851, and died February 24, 1880. Six children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, three of whom
have passed away. The living ones are as follows:
Matilda, aged eighteen; Luretta, aged sixteen; and
Clementine, aged fourteen. May 17, 1881, Mr.
Miller was married to Miss Josephine Glad, daugh-
ter of Eugene and Catherine Glad. Six children
have come into the household since that time, and
they are known b}- the following pretty names:
Ida Kva, Angenctte, Lena, J. Edwin, Albert Eu-
gene and Lee Warren.
Mr. Miller has for years been ver^- prominently
before the public as an advanced agriculturist and
stock-raiser, having devoted his efforts in the
latter business to the importing and breeding of
pure-blooded Ilolstein cattle, of which he now has
one hundred head on his place. In addition to
his home place, our subject has seventy acres in
section 6, and all of his land is cultivated in the
most improved and scientific manner. He has
served as a member of the United States Grand
Juiy and on tlie grand and petit juries of the
county, has filled the office of Township Super- j
visor for two terms, and has been both Highway
Commissioner and School Director. He is at pres-
ent President of the Southern Illinois Dairy Asso-
ciation, and has served as Director of the St. <.
Clair County Fair, is President of the St. Clair i
County Farmers' Club, and Master of the St. Clair
County Grange, and holds the position of Lec-
turer of the Turkey' Hill Grange. He is a fre-
(juent and valued contributor to the best stock j
and agricultural journals of the day, and is a
graceful and convincing writer.
The personal appearance of our subject empha-
sizes his known character, hi» thoughtful counten-
ance and deliberate manner telling of mental ac-
quirements. He is a Democrat in ids polit-
ical opinions, and a great admirer of Grover
Cleveland, and regards Napoleon and Cleveland as
the two great men of modern times. In one he
admires the military genius, and in the other his
statesmanship and lofty ideas of what should con-
stitute the political life of a republic.
JOHN S. WILDERMAN. The subject of
this sketch resides on section 19, Freeburg
Township, St. Clair County, 111. He was the
-.^-^ son of Joseph Wilderman, who was the son
of George Wilderman, one of the first settlers of
the county. Joseph Wilderman was born in Penn-
s.ylvania, came to this county about 1805, and first
located where James Wilderman now lives, in
Freeburg Township. His wife was Mary Margaret
Stuntz, whose father was also one of the early set-
tlers, having come here as early as Joseph ^\^il-
derman.
Joseph Wilderman lived and died on the place
which he bad entered from the Government.
He left the following children: George, Lovina,
Virginia, Nanc}', Edward, May, Eleanor, Joseph,
Josephine, John and Jerome. Of these five are
still living, and these are: Joseph, John; Mary, wife
of Nathan Fitz, of Kansas; Eleanor, the wife
of Mark Ward, a farmer of Kansas; and Josephine,
wife of Charles Hertel, of Freeburg, 111. -losepli
Wilderman was a successful farmerand a good man.
His death occurred July 16, 1871.
Our subject was born December 4, 1834, at the
old homestead place in Freeburg Township, where
he was reared. lie was married in 1857, to Miss
Christy Ann Hill, daughter of Josejjh Hill, who was
born on the farm where the Green Mount Ceme-
tery now is located in Belleville. The grandfather
of Mrs. Wilderman was Peter Hill, one of the first
settlers of this county. She was reared in Smith-
ton Township.
After his marriage, Mr. Wilderman, of this
sketch, first located in Sniithton Township on sec-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tion 14, where he lived for twelve years, when he
removed, in the fall of 1870, to where lie has
resided ever since. Our subject lias had but
one child, Joseph, who married Miss Matilda,
daughter of Jacob Gaiich, of Smithton Townshiii,
who lives on the farm with his father. There are
two hundred and eighty acres, two hundred of
which are where he now lives. He has all tlie land
under good cultivation and raises great crops of
grain.
Mr. Wilderman is a member of the Baptist
Church, is one of the strongest pillars, assisting it
with heart and soul, and is a Trustee in the church
in Freeburg. Politically, he is a Democrat and
believes firmly in the tenets of that party. lie has
been one of the Trustees of the .School Board and
has long been one of the Directors of the district
school. Mr. Wilderman belongs to a well-known
and representative family in the county and one
of whom the people invariably be.ar good testi-
mony.
"^1 OHN HENRY BESTE. Tliis successful far-
mer resides on section 26, Freeburg Town-
ship. He was born in the province of West-
phalia, Germany, August 16, 182.S, and
there was reared to manhood. In 1852, he came
to th(! United States and located in Fa.yetteville,
111., where he worked two years in a sawmill and
about one 3'ear on a farm. His marriage occurred
in 18.'j4, when he wedded Miss Mary Rose, whose
])arents were born in Germany. In 1859, he bought
the farm where he now lives.
When Mr. Beste reached Fayette ville, his means
were so low that, to use iiis own expression, he ''did
not own a copper cent." He realized that mncli
hard work was necessary, but by the exercise of
economy and honest efforts he has succeeded. His
first purchase was forty acres of wild timber land,
upon which he located in 1860 and commenced the
work of clearing. At the present time he has one
hundred and sixty acres, the first eighty cleared
tiirough his own arduous toil. He has lieen a hard-
working man and has acquired his property by dili-
gence and thrift. His farm is well improved and
in a good state of cultivation. When he lirst
took possession, lie put up a temporary house,
which he replaced in 1875 with the neat and com -
fortalile frame dwelling that now stands on the
place.
Mr. and Mrs. Besle are tlie pnientsof five eliil-
dren, all of whom have been spared to them.
Mary married Christopher Etling; John Henry
married Mary Miller; Eonisa and Emma live at
home; and Louis Kdw.iid assists his father. The
family attends St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran
Church at Freeburg, of which Mr. Beste is one fif
the charter members, and in which he is now a
Trustee and a very prominent member. He li.as
been a very liberal supporter of the church and
has taken a deep interest in all public enterprises
for the good of the neighborhood. J'or six years
past he has served as School Director and has
taken a deep interest in all educational matters
in the township, and has given his children every
advantage in his power. His youngest daughter,
Fimma, has developed great talent in music, which
she has studied both at home and under the best
instructors of Belleville.
Politically, Mr. Beste is a Republican and has
voted that ticket ever since the first canvass of the
lamented and beloved President Lincoln. As a
citizen, he is always on the side of every social
and moral reform; as a neighbor, he is kind; and
as a friend, stanch and true. The |)u(ir and dis-
tressed find in him a cheerful lielper. to whom no
appeal is made in vain.
f <»uis
I p) Pi'f'sP"
JlL^ton T(
OUIS MILLER. It is to one of the most
•osperous and influential farmersof Smith-
L'ownshii) that we call the attention of
our readers in this brief sketch. Our subject is the
son of Louis Miller, a native of Germany, who
came to America in 1842 with his parents and lo-
cated in Centreviile, 111. There he remained dur-
ing the winter, and in the spring of the following
-J
r\ti
'$^y
^- i ,v;'/
&^
fi ft^
Kf.5i UENvlL or LuUi5 M 1 LLER , J CC. o ) , o /i TriTOK ir,^^ CLAlh LU , I lL
RrSlDEMCF or JOHK fir.NRY BE5TE, SEC. 2G.,rREEBUHG Tf^.ST. CLAI R CO., ILL
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,
457
year removed to a farm of eighty acres wliieh his
father purchased for him. He married Christina
Udecli and tliey l)ecame tlie parents of live chil-
dren, all of whom are still living. They are: Katli-
erine, wife of Fred Boomer, of Millstadt Township;
Dur subject and his twin brother, Philip, the latter
of whom lives in Millstadt Township; .Iacob,living
on the old fai-m, and Christina, who also lives at
home with her mother. The father of this family
died August 13, 1889. He had been a consistent
nuMiiber of the Evangelical Lutheran Church for
many years and was highly esteemed. At the
time of his death he owned six hundred and seven
acres of good land and was well-to-do, although
he had come to this county very poor.
Our subject was born November 20, 1852, on
the old home place in Millstadt Township, and
here he and his twin brother, Philip, were educated
in lioth English and Oerman. The brother still lives
in the township where they were born and reared,
Init our subject has his fine farm of one hundred
and twenty-seven acres on section 30, Smithton
Township. The land is highly cultivated and is
devoted to general farming, in connection with
which Mr. Miller is successfully operating as a
stock-raiser.
Mr. ^Miller has been twice married. His first
wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Hertel,
died in the year 1878, one year after their marriage.
His second wife was Miss Louisa, daughter of Jos-
eph and Anna B. (Coch) Yeile. The marriage
ceremony was celebrated in 1879, and they are the
parents of six children, namely: Matilda, aged
twelve years; Louis, eleven; Albert, nine; Ellen,
seven; Selma, four; and Caroline, who is two years
old. The children are bright and intelligent and
give promise of a useful future.
.Toseph Veile, father of Mrs. Miller, was born in
(lermany November 2, 1831. After 'emigrating
to this country, he settled in .St. Clair County,
where he became prominent in public affairs. For
five jears, he held the office of County Commis-
sioner, in which position he served acceptably. He
was elected to represent his district in the Legis-
lature and his services here were so satisfactory to
his constituents that he was twice re-elected, serv-
ing three terms as Re|)resentative. At the time of
his death, which occurred September 24, 1892, he
was Postmaster at Millstadt.
Mr. Miller is one of the prominent memliers of
the farmers' organization, and, politically, he is a
strong Republican. In every relation, he has de-
ported himself as a Christian and an enterprising
business man. Now in the prime of his useful life,
he is surrounded by the comforts resulting from
his own efforts, and is enabled to give his children
the best of advantages.
^^=e^^ii-^"i^s^#^^ <
J. LISCHEH, one of the leading citizens
of Mascoutah, was born near Red Bud,
Randolph Countv, 111., on the 15th of Feb-
ruaiy, 1855, and came to this city when about a
year old with his parents. He attended the pub-
lic schools until fifteen years old, when he started
out in life for himself, his first work being to learn
the cooper's trade, which he followed until Sept-
ember, 1872. At that time he tuined his attention
to newspaper work, and entered the employ of
Fred Dilg, who was publishing the Mascoutah An-
zeiger, and carrying on a job printing office and who
w.as also Postmaster. Mr. Lischer learned the print-
ing trade and also officiated as Deputy Postmaster.
He helped publish the Mascoutah Anzeiger, the
German weekly newspaper, which was established
by Mr. Dilg in 1876.
Mr. Lischer continued in the em|)loy of that
gentleman until January, 1880, when he abandoned
the printer's trade and began clerking in a general
merchandise store for Fred J. Scheve. He was
afterward in the employ of John Wolz, the suc-
cessor of his former employer, and continued to
act as his salesman until July, 1889, when he went
to St. Louis and clerked in that city for about a
year and a half, or until December, 1890. At that
time he returned to his first love, the printing
office, securing employment with .John AVinkler,
who in the meantime had obtained control of the
.4)ixe«(7e?', where he remained until May 1,1 891, when
he bought out Jlr. AVinkler. He is now the sole
owner and editor of the aliove paper. It is a weekly
458
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
newspaper published in the interests of the German
citizens of this community and it has secured a
liberal patronage, which it well merits. Mr. Lis-
cher is a j'oung man of good bu.siness abilit_v, well
informed, and lias the high regard and confldence
of the entire community.
flJJJAM GUTGIER. This successful man-
ufacturer of carriages is located at Nos.
335 and 337 Collinsville Avenue, East St.
Louis, where he has a large brick building, 50x90
feet,with two stories and basement. The latter is
for storing iron, the first floor being used for the
smith shop and for wood work, as well as for stor-
age, and the second story is the paint and trim-
ming room. This is the largest manufactory of
buggies of any kind in tlie county.
The father of oui- subject was Carson Ortgier,
born in St. Louis of German parents. He carried
on the business of teaming in his native city until
1840, when he located in St. Clair County on the
Collinsville plank road, now a i)art of the city.
Here he began farming and continued it until he
died in 1859. He had accumulated a property of
one hundred and ninety acres of improved land,
which is now owned by our subject. The father
was a member of the Methodist Church and died
regretted by a large circle of friends. Tlie mother
of our subject was Annie Brenning, born in
Hanover, Germany, who came with her sisters
to St. Louis when but eight 3'ears of age. She sur-
vived her husband, her death occurring in 1885.
Mr. Ortgier, of this sketch, was the third in a
family of six children, only four of whom are liv-
ing. He was reared on the farm and was an at-
tendant at the district schools until he was fifteen
years of age, when he was sent to Warrenton,
JIo.,and attended college there for more than two
years. He returned to the farm .and was married
in East St. Louis in 1875 to Miss Rosa Allen, who
was born in Collinsville, III. He continued farm-
ing on the lioine place until 1882, then started a
carriage shop on Collinsville Avenue and remained
there one year, when, in 1883, he leased here and
built, but his business increased so rapidly that he
concluded to enlarge. Consequently, he bought
four more lots and erected his present building.
He is a fine workman, a practical carriage-maker
by trade, and thoroughly understands his work
and superintends it. He employs from ten to
twelve hands and has two forges. Mr. Ortgier
rents iiis share of the farm to others that he may
give his undivided attention to his manufactory.
Our subject has built a nice residence facing
Main Street, in which is a family of six children,
who make it a happy home. They are George,
Adah, Olivette, Chester, Forrest, and an infant.
Mr. Ortgier is a Democrat in his political convic-
tions and hiis held the office of School Director in
his district. He belongs to the order of Modern
Woodmen and is a man highly respected by his
business acquaintances, his neighbors, and by all
who know him.
^^^
ERNHARD I1ARTMA^'\ is prominently
identitied witli the commercial life of Belle-
' villc, being now President of the Star
^^ Brewery Company, and holding the same
position in the Belleville Distillery Company. In
no industry carried on in the city have the advan-
tages of local situation and surroundings been
utilized with more important results than in this
great enterprise. There has been vast improve-
ment made, both in the quality of the product and
the facilities for manufacture, in recent years, and
the process of brewing .and distilling on the mod-
ern plan now requires the investment of large capi-
tal and the employment of a greatly-increased
number of men. This brewing company has a
capital stock of 1100,000 and a surplus of *45,00().
Bernhard Hartmann was born in Ankum, Pro-
vince of Hanover, Germany, May 11, 1840, and is
the son of Dr. Bernhard and Christina (Meyer)
Hartmann, both natives of the Fatherland. AVhen
sixteen years of age, the elder ^Ii . Hartmann went to
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
459
Arasteidam, Holland, and clerked in a dry-goods
store there for eight years. In 1864, lie came to
the United States, locating in Belleville, 111., and
in 1865 started a grocery store in partnership with
his brother, continuing here until 1872, when he
and his brother formed a partnership in the Star
Brewer\-, under the firm name of Hartmann Bros.
In 1881, Mr. Hartmann became sole owner, and
continued tiie business until 1887, when his son
Walter became a partner, the latter being secretary,
treasurer and manager. The capacity of this great
enterprise is annually fifty thousand barrels, and
the owners have recently built a new brewery.
The new plant cost 1200,000, and has an air-line
railway south, extending to the plant of the stock
house. Tills line was built at a cost of $50,000.
The plant is located in North Belleville, on a tract of
twenty-one acres, with two ponds and two artesian
wells. Employment is given to thirty men. One
liundred thousand bushels of malt and fifty thou-
sand pounds of hops are used annually, and the
malt is made on the premises.
The Belleville Distillery Company was organized
in 1888 with our subject as president; Walter, treas-
urer and secretary; and Hubert Hartmann, our sub-
ject's brother, as bookkeeper; and Mr. Emil Seigel
is also on the staff. The capacity is one hun-
dred and fifty thousand bushels of corn, rye
and malt, making seven hundred and fiftj- thou-
sand gallons of spirits, witli internal revenue of
*675,000 per year. The yeast product is four hun-
dred thousand pounds annually, and they have a
capital stock of $47,000. The plant is located on
Main Street, Belleville, and twenty men arc era-
ployed. Mr. Hartmann is also one-third owner
of the Belleville Steel, Iron and Nail Works, the
l)lant of which cost $85,000. He is a Director in
the Sucker State Drill Company, and is a Director
in the Belleville Saving Bank.
On the 4th of March, 1867, Mr. Hartmann was
married to Mrs. Anna Berg, of Belleville, and their
union has been blessed by the birth of the follow-
ing children: Walter; Christiane; Hubert; Bern-
hard, a student in Germany; Hans, in the drug
business; Hermann; Anna; Rolf; and Louise. Mr.
Hartmann has also an extensive ice plant, with a
capacity of twenty-five tons per daj-, and tliree ar-
tesian wells, two at the brewery and one at the
distillery. The bottling establishment is on Main
Street. Our subject is a gentleman whose great
energy and business sagacitj' have largely con-
tributed to the success of the city in this branch
of trade. His liquors are of a high grade, and
are known far and wide for their rich flavor. Sys-
tem in management and merit in goods have se-
cured for the house its position of leadership,
while its ample resources and unsurpassed facili-
ties give every advantage for the successful prose-
cution of the business, which maintains a high
reputation.
j|:h;.'@:h
!l«-^
ipjV,K\'. WILLIAM II. TOMLINS. The sehol-
\^ arly man whose life record we now at-
V tempt to place before the public is the ef-
*^ ficient and well-beloved pastor of the St.
Mary's Mission at East St. Louis, III. The grand-
father of our subject bore the family name of
William and was a native of Gloucestershire, Eng-
land, where he was engaged in coal mining, but
came many years ago to America with his family
and located in the rich valley of Dutchess County,
I N. Y., where he died.
The father of our subject was also named Will-
iam and was born in Gloucestersiiire, England. Ln-
til eighteen years of age he remained in his native
I country, then came to America, and soon bought a
farm at Tomkins Cove, in Rockland County, N. Y.,
I and started in the business of gardening and fiiiit-
' growing. He has become a well-known horticul-
turist, is very much respected in his neighborhood,
and lives in comfort on his beautiful farm. He is
a member of the Episcopal Church.. The mother of
(nirsubject was Jane Armstrong, born in the county
of Tyrone, in the North of Ireland, the daughter of
Robert Armstrong, a farmer in the North of Ire-
land, who came to the United States and located
5 in Rockland County, N. Y., and became a farmer.
His ancestors were of English blood and he was a
member of the Chuich of England until coming
i to America, when ho liecanie an active member of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Protestant Methodist faith and was a local
preacher. Our subject was the eldest in a family
of live children and was born at Fishkill Landing
in Dutchess County, N. Y., January 28, 1848. He
was reared at Tomkins Cove, which is on the Hud-
son, forty miles above New York City.
From the age of seven years until eighteen, our
subject was able to assist his father on the farm.
He attended the common schools, which were
only held about three months in the winter, but
as he was very ambitious he spent his evenings in
reading and study, so that at the age of eighteen
years he received a certificate and taught school in
the old schoolhouse, his first Alma Mater. At the
age of twenty years, he began to prepare for
college and pursued a course of study for one
year under the care of his pastor. Rev. E. Gay. In
1868, he entered St. Stephen's College at Annan-
dale, N. Y., and took a course of five years, gradu-
ating with the degree of A. B. He next entered
the General Theological Seminar}' in New York
City and graduated from that institution in 1876.
Our subject was then made Deacon by Bishop Pot-
ter, and given cliarge of the missionary work at
Stone Ridge and Rosendale, where he built his first
church. It is a beautiful stone structure, and re-
flects great credit upon tlie pastor and tlie parish
which assisted him.
Mr. Tomlins was made a priest in June, 1877,
and was the beloved rector of this charge until
1879. At this time, at the request of Bishop
Seymour, he came to the diocese of Springfield,
111., and was placed in charge of the missionary
work at Mattoon; and iiere, during his pastorate,
an old Baptist Church was bought, renovated,
beautifully fitted up and made ready for the wor-
ship of the members of this parish. Soon afterward,
he accepted a call to St. Paul's Church at Rantoul,
Champaign County, 111., an<l remained there three
years,wheu lie resigned to become rector of St. Paul's
Church at Albion, Edwards County, 111. His pas-
torate there was of three years' duration and then
he was appointed priest in charge of St. Mary's
Mission at East St. Louis, in September, 1886.
Wlien Mr. Tomlins took charge here, he knew
he had undertaken a herculean task. The town
had the name of l)eino' "tough," and of a danger-
ous character, but this earnest man entered upon
his duties boldly and cheerfully, and in a short
time made many friends. He seems to possess the
very qualities needed for successful mission work,
and his heart is in it. In 1888, this good man
secured one hundred and fifty feet on Ohio Avenue
and Sixth Street and there erected a commodious
building, and in 1889 he began service in it. The
earnest pastor had the satisfaction of having it
blessed January 21, 1889, by the r.i>hc.i). It is n
fine mission house and consists «_if a residence for
tlie clergyman, a chapel, and apartments for a
day-school. The beginning here was a little dis-
couraging as he had only a dozen communicants,
but now they number over eighty. Mr. Tomlins'
work is principally among working people and so
broad is his sympathy and so real is his religion,
that he has great influence among those who often
look in vain for real friends.
The subject of this sketch began the editing of
a monthly paper, to be issued in the interest of his
mission. The llist nmnlier appeared in 1887, and
it now h.as a. ciniiLitioii of about one thousand
copies. Mr. Tomlins' life is devoted to his work.
A service is held every day m the year and five
services on Sunday. He gives religious instruc-
tion in the school every day, besides teaching
Latin. Mr. Tomlins has a great assistant in his
life vvork in the person of his estimable wife, whom
he married in Mattoon, 111., in August, 1880. Her
maiden name was Elizabeth C. Booth, and she was
reared and educated in Chicago. Six lovely chil-
dren have come to bless his happy home, who
are as follows: Genevieve Seymour, William
Henry, Cyril Booth, Francis Theion, tieorgo
Osmond and Florence Irene.
Mr. Tomlins holds honored mciiilicrshi|i with
the Free and Accepted Masons ami is iiNo n nu-iii-
ber of the Eastern Star. In his priestly connec-
tion, he belongs to the Confraternity of the Blessed
Sacrament and the Guild of All Souls. Our record
cannot close without repeating that this hard-
working pastor, who has formed the subject of our
writing, has ministered so successfully in his
Master's work because he has gone where most
needed. He has not sought the highest places,
and his past must lie to him a pleasant retrospect,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
revealing to his eyes the changes wrought through
his labors in behalf of the great head of the church,
.lesus Christ.
\IiL_ ON. CHRIST LISCHEK, one of the pronii-
jKj, nent citizens of Mascoutah and an honored
%y<^' pioneer of the county, has long been iden-
i^) titled with the history of this community.
His father, Conrad Lischer, was born in Weingar-
ten, Germany, and came to this country in 1835,
making his first location in Shiloli Valley upon
the Benson farm, where he remained a j-ear. He
tlien removed to tlie Morclock farm, where
lie spent about a year and afterward went to St.
Louis, where he died of the cliolera in July, 1849
his remains being there interred. He left a wife
and two sons. The brother of our subject, Henry
Lischer, is now President of a bank and editor of
a paper of Daven[)ort, Iowa. In 1853, Mrs. Lis-
cher came with her children to Mascoutah, where
her death occurred in 1867.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the
schools of St. Louis and learned the trade of a confec-
tioner,but not finding itcongenial learned the trade
of a carpenter, at which he worked from 1851 until
1865. In 1853, he came to Mascoutah, where he
followed carpentering, and as he was an expert
workman did a good business; but when the war
broke out he laid aside all business cares to enter the
service of his country. He responded to the call of
President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand troops
and joined Company E, Ninth Illinois Infantry,
serving as Orderly-Sergeant. After his first term
liad ('xpircd lie re-enlisted as a member of Company
li, One llinuhed and Forty-fourth Illinois Regi-
ment, serving as First Lieutenant. He was a faith-
ful and valiant soldier, alw.iys found .it his i)ost
of duty.
In the year 1862, Mr. Lischer was married to
Miss Mary Balsz, of St. Louis, Unto them were
liorn four children, three sons nnd a daugh^
ter, all of whom are yet living-, namely' : JuUu
H., Adeline, Louis and George William. The
mother of this family died in 1868. Mr. Lis-
cher afterward married again, his second union be-
with Caroline Freand, who after the death of her
father was reared by her grandmother. Unto them
have been born five children: Charles, Robert,
Beno, Amelia and Peter, all of whom are living.
Mr. Lischer takes considerable interest in civic
j societies. He is a member of the Masonic frater-
I nity, the Odd Fellows' and the Knights of
Honor and has filled all the offices in these various
organizations. In politics he is a supporter of the
Democracy and was the first Mayor of Mascoutah
after the organization of the city. He has filled
the office for three terms with credit to himself
and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He
served as Clerk under the town organizations and
for nine years was a member of the School Board,
proving his friendship to the cause of education
by his efficient service in the interests of the
schools. He has ever borne his part in the up-
building and development of the county's best in-
terests and is a prominent and iufiuential citizen,
highly respected throughout the community, where
he has a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
OSI AH P. HILL. Emerson says"All history is
only biography," and we find this especially
exemplified in the community in wliich Jo-
^J^/-' slab P. Hill resides. Its history is only the
biography of the lives of a few men, chief among
whom is our subject, who resides on section 2,
Praii'ie du Long Township. He was here born May
12, 1828, on the farm which his father entered
from the Government, and he holds a patent for
land signed by four of the Presidents of the U^nited
.States.
In this county Mr. Hill received his education
in a log schoolhouse, common to the early days.
Hard-working and industrious, it was not his priv-
ilege to enjoy the sports to whidi the boys of the
present generation are accustomed. When ready
to establish a home of his own. he was united iu
462
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
marriage with Miss Jane, daughter of Nathaniel
Smith, who came to St. Clair County as earl3- as
1810. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hill have been born
seven children, one of whom died in infancy.
Nathaniel S. is a telegraph operator at Pontiac,
111.; Robert M. lives at Wellington, Kan.; ,)oiin
manages an elevator for the Crown Milling Com-
pany, at Freeburg; Walter M. clerks in a store at
AVcbstcr,Mo.; Mary Jane is the wife of J. M. Jones,
and lives in Pontiac; and Clara A., who married
J. P. Ilolcomb, died a year after marriage, leaving
one son. The mother of these children died De-
cember 22, 1878.
The pleasant home of Mr. Hill is presided over
by his cultured wife, who bore the maiden name
of Martha Livers, and became his wife January 16,
1881. She was born in Monroe County, near Ilar-
risonville, 111., and was the daughter of Joseph
Livers, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to
;Monroe County when a bo}-. By trade he was a
blacksmith, and followed farming in connection
therewith. He was the father of five children, of
whom Mrs. Hill was the first-born. During the early
Indian Wars he served in defense of the Govern-
ment, and was an upright, public-spirited man.
The farm of Mr. Hill comprises one hundred and
sixty acres of fertile land, and in addition to this
he IS the owner of two hundred and forty acres in
Franklin County, which he rents. In religion
he shared the belief of Robert Ingersoll and
Tiiomas Payne. He is a stanch supporter of the
Republican platform, and was one of the four
members of the first Republican convention ever
held in this county. He was a member of theBoaid
of Supervisors for six years, served as Justice of
the Peace for four years, and during the late war
held the position of enrolling officer of the dis-
trict. In 1880, he served as Census Enumerator,
and has filled other local positions of trust and
responsibility. With one exception, he is the old-
est settler in Prairie du Long Township, and has
been a witness to its rapid progress during all the
years of his residence liere, aiding as far as pos-
sible to promote its welfare.
The grandparents of our subject were Jonathan
and Rutli (Majjle) Hill, the former born in New
Jersey, of P^nglish pai'enlage. In earl}- manliood
he moved to Erie County, Pa., where he spent his
remaining years. The children born to himself and
wife were William, who died near Freeburg, this
State; David, father of our subject; Sarah, Jlrs.
Thomas Wright; Jonathan and Henry, deceased;
and Polly, Mrs. Ward. David Hill was born
in Erie County, Pa., March 10, 1794. His father
died when he was a small boy, leaving the mother
with six children to support and educate, although
her means were very limited. With her children,
she removed in 1808 to Illinois, and settled on
Turkey Hill, St. Clair Country. Here she was obliged
to undergo the hardships common to a new countr^^
and at times found it necessary to bar the doors as
protection against wild animals. After a faithful
life, she passed away at the old home.
David Hill married Isabella, daughter of Zach-
ariah Burnett, who came to Illinois from Wa3'ne
County, Ky. The first employment of Mr. Hill was
that of pulling blades of corn in the field which was
afterward the site of the present public square of
Belleville. He served one and one-half years in
the War of 1812, as a member of Jacob Short's
company, which was under Gov. Edwards' com-
mand. Although he had no school advantages in
early life, he was studious and observing, and ob-
tained a practical knowledge that served him to
good purpose. He was a local Methodist preacher
and often appeared before his audiences in his bare
feet. A natural orator and a well-informed man,
he was considered an able expounder of the Gos-
pel and an interesting preacher. He was a good,
conscientious man, and much respected by all who
knew him. He died August 6, 1881, mourned
throughout the community where he so long re-
sided.
The family of which our subject is a member
consisted of sixteen children, the following of
whom grew to maturity and survive: Crawford
A., who lives in Cape Girardeau, Mo.; our subject;
Peter C, whose home is in Benton, 111.; Jane Ann,
wife of Charles Wilderman; and Mary Angeline,
who married Oliver Charles, and lives in Mis-
souri. The deceased are Ruth, wife of Ed
Terrill; Isabella, who died at the age of eigh-
teen; John, wliose deatli occurred wiien sixteen;
David A., wh" was killed in the jMexican
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
463
War in 1847; Henry, who died about 1880; Jona-
tlian, wliose death occurred in Springfield, Mo.,
in February, 1890; and six who died before
reaching maturity. Crawford A. and Peter are
both pensioners of the Civil War. A sister of our
subject's father, while Hying in Erie County, Pa.,
at about the age of three years was carried off by a
panther and partially devoured. A very extended
search was made at the time by the entire neigh-
borhood, but they failed to find the missing child.
A distant neighbor dreamed of the occurrence, and
also of the place where the remains were, and on
a second search being made, the remains were found
under a fallen tree-top. Our subject has some val-
uable old family relics in the way of manuscript
dating back to the beginning of the nineteenth
ccntur\-.
4^
•f^^-*-
^^ llAKLESOROSSMANN. Among the many
(l( ""® farms which attract the stranger's eye
^^i^ in this part of St. Clair County, the
one belonging to the subject of our sketch de-
serves especial mention. The ownerof this pleas-
ant piece of ground is Charles Grossmann, who
is of German birth and extraction. The father
of this gentleman, also named Charles, came to
this country in 1832, having been born in Hesse-
Darmstadt, Germany, in the latter part of the
eighteenth century, and was reared in that conn-
try to a life of toil.
The father of our subject married Miss Klizalielli
Dehn in his native land, and when the family had
been increased by five children, he resolved to
seek a wider field for his offspring than he
had ever found for himself. Hence, in 183-2, he
took the good wife and the five children, Louis,
Margaret, Barbara, George and our suljject, and
sailed awa}' far over the sea to America — so long
ago has this land been the hope of the poor and op-
pressed in other climes. After arriving here, one
more child, Pileanor, was added to the family. Not
at all dismayed at so many little hungry mouths
1<) feed. .Mr, Civossmann and his worthy wife set
to work. They made their way to St. Clair County-
immediately and entered land Of the Government
wliere his son now lives. Here the father be-
gan improvements and worked away until he
owned a fine farm and his children were all com-
fortably off. Mr. Grossmann had -150 when he
reached this country, and that money he expended
for two cows and found he had made no mistake in
so using it. He built the family a house and
made many improvements before his death in
1868.
Our subject was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, in
German}-, June 3, 1832, and was about two weeks
old when he began his travels. His memory of
the long ocean journey is naturally not a very
distinct one, but he well remembers what a wilder-
ness this country was when he became old enough
to notice his surroundings. He can yet see the for-
est and underbrush which were cleared away by his
father, and where now his eyes only note the great
fields of waving yellow grain, or therustlingcorn,
he can, in raemor}', see the primeval forest or the
burned stumps of the beginning of civilization.
His education was necessaril}- of the most limited
kind, and his time was so occupied that if the ad-
vantages had been better, he would scarcely have
had time to enjoy them.
The marriage of our suliject took place in 1-855,
when he was united to Miss Katharine Kelly, who
was a native of Hesse-Darmstadt also. She lived
but eight years, and b}- that time there were five
children, of whom four are still living. They are,
Charles C. and Louis, who live in Smithton Town-
ship;George, who lives in Millstadt Township; and
Lizzie, who is the wife of Charles Veille and livt'S in
this township. Katharine died at the age of three
years. The second marriage of Mr. Grossmann
took place in this county, when he was united to
Miss Katharine Hartman, who was a native of
Pennsylvania. By that marriage there were two
children: Mary, who is the wife of Gustav Ettling,
who conducts the hotel at Floraville; and .Jacob,
who remains at home.
After the demise of the second Mrs. Grossmann,
our subject felt his loneliness, and it was not until
he found the present good woman to occupy his
hcmie that he grew happy again. His present wife
POSTKAIT AND BlOC^KAnilCAL KECORD.
was Mis. Margaret Stahl, (laughter of Philip Joekel,
who was born iu Ilesse-Darmstadt, the old home
of her husband, and came here iu 1854. This
marriage took place December 6, 1875, and two
children have resulted from this union, William
Frederick and Jolin II., who arc at home. The
farm of Mr. Grossmanu consists of two hundred
and forty acres, all well improved and now under
the best cultivation. On this land he raises corn,
oats and potatoes, but wheat is the principal crop.
The family of 3Ir. Grossmaun are member? of the
Evangelical Church, and give it their endorsement
and support. lie is also a member of the George-
town Treubund, and he has held the oflice of
Deputy Master of the lodge. Politically, Mr.
(4iossniann is a Pepiil)lican and believes that a
proi)er following of tlic principles of that party
will lead the country into the greatest prosperity.
.^#^^--,-^_.
fl\ ICIIAEL IIAKUULD, Superintendent of the
i\\ East ,St. LOuis Electric Street Railroad Com-
lii pan_y,fllls his responsible position in a man-
ner that reflects credit upon himself and
the oompan}-. He is a native of the P^merald
Isle, born in County Limerick on the 28th of Jan-
uary, 1865, and his father, Thomas Harrold, as
well as his grandfather, John Harrold, were natives
of the same place. The latter was a comfortable
farmer in his native country, and there passed his
entire life.
Thomas Harrold followed in the footsteps of his
ancestors, who for man}- generations had been
farmers, and tilled the soil with fair success dur-
ing his daj-s. He married Miss Kate Long, who
was also a native of County Limerick, and their
union was l)lessed l)y tlie birth of eight children,
all of whom are now living,but only one in Amer-
ica. The parents were highly respected in their
native county and were identified with the Cath-
olic Church.
The original of this notice, who w;i,s tlio ilijrd
in order of birlliof ihc abovo-mciitioncd cliildrcn,
w»s reared on a funo udjiniiliiy the town of >i'e\v.
castle West, and was trained to the duties of the
farm at an earl^- age. He attended .school in his
native country, secured a good, practical educa-
tion, and iu 1883 crossed over to this side of the
Atlantic, leaving Queenstown in the spring of that
year. After reaching New York Cit}', he was em-
ployed at the wharves for three years, and in 1886
he came to St. Louis, where he began working for
the Union Depot Street Railway Company as a
conductor. He continued in that capacity for
over four years, and was there when the electric
cars first came into use. Being thoroughly con-
versant with the different branches of the road,
he was sent to East St. Louis by the company as
superintendent in charge and manager of the
street railwa\'.
Our subject was the first superintendent ap-
pointed to operate the road and was elected to
that position in February, 1891. He is a most
capable man for the position, thoroughly under-
stands every detail connected witii it. and is
wide-awake and thorough-going. He is a member
of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, contributes lib-
erally' to its support, and in polities is a stalwart
Democrat. In all public enterprises he takes a
leading part, and he is recognized by all as a first-
class citizen.
eHARLES :MAUER. One of the most suc-
cessful men in the hardware line in East St.
Louis is the original of this sketch, who
was born at Freeport, 111., March 28, 1853, and
was the son of C. F. Mauer, born in the Province
of Saxony, Germany, where he followed the trade
of a baker. Tiie father married there and came to
America in 1818, going to Freeport, where he re-
m.ained until about 1856; then he went to Bloom-
ington, 111., and began his trade, but died there in
1863. The mother of our subject was Elizabeth
Ledevman, born in Germany, who, after the death
of her husband, took the fninil,v to Pelyli), >vhefesUe
now resides.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
Our subject was the second youngest in a family-
of live children, and was reared in the towns of
Peiiin and Bloomington until 1870. There he re-
ceived a good common-school education, and
when eleven years of age was put to learn the
trade of a tinsmith, but at sixteen he decided to
become a miller and worked at this for two years;
subsequently, in the fall of 1870, coming to St.
Louis, he immediately found employment. In the
■spring of 1871, he crossed the Mississippi .i.;;;'.
weT.'u into iiic SSyuCy or C. ilaiiss, of East St.
I.ouis, with whom he remained until 1878.
^Ir. Mailer then started in business for himself
on ColiinsviUe Avenue with a stock of hardware
and tinware, and here he has been in business since,
and has been so successful that in 1883 he built
the brick block he now occupies. It is 30x100
feet and has two stories with basement and eleva-
tor. In his immense tin shop, he employs a num-
ber of men, and in 1891 he started a branch store
in Madison. He is a stockholder in the First Na-
tional Bank, a man of wealth, owning valuable
real estate, and in 1892 laid out the Charles Mauer
Addition to East St. Louis. Mr. Mauer was mar-
ried in St. Louis County, Mo., to Miss A. H. Luge,
who is a native of St. Louis County, and they
have two children, Charles and Edward. Although
A stanch Democrat in his political convictions, he
is not aggressive, and socially is a member of the
Knights of Pythias. Mr. Mauer is well known as
a good citizen, and as such receives the respect of
the community.
If OIIN MAULE. This gentleman is President
of the Maule Coal Company at Belleville,
which was incorporated with a capital stock
_ of $10,000 and has the following officers:
-Toiiii Maule, President; Frank Maule, Vice-pres-
ident and Treasurer; and Pobert Maule, Superin-
tendent and Manage)-. He also belongs to the
National Coal Company, which has a capital stock
of -i^lO.OdO and the same officers.
,l<iliM. .M:iii|i' was bom iu Clackiii:unianshire,.lan-
837, and passed his childhood years in
ire, Scotland. His parents, Alexander
net (Hall) Maule, died when he was veiy
iiaiv ,T,
Stirliiiu'!
and Mar
young, and he was, therefore, obliged to l)e self-
supporting fri^ni an early age. He came to the
I'nitcd States in 1851, and began working in a co.al
mine five miles from St. Louis, Mo., where he con-
tinued for twelve years. In 1863, he went to
CaseyviHe,on the Ohiocfe Mississippi Railroad, and
oi)oniiig 111) a mine began operating for himself.
.\f ter remaining there seven years, he sold the mine
and sunk another on the Vandalia Railroad, which
he named the Abbej- Mines. He became a large oper-
ator, employing one hundred and twenty-five men
and shipping twenty-five carloads of coal every day.
He had the first large mine there, and was very
successful until he sold out to the railroad in 1868.
His next venture was that of sinking a mine to a
depth of five hundred feet, but he failed to get
coal.
In 1868, Mr. Maule came to Bellevilleand opened
a mine on the Pittsburg Road, mainly for the local
market. After exhausting the coal supply there,
he sunk a mine on the Belleville & Carondelet
Railroad, in 1886. This is known as the Maule
Mine and has a slope entrance, with all running
machineiy. He has an annual lease of one hundred
and ten acres, and furnishes coal for the largest
furnaces of Belleville. He supplies the railroad
from the Belleville Steel Works to Cairo, and the
Short Line Railroad, the former consuming five
thousand bushels a day, with two locomotives and
one hundred and forty-six cars. This plant repre-
sents *7o,000, although it is capitalized at $100,000.
The National Mine is about one-fourth of a mile
west of the Maule, and is a shaft on the Belleville
it Carondelet Railroad, with complete equipments
for shaft mining. The Maule mine is operated by
compressed air and runs a railroad to all parts,
hauling fifteen hundred feet with a cable wire.
The company has offices and 3^ards at No. 17 Clark
Avenue, and also in East St. Louis. Our subject
divides his time between his two places of business,
making his home in Belleville.
The career of Mr. ]\Iaule has in many respects
l)een a lemarkablc one. and fuiiiishes an illustra-
tion of the power of infliisliy. Witliouf friends,
22
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and without even five cents in his pocket, he
came to Belleville, where now he is one of the
most prosperous citizens. He owns real estate in
the city, probably to the amount of »i25,000, which
do(>s not include his fine brick residence at No. 415
Franklin Avenue.
Mr. Maule first married Miss Margaret Archibald,
of Scotland, born near Stirling, he having sent for
her to his old home. She died in Augus^r^^^O^
leaving four children, as follows: Maggie, wife of
.lolin Doan, of St. i>ouis; .Jeaunette, wife of Fairly
Nelison, of St. Louis; Francis and Robert. After-
ward, Mr. Maule married Sarah Wandless, of
Casey ville, 111. Tiiey have six children: Elizabeth,
wife of George Roth of this city; William, Alex-
ander, James, Eugene and Arthur. TJiey are
highly respected members of the Presbyterian
Church, and he is a member of the Ancient Order
of United Workmen and the Knights of Honor.
He has been Alderman for the Third Ward and
was appointed by the Governor State Exam-
iner of Mines of Illinois. Here is an example
where honest, thrifty industry has obtained its
deserved reward.
EORGE SCHROEUER. The subject of the
(—^ present notice is an enterprising j'oung man,
■'I located at No. 919 Illinois Avenue, East St.
Louis, where he manufactures those necessities of
hot weather, soda and mineral waters, and conducts
a Weiss beer brewery. He was born in St. Louis,
.Tune 20, 1866, and his father was Edward Schroc-
der, a native of Germany, who came to America
when a young man and located in St. Louis,
starting the business wiiich the son carries on. Two
partners were first connected with him, but ulti-
mately he bought flioni out and conducted the
business successfully alone. Afterward selling
out here, he went to Cairo and started the same
industry, but finally disposed of his plant there
and returned to St. Louis, and in 1867 came to
East St. Louis, becoming tlic originator of llie soda
and mineral water business in this place. Starting
from the l)ottom, he worked himself right up by
that perseverance which belongs to his race. The
worthy father died in -July, 1887, in the fifty -third
year of his age.
The mother of our subject was Mary Keiuders,
born in Germany, the daughter of Prof. August
Reinders, who was a teacher in his European houu'.
l)ut who led a retired life after coming to East St.
fotriS. . Jler !i>'>l.u,<l died in tlus rity. but she still
lives here and is a Mieml)er ol the I atliolii' Chuicli.
C)ur subject was the second eldest in a family of
four children, and was reared in East St. Louis,
attending the public school here, and then was sent
to the Washington University for three years.
From a bo}' he was familiar with the details of his
father's business, and on the latter's death took
charge of it, conducting it for the family under the
Hrns name of E. Schroeder & Co. Mr. Scliroeder
was the manager, and in 1892 bought the entire
interest out, and has since conducted it alone. In
1889 he put in improvements and engaged in the
manufacture of Weiss beer. The plant has steam
power and is in everj^ way the largest and best
equipped in the city for that business. His building
is 35x85 feet, and has two stories. His marriage
took place in June, 1890, with Miss Bertha Schaub,
daughter of George Schaub, a hardware merchant
in this cit}'. One little one has come to brighten
his home, a daughter, Viola. Mr. Schroedi-i is ;i
Democrat in his political opinions, and is possessed
of a laudable ambition to make asuccessof his life
in all that goes to make up a worthy manhood.
vsp;; MANUEL WEBB is the son of Henry and
1^ Louisa (Spiecer) Webb, who were both born
;'j' — ^ in the village of Barlej^ Hill, Staffordshire,
England. The birth of Emanuel Webb occurred
in Caseyville, Ky., on the 8tli of February, 1844,
and he now m.akes his home in Caseyville Town-
ship, 111. His father grew to manhood in his na-
tive town and received his education in the com-
mon s<;liools. As Ills parents were vej'y poor he was
PORTRAIT AND IJIOGRAPmCAL RECORD.
obliged in early life to coramenee to work at bard la-
bor, and as tlie3' lived in a mining district, be tbere-
fore commenced working in tbe coal mines, which
occupation he followed during his stay in Eng-
land. In 1840, he set sail upon the broad Atlantic
for America and after landing in the United States
went lirsl to reunsylvauia, where be remained for
a time and afterward removed to Kentucky. lie
was engaged in coal min!;;^ all his life, and after
j^tayni!^ ^'^j: gynje time in the last-named State, re-
moved to Illinois, where he worked in the coal
mints of different parts of tbe State. lie w;is mar-
ried in Pennsylvania, to Miss Spiecer, and unto
tliem were born seven children, two of whom sur-
vive: Elizabeth, the wife of J. F. Humstead, and
our subject. Ills death occurred about the year
18r)4, and bis wife was again married this lime to
Peter Brown. She lived until Christmas Day of
18!)1, when she passed away at the age of sixty-nine
years.
Emanuel Webb lived under tbe parental roof
until be bad grown to manhood. In 1865, he
started in tbe coal mines and for ten years labored
there. He purchased a farm of twenty-four acres
in 1875 with the means which, by strict economy
and frugality, he had carefully saved from bis
wages, lie has carried on tiie business of farming
for many years with good success. In 1881. he
entered tbe general merchandising business with
P. Gaven, and has since been very successful.
On tbe 17th of November, 1870, Mr. Webb was
united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Muilberger, a
daughter of Louis and Louisa Muilberger. Mrs.
Webb departed this life on the 27tb of July, 1871.
Our subject was again married, in 1875, Miss Sarah
Mowe, who was a daughter of William and Lucy
Mowe, becoming his wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Webb
have been born five children: Ida B., Albert, Emily
L., William E. and Henry C.
Mr. AVebb has alwa.ys been a friend to education
and is a firm believer in the efficacy of good
schools and the best of teachers. He has given bis
children the best educational advantages, and has
served as School Treasurer of the township since
1887. Socially, be is a member of Casey ville
Lodge No. 12(;, 1. O. (). F., and in ISC:, bccnnie ;i
member of Lodge No. 43, of Cullin^vinc. \\,\\\\-
cally, be is an advocate of llie Democratic party.
He is truly a self-made man, having risen from the
lowest rounds of life, financially considered, to bis
present measure of success and prosperity. He has
always fulfilled tiie duties of citizenship in a faith-
ful manner <i;.u is a loyal citizen of this com-
munity. For many years, he has been a respected
and highly-esteemed resident of this county, and
by his integrity and genial friendliness lias made
a host of friends.
) ^€^^i'^i"i^llE^i^<
ICHOLAS STAUB, who owns and operates
two hundred and fifty acres of land on sec-
'11^ tion 35, Sbilob Valley Township, is a na-
tive of France. He was born in Alsace in 1840,
and is a son of Stephen and Mary (Stuner) Staub,
who were also natives of tbe same locality, the
former born in 1813, and tbe latter in 1817. The
paternal grar.dpaients of our subject were John
and Emma (Weaver) Staub, farming people of
France. Under the parental roof tbe father of our
subject grew to manhood, and on attaining his
majority be married Miss Stuner, then eighteen
years of age. Her parents were Nicholas and Mary
( De Rush) Stuner. I n the Staub family were eight
children, Nicholas being the eldest. August is tbe
second in order of birth; Stephen and Daniel are
both deceased; Rosa is the wife of Peter Young;
and Jacob, John and Peter complete the family.
It was in 1850 that Stepiien Staub came to Amer-
ie;i. He left his family in tbe Fatherland until
tlie following year, wlicn, having made prepara-
tions for a home, lie was joined by his wife and
children. He first rented land, as be was in lim-
ited circuir. stances, but afterward purchased a farm,
upon which he resided for twelve years. In tbe
autumn of 1863, he came with his family to this
county, but was not long permitted to enjoy his
new home, his death occurring in 1865. His wife
yet survives him, and is now living in Mascoutah
Township. He was a member of the Catholic
Clnucii.
With Ills iwrciils, Niciiohis Stnuli came to Amer-
470
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ica. In the spring of 1863, he sought a home in
St. Clair Couut\-, and during the succeeding sum-
mer worked by the mouth as a farm hand. It was
through his influence that the famil.v came to this
ccunUy. llis boyhood days were quietly passed in
the usual manner of farmer lads and Ls remained
with his mother until his marriage, which was cele-
brated in 1872, Miss Mary, daughter of John and
Elizabeth (Stern) Biebel, becoming his wife. The
lady IS a native of St. Clair County, but her parents
were both born in Alsace, France. Having emi-
grated to this country, they became pioneer settlers
of St. Clair County of 1842.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Staub has been
blessed with a family of seven children, five sons
and two daughters, namely: Marshall, Edward,
Theodore, Cornelia, Alfred, Anna andlrvin. The
family circle j'ct remains unbroken and the chil-
dren are still under the parental roof. They have
a pleasant and comfortable home upon a farm of
two hundred and fifty acres in Shiloh Valley Town-
ship. Mr. Staub is a representative farmer who,
by his good management, enterprise and persever-
ance, has overcome the obstacles in his path and
gained a comfortable competence. His success is
well merited, and he is now numbered among the
substantial agriculturists of the community. In
religious belief, he is a Catholic, and exercises his
right of franchise in support of the Democratic
iiartv.
^P^ HRISTIAN G. RUEMMLKR. In order to
|l( attain success in business, it is required of
^^!' a man that he possess sound discretion,
acute perception and good judgment. Men who
possess these qualities put their character into
every work they may enter upon, and are among
the most powerful agents in the progress of their
community. It is of such a man that we write, a
man who, although commencing in life poor and
without friends, has become well-to-do- tlinnigh
the exercise of tii(>se traits of character. A I the
present time, Mr. Uuemmler is proinieloi' of a
hotel in the village of Darmstadt, and in addition
is doing etflcient service as Postmaster.
The birthplace of our subject is in St. Louis
Mo., and the year of his birth IS'oS. He is the son
of Alexander and ]>ora Ruemmler, of whom fur-
ther mention is made in the sketch of the former,
presented on another page of this volume. In his
youth he^aft&ncie*^ t,he common and private schools
of St. Louis and remainetr V,'ith his father until he
attained his majority. When fourteen'^'eiii'S " .1
he entered his father's ihoe store, and learned the
trade of a shoemaker, which he followed for three
years. Afterward he engaged as a teamster for
five years, subsequent to which he learned the trade
of a painter and followed that occupation for thir-
teen years. Afterward he cmliarked in his present
business, in which, as already stated, he has met
with excellent success.
The lady who June 12, 187(5, became the wife
of Mr. Rueinm.ler was known in maidenhood as
Elizabeth Reuss, and was one of two daughters
born to William and Cornells (Scheckdanz) Reuss,
her sister being Augusta, wife of George Erb.
When she was very young she was orphaned b^'
the death of her mother, after which she was taken
into the home of her aunt, where she grew to
womanhood. She is a lady of many excellent
qualities of heart and mind, and is universally es-
teemed. Two of the seven children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Ruemmler died in infancy, and the sur-
vivors are Alexander, Jr.; Christian, Jr.; Charles,
Mary and Adam.
The growing village of Darmstadt counts Mr.
Ruemmler as one of its most enter[)rising citizens,
and its progress is due in no small measure to his
untiring labors. Besides the property where he
resides, he owns eight lots in the village, namely:
lots 13, 14 and 15 in the Mill Compan}' Addition,
and lots 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 in George P. Roth-
meier's Addition. He is quite prominent among
the Republicans of the community, and beside
the position of Postmaster wiiich lie now holds,
has filled other offices of trust. In his social
connections, he is identified with the Hum-
boldt Lodge No. 15, U. O. T. B., and is also a mem-
ber of a German order called the Sick Beneficial
A>sociatioii, was Secretary of the Heading Societv
'Cod. y. _A^^7^^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
473
for four years, and the Eathney Loan Association
of St. Louis. In his religious preference, he is .at-
tached to the doctrines of the Lutheran Church and
.a faitliful member of the denomination.
1^^@![
^^ HARLES THOMPSON .lONES is one of
(r. „ the prominent and influential men of East
^^'J St. Louis, and has done his full share
toward the improvement and development of the
city since his residence here. He is superinten-
dent of the St. Louis Stock Yards, an enterprise
in which much pride is felt by every resi-
dent, and discharges the duties of that position
in an able and satisfactory manner.
Mr. .Tones was born at Dover Plains, Dutchess
County, N. Y., on the 7th of November, 1850, is
of Welsh descent and belongs to an old and prom-
inent Eastern family. His father, Jarvis .Tones,
was also a native of Dutchess County, N. Y.', and
the grandfather was a farmer in that county all
his life. He served in the War of 1812. Like his
father, .Tarvis .Tones became a prominent agricul-
turist, but in connection therewith he was engaged
in the dairy business until 1873, when he sold out
and entered the emplo.y of the New York Condensed
Milk Comp.any, the largest enterprise of the kind in
the world. His son-in-law was superintendent of all
the factories, six in number, and he himself be-
came general foreman. He resided in the Empire
State until his death, in 187G. He was a worthy
and consistent member of the Methodist Church,
and in politics was alfiliated witli the Republican
'I'iie mother of our subject bore tlic maiden
name of .Tulia Tliompson, and was born in
New Yoi'k State. Her father, Jarvis Thompson,
was also a native of New York and of Scotcli de-
scent. He was engaged in farming and the dairy
business quite extensively, having over one hun-
dred cows. Mrs. .Tones is now seventy j'ears of
age and makes her home in New York. The
three daughters and two sons born to this union
were as foUows: (iiiliert, wlm was killed on the
New York & Harlem Railroad when twenty
six years of age; .Tennie (Mrs. Bishop), of Was-
saic, N. Y.; Alice (Mrs. Hermans), of Carpenter-
ville. 111.; and Ida, who resides in Wassaic, N. Y.
The third in order of birth of these children,
our subject became familiar with the arduous
duties of the farm at an early date, and assisted
his father on the same until eighteen years of
age. He received good educational advantages,
being graduated at Dover when seventeen years of
age, and was naturally possessed of a bright, ac-
tive mind. When eighteen years of age, he went
to Albany, N. Y., and there learned the carpen-
ter's trade. It was arranged that his wages should
be lift}' cents a day, but when ()ay day came he
received $1..50 per day for his services, and at
the end of a year he was receiving $3.
After remaining in Albany for one year, Mr.
.Tones was sent to East Buffalo by his employers,
who were organizers of the stockyards in East St.
Louis. He was to build an addition to their
yard in East Buffalo, and he there remained for
one year. Returning to Albany, he remained
there until June, 1871, when he was sent by his
company to East St. Louis. He had charge of
the carpenter work and laid out the yards and at-
tended to other necessar}' matters. In the fall of
1873, the yards were opened and he then became
superintendent of the hog department, serving
in that capacit}' for two years. After that he was
general foreman until 1877, when he became su-
perintendent of the entire yards. Since then these
yards have increased in importance and are now
the third in size in the world. About one hun-
dred and twenty-five men are employed during
the entire year and an immense amount of work is
done.
Mr. Jones owns consideralile real estate in the
city. including an attractive and pleasant residence
at No. 900 Pennsylvania Avenue. He is a stock-
holder and Director in the East St. Louis Street
Car Companj' and is a member of the Second
Mutual Building & Loan Association. He has
been employed longer in the stock yards than
any other man and is popular with all. On the
23d of September, 1874, Miss Patience Smith, a
native of Chicago, III., became his wife. Her fa-
i'ORTRAIT AND mOGRAPlIICAL RECORD.
tlier was killed in the array. Four children have
been born to this union: Clyde, Jessie A., Earl T.
and Reine C. Mr. Jones is a Rojal Arch Mason
and a member of the Owl Club. In politics, he is
a Democrat, but does not aspire to office. He has
been a delegate to county and State conventions.
1^-'
^^i, ATHAN S. ROBERTSON is a native of this
I jj county and resides on section 3, Prairie du
IL,i^ Long Township. He is the son of Joel
Robertson, who was born in St. Clair County about
five miles west of where our subject at present re-
sides. John Robertson, grandfatlier of Nathan S.,
was born in Peunsj'lvania, and came to this county
in a very early day, where he boi'e his share in re-
deeming the If.nd from its wild state. Joel Rob-
ertson was reared and educated in this county,
and when he attained to manhood engaged in
farming pursuits, coming in 1847 to tlie place
where his son now lives. He purchased the home-
stead of Thomas Temple and also entered forty
acres of Government land. He took to himself a
partner for life in the person of Elizabeth, daugli-
ter of Michael vSraith, the latter also an earl3' set-
tler of the county. The result of tliis union was
one child, Nathan S.
Joel Robertson was a Deacon in the Baptist
Church, in which he was an active worker, always
giving of his time and money to the cause. His
wife died February 8, 185.5, and he followed her
on August 28111 of the same year, leaving a void
in the community which was deeijly felt, not only
by the church in which he had been .so prominent,
l)ut in the social and business circles, where he had
been an example of rectitude and probity.
July 20, 1835, was the natal da^' of our subject,
and he was born about four miles south of Mill-
stadt, in this county, and there he spent his chdd-
hood days until twelve or thirteen years of age.
At that time he removed to the place where he
now lives, and which has since been his home.
His marriage with Miss Deborah, the daughter of
Hobert Higgins, occurred August 24,1856. She
was also a native of Prairie du Long Township,
and since llicir marriage they have remained here.
Of their fiuii' ehildri'n, three are still living, James
O. having died at the age of two years. Those
living are, Charles C, who is mariied and resides
on his father's place; Cynthia A., the wife of
Thomas McOuyre, who makes her home in Ben-
ton, Franklin County, 111.; and (Lnra ().. who lives
at home.
Of the one hiuidred and seventy-nine acres
owned by ^Ir. Robertson, one hundred and fifteen
are finely iniindvcd find kept in the highest state
of culliv;iliiiii. :inil are devoted mostly to the
growing of cereals, wheat and corn being the prin-
cipal crops. Mr. Robertson is a member of the
Baptist Church, as are also his wife and daughter,
Cynthia. .Sociallj-, he is a member of the Farmers'
Mutual Benefit Association, and of Lodge No.418,
F. it A. M., at Freeburg, in which latter he has
served as Steward. In ijolitical matters, he affili-
ates with the Democratic party, and has given
much of his time and substance to aid in further-
ing the principles of that party. He has held the
[losition of School Director, and has also served as
Trustee of the township, in both of which offices
he has fulfilled all that was expected of him by
his friends and neighbors, and has proved himself
worthy of all trust reposed in him.
^7, NDREW STOLBERC. St.
(©/Llli abounds in a fine class of far
Clair County
11 abounds in a fine class of farmers, wlic) have
I 1) given to this part of the State an excellent
^ reputation, and have been of hel[) in
liuilding up its commercial and agricultural inter-
ests. The subject of this sketch resides on section
ll,Sniithton Township, and is the son of John
M. Stolberg, who was born in Germany and came
to this countiy with his parents when a boy. They
made their first settlement in liellcvilie. III., whore
they engaged in t';iiMiinii. mikI iiciu which place
John M. Stolberg married Klizaliclli ('r;imer, who
W!is the daughter of a farmer.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
475
John M. Stolberg had ten children, seven of
whom are still living. After his marriage, he
lived on his father's place for ten years and then
bought the farm which has descended to our sub-
ject. This consists of two hundred and twenty-
five acres, on which John M. put the most of the
improvements. He and his wife are both living
in Belleville, retired from active labor. .lohn M.
Stolberg understood agriculture and made a great
deal of money upon the property-, and also upon
two farms which he owns in Missotiri. Altogether
he owns over seven hundred acres of land.
The birth of our subject took place in lielle-
ville. III., in 1861, but he was reared upon tiie
farm and has lived upon it ever since coming to
it. His marriage occurred in the fall of 1889,
with Miss Annie Ileberer, who was the daughter
of Henry Ileberer, an early settler of this county.
One beautiful little daughter, Hilda, has come to
bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stolberg.
Our subject grows mucli grain, but has also
raised some fine hogs and has a fine herd of Gal-
lowaj' cattle. He is now farming three hundred
acres of land for his father. Politically, IMr. Stol-
berg is a Democrat in his views on public ques-
tions, but is very liberal and only desires to do
his duty as a citizen. The father of our subject
is known throughout tiie county as a successful
agriculturist, and there is no doubt but that Mr.
Stolberg, Jr., will keep up the enviable reputation
of his sire.
eHARLES ECKERT, one of the men who
have made a success of farming and grain-
raising in this favored part of the State of
Illinois, is the gentleman whose name opens this
article, and who resides on section 23, Millstadl
Township, in St. Clair County.
Nicholas Eckert, the father of our subject, was
born in Hesse-Darmstadt in Germany, in the year
1805 and there he lived and carried on a successful
trade as shoemaker. He was one of the early set-
tlers from his countiv who came to America and
took part in the war with Mexico. It was in the
year 1848 that he came into St. Clair County, 111.,
and settled on the place where our subject now
lives. Here he passed his days and died in April,
1888, leaving a family of three children to mourn
his decease. They were: Catherine, who now is a
widow; Elizabeth, the wife of John Kalbtleisli, and
the subject of these lines.
Our subject was born February 8, 1848, on the
place which has been his happy home for so many
years. He was reared here, attending the district
schools in winter, and was early initiated into the
mysteries of farm life, and no doubt became as tired
of the "chores" as have many other farmer lads.
His marriage took place December 25, 1870, to Miss
Caroline Henneke, who was the daughter of Chris-
tian Henneke, who had come to America in 1852.
After this important event, Mr. and Mrs. Eckert
set up their household goods on the place where
they have lived ever since, never having had occa-
sion to make an}^ of those changes which break up
old friendships and old associations to a degree
that those who have never been called upon to
endure them cannot understand. Of the five chil-
dren born to them those gone before were
named Louisa and Nicholas; and those who
now fill the parental hearts with pleasure are:
Charles, a manly boj- of eighteen; Otto who is ten
and promises to be as fine a young man as his
brother; and their sister Caroline, a maiden of
sixteen.
The fine farm of Mr. Eckert consists of one hun-
dred and ninety-nine acres of good land, and as he
has adopted all of the latest methods in the culti-
vation of it, the yield of grain, particularly wheat,
is wonderful. He has good and substantial build-
ings, a fine residence and barns, and all that he
requires to be happ3' and contented. He has made
the most of the improvements on this place himself,
and takes a pride in seeing what lie has accom-
plished.
In his political views, our subject is a stanch Re-
publican, devoted to the success of that party both
in local and National affairs, and ever anxious to
cast his ballot for the candidates selected by that
party.
Sociallv, Mr. Eckert is a valued and active mem-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ber of Millstadt Lodge No. 567 I.O. 0. F., and also
belongs to the Millstadt Treubund. He believes
these orders do much good in various waysand his
presence is always welcome among his brethren.
lu his church relations our subject has long been
a member of the Evangelical LuUieran Church, and
he has always been a liberal supporter of Gospel
work. He is a good man and one whose departure
from his accustomed places in public or private life
would be sadly felt.
■^1
im-
ENRY KNEWITZ. We take pleasure in
representing within tliis volume a member
of one of the leading* pioneer families of
St. Clair County, and one who has done
much to promote the interests and welfare of his
communit}'. Henry Knewitz was born on tlie farm
where he now lives in the j^ear 1841, the son of
Gerhard, and Mary (Schneider) Knewitz, the
former of whom was born in Prussia in 1811, and
the latter in Bavaria in the year 1817.
Gerhard Knewitz was reared on a farm, and in
compliance with the exceedingl}^ strict laws of
the Fatherland, his parents gave him all the
advantages afforded by a good common-school
education. After leaving school he aided his
father and adopted the occupation of a farmer
as his life calling, having no desire to become a
tradesman. As soon as he attained an eligible age
he entered the ranks of the German army, and
there studied tlie tactics of war for six 3'ears. After
leaving the army he returned to liis parents, witii
tlie idea of settling near them and pursuing the
even tenor of his way as liis father had <li)ne before
him.
One of the truest sayings handed down to us
by a most illustrious man of letters is that, '' Man
proposes and God disposes." Soon after his return
from army life, Gerhard Knewitz found that the
tide of emigration had set in very strongly near
his paternal home, and, becoming imbued with the
spirit of enterprise himself, he bade good-bye to the
Fatherland and sailed for the riiited States in
1838. He settled in Lenzburg, St. Clair County, and
very soon after his arrival in tliis country bought
a fort^'-acre tract of land, on which he l)uilt a
house, and devoted his attention to agriculture
and stock-raising. Industry, thrift, patience, per-
severance, and economy all go a long way toward
making the hill of fortune easy to rlunb, and, being
possessor of these desiraMc < hai.K tcristics, Gerhard
Knewitz carved his way ahuig the rugged road to
fortune, and with the indomitable will that ever
succeeds, soon increased his modest possession of
forty acres to that of four hundred acres.
In 1839 (Terhard Knewitz married Miss Mary,
daughter of Peter and Barbara Schneider, an es-
timable lady and one calculated in every way to
prove the helpmate that a man in his circumstances
needed. The result of this union was eight chil-
dren, four of whom died in infancv, the others
being: Henry, subject of our sketch; Gerhard;
Barbara, who is deceased; and Mary, also deceased.
Mrs. Knewitz died in 1855, leaving a wide and
sincere circle of friends to mourn her loss. Mr.
Knewitz married again. In 1856, his second wife
being Miss Catherine Baer, who departed this life in
1861.
(ierhard Knewitz had earned a competence as
one of the early settlers in this township, and to the
honorable acts of his life was added the approval
of his fellow-men. He departed this life in 1877,
and is remembered as an upright citizen, a loving
father, and a man whose character in every respect
was worthy of emulation. He was a Republican in
politics, but sought no distinction at the hands of
his party. He always ad liered to the religious be-
lief of his early training and was a member of
the Lutheran Church.
Students of human nature tell us that to learn of
a man's ancestors is to learn whnl Inline years are
likely to develop as the man'scharacteil.siics. The
gentleman with whose name we opened this sketch
had parents to be proud of. A native of St. Clair
County in its early days, he enjoyed the educa-
tional advantages to be obtained in the old log
schoolhouse, the first institution of learning built
in this district. He afterwards attended the com-
mon schools of the vicinity. He remained with
his parents until his marriage, which occurred when
I/^>^
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RL5 DENLF or PETER M 1 LLER , S EC e TREEBURG TP,ST CLAIR CO. ILL
RESIDENCE OF HENRY KNEWITZ , 5CC.1G .LENZBURG TP.,ST. CLAI R CO., I LL.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPfflCAL RECORD.
470
he was twenty-three years old, his bride being
Miss Wilhelmina, Baer, a diiughter of Jac-ob and
Wilhelinina (Kiihlman) Baer. To this union wore
born four eiiildren, two of whom died in infancy,
the others being Mrs. H. Williams and Josephine
M. Henry Knewitz and wife are well-known
members of the Lutheran Church, which body
has enjoyed the support of himself, his father
and grandfather. He is a Republican in politics,
and has received from the hands of his party the
position of Tax Collector of the township, in
which capacity he served three successive terms.
He has also officiated as School Treasurer several
times. He is to-day the possessor of two hundred
and sixty acres of land, part of which he inherited
from his father, and to which he has added by his
own industry and toil. He resides on the old
liomestead, and ranks among the citizens of this
eiiininunity wliom tlie younger generation may
safely adopt as exiimplcs.
-^^-
\1^^ETER MH.LEK. Tliis successful farmer re-
I Jjj sides on section 6, Freeburg Township,
'\f^ where he has over two hundred acres of fer-
li, tile land and a beautiful home, which is a
model of comfort and elegance. He is the son of
Michael Miller, one of the early settlers of the
county, and was born on the old homestead, one
and one-half miles nortii of Belleville. He was
but a small boy when his fatheV moved to Smithton
Township. His education was commenced in the
district schools of St. Clair County and was finished
at the school of the Christian Brothers, in St. Louis.
In 1864 occurred the marriage of I'eter Miller
to Miss Barbara Foirot, wlio was born in Lorraine,
France, and was foiu'teen years old when she came
to this country. Her father, Xavier Poirot, fol-
lowed tlfe trade of a shoemaker in the Old Country,
but after emigrating to America engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits, and still lives, having reached
the advanced age of eighty-six years. After mar-
riage oiu' subject located where he now lives, on
Turkey Hill, one of the most beautiful locations in
the neighborhood. In 1887, he built the handsome
residence which now adorns the place and he has
added other improvements when desirable. He
and- his wife are the parents of two children:
Marshall, who married Miss Hermena Stiehl and
lives on his father's farm, and Stella, wlio is at
home.
Tlie farm belonging to Mr. Miller contains two
hundred and forty-eight acres, all of which is un-
der a high state of cultivation. He carries on gen-
eral farfliing and stock-raising, and devotes mudi
of his time to the breeding of fine Norman horses,
for which he has a wide reputation. He is an ar-
dent supporter of all good enterprises, and is a
member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association,
of which he is a general organizer and a very ac-
tive worker. He has been a member of the Grange
for eighteen years and holds the office of Master
in the Subordinate Lodge and in Pomona Grange
of St. Clair County. Politically, he is a strong
Democrat, and an energetic supporter of party
measures. He is often called upon to m.ake speeches
in tiie campaigns, and his eloquence, keen discern-
ment and familiarity with the Democratic princi-
ples are used for the advancement and to secure
the success of his party.
.^|<^^>.-^
eHARLES PROBST, of whom we write, tlie
owner of the fine farm located on section
M of Millstadt Township, St. Clair County,
istiieson of John Christian Probst, wlio was born in
Saxon.y, Germany, in 1808, and was reared theri^
and came to this country in 1834. He landed in
the great city of Baltimore, Md., and came from
there in wagons to the fertile lands of St. Clair
County, III., rumors of which had reached him in
his little home in Germany.
The father located in Millstadt, on land which
our subject now occupies, and entered eighty acres
of Government land. He found it covered with
timber, but he went to work cheerily, clearing and
making trees into fencing and building material.
The old gentleman, one of the first settlers of the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIUCAL RECORD.
township, experienced all the trials of pioneer life.
His wife, Miss Philopen.i Weyngardt, was also
born in Germany and liad come to this coun-
tr}' with lier parents at an early day. Those
were tlie days of large families and to Mr.
and Mrs. .John Ciirlstian Probst were born thirteen
children, live of whom are yet living, namely:
William, Fred, Andrew, our subject and Charlotte.
This hard-working man died about the year 1883,
his wife preceding him ten years.
The birth of our subject took place Setitember,
13, 1842, on the old liomestead, liis present resi-
dence, a place of comfort and happiness for all its
dwellers. He was reared here and went to school
with the other children of the neighborhood,
over bad roads, and sometimes through snow and
storm; but all unheeded were these trials, because
those were the days when nothing better was
known or thought of. Probably none of Mr.
Probst's children can ever realize the trials of a
little school boy in the years when their father
and mother attended the district scJiools. The
marriage of Mr. Probst to Miss Margaretta Kess-
linger was solemnized in 1865, and I)y her dcivotion
and helpfulness she has shown what a good wife
can do for her husliand. She is a native of this
county and was the daughter of (leurge and Eliza-
beth (Cable) Kesslingcr, the former an early set-
tler of the county.
Another side of our subject's life is presented
to the readers of this Record, when we tell of
his armj' experience. Charles Probst was one of
the brave men who went out with Company D,
Forty-third Illinois Infantry, and his life as a
soldier would fill a volume witii most interesting
reading. Participating in many bloody battles,
Mr. Probst proved himself a man of great personal
courage, finally receiving wounds from the effects
of which he will never recover. A grateful Gov-
ernment bestowed upon liini ;i iieusion, which he
lias drawn since being nuislercd oul in l.S(;."). Mr.
Probst is a highly-esteemed member of Millstadt
Tost No. G84, G. A. R., and is always an interested
attendant at the meetings, where old days and
dangers are talked over. The fruits of his
marriage are nine children, seven of whom are
living, namely: .lolin, living in St. Louis; Cbarles,
residing at Twelve Mile Prairie; Fritz, at home;
Katherine, wife of Fritz Metzger, of Floraville;
Ida, at home, as are also Emma and Edward. Louis
and Sophia have been removed by death.
The fine farm of our subject consists of one
hundred acres of good land, which is carefully
cultivated, wheat being the principal crop, but
much fine stock may be seen on it. Since his resi-
dence in this township, Mr. Probst has proved
himself a man of honesty and good judgment and
has been called upon to fill the position of High-
way Commissioner for the past seven years. His
political views are in accord with the jn-inciples
of the Republican party. His family belong to the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Floraville and
lead lives wliich reflect credit on that connection.
i?/^-^ ERMAN SPITZNASS. The gentleman
Ij jY) whose honored name appears at the heading
/4W^ of this sketch is another of the brave sons
{(^J of this country with wlidin German3r has
furnished us. Mr. Spitziiuss was I he son of William
Spitznass, a native of Prussia, where he was
reared and married. The lady whom he married
was Miss Johanna Kelch, with whom he came to
this country about 1852, locating at Turkey Hill,
where he bought land, and here it is that our
subject still resides, on the old home place.
The father lived here until 1872, when he removed
to Belleville, living there for five 3'ears, and then
removed to New Athens, where he still resides, es-
teemed and respected by all. His beloved wife
was taken from him in 1858, and he has never
supplied her loss. This gentleman is a good,
brave and patriotic man, and served faithfully and
well in the German army. He and his wife
were the happ}' parents of seven children, six of
whom are living, namely; Emma, our subject.
Otto, Richard, Clara, Anna and Ida, all of whom
are a credit to their father and an honor to their
respective communities. Otto, taken away by
death, was deeply mourned by all.
Our subject, .is was before stated, is a native of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of one hundred acres of fertile Illinois soil,
was born September 23, 1837, one-balf mile south-
west of his present homo, upf)n what is known as
the "Phillips Farm."
The father of our subject, Hardy .lohnson, was
i)orn near New Berne, N. C, and his mother,
whose maiden name was Mary Smith, was a
native of Columbia, Maury County, Tenn. The
paternal grandfather was an old sailor, who was
in the navy during the Revolutionary AVar, and
died at Aberdeen, Miss., at the advanced age of
Germany, having been born in Prussia, October
18, 1842, and was only eleven years of age when
the family made their advent into this country of (
freedom, and he grew to manhood in the place
where he still lives. In the year 18fil, he nobly
responded to the call of his country and entered the
Forty-third Regiment of Illinois Infantry, serving
three years, and taking ))art in the battle of Shiloh,
as well as numerous minor ones, in all of which he
gave evidence of great personal courage as well as
of unswerving attachment to the country of his
adoption. Upon his return from the war, our sub-
ject married Miss Rachel Funk, who died five years
afterward, and later he married her sister Mary. By
his first wife Mr. Spitznass had one child, and
nine were added to his family as the fruits of lij.s
second union, namely; George, Otto, Amelia, Lou-
isa, Theodore, Henry, Hilda, Herman and a babe
unnamed. Mr. Spitznass has a fine farm of one
hundred and sixty-nine acres, all in a fine state
of cultivation, on which are carried on general farm-
ing and stock-raising. The farm is on section 6,
Freeburg Township, St. Clair County. Here our
subject has spent his life, having a record as an
honest, industrious agriculturist. He is a member
of the Grange, in which he has been very active,
and politically is a strong Democrat and takes a
deep interest in the affairs of his party.
'^U^INCKNT G. JOHNSON. This farmer and
intelliarent a;entleman livino- on a fine farm
ninety-nine years. His wife was very old when
she passed away. The mother's parents were Vir-
ginians, who emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky
at an early day. Hardy .Johnson and his wife
came to Illinois in 1831. They had started for
Brownsville, Mo., but in p.assing through P'ranklin
County, III., were so pleased that the3' remained
there three years. They came to St. Clair County
in 1834, and settled on the place where our subject
was born.
The father of Aincent Johnson died March 20,
1876, at the age of eightj'-one. He held no offices
during his life time, but contented himself with
doing his duty by church, family' and State. The
devoted mother of our subject was so overcome
with grief that she only lingered twenty days after
the demise of her husband. Their marriage took
place in 1821 in Maury Count}-, Tenn., and they
lived near Columbia for seveial years after mar-
iage. They were the ]iarents of the following
children: Louisa, who married for her second hus-
band J. D. Franklin, a farmer living in Woodford
County, III. She had two children by her first mar-
riage. Elziradied in Fohruary 1891, aged sixl,\'-tw<i
years, the wife of William llai-ris, nf X:i,sli\ill(% 111.,
and left seven children; Mark died at the home of
our subject in 1884,at the age of fifty years; William
R. was about nineteen when death claimed liim;
Mary, wife of Joseph Whiteside, died in Logan
County, 111., and Margaret, widow of L. D. Rob-
erts, who was a mechanic, but devoted himself to
farming during his later years. She has been a
widow for twelve years, and has one daughter.
The subject of this notice, reared on a farm and
thus educated for his life work, first attended the
local schools and then took a course in the Belle-
ville High School. He continued an inmate of the
paternal household until a man in stature and age.
His marriage with Miss Emily Moore took place
on the 8tli of October, 1862. She was the daughter
of Risdon A. and Ann (Middlekoff) Moore. Her
father lives in Shiloh Valley Township, about two
miles east, and is an old settler and prominent citi-
zen. Mr. Johnson lost his wife in 1870 and she left
one child, Maiy, who married M. O. AVilderman, and
had one daughter.
Our subject married a second time, Ma\' 20, 1873,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
this union being with Miss Pinelda C. Breese, of
Irvington 111., daughter of John and Etheinda
(Rieff) Breese, both deee.ised. Her father made Illi-
nois his home in 1849. Farming lias been the
life business of Mr. .lolmson, and his work lias
brought him happiness and success. Like his
father, he has been a Democrat all his life and
peaceably upholds the principles of the party when-
ever called upon. Our subject is now serving the
townsliip as Highway Commissioner. Mr. Johnson
is a fiue looking man and his quiet, thoughtful
countenance tells of reserved mental strength.
His neighbors esteem him highly and his friends
.are greatly attached to him.
Tr^ EV. JAMES GI LLEN. The Catliolic Ciiurch
l^ij at Lebanon is fortunate in having as its
/4i \j\ pastor a gentleman of sucii large resources
^p) and unquestioned ability as Father Gillen.
Among the people of the community in general, as
well as the parishioners, he is very popular, and his
genialitj' of manner and devotion to his parish
win him many friends. To his efforts may be at-
tributed the large measure of success which has
come to the church in recent years, and he has been
largely instrumental in securing the erection of
the magnificent edifice, which when completed will
be one of the most elegant churches in tlie State.
Father Gillen was born in Ileisterburg, Februaiy
23,18(51. His parents, John and Frances (Gross)
Gillen, natives of Germany, emigrated to America
in 1875 and settled in Ohio, where they still make
their home. The subject of this sketch received
the rudiments of his education in the parochial
schools of his native pl.ace and afterward en-
tered St. Joseph's College at Cleveland, Ohio,
whore he remained live years. His literary
studies were subsequently pursued at Teutopolis,
111., wiiere he improved his excellent educational
advantages to their fullest extent.
On the completion of his studies at Teutoi)olis,
our^subject took a philosophical course of two
years at Montreal, Canada, and afterward went to
Europe, commencing the study of theology at
Rome and remaining there for four years. Upon
his return to the United States, he was ordained to
the priesthood at St. Francis, Wis., May 9, 1886,
and on the 14th of the following month accepted
tiie pastorate of St. Joseph's Church at Lebanon,
where he has ever since resided. This parish has
been established about twenty-five j-ears and at
the present time consists of about sixty-five fami-
lies. As has been above stated, a new church is in
process of building, which will cost $15,000 and
will, on its completion, be a beautiful edifice.
Father (iillen is a very popular priest. A man
of educati<jn and great energy, to his persistent ef-
forts is to be credited the fact that his congrega-
tion enjoys a steady numerical growth. He has
devoted himself untiringly to the task of I'aising
the money necessary for the erection of the new
church and has been rewarded with success. Jlod-
est and unassuming, he has labored not for his
own temporal advancement but for the highest
spiritual welfare of his paiishouors and it is not
strange therefore that lie is esteeuiod by each one
as a personal friend.
4m
^^ ARON STOOKEY. Among the men who
'®^l| liavc filled public positions in St. Clair
/// ii County, the gentleman above named holds
1^1^ a prominent place as one who thoroughly
understands the business in which he has been en-
gaged, and fulfills his contracts in a reliable and
conscientious manner. He has an extended ac-
quaintance, and the estimate of those who know
him includes a hearty respect for his private char-
acter, as well as their good opinion of liim as a
skillful manager of affairs.
The parents of the above-named gentleman were
Simon and Hannah (Oooding) Stookey, ivliose
family consisted of seven cliildren, who attained
the years of manhood and womanhood. They
were: Daniel; Aaron, our subject; Simon J., de-
ceased; Sarah, wife of Louis Eyman, but now de-
ceased; Hannah A., wife of Marshall W. Weir;
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
483
.Tallies M. and Melissa J., deceased, the latter of
uhoiii was the wife of Ferdinand Hinckley.
Simun Stookej, the father of our sn'oject, caine
to St. Clair County vvith his parents in the year
1802 and settled near where the city of Belleville
is now located. The family brought all their
earthly effects with them to the new home on the
l)rairies on wagons. The possibilities of this dis-
trict as a farming country arrested the attention of
Daniel Stookey, the grandfather of our subject,
and he and his wife, Barbara (Whetstone) Stookey,
concluded to remain in this part of the State.
(; rand father .Stookey was the American represen-
tative of an old and respected German family,
part of whom were early settlers in Virginia. He
accumulated quite a fortune in Illinois, and at the
time of his death was the owner of four hundred
acres of fine farming land and was known as one
of tiie finest raisers of stock in tiiis section of the
State.
Simon Stookey, the father of our subject, lived
with his parents until the time of his marriage,
when he located on a farm in Millstadt Township.
He began life on his own account with but limited
means, but soon accumulated enough to purchase
two hundred and twelve acres of land. He was a
man of strong characteristics and dauntless cour-
age, and held many local oftices in his township,
for many years representing his county as one
of its Commissioners. He was elected to the State
Legislature but never honored that body with his
presence, as soon after his election to office he was
stricken with an illness that proved fatal and de-
parted this life in the year following. He was a
self-made man in the truest sense of the word. A
natural student, he acquired his education by dili-
gent study after the close of the day's labors, and
was known as one of the best-posted and intelli-
gent men of the community.
Aaron Stookey, with whose name we introduce
this article, lived with his parents until the year
1852, when he was united in marriage to Miss
Mary J. Holcomb, daughter af John W. and Eliza-
beth (Goodner) Holcomb. He first began life as a
farmer, which he followed a number of years, then
engaged in the livery Itiisinoss in Belleville, which
enterprise lie coiiduiicd suc<'(;ssfullv U>r a period
of ten years. He also gained an excellent reputa-
tion as a judge of stock, and his opinion in all
matters relative to the same was relied on by many
and older heads. A clear head, excellent thinking
powers, and the ability to discriminate are among
his other manly attributes, and he is one of the most
successful men of his years in St. Clair County.
The sterling (lualities of the grandparents have
certainly descended to this representative of tlie
Stookey family. He has been honored with man^'
political offices in the township, and has at different
times filled the positions of Supervisor and Assessor
creditably to himself and satisfactorily to those who
placed him in office.
Mr. Stookey is a firm discii)le of the Keimlilican
party and lends his assistance to the furtherance
of its principles and the support of its tenets on
all necessary occasions. The possessor of stanch
ideas, he can always be relied on whenever he has
arrived at a decision. With an intelligent concep-
tion of his duties as a citizen, a feeling of good-
will toward mankind and a deep regard for his
family, he endeavors to honorably fulfill all the
duties that devolve upon liim, and in so doing he
gains the respect of all who come in contact with
him.
AMES W. M( CULLOUGH, Passenger and
Freight Agent of the Air Line of the
lOuisville, Evansville & St. Louis Railroad
^^^^ at Belleville, 111., is one of the most
trustwortiiy and capable officials on the road, as
well as being cordial, accommodating and cour-
teous. He is proving himself the right man
in the right place, and the railroad officials are
coming to realize this fact. He has held his
l)iesent position since March, 1892, but the
town of Belleville has claimed him as a resi-
dent since 1852, at which time he was nine
years of age. lie was born in Troy, Lincoln
County, Mo., September 4, 1843, to George and
Loui-sa (Pepper) McCuUough, the former of whom
died at Florisant, St. Louis County, IMo. He* was
11 iialivi' of the Ke\slouc State, but of Scutch de-
484
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD.
scent, aud inherited many of tbe attributes for
which the "canny Scot" is noted. He was married
to Miss Pepper in the Pelican State, but lier na-
tive State was Virginia, where she belonged to one
<if the F. F. Vs. George McCuUough was a phy-
sician aud surgeon of considerable note in the
carl}- days of Missouri and his patronage extended
over a wide strip of territory-. He pursued his
nolile calling with much abilit}-, until the hand of
death cut short his career, after which his widow
with her family came to Belleville, in which city
they took up their permanent abode in 18.')2. Her
family consisted of one son and one daughter:
James W., and Lonisa, wife of Dr. R. D. Valentine,
of Springfield, Mo. The mother died in 1884.
The subject of this sketch was given more than
ordinary advantages in his youth, for besides at-
tending the public schools of Belleville, he was an
attendant of the Christian Brothers' Academy, of
St. Louis, Mo., for two years, and, unlike man}-
young men, pursued his studies with earnestness
and zeal and acquired an education which emi-
nently fitted him for the practical duties of life.
His school days were followed by a period of clerk-
ing in the Circuit Clerk's office, but he left it to
take up arms in defense of the Stars and Stripes,
enlisting in Company B, Seventieth Illinois Infan-
try, in which he rose to be Sergeant-lMajor
His war record was a clean and honorable
one, and during his short career as one of the
"boys in blue" he, was noted for his faithful dis-
charge of ever}' duty and for his upright and
soldierly conduct. Upon his return home, after
the strife had ended by the surrender of Gen. Lee,
he began clerking for the old Major's Express, a
local express from St. Louis to Jielleville, on the
Cairo Short Line, which was the only railroad
between the cities. When the road was extended,
the Adams Express Company took possession and
the local express sold out, after which Mr. McCul-
lough was appointed Agent, which position he held
for twenty-one years and one month, resigning in
September, 1890, and removing with his famih- to
St. Louis.
In that city he engaged in the commission busi-
ness for one year, and, .after clerking a short time,
he accepted the position of Agent on Hie Luuis-
1 ville, Evansville & St. Louis Railroad, at Belleville,
which is one of the most important offices, outside
the terminal offices, on the road. He has six men
under him, and ni.anages them with a degree of
abilty that is eminently satisfactory to the officials
of the road. As a man of affairs, he is wide-awake
and up with the times in every respect, well posted
on the general topics of the day, alive to the
interests of the section in which he resides, and is
i generous and whole-souled in the use of his means
, in behalf of enterprises that commend themselves
to his excellent judgment.
Mr. McCuUough is a member of several secret
organizations, among which may be mentioned the
Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Knights
j of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America.
I He was married in Springfield, 111., December 2.5,
I 1867, to Miss Callie Lorch, a daughter of Charles
Lorch. Six children — five sons and one daugh-
'. ter — have been born to their union, as follows:
Mary Estella; George; J. W., Jr.; Ralph E., John
Robert, and Charles. Our subject's life has been a
happy one and he has endeavored to make others
happy likewise, and lias assisted many a young
man to gain a foothold on the ladder of success.
■^^^^^>l<^-^^
TF^jEV. R. D. WOODLEY, the popular i)astor
jiyp of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of
Ji\v Belleville, 111., is a man keen in i)erception,
clear and logical in reasoning, and one
who possesses the esteem of all. His church is the
oldest Protestant structure in the city and is a fine
brick edifice with a capacity of six hundred
people, and located on First Street, between High
and Illinois Streets. The audience-room is above,
and the church parlors, lecture-room, dressing-
room and pastor's study below. This was erected
in 1848. .Vdjoining it on the west is the parson-
age, a good two-.-tory Itrick building, and both are
in good condition.
Our subject \v:is Norn in Columl)ia. N. ('.. ~\Iay
21, 1848, .and is m son of Dnniel and .Alary
(Wynne) Woodley, natives also of North Caro-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
485
lina. The father was born on a farm in that State, ]
and on this same farm passed his entire life. IHs
father had also resided on that farm. Robert
Wynne, the maternal grandfather of our subject,
was a leading North Carolina politician and a j
very prominent Democrat. Daniel AVoodlev was
born in 1799, and died in 1881. His wife passed !
away in 1862. Both were prominent members of |
the Baptist CInirch, and most exem((lary and
worthy citizens.
Rev. R. D. Woodley, tiie only child born to his
parents, secured a good practical education in his I
native State, and subsequently finished at Pough-
keepsie, N. Y. Later, he was engaged in cultivat- '
ing the soil, and in connection branched out as an
educator, wielding the fernle with much success in j
his native State. When about eighteen 3'ears of
age, he began to be interested in theological {
studios, but it was not until 1878 that he became
connected with Conference. In 1881, he united
with the White River Conference, in Arkansas, and
subsequently located at Poplar Grove, Ark., Osce-
ola, Ark., and Powhatan, being then transferred to
Montana and stationed at Stevensville and ^Mis-
soula.
In 1885, he was transferred to the Southern lUi- 1
nois Conference and was stationed at Harrisburg,
Saline County, where he remained two very suc-
cessful years. After this he was in Nashville,
AV^asliington County, for three years, and from
there came to Belleville, where he is now com-
mencing his third year in this church. He has a
membership of two hundred and twenty-five, and
by far the largest Protestant congregation in the
city. The church has been unusually prosperous
under his pastorate, and over one h\indred and
twenty-five have been added to it. Financially
and in other departments, it is in perfect condi-
tion and the church is one of the best in the South-
ern Illinois Conference.
As a minister of the Gospel, Mr. Woodley has,
combined with logical reasoning powers, a fair
share of pulpit eloquence and impressiveness. A
man of most positive convictions, he never hes-
itates to attack what he knows to be evil, however
strongl}' it may lie entrencliod in pojiular favor or
ill whatever guise it is joislcd upon liis Mttcnlion,
Broadlj' charitable, he is, nevertheless, pronounced
in his views, to which he gives expression in no
uncertain or ambiguous terms whenever occasion
demands it. Combined with fervent piety and a
vigorous intellectuality, he has that thoroughly
practical knowledge of the affairs of every-day
life, which makes him a competent adviser in
temporal, as he is a conscientious adviser in spirit-
ual, matters. Kindly in his disposition, cordial,
warm-hearted and sympathetic, ho is warmly
esteemed by all.
Mr. Woodley was married to Miss Mary Tate, of
Harrisburg, 111., on the 8th of Sei)tember, 188(5,
and this union has resulted in the birth of three
interesting children, as follows: Mamie, Robert
John and Ralph Daniel. He has also a daughter,
Maggie, by his first wife, whose maiden name was
Nannie Rankin; the present Mrs. Woodley is the
daughter of John and Sarah Tate. Sociall}-, Mr.
Woodley ia a member of Washington Lodge No.
55, A. F. & A. ISI., and also a member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Good Templars.
^^ DAM PFEIFFKR. It is a pleasure to the
(^0| biographer to head this sketch with the
III li name of the man who is in every sense
(^ worthy of the distinction afforded by hon-
orable mention among the distinguished citizens
of the community in which he has passed the ac-
tive years of his life, and the name with which this
paragraph is introduced is that of one whose con-
nection with St. Clair County dates back with
honor to himself and credit to the communitj-.
Adam Pfeiffer is the son of Andrew P. Pfeiffer,
who was born in Germany, and the early part of
whose life was spent in Prussian-Darmstadt. Af-
ter attaining manhood's estate, he married Miss
Christina Boltz. Andrew P. followed the trade of
a carpenter in his native land. He emigrated to
America about the year 1832, and located at St.
Louis, where he worked at his trade for ten years.
During the latter part of his residence in St. Louis,
he was known as the Ueoper t>f a private boarding
486
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
house. After the expiration of the time men-
tioned, lie left St. Louis, and located at High Prai-
rie, Suiithton Township, where he bought a farm
and lived for about forty years. Ilis next bu>i-
acss enterprise was to trade his farm for a housu
and saloon in Belleville. His famil3' consisted of
seven children, two of whom died in childhood,
and five of whom are living.
Tiie subject of this sketch, Adam Pfeiffcr, was
born on High Prairie, Sniithton Township, St.
Clair County, on the 13th of March, 1843. Af-
ter gaining a common-school education in his
native township, he removed to .St. Louis, and
worked as helper in a foundry. He remained
there four years, and from there went to Smitliton,
where he was employed in a flouring mill. On the
•id of December, 1863, he married Miss Catherine
l-'orcade, daughter of i\Ir. Louis Forcade of Prairie
du Long Township. For two years succeeding his
marriage, he resided in Prairie du Lou^ Township,
after which he removed to his father's farm in
Piairie du Long, and from there went to High
Prairie, where he remained for nine years. His
family consisted of .seven children, two of whom
There.ssa and Maggie, died in childhood. Those
living are Louis, Fritz G., Adam; Louisa, wife of
Philip Skoer; and Katie, who lives at home.
Our subject is the possessor of a fine farm num-
bering some one hundred and thirt3--seven acres,
of which one hundred and seven are all well im-
proved, and in a good state of cultivation. His
principal crop is wheat, and he is known throiigh-
out the countr3' as a very successful raiser of this
commodity. He is a member and liberal supporter
of the Lutheran Church, and is also a member of
the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and Treu-
bund of Smithton.
(Jur subject is a stanch Kepublicaii. and renders
unstinted assistance to his party both in municipal
and National elections. He is at present School
Director of this district, and also Collector of the
township, to which latter ollice he was elected
in the fall of 1891. His principles are those of
a true American, and he believes that every man
ought to vote according to his own convictions.
Adam Pfeiffer inspires a warm interest in all
wilh \vh<)ni he corat-'s iu contact. lU; is a man of
genial and kindly disposition, one whose friend-
ship is sought, and with whom an acquaintance al-
ways develops into a kindlier feeling. He is one
of the solid men in the vicinity of his home, and a
true Auierican citizen in the fullest sense of tlie
M>-^^<m
p^KKl) L.
1 ciRTueli
KKl) IJ. MKlHilLLS. I'he uri.uinal of the
sketch is one of those pleasant and
ic gentlemen of whom it is safe to
predict success. Mr. Merrills opened a law otKce
in Belleville in 1889, and has been for some time
with the law firm of Koerner tfelvoerner. He was born
August 20, 1864, iu this count}-, and was the sou
of Fred and Catiierine (IJayakin) Merrills. The
father was also born in this count}-, in what is now
St. Clair Township, April 14, 1818, was educated
here in the common schools and succeeded his
father on the old farm.
The mother of our subject was born in Giles
County, Tenn., and in 1845 came here, having
spent her early life in Mississippi. The father of
our subject lived on the old farm until December
5, 188.5, when he was removed by death, leaving
three children and his faithful wife to mourn his
loss. The children are Alfred, living iu Jackson
County; Catherine, the wife of Theodore Ashlock,
of this count}-; and our subject. The mother of
our subject died December 9, 1889, mourned by
all who knew her as a good woman and true
friend.
Sylvester Merrills, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, came unaccompanied to Illinois iu the year
1812, being a clock-peddler by occupation. He
had worked his way from his native State,
Connecticut, and, upon reaching the new country,
took up Government lands, which he held to his
death, passing tlicm down to his son Fred, and in
time they reached our subject. The eighty-acre
homestead is now in the possession of Mr. Merrills
and will not deteriorate under him. The grand-
father married Susan Varner, of Virginia. At
fuic time lie held the office of Superintendent
of Schools, at another. lustice of the l'(^a(/e, and was
^^^U^ta/^Qr ^
'^^^y^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a prominent man in all local affairs. WhtMi niniU'
Assessor, it was for the whole county. Tliis well-
known man passed away in 1852.
The subject of this sketch obtained his educa-
luiii at Carbondale, in this State, and at tlie Normal
("niversity there. He then went into the office of
Dill it Schaefer, and was admitted by the Appellate
Court to the practice of law at Springfield, in No-
vember, 1889, after which he immediately went
enthusiastically into the practice' of law here and
has done well. His political preference is for the
Democratic party, and he has been honored by it
by being sent as delegate to the congressional
and county conventions. Our subject was mar-
ried to Miss Virginia Badgle3-, the daughter of
S. P. Badgley, of this count}'. This marriage took
place December 28, 1887, and two children, Fred
and Marshall, fill their home with happiness. This
family is one of the oldest in this section, and a
representative of it established the lirst Baptist
Church in the State.
AKLES GRIFFEN lias spent
litre
ife
upon the farm which is still his home. It
is located on section 14, Shiloh Valley
Township. He was born in 184r>, of the union of
Joseph and Sallie A. (Collins) Griffen. His father
was born in Clinton, Dutchess County, N. Y., in
1796, and was one of the four sons of Jacob Griffen.
The mother of our subject was born in Greenville,
Greene County, N. Y., December 1, 1805, and was
one of twelve children.
Joseph Griffen went to Albany County, N. Y.,
with his parents when quite young. He attended
the common schools, but was mostly educated by
extensive reading. At the age of nineteen, he went
to Western New York, secured a horse, fitted out ;i
wagon and on his own responsibility began ped-
dling, continuing as far West as the Missis-ippi
Kiver. A few years afterward he came down the
Ohio River by boat, and located in Handolpli
County, III. This was in 1817. While on tlie
rivei he met liis lirst wife, Mrs. .Mary (Foulkes)
23
Shepherd, daughter of Christopher and Margaret
Foulkes. She was the widow of Thomas II. Shepherd
and had one child by her first husband.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Griffen were born eight chil-
dren, but only three grew to manhood and woman-
hood: Joseph, now deceased; Sarah A. and Maria.
1 The brother first married Maggie Shaw and after-
ward wedded Anna B. Murdougli, by whom he had
six children: Alice, deceased; Cora A., Henry B.,
Maggie B., Walter and Charles H. Sarah A. became
the wife of James II. Alexander and they had three
children: Joseph II., Edgar II. and Ottie F.
Maria became the wife of George Lemen,and unto
them was born a son, George C. Her second hus-
band was Benjamin Rentchler,and they became the
parents of three children: Chester L., Charles E.
and Albert G. Her third husband is W. D. Howard,
I and unto them were liorn four children: Mary,
Joseph, Carrie and Leroy.
After a few years spent in Randolph County,
Mr. Griffen, the father of our subject, removed to
St. Clair County, locating first on Turkey Hill. He
soon afterward bought the farm on which Charles
resides and made it his home until his death. He
was truly a self-made man, as he started out in life
empty-handed and accumulated about thirteen hun-
dred acres of land. After the death of his first
wife, he wedded Sallie, daughter of Joseph and
Hannah (Silkman) Collins, who were natives of
Connecticut and were of Dutch and Irish descent,
respectively. By the second marriage were born
four children: Boone, who died at the age of nine-
teen years; AUetta, who died at the age of eleven
months; Charles, and Jane who died at the age of
seven months. The father of this family died in
October, 1874, in the faith of the Baptist Church.
In politics, he was first a Whig and afterward a
Republican. He served as Justice of the Peace
several years and was a prominent and inlluential
citizen, highly respected in the community. His
wife, who was a member of the Presbyterian
Cliurch, (lied in April, 187(i.
Our sul>ject remained on the home farm with his
parents until their deaths. He attended the com-
mon schools and completed his education in tlie
Comincicial School of St. Louis, liccntered upon
490
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
farm. As a companion on life's journey he chose
Miss Mactha, daughter of James and Julia (Clark)
Park. Their union was celebrated in 1873. The
lady is a native of this cour\ty, and her parents
were born in Kentucky and Virginia, respectively.
Tlie Clark family is of Scotch descent. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Griffen have l)een born four children:
Cyril A., Myrtle A., Joseph B. and Charles L. C.
Mr. Griffen is a member of the Grange of the
county. In politics, he is a Republican and has
filled various public offices with credit to himself
and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He is
the efficient Postmaster of Grassland, appointed to
that position in November, 1890, and is one of the
extensive land-owners of the county, his possessions
aggiegating seven hundred acres. His farm is a
Taluable one, and in connection with this he owns
a store at Grassland. Mr. Griffen is a man of ex-
cellent business ability, is sagacious and far-sighted,
systematic and methodical, and his excellent success
is the result of his own well-directed efforts, enter-
prise and perseverance. He has a wide acquaintance
throughout the county, and is held in the highest
regard 1)3- all with whom business or social relations
have brought him in contact. His example is well
worthy of emulation, and with pleasure we present
to our readers this record of liis well-spent life.
^^^^EOKGE F. Hl'TTEK. This gentleman is a
[II _-, native of the viUage of St. Libory, St. Clair
'^^K County, 111., and was born in the house he now
lives in, twenty-seven years ago, his birth occur-
ring November 18, 1865. Mr. Rutter's father and
mother, were Henry and Gertrude (Giassmeier)
Kutter.
Henry Hutter was horn in Austinbrouk, Prussia,
in the year 1817. He received a common-sciiool
education in accordance with the strict laws of his
native country, but iiis parents being poor the}-
could give him but limited educational advan-
tages, and lie had to begin very early in life to
ssnnie the
.f his
•lihood.
In 1835, he, to better hisown condition, came to
the United States and located at St. Louis, where
he occupied himself as a teamster and drayman
until the year 1845. He then moved from St.
Louis and came to St. Libory, St. Clair County,
and there earned his living as a peddler of vari-
ous wares in the surrounding country. By his
diligence and economy he was able to buy a piece
of property, and his first purchase in the real-es-
tate line was tiie homestead which his son now oc-
cupies. Through industry and thrift he was soon
able to open a store for general merchandise, and,
although having onl^' small capital, his persever-
ance and strong business ability have aided the
success with wliich his name is coupled in the com-
munity. He was quite successful from the begin-
ning of his mercantile career and was soon alile to
enlarge liis stock. He continued to buy property
and added farming to his mercantile enterprise.
The year 1845 marked an era in his life, as the
one in which he took a life partner, one who should
make him the wife and helpmate needed to con-
summate his alread^^ assured success. To this union
were born the following children: Louisa, wife of
Fritz Lager; Katie, wife of Henry Wessel; Bernard,
partner of the subject of our sketch ; Mary, wife
of Nicholas Mayer; Anna, wife of Theodore
Poclmann; Gertrude, and George F., whose bio-
graph)' we here sketch. In addition to the above-
named children were August and Mary, two chil-
dren who died young in life.
Henry Rutter was a Democrat in politics, and
an ardent follower of the Roman Catholic relig-
ion. His ability and integrity were thoroughly
appreciated by his fellow-citizens, and, as an evi-
dence of their confidence in him, they bestowed on
him the office of Justice of the Peace, wliidi lie
held for several years, to his own credit ami tlif
satisfaction of the community. Mr. Rutter, Sr..
died in the year 1880, on the 10th day of August,
and was mourned in the community wliere he had
passed the greater portion of his life as a worthy
citizen, a kind and genertius father and husband,
and a man who had always enjoyed the respect of
all with wliom lie came in contact. His estimable
wife survives liim and makes her lionie with Jier
son, the subject of this sketch, where her kind.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
491
womanly sympathies are souglit by all the com-
uuinity in which she has dwelt so long, and to
whom she has become dear.
(ieorge F. Riitter, with whose name we coui-
meiice this sketch, finished his education in the
University of St. Lonis, and after completing his
course there entered into the mercantile life. Mis
ability was such that the year in which he attained
his nKijorily found liim the possessor of a bus-
iui's> all his own. Inheriting the ambition, in-
dustry, thrift, and ability of his father, he has gone
steadily forward, acquiring not only the confi-
dence of his patrons, but the esteem of tlie com-
munity in which he has grown from boyhood to
manhood.
Following in the footsteps of his father, he is
one of the prominent members of the Roman
Catholic Church, to which body he gives liberal
support, and is known as a strong expcuicut of its
teachings. He is also a member of liic Catholic
Knights of Ireland, a Roman Catholic order.
Politically, he is a Democrat, and takes an ac-
tive part in all municipal elections, as well as the
Presidential campaigns, standing loyally by his
party, and aiding its nominees to the best possible
interests of the country. Young, popular, ambi-
tious and deserving, this son of an exemplary
father has achieved a great deal in life, and we
trust there is a future before him which will be
adequate to his abilities and highest ambitions.
!^i-^[
s^ ETFH FHIE.S, one of the iirominent farm-
Jj] ers of Engelraan Township, St. Clair
County, 111., resides on section 13. Here
Mr. Fries owns a beautiful farm of one
hundred and twenty acres, wliicli he has put in a
fine state of cultivation. The subject of this
sketch is a native of the county in which he le-
sides, and his birthday occurred .January ;il. IHl:?,
he being the son of (ieorge and Fiizabetli Fries.
He was reared in his native county, and received
his education in the iniblic schools of liis district.
'J'he latter were conducted in a vcrv credilalilc
manner, and the teachers were generally those who
had attended some higher school of learning,
hence the ojiportunities for acquiring an education
were much better than those enjoyed by his par-
ents, and our subject was not slow in embracing
all the advantages offered him.
At the age of twenty-four years, our subject be-
gan to think of founding a home for himself. To
this end he selected Miss Dorothea Wever to be-
come the partner of his joys and sorrows. She was
the worthy daughter of Mr. Fred Wever, a resi-
dent of Clinton County, 111. After this happy
event, which took place in 1865, Mr. and Mrs.
Fries looked about them for a pleasant location
for their. future residence. The village of Turkey
Hill seemed to present all the requirements neces-
sary for the enjoyment of country life, and he re-
mained there until 1867. At that time Mr. Fries
decided to purchase a farm of his own, and he
selected his present jilace, located in Engelman
Township, and here he and his family have resided
ever since.
Mr. and Mrs. Fries have three living children,
one of whom has left the i)arent:il roof for a home
of her own. This is Eliza, who became the wife
of Adam Larch, an engineer of New Baden. The
two other daughters, Susan and Emma, remain at
home. The beautiful farm of our subject consists
of one hundred and twenty acres of well-improved
land, on which are found fences, neat outbuild-
ings and big barns, all in good condition, and a
fine orchard, where are to be found a choice variety
of apples. Mr. Fries understands all kinds of
farming, but has discovered that grain is his most
profitable croj), and the yield is sometimes simply
remarkable. Within the neat farmhouse that shel-
ters this family can still be seen evidences of the
skill of the notable housewife, Mrs. Fries, who man-
aged the estalilishmeiit ever since she changed her
name of Wever for that of Fries, although the
willing hands that ministered to her family have
been laid to rest these many years, she having
l)assed away in 1879, leaving her husband and
three children to iiiouin her loss. Her nienioiy is
still tenderly cherished by her liusliand, who has
never filled her [ilai-c. hut is eoiitent nilli the iiiiii-
492
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Fries is a strong advocate of the principles
of the Republican party. He is also much iuter-
esterl in the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association.
Our subject is a devoted member of tlie New
Memphis Lutheran Church. He has alwa^ys been
an industrious man, and now reaps the reward of
his labors.
=^=^^mm^^^wmm=^
The prominent ge I
Jl'OllN W. GRISWOI
tleman whose name opens this sketch is an
1 ex-county official of Montgomery County'.
' and a successful real-estate man, who now is
tlie efficient Superintendent of the agents of the
Safety Homestead Building and Loan Association,
of East St. Louis. He is an Alderman of the city
of Litchfield, where he resides, and is the owner
of three fine farms in Montgomery' Count_y.
The grandfather of our subject was born in
\'erraont, and in 1824 moved with his family to
(Jreene County, III., and they were the pioneer
settlers there. This assertion may not mean much
to the casual reader of this Recoud, but tliere are
many among the older generation wlio will have
no trouble in calling up memories of the long
jotu-ney by team; of the storm and accidents by
tlie way; sometimes of the littlegraves which were
watered by tears and then left alone on the wide
prairie; of tlie unbroken forests, from which must
come house and home; of tiie want of the merest
conveniences of life; and of the dreadful home-
sickness which attacked the bravest at times.
The father of our subject was Ambrose Gris-
wokl, a native of \ermont, who was onl_\ four
years old when he was brought to Greene County,
where he followed a farmer's life until in 18.57,
when he located in Montgomery County, in Nash-
ville Township, and there bought a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres. He soon began to put
money in fine stock, and in time I'aised the best
thorough-bred horses in the State and made a great
success. In time, he bought more land and now
owns five farms, including in all one thousand
;irre.-, His residence is iu Litchfield, where he
is much esteemed as a pi-ominent member of
tlie Baptist Church. The political opinions of
Mr. Ambrose Griswold are in accordance witii
those of the Democratic party. The deceased
mother of our subject bore the name of Sarah
Williams, and was born in Greene County; she was
the daughter of a former pioneer, and her death
occurred in 1877.
Mr. Griswold of this notice was born in Kane,
Greene County, 111., April 9, 18.53. He has one
sister, who is now Mrs. Jones and lives near Litch-
field, and one brother, who resides in Tacoma,
Washington. Our subject was reared on the
farm, was early taught to work, and lived tlie
usual life of the farmer lad; going to the dis-
trict school in winter for a short time and working
in llie summer at the plowing and sowing of grain,
the planting of corn, the iiay-making, and all the
other agricultural labor, which is pleasanter to read
about in after 3'ears than to push forward in youth.
Our subject early developed a fondness for dumb
brutes, and at the age of seventeen he began to
deal in cattle and hogs and soon was shipping them
to the Union Yards at St. Louis and to the Stock
Yards of Chicago. He continued this for eight
years, and because of his fondness for the animals
he was a kind master to them, and was ver^- suc-
cessful in his raising of them. He became one of
tlie largest stock-men in the county of ISIonl-
gomeiy.
About this time Mr. (inswold >taited in the
livery business in Litchfield and kept at this for
five years. In 1880, he was made Deimty Sheriff
under L. G. Fath for two years, and then under
W. A. Pyle, for four years. In 1886, he was
elected to the oflice of Sheriff by a fourteen
hundred and fifty-six majority, wliich was the
largest majority ever [lolled for any county
office. He remained at Hillsboro to fill his term
of office, but returned to Litchfield in April, 1892.
He was then nominated for Alderman, although
he had not passed a day except Sunday in Litch-
field for five years. The ward is ninetj' votes
Republican, but Mr. Griswold was elected by a
majority of fift3'-four votes. He is Chairman of
the Police Committee and that makes him Chief
of Police, lie is also on other coujiuitlees. Iii
^'-
JOHN PERRY.
PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL EECORD.
4 95
December, 1890, lie came to East St. Louis and
began to deal in real estate, and the firm of Mc-
Lean & Griswold was formed on Broadway
and there the business is at present carried on. He
is the agent for the Safety Homestead Building
and Loan Association, and is a valued member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and
the religious membership of his family is with
the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Griswold is too fine a gentleman not to be
a family man, and his jnarriage to one of the
maidens of Litchfield took place February 23,
1878. The young lady's name was Miss Gertrude
Brokaw. Bessie, Mamie and Ross are the. names
of the three children of the happj' household. Mr.
Griswold is a stanch and out-spoken Democrat,
and has represented the citizens in the State Con-
vention. The family is one of prominence in this
section, and is among the most respected in the
county.
^ —
J
/ -f^*^*
OHX PP;RHV, a retired broom manufacturer
and formerly one of the enterprising busi-
I ness men of Belleville, occupies a comfort-
^^f,' able residence at No. 601 East C Street. A
brief sketch of his eventful life will undoubtedly
be of interest to his many friends in the count3\
He is the son of William and Phcsbe (Sprinkle)
Perry, natives respectively of New York and
Pennsylvania. The father was a member of the
Thirtieth New York Regiment during the War of
1812, where he served with bravery. About 1829, he
came West to Illinois and became one of the pio-
neers of this State, where he engaged in farming
operations until his death.
Our subject's father was married May 9,
1829, and three children resulted from this union:
John, of this sketch; Hannah, Mrs. Oliver, of Silver
Lake, Kan.; and Mary, wife of Henry McCullough.
Our subject was born in Monroe County, 111., near
the village of Waterloo, April 11, 1830, and when
six years old was orphaned by the death of his
father. He received his education in the schools
of Monroe County, where lie grew to manhood.
During the war with Mexico, he enlisted as a
member of Company G, Sixth Illinois Regiment,,
which he joined in July, 1847, at the age of seven-
teen. During his service, he marched over the
sandy countrv' from Vera Cruz to Mexico and back
again, and the exposure so injured his e3'es as to
cause total blindness. After an absence of one
year, he returned to his home, and was soon sent
to the blind school at Jacksonville, 111., where he
pursued his studies and also learned the trade of
broom-maker.
For a time, Mr. Perr\' followed his calling at
AYaterloo, 111., whence he removed to Monroe City,
ten miles distant. In September, 1861, he came to
Belleville and engaged in the same business until
about 1875, when he retired from active labors. A
man of untiring industry, he did not allow his
blindness to fuinish him with an excuse for idle-
ness, but worked steadily at his trade until he was
able not only to comfortably support his family,
but had accumulated sufficient of this world's
goods to insure him from further want. He is one
of the few survivors of the brave soldiers who
fought during the Mexican War, and is in recei[)t
of a pension for his services.
In August, 1860, Mr. Perrj' and Miss Nancy
Harrison were united in marriage, and for thirty
years they have resided in the pleasant home at
Belleville which they now occupy. Mrs. Perry
was born in St. Clair County, February 2.5, 1824,
the daughter of George and Rlioda (Quick) Harri-
son, natives of Pennsylvania. She is a descendant
of Thomas Quick, who emigrated from Holland to
America in 1733, and settled in Pennsylvania. Her
grandfather, Isaac Quick, was a distiller and a
stock-broker. George Harrison came to Illinois at
an early day and engaged in farming operations
until his death in 1833; his wife survived him for
thirty years. They were the parents of ten chil-
dren, of whom four now survive, namely-: Eliza-
beth, who resides in Colorado; Lucretia,. wife of
Jesse Davis, of Washington, Cal.; Mary, Mrs.
Henry Dagner Randolph, and Mrs. Perry, who was
the fifth in order of birth.
Mr. and Mrs. Perry t(Jok into their home her
nephew David S.. the orphan son of Isaac Harrison.
49(;
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
;iih1 tlioy gave him the same affectionate care and
tiaining- they would have bestowed upon a child
of their own. He remained with tiieni until lie
was seventeen years old, and is now successfully
following the carpenter's trade in St. Louis. In
their religious connections, Mr. Perry and his wife
have for many years been identified with the
Baptist Church, and they are honored wherever
known as upright, kind-hearted and thoughtful
people.
=— 4.^i#83!#-?-.-^
=^
|lt-^ENRY ROE WE. Eew men fill a gre:iter
ifjij want in the city than Mr. I^oewe, who
iii^^ deals in flour and feed, and has a well-con-
(^) ducted establishment. In Hour a saving
can be effected by buying from him, for he buys
by the car-load, and can therefore afford to make a
reduction from what is usually charged by the
small retail stores. He pays close attention to his
business and has agood, steady trade, which is well
merited, for he has alwaj's shown the utmost honor
in his business transactions. He was born in Han-
over, Germany, August 14, 1840, to Herman and
Lena (Hanneke) Roewe, both of whom were born
and spent their lives in Germany. The former
was a well-to-do farmer and was the Tax Collector
of his district for years. He died in 1874 and the
mother in 1876, both having been earnest and
worthy members of the Catholic Church. To their
union seven children were born, five sons and two
daughters, five members of which family are still
living. One son was in the Holstein-Danish War
of l.StS.
Henry Hoewe was the youngest of the family-,
was reared on a farm, and from the time he was
six until he had attained his fourteenth year he
was an attendant of the common schools. At the
age of sixteen years, he became an apprentice at
brick-laying, and this occupation received his at-
tention until he was twenty years of age, princi-
pally in Oldenburg. At the above-mentioned age, he
enlisted in the German army, in the Fifth Company,
Seventh Kegiment, and served during 1863-G4:
during the fourteen months that he was in the ser-
vice his time was |)riiicipally spent in protecting
the North Sea. He was in two engagements but
returned home in February, 1865, and again began
working at his trade. In the fall of 1866, he left
Bremen for Hull, England, and after four months
spent at his trade in that city, he went to London,
and then to Southampton, where he took passage on
board a steamer for New York City, which place
he did not reach for sixteen days, owing to the
stormy weather they encountered. He immedi-
ately came to East St. Louis, 111., which was at
that time only a small place, and. as money was a
rather scarce article with him. he entered the em-
ploy of James Smith, and until the following sum-
mer drove one of his delivery wagons. Succeed-
ing this, he was in a mill, a grocery store and the
coal yard of Dunk liros., but in 1869 began deal-
ing in flour and feed on his own responsibility, be-
ing associated with a Mr. Kemper, on Collinsville
Avenue. This partnership continued harmoni-
ously until 1883, when their establishment was un-
fortunately burned and they did not again resume
business relations. In the latter part of the same
yt'.ir. .Ml. Kof'we began doing business at his pres-
ent stand at the corner of Fourth Street and Broad-
way and has done well. The liou.se is built of
stone and brick and has a frontage of fifty feet
and a depth of one hundred feet.
ISIr. Roewe has identified himself with the inter-
ests of East .St. Louis and is a stockholder and
Director in the Workingmen's Bank; he served as
Alderman from the Third Ward, his election tak-
ing place in 1878, and in 1889 was again elected
to the position of Alderman on the Citizens' ticket
and served two years, during which time he was
on a number of important committees and was
Chairman of the Finance Committee. He warmly
espoused the movement for the improvement of
the streets, and has, in numerous other ways,
showed himself an active worker for the good of
the city. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Caro-
line Seimer, a native of Oldenburg, Germany, but
who came to America with her parents in 1867.
To Mr. and Mrs. Roewe the following children
have been born: Lizette, who is in a convent;
Car(;line, who is a clerk in a drv-goods store;
PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
Heniv, Jr.; Herman, Cecelia, Cliristine, August and
.Josephine. Tbej' liave also reared an adopted son,
Tlieodore Wiesman. Mr. Roewe was one of tlie
building eonimittee of St. Henry's Church, is now
a Trustee,' and for many years past he has been
.Judge of Elections. He is a wide-awake man of
business, but is strictly honorable in every respect,
as liis thriving business would indicate. He and
his familv are members of tlie Catholic Church.
-^-^^i^^^®!^^^
<^pf U(;rST l.KNZ is a progressive (Jernian of
(^fLlll Belleville and is the President and sole
/// li' owner of the Rogers Foundry & Stove
^' Company, which was incorporated with a
capital stock of $7.5,000. These works cover nearly
three acres, about one-half of whicli is under roof,
or the whole front of six liundredand twenty-four
feet, and are in close proximity to the Louisville &
>»ashville Railroad, which affords fine shipping
facilities. Stoves are manufactured exclusively
and are exceptionally well made and perfect, as
this line of industrial activity has reached some-
thing closely akin to perfection. Employment is
given to one hundred and fifty skilled workmen,
and in few brandies of trade has the marcli of
progress wrought such a veritable revolution. This
house has made an immense amount of street-car
cable for St. Louis, Kansas City and Denver, and
is thoroughly prepared to continue its manufac-
ture wiienever it receives contracts. Tlie works
are lighted up by electricity, and if occasion de-
mands it work is conducted successfully at night
as well as in the daytime.
Mr. Lenz first became connected with tliis plant
in 1884, simply as a stockholder, at which time it
was a machine foundry. He is the owner of the
Lenz Wire Nail Mill, which was erected about 1887
with a capital stock of about #20,000. It is fitted
up with the finest machinery for the manufacture
of wire nails from one-half to seven inches in
length. He conducted that business until 1891,
when it was leased toother parties, the power being
furnished by plant. He is "\'ice-piesident of the
Brosious Belleville Oil Company, which was estab-
lished in 1856 with a capital stock of $80,000,
which manufactures principally castor oil, although
linseed oil and nut oil are largely manufactured.
These works are located on West Main, near Mas-
coutah Street. Mv. Lenz is a gentleman of push
and enterprise, thoroughly conversant with the
wants of the trade and popular alike with his
patrons and trade competitors. No Western com-
pany has been more fortunate in establishing and
maintaining a high reputation, both as to tlie
superiority of the goods made and handled and
the excellence of the work executed.
Our subject has a beautiful home situated on
fifty acres of land four miles from Belleville on the
Rock Road, the grounds surrounding his residence
being especially beautiful and well kept. All kinds
of fruits are raised in abundance, and his is an ideal
country home, well removed from the din and
bustle of eit3' life. Mr. Lenz was born near Cologne,
Prussia, .July 17, 1827, but is a remarkabl}' well
preserved man for his years and looks much
younger than he reall3^ is. He is a son of Arnold
and Maria Lenz, and prior to their removal to
America in 18.32, he had .acquired the principal
part of his education. After coming to America,
the father settled on a farm in Missouri and passed
from life at his old home in Franklin County, in
the vicinity of which the most of his children yet
reside. He w.as a useful and progressive citizen
and was honored and respected alike by his ac-
quaintances and family.
The boyhood days of August Lenz were spent in
following the plow on the old homestead, but he
afterward became an employe in the firm of F.
Dings it Co. on Main Street, St. Louis, with which
he remained from 1849 to 1872, becoming a mem-
ber of the firm in later years which was known as
Ziock & Lenz. They started in business on Main
Street and continued as business associates from
18()2 to 1872, and Fortune smiled on their connec-
tion. In 1872, Mr. Lenz bought and built a fine
residence, to which he wished to retire from the
active duties of life, but so active was his nature
that he was not satisfied until he was again in busi-
ness, and since that time he h.as conducted his affairs
in an energetic and iiraiscwoitliv manner. He is
498
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the sole manager of the Rogers Foundry & Stove
Company, and has developed a flourishing trade,
that has penetrated into man}' States of the Union
and has assumed proportions of flattering magni-
tude. The low scale of prices renders every cus-
tomer a permanent one, and Mr. Lenzis to be con-
gratulated upon the large measure of success
achieved in his undertaking.
Mr. Lenz was united in marriage witii Miss
Amelia Halbach, of St. Louis, on the 21st of Sep-
tember, 18.51, and by her is the fatiier of the fol-
lowing five children: Rosa, wife of F. M. Preston,
of East St. Louis; William and George, who are as-
sociated in business with their father; Carl and
Emma. Mr. Lenz is a shrewd financier and always
grasps at any opportunity for bettering his financial
condition, but, withal, is not in the least penurious,
and is the soul of honor. He is of that class of
foreigners whom America gladly welcomes to her
shores, for lie is not only industrious and enter-
lirising but he is also public-spirited and loyal, an
American at heart, although of foreign birth.
J I OSEPH C. BURR. Proli.ably no man iu St.
Clair County has a higher reputation for
thorough honesty and reliability than the
' above-named gentleman. He is the owner
and occupant of one of the finest farms in this
section of the State, and numbers among his pos-
sessions eight hundred acres of land, the accumu-
lation of whicli was actuated by a desire to obtain
and vest in himself all land ever owned by the
Burr family in Illinois.
Mr. Burr is a native of St. Clair County and was
born on the farm where he now lives in 1836.
Here he became of age and began his own work in
life, earning the confidence of those with whom he
came in contact, and becoming the possessor of not
only a competence, but sufficient of earth's good
tilings to place him in the foremost ranks of the
rich men of his countv. In politics, he is a Repub-
lican, a stanch adherent of the principles of his
party, and keenly interested' in all that pertains
thereto.
Chauncey S. and Parmelia (Yoeman) Burr, the
parents of our subject, were both born in the city
of Hartford, Conn., the father in the year 1802,
and the mother in 1801. The parents of Chauncey
S. Burr died when he was very young, and he
made his home from early infancy among stran-
gers. He, however, received an excellent common-
school education, and when about eighteen years
of age started in life for himself. His first venture
was as a merchant in a small way, or as the people
of his district termed the enterprise, he commenced
as a book peddler. After six years of traveling
with various wares. My. I'lUir, Sr.. settled for a
short time in Hartford. Cmiii.. where he married.
To him and his estimable wife were born eight
children: August and Julian C, deceased; Joseph
C; Adeline and Emeline, twins; Julia P., Sophronia,
and Montgomeiy, who IS deceased. Miss Emeline
Burr has never married but is housekeeper for her
brother Joseph; Adeline is the widow of Newton
Bratncy; Sophronia is the widow of Ebenezer Lib-
ingworth,and Julia P., now deceased, was the wife
of Raley Rawls.
After emigating to lllinoi.-, Mr. Burr, Sr., located
in Randolph County where he kept tavern for six
years. He afterward bought eighty acres of land
in St. Clair County from a Mr. Jones, and after
moving here he entered all the land that the Gov-
ernment would allow him. He w.as a great student
of the political history of our country, and, being
the possessor of a good memory, was authoritj^
among his neighbors and friends for information
referring to matters of the natifni and (lOvern-
ment.
After removing to St. Clair County, Chauncey
Burr established himself as a thorough farmer and
stock-raiser. In politics, he was first a Whig and
in his later years his sympathies and support were
given to the Republican party. He held theoHice
of Justice of the Peace in his township creditably
to himself and acceptablv to the community. The
demise of his wife in 1871 was one of the saddest
features of his prosperous career. For some years
previous to his death, which occurred in 1877, he
retired frem active life, and his son, our subject.
"i^A^^^^^
RESIDENCE OF JOSEPH C. BU RR ,5ec.27, LENZBURG TP,ST. CLAIR CO., ILL
A.^'&jv-jsiL^:^ ~~>^~<~T'Sk-%sr:S*'^'^',^ -^r2!=»Kj«rvT'
^itl^^'i'iU.iX
RESIDENCE OF GEORGE P. LI EBIG, SEC.12 FNGLEMAN TR, ST.CLAI R CO., ILL.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
501
assumed all the care and responsihilitv of liis fa-
ther's business.
So much of the cliaraeter is foreshadowed in the
history of one's ancestors, tiiat it will not be amiss
to record the fact that this branch of the Burr
family can trace their descent to one of the earliest
New England families, their ancestors coming to
the United States in the "Mayflower," which landed
at Plymouth Rock. Aaron Burr was a scion of the
same family and the subject of our sketch, Joseph
C. Burr, is a lineal descendant of this distinguished
Revolutionary character.
By his economy and industry, .loseph C. Burr is
now the owner of one of the most attractive
homes in this county, both in its external sur-
roundings and in the home life under its roof.
He is a man of broad intelligence and progreseive
ideas, a practical and successful agriculturist and
one who in every department of life fulfills the
duties that lie before him in a creditable manner.
He has never married, his home being presided
over by his sister, a lady of housewifely skill
and many estimable traits of character. His
life has exhibited the qualities of sturdy man-
hood, which are certainly the heritage of estimable
ancestors as well as the development of surround-
ings, and laudable ambition.
^^^^;EORGE P. LIEBIG, who owns a line farm
'il ^_ — , of three hundred and seventy-two acres on
'\^JJ| section 12, Engelman Township, was born
on the .")th of December, 1836, in Baltimore, Md.,
and is of German descent. His father, Valentine
Liebig, was a native of Darmstadt, Germany, and
emigrated to America in 183(;. lie spent about a
year in Baltimore, Md., and then removed with
his family to St. Louis, where he resided for a
year and a half. AVhen he came to this country
he was married and had three children. On loca-
ting in St. Clair County, he took up his residence
in what is now Freeburg Township, where he pur-
chased forty .acres of land. This he sold on re-
moving to Engelman Townslii|i. In 1847,he|jur-
chased the farm on which our subject now resides,
and made it his home until 18()4, when he removed
to Mascoutah, and there resided until his death
in 1876. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Elizabeth Schuchmann, is also deceased. They
were highly respected citizens, widely and favor-
ably known in this community. Their family
numbered eight children, seven of whom are yet
living.
We now take up the personal history of our sub-
ject, who has spent almost his entire life in this
county. He was reared to manhood under the
j)arental roof, and in the summer months worked
upon a farm, while in the winter season he at-
tended the common schools, where he acquired his
education. He remained at home until his mar-
riage, which was celebrated on the 23d of A]n-il,
1863, Miss Margaret AVeaver becoming his wife.
She is a daughter of Frederick "Weaver, who came
to America when sixteen years of age, and resided
in Clinton County, 111., where Mrs. Lieliig
was born and where she spent her maiden-
hood daj's. The young couple began their domes-
tic life upon his father's farm on section 13, En-
gelman Township, where they spent about a year
and a half, when, in the autumn of 1864, they re-
moved to the farm which has since been their
place of residence.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Liebig has been
blessed by the presence of ten children, nine of
whom are yet living, Fred having died at the age
of six months and eight days; Henry V. is married,
and resides on section 13, Engelman Township;
Philip aids his father in the cultivation of the
home farm; Lizzie is now the wife of .John lirown,
a telegraph operator on the Ohio & IMississippi
Railroad at Baden, 111.; Emma, .John, Mary, (ieorge,
Annie and Susanna are still under the parent;il
roof.
As before stated, Mr. Liebig owns a farm of
three hundred and seventy-two acres, of which
two hundred and eighty acres are under a high
state of cultivation. He is engaged in general farm-
ing and stock-raising, and the neat appearance of
his place indicates his careful management, while
.all tlie improvements upon the farm stand as
monuments to his thrift and enterprise. Sociall\',
)02
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Liebig is a Mason, and has always taken an ac-
tive interest in tiie work of that fraternity. lie is
also an active member of the Farmers' Mutual
Benefit Association, and was the first Vice-presi-
dent of tlie first society started in this township.
In politics, he is a Democrat, and lias been honored
with the offices of School Dirccloi-, School Trustee
and Highway Commissidnei'. wliich he filled for
five years. Perseverance and enterprise are among
his chief cliaracteristics, and by good management
and excellent business ability he has won success in
his life work.
]>-^<t
ellARLES P. FLEISC'IIBKIN. Any citizen
of Belleville would spe.ak of the subject of
our sketch as one of the most resjjected and
pvomiiient of her many fine men. He de.ils exten-
sively in fine imported wines and cigars, and does
a very successful and flourishing business.
Our subject was born in this city October 22,
1840. and was the son of Jacob and Louisa (Lutz)
Fleisclibein. Jacob Fleischbein was born in
Rhenish Bavaria and tiiere married Miss Louisa
Lutz. They came to this county in 1833, and
here Jacob engaged in farming at Shiloh Val-
ley, being among the party who settled that
place. He remained tiiere but a short time and
then came to Belleville and established the first
brewery in this vicinity, it being located near the
corner of Illinois and First Streets. Here he con-
tinued until 18.55 and built up a large trade. He
died in 1856, leaving a widow and seven children.
They are: Catherine, widow of John Wilding; Rosa,
widow of M. Ellerman,of Chicago; Louise, wife of
Charles Becker, of this city; Fred H.; Theodore O.,
who is Deputy County Clerk; and the subject of
this writing.
The latter was educated in this city and for a
time was engaged in railroad work. In 1861, he
became one of Uncle Sam's defenders and joined
Company D, Ninth Illinois Infantry. He was taken
sick at Cairo and brought to Belleville, where he
remained until his recovery, when in 1862 he re-
enlistcd and with Company F, Seventh Illinois In-
fanti'y, was sent to guard prisoners at Camp Butler
in Alton, and was also employed in taking prison-
ei's to Vicksburg. He served as First Lieutenant of
Company F. He was mustered out in October, 1863,
and returned to St. Louis but later went to Madison ,
AVis., where he went into business. He returned in
1872 and spent some time in traveling for a St.
Louis house and for tlic Western Brewery Company.
In 1884 he lirst fsluiili^lu-d hi> present business
on Illinois Street, opposite the City Hall, but after-
ward moved to East Main Street.
He has been an active worker in the Democratic
party for man}' years, and for fourteen has been a
inember of the Central Committee and is now one
of the Executive Committee and Treasurer of the
same. He is a member of the order of Knights of
Pythias and is a member also of the (Trand Army
of the Republic.
Oursubject was married to Miss Joanna Mabry, of
this city, June 26, 1864. They have four daughters,
as follows: May, wife of Joseph Ammerman, of Leb-
anon; Sarah, wife of Edgar Sager, of Lebanon;
Alma and Luella.
REDERICK EDWARD RICHTER, who is
)^ now living a retired life in Mascoutah, is
one of the extensive land-owners of the
county and a self-made man, whose example is well
worthy of emulation and should serve to encour-
age others who, like himself, have to begin life at
the lower round of the ladder. A native of (!er-
mMuy, he was born on the 4th of October, 1825,
and when about live years of age removed to
Hesse-Darmstadt, where he acquired his education.
He was a young man of nineteen years when, in
1844, he bade good-bye to home and Fatherland
and sailed for America in company with :i hrother,
sister and their mother. On landing in this
country, they made their way to Illinois and
located about a mile and a half northeast of Mas-
coutah, where they purcha.sed forty acres of land
and a ten-acre timber tract. The brother, Louis,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
now reside!* north of the city. The .sister is tlie
widow of Adam .Stoc-k .and ni.akes her lionie in
.Mascoutah.
On coming to this connt.v. iMr. Hichter ol' this
sketch worlced in the fields for a-lialf (h)llar per
day. At that time the farm produce was sent to
market at St. Louis, and during the Mexican War
they got only about sixteen cents per busliel for
oats. Our subject shared in the hardships and
trials of pioneer life and is familiar with the
iiistory of the county from that early day. He
was first married to Miss Mary Blum, and unto them
were born tliree children: Louis, who resides on
his father's farm; Charles, who also carries on
.agricultural pursuits; and George, who operates
a part of his father's land. The mother of tliis
family was called to her final rest in March, 1854,
and Mr. Richter was married in the autumn of
the following year to Miss Elizabeth Rheinhart,
daughter of Conrad Rheinhart, who resided in
Mascoutah Township, about a mile south of the
city. Five children graced this marriage, but the
first-born died in infancy; Philip, is now living in
Mascoutah Township; Mary is the wife of Ernest
R. Ilagist, a business man of this place; Lizzie is
the wife of Fred Justus, who is engaged in general
merchandising in Mascoutah; and Matilda Cather-
ine, now the wife of John Mann, a resident farmer
of Clinton County, 111.
Mr. Richter resided on tlie old homestead until
186.5, when he removed to a farm six miles north-
cast of Mascoutah, there making hi.s home for a
period of twelve years. On the expiration of that
time, he bought a farm near the old homestead, to
which he removed, engaging in the cultivation
and improvement of his land until about a year
ago, when, in the latter part of August, 1891, he re-
moved to the city and has since lived a retired
life. He now owns five hundred and ninety-seven
acres of valuable land, all of which is under a high
state of cultivation, with the exception of his
limber tracts. This yields to him an excellent in-
come.
Mr. Richter is a member of the Presbyterian
Church, is President of its Board of Trustees, has
always lieen an active worker in the church, and is
one of its liljeral supporters. In polities, he is a
Republican, and for five years served as .Supervisor
of his township. He was School Director for many
years, and the cause of education finds in him a
warm friend. His life has been a busy and useful
one. He caine to this country empty-handed, but
depending on his own resources, he has steadily
worked his way upward, overcoming all the ditti-
culties and obstacles in his path, and making his
way gradually to a position of wealth and af-
fluence. He is now enjoying a well-earned vest,
surrounded by all the comforts of life, which he
has won through his well-directed efforts. He is one
of the prominent citizens of the county, a man
widely and favorably known, and one of its early
settlers, who for almost half a century has wit-
nessed its progress and upluiilding.
(^ll F. METELMANN. This gentleman is
11 \V one of the rising merchants of Darmstadt,
Ij <¥> St. Clair County. His first acquaintance
* with this mundane sphere began in St.
Loui.s, Mo., in the year 1861. lie is a descendant of
an old respected German family, and came to his
present location when he was twentj'-three years
old, settling here and entering into mercantile life
with sufticient vim and energy to found a business
of which he is to-day the successful proprietor.
Rev. John H. Metelmann, father of our subject,
was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1814.
He was a prominent man in the part of the country
where he lived, and was called on to represent his
district in Congress. Honest, firm and unyielding
in his views, the dark days of the revolution ne-
cessitated his leaving his native land and fleeing
to the shores of this new and more Democratic
country. John II. Metelmann was a very highly
educated man, he having been a student at the
noted schools of Sweerin and Ludwiglust. His
political career ended with his exile from his native
land, and after settling in the United States he
adopted the ministry as his chosen profession and
life work. He espoused the Lutheran creed and
504
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was known during his life as an earnest and devout
exponent of the life and principles of the founder
of liis church. His most successful pastoi ate was that
of the Lutheran Church, at Highland, 111., where
he preached the Gospel for thirteen successive years,
organizing a church, and liuilding up a community
which to-da}' bears evidence of his ability as a
scholar, and as the pastor of a people who appre-
ciated his efforts in their behalf and recognized in
him a help and counselor to the community.
Our subject's fatlier was married in his native
land to Miss Elizabeth Hanke. and to them wore
born five children, only one of whom survives,
namely ^Mrs. 'Slnvy Bush, wife of Jacob Bush, who
is Master Machinist in the shops of the Chicago,
Burlington A- (iuincy Railroad Company at Keokuk,
Iowa. His first wife dying in German\', Rev. Mr.
Metelmann was again married, this time to Emma
Karlsburg, daughter of Carl and Elizabeth (Ratul-
fla) Karlsburg, and to thein were born five children,
three of whom are vet living: Paul A., general man-
ager of a large wholesale establishment in St. Louis;
Louisa, wife of William Popp, of Biddleborn, 111.;
and M. F., the subject of this sketch.
Mr. M. F. Metelmann began the career for wiiich
nature intended him at the age of fourteen. At vari-
ous periods of his early boyhood, he held positions
as newsboy and clerk in a store. Such were the fields
in which he sought to gain his future fortune. He
moved to his present location from Highland in the
year 1879, and then opened a general store in a
small way. Prudence, industry, economy and thrift
have ever characterized his undertakings, and the
growth of his small business enterprise ought cer-
tainly to be a source of pleasure to Mr. Metelmann,
as he looks b.ick over the years and views in
memory his small starting point.
Tiie marriage of Mr. Metelmann took jil.ace in
1.S84. his wife being Miss Margaret Schaeferle,
(laughter of George and Anna (Keim) Schaeferle,
and one of seven children. Mr. Metelmann has by
his own work and perseverance made a place among
the solid business firms in this community, and if the
l)rosperity of coming years increases in proportion
CO that of the years he has already passed in busi-
ness, St. Clair County will have good cause to be
proud of thisenteri>rising merchant. He now car-
ries a full line of merchandise, which as standing
stock will invoice in the neighborhood of 16,000
or 17,000. Having achieved so much, and being
able to enjoy alw.ays the confidence and respect of
his neighbors and patrons, Mr. Metelmann will un-
doubtedly soon reach the goal of his higliest am-
bition.
^^+^
^I^RANK GUNDLACH. The original of the
\\-^S)] following sketch is a member of the firm of
/ll> "" Gundlach, Gauch & Muren, prominent in
the livery and undertaking business in the city of
Belleville. Their place of business is located at
the corner of A and High Streets, where they oc-
cupy 60xl(;o feet.
The father of our subject was Philip Gundlach.
of German birth, who came to Belleville in 1844,
and first engaged in farming; he then went into the
malt and brewery business, and later conducted a
grocery business; he finally returned to farming in
Carlyle, Clinton County, 111.
The mother of our subject was Josephine Wcin-
gartner, a daughter of an old settler here. She was
born in Germany, came here about the same time as
her husband, and now lives at Carlyle. They reared
a family of eight children, as follows: Henry, de-
ceased; Frank and Mary; Katie, wife of Thomas
Sharp, of Clinton County; Josie. deceased; Anna,
wife of Ralph Hirschfield, of Clinton County; Ed-
ward, and FAla.. Our subject was educated in the
public schools of this city, after which he settled
in Clinton County: he there learned the trade of
carriage-smith, worked at that until twenty-one
years of age, and then went on his father's farm
for seven years.
After this Mr. Gundlach went into the undertak-
ing and furniture business in Carlyle. and carried
that on for three 3-ears, and then came to Belle-
ville to enter this firm. It was first started as
Gundlach & Gauch, and continued successfully un-
til March 2.3, 1892, when Frank C. Muren was ad-
mitted, and now it is the most complete establish-
ment of its kind in the southern part of Illinois.
Thev deal in all kinds of metallic and rosewood cas-
'x?^/^^-<2^^
^^''^-€^-7<z^-'"Z-'''Z''^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
507
kets patent and walnut coffins, and also in all kinds
of trimmings, shrouds, etc. In the livery business,
lliey have twenty-five horses, besides vehicles of all
kinds — landaus, carriages, wagons, hearses and
everything that their extensive business requires.
The head of tlie Arm is a practical erabalmer, hav-
ing received instructions in common and arterial
embalming under Svillivan. and can take entire
charge of bodies, giving the best of satisfaction, and
preserving the beloved features often absolutely
lifelike. Our subject was married May 1, 1889, to
Miss Pauline Ganz, the daughter of John Ganz, of
C'arlyle, 111. She was born in Belleville, IMarch
23, 1859, and removed to Carlyle in 18fi(). Mr.
Gundlach has made a success of his business by
close attention to it. lie began without means,
but now is one of the wealthy liusiness men of
Belleville.
^ -^f ^^l-^-i^ilE^i^
\l ERMAN SUEMNICHT. The fine farm that
If )|1 impresses the traveler so favorably on sec-
JW^ tiou 11, New Athens Township, belongs to
(^j the gentleman whose name opens this
sketch. The father of our subject was Fi-ederick
.^uemnicht, a Prussian by birth, who w.as born in
1818, and married in his native country. lie came
to America in 1856. and located in the State of
Wisconsin, where he eng.aged in farming and re-
mained until 1859. At that time he came to St.
C'lair County, 111., and located on Turkey Hill,
where others of his nationality bad settled.
After remaining there for three years, Mr. Suem-
nicht went to Ingham Township, St. Clair County,
and there resided until 1867, when he removed to
this place. His death occurred here in 1873. He
left a family of four children, three of whom are
yet living, namely: Gustavus, who lives in New
Athens, this county; Louisa, who is the wife of
Dr. Saltemberger, a physician at Millstadt, III.; and
our subject. Born February 28, 1844, in Prussia,
Germany, Herman Suemnicht was eleven years old
when he accompanied his father to this county.
His marriage took place in the year 1873, to
j Miss Lisette Saltemberger, of this county. Af-
ter tills important event he located on the place
where he has lived ever since. He has seen hon-
orable service in the army, and was a member of
Company B, Ninth Illinois Infantry. In October,
I 1862, he was mustered out of the army on account
' of wounds received at the battle of Shiloh. He
was in the thickest of that terrible fight, and also
took part in the battle of Ft. Donelson, and for
bravery there he was promoted to be a Corporal.
On that bloody ground his company left a lieuten-
ant and several corporals.
Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Suem-
nicht, namely: Mary, William, Bertha, Alvin and
Lizzie. The devoted wife and mother departed
this life February 19, 1890. The family occupies
a high position socially, and its members are prom-
I inent in their community.
i One hundred and sixty acres of land, all well
I improved and cultivated, comprise the homestead
! where Mr. Suemnicht and his family live in com-
fort. He carries on general farming, and may
justly be classed among the most prosperous resi-
dents of the county. He has served his district as
School Director, and takes great interest in all im-
j provements. In politics, he affiliated with the Re-
I publican party until 1872, and since .then has sup-
ported the principles of Dem(;cracy.
^^.EOKGE R M(C. R(XiEKS. The Excelsior
;|/ (— , Foundry Company, which was incorporated
^^Jjj .lanuary 1, 1892, with a capital stock of
$10,000, has for its officers E. P. Rogers, Presi-
dent, and George B. McC. Rogers, Secretary and
Treasurer. This enterprise was established on the
1st of .January, 1891, under the firm name of Rog-
ers Bros., at Third South and Spring Streets, cov-
ering one-fourth of a block. They have one
furnace, and melt about five tons per day, manu-
facturing country hollowwaie and general cast-
ings. They give employment to a force of about
thirty men, three-fourths of whom are skUled
508
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
workmen, thii.s milking a [my roll of from 11,200
to $1,300 per mouth. The work turnerl out by
this foundry is always first-class, and enjoys a
reputation for the superiority of its materials and
excellence of workmanship. This high standard is
obtained b3' close supervision over all the details
of manufacture.
(ieorge B. McC. Rogers first saw the light of day
in Hamilton, Ohio, on the 10th of September, 1862,
and is a son of Robert and Laura (Fairchild) Rog-
ers, the former a native of Ireland, born in July,
1834, and the latter of Dayton, Ohio, born in
1837. TheelderMr. Rogers, although a native of the
green isle of Erin, was of Scotch origin, and while
growing up learned the moulder's trade of his fa-
ther, William Rogers, who was a foundrj'man. He
was but three years of age when he came with his
parents to'the States, and was reared in Hanover,
Ind., whither his parents had removed. In the
year 1856, he was married to Miss Fairchild, and
after his marriage began working at the foundry
business in both Cincinnati and Hamilton. In
March, 1876, he came to Belleville, 111., and here
established the first foundry in the city. This
subse(juently became known as the Rogers Foun-
dry and Stove Works, and at its incorporation he
was President until selling out on the 1st of Jan-
uary, 1892. After selling out, he established the
Standard Foundry Company for the manufacture
of stoves near the Louisville & Nashville Passenger
Depot. He is one of the representative business
men of the city, and is thoroughly alive to all en-
terprises of moment. He has held the oflice of
Alderman, and has filled other positions of trust.
His wife is still living. To their union were born
six children, who are as follows: Eddy, I'resi-
dent of the present company; George B. McC;
Charles G., with the Standard Company; Robert
D., Jr., formerly with the Rogers Foundry Company
but now with the Cairo Short Line Railroad; Ida,
wife of Samuel Hyde, Sedalia, Mo.; and Bessie J.
Mr. Rogers is a member of the Ancient Order of
I'nited Workmen, and the Knights of Pythias.
Eddy Rogers was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on
the 27th of May, 1860, and .secured good educa-
tional advantages in Indianapolis and Cincinnati.
Later, he learned ornninenlal )jlastering and decora-
ting, and then the moulding and foundr\' busi-
ness with his father and an uncle at Erie, Pa. He
was Superintendent of the Rogers' F'oundry and
Stove Company from its organization until Janu-
ary 1, 1891, a period of twelve years, with the ex-
ception of two years, when he was engaged in the
same business in St. Louis. He was married to
Miss Lillie Bauman, daughter of G. F. Bauman, of
Belleville, in the year 1881, December 15, and two
children have blessed this union. Harry Eddy and
Frank 1!. Mi-. li^)gers is a uicnibcr of the Masonic
fratciiiily. and an attendant and supporter of the
I'lcsl.Vtc.ian Cliiirrh.
(ieurg(! 11. McC. Rogeis was educated in Cincin-
nati and Indianapolis, and attended the Bryant and
Stratton Business College at St. Louis. Later, he
entered the foundry and learned the whole busi-
ness b}' serving his time. Afterward, he entered
the office as Secretar\',and continued to fill that po-
sition until they sold out. Then, with his brother,
he established the business here. He is a member of
the Prcsbyteiian Church, and is an exemplary and
much esteemed young man, both in a business and
social point of view. He was married on the 1st
of December, 1885, to Miss Anna E. Rentchler,
daughter of J. B Rentchler, and this union has
been blessed by the birth of one child, Georgianna
Rentchler. Mr. Rogers, like his brother, shows a
decided liking for secret organizations, and is a
Mason and a Knii^lit of Pvthias.
APT. FREDERICK DIL(i. The subject of
this sketch resides in the city of Mascoutah,
St. Clair County, 111. He is the son of
John Nicholas Dilg, who was born in the same
place that afterward became the birthplace of his
son, Bolanden, in Germany, and was an inhabi-
tant of that place when his marriage with Miss
Catherine Howenstein was solemnized. Her birth
occurred at this place June 24, 1806, and after she
had become the happy mother of four children
she agreed with her husband that America would
be the best place in which they could make their
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
509
home and give their offspring a proper start in
life. Therefore, in 1845, the father, motlier and
four children made the long journey, and finally
reached this county, and here located one and
one-half miles south of Maseoutah, where the
family lived until 1852, when they moved into
Maseoutah and the father went into the manufac-
ture of brick. He had been a carpenter in Ger-
many, but now followed the brick-making trade
until 1862, and in 1876 he moved to New York.
All three of his sous were brave soldiers during
the Civil War. George Philip was in Texas at
the breaking out of the war and was forced into
the Confederate service, but he managed to escape
and join a Union cavalry regiment. He is now
living in Williamson County, 111., and is engaged
in farming there. Nicholas was in an artillery
regiment of Missouri Volunteers, and both he and
his brother were warrant officers during the war.
Nicholas died in 1869. Katherine is the wife of
John Arndt, of this city.
Our subject was born February o. li^Ui, in Bo-
landen, Germany, and was live years old wlien
he came to this country. He grew to manhood
here in INIaseoutah and was educated in the schools
of this place. In 1856, he was apprenticed to learn
the drug business in Helleville. III., where he re-
mained until 1859.
On the 1st of June, 1860, a paper was started
in Maseoutah called the Neivs-Letler, on which
our subject set the first type. At the close of
that year the News-Lette)- was consolidated with
the Belleville Advocate, and our subject remained
with the new paper until President Lincoln issued
his call for seventy-five thousand patriots, when
he volunteered and joined Company D, Ninth lUi-
iTois Infantry, the regiment known to history as the
"Bloody Ninth." He remained a part of this
regiment until the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out of the service July 10, 1865. This regi-
ment was in one hundred and ten battles, and
some of the most bloody struggles of the war.
Our sulijeet was with Sherman on his march to
the sea and up through the Carolinas, and was in
the triumphal parade in Washington on Pennsyl-
vania ,\venue at the close of the long season of
strife. The regiment wns ^e-enli^(r(t in 18C2,
and did both infantr3' and cavalry duty. Our
subject was appointed Corporal at Cairo, 111., and
was promoted again at Paducah, Ky., to the rank
of Sergeant, and while the siege of Atlanta was
going on he was made First Lieutenant'. He was
close to the spot where the brave McPherson was
killed. The Captain of his company was killed
in the swamps of South Carolina in February,
1865, and he w.is then promoted to the rank of
Captain, remaining w^ith that rank until the
close of the war. He was in the battles of Ft.
Donelson, Shiloh. the siege and battle of Corinth,
and the battle of Atlanta, and also in front of
Savannah, Ga.
No doubt one of the proudest moments in tiie
life of this hero was when he was shown a mark
of appreciation and affection in Louisville, Ky.,
June 27, 1865. As a token of the high regard
in which he was held, the members of Capt. Dilg's
company presented him with a handsome sword
with appropriate ceremonies to commemorate the
occasion. This gift is among his most precious
possessions, and will be kept as an heirloom of
priceless value to iiand down to future genera-
tions.
Immediately after peace had settled over the
land again, Capt. Dilg came home and opened
a book and stationery store in Maseoutah in
August, 1865, and followed it until June 1,
1869, when he was appointed Postmaster of the
town. At this time he connected a job print-
ing oflfice with his business, and in 1876 he es-
tablished the Maseoutah Anzeiger. This paper he
sold out in .Tune, 1889, but it is still conducted
by other parties, who also run the store. He was
Postmaster from 1869 until the Cleveland admin-
istration, and was re-appointed in May, 18S9,
under the Harrison administration.
The marriage of Capt. Dilg took place in June,
1868, when he wedded Miss Sophia Hauser, the
daughter of Frederick Hauser, of St. Louis, and
eight children have been added to the family, of
whom seven are still living, viz: Kugene, who is
attending college at Jacksonville, 111.; Lilli L.,
Theodore, Fred, Rosamond, Pearl and Klma. Al-
fred died in 1878.
510
POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Honor, and is also Senior Post Commander of
Mascoutali Post No. 682, G. A. K. Politically,
Capt. Dilg is a strong Republican and ver.y fear-
lessh- speaks his mind. Socially, lie is a favorite,
as his generous impulses and his genial manners
in society win him regard, as they cemented the
affections of the veterans of war times. His ac-
complished wife assists him in all the duties which
fall to his share as a public man, and in the town
of their residence none are more highly regarded.
•^-N^i^lH-^Sj^l*^-
Jl^- ENUY AVAGNEK. Numerous instances
IjjV might be cited of men in St. Clair County
/^^^ who, Ity dint of persevering application
(^ and enei-g3', have risen from a position of
]ioverty to one of usefulness and influence. They
furnish proofs of cheerful, honest labor, and a
zealous determination to make the most of every
advantage offered. Among this class of successful
men, mention belongs to the gentleman with
whose name. we introduce this sketch, and who is
well known as a prominent farmer of Marissa
Township.
In tracing the lineage of our subject, we find
that his grandfather was John Peter Wagner, who
was boru, reared and passed his entire life in Ger-
many, where he learned the trade of a linen-
weaver, although his principal occupation through-
out life was that of a farmer. The father of our
subject, Ileiyv Wagner, was reared on the home
farm, and early in life gained a thorough knowl-
edge of agricultural pursuits, wliicli he followed
during the most of his active life. By trade he
was a linen-weaver, but never devoted much time
to that occupation. He never left his native land,
l)ut there closed his eyes to the scenes of earth in
1843, when in tlie prime of his useful and honor-
able life. Ills mai-riage, which uiiiltMl liim with
Miss Anna ;\[. Kern, resulted iu lli^.' biith of ten
children, two sons and eight daughters, of whom
Henry and two sisters are now the only surviving
memliers.
Born in Germany ju 1S3C, Henry Wagner was
there reared to a sturdy manhood, receiving his
education in the excellent schools of that countr\-.
In his youth he learned the trade of a shoemaker,
but after coining to the United States tlid not
actively engage in that occupation. Having re-
solved to seek a home in America, where better
advantages were offered to the poor, he emigrated
hither in ]8;j4, at the age of eighteen years, and
caine at once to St. Clair County, where he settled
on a portion of his present farm. His means were
quite limited and it was only after great exertions
and ceaseless economy that he was enabled to pur-
chase and improve his estate. He is now tiie
owner of a splendid farm consisting of three hun-
dred and fifty-eight acres of as fine land as is to be
found in Marissa Township, and upon the place he
has erected the necessery buildings and made first-
class improvements.
The lady, who on March 6, 1860, became the
wife of Mr. AVagner, was Miss Anna Mary,
daughter of Peter and Cornelia Steinheimer, and
unto them have been born the following-named
children: Anna Maggie, whose marriage to
Michael Triefebach occurred September 14, 1886,
has one child, Michael, two j'cars of age; Henry,
Adam, Anna; Peter, George, Conrad and Katie
are all deceased. Henry, who resides with his
father and superintends the home farm, was mar-
ried in 1889 to Miss Katie, daughter of Charles
and Katie Rice, and they have become the parents
of two children, Micliael being the only one now
living.
The Lutheran Church finds in Mr. AVagner a
devoted and consistent member, and all religious
enterprises receive his hearty sui)port. In his
political connections, he is a Democrat and is
numbered among the influential members of that
party in Marissa Township. His fellow-citizens
have elected him to various positions of trust and
honor, and he li.as always served with credit to
himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned.
l'"<ir six years he lilled the position of Highway
Comiiiissioncr aiid for eighteen 3'ears served as
School Director in his district. The respect ac-
corded him by his children, in whose esteem and
aft'ection he enjoys tli(> solace given after years of
toil fui- Ihcir welfare, and the conlideiiw^ which he
'^ ^^^
cnAy^r~o
AyViA^Mj
Cl^,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
513
inspires in all with whom he conies in contact, all
prove tliat St. Clair County has in liini a citizen
of wiiom it ma_y be justly said that he is a credit
t<i the eomtininitv in whicli he lives.
^\ HAHLES KAEMPEK,a popular and ener-
(l( /■ S^^^^ citizen of Millstadt Township, was
'^^' born in Monroe County. 111., in 1856. In
tiie county of his birth he was leared to mature
years within tiie home of his parents, Frederick
and Katharine (Schroeder) Kaemper. In the dis-
trict schools the fundamental principles of his
education were acquired, and afterward he pursued
iiis studies at the Central Wesleyan College, at
Warrenton, Mo., where he applied himself with
j;reat diligence to the acquirement of knowledge.
At the age of twenty-one years, Mr. Kaemper
removed from Monroe County to St. Clair County
and settled upon the place which is still his home.
He lias never married, but makes his home with
his mother. His landed possessions consist of three
fine farms in Monroe County, which he rents, and
which are among the most valuable estates of that
county. A man of broad intelligence and general
information, he is alw.ays interested in the issues,
both national and local, before the people of to-day,
and is identified with many progressive measures j
on behalf of his community.
The father of our subject, Frederick Kaemper,
was born in Prussia, Germany, in 18-24. Of his
early life we know little, but his parents must have
been wise and kind; otherwise, their son would not
have displayed the traits of character which render
hisniemory dear tohissurvivingrelatives. In 1845,
having reached the age of twenty years, he emi-
grated to America, and, after landing, proceeded
directly to Illinois and settled in Monroe County.
By industry and thrift he became the owner of
considerable land in that county, where he re-
mained engaged in agricultural pursuits for twen-
ty-two years.
About ten \ears after einiaralini'- to .\ineriea,
Frederick Kaemper married Miss Katharine Schroe-
der. Her father, Renke Schroeder, was born in
Oldenburg, Germany, and emigrated to America in
1844. where he located near Waterloo, 111., his farm
being near that of Mr. Kaemper. The father of
our subject was a member of the Evangelical Church,
and. is still remembered as a valued and active
worker in that denomination. His death occurred
.July 2, 1876, and was regarded as a public loss by
his fellow-citizens generally.
The mother of our subject was a second time
married, becoming the wife of Charles F. Kaemper,
a brother of Frederick, her former husband. This
gentleman had previously been married to Miss
Schaefer, who died in 1872, leaving eight children,
five of whom are now living, viz.: Henry, Charles
C, George and Fred, who live in Franklin County,
and Philip, who resides in St. Clair County.
Charles F. Kaemper, who died m 1884, was a na-
tive of Germany, and for many years resided
in section .34, Millstadt Township. By his second
marriage, he became the father of one child, Ida,
who is at home. The mother of our subject is the
owner of a finely-improved and highly-cultivated
farm of two hundred and twenty acres, from the
rental of which she receives a good income.
m^'
\\ ARY ANN SCHMISSEUR. The name that
opens this sketch is that of one of the
wealthiest ladies in the State. She occu-
* pies one of the finest and largest resi-
dences in Southern Illinois outside of a city, and
is surrounded \>y every comfort that money can
procure. The home place contains six'hundred
and ten acres of land, and the mansion is sur-
rounded by extensive and beautiful grounds.
Mrs. Schmisseur is a native of Lorraine, France,
having been born in that country in 182(1, but
came to America with her parents when she was
only ten years old, so is essentiality an American.
The family landed in New Orleans and settled in
French N'ill.age near East St. Louis, where the Inther
and UKJllier died, When our subject was twenty
24
514
PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years old she became the bride of Nicholas Louis,
who died in 1850. By this marriage she became
the mother of six children, two of whom are
living, namely: Margaret, wife of George Bauer,
a resident of Clinton; and Nicholas Louis, a resi-
dent on a farm adjoining tiiat of his mother.
In 1853, Mrs. Louis married John N. Schmis-
seur, who was born in Toulon, France, in 1814,
and who died in 186.3. By this husband Mrs.
Schniisseur became the happy mother of four
children, three sons and one daughter: The
eldest resides with his beloved mother on tlie
home place. Helena is wife of Peter Voellinger, a
farmer living near Reed's Station, in this town-
ship. Mary Ann, wife of Anton Pfeiffer, resides
near O'Fallon and has a family of six children.
Mary, is the wife of .loseph Rich, a merchant in
(VFallon.
Mrs. Schmisseur is a very wealthy person, own-
ing eighteen hundred acres of fine land, worth
-SlOO an .acre. Although possessing so much prop-
erty, she is a very modest and pleasant lady and
never fails to respond to any and all demands
upon her that she deems worthy of support. Mrs.
Schmisseur is a lady Who enjoys the respect and
esteem of the entire neighborhood and is the pos-
sessor of manv fine traits of character.
[JULIUS KNOBELOCH, who is engaged in
|| agricultural pursuits on section 19, Shiloh
Vallej^ Township, was born in 1855, on
^^/' the old homestead in this count_y, where his
father is yet living. His parents, Baltzer and
Elizabeth (Liebrock) Knobeloch, are mentioned
in the sketch of Henry Knobeloch on another page
of this work.
The subject of tliis sketch acquired his early
education in the common schools and it was sup-
plemented by study in the Belleville schools. lie
also was a student in a German school in Mas-
coutah. This well prepared him for tiie duties of
life and he is a s\U'cessful business nian. llis fa-
llier was well-lo-d(i.;ind so he iciiiaiiied :i( home un-
der the parental roof until 1881, when he removed
I to the farm where he now resides, a tract of one
hundred and sixty acres under a high state of cul-
tivation.
On the 5th of December, 1878, Mr. Knobeloch
was married to Miss Lizzie Haege, daughter
of Jacob and Annie C. (Perschbachei') Haege,
, the former a native of Bavaria, and the latter of
Darmstadt, Germany. The father vvas born Sept-
ember 24, 1824, and the date of the mother's birth
was August 19, 1831. Mr. Haege was about
twenty of age when he came to America, having
just completed an apprenticeship to the black-
smith's trade. He took up his residence in Shiloh,
' St. Clair County, established asmith^', and engaged
in his chosen occu]iation for many j-ears. He was
: a genius and invented the gang plow and manu-
factured all kinds of implements. His death
occurred on the 28th of April. 1891. His wife
still survives him and yet makes her home in
' Kansas. They reared a family of live children:
i Philip; Lizzie, the honored wife of our subject;
j Anna, wife of August C. Meckfessel; Jacob H. and
j William B.
I By the union of Mr. and ^NFrs. Knobeloch has
lieen born a family of six children, of whom five
are yet living, as follows: Amelia, William B., Ar-
thur, Albert and Rudolph. Jacob, the youngest,
died at the age of three months.
^Ir. Knobeloch is a practical and progressive far-
mer, and his well-tilled fields yield to him a golden
tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows
upon them. He has many excellent improvements
upon his farm which indicate his thrift, and he al-
j ways has the latest improved machinery. He ever
keeps abreast with the times and is always willing
to investigate any new plan that will save labor
and produc-e better crops. In politics, Mr. Knobe-
loch is a supporter of the Democracy on questions
of National importance, but at local elections votes
for the man whom he thinks best qualified to fill
the office, regardless of partj- affiliations. At this
writing-in the autumn of 1892, he is serving as
School Director of his district, a position he has
filled for several years with credit to himself and
to the satisfaction of his constituents. ' He is a
niemliei- of the Farmers" Mutual Benefit Association
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
515
and a valued citizen of the eommunitj-, one whose
sterling worth and integrit_v have won him the
high esteem of all with whom he has been brought
in e^>nlact.
GKOKliK P. LIKXESCH.a prominent and in-
fluential farmer who resides on section 6,
Sliiloli Valley Township, where he owns a
fine farm, is a native of Germany. The date of
his birth w.as 1818, and the place was Hanover,
lie is a son of Herman P. and Gertrude (Stienmau)
Lienesch. Our subject was the only child, and his
mother died when he was about six months old.
He is the descendant of a very wealthy- and historic
(Jerman family. In their native land, they were
farmers by occupation and owned a large estate,
which is still known as the Lienesch Pl.ace. Herman
P. Lienesch was a son of John Garhart Lienescli, a
descendant of Michael Lienesch, the third of that
name. Since tlie Reformation of Martin Luther, the
family has been Lutheran and stanch defenders of
tliat faith. The old mansion of Lienesch was de-
stroyed by fire when our subject was a lad of
twelve years, and in its flames perished most of the
valuable papers, some of which dated back several
centuries. The fatiier of our subject was a second
time married, the lady of his choice being Mar-
garet Pahlmann, of another old German family.
]}y this marriage one son was born, who now occu-
pies the old homestead, whicli was given him by
his generous elder brother.
George P. Lienesch grew to manhood on the old
estate and received a fine education. His primary
studies were pursued in the Catholic schools near
his home, and liis classical education was received
in the kingdom of Hanover, where he became a
proficient scholar in French, English and Latin.
When he was about twenty years of age, after
reading the history of the United States, he formed
a desire to travel and see sometliing of {he New-
World. Accordingly, that year lie took pa>s,nge in
a sailing-vessel and was se\cnty days uiion the
bosom of the l>ron(l Atlantic. DiuIiil;- the voxaw.
they suffered many hardships and perils, a descrip-
tion of which is given in a very interesting manner
by our subject. He landed in New Orleans on
New Year's Day, 1839, and remained in thatrcity
but a short time. Wishing to see the sights
of the Crescent Citj-, he visited slave markets,
among other things, which made him very much
disgusted and indignant with the traffic there
carried on in human beings. He next made his
"ay to St. Louis, coming up the Mississippi by boat.
He had left home and an assured income in the'
old homestead and wished to make his own fortune
in the New World. In this independent spirit, he
hired out to a farmer, receiving 110 per month.
He worked about a year at this employment in
St. Clair County. The first work which was given
him to do was trampling out grain on the threshing
floor. With his carefully saved earnings he soon
purchased thirty acres of land at 110 an acre, near
the farm where he now lives. Later, he received
considerable money on the settlement of his father's
estate in Germany, which he invested and now
owns three hundred acres of fine and well-culti-
vated land.
In 1840, Mr. Lienesch married Permelia Mes-
senger, the daughter of John and Anna (Lyon)
Messenger. Her father was a surveyor and made
the first map of Illinois. Her maternal grandfather
was at one time Governor of Arkansas and a noted
Congressman. Mr. and Mrs. Lienesch were blessed
with three daughters: Augusta, now deceased, who
married Charles Hofl'man; Anna Gertrude; and
Rebecca L., wife of .Tames Huckstep. After the
death of his first wife, he was married to Miss
Mary A., daughter of Col. John and Isabella (Kin-
ney) Thomas, of Belleville, a sketch of whom aji-
pears elsewhere in this volume.
To our subject and his wife have l)een lioru
four children: John T.; George W.; Belle, the wife
of Herman Cleibecker; and Jessie Fremont, wife
of Ralph Pierce. The mother of these children
was for some time an invalid and her failing health
induced our subject to take a trip abroad; accord-
ingly, they spent a season in Europe, visiting the
Inline of his vovitli and the Paris Exposition of
ISCT. Ill spiteof the \(>yageand change of scene,
the wile friih'il rapiilly and soon passed away, lii
516
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1872, Mr. Lienescli married Mary C, daughter of
Bernard and Clara (Walker) Cleibecker. B3' this
union has been born one son, Walter H.
In Tiis political affiliations, Mr. Lienosch is an
advocate of the Republican party, of whose prin-
ciples he is a loyal defender. He is a member of
the Lutheran Churcli, as were his ancestors for
many generations. For over half a century, Mr.
Lienesch has resided in this county, which, when
lie first settled here, was almost a wilderness. He
has many interesting recollections of those early
pioneer days, when game was still abundant and
Indians still made it their hunting-grounds. He
brought with him from (rerraany a gun. witii which
he killed eleven deer in this county soon after his
arrival here. He has been quite an extensive
traveler and has crossed the ocean nine times. He
is a man of breadth of mind and wide information
and general knowledge, and seldom errs in his
judgment of people or affairs.
\Ii=TZ'RANK LEAKE is the Cashier of the Bank
|H;j(g)) of Mascoutah, located in Mascoutah, 111.
11^ This bank was organized in October, 1891,
by the well-known banker, J. N. Hagins, of the
Columbia National Bank, of Chicago, who is also
proprietor of a bank in St. .4nne, 111., and another
at Gillespie. 111. The Bank of Mascoutah is the
only one located in this city, and it does a general
banking business, loans money, receives deposits,
makes drafts, collects and pays interest on time
deposits of over three months' standing. The bank
is located in the Odd Fellows Building, which is
owned by Mr. Hagins. It is provided with a fire-
proof and burglar-proof safe, manufactured by the
Mosler Safe Company, and this is enclosed in
a strong, well-built, fire-proof vault. The safe
and vault are according to liie latest impiu\'ed
manufacture, and the patrons of the bank can feel
perfectly safe in making deposits therein. Al-
though the bank has been in operation only about
;v year, it has done a coiisjdejable amount of busi-
ness, exceeding the expectations of the owner, to
whom the management has been very satisfactory.
Mf. Leake, the efficient Cashier, is an able busi-
ness man, well qualified for the position he holds.
As he is widely and favorably known in the com-
munity, we feel assured that this record of his life
will prove of interest to many of our readers. He
is a native of the Buckeye State, his birth having
occurred in Erie County in 1861. His father, John
Leake, was a prominent plow manufacturer of
North Amherst, Ohio, and it was in that place that
our subject acquired his early education, which
was afterward supplemented bj' a course in Oberlin
College, of Ohio, where he completed his literary
studies; He was then fitted for his life work, and
for the past ten j'ears he has been engaged in the
banking business, mastering it in all its details.
His honorable and straightforward record in the
p.ast is a recommendation to him in the i)Osition
he now fills. He is ever true to hjs duties and has
the confidence of all with whom he has been
brought in contact, either through business or
social relations. Mr. Leake is a member of the
Masonic fraternity and also of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows.
One of the important events in the life of our
subject was his marriage, which occurred in Hart-
1 ford. Wis., September 11, 1888, to Miss Agnes
j Schoenke, daughter of Henry and Albertiena
i (Schwe) Schoenke.
0
ALPH B. TAKLTON. Nowhere within the
iff limits of St. Clair County can be found a man
*A \V of more energy, uprightness and integrity
^~ than Ralph B. Tarlton, who was born in
Callaway County, Mo., opposite Jefferson City, on
the Missouri River, May 25, 1844. His parents, M.
H. and Mary E. (Locke) Tarlton, were native Ken-
tuckians, the father born in Bourbon County. The
elder Mr. Tarlton was a planter in his native State
until 184;!, when he removed to Missouri, bought a
plantation near the Jlissouri River, in Callaway
County, and became one of the most promi-
k^ A
WT
^-
PORTRAIT AND BTOGRAPmCAL RECORD.
.19
nent planters. Tbe war damaged him tinanciallv,
but lie made his home there until his deatii,
in 187^i, when seventy-five years of age. Mrs.
Tarlton resides with her children, is at present
making her home with our subject, and is over
seventy years of age. She is an exemplary mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Churcii. Her fa-
ther, John Locke, was a farmer of the Blue Grass
State. Their children were in the order of
their births as follows: Ben, deceased; C'loyde, de-
deased; Theresa, Mrs. P. E. Chappie, of Kansas
City; Ralph B., our subject; M. R., in Fayette,
Howard County, Mo.; Locke, deceased; and Mary,
Mrs. H.Morris, deceased.
Like the majorit3' of farmer boys, our subject
received his education in the common district
schools, where he swung his 3'outhful limbs from
the slab benches in the log schoolhouse of that
day. When sixteen years of age, he entered Fay-
ette College, remained there about a year and a
half and then, on account of the breaking out of
the war, lie returned home and look charge of a
part of ills father's farm, lie carried on about
four hundred acres of this until after the war, and
then bought five hundred acres, which he tilled
successfully until about 1871, when he left the
farm. He went west to Kansas, hunted buffaloes,
and was in Dodge City when it was first started. Re-
turning to .Jefferson City, he remained there a few
weeks and, in 187.3, came to the old Pacific Yards
in St. Louis, where he was employed by William
Humphreys as a commission merchant. Three
months later, he came home and engaged as sales-
man for Humphreys, Short & White, but later was
in the employ of Nick Moody, a commission mer-
chant doing business under the firm name of
Moody, Ray & Co. Still later, he was with Daw-
son & Underwood. He was then a partner of
the firm of Jaekman, Hickman & Co. until tliey
broke up, after which he was in business with Met-
calf, Moore & Co., remaining with them until the
firm title was changed to Joseph Metcalf & Co. In
January, 1875, the present partnership of Tarlton, 1
iloody and Co., general commission merchants,
was formed. Our subject has charge of the hog I
department and is one of the oldest stockmen here.
Mr. Tarlton resides at No. 636 Ninth Street, '
and his fine home is presided over by his estimable
wife, who was formerly Miss Fanny Stapleton.
whom he married in 1880. She was born in How-
ard County, Mo. Two children have been born
to this union, Locke and Laura, both unusuallj-
bright and intelligent. Mr. Tarlton is a member
of the Chosen Friends, and, in politics, is a Dem-
crat.
\T WEHRLE A SON. the oldest and most
I prominent jewelers of Belleville, are the
^^11 subjects of this sketch. Joseph Wehiie was
^^/J born in Baden, Germany, October 20, 1820.
In his native land he received his education, and
learned his trade, serving a full apprenticeship and
working as a journeyman until 1842, when he
came to Canton, Ohio. He remained there three
years and then removed to St. Louis, frpm which
city he came to Belleville, and at first worked for
others at his trade. In 1849, he established him-
self in business, and has continued thus engaged
for forty-three years. He had in 186.3, during the
summer of the Crystal Palace Exhibition, a shop in
New York on the public square. He bought his pres-
ent building in 1859, and has been in this location
since 1860. The firm carries a full line of jew-
elry, watches, clocks and silverware, only of the
best, and the store is considered one of the most
reliable in this section of the country.
November 22, 1859, Mr. Wehrle was married to
Miss Fredrika Kessler, of this city, who was born
in Baden, September 25, 1831. He took his fam-
ily to Germany, and remained there from 1871 to
1872. Two of the four children born to his mar-
riage still survive, namely: I'>ed G., who is his
partner, and Josephine, who is the wife of Fred
Dunck, of this city. Mr. Wehrle is a member of
the Free Protestant Church.
Fred G., the son and partner of the above-
named gentleman, was born August 30, 1860, He
was educated in Belleville, and when his schooling
was completed, he learned his trade with his f.i-
ther, after which he entered a finishing school at
New York, where he remained for one year. Upon
.■)20
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his return be formed a partnership with his father,
June 18, 1883. He was married to Miss Louisa
Grieser, of this city, at St. Louis, November 10,
1886, and thej' are the parents of two children,
Leroy and P'redericlv.
/p»iERHARDT H. KEMPER. One of the most
|| j ,_^ prominent of the Gerraiin-Ameriean citizens
^^^i of East St. Louis and one who has done
much for the advancement of this portion of the
city, is the gentleman wliose biography' it now be-
comes our dutj^ and pleasure to write. He is the
present proprietor of the oldest feed store in the
city, a man of means, and one of the Dii'ectors
of the First National Bank; also a member and
Director of the Clearmont Laud Association, a mem-
ber of the Merchants' Exchange of St. Louis, and is
now serving the city as Alderman from the Fourth
Ward. The grandfather of our subject was a na-
tive of the Province of Melle, Germany, where lie
followed the occupation of a farmer and where
our subject's father was born. Tlie grandfather
was a teamster in Napoleon's arm}- and took part
in the march to Russia; subsequently following
his son to America, he lived quietly liere until his
death, in New Melle. Mo. Frank Kemper, the
father of our subject, came to America in 1837.
Having received a good education in his native
country, lie engaged in St. Louis as a clerk for a
short time and then, on account of failing liealtli,
located land in what is now New Melle. There
he began farming and in connection with it op-
ened a country store, thus becoming the founder
of the thrifty little town of New Melle, where he
became a very successful man. Wlien the dread
disease, cholera, swept over the land in 1852, he
was one of its victims, five members of his family
dying in two days. Themotherof our subject was
Clara Mary Kuhlman, who was born in Germany.
After the deatli of lier first husband, Mrs. Kem-
per married Mr. Bredenkamp, and at hei death
left a family of six children b\' her first marriage
I and two by the last union to mourn her loss.
Our subject was reared on the farm and attended
I the public and parochial schools, where he received
I a good common-school education. Wiien he was
j only eighteen years old he enlisted in Krakel's
i Battalion Home Garrison Missouri Militia, and
I served seven months, until discharged. Eighty
days later he enlisted again under Colonel Bailej^'s
State militia of fighting bushwackers, and contin-
ued with them for three months. Coming then to
St. Louis, he worked a year in a mill at Camp
Springs, 111., but the summer of 1864 was spent
upon a farm, and in the fall of 1865 he returned
to the old farm and there remained until 1867,
when he came to East St. Louis. At this time our
subject was twenty-four years old. having been
born January 28, 1843, at his father's home in
New Melle, Mo., and had had many experiences for
one of his years. He later entered the service of
Henschen Krite <fe Company, as clerk and retailer.
In the year 1869 deciding that he had gained
enough experience to become a merchant, he
formed the firm of Kemper & Roewe, and engaged
in the feed business, thus continuing for thirteen
years, doing a good business in fioiir and feed.
In 1883 Mr. Kemper bought his partner's interest
and kept on alone for six months, when he took
in his half-brother, and made the firm (t. H. Kem-
per cfe Co. It has so continued until the present
time, doing a very large business. They suffered
in 1883 from fire, but rebuilt immediately. Their
brick block h.as now fift}^ feet lie nit with sixty-
five feet depth and is on a lot two hiiiidred
and forty feet deep. Mr. Kemper built a handsome
residence on Fourth Street and owns two other
houses. The important position he occupies in the
commercial life of the city we mentioned in our
opening paragraiih, and his inlluence is widely
felt.
Mr. Kemper was married in St. Louis May 11.
1867, to Miss Mary Trebbe, who was born in
the Province of Melle, in Germany, but was reared
in St. Louis. Three children have been born to
this couple, Matilda, Annie and John. Mr. Kemper
has always been very active in those improvement
schemes which he thought were advisable, and was
one of the first to take measures to have the streets
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
521
reduced to the present grade. His services liave
been required on the Ways and Means Committee
of the City Government, and he lias been three
times elected as an Alderman. Our subject is as
prominent in tiie Lutheran Church, of which he is
an honored member, as he is in public life. He was
one of the buijding committee when the large
church of his denomination, St. Peter's, was built
and he is still its Treasurer. Mr. Kemper is a Arm
believer in Republican principles, and warmly sup-
ports that party, and has been frequently called
upon to serve on both the grand and the petit
juries. Our subject is a man held in high esteem
in his city and has the proud satisfaction of know-
ing that the confidence of the people is deserved.
As Superintendent and Treasurer of St. Peter's
Cemetery, he has sold all the lots that have been
disposed of in it.
"N— =— f^^-r
?RED S. WECKLER.
Among the many
\rr^j residents of Darmstadt, St. Clair County,
/l^ who deserve notice in a volume of this
nature, Fred S. Weckler is most certainly not one
of the least. He is the son of Peter and Barbara
Weckler. Peter Weckler was born in Wurteni-
berg, Germany, in the year 1810. After complet-
ing the course in the common schools of his
native town, he entered the High School, and
thus became possessed of more than ordinary
education to assist him in the battle of life. After
leaving the High School, he commenced to learn
the trade of a bookbinder, which vocation he
followed with success in his native country.
At the age of twenty-two years, Peter Weckler
became interested in the subject of emigration,
and chose America as the Mecca of iiis future
hopes and fond anticipations. He arrived in this
countiy in the 3'ear 1832, and located in Pennsyl-
vania, residing in a community of those belong-
ing to his own nation, who had preceded him in
their attempt to seek a fortune in the New World.
His first employment was obtained on the con-
struction of the Erie Canal, and. after following
this work for some time he moved to the State
of Ohio. The result of this economy and indus-
try in Pennsylvania enabled him to purchase a
smalLtract of land in Ohio, and after retaining it
for some time he accepted an offer at an increase
of his purchase price, sold the land and moved to
Peru, Ind., where he settled and made his per-
manent home, living at this place until his death,
which occurred in 1872.
During his stay in Pennsylvania, Mr. Weckler
married Miss Barbara Keller, a daughter of Adam
Keller, and to him were born ten cliildren, one
of whom died in infancy; the rest were as follows:
Jacob; Mary, wife of Isaac Cochran; William,
killed at the battle of Chickamauga; George;
Fred S., subject of this sketch; Alexander, de-
ceased; Elizabeth, wife of Cyrus Crider; Frances,
wife of Frank Hinton; and Kate, deceased.
Peter Weckler occupied a very prominent posi-
tion in Indiana, was an active arid respected mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church, and a strong Repub-
lican in politics. He held the office of Justice
of the Peace for many 3'ears. An honest man
and worthy citizen, he was ambitious for the
good of the people, and always manifested the
real public spirit toward his fellow-men.
The son of so illustrious a fatlier is of necessity
the recipient of a goodly heritage. Fred S. Weckler,
endowed witli a bright mind and the capabilities
which grasped the opportunity, received from his
father an excellent education. He was graduated
from the common schools of Peru, Ind., entered the
High School, and afterward finished his education
in the college of Notre Dame, at South Bend, Ind.
At the age of nineteen, he began life for himself
by teaching school. His work was most accept-
able, and he received an offer from St. Clair
County. 111., where he taught school for sixteen
years and also for one year in Fayette County, 111.
In the year 1875, Mr. Weckler married Miss
Anna Twenhafel, daughter of Bernhard and Ap-
polonia Twenhafel, a sketch of whose life appears
elsewhere in this book. This result of his union
with this estimable lady was seven children: Ben-
jamin H., Lizzie; Appolonia and Gustave, both
deceased; Hattie, Florence and Julia. Mrs. (Twen-
hafel) Weckler departed this life in Jlarch, 1890,
522
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
while still in the prime of life. She was a woman
whose goodness was felt and appreciated through-
out the community.
Our subject has always occupied a very prom-
inent position in the community- where he has
lived, and by his sterling worth has gained the re-
spect, admiration and confidence of his neighbors,
and of all with whom he came in contact. He is a
prominent member of the Lutheran Church, a
member of the Ancient, Free Av Accepted Masons,
of Freeburg, and also of the U. O. T. B., of
Darmstadt, a well-recognized German order. Po-
litically, he is a Republican, and in 1891 was
elected Supervisor of his township, which oltice
he now holds, as well as being Justice of the Peace,
whicii latter position he has held three terms. In
the year 1880, he was Census Enumerator of the
to^Tiship, and has been Notary Public for twenty
jears. His landed possessions cover a territory
of four hundred and twenty acres. His life is
one of the best exemplifications of one who com-
menced as a poor boy, and by indusfrj', ability
and perseverance achieved the position of an af-
fluent and respected citizen. November 8, 1892.
In- was elected to the Slate Legislature.
^^^E
H«»:[I11
OTTO F. SCHOTT, who resicks on section 4,
Siiiloh Valley Township, is a well-known
and enterprising farmer of this section. He
is a native of this county, his birth having oc-
curred on the 18th of Deceinber, 1836, upon the
farm which is still his home. He is one of four
children born unto Anton and Augusta (Keiser)
Schott. His father was born in Frankfort-on-the-
Main, July 17, 1805, and his mother February 10,
180-1, in the same locality. Anton Schott was
reared in that city, attended college and was edu-
cated for a preacher. From his Alma Mater he
received the degree of Doctor of Languages. He
could speak English, French and German fluent-
ly, and was a finished scholar.
Soon after his marriage, Anton Scliott emigrated
to this country, and in 1834 located upon the
farm which is now the home of fmr subject. He
was quite well-to-do, and purchased three hundred
and seventy-five acres of land. As he had no ex-
perience in agriculture and was forced to depend
on hired labor, he was not very successful. In
politics, he was a Democrat, and his personal pop-
ularity is ishown by tlie fact that in a Republican
township he was elected Treasurer of the schools
I for many years. He was always a great worker
and died with his pen in his hand, while making
out his report of office for the schools. He was
also Secretary of the Agricultural Society of St.
Clair County, and served as its President (mo
year.
This wortiiy gentleman was called to his tlnal
rest April 4, 1870, and his wife died on the 2()th
of June, 1850. Their children were Charles H.,
who was born in German}-; Otto F.; Anna, wife
of Jacob Speis; and Adolphus. The fatiier was
the originator and one of the founders of the first
library in the county, which was founded about
1836 and for a number of years was located in his
residence, whence it was removed to Belleville.
We now take up the personal history of our sub-
ject, who has spent his entire life in this county
and is well known to its citizens as an honorable,
upright man. His education was acquired in the
common schools and his time was spent in the
usual manner of farmer lads. He assisted his
father until 1865, when was celebrated his mar-
riage to Miss Mary, daughter of Frederick and
Matilda (Skratsch) Claser. Their union has been
blessed with three children, two of whom are j-et
living, Matilda and Vina, both yet under the pa-
rental roof. The family is one of prominence in
the community and its members rank hi<;li in
social circles.
Throughout his entire life, Mr. Schott has fol-
lowed farming and now owns and operates sixty-
two acres of iiighly improved laud, one of the
valuable farms of the community. Enteri)riseand
industiy are numbered among his chief character-
istics, and have won him the success which is to-
1 day his. In political sentiment, Mr. Schott is a
Democrat, and is now the efficient Supervisor of
j his township, having been elected to the office in
I 1892. For about twenty years he has" served as
I School Director, and the cause of education finds
riZS ZL> CZ 07 LR'AST D RE5SEL , SEC .^ , LE\ZB JRG TP, C^ CL " 1 P CO ,i lL
RESIDENCE or 0. T SCHOTT , SEC.4, 5HIL0H VALLEY TP„ ST. CLA<R CO., |U.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
".•2."i
ill him a warm friend. He takes an active inter-
est ill all that pertains to the welfare of the coiii-
imuiity wheie his entire life has been passed. His
straightforward and upright dealings have won
him universal confidence, and with pleasure we
present to our readers this record of hi-; life.
"ip^RNEST DRESSEL. That portion of St.
|W| Clair Countv^ familiarlj- known as " Dutch
'ij— ^; Hill Praii-ie " contains among other enter-
prising residents the gentleman whose name is
•■iliove given and who is one of its early settlers.
Altliough not a native of America, he is loyal to
Ihi' country of his adoption, and unswervingly de-
voted to the interests of Lenzburg Township,
where he has resided for many years. In character
unimpeachable, in generosity and benevolence un-
tiring, he is well worthy the prominent jiosition
he occupies among the people.
The many friends of Mr. Dressel will be inter-
ested in learning something concerning his parent-
age and history. He was born in the Province of
Saxony, Germany, Jul}' 26, 1826, and is the son of
Sebastian and Margaret (Dressel) Dressel. Like
himself, his parents were natives of Saxony, his
father having been born in 1789, and his mother in
17!I5. Sebastian Dressel was reared in a village,
an<l received a good education in the common
schools. In his boyhood, he learned the trade of
a lilacksmith, which he followed for a livelihood in
his native country, but after emigrating to the
liiited States he turned his attention to agricul-
ture.
Tpon coming to America, Mr. Dressel, Sr., landed
at New Orleans, whence he proceeded to Illinois
and located in St. Clair County. Here he entered
eighty acres of Government land on Dutiih Hill
I'rairie, the land being a portion of the estate now
owned by our subject. The father followed farm-
ing pursuits, clearing the land and improving it,
until at his death he left one of the finest estates
in the county. He was a man of enterprise.
strength of character and firmness of purpose, and
by industry and economy surrounded his family
with all the comforts of life. He died in 1842, and
his wife in 1868. Their marriage was blessed by
the birth of six children, two of whomi now sur-
vive.
Prior to emigrating to this country, our subject
gained a good education in the schools of Ger-
many. He accompanied his father to St. Clair
County and remained with him until his decease,
when he took charge of the farm. His marriage,
which occurred in April, 1845, united him with
IMiss Dora Hagaman, who was born in .June, 1825,
and died November 25, 1879. Six children were
born to this union, one of whom died in infancy.
Carolina and Mary (twins), born February 3, 1851,
died when young; Paulina was born September
14, 1853, and died March 6, 1881; Henry and
Emma (twins) were born .Tune 11, 1855.
Mr. Dressel is a man of much strength of cliar-
Jicter, and of a kind and loving disposition, who,
although he has seen much trouble in his life, has
always borne it cheerfully, and is never disposed to
make others help him bear his burdens, or to sad-
den them. He gives liberally of his means to all
good objects, and his fellow-men have ever found
him sympathetic and generous where charity was
needed, and in his family he h.as always been a de-
voted husband and indulgent father. In his poli-
tical belief, he is a Republican, and takes great in-
terest in local and national affairs.
-^#^-
^^EORGE SEMMELROTII, the proprietor
(Ij __, and able publisher of the Belleviller Post^
^>^J both daily and weekly, is a man of intelli-
gence, push and enterprise, eminently fitted to
discharge the duties incumbent upon his present
position. In a community where those of German
birth and German parentage are not only influen-
tial on account of numbers, but from the fact that
they are among the wealthiest and most intelligent
! of our people, the newspaper published in their in-
I terests must of necessity be a strong one. The
526
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIilCAL RECORD.
Belleviller Post is one of the most sensible of
the press productions of the West, and its dicu-
lation extends over a large territory-. Mr. Sem-
melroth was born in Kurhessen, Germany, March
•24, 1840, and in the public, schools of his native
land he obtained a practical education. At the
age of sixteen years he came to America, and at
once located in Belleville, and here, in 1856, he
began his journalistic career as a printer's "devil."
He followed the calling of a type-setter until he
enlisted in the Union army, January 27, 1865.
serving until the war closed in Company Il.One
Hundred and P'orty-nnith Illinois Infantry, in the
State of Georgia. When his term of enlistment
expired, at the end of one year, he returned home,
and soon after resumed liis position of foreman
of the Belleviller Zeitung. but during the same
jear he purchased a one-half interest in a paper
called the Ste)-ns des Westens (English translation,
.Star of the West), in 1866, but after a short time
purchased the entire plant and published the paper
.IS a daily until 1872, when he sold out, but re-
tained the position of busine.ss manager for two
years.
In 1874, he bought a one-half interest in the
Belleviller Zeihing, and with this paper he was
connected until 1886, when he sold his inter-
est and bought a one-half interest in his present
paper, and has since been its able manager. His
partner is Gen. AVilliam C. Kueffiier, and their busi-
ness connection has continued very harmoniuusl3'
and profltably to both. Mr. Semmelroth is a gen-
tleman of influence in the community, and is a man
of erudition and force, eminently fitted to publish
such a journal as the Belleviller Post, a paper that
has wielded much influence in political, educa-
tional and moral matters. The editorial policy
of the paper is ably managed, and the articles han-
dle intelligently topics of public import, and in
its manner of keeping thoroughly abreast with the
times, and as an advertising medium is appre-
ciated and known throughout Southern Illinois.
The progressive ideas of tiie proprietors are re-
llecied in every part of llie paper and its man-
agement, and in every way it is a credit to the
town.
. Sociallv, Mr. Seiumehotli is a member of St.
Clair Lodge No. 24, A. F. & A. M.; Lodge
No. 3.38. 1. (). (). F.; Lodge No. 138, A. 0.
r. W.; tlie Druids; the Liederkranz Singing
Society; the Kronthal Liedertafel. and the Ger-
inania Liederkranz Turnverein. Mr. Semmelroth
was married to Miss Minnie Deeke, of Belleville,
who was born in Germany .Inly 26, 1845, their
union taking jjlace September 15, 1866. Their
children are as follows: Anna, Dora, Lulu, Her-
man, Emma, August, Clara and Frieda. Jost
Heinrich Semmelroth, the father of the subject of
this sketch, came to America in 1858, and here re-
sided until his death in 1883, his wife having
passed from life in German}' before his removal
from that country. He was a very estimable gen-
tleman, was honest and upright in character, and,
like all Germans, industrious and thrifty. Two of
his sons, Henry and William, died in Belleville.
The home of Mr. Semmelroth is at No. 415
Kretschmer Avenue.
^>^^^<m^-
' OHN N. HACKER, a prominent and highly
res|)ected citizen, is a son of Alexander and
Christena Hacker, both natives of Germany,
_^ the former born February 22, 1823, near
Heldenburgen, Grose Dasem, Darmstadt. He was a
carpenter by trade, which vocation he followed in
his native country. After landing on American
shores, in 1847, however, the great possibilities to
be developed in farming attracted his atten-
tion, and he entered into agriculture, which pur-
suit absorbed most of his active years. He set-
tled in St. Clair County immediately after his ar-
rival in this country, being then nineteen years
old, and his worldly effects consisting of a good
education and practical trade. On the 17th of
April, 1849, he married Miss Anna Christina
Weilmenster, a daugliter of Martin Weilmenster.
She was born on the 4th of February, 1829, in
the same province as her husband, and died Jan-
uary 28, 1874. The father died -Septembers, 1875.
To them were born eleven children, as follows:
Alexander, born December 14, 1849; John G.,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
August 22, l»ol; ileuiy II., January 1, 1853; Mar-
garet, October 3, 1857; John X., Febr\iary 12,
1861; Rosina R., July 1, 1863; Mary, September 8,
1868; and John F., March 18. 1871. Coonrofl. liorn
November 27, l'S,")5; Adam, March 11, 18(;5, and
Anna C, January 25, 1874, are deceased.
Industry and economy, coupled with native abil-
ity- and thrift, developed Alexander Hacker into
the possessor of three farms in Marissa Township,
his first purchase being a tract of eighty acres.
Both he and his wife were active members of
the Lutheran Church of Darmstadt, which body
mourned an esteemed member when Mrs. Hacker
passed away in 1874, at the age of fifty-one years.
Mr. Hacker was a strong exponent of Republican
principles, and clung closely to the party he emu-
lated until the time of his death, which occurred
in 1875.
Jolni X. Hacker, tlie subject of our sketcli, was
born in St. Clair County in 1861. He received his
education at the Belleville High School. The cir-
cumstances surrounding him were such that at the
death of his father tlic stern requirements of ex-
istence threw him upon his own resources and
compelled him, at the early age of fifteen years, to
enter the combat of life, develop his own abilities
and become the founder of his own career.
Upon reaching his majority', Mr. Hacker mar-
ried Miss Mary Sander, July 25, 1882. She was
the daughter of Henry and Catherine (Masmauii)
Sander, and was born December 31, 1860. She
bore him three children, respectively: Mary Emma,
horn April 5, 1883; John N., November 23, 1884;
and Anna C. L., January 25, 1888. Tlie mother
of these children died September 27, 1888.
Three years after the death of his first wife, Mr.
Hacker m.arried Miss Elizabeth Knervice, daughter
of Phillip and Elizabeth (Harman) Knervice. She
was born March 19, 1861. Two children were the
result of this second marriage; Theodore P., born
February 12, 18U1; and Dorothea M.,May 6, 1892.
Although trained in a Republican element, upon
deciding the question of the political party for
liiniself, Mr. Hacker espoused the cause of Democ-
racy, and in this, as in all things, is stanch to his
principles and convictions. He followed in the
footsteps of his parents, with regard to religious
beliefs, and has always adhered to the precepts and
teachings of the Lutheran Church, and holds mem-
bership at Marissa.
The sketc h would be imperfect did we not refer
to the kindly feeling for his fellow-men displayed
In- Mr. Hacker as a member of a German secret
order which benefits the sick, and as an esteemed
member of the same Mr. Hacker is held in high
regard liy all who know him.
EKE I. LINEHAN, Manager of the Western
I'nion Telegraph Company, National Stock
Yards, East St. Louis, was born in Mobile,
Ala., January 14, 1859. His father, who was
born near Queenstown, Ireland, emigrated to this
country when quite young, and in 1856 was mar-
ried at Mobile to Miss Kathleen Alexander, who
had left the "banks and braes of bonnie Scotland"
only a few years previous. Immediately after his
marriage, Mr. Linehan purchased the then cele-
brated Moss Rose Tavern and oyster grounds, lo-
cated about half-way out on the famous clam-
shell road that skirts the western coast of Mobile
Bay.
Fortune smiled broadly and kindly upon Mr.
Linehan, Sr., in his undertaking, and he was do-
ing an extensive and profitable business when the
Civil War broke out. While he regarded war as
an instrument of honor and uselessness, yet he
responded to the initial call for volunteers, became
a member and afterward First Lieutenant of the
Battle Guards, a company organized and equiijpcd
by Mrs. Battle and a few other wealthy and chiv-
alrous ladies of Mobile. This company was com-
posed of men of prominence, mettle and valor, and
was organized at the breaking out of hostilities.
After participating in nearly all the important
engagements of the war, the father of our subject
was killed by a shell during the l)ombardment of
Ft. Gaines, which is in Mobile Bay, August 7, 1864.-
As he was the first man killed in what was then
termed the defense of Mobile, the siirvivint;' women
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
who had organized the Battle Guards early in the
war caused to be erected over his grave in Spring
Hill Cemetery, at Mobile, a handsome monument,
suitably inscribed. After the war, like thousands
of others in the Southland, the widow and mother
found that her commercial possessions had so
greatly deteriorated in value as to be almost
worthless. This, togetlier with the fact that her
home and the homes of her friends were filled with
desolation, distress and deatli, influenced her to
remove to East St. Louis, where she had relatives
who had escaped the awful results of the war.
During the summer of 1866 she came to this city
accompanied bj' Jere I. and two j'ounger chil-
dren, and here she afterward made her home.
At the age of ten years our subject, through the
influence of friends, secured the position of oflice
boy to Superintendent McComas, of the Eads
Bridge, which spans the Mississippi River at East
St. Louis, and which was in course of construction
at that time. He worked in tliat capacity until the
spring of 1871, when ho procured the position of
"water boy" to a portion of the workmen under
the supervision of Thomas H. White, one of the
several superintendents engaged in the building of
the National Stock Yards at East St. Louis. He
remained in that position until the stock yards
were finished and formally opened for business in
the autumn of 1872, when he entered the employ
of the Western Union Telegraph Company at the
stock yards as messenger, under the management
of H. F. Parry, under whose personal and able
guidance he became an expert telegraph operator.
After working with Mr. Parry as operator for
about one year, he .accepted a position in the prin-
cipal office of the Western Union Company at St.
Louis, and afterward worked as telegraph opera-
tor in all the large cities of the West until 1881,
when he returned to his old home.
During the year above mentioned, Mr. Linchan
was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Walsh, of
East St. Louis, whom he had known from childhood.
Tliree children have been born to them, two of
whom tliey have lost by death, Lester dying at the
age of two years, and Bessie when seven years old.
The surviving child, Viola, is a handsome, bright
and interesting girl of six years. Shortly after
his marriage, Mr. Linehan accepted the position of
assistant chief operator with the Mutual Union
Telegraph Company of St. Louis, and was thus
engaged until Februaiy 1, 1886, at which time Mr.
Parry resigned the position of manager of the
Western Union Company at the National Yards.
The company wished a man with the requisite
qualifications to succeed, and Mr. Parry chose our
subject.
Soon after his marriage, Mr. Linehan became ac-
tively identified with the East St. Louis Lyceum, a
local dramatic organization. He displayed notice-
able and unquestionable ability as a comedian
while a member, and received offers to go on the
road from several well-known dramatic companies
at the time the telegraph company offered him the
position of manager, but friends and acquaintances
persuaded him to accept the position he now holds.
As his connection with the National Stock Yards
dates back to the time of their erection, he is nat-
urally considered an "old-timer" in that vicinity,
and his acquaintance with people engaged in the
live-stock business is extensive. Being courteous
and efficient, he is deservedly popular with the
commission men who do business at the stock yards,
and, in fact, witli all who know him, "his ac-
quaintances are his friends."
In his religious belief, Mr. Linehan is a Roman
Catliolic. He is identified with several social and
mutual benefit societies. In politics, he is Demo-
cratic in National and State questions, and votes
for the man whom he considers best qualified in
county and municipal affairs. He has held one or
two minor public offices, and has been tendered
the nomination of several positions of (lublic
trust, but invariably- declines, and it is said of him
that he makes efforts to further the interests of
other good men in political affairs, ratiier than to
advance his own. He is a warm supporter of the
present reform municipal government, and takes
a pride in the development and advancement of
East St. Louis, and St. Clair County.
Circumstances having made it absolutely neces-
sary for Mr. Linehan to begin working at the
early age of ten, his educational advantages were
very circumscribed and limited, and he attended
about one year altogether during his career, that
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
629
being between the ages of eiglit and ten. What
knowledge lie possesses is practical, and was ac-
fiuired by self-study and contact with his mental
superiors, the association with which class he has
always eagerly sought. He is a man of ability and
broad knowledge, and has done some reportorial
work on the East St. Louis Daily Journal und other
local papers. His impressions of the world and
appreciation of prosperity have come from the
hard school of experience and adversity. He is
comfortably and pleasantly located in his own
home at No. 806 Baugh Avenue, where he is sur-
rounded with all the comforts of life. Sanguine
in temperament, refined in nature, merry in dis-
position and reserved in manners, he is deservedly
popular, and the prominent position which he oc-
cupies has been reached by the force of his ability,
integrity and industry.
^^ LHEKT L. KEKt'HLKH. No reference to
l^Oi East St. Louis of a statistical nature, even
/// 14> of the most infinitesimal character, would
<^ be complete without passing reference at
least to the National Stock Yards, and the part
they play in tlie world's economy. Among those
prominently identified with this vast enterprise is
Albeit L. Keechler, who is one of the most popu-
lar young men at the yards. He is one of the largest
and most extensive handlers of Texas cattle in the
I'nited States, is a very successful salesman, and
commands the confidence of all with whom he
comes in contact in a business way. He is thor-
ough-going, wide-awake and enterprising. Not
only is he prominent in business circles, but as a
citizen he is recognized as one of the foremost
men. Although young in years, he has held a
number of responsible [lositions, being at present
a member of the School Board at East St. Louis,
and also a member of the Library Board.
Mr. Keechler was boiii in the Buckeye State,
ill Columbus, on the l.'Uli of .March, 1858,
;iiiU comes of sturd\' Cierwan stuck, his father.
Louis Keechler, being a native of the Father-
land. When a young man. the elder Mr. Keechler
came with his parents to America, and later was
married in Columbus, Ohio, to Miss Maria McCa-
mish, a native of Kentucky, but who was reared in .
Ohio. After this, Mr. Keechler was engaged in the
restaurant business, and was thus employed dur-
ing the war. Later, he kept an hotel on the Island
of East St. Louis, but subsequently went to Cincin-
nati, Ohio, where he resides at the present time,
engaged in keeping a restaurant and eating-house.
In politics, he is a Democrat. His wife died in
1870; they were the parents of three children, two
of whom are living at the present time.
Albert L. Keechler, the eldest of these children,
attained his growth partly in East St. Louis, and
partly in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended the city
schools of the latter place, and in June, 1873, he
started out for himself. He came to East St. Louis
with little else save a pair of strong arms and a
determination to succeed, and was employed in the
stock yards as water boy while the yards were
building. In 1874, he began working in the hog
department, was thus engaged for two years, and
then became foreman of the hog department,
where he remained for two years. Later, he be-
came yard-master of the cattle department, and
continued as such until 1881, when he went to
work for Irons, Cassidy, Scruggs & Cassidy as yard-
man in the cattle department. After this he was
made cattle salesman, and on the 1st of April, 1890,
he was taken in as partner, under the firm name of
Cassidy Bros. & Co., and has been cattle salesman
since. He has charge of the sale of Texas cattle,
and does an immense business, there having been
one hundred and sixty-six thousand cattle sold by
them last year.
Mr. Keechler owns considerable real estate in the
city, and is a member of the First Mutual Build-
ing and Loan Association. He was married in this
city on the 4th of October, 1881, to Miss Emma
Hake, a native of Bloomiugton, 111., and the
daughter of ex-Mayor S. S. Hake, who was a con-
tractor and painter, and a large property owner.
He is now deceased, but his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth
Hake, still resides in East St. Louis. They were
the parents of five chiUlrcu, three of whom are liv-
530
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing. Mrs. Keechler was educated in East St. Louis,
and is a lad^- of superior attainments. In 1888,
our subject was elected School Director, and in
such a capable manner did he fill that position,
that he was re-elected in 1891 without opposition.
He takes a deep interest in educational matters,
was active for the reform city government, and
was a member of the Board when the Franklin and
Webster school buildings were erected at a cost of
$40,000 each. A full system was established in tiie
school. Mr. Keechler is a Knight Templar in the
Masonic fraternity, and is Past Master of the East
St. Louis lodge. He is also a member of the Owls,
St. Louis lodge. He assisted in the ceremony of lay-
ing the corner-stone of Summit Avenue Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, laid by the Masons. Mrs.
Keechler is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. In politics, our subject is a worthy Dem-
ocrat, and has been a delegate to county conven-
tions. In the spring of 1891, he was appointed by
Mayor Stephens as Director of the Library Board.
-^^-f^e
^l(;_^ r(;H W. HARRISON. In the year 1848.
llT J' ^^^ mechanics, .John Cox and Cyrus Rob-
J^^' erts, located in Belleville, 111., and with in-
i^fj telligence and industry and a perception
of the wants of tlfe wheat-raisers in the matter of
a machine to save their grain, the farmers at that
time trampling out their wheat with horses,
they commenced l)uilding a machine of the
vibrator class. They secured a number of pat-
ents on their machine, which w.as then called
the Cox tt Roberts Thresher, lint later changed to
the Belleville Vibrator. Mr. F. M. Middlecroff,
a farmer and practical meciianic, and our sub-
ject, Mr. Harrison, after being in the eniiiUn- of
Cox and Roberts several years, purchased Mr.
Cox's interest in the business in 1855. At this
time tlie business had grown from eight to ten
machines built the first year to over one hundred.
Mr. Roberts sold his interest to Mr. Buchanan in
18.57, and since then Mr. Harrison and Mr.
liucluuKUi have been together, perfecting and im-
proving this style of machine. They have de-
voted all their energies to the important interest
of building a grain saver and cleaner, and to their
growing business. In 1878 it was deemed best, for
many reasons, to organize under the State law as a
stock company, with Cyrus Thompson and Hugh
W. Harrison as associates of the old members of the
firm and under the corporate name of the Harrison
Machine Works. As others claimed the iiivcntiuu
of thciuuuc. Ihr r.cUcvillo \il.rat..i. to cli.~t iimmsli
a diffcreiil marliiiic. MrsMs llariison ralliMl theirs
the Belleville Sepaiatoi-. It li.as since been suggested,
owing to its inei it in saving the largest percent-
age of grain, that it be called the Belleville (irain
Saver. The experience of nearly forty years, the
suggestions received from thousands of the best
threshers the hundreds of tests they have made in
all grain, and the success and great demand for the
"Belleville" in all parts of the country, must and do
impress (he threshers and farmers and help them in
deciding where to get reliable threshing machineiy.
They guarantee and assure the threshers and grain-
raisers a machine that will save the grain.
The threshing-machines they build are not cxpcii-
ments. In the season of 1880 many new -style llncsli-
ers were thrown on the market in their vicinity, but
they failed to save the grain and were returned to
the manufacturers or their agents. Farmers and
threshers cannot afford to lose ten or twelve days'
time on an untried machine, or one that will not
save the grain. The Belleville Separator in no
instance failed to give entire satisfaction. The
Belleville is built by experienced men, well edu-
cated in the requirements of this class of work,
with long years of experience, and ample facilities
for testing every improvement. In August, 1873,
this company purchased large buildings near their
thresher works and fitted them up with the best
tools obtainable for building first-class engines.
There is no similar establishment better fitted
East or AVest than this for making good thresh-
ing ciigi lus. Tlicse engines have proved all and
more than the manufacturers expected of them, in
having moie [tower, consuming less fuel, requiring
less water, using steam more economically, and be-
ing more durable and more easily managed. The
extension of tliis eiit;ine and tlireslier trade to var-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
531
ions parts of the country is a noticeable feature,
speaking much in favor of the machinery. They
sell thresher outfits in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa,
Kansas. Nebraska, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Ten-
nessee, Louisiana, Texas, Montana, Dakota, Color-
ado and Mexico. In this age of steam and tele-
graph, when knowledge is quickly and widely'
disseminated, the best is sought and will be had.
The Harrison Machine Works are located on the
C!airo Short Line Railroad in Belleville, cover sev-
eral acres of ground, and are fitted up with the
latest and most improved machinery, having all
the convenience for doing a large and satisfactory
business. The completeness and magnitude of
the works are an agreeable surprise to all who
visit them, and by the addition of large shops,
and the purchase of new lathes and tools, they have
increased their capacity twenty-five to fifty per
cent. It is a pride to the locality to know that
such an establishment has grown up in the Mississ-
ippi Valley in the face of the sternest competi-
tion, and through the energy and pluck of men born
and reared in St. Clair County, 111. While there
arc larger works elsewhere, of greater age and
more extensive capital, yet there are none more
complete, with better tools or more skilled mechan-
ics. Their traction engines have and will attract
much attention. Messrs. Harrison and Buchanan
have made special efforts to build an engine pro-
pelled by its own motive power attached to rear
or hind wheels, and this they have accomplished
more successfully than in any in the market. Their
speciality and business is making threshing ma-
chinery. They build nothing else, and devote
their entire energies to making and perfecting
machinery to thresh and save the grain of the
farmer in the easiest and cheapest way.
Hugh W. Harrison, Secretary of the Iburisoii
Machine AVorks, is a native of Illinois. Iioin in
Belleville April 26, 1853, and is a son of Tlioinas
O. and Eliza .1. (Calbreath) Harrison. His grand-
father, .lames Harrison, with his great-grandfather,
Thomas Harrison, were among the earliest pioneers
of St.. Clair County. Thomas O. Harrison, father
of our suject, was educated in Belleville ;ni(l at
McKendree College, Lebanon. 111. When a young
man he entered the mill with liis f.-itlier and Iheie
learned the business thoroughl3'. Later, with his
brother, C. G. Harrison, who is now in Los Ange-
les, Cal., he purchased the business. The Harrison
Mill was located at the west end of Main Street,
and still stands as built by the Harrisons. It is the
leading mill of the city and the flour, which is well
known throughout Europe, is still known as the
•'T. Harrison Brand." They sold that mill in
about the year 1858 or 1859, and went to Hast-
ings, Minn,, where they built flouring mills and
operated them until the death of Thomas O., which
occurred in 1861, C. G. Harrison then sold out
and went to Los Angeles, Cal. Thomas O. Harri-
son had married in Belleville, 111., Miss Calbreath,
daughter of Hugh Calbreath, of Shiloh A'alley and
one of the pioneers of that place. To Mv. and
Mrs, Harrison were born five children, four sons and
one daughter, who are named in the order of their
births as follows: Hugh W„ C. W., F. L., T. G.,
and Olive, who is now the wife of K. F. Waugli,
of Belleville,
The educational advantages of our subject were
received in Hastings, Minn,, St, Louis and Mc-
Kendree College, after which he entered the Har-
rison Machine Works, where he learned the trade
of machinist, boiler-maker and moulder, becoming
familiar with all departments. He entered the
business first in 1870, and for sixteen years has
filled the position .of Secretary, He is a persever-
ing, thorough-going, energetic business man and is
eminently deserving of all business success. He
is highly esteemed in the community. Mr. Harri-
son was married in Virginia, 111,, on the 26th of
September, 1877, to Miss Parthcnia F, Tureman,
daughter of J, H, Tureman, and he and wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in
which he is at present Steward, He has been
Trustee, Usher, etc, Mr, Harrison has shown
his great appreciation of secret organizations in
general by becoming a member of the Ancient Free
& Accepted Masons, Knights of Pythias, Knights
of Honor, Associated Order of United Workmen,
Modern Woodmen. of America, and is a Knight
Templar in the first-mentioned order. Mr. Harri-
son gives almost his entire attention to the ma-
chine m.anufacturing business, and the present
otlicers of the Harrison jMachiiie W. irks are Will-
532
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
iain C. Buchanan, President; Lee Harrison, Vice-
president; Cyrus Thompson, Treasurer; and Hugh
W. Harrison, Secretary. The works cover about
ten acres and give employment to about two
hundred and fifty men.the year round. The cap-
ital stocii IS ii300,00n.
>.^f^^|^..|^||^#i#^^
AMP:s AMOS WILLOUGHBY is Postmaster
II of Belleville, 111., and associate proprietor
^, tj. with Mr. Thomas of ihe Advocat£. In an
^^/' early -day there arrived in America the
Willoughby family, representatives of the Eng-
lish race, which has contributed so much to the
thrift, industry and prosperity of this country;
and one of their direct descendants was AVilliam
E. AVilloughb\-, who was born in Kent County,
Del., March 7, 1823. He came with his father,
William, to Illinois in 1833, where he grew up,
and, so far as outward circumstances could mould,
l)ecame thoroughly Americanized. They settled on
the American Bottom, in St. Clair County, near
Cullinsville, where William Willoughby was called
from life.
William E. Willoughby was first married to Miss
Penn, who died without issue, and ou the 1st of
.lanuary, 1852, was united to Miss Mary Moore,
their union proving a very happj' one. She is the
second daughter of William and Margaret (Alexan-
der) Moore, the former of whom was born in Geor-
gia and the latter in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Wil-
loughby was born on the 14th of June, 1825, at the
old family homestead, near Belleville, where her
parents settled either in lHilorl815. Through
the ardent devotion of her fatlier to i-duc.itional
interests, she had all the advantages in that line that
the unorganized subscription method of that day
afforded — in chance empty cabins, on slab seals,
with neither backs nor desks, with the light peep-
ing through a single row of gUiss, 8x10 inches in
size, sashed in by the removal of as much log on
either side of the humble edifice, where usually
the "rule of three" was the goal of ambition.
After his marriage, William K. ^Viiloughb_\ lo-
cated on a farm on Looking Glass Prairie, north
of Sunimerfield, where he actively and success-
fully j)uisued the avocation he had been reared
to — agriculture and stock-raising. As a result
of his marriage vow, his family was enlarged by
the birth of four children, of whom James Amos
was the second in order of birth; he first saw
the light of day on Looking Glass Prairie May 2,
1855, and was brought up on a farm, where dur-
ing his minor years, when not at school, he took
cheerfully an active part in the routine labors of
agricultural life. By studious application he mas-
tered tlie common English branches; after which
he entered McKendree College, and in the Class of
'74 was graduated in the scientific department
with the degree of A. B. He next, wishing to
acquire a knowledge of law, the underlying stratum
of our liberties and the ethical channel through
which justice is measured to the people, entered
the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, as a
law student, and in 1876 received a diploma
of admission to the Bar of Ann Arbor, and a
short time later of Belleville, 111. Attracted by
the seeming fair profits druggists were receiv-
ing at that time, Mr. Willoughby engaged in
that business in 1877, and followed it at Leba-
non, 111., until December, 1880, although the busi-
ness did not meet his expectations remuneratively
or congenially.
Our subject then entered the political mcua
and was elected the first Recorder of St. Clair
County by the Republican party, over John Ben-
ner, in 1880. and held the position very effici-
ently for four years. Upon again making tlie
race, in 1884, he was defeated by two hundred
and eighty-two votes, as the county had a I^emo-
cratic majority of seventeen hundred votes. In
1885, soon after the expiration of his official du-
ties, in connection with Mr. Thomas, he began
publishing the Belleville Advocate, the leading Re-
liublican pa|)er of the county, and is still pursuing
tliut calling, stimulated to action through the in-
spiintion of a strong, ardent and unwavering faith
in the assumed fact that Republican politics will
best .serve public interest. He is an honest man,
true to his convictions, and enjoys, regardle.ss of
poliliiul theor\-, the esleem and conliiience of his
oiT.(:yrL -^^;^4^wf.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
535
acquaintances, and now, as a result of a spotless
life and active political devotion, is Postmaster of
Belleville, to which position he was appointed
February 1 1. ISlin, entering upon the duties of
his otlice Aiiril 1. The postal receipts for the
year ending April 1, 1892, were |!12,000. The
city lias a free deliver3", with seven carriers, and
two men are constantly required in the office,
Samuel Stookey being Deputy.
Although not a member of any church, ^Ir.
AVilloughby is a believer in and leans toward the
Methodist doctrine. Realizing the fact that it
is not good to live alone, on tlie Uth of No-
vember, 1886, he was united in marriage with
Miss Lizzie V. Hughes, daughter of ex-Sheriff and
Postmaster James Hughes (deceased). Socially,
Jlr. WiUoughby is a member of the Ancient, Free
it Accepted jNIasons. The Advocalfi is an ably con-
ducted paper and has a circulation of eighteen
hundred. His fatlier is still living at Lebanon,
and is highly honored throughout that section as
an upright, useful and loyal citizen. The mother
is deceased.
EWIS M. .lOlIXSON. We kn.-w that the
poor we have always witii us, and the gen-
tleman whose name opens this sketch has
had the sorrows of this pre |)on derating class
brought innie closely to his notice than have the
majority of pcoiilc He who becomes Overseer of
the Poor in any district must unite in himself
many qualifications, among which should be great
kindness of heart with great firmness of will.
These desirable characteristics Mr. .lohnson pos-
sesses, and is therefore well fitted for the dillic-ult
position which he holds.
The grandfather of our subject, Moses Johnson,
was a very early settler in Orleans County, N. V.,
where he brought his family in 1811. lie became
a farmer in that fertile section and (here he re-
mained until the death of his wife, when he
removed to the Far ^Vest, and there died, The
father of our subject was born in eastern New
York, and bore the name of Lyman. He was
reared in Rochester and there married. He car-
ried on farming until 1850, when he located iii
Rochester and became connected with the police
and detective department, and was one of the most
valuable officers in the Government employ dur-
ing the war, causing desolation to the bounty
jumpers. The mother of our subject, Charlotte
Drew, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., and
passed away in 184.S. She was the daughter of an
early settler in Oneida County who followed the
trade of basket-making.
Our subject was the tliird eldest child in a family
of seven children, and is the only one now living,
one brother having given up his life for his
country. Lewis Johnson was born in Rochester,
N. Y., June 13, 1837, and was reared in his native
city, where he attended the public schools. In
1856 he went to Saginaw City, Mich., and ran an
engine for one season. During the following year
he became second engineer on the steamer " James
Raymond," and towed the floating palace with
Spaulding & Reger's circus from Hennepin, III.,
to New Orleans, and up the Red and Cumberland
Rivers, and then back up the Ohio to New Al-
bany, where he left them. He then went to Pa-
ola and ran an engine in a gristmill for four
months. Tiring of that occupation he took charge
of the stage between Paola, Ind., and Louisville,
Ky., and drove it with four horses. In 1859 he
went to Orleans, Ind., and became connected with
a firm dealing in lightning-rods, but in the winter
of 1860 he worked in a sawmill at tiiat place.
The marriage of our subject took place May 16,
1861, in Orleans, to Miss Jennie R. Hamilton, who
was born in Orange County, Ind. About that
time the call came for defenders of the country,
and Mr. Johns^in was among the first to respond.
He enlisted .hily lo, 1861, in Company G,
Twenty-fourth Indiana Infantiy, and helped to
raise the company for the three months' service.
When the call came for three 3'ears, he again
bravely went forth to meet the uncertainties of a
soldier's life, lie was mustered in as Sergeant in
a company at Vineennes under ex-Goy, Uovey,
and was sent to Mi^^souri in Hie Army of the
536
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL RECORD.
West. There they were engaged in the pursuit of
Price and then were stationed at Carondelet,
guarding the gunboat while it was being built.
Later, the regiment was sent South and was soon
in the thickest of the struggle. They were at
P'ts. Donelson and Henry, Shiloh, Corinth, the ex-
pedition of the Gulf and While River, Champion
Hill, Black liiver, tlie siege of Yicksburg, then on
to Jackson and New Orleans, in the campaign in
Louisiana, and the expedition up the Red River.
During this time and in the Grand Review at
New Orleans, our subject was in command of the
company. When his time of service expired, in
the spring of 1864, the regiment was at Natchez,
and there he received an honorable discharge. He
had a fine record, and there are those who remem-
ber that at Grand Gulf he it was who volunteered
to drive the engine of a transport to run the
blockade.
In 1864 our subject began work for the Ohio
and Mississippi Railroad as brakeman. but later
became fireman, and afterward was engineer from
Yincennes to Seymour, Ind., until 1869, when he
took a position on the Vandalia Railroad, and ran
from East St. Louis to Effingham. In 1870 he de-
cided to make this city his home, and was an en-
gineer until January, 1892, when he left tlie road
on account of sickness. He has had a very fortu-
nate railroad life, as he is one of the oldest engi-
neers and his only accident was one in which his
shoulders were injured. He had the honor of
taking the first engine over Eads Bridge, to test
its strength, which was also a test of his courage.
In addition to his pleasant residence, which is
located at No. 449 Collinsville Avenue, Mr. John-
son owns other real estate, and is well-to-do. He
is the father of two children: Fannie C, now
Mrs. S. P. Chapin, of East St. Louis; and Frank I.,
who is an engineer on the Merchant's Bridge.
In 1892, Mr. Johnson was elected Chief Super-
visor of East St. Louis Township and city. He is
a member of tlie committee on the equalization of
public property, and in the spring of 1892 was ap-
pointed Overseer of the Poor by the Mayor and
Council. In the McDowell Post No. 507, G. A.
I? , he is a prominent member and was the first
Commander. He belongs to Eureka Lodtfe No.
81, K. P.; Rathbone Division U. R. K. P., No. 17,
and now is Brigadier-Major and Aid-de-Camp of
the Brigadier-Commander of Illinois of the U. K.
K. P. He is also identified with the Knights
and Ladies of Honor, and has been an officer
and an active member of the Locomotive En-
gineers. He has not neglected politics in his
busy life, but has been a delegate to tlie Kepubli-
can State and countv conventions.
^^;NDHEW B. smiley, a retired farmer,
@/l){' living in a beautiful home on tlie corner
ij il of South Jackson and Sixth Streets, was
^ born in this county December 8. 1846.
His parents, Mathew A. and Mary C. (Christy)
Smile^v, were natives of Kentucky' and Ohio, re-
spectively-, the former coming to this State when
about thirty- years of age. He was married here
and died three months before the birth of his son,
our subject. The mother continued to reside in
the old home place in Caseyville Township, where
our subject grew to maturity.
Mr. Smiley, our subject, received his early edu-
cation at the public schools, and from there went
to the AVesleyan LTni versify at Bloom ington. III.
Upon his return, he engaged in fanning with his
mother until her death, which occurred Jul}- 27,
1889. Mr. Smile_y has one brother, Samuel C.,
and a half-brother and sister, Joseph Porter and
Mrs. Filizabelh Begole, on his mother's side; and
two half-brothers and two half-sisters on his fa-
ther's side, namely-: James A.; William G.; Martha,
•Mrs. John Dugger; and Emily, married and liv-
ing in the South.
Our subject remained on the home farm for
about six months after the death of his mother
and then invested in two fine farms for himself,
one of one hundred and sixt}- and the other of
one hundred and eighty acres, in O'Falion Town-
ship. Later, Mr. Smile^y purchased land and built
a beautiful two-story, pressed brick residence, of
modern design, 25x63 feet, finished in hard wood
and lu'Mted with the hot-water system through-
POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
537
out. It is one of the most modern houses in con-
stiuftion in the town and is finished inside and
out in the best and most complete manner pos-
Mr. Siiiilev was married Deeomber 17, liH72, to
Miss Susan G. Bowler, of the same township.
She is a daughter of tin- soil, and her father,
Benjamin F. Bowler, was one of the early settlers.
Mr. and Mrs. Smilev have one son, Frank B., now
attending the Missouri Military Acadenw, in
Mexico. Mr. .Smiley is, politically speaking, a
Democrat, but prefers to use his influence in a
quiet, private way, feeling that more good can
be accomplished in this way than in office. He is
an active and popular member of St. Clair Lodge
iS'o. 24, A. F. & A. M. Mr. Smiley and his esti-
mable wife are charming peoiile, whom it is a
pleasure to meet, and they enjoy the respect and
esteem of the hosts of friends tiiey have made for
tiiemselves, not only in the city of Belleville, but
wherever thev have been.
-♦^^^1®^®!^,^^
J I OSEPH REICllEirr. The sketch which we
now place before the public concerns the
President of the Keichert Milling Company
_^ ' at Freebnrg, St. Clair County, 111. He is
the son of Joseph Reichert, who was born, reared
and married in Germany. For many years he had
cherished thoughts of the land across the ocean, to
which so many of his countrymen had gone and
obtained homes, ,'ind when his family had been
increased to the niunber of eight beside himself
and wife, he decided to make the long journey.
The biographer has often thought of the courage
that a course of this kind nuist linve demanded.
Many of our (icrnian citizens had never before
left the shadow of the home trees l)efore they set
out on that voyage into the strange country,
where the language was unknown to them, and the
customs of the people totally strange. However,
this record gives little space for moralizing. Suffice
that the father of our subject was one of the
with his family set sail for America. They
arrived in New Orleans M.iy 30, 1847, thence
made their way up the Mississippi River, and finally
settled in St. Clair County ,where the}' found many
honest, hard-working people from the Fatherland.
There .Joseph Reichert bought land adjoining the
town of Freeburg and lived a good and useful
life until his death in July, 1869. His birth oc-
curred January 24, 1791. The aged motherof our
subject was born December 14, 1799, in Bargn. a
village of Baden, in Germany, and died in 1882.
After the arrival of the family in this county,
the subject of oiu" sketch, who was then a sturdy
boy, offered his sci'vices to a neighboring farmer at
a salary of *6 a month and was accepted. Joseph
was at first awkward with the cradle, which was
given him with which to cut the wheat, for this
rapid and convenient agricultural implement was
totally unknown to him. But he watched the
others and by the second day was able to keep up
with th(! nen who were receiving regular harvest-
ing wages. The lad was not offered more pay, al-
though he did as much work as any, but he con-
tinued here for three months. In the fall of the
year, he went to St. Louis and learned the trade of
a cooper, remaining there about two years.
Mv. Reichert then returned to his home and on
the 28th of (October, 1850, he was united in matri-
mony with Miss Maria Rauth. From this union
there have been eleven children, eight of whom are
still living: Louisa, wife of Henry Senth; Mary,
wife of John Curan, of Belleville; George, living
at Freeburg, and the Vice-president and manager
of the Reichert Milling Company; Catherine, wife
of Ciiarles Becker, a coal operator of Freeburg;
William, Secretary and Treasurer of the milling
company; Emma, wife of John Reiter, of Free-
burg; Lena, wife of August Barthel, of Belleville;
and Ida, living at home.
For four years succeeding his marriage, our sub-
ject followed his trade of cooper and with it eoni-
Inned farming, but in 1854 he opened a cooi)ei-
shop in Freeburg. In 1857, he had Ijecomeso well
and favorably known that he was elected Con-
stable of the Fayetteville precinct, which office
he held until 1862, when he resigned and went
intn llie luillinu business. Mr. Reichert was oblioe.l
538
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to go deepl}' in debt for the mill property, but
this action laid tlie foundation for that success
which has crowned the efforts of his life. Fitted
by nature for this iKTrtioular business, all has gone
well with him.
During the Civil War, our subject watclied
closely the fluctuations of the wheat and flour
markets, .and, by taking advantage of the changes,
made a fortune. His practical knowledge of coop-
ering, combined with the milling business, greatly
aided him in bringing about results. To be inde-
pendent was his watchword, and he has striven to
make all branches of his business work together.
He owns and controls a coal mine as a valuable
adjunct to his mill, and lie has bought several
farms. His eminent business qualifications led his
fellow-citizens to elect him a member of the Town
Council, of which body he was made President,
holding the office for seven or eight years, in
fact as long as he would accept it. Mr. Reichert
takes a great interest in agricultural affairs and
was for five years a member of the Board of Direc-
tors of the St. Clair County Agricultural Associ-
ation, serving one year as Vice-president of that
organization, and in 1879 was chosen President.
In 1879, desiring to see his old home which he
had left when a lad, our subject made the trip to
his birthplace in Bargn, Baden, Germany, where he
was born November 17, 1828, and after this visit
was more than ever pleased with the value of
American institutions. One of the pleasant memo-
ries of his life will ever be his attendance upon the.
golden wedding of his parents at the home of his
brother, October 1, 1868. There were gathered
together on that occasion eight children, tliirty-
four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
The event was enlivened with music by the Belle-
ville band, and speeches were made by friends,
among them Father Bartel, of Hanover, and Bre-
feld, of Hill; Maurer, of Columbia; and Janssen,of
iNIud Creek. Altogether, it was an occasion of
much good cheer and a source of rejoiciug to the
father and mother.
Politically, Mr. Reichert has always been a Dem-
ocrat and active in the ranks of his party. This
party, recognizing his wortii and desiring his
.services, have twice nomimitefl him as Representa-
tive. Hosts of friends gather about him, and the
general verdict is that he has made a success of his
life because of his promptness and energj' in every
emergencj'. His church is the Roman Catholic and
to that church he looks for consolation in his hours
of need. The family is one of the most prominent
in this i)art of the countv.
\i^REDERICK TRAl'TMANN. who owns a
iU^j(s); large farm on section 9, Casey vi lie I'own-
/i\ ~ ship, is a native of our sister Republic,
France. He was born in 1838, in Alsace, and is a
son of Philip and Caroline (Hueckel) Trautmann.
The parents of our subject were both born in the
same province. The father was reared in a village
and when in his youth he went to Paris, he en-
tered the service of a gentleman and worked for
some time as his servant. After his marriage, he
carried on a store until his death, which occurred
in 1840. His wife survived him about ten years.
Their family consisted of two sons: Philip, who
died at the age of seventeen, and Frederick, the
subject of this sketch.
For two j'ears after his mother's death, Frederick
made his home with an aunt and then went to the
city to learn the trade of a saddler and harness-
maker. After mastering that trade, he followed
the same occupation in his native countr3-,and for
two years after his arrival in the United Stales. In
18,08, bidding adieu to his friends and the scenes
of his youth, he set his face Westward and came by
ship to America. He first located in St. Louis,
where he engaged in harness-making for some time.
In 1862, he purchased his present home where he
has since resided. He now owns a well-cultivated
farm of two hundred and forty acres in Illinois,
and a tract of one hundred and twenty acres situ-
ated in Missouri.
In St. Clair Cuiiiily, ;Mr. Trautmann was united
in niati'i ny Ic Dnrothc Deck, daughter of Philip
and Uoiotlic ( K(iehloeffer) Deck. The ceremony
was perl'onnt-d iu 1859. By liiis marriage, si.\'
-<^t^^^->^2^e^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
541
children were born who are still living and two
who died in infancy. Those who survive are:
Fred, who married Louisa Baldus; Emma, wiio is
the wife of Henry Stolberg; Louisa, wlio is the wife
of .John Stolberg; Philip, Caroline and William.
These children have all had the advantage of a
good education.
In religious faith, Mr. Trautmanu"s family arc
Protestants. Politically, he is a supporter of the
Republican party and takes an active interest in
its welfare. He served as Supervisor of Roads in
his township ff)r one j"ear, to the satisfaction of
his fellow-citizens. His large farms are models of
thrift and bespeak tlie care and industry of their
owner. He has a ple.asant home which is surrounded
by substantial farm buildings. He has always been
a faithful and industrious agriculturist, and has
devoted his time almost exclusively to his business
.affairs. By a simple and unassuming life, he has
won many friends who esteem him highly for his
sterling character and worth.
JOHN NIEMES. Men who live in our daily
sight and from an humble position work out |
a truly noble character, are the most valuable j
teachers. The life of Mr. Niemes is full of
lessons of self-help and self-respect, and shows the
efflcac}' of these characteristics in gaining for a !
man an honorable competence and solid reputation. I
He is a member of the firm of Niemes & Reimann,
contractors and builders, of East St. Louis, and is '
one of the most enterprising business men of the
city.
The father of our subject, Henry Xeimes, was a
native of Germany, and in that country- carried
on business as a contractor and builder. Dpon
emigrating to America he located in Tivoli, Dutch-
ess County, N. Y., and there engaged in the same
emplo}^ment. He was accidentally killed by fall-
ing from a building. In religious matters, he was \
a member of the Lutheran Church, which he
assisted in every way within his power. The
principles of the Democratic i)arty always received
his active support. The mother of our subject,
Barbara Ledig, was born in Germany, whence
she came to America, living to the advanced
age of seventy years. Of the four children
born to this worthy couple, only two remain:
John, the subject of this notice; and William,
a brave soldier in the Civil War, who now resides
in Turner's Falls, Mass. '
John Niemes was born in Bavaria, near Kircheim,
Germany, June 15, 1838. His childhood w.as
spent in his native country until he was eleven
years of age, when he accompanied his parents to
America. No doubt the vo3'age was a great ex-
perience for both parents and children, but all
were glad when the good sailingship, the "Rhine,"
anchored at New York, after a passage of thirty-
eight days. The boys attended the public schools
of Tivoli, and so quick and intelligent was John
that in six months he could speak the F^nglish
language. His father was a practical man, and,
when .John was sixteen years old, he took the boy
under an apprenticeship to himself, and taught
him brick-laying.
In the summer of 1857, our subject came West
to Chicago, and worked at his trade there until he
went to Watertown, AYis., where he remained until
the spring of 1858. From that place he removed
to »St. Louis, where he was married January 31,
1861, to Miss Theresa Heacker, who was born in
Germany and reared in Louisville, Ky. In 1862,
he located permanently in East St. Louis, and
began building and contracting, and working in
stone and brick. He erected the Heims Brewery
the Franklin and Webster Schools, and the Beatty
and Adelle Blocks, the largest in the city. He
also built the East St. Louis Water Works, and the
retaining wall on Broadway and Collinsville
Avenue. At times he has employed as many as
one hundred and fifty men.
In 1883, Mr. Niemes formed a partnei-sliip with
Peter Reimann, and in 1884 opened the Falling
Springs Stone Quarry, with railroad connections.
He is the owner of some real estate in the city, and
was a stockholder in the first loan association in
the Workingmen's Bank. He has been honored
by his fellow-citizens by being called upon to act
as Alderman for three terms, and has served ac-
542
PORTRAIT AND EI'JGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ceptably on many different committees. He is a
Ro.yal Arch Mason and Knight Templar, and is
identified with tlie Knights of Honor. In his
political faith, Mr. Nienies is a stanch Republican,
and has been a delegate to the State and county
conventions. He has a very fine residence at 'So.
327 North Seventh Street, which is one of the
most attractive homes of the city. He and his
wife are the parents of five children: Franli ,]., who
is in business with his father; John H., George,
Theresa A. and Minnie B. Mr. Niemes is a liberal,
public-spirited man, and a representative of the
successful business men of East St. Louis.
^i; BRAHAM GRIFFEN owns a farm on sec-
(©YlJI; tion 1.5, Shiloh Vallej' Township. He was
I IS born in Albany County, N. Y., on tlie 1st
^ of May, 1843, and is a son of Jacob and
Jane A. (Peers) Grififen. His father was born in
Dutchess County, N. Y., in 180.5, and his wife was
also born in the Empire State, on the 4th of June,
1810. The paternal grandfather of our subject
was Jacob Grififen. Tlie father was the j-oungest
of four sons, Joseph, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
who all received good, common-school educations.
Jacob came to Illinois in 1843 with his family and
settled near the place where our subject now lives.
Previous to coming West he had married in New
York State Jane A. Peers, daughter of Henry
Peers. He first carried on a farm of fort}' acres,
which he received from his brother Joseph. He
operated that land quite successfully, but for many
years previous to his death, in 18.50, was in veiy
poor liealth. Tiie death of his wife occurred in
1889. In their family were eightchildren: Peers;
Joseph; Emeline, who married Edwin Alexander
and has four children: Cora A., Jane and Lucy
(twins), and George E.; George, deceased; Jacob,
who makes his home in Randolph County, Mo.;
Mary, who married Nathaniel Cox and has a family
of five children, of whom two, Isaac and Frank, are
living; Isaac, deceased; and Abraham, the subject
of this sketch, who completes the family. Isaac
enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Seveu-
teenth Illinois Infantry, and died during the war
of lung trouble.
Abraham (iriffen, who was the youngest of liis
father's family, lived with his mother upon the
home farm until her death. Since that time he
has been in partnership with his brother Joseph,
and has engaged quite extensively in agricultural
l)ursuits and stock-raising. They carry on the old
homestead place and have added to that tract one
hundred and twenty acres, making one hundred
and sixtv acres. The farm is highly cultivated
and shows on every hand the attention and thrifti-
ness of its owners. On the place is a substantial
residence, barns and other necessar}- farm build-
ings. By the careful management of Mr. Grififen,
it has steadilj' increased in value, and is now con-
sidered one of the best farms of the township.
Our subject's father was a Whig in politics, and
his son is a stanch supporter of the Republican
principles and party. Mr. firiffen takes a leading-
part in local affairs and his influence is devoted to
the advance of the best interests of the community'
in which he resides. He has made many friends
during his long residence in this count}-, who es-
teem him highly for his worth and upright char-
acter.
,^1 UGUST TIEMANN is one of tlie old and
(@yLll honored residents of the city of Helleville,
11 lil for here he has resided since 18r)0. lleen-
^fl joys the reputation of being not only a
substantial and progressive citizen, but a thor-
oughly posted man in all public affairs. He has
always been noted for honorable, upright dealing,
and his example of industry and his earnest and
sincere endeavor to succeed in life are well worthy
of imitation by the rising generation. He was born
in Minden, Prussia, in 1833, and. when a boy of
fifteen years, came directly Irnni that place to
America, bringing a brother and two sisters younger
than himself, whose support fell upon his slender
and youthful shoulders at the death of their
mother. He was not afraid of work and showed
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
543
much judgment in looking after liis sisters and
brother and in securing eraploj-ment that would
bring him the means of livelihood.
Our subject learned the cabinet-maker's trade,
at which he worked for four yeais, but upon crip-
pling his arm he had to seek other employment,
when he embarked in the hotel and saloon business,
lie built the Tiemann House in 1860 at the corner
of Main and ISIascoutah Streets, a large three-story
brick building, in which he is still conducting a
successful business. His establishment is noted for
home-like appointments, its excellent table service
and its reasonable prices. Mr. Tiemann makes an
admirable host, for he is not onl\' anxious to
supply every want of his guests, but he is very
courteous, genial and accommodating. He has
always been alive to his own interests, has grasped
all opportunities for making money, but has ever
been the soul of honor in his business transactions
and has the unbounded satisfaction of knowing
that he has never wronged anyone or taken what
was not rightfully his.
■ Ml'. Tiemann is a prominent member of the
Sucker State Drill Works, is one of its largest stock-
lioldcrs, and for some time was President of the
same. Although he has filled the position of Al-
derman and has always manifested considerable
interest in political matters, both local and na-
tional, he has never been an aspirant for public
favor, and what honors he has received in this way
have come to him unsought.
Our subject was united in marriage to Miss Au-
gusta Henschel, of Belleville, but who was born in
Auswalde, near Berlin, Germany, and came to
America in her youth. Her union with Mr. Tie-
mann resulted in the birth of eight children:
Bertha, the wife of William B. Huff, of Belleville;
Lizzie, wife of John Brosious; Augusta, wife of
Fred Sattler; Ida, wife of C. H. Lennig; Pauline,
wife of Adolph Kuobeloch; Emily, Lena, and Louis
E., who is the third of this family in order of
birth.
Louis E. Tiemann was born in Highland, HI.,
November 12, 1859, and was fortunate enough
to receive the greater part of his scholastic educa-
tion in the Morgan Park Military Academy, of
Chicago, III., after which he obtauied a practical
education through hard experience in the every-
day affairs of life. Following his school days, he
was in the wholesale grocer3' business in St. Louis
until his father was disabled, when he returned to
Belleville, in 1882, and at the present time is the
efficient and successful manager of the Park Theater
and Garden, also of a saloon opposite the Air Line.
He is the city bill poster and the agent for the An-
heuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis. He is a wide-
awake young man, prompt and energetic, honorable
and courteous, and the establishments over which
he has control are quiet, yet very popular, places of
re.sort and are patronized by the elite of the city.
Mr. Tiemann, Jr., is a stockholder of the Williams '
Liyery Stable, which is a well- patronized establish-
ment, owing to the fact that it is supplied with
excellent vehicles of all description, and g'ood
horses that are properly cared for and are alwa^ys
ready for use. He is Vice-president of the State
Bill Posters' Association, and has in various other
ways shown that he is a man of progressive and
independent ideas. September 20, 1882, he was
married to Miss Laura Wilding, by whom he has
three sons: Leon, Clarence and Norman.
=^^W(^^-
\^^N HILIP M. GUNDLACH. Among the luan-
jl jY ufacturing corporations of Belleville whose
'i^ capital, energy and enterprise have been
[Iv and are the most important factors in the
development of the resources and expansion of
the trade in the city, may be mentioned the fac-
tory established and carried on by Mr. Gundlacli
for the manufacture of grain drills. Although
small in its inception, it has rapidly expanded to
it« present dimensions, and now occupies a posi-
tion among the largest houses of the State. Its
success is entirely due to the push and persever-
ance of the owner, and it will therefore be of in-
terest to note a few facts with reference to his
life and work.
July 13, 1831. Mr. Gundlacli was burn in the
Dukedom of Nassau, the village of Niederhaeg-
-)U
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
stadt, near P'rankfort-oii-the-Main, Prussia. His
parents were Philip and Susie (Scliitz) Gundlach,
natives of the same place as himself. Tiie father,
wliose occupation was that of a farmer, was in
Gen. Blucher's army at the famous battle of
Waterloo. To him is due the credit for the intro-
duction of tlie process of burning briclis by coal.
On coming to America in 1842, Mr. Gundlach,
Sr., located three miles east of Belleville, where
he purchased a half-section of land and made his
home until death terminated his career in 1862,
at the age of seventy-one. His widow survived
him some years, passing away at the age of
eighty-five years. They were the parents of five
children, of whom Philip M. was the youngest,
the others being: John and Jacob, who reside
upon the old homestead; Mary, the widow of Hy-
cinta Germain; and Kate, whose husband was the
late John Biebel. They all reside in or near ihe
city of Belleville, and are highly respected in the
community.
When a child of about eleven years, our subject
accompanied his parents to America, and with
them came to Belleville, where he grew to a vig-
orous manhood upon his father's farm. His edu-
cation, which was meagre, was obtained in the
schools of the vicinity, but his time was princi-
pally devoted to agricultural pursuits. His mar-
riage occurred May 17, 18.55, when he was about
twenty-three, and he was then united with Miss
Eleanor Boehning, whose native home was in
Germany. Their children are: Susie, who mar-
ried S. Poirot and resides in Missouri; John,
Philip A., Alois and Joseph, who are emploj'cd in
the factory and are sturdy, self-reliant young
men.
In 1858, Mr. (iundlach began to manufacture
grain drills, on which he secured letters patent.
The commencement of the enterjjnse was small,
and during the first year of its existence the
manufactory turned out only twenty-five ma-
chines. It has increased to such an extent that
they now have an immense plant, making about
two thousand grain drills per year and furnish-
ing steady work to one hundred employes. The
demand for the goods is proved by the fact that
the sales each year usually average 180,000. The
establishment, in fact, is one which reflects credit
upon the enterprise and acumen of its founder.
The family residence is an elegant and commodi-
ous house, surrounded by sixty acres of fine laud
north <if the lity limits, where the plant is lo-
cated.
I^^M
I AMES DUNN, who for nearly three-score
I years has lived in this county, owns a farm
^jl' on section 15, Stookey Township. He was
'S^' liorn (111 the same farm where he now lives,
in 18;i.i. nnd was a son of Peter and Susan Dunn.
His father was born in the city of New York in
1808, but his wife was of a very old pioneer
family of Illinois, and was bom in St. Clair County
a few j-ears later than her husband. The father
lost his parents when he was very young, and
from that time on he was thrown among strangers.
The first family with which he made his home
treated him so unkindly that he ran away from
them.
Believing in the great possibilities for a young
man possessed of determination and enterprise,
Peter Dunn came to Illinois, and was soon after-
ward married in this county to Miss Susan, a daugli-
ter of John and Ersilla Teeter. They had a family
of four children, as follows: Adeline, wife of John
Boul; Mary A., wife of Walter Gown; Maria, now
deceased, formerly the wife of Matthew Stookey;
and James, our subject. After coming to Illinois,
Mr. Dunn entered a tract of Government land, the
same on which his son now resides. When he first
located in this county, he had no means, but bor-
rowed the money to enter this piece of property.
By his industry and economy he made a good
home, and before his death had accumulated about
eight hundred acres of fine, arable land. The grand-
father of our subject, James Dunn, was a native of
Ireland, and came to this coimtiy in the early
part of the present century.
Mr. Dunn, whose name heads this sketch, was
united in marriage in 1857 with iNIartha Pulse,
who is a daughter of Louis and Jane Pulse. To
our worthy subject and his wife were liorii eight
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
.547
children, four of whom died in infanc}'. Those sur-
viving are Maria, tiie wife of Edward Gump;.Tftnc;
Susau, wife of Fred Murker; and Madison. Tlie
mother of these children departed this life in 187t>,
mourned by a large circle of friends.
Like his father before him, Mr. Dunn is a stanch
Democrat. He is a member of tiie Baptist Church,
to which he gives his lo3'al support. His duties of
citizenship are always faithfully performed, and
as is indicated by his success and prosperity in
life, he has always attended strictly and exclusively
to his large farm and business interests. His life
work was begun by renting his father's farm, and
after the death of his father he came into possess-
ion of a large portion of the estate, and by toil and
perseverance has added to the original tract until
he now possesses three hundred and eighty-one
acres of as fine land as can be found in the countyf
During his long years' residence in this locality, he
has won the respect and esteem of many friends
and ncquaintances.
w^m^^^wmm^
^^ HARLES HAUSS. A leading and popular
[lf^_. house identified with the trade in hardware
^^^' specialties, stoves and house-furnishing
goods, is that of which Mr. Hauss is the proprietor,
located at the corner of Collins and Mi-ssouri Ave-
nues. Mr. Hauss was born in Germany, at Baden
on the Rhine, in which section his father, Charles
Hauss, was also born. Wiien the Revolution of
1848 opened, he left that country with his wife
and two sons and came to America, settling at
Louisville, Ky.
Ciiarles Hauss was the eldest of this family and
w.as reared in Louisville, in the public schools of
which city he acquired a practical education. At
the age of seventeen years he was apprenticed to
a tinsmith, and at the end of three years began
working as a journeyman. In December, 1862. he
began working at his trade in St. Louis, but in
April of the following year he came to East St.
Louis, and for three years was in the employ of
the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad Companj-. In
1866, he opened a tin and hardware store, under
the Hrm name of Schaub & Hauss, but in 1868 he
sold out to Mr. Schaub, and embarked in the same
business on Missouri Avenue. In 1885. he built
his present business block, which is .')0xl4(i feet.
made of pressed brick, two stories and a basement
in height. He occupies one of the stores himself,
and the other is used as the Postofflce. He is a
stockholder and Director in the Building and Loan
Association, and in 1890 formed a stock "company
known a& the Hauss Stove & Hardware Co., of
which he became President, C. F. Hauss, Vice-pres-
ident, and William H. Hauss, Secretary. The cap-
ital stock is $15,000.
Tinware of an excellent quality is manufactureil,
and a large stock of all articles in his line of trade
is kept constantly on hand. Mr. Hauss was mar-
ried here in 1865 to Miss Anna C. Hecker, who
was born in Washtenaw County, Mich., and died in
188!l, having become the mother of three children:
C. F. and William H., who .are associates in busi-
ness, and Ed A., who resides in Detroit. Mr.
Hauss' second marriage was to Miss Louise Zin-
graff, who was born in the Buckeye State. He has
always been a stanch adherent of the Republican
party, and from 1890 to 1892 was an Alderman
from the Fourth AVard. His establishment ranks
A 1 in extent of trade and excellence of reputa-
tion, and in his dealings with the public Mr. Hauss
is prompt, reliable and energetic, and is very popu-
lar in the communitv.
x^, HARLES KARCII, a well-to-do and encr-
llf _, getic fanner residing on section 31, Engel-
^^' man Township, was born on the 2d of
June, 1843, on what is now the Stoph farm, in
P^-eeburg Township, St. Clair County. The family-
numbered five children. The parents were Ernest
and Catherine (Seip) Karch, the former a native
of Saxony, Germany, and the latter of Hesse-Darm-
stadt. In 18.S3, Ernest Karch emigrated to Amer-
ica, locating first on Dutch Hill, and after his
548
PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPIIICAL RECORD.
marriage lie took up his resirleiice near Mascoiitali,
in what is now Freeburg Township. However, lie |
lived there but a short time when, in 1850, he re- I
moved to a farm on section 31, Engelman Town- |
ship, the same upon which our subject now re-
sides. There he made his home until 1854, «hen
he removed to Fayetteville, where he resided until
1858. His death occurred on the 30th of January
of that year. His wife still survives him and has
now reached an advanced age. Only two of their
children are now living: Charles of this sketcli,
and Gustave E., who is engaged in mercantile
business in Colorado.
Our subject was educated in the public schools,
and was early inured to the labors of the farm, be-
ginning work in the fields as soon as he was old
enough to handle a plow. To agricultural pursuits
he has devoted his time and attention throughout
his entire life, and he now owns a fine and valua-
ble farm, comprising two hundred and seventy-six
acres of land, of which two hundred and thirty-six
acres are under a high state of cultivation, yielding
a ready return for the care and labor bestowed
upon it by the owner. Wiieat is his principal crop.
He has made all the impiovements upon the place
and the farm is complete in all its appointments,
supplied with all modern conveniences and every-
thing pertaining to a model farm of the nineteenth
century.
On the 17th of Octolier, 1><G7, Mr. Karch was
married to Miss Mary Ilebercr, daughter of George
Henry Heberer, one of the early settlers of Free-
burg Township. They began their domestic life
upon the farm which is still their home, and their
union has been blessed with a family of three chil-
dren: Gustave, who is now twentj'-four 3ears of
age; Laura, a 3'oung lady of twenty-one sum-
mers, and Charles, a j^outh of seventeen, wTio is
now a student in the State Normal University of
Normal, 111.
Socially, Mr. Karch is a member of the Knights
of Honor of Mascoutah, and in his political affili-
ations is a stalwart Republican,warmly advocating
the principles of that party. He has held the office
of School Treasurer continuously since 1880, a fact
indicating his personal popularity and tiie con-
fldence reposed in iiiiu. He was also Supervisor of
the township for one term and has been School
Director in his district. His entire life has been
spent in this county, with the exception of a short
period passed in Colorado on a visit to his
brother. His honorable, upright career has won
him many friends and he has the high regard of
all with whr)m he has been brought in contact.
■^^^-r"^
ih^^\ AURICE F. TISSIER. A potent influence
in all matters pertaining to the welfare of
East St. Louis and vicinity is wielded hy
the Weekly Herald, SL favorite paper among
the citizens of St. Clair County. The editor, Mr.
Tissier, is a forcible and pleasing writer, and pre-
sents news from the world at large, as well as a
complete report of local affairs. The paper is a
five-column quarto, issued weekly, and was for-
merly Democratic in its political affiliations, but is
now independent, supporting those measures and
men best adapted to promote the general progress
of the community.
Mr. Tissier was born in Florisant, St. Louis
County, Mo., on Christmas Day, 1853. His fa-
ther, Francis, was a native of the canton of Valais,
Switzerland, and his mother, whose maiden name
was IMary Tormaz, was also there born, of Swiss-
French parentage. The father was a tailor by
trade, and followed that occupation in his native
country, from which he emigrated to America in
1849, and sojourned for a time in Chicago. From
that place he removed to Wisconsin early in the
'50s, and was there engaged first in the lumber
business, but later came to St. Louis and began
business as a grocer. At present, he is success-
fully following mercantile pursuits at Xo. 1 14.'i
Biddle Street, St. Louis, and is a prominent and
prosperous business man.
Of the eight children born to Francis and Mary
Tissier, only two are now living, Maurice F., be-
ing the elder, and Joseph, who is still single and
remains with his parents. Maurice's boyhood
days were passed in the city of St. Louis, and he
was the recipient of an excellent education. Dur-
l^ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
iiig 18(j.")-()7. he was a student at the Christian
Brothers' College, later attended St. Vincent Col-
lege at Cape Girardeau, Mo., for three years, and,
lastl3-, entered St. Vincent's Seniinar\-, German-
town, Pa., where he completed the course of study,
and graduated in 1871 with the degree of Bach-
elor of Arts. It will thus be seen that he was af-
forded splendid educational opportunities, and to
say that he availed liiniself to the utmost of his
advantages is hut to state what actuall_y occurred.
Some 3-ears after graduating, the degree of Master
of Arts was conferred upon him.
Returning to St. Louis at the close of his col-
lege life. ^Fi-. Tissier embarked in commercial pur-
suits, and from the first success rewarded his
efforts. In 187.5, he commenced in the grocery
business on the Island, and was thus engaged for a
few years, his fair dealing and upiightness in busi-
ness transactions winning for him a large trade, as
well as a high place in the regard of those whom
he met. Tiie Mayor of East St. Louis in 1877 ap-
pointed him City Clerk, in which place he ctfici-
ated to the satisf.action of all. In 1877, he was
also appointed Notary Public by Gov. Culloin,
and has since held that position. Since the in-
ception of the East St. Louis Herald in 1878, he
has had charge of its editorial department, as well
as of the general oversight of its business manage-
ment. Its job office is now one of the best
equipped in the county, and contains everything
necessary for first-class work in that line. In ad-
dition to his editorial duties, Mr. Tissier is serving
as .Justice of the Peace, to which office he was
elected in 1888. At that time liis election was
contested, but he brought suit and fought the
case in the Supreme Court, the result being a de-
cision in his favor.
At East St. Louis, August 18, 1875, Mr. Tissier
was married to Miss Catherine Meyers, who was
l)orn in Carondelet, St. Louis County-, lier parents
being August Meyers and Mary (Annette) Mey-
ers. Of the marriage there have been born, as
Mr. Tissier says, "one boy for every daj' in
tiie week and one girl for Sunday." They are
Louis, Mary, Maurice, Joseph, Frank, Charles and
Paul. The children are all at home, and the eld-
est son, Louis, is assisting his father in the man-
agement of the Herald. In religious matters, Mr.
and Mrs. Tissier are identified -with St. Patrick's
Catholic Church, and he is a member of the or-
ganizations known as the Catholic Knights of
America and of Illinois. Successful in his busi-
ness pursuits, Mr. Tissier has become the owner of
some real estate, and has gained that which is bet-
ter still — the esteem of his fellow-citizens.
[©•^S!
ERMANN OTTEN. The subject of this
sketch spends the days of his maturing
manhood beneath the same roof under
^ which he was born. His parents were Her-
mann and Anna (Winckler) Often, both natives
of Hanover, Germany. The father of Hermann
Often, S]-., was Hermann Henry Otten, a native of
(iermany, in which country he inirsued the trade
of wagon-maker and remained until the time of
his death.
Hermann Often, Sr., father of our subject, re-
ceived a good common-school education in his na-
tive country, and after leaving school adopted the
trade of his father and grandfather, that of wagon-
maker. He inherited no small amount of skill,
and with an, aptitude for study, natural quickness
and ability, he was recognized at the age of six-
teen as one who had thoroughly mastered the
trade to which he had devoted himself as a means
of livelihood. His natural ambition and laudable
industry perceived in the possibilities of his Father-
land but a limited field for enterprise, and soon
after acquiring his trade and being pronounced .a
competent workman, he sought the shores of the
New World as a better field for labor. It was in
his sixteenth year that he started for America in
a sailing-vessel and landed in this country at New
Orleans, La. From New Orleans he sailed up tlie
river to St. Louis, at which place he followed his
trade for several years, and from there he went to
St. Joe, where he worked as wagon-maker for two
years. In 1852 he married, his bride being Miss
Anna Winckler, also a native of Hanover, born
there about the year 1820. The results of this mar-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
liage were seven children, namely: Rosa, deceased;
Hermann, the siibjecl of tliis sketch; William;
Elizabeth, wife of Barnard Stumpier; Anna, wife of
Barnard Lohmann; Marj', deceased; and Joseph.
Three years after his marriage, Mr. Otteu, Sr.,
moved with his family to St. Clair County and set-
tled at St. Libory, where with but a small capital he
opened and operated a general store. He proved
himself as capable a merchant as tradesman, and
with thrift, industry, prudence and foresight, con-
tinued to build up his business and became recog-
nized as one of St. Clair County's solid merchants.
In addition to following his mercantile pursuits,
he became one of the (Irist Mill Company, of St.
Clair County, and also operated a farm for five
j-ears with the same amount of success which char-
acterized his other enterprises.
lu religion, he was a member and strict adher-
ent of the tenets of the Catholic Church, in which
body he was respected and looked to for the as-
sistance which he ever liberally bestowed. His po-
litical sj'mpathies were with the Republican party,
and his support was counted on at all elections by
the representatives of that body in St. Clair
County. He departed this life in the year 1874,
being then fift3'-four years old, and will always be
remembered in the community in which he spent
a greater portion of his life as a man of sterling
characteristics, strong principle, and one ever
ready to promote the interests and welfare of his
fellow-men. His wife survived him, and after-
ward became the wife of Henry Nienaber. She is
still living and recognized as one of the most esti-
mable ladies in St. Clair County.
Hermann Otten, Jr., whose biography we are I
writing, was born March 16, 1857, and is nowcarrj'-
ing on business in the house within whose walls he
Hist saw the light. He received a good common-
school education and profited by the educational
opportunities afforded him in the township in
which he was raised.
In the year 1880, at the age of twenty-three
years, he married Miss Katie Shoemaker, daughter
of Henry and Katie Shoemaker, and the result of
this union was one son, who is now dead. His
first misfortune after assuming the responsibilities
of wedlock was the loss of his wife, a most popular
and agreeable lady, who depaited this life in 1881.
After her death our subject married Miss Theresa
Miller, daughter of Henry and Theresa (Ding-
worth) Miller, and to them were born seven chil-
dren, only one of whom is now living, their daugh-
ter INIary.
Hermann Otten, Jr., commenced life in the year
1880 on a farm, and after a few years acquired
enough by patient industry and economy to start
in business for himself. He has kept saloon in St.
Clair County for many years and is respected by
all will) know him. In politics he is a Republican,
and liotli he and his wife are active members in
the Rfiman Catliolic Church. He is also a mem-
ber of the Catholic Knights of Ireland, a Catholic
order of Illinois. Our subject h.as held the office
of Collector of the township and is now Township
Clerk.
ACOH OAUCH. The subject of this mem-
orial sketcli has passed away from the scenes
^ I of life, but this record shows that a man of
^^ his Christian character is not forgotten.
Jacob Gauch was born on the 1 1th of August, 1819,
at Alpstein, in Germany, where he was reared un-
til he came to America with his parents when a
boy. They first located in New York, then went
to Pittsburgh and later came to St. Clair County.
Here the parents entered land and remained until
their death.
The subject of this sketch was married on the
7th of January, 1849, to Miss Anna Maria Skaer,
the amiable daughter of Jacob Skaer, who was born
in Germany in 1827, and was nearly nineteen
> ears old when she came to this country. After
marriage, Mr. Gauch and his wife first located on
section 14 and here Mr. Gauch resided until his
death, which occurred February 27, 1871, lamented
by all. He lived a life of peace and good-
will and left ten of the twelve children born to
him to mourn the loss of a good father. Marv
died at the .age of two years; Jacob lives in Belle-
O/M^ttyri. ?Ml/fcc^^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
553
ville and is engaged in tlie livery and undertak-
ing business; Heniy lives at Rentchler Station
and IS a farmer; Louisa died at tlie age of twent^--
four years; Edward lives on a farm in Monroe
County; John William died at the age of eleven
months; Sophia Helena married Charles Gross, who
lives at Waterloo, III.; Emma Lena married Henry
Press, who lives in St. Louis; Matilda married
.Toseph Wilderman, who lives in Freeburg, and
Philip Adam and Eliza Johanna at home. Annie
Mar}' died at the age of eleven years.
Mrs. Gauch, tlie relict of the subject of this notice,
has one hundred and forty-five acres of land on
which she lives. This is the old home place, and as
her husband was a successful farmer, she has every-
thing verv comfortable around her. Jacob Gauch
and family were all members of the Lutheran
Church at Freeburg, of which Mr. (iaucii was a
Trustee. He was highly regarded in it. and his
presence was always welcome, and now his absence
is deeply felt. This testimony is given of a go(»d
m.an.
STEPHAN YAHLKAMP, Mayor of Fay-
etteville, deserves worthy mention as be-
ing one of the most useful members of his
community. He is a native of Prussia,
and was born July 11, 1839. His parents, Theo-
dore and Anna (Borgmann) Vahikamp, were born
near the same place as our subject, the father's
birth occurring in 1792, and the mother's in 1800.
Theodore Vahikamp received his earlj' training
on a farm situated on the outskirts of a Prussian
village. He received the education of his early
boyhood in the common schools of his native vil-
lage, and afterward was a pupil in a High School
of the province. At the age of twenty-two he
turned his attention to the trade of a stonemason,
and became so proficient in this, his chosen line of
work, that he soon added the l)usiness of con-
tractor and builder.
Native energy, enterprise anil true business
ability brought Theodore \ahlkainp success in
his native land, and at the age uf twenty-eight
years he had amassed a competence suflScient to
qualify him in assuming the responsibilities of
the head of a family. He and his wife became
the parents of eleven children, three of whom
died in early childhood, and eight grew to ma-
turity. They are respectively: Henry; Chris-
tina, wife of Albert Donewald; Gertrude, who
is the wife of Matthew Diekamper; Bernard;
Fred, deceased; Stephan, the subject of our
sketch; George; and Mary, wife of E. Erhard.
Theodore Vahikamp amassed quite a fortune in
his native land, but the tide of emigration set in
near his native home, and in 1848 he concluded
to try his fortune in other lands, and together
with his wife and children embarked for America.
On his arrival in the United States Theodore
Vahikamp located in St. Clair County, 111., and
soon became convinced of its great possibilities as
a farming country. His first investment was one
of several thousand dollars, with which he bought
a large tract of land and turned his attention to
farming. This venture was crowned with success,
and the results of his keen judgment, great en-
ergy, and executive ability, soon netted him a
competence in this then new district. He became
thoroughly absorbed in his farming interests, and
never resumed his trade after settling in this
country. He is well remembered in the commun-
{ ity as one of its solid citizens, a man of sterling
character, and upright in his dealings with his
fellowmen. He was a communicant in the Catho-
lic Church, in which body his assistance could al-
ways be relied on. His political sympathies were
enlisted on the side of Democracy, and he was
ever ready to do all in his power to promote the
I int^•^(■^fs of his party. He de|)arted this life in
IM.J'.i. Iii> \\\(i- >ui-vi\'ing him twenty years.
Tlir siilijcct of this sketch, Stephan Vahlkam(),
assumed the responsibilities of liis own support at
the age of twenty-one yenis. lie had been reared
on a farm and therefore turned to good account
the intelligence gleaned under his father's surveil-
lance by entering the arena of the working world
as a farmer. Shortly after establishing himself,
he married Elizabeth Hank, daughter of David
and Katherine (Kocher) Hank. The result of their
uniou was eleven chikUen, Un'c of wlioin aru xnl
554
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
living, namelj : Tlieodore; Ida, wife of Bernard
Dressier; Sophia, wiio married Hermann Dressier;
Henry and John. In the j'ear 1889, iMrs. Elizabeth
Vahlkamp, a lady of most excellent and endear-
ing (|ualities, passed away. Some time after her
demise Mr. Vahlkamp married Miss Angelica
(Jeier, a daughter of Anton and Anna Geier.
The business life of Mr. Vahlkamp dates back
to 1865, when he opened a store for the sale of
general merchandise. His next enterprise was the
opening of an hotel, this proving a success.
He again became interested in the vocation
of his earlj' manhood, and turned his atten-
tion to farming and stock-raising. He is now the
owner of five hundred acres of fine farming land,
and proves his ability as a stock-raiser by tlie fine
cattle seen grazing on his pasture. His political
labors arc devoted to the interests of the Demo-
cratic party, and his ability as an exponent of
party virtues has won for him the admiration of
the community. He has been Mayor of Fayette-
ville for many j'cars, and has held many other lo-
cal offices, all tendered to him as the hearty ap-
preciation of his character as a man, and as tokens
(if esteem with which he is regarded by his fellow-
citizens. His religious support is given to the
Catholic Church, of which body he is a member in
good standing, and one whose faith in its teach-
ings governs his daily life.
IVJLLI AM SOLOMON SC( )TT. a well-knt
\rJ// find representative farmer residing on
section 32, O'Fallon Township, was born
on the old homestead in this county, December 8,
1836. His grandfather, .lohn .Scott, was born in
Maryland and reared in Washington County, Pa.,
whence he removed to Licking, Ky. He there
married Miss Wilson. :iiiil in 1797 removed to
Kaskaskia, Randol|)li County. 111. He afterward
settled in the American Bottoms in the western part
of Monroe County. His first wife having died, he
was married, in 179S, to I'ollv Iviiikade, who was
born in Pennsylvania in 1776, and came to Illi-
nois in 1786. Two children were born of the
first union, John and Solomon, and nine of the
second marriage. The grandfather served as a
soldier in the War of 1812, and died at the home
of his son. Garrison Scott, in 1840.
Benjamin Scott, the oldest of the second mar-
riage and the father of our subject, was born in
Monroe County January 23, 1799, and acquired a
common school education. September, 27, 1824, he
married Clarissa Garretson, daughter of James
Garretson, one of the pioneer settlers of this State.
He then settled in the American Bottoms, but the
high water of 1824 drove him from that locality.
In connection with his brother, William Heniy
Harrison Scott, he bought four hundred and
eighty acres of land in Ridge Prairie, in 1828.
and was there engaged in farming until his death.
He was a prominent and influential citizen, highly
respected throughout the community in which he
made his home. In politics, he was a Whig until
the dissolnlion of that part}', when he became a
Democrat, lie held membership with the Bethel
Baptist Church for many years. His death oc-
curred September 1, 1877, when about seventj--
nine years of .age. His wife was born February
16, 1806, in the same locality as her husband.
In the family of this worthy couple were eight
children: Dilyou, born December 7, 1825, is the
wife of David Moore, a resident of Knobnoster,
Mo. They have had eight children, of whom five
daughters are yet living and all are married.
Louisa, the eldest, married David Phelps; Edith
is the wife of B.F.Taylor, of Oregon; Mary is
the wife of Commodore Fewell; Edwin died in
1890, leaving a widow and two children; Ida,
wife of John Ellis, died in 1888, leaving four
children: Nellie is now Mrs. Hauna; Augusta is
the wife of Albert Leake, of Sedalia, Mo.; and
Martha died in infancy. Mary, the second child
of the parental family, was born April 2, 1829. Sal-
lie, born May .iO. 18.31, died in January. ISI2.
.b>hn (;.. who i> now living a retired life in .I:iek-
sonville, 111., was born April 24, 1834, and married
Miss Headle, by whom he has four children who sur-
vive: Julian W., his eldest child, is a physician of
N'enice, III.; Ralph is n druggist of Jncksony ille;
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
555
Blanche and Benjamin are living in the same
city. AVilliam is the next jounger of the Scott
family. James Wilson, born December 7, 1840,
married Jliss .Sarah Wetherell, of Lebanon, 111.,
and resides in the West. They have one daughter,
Lela, the wife of Fred Schwartz, of Cincinnati,
Ohio. Micha Ann, born March 10, 1843, became
the wife of E. F. Waite, of Bond County, and
died at her home in O'Fallon Township, October
20, 1875, leaving one child, Olive Scott, who is
now living with her father in Texas.
As before stated, AVilliam Solomon Scott was
born on the old homestead which his father took
possession of in 1828. His education was acquired
in the subscription schools, but he afterward at-
tended Shurtleff College, of Upper Alton. Subse-
quently, he was a student in Upper Alton and
at Jones' Commercial College, of St. Louis, and
while not in the schoolroom his time and atten-
tion were given to farming. He remained on the
home farm until twenty-one years of age, and
then began life for himself. In March, 18.j8, he
removed to the Stites farm, which lie operated
for about fifteen years.
On the 1st of November, 18.')7, Mr. Scott was
married to Mary E. Rader, daughter of John
Rader, who died in Lebanon. The lady was born
May 29, 1838, in Monroe County, and came to
St. Clair County in 1842, when only about four
3'ears of age. She had four sisters and a brother,
but only two of the sisters are now living: Mrs.
.lohn H. Cook, of Lebanon, and Mis. Richard
Marshall, who resides near (4olden City, Mo.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Scott have been born five chil-
dren: Emma, born November 12, 1858; Lyman
L., January 29, 1864; Edith C, November 30,
1869; Ruth Rader, December 29, 1875; and Ben-
jamin G., January 15, 1881. The family circle
yet remains unbroken and tiio children are still
under the parental roof.
Mr. Scott has led a busy and useful life, yet
has found time to serve his fellow-townsmen in
several official positions. He was Highway Com-
missioner for two years, for two years was Town-
ship Supervisor, and at this writing is President
of the Board of Education of O'Fallon. He has
long been a faithful inember of the Missionary-
Baptist Church, of Oak Hill, and in polities is a
Democrat. He is classed among the substantial
farmers of this community, owning three hun-
dred and seventy acres of valuable land, which
yield to him a golden tribute in return for the
care and cultivation he bestows upon it. He is a
valued citizen and takes an active interest in
everything pertaining to the welfare of the com-
munity, ,Tnd well deserves re])resentation in this
volume.
=1^
p^ROF. FREDEIHCK MOESER. This gentle-
)|l man is one of the prominent men of Free-
^ burg, and occupies the responsible position
of Principal of the Public Schools. lie is
the son of Henry Moeser, who was born in Ger-
many August 12, 1807, and came to America
when a young man. He brought with him energy
and brawn, and hired out to a man as a laborer
and helped to clear land where part of the city of
St. Louis now stands. Later, he came to High
Prairie, Smithton Township, where he located and
bought land. He was satisfied with his choice
and remained here until the time came for him to
resign earthly things, October 3, 1865.
Henry Moeser first married Catherine Weber
and they had a family of four children: Elizabeth,
the wife of Philip Skaer, of Twelve Mile Prairie;
George, who lives in Wellington, Kin.; Catherine,
Mrs. Charles Etling, now deceased; and Margaret,
deceased. Mr. Moeser married for his second wife
Mrs. Christine Long, me. Stephens. Six children
were born of this marriage, five of whom are now
living: Henry, who lives in Smithton Village;
William, who resides on the old homestead, one
and one-half miles west of Smithton; Mary, the
wife of William Press, lives on a farm three-fourths
of a mile east of Smithton; our subject; and
Philip, who is practicing medicine in New Athens.
Sophia died when young. Our subject was the
next to the youngest of the family. The father
started out in life with no means, but at the time
of liis dentil he hail acquired considerable property.
556
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and was able to give all of his children a good
start in life. He was a consistent member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church in Belleville.
Our subject was born at the old homestead in
Smithton Township, September 13, 1857, and lliero
he was reared and received his early education.
He was not satisfied with a limited fund of infor-
mation, as he was of a studious and ambitious dis-
position, and he attended the spring term of the
Belleville Public School. Latei, he entered Mc-
Kendree College, at Lebanon, 111., from which he
was graduated in 1882 with the degree of Bach-
elor of Science. During that time, Mr. Moeser liad
not been idle, but in the intervals between terms
he taught the Broad Hollow School on Twelve
Mile Prairie. At the close of his first term of
teaching, he took advantage of the Normal Scliool
at Valparaiso, Ind.. and at the expiration of his
second year he took a course in elocution with
Prof. Brownley, at Carbondale, 111. He then re-
entered McKeudrec College and was graduated
from there in 1882, as above stated. In the au-
tumn of that 3'ear, he entered the law department
of the Missouri State University, and upon exam-
ination was admitted to the senior class. He was
graduated from that institution in 1883, with the
degree of Bachelor of Laws.
In the fall of 1883, our suljject married Miss
Melissa J., daughter of William .Smith, a prominent
farmer of Smithton Township, who has since moved
to Perry County, four miles west of Tamaroa,
where he still lives. After his marriage, Mr.
Moeser located in Belleville, where he continued
his law studies with Wildermann & Hamill. In
the fall of 1884, he accepted the position of Prin-
cipal of the Smithton school. lie labored there
one year and then was elected to the responsible
position he has since held. Three children have
come to bless the congenial union of Mr. and Mrs.
Moeser, as follows: Ralph Eugene, Frederick
Adolphus and Mary Ellen Geneva.
Politically, Mr. Moeser is a Democrat, anfl never
fails to cast his vote for the principles in which he
believes. He was elected Clerk of Smithton Town-
ship, but could not qualify as he was a non-resident.
He is identified with the Knights of Pythias and is
Secretary of Lodge ♦No. -118, A. F. iV A. U., at Freu-
burg. It is the wish of his friends that he may live
long to instruct the youth of the county, and enjoy
the fruits of the faithful labors of past years, lie
and his family are imiiortant factors in the social
life f)f Freeliurg.
#:ii^s^i^M^i^^i
i^^HOMAS KXOEBEL, Pm. (i. This popular
/^^Sv i>harmacist, as well as intelligent gentle-
^^^J man, conducts a flourishing business at No.
209 Collinsville Avenue, East St. Louis. Born at
Belleville August 30, 18o9,the ninth of the ten chil-
dren of Carl Knoebel, hespent his boyhood days at
that i)lace, graduating from the Belleville High
School in 1876. Accepting a position with Adolph
Finke, of East St. Louis, as drug apprentice, he
shortly after entered the St. Louis College of
Pharmacy, graduating in the spring of 1880 with
honorable mention.
Realizing the value of the microscope in [tliar-
macy, Mr. Knoebel again entered the St. Louis
College of Pharmacy, taking a special course in
microscopy. In 1881, he bought the drug stock
and fixtures from his former employer, and in
1888 purchased property at No. 209 Collinsville
Avenue, where he moved his stock of goods, and
where he has been located since that time.
Mr. Knoebel has always been an active worker
in all things pertaining to the upbuilding of
pharmacy as a profession. He took a prominent
partin securing the Pharmac\' Law in Illinois. and
has also been identified with the Illinois I'liinma-
ceutical Association, having served in it in various
capacities as both an ofHcer and member. He is
also a member of the American Pharmaceutical
Association and the St. Louis Club of Micro-
scoi)ists, and is one of llu' active, conscienti(uis
and progressive \<iuiig pliaimacists of the West,
lie enjoys literary work and fie(|ncntly contributes
to the local piess.
As a citizen of East St. l.oiiis, Mr. Knoebel has
ever had unbf>unded faitli in its fuiure and is ;i
strong supporter of all uieasures to further its
advanceiucul. In proof of this is cited the fact thai
r .^
^. ^
POETKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
559
his was the first building on CoUinsville Avenue
raised to the new grade establislied. Public-spir-
ited, deliberate and generous, his name has been
and ever will be closely allied with the best interests
of the new East St. Louis. Mv. Knoehel was married
March 20, 188.S. to Miss Minnie D. Eslaman, of
Belleville, 111.
E^^-
IfclLLIAM WAELTZ is a not
// and citizen, who by indefati
tewortli\- farmer
* ^. If: and citizen, who by indefatigable industry,
W^ persevei'ance and good common sense
raised himself from poverty to affluence, and is to-
day one of the wealthy men of his coinnuinity.
His pleasant home is on section W, Fayettevillo
Township. Our subject was born in Hesse-Darm-
stadt, Germany, June 27, 1821. His father, Conrad
Waeltz, was also a native of that province, where
he married Miss Margaret INIetzler and worked at
the shoemaker's trade.
In 183.3, Conrad Waeltz came to .-Vmerica with
his wife and seven children, five boys and two
girls, and located on Turkey Hill, where he resided
until his death in 18;5(). The mother remained a
widow three years, when she married Henry Funk.
Both are now deceased.
William Waeltz served a two-years apprentice-
ship in a blacksmith shop in Mascoutah before his
mother's second marriage. Later, he located in
Columbia, Monroe County, and worked at his trade
one year, at the expiration of which time he came
to Darmstadt and opened a blacksmith shop, which
he operated for twelve succes.sive years. While here,
our subject, realizing that it was not well for man
to live alone, took for his life companion Miss
Barbara, daughter of Mr. Dressel, who was formerly
a blacksmith but in later years turned his attention
to farming, and i)assed away in this county.
From Darmstadt, Mr. Waeltz removed to Hill
Prairie, where he operated a farm for three years.
At the end of that time he came to Fayetteville,
where he eng.aged in the milling business two and a-
half years, when his mill burned down. Then he
located west of the city and cajried on farming
26
until 1874, when he removed toFreeburg and re-
tired from business. During his residence here in
1880, his wife died, leaving a family of three chil-
dren: Regina, wife of Volentine lleil, lives near
Marissa, this county; Lena, the wife of George Erb,
resides on a portion of the home farm; and Hannah,
wife of John Rank, who was crippled in the late
war and is supported by his pension, lives in Fay-
etteville.
After residing in Freeburg for seven j'ears, Mr.
Waeltz spent a year in visiting among his daugh-
ters, and at the end of that time he married Mrs.
Catherine Sauerwein. Two children have been
born to them, namely: Charles E. H. E.,born April
2, 188.3; and William, March 29, 1888. For two
years after his second marriage he made his home
in Fa3'etteville, and then located upon his present
farm, which comprises four hundred and sixty-two
acres of well-cultivated land. The place is notice-
able for the neat and substantial buildings, as well
.as the appearance of thrift which shows that the
owner is a careful manager and understands the
best metliod of conducting his work.
In his religious connections, Mr. Waeltz is a
member of the Lutheran Church and an honorable
exponent of its faith. He closely identifies him-
self with local politics as a Republican, and has
served as .ludgeof Elections for the past twenty-
five years. In 1892, he cast his thirteenth vote for
President, and during the 3'ears that have inter-
vened he has lost no opportunity of promoting
the interests of his chosen p.arty. He is a member
of Freeburg Lodge No. 418, F. & A. M., and has
served as its Treasurer.
-^^^^#^r^i-^
J^i LEXANDER WILDY, a prosperous and
'-@A-J|i representative agriculturist of St. Clair
I lii County, and for many years a leading
^^ business man of Lenzburg Township,
was born in 18o4, within a few miles of his present
homestead, and is universally respected in tiie
neighborlio(xl where he has spent his useful and
Inisy life, His parents were .lohii and Jacopena
POETRAIT AND BIOGRAI'HICAL RECORD.
Wild3'. John Wildly was born upon the old farm,
in 1827, and was the. son of Samuel and Susan
(Stinson) Wild.y. Samuel Wildy, the paternal |
grandfather of our subject, was born in Swilzer-
land, and emigrated to America when a young
man, before his marriage, and settled upon Dutch
Hill Prairie, in Lenzburg Township, St. Clair
County, 111.
-Tohn Wildy had but few educational advantages
and earlj^ engaged in the active work of life. His
father had bequeathed to him about two hundred
and fifty acres of land, and in 1853 he married
Jacopena Traup, a daughter of .Jacob and Maggie
(Farber) Traup, all natives of Wurtemberg, Ger-
many. Tiie mother of our subject was born in the
Fatherland in 18.32, and her father was born in tlie
year 1800, her mother in 1797. Jacob Traup was
a shoemaiier by trade, and followed this avoca-
tion until he came to the United States in 1848,
when he settled upon a farm in St. Clair County,
and entered into the duties of agricultural life.
Tins worthy man and excellent citizen died in
1856, and his good wife passed away in 1853.
The mother of our subject was one of two daugh-
ters, her sister, Mary, being the wife of John Piau-
ersaehs.
Alexander Wildy, our subject, is one ^)f nine
children, one of whom died in infancy. The
family of brothers and sisters are Alexander;
Albert, who married Carrie Buegcr; John, who
married Lizzie Schneider; Mary, Amelia, Calvin J.,
Herman P. and Frank R. Our subject remained
with his mother after the deatli of his father until
he iiad attained manhood, and coin])leted his edu-
cation in Warrenton College of Missouri, being
liien well lifted for the battle of life. Devoting
most of his efforts to agricultural pursuits, he has
also handled successfully general merchandise,
lunning a store in Lenzburg with his brother, .John.
In 1885, Mr. Wildy was married to Miss Katie
Schneider, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth
.Schneider, natives of Germany, who early emi-
grated to America, making the land of the free the
birthplace of their children. .Airs. Wildy is a na-
tive of St. Clair County, and luas n large circle of
friends in her lifeliin ■ home. Four children have
lieen born unto our subject and his estimable wife.
namel3': Harry; Pearl; Grant and Clark, twins.
The pleasant home of the family is upon the well-
improved farm of two hundred and twenty acres.
Mr. and Mrs. Wildy are valued members of tlie
German Methodist Episcopal Church, and are ever
ready to aid in its social and benevolent work.
Mr. Wildy is a Prohiliitiouist, and believes in the
ultimate triumph of the party. Our subject is a
man of strong convictions, and as an earnest and
public-spirited citizen commands the regard of all
his friends and neighbors.
-^^
.ETER STAUDER. Belleville has
full
quota of vigorous, enterprising, thorougli-
11^ going business men, whose popularity is
based upon both their social qualities and
their well-known integrity and business activity.
None among these is better liked by those who
have dealings with them than he of whom we now
write. Born in St. Clair County. III., on the 2d
of March, 1837, Mr. Stauder inherits his thrift
and energy from his Teutonic ancestors, his pai-
ents, John and Magdalena (Klonich) Stauder,
being natives of Germany.
The father w.as reared in the Fatherland and
when still a single man decided that America was
the land of promise, and in 1833 crossed the ocean.
He settled in St. Clair County, III., was married
in Belleville to ]\Iiss Klonich, and then began
working at the stonemason's and bricklayer's
trades. He was a contractor and builder, who fur-
nished the stone from the quarry and the brick
from his own yard. He put up many of the first
good buildings in the city and inan^- I'esi-
dences both in the city and country. This busi-
ness he continued very successfully until his
death in 1879. He left a widow and seven chil-
dren, but three of the children died shortly after-
ward. Those surviving are: Peter, our subject;
.Margaret, wife of Fred Swatzenba; Adam, in
Belleville; and Joseph, of St. Louis.
The grandfather of our subject, Adam Stauder,
also came to the United States find bought a farm
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
561
on Rich Prairie. On this he erected a chapel of
the Catholic Church, this being- the first in this
section, and it was erected even before any in Belle-
ville. There was also a Catholic cemetery on his
place and many were buried there before the
cemetery was laid out in the city. A Catholic
priest, Father Meier, was here at that time. In
1844 the church was moved to Belleville during
tlie time of high water. The grandfather followed
the occupation of a farmer and was one of the
prominent early German Catholics here. Before
the county farm was l)uilt he had charge of the
countj- poor, the lirst one under his charge being
Blind Fritz.
The scholastic training of our subject was re-
ceived from Father Donne, and at an early age
he commenced learning his father's trade. After
reacliing man's estate, he married Miss Catherine
Schmidt, a native of Germany and the daughter
of Anton Schmidt. This union took place on the
:^A of May, 1859, and directly afterward Mr. Stauder
began contracting and doing brick and stone work,
lie has erected many good building.s — the Rench-
ler Building in 1863, many fine brick buildings,
and many city residences and stores. The City
Hospital was erected by him, the Orphan Asylum,
St. Libori Church, New Athens Catliolic Church,
Catholic Church in Bartelso (III.), Fulton Lutheran
Church, Baptist Church of Belleville, and St. Luke's
Church. During busy seasons he usually works
about twent_y men in all. Besides a fine lot in
Belleville Mr. Stauder owns a line lot, 80x70 feet,
on Second Street, opposite the hospital, where he
has a fine large building.
Our subject has made his honio at Belleville
ever since 1883, and owns real estate interests in
the St. Clair Addition, where he is now building.
He had born to his marriage eleven children, six
of whom are now living, viz: Mary, wife of
Charles Ebhie; Christian; Joseph, who married
Miss Pauline Koch; Anna, Adilla and Peter
Michael. .Mr. Stauder is a member of St. Peter's
Cluiivli and is active in all good works. He is a
member of the Catholic Knights of America and
Catholic Knights of Illinois. He was Alderman
of the Fourth Ward for four years, and is a mem-
ber of the Bankers' Insurance Company.
Mrs. Stauder's father, Anton Schmidt, was born
in Prussia, Germany, in 1813, and was there mar-
ried to Miss Elizabeth Keizer. He came to Amer-
ica and settled in Belleville in 1852, where he was a
successful farmer. Mrs. Stauder was liorn in (Ger-
many on the 24th of May, 1839.
ICHAKI) WAXGELIN. Tlu
inal of
|W| this sketch is the Cashier of the Belleville
A 'Al Savings Bank and has held the position
^i;^ since 1882, having entered the bank April
1, 1865. as Teller, in which place he continued
until 1878, when he became Assistant Cashier and
later Cashier. This bank opened its doors for
business February 11, 1860, with a subscribed cap-
ital stock of !SG6,000, of which twenty per cent, was
paid. The bank remained where it was opened
until 1865, when the present bank was built. The
first President was Edward Abend, who is the pres-
ent President. The capital stock has been in-
creased by earnings, until now $150,000, with a
surplus of over $100,000, represents the stock. In
1891 they put in a fine Safety Deposit Vault from
the Diebold Safe and Lock Company, and also a
burglar-proof safe inside, with time lock and auto-
matic self-locking device.
Our subject was I)orii in Slulnh \alley. in this
county, .lanuaiy 27, 1845, and was the son nf
Hugo Wangelin, who came early to this county
from German V, in 1833, when only sixteen years
old. He married Miss Bertha Schubert, of Shiloli.
who also came from Germany. After the birth of
our subject the family came to Belleville, where
the father engaged in merchandising and after-
ward in milling in Lebanon. He later served as
Colonel of theTwelftii Missouri Infantry until the
close of the war, when he received the commission
of Brigadier-General and then was made Postmaster
of this city for eight years, and .also served as
Alderman. His death occurred in February, 1882,
at the age of sixty-four years, he leaving a wife and
seven children to mourn his de:ilh. The children
562
PORTEAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
are as follows: Anna, wife of Frederick Ropiequet
of this city; Louisa; Edward, Otto, who lives in
Boulder, Colo., and who is editor of tlie HprrtUl of
that place; Irvin H. and Walter.
Our subject was educated at Belleville and at
McKendree College in Lebanon, and after leaving
school was appointed Deputy Postmaster at Belle-
ville and later Deputy Circuit Clerk of St. Clair
County, in which capacity he served until he en-
listed in Company' H, One Hundred and Forty-
second Illinois Infantry, on the 18th of May, 1864.
He was made First Sergeant and was sent to Tenn-
essee and was with that arm}^ until the expiration
of his service. After his return he took a course
in Bryant and Stratton's Commercial College in
St Louis, then entered the bank, where he retained
liis position for twenty-seven years. Mr. Wange-
lin is the oldest Cashier in this city. Our subject
was married May 23, 1867, to Miss Sophia Evans,
of Belleville, and seven children have resulted
from this union, as follows: Hugo E., who is prac-
ticing medicine in this city; Ernest E., paj'master
at the Belleville Steel Works; Olive, Wanda, Fred-
rick, Louis and Hettie Maj'. Mr. Waugelin is a
member of the Orand Army of the Republic, the
Liederkranz, and is very liighly regarded by iiis
em [)loyers.
^^iP;ORGE HENTZEL, a prosperous and ex-
Ill — . tensive farmer and for more than a half-
\^^' century a resident of St. Clair County. 111.,
was one of the pioneer agriculturists of Dutch
Hill Prairie, and well known to all the community
in and about Lenzburg Township, where he is
iiighl}' respected as an energetic, industrious and
upright citizen. Our subject was born in Germany
m the year 1832. His parents, .Jacob and Mnry
llentzel, were also natives of the Fatlierland, and
were reared and educated and married in tlie home
of their childhood. Wlien little ones clustered
about them, they talked of emigrating to the land
beyond the ocean, wliere there would be greater
()ji])ortunities foi' their sou* ;)j)d daughters.
The father had been trained to the duties of
farming and had from his earliest days taken an
active part in the work of life, and although he
liad but little capital did not fear to try his for-
tunes in America. In 1836, when our subject was
a little bo}' only four years old, his parents with
their family and a few belongings bade adieu to
the scenes of their lifetime and, parting from old
friends and associations, left behind them the
shores of the Old World and safely crossing the
broad Atlantic, landed in the United States. Jacob
llentzel first brought his famil}' to St. Louis, where
he found employment working out by the day.
Both the father and mother desired to settle upon
a farm with their family, and an opportunity of-
fering itself, the\' were about to avail themselves
of it. when the good wife sickened and died in St.
Louis.
The desolate father left with the care of his fam-
ily soon after removed to St. Clair County and
made an excellent investment, buying at a low
piice a good farm, which has increased ten-fold in
value. Mr. .Jacob llentzel married again, but did
not long survive his second union, dying in 1838,
and leaving our subject an orphan indeed. Thrown
upon his own resources at a very early age,
(ieorge Hentzel began to be self-supporting when_
eleven years old. Working steadily for others un-
til he was twenty -three years of age, he managed
out of his small wages to get together a little cap-
ital, and having now arrived at mature years was
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Wildy, a
daughter of .Jacob and Margaret Wildy. early set-
tlers in the locality.
Mr. and Mrs. Hentzel are the parents of nine
children, of whom three daughters .and two sons
yet survive: Jacob, Mary, Caroline, George and
Josephine. The brothers and sisters are in their
various homes well known and are useful, honest
and industrious citizens, respected b^- all who know
them. Mr. and Mrs. Hentzel are lifelong members
of the Lutheran Church, and have ever aided in
tlie support and good work of that religious or-
ganization. Politically, our subject is a strong
Republican, and a firm believer in the principles of
the party. Beginning life without influential
friends or capital, the energy, courage and persev-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
565
erance of Mr. Hentzel have been rewarded with
(iimncial prosperity, and his fine farm of six liun-
drerl and fifty acres, all under excellent cultivation,
gives evidence of his good management, thrift and
natural ability.
J I OlIN A. DAY, proprietor of the Day Brick
Company at Belleville, the largest and most
prominent brick manufactory in .St. Clair
County, was born in St. Louis February
25, 1855. His father. Ignatius A. Day, emigrated
from Germany to America and settled in .St. J.,ouis
in 1849. He married Miss Clara Mueller, who
then resided in St. Louis, although she, like her
husband, was a native of Germanj', the former
having been born in Eisfelt and the latter in
Berncastel, on the Moselle. Mr. Day engaged in
the tobacco business on Second Street and was a
prominent citizen of St. Louis. In 1866, accom-
panied by his family, he returned to Germany and
remained in Trier until his death, Januai-y 1, 1887.
His first wife died in 1857, and he afterward mar-
ried Miss Bertha Abend, of Centreville, 111.
In the parental family there were five children,
but our subject was the only one of these who re-
turned to America and established a home. The
others are: Mrs. Edward Lintz, who resides in
Dusseldorf, Germany; Mrs. Angelica Sieben, of
Aix la Chapelle; Anna B. and Ferdinand .loseph,
who make their home in Trier.
John A. Day attended school in Cierraany from
the time he was eleven years of age until he was
nineteen, when he was graduated from the school
at Trier. Afterward he was employed as clerk for
three years in tlie wholesale drug business at Ant-
werp. In 1879, he returned to the llnited States and
spent three years in Davenport, Iowa, in the employ
of Nicholas Kuhnen, wholesale tobacconist. He
next spent three years in St. Louis in the employ of
Meyer Bros. & Co., wholesale drug dealers, and at
■the expiration of that time he came to Belleville
and embarked in the brick business, which he is
now successfully conducting. The plant repre-
sents a capital of 135,000, and has an output of
forty thousand brick per day. The factory is lo-
cated on the Freeburg Road, corner of Tenth Street,
where fifty acres are devoted to brick manufac-
ture. The yard was in 1882 established by Mr. Day
and Mr. Ed. Abend, who has lately sold out his inter-
est to Mr. Day, and contains all the modern improve-
ments for the manufacture of brick. From forty to
sixty men are given steady employment and the
enterprise has proved most successful. Switching-
lines connect the yards with the Cairo Short Line,
by which the company ship their goods to all
parts of the country. They manufacture the reg-
ular pressed bricks of a fine grade and also com-
mon bricks.
November 3, 1886, Mr. Day married Miss Lena,
daughter of Edward Abend, and they have one
child, Helen Josephine. The family residence is
pleasantly located at No. 322 South Illinois Street.
Mr. Day is a Director of the Belleville Savings
Bank and the Belleville Gas Light <fe Coke Co.
He is a successful business man and throughout
his entire life has exhibited great talent in that
direction. He enjoys the respect of his fellow-
citizens and the esteem of a wide circle of friends.
Being well-to-do, he is enabled to exercise his
benevolent spirit and is always ready to aid the
deserving and the industrious.
I^A M. PRIESTER, merchant tailor and agent
-' for the Acme Brewing Company, is the
owner of one of the most decided acquisi-
tions in mercantile enterprises in East St. Lduis.
llis house is the headquarters for fashionable tailor-
ing, where garments to measure embody every
feature of grace and elegance. The measuring and
cutting are done upon correct principles, and
a stock of very fine woolens is kept to select
from that covers all the imported novelties in
shades, patterns and textures. F. M. Priester was
born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, February 23,
1854, in which countr3' his father is a successful
merchant tailor. The latter w.as in the Rebellion
o6C
POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of 1848 in Schleswig-Holstein. His wife, formerly
Miss Anna M. Fainkauff, died in 1889. Nine
sons were born of this union, tbiee of whom are
living: N. J., a traveling salesman of Minneapolis;
Leon, a business man of St. T^ouis; and F. M., the
subject of this sketch.
F. M. Priester attended common, private and
High School, and finished his education under a
private tutor, entering, at the age of fifteen years,
his father's tailoring establishment, where he ob-
tained a practical insight into the business. After
a time he entered the School of Cutting at Dres-
den, where he remained until about twenty-one
years of age. After traveling for some time he
entered the German arm^', becoming a member
of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, Eleventh Arm}-
Corps, of Hesse-Darmstadt, serving until honor-
abl}' discharged at the end of three years. Later,
he served six months longer, then got his pass to
come to America for the purpose of visiting the
country, but became so favorably' impressed with
it that he decided to sta3^ The voyage from Brem-
en to New York occupied eight days, and the
steamer in which he sailed, "Pomerania," sunk on
its way back to the Old Countr}'. After a short
residence in Philadelphia, he went to Ann Arbor,
Mich., where he worked at his trade for two years,
but on the 6lh of October, 1879, came to Belle-
ville, 111., and started in business for himself, his
thorough knowledge of his calling winning him
almost immediate recognition in East St. Louis
and neighboring towns, as well .as in Belleville.
Since 1890, he has been a resident of East St.
Louis, his establishment l)eing located at No. 310
Broadway.
His business necessitates the employment of
eight or nine men, and sometimes twice that
number are employed with profit. The garments
made at that house are recognized by a critical pub-
lic as perfect in style and fit, and artistic in work-
manship, and to seek his services once is to be his
patron always. Among his permanent customers
are manj- of Flast St. Louis' best-dressed citizens,
who thoroughly appreciate and understand the
merits of a first-class tailor. He is an accomplished
master of the art of cutting and fitting, liberal and
just in his dealings, and has won success by deserv-
ing it. In 1891, he became connected with the
American Brewing Company as agent for Illinois,
and keeps two men constantly on the road, besides
doing a great deal of work in that line himself.
He is interested in an ice manufactory of the
place, and has in other ways shown himself to be
an enterprising citizen.
He was married in Belleviile m December, 1853,
to Miss Rose E. Lenz, who was born in St. Louis,
a daughter of August Lenz, a pioneer citizen of
the former place. Their union has resulted in the
birth of three children: August, Annie and Rosa.
Mr. Priester is a Democrat politically, and on vari-
ous occasions has been a delegate to the county
and State conventions.
R. PADFIELD i> a representative of one
\\\A/// ^^ ^^^ ^'*^' ^^"^'1'^^ ^'^ ^''^ State, for to this
>Jf^ region his father came in IftU with (ien.
Hopkins, and with him participated in the Indian
wars of this section. W. R. Pad Held was born at
L'nion Grove, within two and a-half miles of his
present residence, September 30, 1.S21, a son of
Thomas and Temperance (Hill) PadtieUl. whose
union was celebrated on the 10th of August,
1820. The father was l)orn in the State of Mary-
land, in 1775, but when he was about two years of
age his parents removed to the vicinity of Hop-
kinsville, Ky., where he was educated and grew to
manhood. In 1815, he and his father came to St.
(lair County and located on a farm near Union
(irove, where the grandfather operated a fiour and
corn mill. He was a substantial, enterprising and
intelligent man of business, and died at the age of
seventy-five years. After his death, Thomas Pad-
field conducted the mill, which w.as one of the first
in this section of the country, and was (jatronized
by the settlers for many miles around. He always
enjoj'ed excellent health and lived to the advanced
age of ninety -eight years, dying in 1873. His wife
was called from life February 20, 1863, at the age
of sixty-three years. They were the parents of
four children, of whom W. R. Padfield, the subject
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
5(;7
of this skelcli, was the eldest. The other iiiembeis
were Isaac, who died at tlie age of nineteen 3^ears.
.lames, who died May 21, 1890, when about sixty-
one years of age, having been an honest and pros-
jierous farmer of Crawford County, Kan. He was
married to Miss Adeline Moore, a daughter of
Robert and Nancy (Abernathy) Moore. The
youngest member of the paternal famil}' is Julia,
the widow of Dr. E. P. Bland, formerly of Mas-
CDUtah, 111., who is now residing in Monmouth,
Crawford Count^^, Kan.
W. R. Padfield, whose name heads this sketch,
resided on a farm in the vicinit}' of Union Grove
until he was fifty-eight years of age, during which
time lie received the benefits of the common
schools near his rural home, after which he became
a resident of ]iis present place of abode. He is a
man who possesses the instincts and training of a
true gentleman, whicli he manifests in his daily
walk through life, and these attributes, in connec-
tion with his generous and kindly disposition,
have won him a host of friends, to whom he is
loyal and true. He was first married in June, 1853,
l)ut his married life only continued until March,
18.54, at which time his wife, whose maiden name
was Caroline Alexander, was called from life. She
was a daughter of John and Margaret Alexander,
who were born in Maryland and Virginia, respec-
tively. In the year 1862, he took for his second
wife Miss Eva Kline, their marriage being cele-
brated on the 22d of November, but this wife also
left him a widower, her death occurring April 18,
1874. March 18, 1875, his third marriage was cel-
ebrated. Miss Elizabeth Kline becoming his wife.
He is the father of three children: Damon, born
December 25, 1875; Sideros, October 22. 1880. and
Siloros, November 14, 1885.
Mr. Padfield is an honest " son of the soil " and
in the conduct of his affairs has shown liimself to
be thrifty, jiractical and intelligent. His occupa-
tion is a healthful and independent one and he
seems to be well fitted for the business. He has
served in the capacity of Highway Commissioner
and for the past twelve years has held the office of
Justice of the Peace and has adjusted his neigh-
bors' difficulties with the utmost fairness. He has
been a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted
Masons for the past forty years and belongs to
Summerfield Lodge No. 342, in which he has held
all the offices except Worthy Master. Although a
Republican in national politics, he is independent
in local affairs.
^IL^ENRY HOFF. It may well be the pride
III jl of our subject that he has reclaimed a
JW^ fruitful tract of land from its natural
(^y condition, transforming it into a finely-
improved and highly-cultivated farm, one of the
best in Fayetteville Township, and in so doing has
materially aided in perfecting the development of
the rich agricultural resources of St. Clair County.
By persistent labor he wrought a wondrous change
in the land, until that which was once a wilderness
became one of the best-tilled farms in the neighbor-
hood. Having accumulated a competency, Mr.
Hoff retired from active labor, and now makes his
home in the village of Fayetteville, where he is
passing his declining years quietly and retired
from active life.
The father of our subject, (ieorge Menkie, was
born in Germany and there reared to the occupa-
tion of a farmer, which he followed throughout
his entire life. Upon his marriage to Miss Adeline
Hoff, who was the owner of considerable landed
property in Germany, he dropped his own name
and took that of his wife, a common occurrence in
that country where the possession of valuable
property- is involved. During the latter part of his
life, the father of our subject crossed the Atlantic
to the United States, where he died in the home
of his daughter.
The parental family comprised the following
seven children: Henry, our subject, who was born
in Hanover, Germany, in 1828; Clemans, deceased;
Mary, who is married; Barney, deceased; G. Henry,
a resident of Washington County, 111.; Caroline,
wife of Barney Laike, and Christena, who became
the wife of Tlieodore Ambers. In the common
schools of Germany, Henry Hoff gained a good
education, and upon the removal of the famih-
j(i8
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to the United States in tlie 3'ear 1853, accompanied
them hither and settled in St. Clair Coimt.y near
the village of Faj-etteville. Farming liad engaged
his attention in the Fatherland, and upon locating
here lie purchased about one thousand acres of
land ill Fayetteville Township, to the cultivation
of which he gave his entire time during the years
that followed. He has prospered so well that he
has not only been enabled to aid iiis children
financially by giving them large tracts of land, but
he still has sufficient to enable him to live in com-
fort.
When twenty-one years of age, Mr. Hoff was
united in marriage to Miss Anna, daughter of
Theodore and Adeline (Britmann) Dicker. Six
children have been born of the union, as follows:
Barney, Frank, August, Herman, John G. and
Anna, the last-named being the wife of John
Meuse. The children have received excellent edu-
cational advantages and are well informed and
cultured. F'rank fitted himself for the profession
of ateacher,wliich he follows in Randolph County,
this State. In his religious connections, Mr. Hoff
is identified with the Catholic Church. Politically,
he is firm in bis adherence to the princijiles of the
Republican parly.
.,ILLIAM PREDIGP:R. St. Clair County is
justly proud of her native-born citizens,
who are honorably bearing their share in
sustaining her interests and extending her wealth.
Among these is the subject of this biographical re-
view, who is engaged in farming on section 7,
Lenzburg Township, and is one of its most pro-
pressive and enlightened farmers. His estate,
which comprises two hundred and thirty' broad
acres, is placed under substantial improvement,
the fields arc well tilled, and a neat set of farm
buildings adorns the place.
The original of our sketch was born in this
county in 1853, on the farm where he is at present
residing. His parents, Peter and Nancy (Mc-
Kahey) Prediger, were natives of Germany, the
father born in 1807 and the mother in 1826. Peter
Prediger spent the first six years of his life in his
native land, and, on accompanying his parents to
the United States in 1823, located with them in
St. Louis, ^lo., where they made their home for a
short time. Afterward the parents came to Dutch
Hill Prairie, where they purchased Government
land, and resided until theii- decease.
The father of our subject received only a lim-
ited education, but added to the knowledge gained
in the common schools by a thorough and sj'Stematic
course of reading, and kept liimself well posted
with regard to what was going on in the world.
He was thrown upon his own resources at the
early age of nine years, and, when old enough to
choose a life work, became a farmer, and at his death
left an estate of seven hundred acres. When at-
taining liis twenty-first year, he was married to
Nancy, a daughter of James and Margaret Mc-
Kahey, who bore him a family of eleven children,
eight of whom are yet living. The elder Mr.
Prediger was a Democrat in politics, and, as a*
good citizen should be, was earnest!}' interested in
all that pertained to his township and county.
His career was begun as a poor boy, but by eneigy
and perseverance, united with economy and good
business qualifications, he became wealthy, and the
records show him to have been one of the heav-
iest tax-payers in his township. He died in 1890.
His wife, the mother of our subject, has attained
the age of sixty-five years, and now makes her
home in Marissa.
William Prediger, of tliis sketch, obtained a
good education in the public schools, was well
trained by his father and mother in all that goes to
make an honorable man, and was thoroughly
drilled in farm work while yet young, so that he
came to his vocation well fitted to perform its
duties. In 1875, he was united in marriage with
Miss Anna, daughter of Francis and Margaret
Eisfelder, and to them has been born a family of
nine children: Anna, Lizzie, William, Mary, Lena
(deceased), Jennie, Jessie, Louisa and Viola (de-
ceased). Our subject began life for himself by
working on a portion of his father's farm, where
he remained until his marriage. He is a man who
has so conducted himself in all the affairs of life
RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM PREDIGER^ 5EC ? , LENZBURG TP. ,ST, CLAIR CO., ILL
^"^S^S^ . ^-ik^-Z I >r- ^c .-V .!
RESIDENCE OF FRED R H El N , SEC A .SMITHTON TP.ST. CLAI R CO.,1 LL
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
as U) win llie fuiitidcnce of his fellow-citizens.
His political convictions are identical with the
principles piomulgaLed by the Democratic party,
to which lie gives hearty support.
-^^IS^II^I^^
on the youthful manager, who despite his being
only twenty-two 3'ears old, could instruct many
an older farmer in the art of cultivating the soil
to the best advantage. Mr. Rheiu follows general
farming on his place and is one of the most enter-
prising young men of the township.
PHED HHEIN. As iiis name indicates, this
; gentleman is of German descent, and the
__ success that his family has attained is only
another example of what industry and persever-
ance can accomplish upon American soil. lie is a
prosperous farmer of Smitiiton Township, and his
estate is among the finest in the county.
Our subject's father bore the same name si.'* him-
self and was born in Bavaria, Germany. When a
small child he came to this country witli his [inr-
entf, who made their first settlement in Si. Louis,
but being dissatisfied with that city tliey removed
from there to St. Clair County. There they set-
tled and there the grandparents of our subject
died.
Fred Khein, Sr., took unto himself a helpmate in
tlie person of Miss Charlotte Neneninger, also a na-
tive of the Fatherland. An enterprising and suc-
cessful farmer, he owned at the time of his death
a large amount of property, amounting to two
hundred and thirty acres of land. He and his es-
timable wife had seven children, six of whom still
remain to cheer the last days of tlieir mother. The
one deceased is Louis, and those living are: Adam
and Maggie (twins); Phcebe, Anna, George and our
subject. The father was a consistent Christian, and
his death was mourned not only by his family,
liut by those with whom he had been connected,
both religiousl}' and socially. The mother still j
resides i>n the old homestead with her son, our
subject, and is highly esteemed by all who know
Fred Khein, .Ir.,is a native of this township and
county, liaving been born in the year 1870 on ,
the old homestead. He operates the farm of
two hundred and thirty acres left by his father, i
This is one of the best-improved estates in the 1
county, and its fine appearance reflects great credit |
5W(§F^'
J^f T. CL.\RK, a well-known citizen of St. Clair
v^£jj Count}', is the present manager of the
|/ * store owned by D. Hentchler, of Rentchler
'^ Village. His life record is as follows: He
was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., in 1847, and
is a son of Dr. Philo and Augusta (Palmer) Clark,
the former a native of Hampshire County, Mass.,
born in 18(17, and the Latter born in Cayuga
County. N. Y..in 181,'). The boyhood days of the
father were spent among the hills of his native
county, and his education for his profession was
accpiired in the Geneva Medical Instil ute, of New
York. He had previously removed to Cayuga
County, N. Y., and had served as guard in the
Auburn State Prison for a few years. After being
graduated in medicine, he began practice in the
village of King's Ferry, N. Y.. where he prosecuted
his profession for over lialf a century. Having
then reached an advanced age, and the arduous
duties of a practitioner resting heavily upon linn,
he entered a drug-store and is still engaged in
that business. His wife was a daughter of Wynes
and Annie (Lyons) Palmer, both of whom were
natives of Connecticut but were of English descent.
The Clark family traces its ancestry back to three
brothers wiio came from England to this countrv
in Colonial days and were noted men in resisting
the persecutions of the English Government.
When but fifteen years of age, our subject b(^gan
life for himself b}- teaching school in his native
State. The following year, 1862, he responded to
the country's call for troops. enlisting in the Union
service as a member of Company K, One Hundred
and Eleventh New York Infantry under Gen. Miles.
He participated in several important battles, in-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
eluding the ciigagenients at Colfax, Culpeper,
Peach Oreliard and Harper's Kenv. At the last-
named j)laee he was captured, and after being pa-
roled.returned to his home.
Mr. Clark then engaged in teaching school,
which jirofession he followed for a short time, when
he took lip the stud^- of medicine with his father.
He afterward attended the same medical school in
which his father was a student, but did not gradu-
ate. It was in 1871 tliat he came West, making
his first location in Iowa City, Iowa, where he en-
gaged in practice for two years, when, his healtli
failing him, he changed his occupation and in IST-'i
went upon the road as a tniveling salesman, being
thus employed for a year. .Ibout this lime, in
1874, he was married, in Alton, 111., to Miss Adelia,
daughter of L. W. and Eliza Moore. Their union
h.as been blessed with one child, a son, Ambrose I).
After his marriage, Mr. Clark engaged in busi-
ness with his father-in-law for one year as proprie-
tor of the St. Charles Hotel, of Alton, 111. He then
removed to Belleville and resumed his old profes-
sion of teaching, being thus employed for three
years in St. Clair Count}'. In 1879, he became
manager of the store of ^Ir. Renlchler, and has
since had charge of the same. Faithful to the in-
terests of his employer, he has his eutire confidence.
In 1884, Mr. Clark was chosen Justice of the Peace
and re-elected in 1888. In 1892, he was appointed
Township Treasurer, discharging his duties with
promptness and fidelity, which have won him the
commendation of all concerned. In political sen-
timent, he is a stanch Republican, and by those who
know him, he is held in high regard.
^^+^4
/^EOlUiF, SCllArH. In few branches of
f| __ trade has the march of progress wrought
V^ilj such a veritable revolution as in the stove
and agricultural imi)leiTient business. What with
invention, improvement, and the development of
skill, something closely akin to perfection has
been reached in these departments of industrial
activity. A popular and prosperous establishment
in these, lines is that of Gedrge Schaub, which has
been in successful operation for many years. Mr.
Schaub was born in Germany, fifteen miles from
Ilesse-Cassel, March 4, 18.32, to AVilhelm and Sa-
billa (Steidz) Schaub. who were also natives of that
place, where they spent their lives. The father
was a tanner and currier by trade, which occupa-
tion lie foll<»wed in earlv life, but he later became
a tiller of the soil and the owner of considerable
land. He was a Protestant, and died at the age of
eighty-three years.
George Schaub was one of a family of seven
children, three of whom came to America and are
the only ones now living. He was reared in the
land of his birth, learning the rudiments of farm-
ing, and obtained a common-school education, but
at the age of fourteen years he was apprenticed to
a coppersmith for three years and at the end of his
term of service he entered the employ of his pre-
ceptor, and was afterward a journeyman through
Prussia. Upon examination, he was freed from
military' service, and in 18.53 he left Bremen in ,i
sailing-vessel and June 29, 1853, landed in New
Orleans. He came up the Mississippi River to St.
Louis, where he began working at his trade, and
from 1855 to 1857 was an employe in the sugar
factor}- in St. Louis. In the spring of the latter
year he came to East St. Louis, which was then
a village known as Illinois Town, and in the vi-
cinitj' began gardening, making a trip to St. Louis
every day for the purpose of selling his i)roduce.
This occupation received his attention for about
a year, when the high water drowned him out and
he spent the following year in St. Louis.
In the spring of 1859 he returned to East St.
Louis and worked as a coppersmith on the Ohio
& Mississippi Railroad for seven years, having
charge of this department. At the end of this time,
in partnership with Charles Hauss, he opened a
small tin-shop on Broadway, but at the end of two
years Mr. Schaub became sole proprietor of the
establishment and began gradually to add hard-
ware to his stock. In the spring of 1873, he built
a substantial brick business house, and has since
carried a large and select stock of hardware, tin-
ware and agricultural implements. In 1877. he built
a store adjoining his brick establishment and now
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
has a double store .jOxIOO feet with basement, and I
two oi- three stories high. Ho owns some real es-
tate in the city and has built a number of houses.
He bee.ime a member of the first and second build-
ing and loan associations of the city, and is a stock-
holder in the Workinomen's linnk. He heli)od to
iiieor|jinati; the city in l.sr,.'). \
Socially, 5Ir. Scliaub is a nieiiiber of the Ancient.
Free and Accepted Masons of Belleville; the
Knights of Honor, and the Knights and Ladies of
Honor, and in his political views is a stanch ad-
herent of the Republican party. He and his fam-
ily worship in the Lutheran Clinrch. He was
married in ISI!:? to Miss Elizabetli Milt, luiru near
Columbia, 111., by whom he ha^ foui- eliildren: |
Kmma, Mrs. .Jordan, of East St. I.oiiis; Bertha, Mrs.
George Schroader, of East St. Louis; Anna and
Lillie at home. Mr. Schaub is a gentleman of push
and enterprise, thoroughly conversant with the
wants of the trade, and popular alike with his
patrons and trade comijctitors.
fDAM GINTZ. Humanity has always de-
manded stimulants, and it is fairly ar-
; gued that those engaged in offering a
mild, wholesome form, to take the place of
the fiery exhilarants of positive injury, should be
encouraged and regarded as public benefactors.
As a forcible illustration of this conclusion, they
point to the Germans, a people among whom the
consumption of lager beer to the exclusion of
other beverages is as common as tea-drinking in
other nations; yet there are no steadier, more in-
dustrious or more order-loving citizens to be found
llian are embraced in our Teutonic population.
One of tlie most important industries that center
in Belleville is the manufacture of lager beer, em-
ploying, as it does, a large amount of capital, and
giving employment, directly and indirectly-, to
more [jeoplc than is done by any other one in-
terest.
AdamGintz,whois the proprietor of the Western
Brewery, is engaged in one of the most important
industries in the flourishing city of Belleville,
and is one of the most energetic, enterprising and
successful business men of the place. He was born
at Rheinpfalz, Germany, on the 10th of July, 1850,
and was there educated until sixteen years of age.
In 1 86fi he came to the I'nited States and made
his way directly to Belleville, where he entered the
employ of a brewing company there, the firm being-
New it Gintz, the latter no relative of his. He
learned all departments of the business, and soon
became a practical brewer. In 1873 the above
mentioned firm sold out to four men, Adam Gintz,
.John Kloes, AYilliam Brandeuberger and Valentine
Steeg, and Mr. Gintz was placed in charge of the
business, conducting the same and being backed
by the other gentlemen until 1881.
Having made a financial success of the venture,
Mr. Gintz purchased the entire plant, and has
since conducted it most successfully. He has madi^
a great many improvements in the plant, erected
new buildings at an immense cost, and has given
employment to a large number of men and boys.
Mr. Gintz takes a foremost place among the
brewers of the county, and this leadership is not
only in the proportions upon which the manufac-
ture is carried on, but also in the qualit.y of the
product, and the large territory covered by the
sales. The demand for this beer is wonderful
and this is not only for local consumption, but
also for shipment. Car-loads are shipped daily
to all points of the compass. The beer is a
healthy and nutritive family beverage, made
from the choicest materials and free from salicylic
acid or other deleterious preservatives. The di-
mensions of the establishment are marvelous, and
the plant is located in AVest Belleville. Our sub-
ject's large brick residence stands in close proximity.
Mr. (iintz is one of the substantial men of the
county, and has made all his property by his in-
dustry and excellent business acumen. He owns a
great amount of real estate, and is a public-spirited
citizen, being prominently identified with every
important enterprise for the advancement and de-
velopment of the city. He inherits all the thrift
and energy of his German ancestors, and has suc-
ceeded where others would have failed. In poli-
tics he is a strong supporter of Democratic i)rinci-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RFX'ORD.
m
1
pies. On the 9tb of November, 1871, be was mar-
ried to Miss Rosa Gintz, daughter of Peter Gintz,
wtio had formerly operated the brewery. Her
jjarents are both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gintz
are the parents of three fliildren: Walter, Fred-
erick and Katie.
^, HILIP H. SOPP. The subject of the pres-
))j ent too brief sketch holds tiie prominent
and responsible position of Principal of the
school of East Carondelet, Sugar Loaf
Township, St. Clair County. Our subject was born
in Waterloo, Monroe County, 111., October23, 1860,
was reared in that pleasant little village and was
sent to the schools of that place. Alwa.ys devoted
to books, he was not satisfied with ihe educational
advantages of those places of instruction, but
went to St. Louis and there took a course in the
Ames Scliool, wliere he completed certain branches
according to the curriculum, but Mr. Sopp is too
good and e.xperieuced an educator to consider an
education as ever really finished.
After being graduated from this phice, our sub-
ject took charge of the Deer Hill School, which is
located five miles west of Waterloo, and was so
pleased witli the position and gave sucli great
satisfaction to liis patrons, that his residence there
stretched out over a space of four years. He was
tlien offered his present position of Principal of
the East Carondelet Schools, which he accepted,
and has remained here ever since, devoting himself
to the work. His ability is recognized and his pro-
gressive ideas find acceptance among the intelli-
gent people of East Carondelet, while liis manage-
ment has had the very best results. The tentli
term is now fairly under way, and Mr. Soi)p bids
fair to remain willi this community for ten years
to come.
An interesting event in the life of our sub-
ject,which made the year 1883 memorable, was his
marriage to tiie daughter of Henry Tebbenlioff,
who was one of the oldest settlers of New Han-
over Township. Annie E. Tebbenhoff was the
name of the lady who became his bride and who
I lias proved a sympathetic and congenial compan-
ion. Three children came to bless their home.
Lulu, Robert and Harry.
The gentleman of whom we write is a liighl^-
valued member of the Independent Order of Odd
! Fellows, and has done much to advance the order.
In his political preferences, he is an ardent and
active Democrat, believing that the principles
winch were announced by Jefferson and which
were in vogue under the Jacksonian administra-
tion are the ones best fitted for securing the pros-
perity of our country. Mr. Sopp keeps himself
well posted on current affairs and is a fine conver-
sationalist.
Our subject lias been honored by his township
with the office of Collector and is a very active
worker in all that tends to advance the interests
of the place in whicli he finds a home. He has
been Postmaster of the village, but other duties
, now claim his time. A professional school teacher,
] many doors of preferment stand open to him, and
I it may be only a question of years before Mr.
I Sopp takes one of the foremost places in the edu-
cational departments of the county. His present
school contains eighty [)upils and is managed in
two rooms. The religious denomination to which
Mr. Sopp and his excellent wife belong is the
Evangelical Lutheran, and tlicre they hold places
I of esteem and respect.
-^^,>^^<m^'
<jt^RASTUS ALLEN THOMAS, the widely
1^ known and successful car-tracer for the
/|^ — '-^ Louisville & Nashville Railroad, is one of
the highly valued emplo^'es of this line of rail-
road, and a public-spirited and enterprising citizen
of East St. Louis, residing at No. 1600 St. Louis
Avenue. Our subject was born December 7, 1843,
in Morristown, St. Lawrence County, N. Y. His pa-
ternal grandfather,Gen. Isaac Thomas, fouglit brave
ly in the War of the Revolution and made a record
of which his descendants may well be proud. Lewis
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
575
Tliomas, the son of the Revolutionary hero and
the father of Erastus Allen Thomas, was a native
of Pennsylvania, and served in the War of 1812
as a captain. He was stationed at Morristown and
fought in the battle of the Windmill.
f )ar subject has a pair of horse-pistols and holders
used ill the struggles of 1776 and in the War of
1S12. These valuable relics have also been used
ill hunling moose and elk. Lewis Thomas mar-
ried ill Pennsylvania at eighteen years of age. He
went to St. Lawrence County and took up land on
the liaiiks of tlie St. Lawrence River. Clearing
llif land liimself, he built him a house, and, full of
ambition and energy, became one of the most pros-
perous of the pioneer farmers of those early days.
A Presbyterian in faith and a Republican in poli-
tics, Lewis Thomas commanded the esteem and
confidence of all who knew him, regardless of the
religion or politics of his friends and acquaint-
ances; and when he passed away in 1875 he was
mourned as a public-spirited citizen and a man of
sterling integrity of character.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject
was Rachael Sampson; she was a native of Penn-
sylvania and the mother of ten childien, nine of
whom were sons. She died before her husband,
after sharing his pioneer experience in the
days of their youth. Following the exam|)le of
his courageous ancestors, Lewis Thomas, a brother
of our subject, named in honor of his father,
enlisted in the year 1860, in the New York Vol-
unteer Infantry, and as a dauntless color-bearer,
was killed at Gettysburgh. Erastus Allen, raised
upon the banks of the St. Lawrence, attended the
common schools of his neighborhood, and was
never from home until he went into the army at
nineteen years of age, when, running away, he en-
listed in the United States Regulars. His parents
both had a horror of the regular arm}' life, and his
father brought him home again, promising that he
might enlist in the New York Volunteers, which
he did, joining the One Hundred and Sixth New
Vork Regiment, Company B. He was mustered
in at Ogdensburg in August, 1862, and .sent South,
camping at Martinsburgh, where the regiment re-
mained until the spring of 1863, about the time
his brolher was killed at Gettysburgh.
Our subject participated in the battles of Fair-
mount, and Wade Hampton, and although suffering
privations and in constant peril, also had amusing
experiences. After a time the regiment returned
to Martinsburgh, and, a battle taking place, were
forced to retreat to Harper's Ferry, where they
joined the Army of the Potomac. Next came the
siege of Petersburgh and the battle at Brady's
Station, about which time Mr. Thomas was put on
the signal corps, and there remained until the
close of the war. At Culpeper Court House, he
was in charge of a squad corps, and was wounded
by the cut of a sabre across the face, but being
near the handle it only stunned him. Our subject
participated in the Grand Review of the troops in
Washington, and believes both parties were heartily
glad that the long and bitter fight was over. Mr.
Thomas was mustered out at Alexandi'ia, A'a., in
July, 1865, and although he was rejoiced that the
horrors of civil war were ended, he left the active
service in behalf of his countiy with regret. Re-
turning to the home of his [jareuts, he remained
with them one year, and February 23, 1866,
was united in marriage with Miss Dettie E. Whit-
nej', a native of Hammond, St. Lawrence County.
This estimable lad^- was the daughter of Samuel
Whitney, born in Massachusetts in 1790, and a
successful farmer anf? early settler of St. Lawrence
County. His wife, Elizabeth White Whitney, was
a native of Southern New York.
After the marriage of our subject he operated a
1 farm one }ear, and then came to Detroit, and en-
j gaged in a bakery and ran it successfully seven
years. In 1874, Mr. Thomas removed to Chicago,
and tlicre found employment as a photographic
artist for three years. In 1877, lie returned to
Morristown and settled upon the old lioincsiead,
where he devoted himself to agricultural i)uisuits
for five years and bought the old home and made
it a dairy farm. In the year 1882, our subject
located in East St. Louis and was employed as as-
sistant ticket agent in the railway depot until 1885;
he then became clerk for the Louisville & Nash-
ville local freight depot, and soon received the
position of car-tracer for the Short Line, holding
this work for four years, when the Louisville A
Nashville Railroad brought hiin back here, where
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he has remained ever since. His business terri-
tory is the terminals of St. Louis and he has eigh-
teen separate lines to take care of. The business
of a car-tracer is often complicated and reciuires
judgment, energy and natural ability in the hand-
ling of its work.
Mr. Thomas has been prospered and lias made
excellent investments, owning valuable property
and having built several houses in East St. Louis,
the last one erected upon the corner of St. Louis
Avenue and Twelfth Street, costing 4510,000. Our
subject is a member of Pride of the Valley Lodge
No. 43."), I. 0. O. F., of which he is Past Noble, and of
National Union No. 56.3. Mrs. Thomas is a Daugh-
ter of Rebekah, and is a member of the Presbyter-
ian Church and active in all good work. Mr. and
Mrs. Thomas arc the parents of one child, a daugh-
ter, Mabel F. Politically, our subject is a strong
Republican and an ardent defender of the princi-
|)los of the good old party, and is alvva\-s interested
in the local and National issues of the dav.
^^USTAVIIS
ll (— -, and surve
'%^( and rcprci
F. FULGARD, civil engineer
surve^'or. Among the accomplished
rescntative civil engineers of the
State of Illinois may be mentioned Gustavus
F. Hilgard, whose place of business is at No.
30.5 South .Jackson Street, Belleville, 111. He has
had a long and valuable exi)erience in his profes-
sion, and is well qualified tor all the duties pertain-
ing thereto. He makes examinations and furnishes
reports, attends to municipal engineering, and is
ever ready to offer his services in consultations on
works of any magnitude. He has made an evin-
able record as a practical, skillful and experienced
engineer, and has filled some very responsible
positions in a veiy able manner.
He was born on a farm three and a-balf miles
east of Belleville, June 17, 1835, a son of Theodore
Hilgard, .Jr., and Emma (Heiraberger) Hilgard,
who settled on a fa-rm in St. Claii- CouiUy in .Inly,
1832. The former was bum near the K'liiiip kivei-
in Geniianv, and nftc-y coining U> Amcrira lesjdcd
j on a farm the remainder of his life. He became
I the father of four sons and four daughters, all of
whom reside in Belleville: Anna, wife of E.
Abend ; Emma ; Charles, in the insurance busi-
ness ; Theodore, who is in a store with his young-
est brother ; Emily ; Ernst, a merchant ; Eliza,
wife of Mr. Roemiser. the jjopular clothier of Belle-
ville, and Gustavus F.
The latter assisted his father on the farm until
he was seventeen years of age, at which time he
I began studying- surveying with G. F. Graner,
I father of the present County Surveyor; soon after
which, in 1854, he took a position in the City
j Engineer's oftice in St. Louis, under H. Keiser.
[ During the two years that he remained in this po-
; sition he continued to pursue his studies with
much diligence, after which he entered the Missis-
ippi State University at Oxford, where he took a
mathematical and civil engineering course, and
graduated in the Class of '58. The instructors
at that time were men of eminence and acknowl-
edged intellect, and Mr. Hilgard made the most of
his opportunities and thoroughly fitted himself for
his profession. Upon his return to Belleville he
became Deputy County Surveyor under S. Tindale,
and in 1860 was elected to the position of County
Surve_vor over .his old instructor, G. F. Graner,
and filled the office with marked ability until 1876
(with the exception of two terms), making twelve
years of actual service for his county. During his
service a levee three and a-half miles long was built,
also sixteen miles of drainage, but after the dis-
trict had expended ■■< 1 20.0(1(1 (in it. it was aban-
doned.
He is a well-known coal-mine surveyor, and no
personal career among the many honorable records
of the county can be pointed out with greater
pride than his. On the 16th of October, 1862, he
was united in marriage to Miss .\lvina Gleaser, and
by her he is tlie falliei' of the following children :
Eugene F.. wIhi w;is l„,in August 3, 1863, has
been in'tlie railroad service since he was sixteen
years old, and is now head clerk in the freight and
jiassenger depot of the St. Louis Short Line; Edgar
Iv, who was horn October 3o, 1865, died August
II. 1S67 ; Walter w;is born .Iiiiie 7, 1868, and died
•Inlv s. ISS.-,. Mrs. lliiiinni is ,■, daughler of Fred-,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
577
eiick and Matilda (^Gratch) Gleaser, who came to
America from German}* about 1835. The father
was a farmer, and died in 1890 in his seventieth
year, his wife liaving been called from life in 1885.
They were the parents of the following-named
children : Marie, wife of Otto Schott, a farmer
residing near Shiloh ; Alvina, Mrs. Ililgard ;
Charles, in the clothing business ; Emma, wife of
William Mangelin, of Webb City, Mo.; Adolph,
who is the proprietor of a cutlery store at Bruns-
wick, Mo.; and Fannie, wife of William Fisher,
a drv-goods merchant of Belleville.
J">ILLIAM H.GRUPE, the popular ex-Alder-
man from the Fifth Ward, a successful and
extensive grocer and dealer in produce and
feed, has been an energetic and prosperous citizen
of East St. Louis, 111., for the past score of years,
and is widely known as a progressive and enter-
l)rising man. Born in the Province of Osnabruck,
Hanover, German}', May 2, 1856, our subject is
the descendant of an excellent German family,
who had bepn distinguished for bravery, and as
citizens were intelligent, honest and industrious.
His paternal grandfather, Herman Grupe, served
with fidelity in the German army in the celebrated
march to Russia. Herman H. Grupe, the father,
was the owner of a small farm in the Fatherland
and patiently cultivated the soil; he also served
with abilit}' as an official of the town, and
held the various responsible positions of School
Director, Church Trustee, and President of the Dis-
trict Assembly, there being in Hanover seven Pro-
vincial Assemblies which have the right of i>ailici-
pating in the provincial legislation.
The mother of our subject was Mary SiedlidH,
the daughter of a German soldier, who was killed
during a campaign. Mrs. Mary (.Siedhoff) (irupe
was the mother of ten children, of whom William
II. i.s the fourth of the family of brothers and sis-
ters now living. He was raised upon his father's
farm, and ;ilteuded both private and cdimji.ui
schools in his native land, and at sixteen years
of age entered the g3nTinasiura near his home and
studied the classics, pursuing the course in an ex-
cellent Government institution for one year, when
he decided to emigrate to America. In the fall
of 1873, Mr Grupe, bidding adieu to his friends
and early home, boarded the steamer, "Phoenix" at
Bremen, and after a safe voyage was landed in
New York, and from the Empire City came direct
to St. Louis, where he received from a brother
immediate employment in a grocery house. At
the expiration of one year, our subject entered
the Jones Commercial College, and having, after
the required preparation, graduated from this excel-
lent institution, soon became book-keeper in the
Capitol Bank, of St. Louis, and remained with
this financial institution until its failure in 1876.
During the fall of this latter year, Mr Grupe
came to East St. Louis, and was engaged by F.
Hinze, a grocer, and remained in his employ until
1882, when the services of our subject were se-
cured by the German American Bank, of St. Louis,
with which banking establishment he was con-
nected as book-keeper until 1884, when he re-
turned to East St. Louis and bought an interest
with Mr. Hinze in the grocery business, the firm
then being Grupe & Hinze. One year later, our
subject became by purchase the sole proprietor of
the business, which was one of the oldest regular
grocery establishments in East St. Louis, and which,
under the skillful management of -Mr Grupe, who
also handled extensively feed and flour, soon as-
sumed larger proportions, and is now one of the
most prosperous in the city. Our subject was
married in 1884 to Miss Annie Hinze, a most es-
timable lady, widel}' known and highly respected
in East St. Louis, which is her birthplace.
^Ir. and Mrs. Gruiie have been blessed with tlie
liirMi of a sou, Arthur, a promising lad, intelligent
Mud manly. Mr. Grupe is ft stockholder in the St.
(lair Building and Loan Association, and was an
organizer and Vice-president of the same. Our
subject is a stalwart Republican, aiidjn 1890, was
elected one of the City Fathers, and as the repre-
sentative Alderman from the Fifth Ward, exe-
cuted the wishes of his constituents efficiently and in
the (libchargo of his v;nious official duties rendered
578
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
excellent service to the Citj- Government, and dis-
played a marked ahilit}' on important committees.
;\rr Orupe is a Knight of P^'thias and is a member
of the Modern Woodmen National Union. He is
a valued member of the Lutheran Church in St.
Louis, and is ever ready to aid in worthy social,
lienevolent or religious enterprises. In both pri-
vate and business life our subject is esteemed as a
man of honor and integrity, and cf)mniands the
confidence of a host of friends.
^^iN"i^ll^^€
/^<\ C. .TOHiS'SON, freight and passenger agent
((( r ^^ ^^^ Louisville & Nashville Railroad at
"^^^ Belleville, 111., to which position he was
appointed May 1,1880, was born in Shelby County,
Ind., near Shelby ville. He is a son of Nathan and
Sarah (Angleton) Johnson, and the grandson of
Benjamin Johnson, the latter being of Germau de-
scent and a native of Pennsylvania. Benjamin
was a pioneer of Indiana, where he married Miss
Anna French, and made their home in Shelby
County until 1865, when they removed to Richland
and resided there up to the time of their death.
The mother of our subject was of Scotcli-Irisii
descent, her ancestors coming over to America
from Scotland. She was born in Crittenden County,
Ky., April 28, 1838, and died in Richland in tiie
yeai 1873. His father, Nathan, was born January
22, 1834, and was married in 1853. Removing to
Richland County in 1859, he engaged in farming
and worked at his trade as a carpenter. He is still
living in Richland County, where he has filled the
offices of Justice of tiie Peace, Supervisor of
the Highways and School Director. He holds a
membership in the Christian Church. His wife
bore him four children, as follows: C. C., our sub-
ject; JohnS.; Ella, wife of James Jeffries, of Hous-
tonville, Ky., and an infant which died soon after
its mother.
Our subject received his scholastic training in
countrj' schools and at the Olney High School,
after which he went into the St. Louis & South-
eastern (now the Louisville & Nashville) Railroad
office at Opdyke, where he learned the entire busi-
ness, including telegraphy. While there, he was
also Adams Express Agent and Deput}- Postmaster.
After remaining at Opd^yke three years, he was
transferred, in December, 1877, to Morton's CJap,
Ky., and in April, 1878, to Belleville as operator
and clerk. Shortly afterward, he was removed to the
Belleville agency in Jefferson County, then soon
to the agency at McLeansboro, Hamilton County;
followed in 1880 by the transfer to the agency at
Belleville. This occurred May 1, since which time
he has filled the position with credit to himself
and to the satisfaction of the patrons of the rail-
road. A heavy freight business is done here, Mr.
Johnson having nine men under him, and it re-
quires his entire time to execute the work of his
agency.
The (irst wife of Mr. Joimson bore the maiden
name of Ema Felts. They were married at Opdyke,
where she resided, and where she died in 1880.
His second wife was Miss Matilda O. Hurd, of
Belleville, born in Louisville, Ky., and a daugh-
ter of B. Hurd, one of the older citizens of Belle-
ville. The marriage took place January 24, 1881,
three children l^eingthe fruit of this union, namely:
Leah B., Allan W., and Helen Martha. Our sub-
ject is a member of the Ancient Order of Ignited
Workmen, being at this time Master of the Belle-
ville lodge. In the Presbyterian Church, he is an
active member being an Elder and a Trustee in
that body.
OICIIOLAS HOISMENUE, of East Caronde-
let. Sugar Loaf Township, St. Clair County,
111., son of Joseph Boismenue, was born
Januai'y 10, 1844, at Prairie du Point, where he
was reared. He attended the public schools of
Cahokia, after which he worked the farm for his
mother. The father of our subject was born at
Cahokia, St. Clair County, and died at Prairie du
Point in October, 1844. The mother, who died in
1866, bore her husband six children, only two of
whom are living, our subject, and Miirgai'el. Mrs.
Touraiijo. wild lives at St. Louis,
rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
581
The ancestors of our subject were French-Cana-
dians, while those of liis wife were French. He
\va> married in 18(J7 to Miss Elizabeth, daughter
of Charles C'iiuony, born in Lorraine, this province
at that time being a part of France but now be-
longing to Germany. Mr. Ciniony left Lorraine
to make a home in this country. To Mr. and Mrs.
Boisnienue have been born six children, as follows:
Julia Mary, who is at home; .Jesse, Laurie,.Eli Am-
brose. Agnes Annie, and Elizabeth.
Settling at Prairie du Point immediately after
his marriage, our subject carried on farming for
thirteen years, then removed to East Carondelet,
in 1880, where for eight years he engaged in the
retail liquor trade. At the expiration of this time,
in 1888, he opened a general grocery store, which
he lias conducted up to the present time. Although
he takes no pronounced part in educational mat-
ters, Mr. Boismenuc feels a keen interest in schools
and has manifested tlial interest by giving his chil-
dren a good common-school training. He is de-
cidedly of the opinion that that parent is remiss in
his duty who fails in this particular. Mr. Boismenue
was elected Collector of his township, and so satis-
factorily did he discharge the duties of that posi-
tion that he was re-elected again and again, hold-
ing the office for four continuous 3'ears. Keeping
to the faith of his fathers our subject lias his mem-
bership in the Roman Catholic Church.
mw^^i
l^^-^
JOSEPH P. SMITH. Tlie subject of the
present sketch is a prosperous farmer and
dairyman, living on section 19, Freeburg
Township. The grandfather of our subject,
John .Smith, was a native of Lincoln County, Me.,
and brought his family to Ohio in 181(),andin 1818
or 1819 he moved to this county and settled near
Georgetown. The land here was unimproved, hut
he cultivated the soil and developed a fine farm.
He died here in 1821, while in the act of carrying
water, during a great scarcity of that necessity.
He was the first adult who died in what was t-lien
liichliuid I'rociiict but is now Sniitlion Township,
27
The marriage of John Smith took place in the
State of his birth, and at his death he left five
sons and lour daughters. Benjamin J., the last
survivor among the sons, died September lo, 1891,
at the age of ninety years. The only surviving
daughter is Sarah, the wife of W. W. Johnson, who
lives in Monroe County. The father of our sub-
ject was bom in Lincoln County, Me., November
27, 1814, and when four years old was brought to
this county, where he grew to manhood. January
16, 1840, lie married Miss Mary McCulley, who
was born in St. Clair County October 22, 1820,
and died August 7, 1878. Her parents were na-
tives of Virginia and were among the early settlers
of the State. Her father, John McCulley, was a
prominent man in St. Clair County, which he rej)-
resented in the State Legislature. Six children
were born to the parents of our subject: John J.,
who died December 26, 1874; Russell B., whose
death occurred October 16, 1889: Sarah, the wife
of George K. Tate, whose biography will be found
on another page of this volume; Clarinda J., wife
of T. O. Holcomb, of Piatt Couutj-, an<5 Mary,
who is the wife of Joseph Crawford, of Indianapo-
lis, Ind.
The subject of this sketch is the eldest of the
children and was born near Georgetown, March 3,
1841. He was reared on the old homestead, and
his education, which was commenced in the public
schools, was completed in McKendree College, at
Lebanon, 111. At an early age he eng.aged in the
profession of teaching, and taught for nine succes-
sive winters. By that time his health, which had
been delicate, was materially improved and he con-
sidered himself robust enough for farming. lie
looked about for a suitable location and finally
settled upon a farm near Freeburg and in 1869 be-
gan the life of an agriculturist. He was success-
ful in his work and in 1873 purchased the farm
where he has remained ever since. The soil of his
land is good, the grazing fine, and the markets are
conveniently located.
On the 9t4i of Septemlier, 1 H(;9, Mr. Smith married
Miss Ellen E. Adams, who was born near Freeburg,
and died there November 1, 1873. They had one
son, Ivlwin, wlio preceded his mother in deatii.
On ihe Uh of Jauiuiry, 1876, Mr. SnilLli married
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Miss Ruth M. Chesney, an amiable young lady,
the daughter of a resident of St. Clair County,
where she w.as born October 1, 18.56. By this
marriage five children were added to the family,
but death took the eldest, Delphia Eloise, when
less than a year old. Glenn Rollin was born April
«, 1878; Vinta Blanche, April 12, 1880; Robert ,1.,
May 27, 1882, and Lee Russell, .lune 22, 1891.
Mr. Smith is a ver^' important member of the
Turkey Hill Grange No. 1.370, of which he was a
charter member. He has held the offices of Master
and Secretary, and is at present Overseer. He is also
a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Associa-
tion, and is Secretary of the county organization
at the present time. Politically, he is a Democrat.
V)clieving that the principles of that party will
liest advance the interests of the nation. He is a
member of the Democratic Central Committee and
lias long been an active worker.
The farm belonging to Mr. Smith is well im-
proved, and he has found it profitable to connect the
dairy business with that of agriculture. He breeds
.lersey cattle and has one of the finest-bred herds
in Illinois. He manufactures a grade of delicious
butter that brings thirty cents a pound all the year
round. His wife is interested in the business and
has the reputation of being a famous butter maker
as well as a capable housekeeper. She has taken
the first premiums .at the State Dairy Association
of Southern Illinois and also for St. Clair County.
In addition to his dairy business, Mr. Smith is suc-
cessfully eng.aged in raising Bronze turkeys and
Plymouth Rock fowls. Socially, Mr. Smith and his
wife are esteemed for their hospitality, and the
pleasant farm wiiere they reside is the home of peace
and plenty.
J^l DOLVH KNOBELOCH, who resides on
©Ol section 29, Shiloh Valley Township, is one
III * of the most prominent and promising
^ young farmers of llie county. Mis life
i'(!f>rd, wiiicli we feel assured will prove of interest
II many of our readers, is us follows; He was
born on the 12th of October, 1861, on the farm
which is now his home. His father, George A.
Knobeloch, was a native of Darmstadt, German}-,
who was born m 1814. and with his parents, John
W. and Mary (May) Knfibeloch, came to the United
States in 1832. Ills education was acquired in the
common schools of liis native country. His par-
ents were well-to-do farmers, and he. remained un-
der the parental roof until his marriage in May,
1860. His Avife bore the maiden name of Cathe-
rine Haege. Mr. Knobeloch from the time of his
marriage lived with his brother Tiioraas, who
owned tlic farm on which our subject now resides.
He was a highly respected citizen, and his death,
which occurred in 1872, was deeply regretted by
many friends. His widow is yet living and makes
her home in Belleville. Of their family of five
ciiildren, Adolpli is the eldest. He was followed
by George W.; Anna, wife of .John E. Thomas;
Emma, wife of W. A. Davis, and Walter T.
After the death of his father, which occurred
when our subject was a lad of eleven summers,
he lived with his uncle, Thomas Knobeloch,
and by him was reared. The uncle was also a na-
tive of Darmstadt, German}-, and came to America
with the parents of our subject. In 1846, he was
united in marriage with Anna M. Haege, daughter
of Philip IT. and Susan Haege. They had no chil-
dren of their own, but gave to their nephew a
home .as pleasant and as comfortable as though he
were their own son. Thomas Knobeloch met his
death by accident, being thrown from his buggy
November 19, 1889. His wife }et survives him.
The primary education of our subject, which was
.acquired in the common schools, was supplemented
by a course of study in Belleville, and he was af-
terward a student at Washington University in
St. Louis. He took charge of his uncle's farm in
1879, and has since his death managed his estate.
He is an able manager and prosperity has crowned
his well-directed efforts. The farm upon which
he resides seems complete in all its appointments,
the improvements are good, the fields are well
tilled, and the whole forms one of the valued
farms of the community.
In 1892. Mr. Knobeloch WHS joined in wedlock
with Miss Pauline Tiejuanu, the accomplished
i'ORTRAIT AND BIOGKAPHJCAL RECORD.
583
daughter of August and Augusta (Henschel) Tie-
mann. Her parents were both nativesof Germany,
and are numbered among the honored pioneer
settlers of St. Clair County. They had a family
of seven daughters and one son. Mrs. Knobeloeh
is a lady of culture and refinement, who presides
with grace over her hospital)lc home. In the sub-
ject of this sketch we see one of the wide-awake
and progressive young farmers of the county, who
is widely and favorably known in the community.
Those who have known him from boyhood are
numbered among his best friends, a fact which in-
dicates his well-spent and upright life.
^J! DOLPH STKIN. This prominent citizen
(.©/lJI! of Fayetteville was born in Hanover,
ink Germany, December 2fi, 1849. His par-
(^ ents, Rudolph and Dorothy (Meiyer)
Stein, were likewise natives of Germany, the
former born In 1807, and the latter in 1809. Dur-
ing the early part of his life, the father followed
his trade, that of a brick mason, but subsequently
he was proprietor of an hotel. He always re-
mained in his native land, where his death oc-
curred iu 18.57, when in life's prime. His wife sur-
vived him a few years, her decease occurring in
1866. In their religious coniicclions. they were
active members of the Luther.in ( Iniicli a}i(l reared
their children in that faith.
The family of whicli our siilijcct is a member
consisted of nine children, fuur of whom died in
childhood. Of the others the following is recorded:
Caroline married Louis Kickenberg; Louis chose
as his wife Miss Maggie llessings; Henry married
Miss Mary Nienaver; Sophia is the wife of Carl
Wilsnsmeyer; and Adolpli, our subject, completes
the family circle. At the age of fourteen, the last-
named commenced to work on a farm, but some
time afterward was apprenticed to learn the trade
of a shoemaker, which he followed until he em-
igrated to the United States,
When Mr. Stein first came to (lils couiiii'v, he
located lu.'iu' JJanustadt, in St. Clair (Jyunt} , for
one year, after which he was in the employ of vari-
ous people near this village until 1878. At that
time he rented land, and continued thusengaged for
three years, when he entered the saloon business
at Fayetteville and has since been occupied in this
way. The lady who became his wife in 1877 was
formerly Mrs. Mary Wrueckner, and at the time of
her marriage was the widow of Lemuel Grossman
by whom she hud one daughter, Matilda, now the
wife of George Drasser. Mr. and Mrs. Stein are the
parents of four children, namely: Arthur, Iva,
Adolpli. .Ii-., and Cclin. deceased.
In his religious views, Mr. Stein is a prominent
member of the Evangelical Protestant Church, in
Fayetteville, of which he is Secretary and has been
for thirteen jears. In his political affiliations, he is a
Republican, and has served in positions of import-
ance and trust in the village. At present he is
filling the office of Treasurer of the village. Our
subject has worked from the bottom of the ladder
up and is a worthj- example, as he has risen from
a poor boy to be a highly respected citizen with a
good competence.
/^ HRISTIAN MIIETZE. The dental profes-
ll( _ sion has one of its most able representatives
^^^ in this gentleman, who is conducting a lu-
crative and increasing practice in the city of Belle-
ville. Although he has been located here but a
short time, he has won for himself a place among
the most talented professional men of St. Clair
County, and is also well and favorably known as a
public-spirited and enterprising citizen, to whom
the welfare of the community is ever a matter of
interest.
A native of (Germany, which has contributed to
this country so many of its ablest and most suc-
cessful citizens, Mr. Muetze was born in Marburg,
Hesse-Nassau, January 17, 1869, and is a son of
Peter and Louisa Muetze, natives of the Father-
land, who passed their entire lives in that country.
In the excellent common schools of Marburg our
subject I'cccivtHl his education, beiug a gvadiuiUi
584
PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the schools there. After completing the course
of stud}', he resolved to come to America and seek
a home in the "land of the free."
Prior to emigrating, Mr. Muetze studied Eng-
lish for four years, and was able to converse flu-
ently in our language when he came to America
in 1884. At once after landing, he proceeded to
Belleville, where he secured a position as clerk in
a mercantile establishment and remained thus em-
l)loyed for several years. Subsequently- he entered
the office of Dr. Ilenr}' Muetze, his brother, at St.
Louis, and later took a course of lectures at the
dental department of "Washington University in
that city. After studying for two terms, he was
graduated in the Class of '92, with the degree of
Doctor of Dental Surgery. In February after
graduating, he opened an office in Belleville, where
he has since remained in active practice. He has
gained an enviable reputation for skill and thor-
oughness, and has an elegant suite of rooms at No.
1.3 West Main Street, where his office is located.
A frank and genial conversationalist, devoted to
his profession, but equally alive to all matters of
public moment, he is held high in the regard of
the citizens of Belleville and the surrounding
country.
JT^ATHKR .TAMES M. CHOUGH is the pastor
l-^g; of St. Luke's Catholic Church at the cor-
li\ ner of Cliurch and C Streets, Belleville,
111., which church was separated from St. Peter's
Cathedral in .lanuary, 1883, which at that time
embraced the English-speaking- Catholics, nuinliej--
ing about seventy families. The first services were
held in the liali of the St. Agnes Orphan Asylum
until tlic fire at the Convent .January .'), 1885,
when tiiey began holding services in the present
e<lifici', which, in the meantime, was in course of
construction. This church is of Gothic architec-
ture, is beautiful in ajjpearance, is substantially
built of brick and is 100 i( 4'^ feet in dimensions.
Jt lias a seating ca[)acitv of six hundred, but
twelve hundred persons have been in the church
at one time. The interior is beautifully fin-
ished, and, taking it all in all, it is one of the
handsomest and finest finished churches in the
diocese. The congregation now numbers over
three hundred families, and embraces among its
numbers the first citizens of Belleville. At the
time of erection the church was thought to be
much too large but, in fact,will soon prove too small
to accommodate the congregation. At different
times there has been spent over $40,000 on this
church, but it is a model of beauty and convenience,
and does credit to the pastor and flock, illustrating,
as it docs, their zeal, earnestness and energy.
In connection with the church a fine parochial
school has been established, which is successfully
conducted by Sisters from Notre Dame, five in
number, the pupils in attendance being over two
hundred. This school, of course, is under the con-
trol of Father Gough, who resides near by in a
fine brick jiriest's house, which has also been erected
since he has taken charge of his present congre-
gation. He was born in Providence, R. I., May
19, 1861, a son of Michael and Ann (Gough)
Gough, both of whom were from the North of
Ireland, but were not related in any wa3', so far as
known. The father was a business man of War-
wick and was respected throughout that section
as a man of honor and a useful and valuable citi-
zen. The initiatory training of Father .Tames M.
Gough was obtained in the public schools of Prov-
idence, after which he entered Bryant <fe Strat-
ton's Business College of Providence, where he ob-
tained a thorough and practical education. This
he followed up with a four-years Latin course in
St. .losepii's College, at Teutopolis, 111., and later
pursued liis studies for six years in the Grand
Seminary of Jlontreal, Canada (SulpiL-ian Semi-
nary), during which time he took a very thorough
course in theology and philosophy for the pur-
pose of entering the priesthood, his kindly nature
instinctively turning to tliat broad and noble field
for his life work.
He was ordained by Archbishop Edward Fabre
at the above mentioned seminary, which is the
largest in America, and received the degree of S.
T, t$. I'oi- the diocese of 41tuUr being assigned
Wieut (^\
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHTCAL RECORD.
to Belleville by Rt. Rev. Peter Joseph Baltes,
before the division of the diocese. The church
at Belleville has been his first and only charge
and he has been a resident of this town since
the 19tli of January, 1883. He was the first
pastor of the church and is the oldest priest in
point of residence in the city. He has been a
faithful laborer in the vineyard of his Master and
has received a portion of his reward in this world,
for he has the respect and affection of outsiders,
as well as of the members of his congregation. He
is at the head of several important societies in
connection with his church, and is a stanch sup-
porter of temperance and advocates its doctrines
on all occasions. He is of a benevolent, generous
and kindly disposition and those who seek his aid
or counsel are given sound advice and substantial
assistance.
Il-, ON. MICHAEL REIS. The subject of this
i| j) notice is the .senior member of the firm of
/^^ M. & H. Reis, old and prominent lumber
(^ dealers of Belleville. He is a well-known
business man, having been here for thirty years.
Born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, November 25,
1831, he is the son of Valentine and Catherine
(Freihaut) Reis, who emigrated to the United
States, landing at New Orleans in July. 1846, and
proceeding thence to St. Louis. Our suhjeet was
educated in the public schools of his native coun-
try, and after he arrived in St. Louis he entered
the shoe shop which his father had established there,
and learned the trade.
At that time an uncle of oursubjeet, Bartel Reis,
owned a lumber yard, in which young Michael be-
came first acquainted with the rules of the busi-
ness. He remained in his employ for five years,
and at the expiration of that time his father em-
barked in the same business, and Michael went
with him. When his father went North, our sub-
ject engaged with Joseph Hauscs. In 1866, he
and his brother Henry opened a yard under the
firm name of ^1. & H. Reis, and have since c(tri-
ducted a safe and profitable business. The firm
handles lumber, sash, blinds, doors and everything
pertaining to building and furnishings. With the
exception of O. Heinricks, our subject is the oldest
lumberman in the city.
Mr. Reis has been Alderman for the Third Ward
for two terms. He was Mayor for two terms, dur-
ing which time the cedar block pavement was put
in, the water-works were completed, and the street
railroad was finished. During his able administra-
tion the city made remarkable progress, and manv
needed improvements and reformations were in-
augurated. He is a member of the Knights of
America, of which he is now President. In St.
Peter's Benevolent Society he has held the office of
President fourteen of the twenty years it has been
in existence.
M.ly 13, 18.56, Mr. Reis was married to Miss Ap-
polonia Eberle, of St. Louis, a native of Germany,
and seven children have blessed the union: Anna,
who is the wife of Anthony Phillips, of Shakopee,
Minn.; Ida, the wife of Julius Kohl, of Indianapo-
lis; Henry G., Rosalie, August, and two sons who
died in infancy. Mr. Reis and his family are
highly respected in Belleville, and his business
standing is very high.
m^-^^
llJ^-^OBERT X. Mc CRACKEN, M. D.,a success-
IIWj fill and prosperous physician and surgeon
j!i \V residing in Fayetteville Township, St.
A;^ Clair County, has an excellent and rapidly
increasing practice in his neighborhood and vicin-
ity, and is well known as an able, intelligent and
energetic citizen, worthy of confidence and esteem.
Our subject is a son of Robert and Cora (lllinski)
McCracken, both natives of East St. Louis. The
father was educated in the city of his birth and
attended the public schools in early life; he after-
ward studied law and fitted himself for the prac-
tice of the profession, but, preferring other pursuits,
never became an attorney. He was married when
quite young but had no children b3- his first wife,
who did not survive her marriage many years.
r)8H
I'ORTRAIT AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The mother of our subject, who was united in i
marriage with her husband some time after iiis
tirst wife's death, was a daughter of Dr. A. X.
lllinski, who pracaiced medicine successfully in
St. Louis for over fifty years. The mother of Mrs.
Cora (lUinski) McCvacken was in girlhood Miss
Ophelia Lebur, and by her first marriage she be-
came the widow of Dr. Butler; she afterward
married Dr. lllinski and now survives him. The
maternal grandmother of our subject is an attract- j
ive lady, possessing a large circle of friends, tried [
and true. Dr. McCracken was one of three chil-
dren born unto his father and mother, and is now I
the only child living. One died in infancy, .ind )
Kicholas, a promising young man, died at twenty
j-ears of age.
Dr. McCracken 's father was one of the few [
seekers of gold in far-off California who there
achieved financial prosperity. He was for sev-
eral years engaged in a store in East St. Louis and
Cahokia. Politically, he was a Democrat and was
a devout member of the Catholic Church. He
died when our subject was but four years old, and
Ills wife, who is yet living in Cahokia, afterward
married C. W. Droit, and by this union had. two
daughters, Pauline and Camille. Dr. McCracken
is the grandson of Robert and Arthouts (.Tarrot)
McCracken, who were very early pioneers of Ca-
hokia, where the grandfather ran a distiller3-.
After his death, his widow married again and be-
came the wife of Dr. Brackett. Our subject, a
direct descendant of the pioneers of the southern
part of Illinois, was born in the old village of Ca-
hokia in the year 1864. He enjoyed excellent
educational advantages and attended the Christian
ISrothers' School at St. Louis for three years. He
studied at Jeradon one year and was at Jesenett
one year, and also attended school at Valparaiso,
Ind., and received a term of instruction in Foster's
Academ.y, a commercial school in St. Louis.
Later, Dr. McCracken studied medicine at St.
Louis Medical College, from which he was gradu-
ated in 1889. Beginning the duties of his pro-
fession in Cahokia, our subject practised medicine
in the home of his childhood one year and then
came to his present location, where he has built up
an extended and largely increasing practice, and has
won the regard of the general public. Politically,
Dr. McCracken is a Democrat, and in religious
atliliations is a Catholic. An earnest and energetic
citizen, theroughly devoted to the duties of his
profession, he takes an interest in the local pro-
gress and leading movements of his home neigh-
liood and vicinity and is proving an important
factor in the upbuilding and advancement of
]n'ominent enterprises of the day.
J ( )11N K I K F E U . If by success in life we
mean securing a comfortable home and the
I means for a good support, then is our sub-
^_^ ject one of the successful men of St. Clair
County. He owns and occupies a farm consisting
of eighty-four acres of land on section 7, Marissa
Township, which has been developed and placed
in its present state of improvement by himself,
and thus attests his industry and thrift. Many
of the best and most successful farmers of this
part of Illinois are natives of the Fatherland, and
such is the case with Mr. Kiefer. He was born in
(Germany, December 2(>, 1826, and is the son of
Lenzburg and Mary (Woleriek) Kiefer, also natives
of the German Empire.
The father of our subject was a tailor by trade,
which occupation he followed his entire life. He
was a son of Christopher Kicfei', and in religious
affairs was a devoted member of the Lutheran
Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Lenzburg Kiefer were
born three children, of whom our subject is the
second in the family. The others were Christo-
pher, and Philapena, who is now deceased.
The gentleman of whom we write began life on
his own account at the earlj" age of fourteen years,
at which time he engaged to work in a brewery,
where he was employed for four years. Later, he
hired out .as a farm hand, and remained in his
native country until 18,03, at which time he set
sail for American shores, landing in Xcw York
City with but 14 in money. Being very industri-
ou's and ambitious to gain a competence for him-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
589
self, he immediately found work on a railroad and
was thus engaged for two montiis. At the expi-
ration of that time he came to Belleville, this
county, and aided in the constructiou of the plank
road from Belleville to Freeburg. Finall.y, how-
over, renting laud, he cultivated the soil for twelve
years. His industry- resulted in making him the
possessor of as well-improved a farm as may be
found in this vicinity, which he purchased in
1885. Mr. Kiefer is a keen, wide-awake man who
has gained much information b^' actual experience
and bj' observation, and takes a higii rank among
his fellow-agriculturists.
The lady to whom our subject was married in
18;j3 was Miss J.acobicn, daughter of Philip and
Rosa Sharfer Kepler. To them have been born
the following six children: Elizabeth, Otto, John,
Margaret, Mary and Edith. Both he and his good
wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and
their names are associated with ever3- good work.
He takes great interest in politics, and always
votes with the Republican party. He is recognized
as one of the intelligent as well as successful citi-
zens of the county, enjoys the confidence of the
business community, and commands the esteem of
his neighbors.
-^^^^il-^i-^ii^^
flL^ ENRY BARTHEL. One of the prominent
ll))) men of this city is named in the opening
4W^ of tins notice. He was born in the village
[^^ of Langenselbold, in Central Germany,
August 28, 1827. His parents were William and
Catherine Barthel, who emigrated from the Father-
land to America, and landed in New Orleans.
They made their way to Belleville, where many
(iermans had preceded them and they were sure
of hearing the familiar tongue. 'i'hey looked
about for a new home, and found it about a mile
and one-half east of Freedom, Prairie dn Long
Township, but tliey lived but a short time to en-
joy the pleasures of the new country they had un-
dergone so mucli to reach. William Barthel died
in 1841, and his wife only survived him one vear.
Henry, the subject of our sketch, was thus left
an orphan, and he went to St. Louis, and was there
ajiprenticed to the trade of harness and saddle
making. At the age of nineteen j-ears he was en-
gaged by the Quartermaster's Department of the
Government service, and was sent to Santa Fe. N.
M., in 184G. Here the superintending of manu-
facturing and repairing of saddles became his busi-
ness. The following year the most of the troops
were sent to the front, leaving Gen. Price in com-
mand at Santa Fe with but few men, and now and
then our subject was enabled to break the monotony
of his work with a round of guard duty. Here he re-
mained for five 3'ears, when, in 1851, he returned
to Illinois and settled on a farm about three miles
east of Freedom, Monroe County. After three
years of farm life, he removed to Freeburg, where
he has since resided. His early education was ob-
tained in one of the rough schoolhouses of Prairie
du Long, where, in companj- with Hon. William
R. Morrison, he attended a school tauglit by
Mathew Donohoo. His reader was the old Illinois
form book, and that of Morrison was a history of
the United States. This reader indelibly impressed
upon his mind the forms of legal papers and docu-
ments. This has been of great service to him in
his career as Justice of the Peace, to which posi-
tion he was first elected while living in Monroe
County in 1852, and again soon after making a
change of home and moving to Freeburg. This
office he held for twenty-four years, and his life in
his official position was replete with incidents, and
he often mentions the ''thank you" weddings. He
was elected a member of the Board of County Com-
missioners of St. Clair County in 1876. During
his long term of office, many public improvements
were inaugurated. The first iron bridge over the
Kaskaskia at New Athens was built, the macadam-
izing of the Centreville and St. Louis road was
done, the court house square was enclosed, and
other like enterprises were consummated. I n chang-
ing from county to township organizations, he was
appointed on the commission to divide the county
into townships, in conjunction with the Hons. T.
H. Portal and Joseph B. Messick, and was Chair-
man of that commission.
In p(.)litics, Mr. Barthel has always been a con-
590
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sistent Democrat, although his first Presidential
ballot was cast for Gen. Scott. This vote, he says,
was so cast because he was acquainted with Scott,
and not with Pierce. In business affairs Mr. Bar-
thel lias always been energetic. He oiiened the
first saddlery establishment in Freeburg in 18.54.
and sold it in 1858, and, in company with others,
erected a brewery, from which he withdrew the
same year. In 1861, he went into general mer-
chandizing, and has continued in it ever since.
Our subject was married April 12, 1852, to
Margaret Mohr, who died .lanuary 14. 1859. He
married Anna Maria Bumb in 1859, who died Sep-
tember 8, 1872. His present wife was Gertrude
Bumb, to whom he was married May 12, 1873, and
six children are the result of this union. Mr.
Barthel has lived an honest, upright life, and is an
honor to the community in which he has lived so
long.
(t^ENJAMIN J. WEST. The original of this
]L>^ sketch is one of the oldest residents of
,/M) I Belleville, having come here with his par-
'^^^ ents in 1818. He was the son of Tilghman
H. and Mary (ISIitchell) West, the former of whom
was born in Montgomery County, Md., in 1767,
and was the son of Benjamin West, who had re-
sided in Virginia for a number of years. A very
interesting family history could be written from
the authentic and copious history of the ancestors
now contained in the family bible, where the direct
line is traced back to the reign of Edward II,
King of England.
Tilghman H. West left Virginia on account of
slavery and moved into a free State. In Virginia,
he could not free his slaves, as the law did not
permit that then, but he could take them into a
free State and give them liberty, and that is wliat
he did. It cost him a great deal to live up to his
convictions and he made manj' sacrifices and en-
dured many hardships at first. The father of
Tilghman H. West was Benjamin, who died in
1820. at the age of ninety-one years, and his wife.
who was Elizabeth (Hilliarj') West, died at the age
of ninety-six, in 1824. Their family were Wash-
ington, Henry, Valinda and Elizabelli.
The marriage of Tiigliman II. West took place
in Fincastle. \n., and to him were born ten
children: Nancy, wife of Richard Randall; Sarah,
wife of William P. McKce;, Mary, wife of Rev.
John Hogan, who died in April, 1892, .aged
eight3'-eight years; Susan, wife of Dr. J. N. Banks,
of Chicago; Henry H., who married Miss White in
1837; Benjamin, who married Louisa A. Mitchell;
and Edward, who married Julia Atwater. Tilghman
H. West bought a large tract of land five miles
east of the city, which, was then new, at 12, $3 and
*5 an acre, and improved it, and there made his
home until the death of his beloved wife. Hisown
death occurred July 7, 1851. He had been a life-
long member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
was always opposed to human slavery, and was a
strong Whig.
Benjamin J. West was born at Fincastle, Va.,
August 23, 1812, and with his parents came here
in 1818, just being able to remember the journey
of six weeks when they camped out every night.
It was a new and bitter experience, as they had al-
wa^-s been in comfortable circumstances. Our sub-
ject remembers seeing many Indians, of whom
he was afraid. The education of our subject was
obtained in a schoolhouse which his father and
two others had erected on his father's land, and
which two educated men taught. AVhen he was
seventeen years old, he went to Belleville and be-
gan his business career as a clerk in the dry-goods
store of James Mitchell. Here he remained for some
years, and then bought Mr. Mitchell out and ce-
mented their relations b.y marrying his eldest daugh-
ter. He continued here until 1885, having been con-
tinuously in this business for fifty years. His lo-
cation was on the corner of the Public Square and
Main Street, but at first adjoining the place where
the Thomas House now stands. He was a success-
ful merchant and also carried on a large farm,
giving especial attention to fruits, but now he is
living retired, spending iiis summers and falls in
Minnesota, where he ti)ids the climate agrees with
iiim.
The m.irriage of Mr. West occurred in June,
s±1
PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHJCAL RECORD.
1836, to Miss Louisa Mitchell, who was born at
Liberty, Va., February 24, 1817. She was the
daughter of James Mitchell, wlio was among the
first men to settle in Belleville. Tlie two living
cliildreu of Mr. and Jlrs. West are Benjamin .].,
now of Minneapolis, and Robert ('.. of this city.
Mr. West lias never been a ixiliticinn. He became
a member of the Methodist K|>isc<>pal Church in
1832, and has been President of its Board of
Trustees for thirty years. There arc many thriv-
ing German farmers of this county who obtained
their start liy Mr. AVest's good .idvicc and heliiing
hand.
3[;h^@i
1^ I>.ILL1AMBRANDENBUKGER. This prom-
\aj/j inent citizen of Belleville is a native of
W^ Prussia, born at Kreulznach - Mandel
April 17th, 1823. His parents, Andrew and Kath-
rina Brandenburger, were upright and substan-
tial residents of their native land. In 1849,
William Brandenburger, with his wife, whose
maiden name was Christina Mavzi, and their two
children, came to America in search of a home and
at once located at Belleville, at which time they
had onlj' enough money to commence house-keep-
ing with on a very modest scale. Mr Branden-
burger, was without any knowledge whatever of
the English language when he came to this country.
There was at that time very little on which to base
a prophecy of the success in store for him, but
with characteristic energy and jierseverance he at
once set about finding work, securing a position
in a distillery, where he was employed half the
day and half tiie night. His spare moments were
spent in doing various odd jobs, for which he re-
ceived some slight remunerations.
After this work had contiiined for two years, the
attention of Mr Brandenburger was called to the
great veins of coal in the vicinity of Belleville, and
the small operations of a coal mine there, which
set him thinking. He began making some pri-
vate calculations, learned what it cost to operate a
mine, how much was paid for mining, and con-
cluded that there was money in the business. By
{ dint of much economy, he managed to purchase
two acres of land, by making a small payment, and
at once began to sink a well, mainly by his own
exertions. He was confident that the coal vein
was there and that his labors would be rewarded.
The coal vein was successfully reached and an in-
come was soon realized. He got out a few wagon
loads each day, and it being before au3'^ railroad
had reached the field, hauled it away by ox-
teams to St. Louis, Lebanon and such places as
as would afford a market for what little was mined.
A railroad was built soon after this and a market
was at once opened for all the coal that could be
got out. Ere the railroad had been finished, Mr.
Brandenburger bought an additional seven acres
of coal land and had three shafts in operation soon
after its completion. He arranged for contracts
with the Wiggins Ferry Company, the Lindell and
other St. Louis hotels, and for various important
manufactories that began to spring up when it
was found that coal could be so easily obtained.'
By giving strict attention to business, living
economically, and, more particularly, meeting every
obligation, either with his miners' wages or his store
account, Mr Brandenburger soon became known
among business men as a careful manager who paid
cash for everything, and his credit was such that
he could have obtained any favor or any sum of
money had he so desired. Friends who had money,
seeing the fruits of his management, preferred to
loan him their money rather than risk their own
judgment in investing in coal lands. From time
to time he continued to purchase coal lands to the
extent of hundreds of acres, and prosperity was as-
sured. He made no show or parade, as do manv
whose finances have been unexpectedly increased,
but kept on in his own unostentatious way.
Some five years since Mr Brandenburger sold
his coal shafts and business, including about two
hundred and fifty acres of coal land, to tlie Consol-
idated Company, and since then has lived a less
active life and is enjoying his well-eaiiied rest.
The most of his attention is given to the con-
duct of his farm, which contains about two. hun-
dred and fifty acres, all of which is underlaid with
coal, and to platting and selling city lots in the
various additions he has made to the cily of West
594
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Belleville, near where he resides in a handsome
and commodious brick dwelling. Probably no
other man in this section has done so much to
develop the natural resources of the immense coal
fields underlying his section of the State, furnished
so many men with employment or added so largely
to the material wealth of Belleville as Mr. Branden-
burger. The lesson learned from his life is a val-
uable one and should be heeded by the young
men of to-day who start out witli no capitul but a
pair of willing hands.
Mr. Branden burger was so unfortunate as to lose
his wife soon after getting started in the coal
business. He was left with a family of nine chil-
dren to look after. He then found it doubly dif-
ticuit to make progress, but he determined to keep
his family together and they all worked in har-
mony and were accordingly of great assistance to
each other.
Mr. Braudenburger's career has been a very honor-
able and useful one and he is a model citizen, being
persevering, industrious, honest and patriotic. He
IS much esteemed throughout St. Clair, as wall as the
surrounding counties, and counts as his friends
ail with whom he has had business relations, which
speaks in an eloquent manner as to his upright
l)usiness methods. He is a Republican politically;
in religion, he is an honored member of the
Free Protestant Church.
ANIEL HENTCIILEH, a prominent farmer
residing on section S3, Shiloh Valley
Township, St. Clair County, was born in
.lacksonville, Morgan County, 111. De-
cember 10, 1837, was the date of his birth. His
|)arents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Baker) Rentch-
ler. The father of our subject was a native of the
Keystone State, and was born in Union County in
in the year 1799, being reared to manhood on a
farm. He was a son of John Rentchler, who was
also a native of Pennsylvania and a farmer by oc-
cupation. The great-grandparents of our subject
emigrated to the United States from German}' in
the eighteenth century. In the possession of our
subject is an old chest which they brought to this
country. At tliat early date the family name was
spelled Rentschler. The spelling of the name has
been changed by the descendants and in some
families it has become entirely different.
Jacob Rentchler received a limited education in
the common schools of that early day, but by study
and reading posted himself on all of the leading
questions and issues of the day, and his experience
in business also added to his knowledge and
widened his view' of mankind. He was a mill-
wright by trade, and in his native State operated
a saw and grist mill and also carried on a store.
His business qualifications may readily be seen in a
brief sketch of his life career. In 1837, he went to
Morgan County, I II., and a few years later located
in this county, where he purchased eight hundred
acres of land, giving 812 per acre. Here for many
years, he engaged in agricultural pursuits and also
bought, sold and traded live stock. In this, as in
all business undertakings, he was very successful
and showed marked ability.
When about twenty-six years,of age, Mr. Rentch-
ler was married to Miss Elizabeth, the daugh-
ter of John H. and Elizabeth (Rickey) Baker, all
of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Ten
children blessed this union, all of whom grew to
maturity: John, deceased; Jacob; David and Will-
iam, deceased; Maria is the wife of James H.
Richardson; Benjamin is deceased; Daniel, our
subject; Henry and Levi have also departed this
life; and Elizabeth is the wife of .Fames Hobbs.
The father of this family was a member of the
Lutheran Church and in that faith brought up his
children. Politicall}', he was a Whig. His death
occurred in 1853, and his wife yet survives him
and lives with our subject upon the old homestead.
Our subject was reared upon Ins father's farm
and received his education in the district schools,
which he completed by a course at Union Semin-
ary. His health failed him before he had finished
his studies and he then returned home. However,
in 1861, he entered the Business College of Pitts-
burgh, Pa., and received a thorough preparation
for business life. In 1864, he went into the agri-
PORTRAIT AND BTOGRAPHTCAL RECORD.
59;'
cultural implement and machine business at Belle-
ville, where he was located until 1878. In that
occupation, he was rewarded by great success, but
was obliged to return to the farm, wliere his and
his mother's interests demanded his sole attention.
In addition to his farm, which he has greatly im-
jirovcd and which on every liand shows the care
and attention of the owner, lie for several years
ran a store at a point known as Ren tchler Station.
About twenty years ago, he leased the coal on his
land, but as the lease was dropped after a few
years he lias operated the bank himself during
most of this time, lie owns five hundred and sixty
acres where he now lives and fourteen hundred and
eighty-two acres situated in various States. Po-
litically, he is a standi supporter of the Republican
party and its principles. For over fifty years, he
has been an honored and respected resident of this
community, where he is widely and favorably
known. He is a well-informed man on all the
leading questions of the day and takes an active
part in all local and educational affairs.
J' OHN SCHALLER. A position of influence
among the (ierman-Amerioan citizens of St.
Clair County is held by the gentleman
whose name introduces this sketch, and
who is numbered among the wealthiest residents
of Lenzburg Townsliip. The large property of
which he is owner, amounting to seven hundred
acres, has been gained througli his unaided exer-
tions, and shows what may be accomplished by in-
dustry and energy, when coupled with good bus-
iness judgment and a determination to succeed.
The parents of our subject, Philip and Elizabeth
(Ilentzel) Schaller, were born in Germany, in
1805, and were married in the land of tlieir birth.
They became the parents of five children, three of
wliom died when young, the only surviving mem-
ber of the family beside our subject being Lena,
the wife of Peter Dichnian. During his youth
Pliilij) Schaller followed farming pursuits and was
quite successful in that occupation in his native
country. However, in his early manhood, he
learned the trade of a shoemaker, at which he was
occupied during the greater part of his life, al-
though he also engaged in agriculture to some ex-
tent after emigrating to this countiy. In the
Fatherland he received an excellent education and
prepared himself for the profession of a teacher, but,
not feeling satisfied with it, abandoned the work
after teaching for a short time.
In 1844, accompanied by his wife and children,
Philip Schaller emigrated to the United States, and
after landing at New York proceeded at once to Ill-
inois and settled at Belleville. His means were lim-
ited, and for two years he operated as a renter, but
at the expiration of that time he had accumulated
sutticient money to enable him to purchase a small
farm in Dutch Hill Prairie. Thereafter, farming
operations engaged his attention, and his time was
devoted to farming on his place, which he brought
to a good state of cultivation. In his political
views, he was an adherent of the Rei)ublican party,
the principles of which he always stanchly up-
held by his ballot and influence. His death,
which occurred in 1870, deprived the community
of a good citizen and his family of a loving hus-
band and father. His wife survived him ten
years, when she too closed her eyes to the scenes
of earth.
A native of Germany, the subject of this biogra-
phical notice was born in 1837, and was therefore
a lad of about seven years of age when he accom-
panied his parents to America. His education,
which was gained in the schools of St. Clair
County, was quite coniplete and thorough, and by
subsequent reading he has become a well-informed
man. He remained under the parental roof, aid-
ing his father in the farm work, until his mui-
riage, which occurred Ainil 19, 1863. The lady
who then became his wife was Alwine, daughter of
August and Renida Kunze. natives of Prussia,
where she was born.
Seven children have been born to Mr. Schaller
and his excellent wife, of whom we record the fol-
lowing: Anna is the wife of Charles Skeer; El-
vina married Charles Schneider; Philip, William,
Katie and Lena remain at home and are bright,
intelligent young people, of whom their parents
596
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
are justlj- proud. The religions home of the fam-
ily is in the Lutheran Church, of which they are
active members, and their influence is ever given
toward tiiose measures which are calculated to
promote the interests of the communit}', along
moral, religious and educational lines. In his
political preference, !Mr. Sclialler is a Republican
of no uncertain tone, ancl he is regarded by the
people of Dutch Hill Prairie, where he resides, as
one of their most active and progressive citizens.
He is a man of enterprise, zealous in his advocacj'
of the cause of justice and riglit. and ever fore-
most in good works.
flLLIAM A. MeCASLAMD, a successful
// dealer in real estate, located in East St.
W^ Louis is widelj' known as a man of sterling
integrity of character, and commands the confi-
dence and esteem of all who have the pleasure of his
acquaintance. Our subject is a native of Indiana
and was born in Jefferson County, near Hanover. He
came to Morgan County, 111., with his parents when
only six jearsof age, and was raised upon the farm
of his father, James McCasland, and received his
primary education in the little log sehoolhouse,
with slab seats and desks. Arriving at mature age,
William McCasland married Anette Pcmberton,
born and raised in Oldham County, Ky. '
Our subject began farming in Morgan County,
111., but the breaking out of the Civil War inter-
rupted the peaceful labor of agricultural life, and
in February, 1862, he volunteered in the ser-
vice of the Government, and enlisted in Com-
pany A, Thirty-eighth Illinois Infantry, and
after three years at the front, constantl}- exposed
to the dangers of the prison pen and death upon
the battlefield, he was mustered out of the service
at Huntsville, Ala., in February, 1865. A citizen of
courage and resolution and a true patriot, our
subject bravely engaged in the siege of Corinth,
was an active participant in the long march from
Ripley, Miss., to Louisville, Ky., where the Union
forces turned back the advance of {4en. Bragg and
forced him to retreat to Crab Orchard, and was
finally engaged in the battle of Remyville.
Mr. McCasland took part in the battles of Stone
River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and, in fact,
was present in all the principal engagements of
I the Georgia Campaign. From Atlanta, returning
to Nashville under Hood, our subject participated
in the battles of Spring Hill and Franklin, and, be-
ing upon the outer line of skirmishers, was con-
stantly exposed to the rain of the enem3''s bullets.
The officer of the day had left twenty men on
I picket duty until the forces were all over and the
bridge was burned. It was fully one hour before
' Gen. Schofield knew of the deadly- peril of the
faithful and courageous pickets, who were at last
relieved from their post of duty by the oflBcers de-
tailed for that purpose by the General. Immedi-
ately following the battle of Nashville, Mr. Mc
Casland, honorably discharged from the service of
the Government, returned to his home unwounded,
although he had never lost a day from active duty.
Few of the brave boys in blue can show a longer
record of marches, skirmishes and battles, in which
j our subject fearlessly' engaged, and no soldier of
those troublous times can furnish a more honorable
record of faithful and devoted service in behalf
I of National existence.
In 1869, Mr. McCasland bought a one hundred
and sixtj- acre farm in Morgan Countj', 111., near
Waverly, and there continued the pursuit of agri-
culture until 1881. In the meantime, he dealt ex-
tensively in stock, buying, feeding and shipping
cattle. In 1881, he located in Waverly and re-
mained there until 1889, when he made his home
in East St. Louis, handling real estate exclusively.
Our subject owns property in the Clearmont Addi-
tion, which is rapidly increasing in value and has
found ready sales, tlie location being one of the
finest sites in the citJ^ The convenient office of
Mr. McCasland is in the Opera House Building,
Room 46, and all desirous of investing in one of
the finest pieces of property in East St. Louis
should seek the services of our subject, who .<ic
cords to all visitors the kindly courtesy and
prompt attention which their business demands.
Mr. McCasland was, in 1879, deepl3- stricken l)y a
succession of crushing bereavements. He had a
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
599
devoted wife, and their hearth and home were
blessed b}' the birth of nine children: Sarah Jane
died at nineteen ^-ears of age; Josepliiue died at
three years of age; Rosa M. passed away when
fourteen years old; Anna L. died at six j'ears of
age; Gracie B.and Ida live in Waverly, 111.; Edith
died when six years old; Henry passed awa3' in
November; one little one died in infancy. Edith
died April 14, 1879; Sarah J., April 15, 1879; the
beloved wife April 19, 1879; and Rosa, April 24,
1879. These victims of the dread scarlet fever all
passed away within ten days, and the other chil-
dren were also ill, Henry having been left deaf by
this terrible and fatal nialad\'. Our subject is a
member of the Christian Church, and nothing but
a faith in another and better world sustained him
in these hours of bitter anguish. Mr. McCasland
is a Republican in word and deed, but he is a "free
silver" man, and mainly desires the prosperity and
best good of the American nation, to whose ser-
vice he gave the unswerving devotion of a true
American citizen.
L'^^HOMAS II. WHITE, Vice-president of the
m^\\ Michigan Beef and Provision Company, of
^V^^' Detroit, Mich., stock-dealer at the National
Yards, also representative of Swift & Co., of Chi-
cago, and Alderman of the Seventh Ward of Ea.st
St. Louis, is one of the most popular and well-
known residents of the city. He is a native of
the Empire Stale, born at Beekman, in Dutchess
County, on the 1st of July, 1849, and is a son of
Leonard T. White, who was also a native of New-
York State, as was the grandfather, Isaac AVhitc.
A brother of the latter, William White, owned the
Dutchess County Iron Works. The grandfather
served in the Mexican War, and was an extensive
farmer in Dutchess County, where his death oc-
curred when ninety-two 3'ears of age. His wife,
whose maiden name was Mary Doty, and who was
of English desceiit, died when ni)lPty-.three years
of age,
The father of our subject became familiar with
agricultural pursuits when a small boy, and it was
but natural that when reaching mature years he
should select farming as his chosen occupation.
He died in 1857, when forty -seven years of age.
He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and in politics, supported the principles
of the Republican party. He married Miss Char-
lotte Wright, who was also born in Dutchess
County, N. Y., and who passed away in 185li.
Eight children were born to their union, seven of
whom grew to mature yeais and are now living.
The second in order of birth was our subject, who
was left without the counsel of a father and the
loving care of a mother when eight years of ago.
At that age his school days were practicality ended,
but being possessed of a naturally bright mind,
and being a man of observation, lie became well
posted.
In 1858, Mr. White went to Dover, N. Y., to
live with his uncle, William A. White, with whom
he remained two j^ears, and then returned to
Beekman to learn the carriage-making trade with
his uncle, William Wright. At the end of eighteen
months he went to Westchester County, and
worked in a carriage shop for two years, after
which he returned to his Uncle William Wright,
and was in his carriage shop for some time. Later,
he went to Amenia, Dutchess County, and worked
in a grain-cradle factory for George Morgan, the
greatest cradle manufacturer of his day. From
there he removed to Beekman, remained there for
one year, and in 1867 went to Albany to assist in
building the West Albany Yards for Allerton,
Dutcher & Moore, the organizers of the National
Yards here. After finishing the yards he went to
Buffalo, N. Y., reopened the yards after the fire.
and became builder and Superintendent. He was
in charge of a set of men as foreman during this
time, and when the yards were completed he re-
turned to Albany-, and remained there until 1871,
when he came to East St. Louis to assist in building
the National Yards. He was in charge of excavat-
ing and the grading of yards and of laying the
sewers. He was activelj' engaged in this for two
years, when the yards were opened for use.
At that time, Mr, White assuiued charge of the
600
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cattle department as Yardmaster, filled this posi-
tion for about three years, and then resigned it to
engage in the cattle business for himself. He em-
harked in buying and selling for himself, but later
hecamc connected with Swift ct Co. as a representa-
tive and buys all their calves for them, amounting
to over forty thousand last year. He also represents
the Michigan Beef and Provision Company, of
Detroit, buys all their stock, and still buys on his
own account. He has been the largest individual
stock buyer in this city. His office is in the Exchange
Building, and he buys largely on orders, lie built
a fine residence at No. 816 Baugh Avenue, and
also owns three other residences on that street and
one on Summit Avenue. He is a stockliolder in
the First Mutual Building and Loan Association,
and is prominent in all enterprises of importance.
In February, 1871, Mr. White was married at
Pawling, N. Y., to Miss Fannie M. Griffin, a native
of Connecticut, and they have one child, Clarence.
Mr. White was Trustee of District No. 9, for twelve
years and was President of the Board for six
years of that time, holding the office until 1891,
longer than any other man. In 1889, he was
elected Alderman from the Seventh Ward on the
Citizens' ticket, and was one of the first Aldermen
elected under the new law. and one of the first
from the Seventh Ward. He was re-elected in
1891 and has served on different committees, and
he has been Chairman of the Streets, Alleys and
Bridge Committees since 1 889. He has always been
in favor of the new reform government, and is a
"true-blue" Rei)ublican in a Democratic ward.
Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity
and the Owls, as well as of other orders.
M>^^<f
.^s^ AMUEL B. ^L\LI^KE,^n enterpjisingand
^^^ progressive citizen and valued member of
\^^ the City Board of Education of East St.
Louis, 111., is the head roller at the well-
known Tudor Iron Works, and as an expert and sci-
entific niochanic. commands one of the lai'gest
sttlarias ever itaid in this liuu uf work, Mr. Ma-
linee is a native of Kentucky, and was horn
May 26, 1855, in Newport. His father. .1. W. Ma-
linee, born in Ohio, removed in adult life tu New-
port, Ky., but, being an iron-worker, afterward
settled in New Albany, Ind., and there started the
first iron works ever located in the vicinity, and
which was known as the Hoosier Rolling Mill.
During the war the services of .1. W. Malinee
were required by the Government, who engaged
him to iron the "Tuscumbia" and "Monitor." Af-
ter having remained in business in New Albany
for a number of years, Mr. Malinee retired and
soon afterward died, passing away, deeply re-
gretted, in the month of August, 1876.
The Malinoes are of English descent, and the
mother of our subject, Elizabeth (Simpson) Ma-
linee, was liorii in England. (Jrandfather Simp-
son was a man of leisure, and possessed means
which enabled him to travel extensively. He
and his wife died and their daughter Elizabeth
was afterward raised and educated in Indiana.
She became the mother of ten children, four of
whom are now living: Samuel, our subject;
Rutii (Mrs. Fox), resides in New Albany, Ind.;
Edward lives in St. Louis, and is a boss roller at
the Tudor Mills; William is foreman at George-
town, Ind. Samuel B. Malinee was raised in New
Albany, and early attended the public schools, and
when at the tender age of nine years he entered
the iron mills, he availed himself of the night
schools, and, ambitiously gleaning all the book
learning within his reach, made progress in the
practical knowledge of his trade, and swiftly
climbed upward to a higher ]io-iiiion and increased
salary.
.\fterlhe death of his father, our subject worked
in the old rail mill in New Albany, and at seven-
teen years of age became boss roller; soon after
this promotion he went East and found ready
employment as boss roller in New York, Philadel-
phia, Paterson, Pittsburgh, and finally settled in
Louisville. Ky. In 1870, Mr. Malinee came to St.
Louis and wa- employed in the Laclede Iron
Works, remaining for nearly a half-score of years
a valued employe- of these mills. In 188(1, he en-
gaged as head roller in East St, Louis and re-
uittiued ill th(; Tudur Works about three years;
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
then accepted the position of head roller in the
steel works in Belleville. In 1864, our subject re-
turned once more to the Tudor Works, and has
remained here as head roller ever since. For
twenty years he has held tlie position of head
roller, and stands at the top round of his profes-
sion, and, combining with his native ability a long
and practical experience, is unrivaled in the
knowledge and expert handling of his work.
Years of well-paid employment have rewarded
our subject with a substantial competence, and
lie owns valuable property on Bond Avenue, on
which he has erected two very handsome houses,
Nos. 612 and 614. Mr. Malinee and his family
reside in No. 612. Samuel B. Malinee and Miss
Sarah Houpt were married in New Albany, Ind.,
in 1874. Mrs. Malinee is a native of Alleghany
County, Pa., and is a daughter of .lohn Houpt,
l)orn in Somerset. I'a., a saddler by trade, and
afterward a foreman in Pennsylvania, who after
retiring from active business removed to Indiana,
where he died. His wife, Sarah (Johnson) Houpt,
was also a native of tlie Quaker State, and was the
youngest in a family of ten children. She also
died in her Indiana JKime. Mrs. Malinee was
raised in her native State until she had reached
the age of twelve years, when she came with her
parents to New Albany, and completed her edu-
cation here. The happy home of Mr. and Mrs.
Malinee has been blessed with the presence of
three children: Floia E., who died at the age of
seven years; John C. and Minnie M. both at home.
In 1890, our subject was elected a member of
the School Board of the city, and, an ardent advo-
cate of educaticmal advancement, has by his intel-
ligent abilit.y amply (Iciiiunstrated his special lit-
ness for the i'cs|iuii^iMc' position which he now
holds. He is also coiiiiiited by membership with
the .\ncient Order of United Workmen and also
artilia'ves with the Pride of the Valley Lodge, Grand
Encampment, I. O. O. F. Mr. ^Malinee is an of-
ficial of the Amalgamation of Iron and Steel
Workers' Association, and is widely known and
highly respected in this extensive membership.
Mrs. Malinee is a member of the Daughters of Re-
bekah, and is also connected with enterprises social
aucl beuevokut. Uui' subject is iu poUtigii au lu-
dependent, giving his vote to the man he thinks
best adapted to suitably discharge the duties of
public office with energetic efficiency, and as a
true American citizen is himself ever foremost in
the promotion of local progress and reform.
\ll^ ENRY W. VOELKER, a valued and inttu-
ilTjl ential member of the Board of School Tr\is-
Is)^^ tees of East vSt. Louis and the popular and
^g) able representative of the widely known
and reliable J. S. Merrill Drug Company, of St.
Louis, has spent his entire life among the associa-
tions of childhood, having been born Ma_v 1, 18.59,
on the old homestead upon the Belleville Turn-
pike, now a part of East St. Louis. His father.
Michael Voelker, was a German sailor, and engag-
ing as a cook aboard a vessel plying between the
Fatherland and America, finally decided to make
his home in the I'nited States and located in St.
Louis. He first went into business in French-
town, but before 1844 settled in Popstown and
opened the Drover's Retreat, or West Brighton
House.
After keeping an hotel for some time, Michael
Voelker engaged in the drug business, and in 1871
died much regretted by all who knew him. He
was an excellent business man and an upright
and worthy citizen. In political affiliations he
was a Republican, and was a member of the Luth-
eran Church. His wife, Veronika Kaiser, was horn
! in Switzerland. Canton Aargau, and came to St.
Louis with her parents when very j-oung. She
survived her husband twelve years, passing peace-
fully away in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Voelker
were the parents of five children, four of whom
are yet living; Anna, Mrs. Benson, resides in
San Francisco: Theodore is engaged on the Van-
dalia Railroad and lives in Terre Haute; Edward
was killed in an accident on the A'andalia Rail-
j road; and Lizzie, Mrs. Galloway, is in Kansas.
Our suliject was educated in the public schools
of East St. Louis, and at thirteen years of ngc
J began clerking iu a. grocery store, riimaiuiug
602
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAl'HICAL RECORD.
seven years with Richard Roe. In the year 1879,
Mr. Voelker started a groeer3' house on St. ClaU
Avenue, near the stock j^ards. He ran the store
.'ibout one year in partnership, the firm being
Voelker & Poller; the partnership was tlieii dis-
solved, our subject afterward engaging in the
same l)usincss with his brother Theodore, the firm
of H. W. & T. Voelker running for two years
at the corner of Pennsylvania and Collinsville
Streets. For a brief time Mr. Voelker was in tlie
cigar business, but since 1886 has been with the
long-established and enterprising drug house, where
his untiring and efficient service is appreciated,
the patronage coming from St. Louis, East St.
Louis and Belleville.
In 1889, Mr. Voelker built a fine residence on
the site of the old homestead, an attractive location.
No. 816 Ninth Street. He is now erecting an ele-
gant residence on Tenth Avenue, and also owns
other valuable real estate. In the year 1878 our
subject was united in marriage with Miss Dora
Daniel, a native of Sturgeon, Mo., and a daughter
of John H. Daniel, born and reared in Kentucky.
Her paternal grandfather, Willis Daniel, was a
native of Virginia. .John H. Daniel was a farmer
and stock-raiser of IJoone County, Mo., and served
bravel}' in the Confederate army. In 1872, he
entered into the stock business in St. Louis, and
afterward engaged successfully in the same busi-
ness in East St. Louis, but finally returned to Stur-
geon, and resides there among a host of old-time
friends and acquaintances. His wife, Mrs. Ollie
(Ilulett) Daniel, was born in Boone Countv and
was the daughter of Harrison Hulett, born in Ken-
tucky, but an old settler in Missouri. Mrs. Voelker
is the eldest in a family of eight children, six sons
and two daughters. The hapjiy home of Mr.
Voelker and his estimable wife has been bright-
ened by the ))rpsenee of their daughter, Fannie
Fern.
In 1S'J2, our subject was circled Id the ixisition
of School Trustee, and has with ctliciont ahilitv
discharged the duties of tin- oflir.', liis cxcelknl
judgment and interest in educational ad\ance-
ment aiding materially in the wise disposition of
numerous Important matters connected witli t\\{>
mUwiion of tho young. Fraternally, Mi', \oelkei'
is a Knight of Pythias and a Knight of Honor,
and is a member of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. He is a valued Trustee of the Chris-
tian Church of East St. Louis, and is ever ac-
tive in its good work and enterprises. Our sub-
ject is a stanch Republican and an ardent sup-
porter of the party. Known as a citizen of
upright character, energetic and able in all the
duties of life, our subject is highly resi)ectcd and
commands the esteem and confidence of all who
know him.
\I^_^^ENRY MOESER. The subject of this short
ifj sketch resides in the village of Smithton,
'M^^ St. Clair County, where he holds the im-
\^)j portant office of Constable. He was the son
of Henry Moeser, and was born one and one-half
miles west of Smithton, in the year 1845, on the
old home place in that township. He grew to
manhood there, .and was educated in the public
schools of this county. He was twenty years of
age when his father died, and all of the respon-
sibility of the family devolved upon him. He
remained on the old place until he was married,
w4iicli event took place March 2, 1876, to Miss
Elizabeth Becker, who was the daughter of Peter
and Elizabeth Becker, who lived west of Belleville,
in this county.
After his marriage, Mr. Moeser first located on
the old home, where he continued for eight years.
His wife died on the 1st of .January, 1881, and
he then sold out and traveled through the West,
finally buying a place three miles southwest of Belle-
ville, in this township. He moved to this place,
and in 1^*8:5 he was married to Miss Lizzie Kilian,
on the l.")tli of March. She was the daughter of
Conrad Kilian. of this township. Mr. Moeser con-
tinned lo live there until the fall of 188:?. when
he sold his fann anil moved to the place which is
now his home. He was the father of two children
by his first wife, but neither of them js now liv-
ing, He 1ms had one chihl by this it)»rriage, Ma^
mie Fiiiiu'Cs, wbo is now seven years o|d,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
605
Mr. Moeser has forty acres of land near Smitli-
lon, and does some farming, lie buys and sells
horses, and does a great deal of successful trading.
The family are members of the Evangelical Lu-
theran t liurch, and to tliis denomination Mr. Moe-
ser gives of his means, and in it his family is
highly regarded. He is a member of the Treu-
hund here in Smithton, and he has been the Treas-
urer of his lodge. In his political views, Mr. Moe-
ser is an ardent Democrat, and he has been very
(irominent in all local matters. He has filled the
t)fHce of Constable so acceptably that he has kept
liis i)lace for four years. Mr. Moeser has a beauti-
ful home, and his family and self are among the
prominent social people of the pleasant little vil-
lage of Smithton.
^f^^il'^-i^^i^t^
^ DOLIMl M. SCHEEL, M. D., A. B., a suc-
■^0 (■o>>ful and leading physician of Belleville,
/. I WM- li(ii-n in this city January 18, 1851,
qJ .•nid i- the son uf .lohn and Elizabeth (En-
gelmann) .Scheel, nativts of Rhenish Bavaria, of
whom further mention is made in the sketch of
John Scheel, presented. elsewhere in this volume.
In their native country they were highly respected
as industrious and energetic people, and these
traits of character aided them in their efforts to
establish a home in the Ihuted States.
Tlie literary education of our subject was com-
menced in the public scliools of Belleville and was
completed at Washington University, at St. Louis,
from which institution he»was graduated in the
Class of '72, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
His education finished, he went to Europe and en-
tered the German Medical University, in which
he received his degree after a course of four years"
study, graduating in 1876. During his aljsence
abroad he had the advantage of being in the large
hospitals at Munich and Beilin, where his profes-
sional knowledge was greatly broadened and his
skill increased by practice in intricate cases.
Returning to the I'nited States, Dr. Sclieel
opened an otlico at Belleville fur the piaetice of
28
his profession, and at once established a large prac-
tice in the city as well as the surrounding country.
His ability as a practitioner is everywhere con-
ceded, and his skill in the diagnosis of difficult
cases has won for him the confidence of all with
whom he has come in professional contact. He is
a member of the St. Clair County Medical Society;
the Belleville Medical Society, of which lie is Pres-
ident; Follow of the American Academy of Medi-
cine; and a member of the Southern Illinois
Medical Society-, although he has been prevented
from attending the meetings of this organization
of late years, owing to the pressure of other duties.
October 11, 1877, Dr. Scheel was united in mar-
riage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Theo.
Voelker, one of the earliest German settlers of Belle-
ville. Two children have been born of the union,
Fred and Jliunie. The Doctor now resides in
the beautiful brick residence, formerly the property
of his father. It is located at No. 208 South Illi-
nois Street, and is in the midst of spacious grounds.
Altliough his attention is engrossed by his profes-
sional labors. Dr. Scheel finds time to be helpful to
the community in which he resides. He is a stock-
holder in various corporations, among which is
the Belleville Savings Bank. In the prime of his
life, his usefulness is at its fullest, and as a promi-
nent and successful man, he is respected wherev<u"
known.
•^^•
UTHEH BROWN, hi the twilight of his
II (?gj honored and useful existence, Mr. Brown
L^^, is living quietly, surrounded by all the
comforts of life, at his pleasant home in Lebanon
Township. He has now almost reached his four-
score years, having been born January 21, 1814.
His father, Luther Brown, Sr., traced his ancestry
to Holland and was born in New Hampshire about
1771. His mother was of Scotch descent and bore
the maiden name of .Vniiie Burke.
In 1816, the parents of our subject removed to
[Monroe Counly, X. Y., where the lather followed
hi-" Hade of carpenter and house-joiner, and also
606
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
managed a small farm. In his political sym-
pathies, he was a Whig and religiously was in later \
life identified with the Methodist Episcopal
Church. His death occurred in New York State
when he had attained the advanced age of eighty-
six years. The wife and mother passed away wlien
forty-six years old. Our subject was reared on tlie
liomc farm, and the education whicii he received
ill the common schools was supplemented by a
course of study at the academy in Gaines, Orleans
County, N. Y., where he was a student for three
months.
The first wife of our subject, witli whom he was
united in marriage in November, 1836, was Miss
Antoinette, daughter of .Tacob and Sarah (Cum-
mings) Moore. She died February 18, 1856, leav-
ing three children, Sarah, Mary and Alice. Sarali
married Marcus Moore, of Portland, Ore., and they
have three sons; Mary, who is unmarried, lives witli
her sister in Portland; Alice married .Jacob Hoff-
man, a farmer in Colorado, and they have two
daughters.
March 18, 1857, Mr. Brown married Caroline
Baldwin, a iady whose devotion blesses his declin-
ing years. Her parents were -Jera and jNIary Bald-
win, the former a native of Connecticut, and
tlie latter of Dutchess County, N. Y. Of the chil-
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown, we note tlie
following: George, who lives in Arkansas City,
Kan., is engaged in the real-estate and loan busi-
ness at that place. He married Ivy Wise, of Leb-
anon, and tliey liave four children. Carrie is the
widow of Dr. ,J. W. Hoyt, formerly a successful
pliysician of Kansas Git}-, Mo., and tliey have one
cliild, a daughter. Charles, a lawyer by profession,
is a member of a legal firm in Winfield.Kan., and
is in partnershii) with his In-other George at Ar-
kansas Citv.
Mr. Brown arrived in Lel)anon, 111., .lune 10,
1840, and located at Trenton, Clinton County,
where he bought land and engaged in fai-niing for '.
fourteen years. He then removed to his present
liome, where he lives retired from active business. |
For the past twenty years, he has rented his iiiace.
He has always been deei)ly interested in educa-
tional affairs and has aided in promoting the wel-
fare of McKendree College jji many ways. For
thirty-five years, he has served as one of its Trus-
tee for about twelve j'ears, has been Treasurer of
the college fund, and Trustee of the endowment
fund and a member of the college executive com-
mittee. Politically, he was in former years a strong
Re|iublican, but now casts his ballot for Prohibi-
tion. While residing in New York, he united with
the Methodist Church, of which lie lias been a
member for fifty-seven years, and he has served as
Cl.ass-leader and in other positions in that denom-
ination.
Mil
ANIEL C. HEKLY, M. D., who is a native
of Belleville and has been a practicing phy-
sician since 1868, was born December 29,
1845, the son of Nathaniel and Rebecca (Raudle-
man) Heely. His father, who was born in Maine
about 1816, followed the occupation of a plasterer,
also that of contractor and' builder, and came to
Belleville before 1840. The lady whom he mar-
ried was four years his juiii<ir and was born seven
miles southwest of Belleville, licr parents being of
German descent.
The family of wliich our subject is a member
comprises five children, four of whom lived to ma-
turity, namely: Theodore T., AViliiam C, and .lo-
seph A., who died respectively in 1887, 1859 and
1863; and Daniel C, of this sketch. The last-named
received a common-school education in the schools
of the neighborhood, and in his early manhood
enlisted in 1864 as a member of Company B,
Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry, which was incor-
porated in the Sixteenth Corps, Division of tiie
(lulf. Our subject took an active part in the bat-
tles of Ft. Blakely and Spanish Fort, and was
present at the suricndei- of Mobile, where he was
wounded by a sliell at the explosion of a magazine.
He was conveyed to the marine hospital at Mobile,
thence to the marine hospital at New Orleans, and
later to Jefferson Barracks and Benton Barracks.
.\rter being honorably discharged from the army,
our subject returned home and commenced to read
medicine under Dr. Ferryman, Later, he went
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
into the office of Dr. B. A. Barrett, of St. Louis,
with whom he remained for three years. He also
took two courses of lectures in the St. Louis Med-
ical College, from which he was graduated in the
spring of 1869. lie opened an office for the practice
of his profession at Germantown, 111., where he re-
mained for five years, and afterward practiced at
Trenton for seven years. Returning thence to
Belleville, he followed his profession here for four
years, and afterward resided in Germantown for
the same length of time. Since 1889 he has prac-
ticed his profession continuously in Belleville,
where he is well and favorably' known.
Dr. Heely served as Coroner for Clinton County
twelve jears, and now holds the position of Physi-
cian for St. Clair County, which includes the treat-
ment of the poor at the counly hospital, the
county farm and those in Belleville and vicinity.
This, together with his regular practice, occupies
his entire attention and affords him little leisure
time. Politically, he is a Democrat. Among the
organizations with wliieli he is identifiedare the
St. Clair County Medical Society; Illinois Medical
Society; St. Clair Lodge No. 24, F. & A. M.,
Chapter No. 106, Belleville Council; Independent
Order of Odd Fellows; Ancient Order of United
Workmen, and the Knigiits of Honor, in some of
wliich he is Examiner.
The marriage of Dr. llccly, .lanuary 2, lS7o. uni-
ted him with Miss Sue L. (^uick. of High Prairie,
and they are the parents of six children, namely:
Oliver J., Minnie M.. Susan, Bird, Lewis and Edwin.
i,OBERT L.\W. October 3, 1854, is the day
on which this gentleman first saw the light.
His birth occurred in Washington County.
111., about three miles from his [)resent
Mis parents were .John and Jennie (Craig)
.'he grandfather of Robert Law was Joshua
id his grandmother was Margaret (Barber)
lotli natives of Scotland. The fatiier of
Joshua Jvavv w;|s the Hev, John Law. of Scothuui,
a man well remembered in the Scottish kirk of
which he was pastor.
Jolin Law, the father of oiu' subject, was born
in Landon Parish, Scotland, in the year 1824.
His mother died when lie was veiy young,
tiius making his knowledge of her maternal care
limited. His father gave him a good education
in the common schools of his native country,
and he was blessed with the ability and inclination
to turn his knowledge to good account. His father
thought tliere were better prospects for him and
his son in the AVestern Hemisphere, and therefore
emigrated with his boy to this country. Poverty
was one of the first obstacles they encountered in
their new home, and the only resource for the son
was to hire out by the month, lie liad located in
Washington County, which at lliat time w,as an
unbroken prairie.
After working by the month for a few years,
John Law entered eighty acres of Government
laud, and by his economy and industry made a
good home for his family and accumulated much
personal property beside. Washington County
has been blessed with representative men, those
who. thrown upon their own resources early in
life, have displayed tlie metal that was in them;
and to such sterling characters this country is in-
debted for its phenomenal growth and prosperity.
Among this class of America's adopted sons we
lank John Law, a man of sterling worth and one
who during the whole course of his career de-
manded the respect of his fellow-raen. He was
strictly a farmer and always one of the most in-
dustrious of his class. In ISril he married, and
the fruits of this marriage were five children, two
of whom died when very young; Joshua and
James grew to manhood, but Robert, the subject
of this sketch, is the only one now living.
.loiui Law was a man of recognized ability not
only in the accumulation of property, but in
iiK)re public capacities, and as a prominent man in
his neighborhood was called upon to serve his
fellow-men in several ways. He held many local
offices creditably to himself and satisfactorily to
those who honored him with !i pul>lic trust. In
addition to his business and soc^ial (pialities, wliich
won the esteem of his fellow-men, Mr, Law was ix
608
PORTRAIT AIsD BIOGRAIHICAL RECORD.
useful and strong supporter of the United Pres-
byterian Ciiurch. He was strong in his political
opinions and always gave his hearty support to
the Republican party, in whom he placed the con-
fidence of his honest convictions.
Robert Law, the subject of this biographical
sketch, has every reason to be proud of his sturdy
Scotch ancestry. Being the only surviving child
of a family of five, he remained with his parents
until his marriage, which event took place when
he was twenty-three years old. His bride was
Miss Sarah C. Robinson, daughter of John Robin-
son, and the result of their union was seven chil-
dren: Minnie E., John R., Nettie, Annie, Delia,
Beartie and AVilliam. Inheriting the good name
of an exceptional father, Robert Law represents,
as a native of AVashington Count3', one of its
pioneer and ever to be i-espected families, and he
has the satisfaction of knowing that his family
has performed no unimportant part m the growth
and development of this section of tlie State. lie
is possessed of an abundance of this world's
goods, and as the result of his patrimony and his
native ability to accumulate, has sufficient to de-
fend himself and his family agaiiitit want in his
declining years.
-^^-f-^i
/^\ APT. MIKE AVALSH, the energetic and pop-
Ill r "^^' ^'''^f "^'f Police and Fire Department,
^^J/J in East St. Louis, has been a citizen of the
United States for more than two-score years, but
was born in Ireland in 1840. His father, Edward
Walsh, was an Irish fanner, who in 181.5 emi-
grated with his family to America, at first making
his home in New Orleans, where he remained a
few years, and afterward removed to St. Louis, in
which city his excellent wife, Ellen (Molden)
Walsh died. This estimable lady, a native of lie-
land, was tlie mother of three sons and three
daughters, two of whom, Mrs. Murphy and Mrs.
Richardson, reside in East St. Louis. Our subject
came with liis parents to America when liut five
N'enrs old, and was educated in St. Louis.
Upon the outbreak of the Civil War he bravely
enlisted in Company C, Sixteenth Indiana Infantry,
and participated in many of the prominent battles
and skirmishes and was constantly on duty until
he was. after faithful service, mustered out with
the rank of Sergeant. Returning to St. Louis.
Capt. Walsh entered into various eiiiployinonts,
and held the offices of Constable and ^laislial. In
1887, our subject received his appointment .'is
Chief of Police of East St. Louis, and imiiiediately
re-organized the Police Department, :uid has
brought it up to the high standard of excellent
service which enables it to rank with the force of
any city. Capt. Walsh also organized the effective
Fire Department, and after two 3'ears of hard
work had the satisfaction of knowing that in two
of the important branches of the city's administra-
tion he had wrought a much needed reform. Un-
der his wise management, a number of fine engine
houses have been erected and the Holly system
put into general use, and through his intelligent
energy the danger of a general confiagration has
been materially lessened.
In 1865, Capt. Walsh was united in marriage
with Miss Eliza Homey, a native of Ireland, but an
early settler of St. Louis. The following children
have blessed the pleasant home with their presence:
Thomas E., the eldest child, was educated in the
excellent home schools, but completed a course of
instruction in the Commercial College of St. Louis.
He -was Assistant Cashier for the Ohio & Missis-
sippi Railroad Company, but is now in business in
East St. Louis. Jessie, who isnowMrs. McCready,
resides in East St. Louis; Celia is at home; Rhoda,
who is now Mrs. Daniels, lives in East St. Louis;
Stella and Mike, Jr., complete the list of the sons
and daughters, who are all occupying positions of
respect and influence. The commodious and at-
tractive home of our subject and his family is lo-
cated upon Second Street, in one of the most de-
sirable portions of thecit_y. Capt. Walsh has made
excellent investments in real estate, and owns some
fine property here and in St. Louis. He and his
family are well known and enjo.y the confidence
and esteem of a large circle of friends. Our sub-
ject is a strong Democrat, and is always deeply
interested in btilli local and milional atfairs. A
#— ^%
(fi.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
611
genial man of superior executive ability, he has
won liis way upward and is now one of the lead-
ing men and prominent factors in the enterprises of
East St. Louis.
JOHN R.BERTELSMANN. The iiospi table
I owner of the finely-improved farm on sec-
1 tion 2, Smithton Township, has made liis
home in this place since 1882. He is a son
of Casper Bertelsmann, who was born in the pro-
vince of Bavaria, Germany, and came to this
country when a young man. Having resolved to
settle in St. Clair County, he bought land here
and engaged in farming. He married Clara Beul-
maii, whose father, a farmer by occupation, emi-
grated hither from Germany, but died after being
here but a short time. Mrs. Casper Bertelsmann had
one brother, Henry, and one sister, Mary Catherina.
The former made his home with her until his de-
cease at an advanced age, and the latter still lives
with her.
Casper Bertelsmann lived in this county until
the time of his death. He had a family of five
children, all of whom grew to maturity: our sub-
ject; Mary, who married Nicholas Boul; Gertrude;
Annie, the wife of Frank A. Louis; and Henry.
Mr. Bertelsmann, Sr., owned several well-improved
farms in this country and was well-to-do at the
time of his decease. In his religious connections,
he belonged to the Catholic Church.
Born March 18, 1845, in St. Clair County, our
subject was here reared, and received a common-
school education. Beneath the parental roof, he
grew to a sturdy manhood, and his home remained
with his father until his marriage. That important
event took place January 31, 1882, and united
him with Miss Louisa Lewis, who was born at the
old Karlskind homestead Januaiy 27, 1854. Her
father, Henry Lewis, a native of France, came to
this country when a young man, and here married
Miss Mary Ann Karlskind, youngest daughter
of Sebastian Karlskind. Botli are now deceased.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bertelsmann have been
born three children, all of whom are living,
and are particularly intelligent and attractive.
Cecelia Mary is nine years old; Irene Rosabelle is
six, and the pride of the house, the sturdy little
heir, Edward L. .1., is four years old.
After his marriage, Mr. Bertelsmann located on
this place, and has resided here ever since. His
farm of one hundred and sixty acres is finely im-
proved, and ranks among the best in the county.
In the raising of the cereals, he has been especially
successful, and each j'ear he harvests large crops of
wheat, corn and oats. His farm has the advantage
of natural drainage, which renders it valuable for
general farming and stock-raising pui poses.
Mr. Bertelsmann and his excellent wife are mem-
bers of St. Peter's Catholic Church at Belleville.
He holds political views in accordance with those
of the Democratic party, and is regarded in the
neighborhood as a man of the finest business
ability and integrity .
^^ILAS P. CHAPIN, proprietor and editor of
^^^ the daily and weekly Signal, was born at
|l/j) Somerville, Butler County, Ohio, on the
~ "^ 6th of June, 1855, and is a son of Daniel
O. and Hannah (Blossom) Chapin, both natives of
Ohio, the father being born in Sidney, Shelby
County, and the mother in Butler County. The
paternal grandfather, Rosweil Chapin, was born in
New England and was a shoemaker by trade.
When seventeen years of age, he came to tlie
Buckeye State, making the trip overland, and l<i-
cated at Sidney', where he followed his trade at
first but later became a dancing master and boxing
teacher. During the latter part of his life, he set-
tled on a farm in Wayne County, Ind., and died
there when lacking six months of being one hun-
dred years old.
Daniel O. Chapin was reared in Sidney, Ohio,
and after reaching mature years he went to But-
ler County, where he met and married Miss Blos-
som. Later, he located on a farm there and was
C12
PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAL RECORD.
one of the pioneers of Milford Township, tilling
the soil until he retired. The father of Mrs.
Chapin, Perr}- Blossom, was a native of the Old
North State, and was one of the first pioneers of
Ohio. He came to that State with his parents,
who brought with them the first four-wheeled
wagon in the county. There he resided, engaged
in the active pursuit of farming, until liis death.
Mrs. Chapin passed away in 1882. She was the
mother of fifteen children, ten of whom grew to
mature years.
The original of this notice, the seventh child in
order of birth, passed his boyhood and youth on
the farm in Milford Township, and, unfortunately,
received but a limited education. When sixteen
years of age, he was thrown on his own resources,
his father having lost considerable of his means,
and he worked on farms until he had obtained
sufficient money to enable him to attend school.
He entered West Elkton Academy and completed
the course there, after which ho attended tlie Nor-
mal, at Lebanon, Ohio, for two years. Later, he
took up the study of theolog}', and in 1876 came
to Salem, 111., to .join the South Illinois Methodist
Episcopal Conference. He preached at Salem for
three years, Xenia two years, St. Elmo one .year,
Altamont two years, Farina one year, and in the
fall of 1886 he came to EastSt. Louis, 111., and was
pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Churcli for three
years. During this time, the old church was torn
down, and, with ¥20 in the treasur}', Mr. Chapin
began building a nevv churcli. This structure is
now one of the finest churches in the city.
In 1889, Mr. Chapin retired from the ministry
to enter the journalistic field, and was engaged on
reportorial work for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
His spare moments were closely devoted to a study
of law, and he was graduated as a student of law at
MeKendree College, after which he engaged in
its practice, and in a short time his abilit\' was
made known and he now controls a fine practice.
As a public speaker, he is well known, is earnest,
and his words carry conviction to his hearers.
He is, of course, well read, and is the possessor of
one of the most complete and best-selected libra-
ries in the county. As an orator, he has no su-
perior in the countj-. He is a Royal Arch Mason,
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, the Knights of Honor, Knights of Pythias,
Modern Woodmen, and oilier secret societies.
In politics, he is a Republican and his services are
much sought for. His wife bore the maiden name
of Fannie Johnson, and is tiie daughter of Maj. L.
M. .Johnson, Supervisor of the city of East St.
Louis.
I|U^ ON. ALONZO S. WILDEKMAN. Thiough-
Wjr out this i)ortloii of Illinois there is perhaps
/^^ no resident of St. Clair Countj- better or
(^ more favorabl,y known than the gentleman
witii whose name we introduce this sketch. He is
at present serving as Judge of the Third Judicial
Circuit of Illinois, which consists of the following
nine counties: Bond, Clinton, Madison, Marion,
Monroe, Perry, Randolph, St. Clair and Washing-
ton. To this responsible position he brings talents
of an unusually high order, and the judicial bent
of liis mind renders his labors liighly successful,
his decisions impartial and just.
Judge Wilderman is a descendant of one of the
oldest families of St. Clair County, and traces his
ancestry to Germany. George W., the great-
grandfather of our subject, was a native of Wash-
ington County, Md., and in 180.') settled in tlie
Territory of Indiana (now Illinois), the place of
settlement being now known asFreeburg, St. Clair
County. Here he remained until his death, wiiich
took place a few years later. His son, Dorsey,
was born in Washington County, Md., in 1793,
and was twelve years old when he accompanied
the other members of the family to the West. In
1812, he married Miss Piioebe Carr, who was born
in Virginia in 1790. Her fatlier, Joseph Carr, was
likewise born in the Old Dominion, his birth
occurring March 21, 1752. Me served as a soldier
in the Revolutionaiy War, and after the close of
the struggle came West and settled in Illinois.
He died in this county March 6, 1817.
Dorsey Wilderman, the grandfather of our sub-
ject, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was
connected with the military deiiartment on the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
613
frontiers duriag the Indian Wars. He died in
this county in 1857. Michael J. Wilderman, the
father of our subject, was born in this coiint}'
October 10, 1814, and was one of five children
who survived their parents. His marriage, April
24, 1838, united him witii Miss Theresa Patterson,
who was liorn in Guilford County, Js. C, March
21, 1818. .She was the daughter of Greene B. and
Kebecca Patterson, who were of Scotch descent,
members of their families being among the earl}-
settlers of North Carolina. Mr. Patterson came
to Illinois in 1818, and settled at High Prairie.
INIr. and Mrs Wilderman became the parents of
seven children. The wife and mother departed
this life April 27, 1868.
The subject of this sketch, the eldest son, was
born at the parental home near Freeburg, Decem-
ber 1, 1839. His boyhood days were passed upon
the home farm, and he acquired a good common-
school education in the schools of the neighbor-
hood. However, liis advantages were meagre in
comparison with those enjoj'ed by the children of
these days. Possessing an inquiring mind and a
love for reading, he made the most of every op-
])ortunity which presented itself, and at maturity
bis mind was well stored with valuable informa-
tion.
In 1864, having resolved to enter upon the study
of law, he entered the office of Hon. S. M. Kase, of
Belleville, and two years later was admitted by
examination at Mt. Vernon to practice in the
courts of the State. In 1868, he formed a part-
nership with his preceptor, which continued for
four years, when it was dissolved. He then en-
tered into partnership with James M. Hamill, a
connection which continued until June 1.5, 1891,
a period of nineteen years lacking twenty days.
In 1876, our subject was nominated and elected
to represent St. Clair County in the Thirtieth
General Assembly of the State. AVhilc a member
of that bod}', he sustained his reputation as a care-
ful and prudent conservator of public intei-ests,
and his service as a member of the Judiciary Com-
mittee was efficient and satisfactory.
September 1.5, 1871. Judge Wilderman mar-
ried Miss Amanda, daughter of James Affleck (of
whom see sketch on another page of this volume).
Four children have been born of the union: Hes-
ter, Augusta A., Emma E. and Blanche. Socially,
the Judge is a member of the Masonic order and a
Knight Templar. His career as jurist and citizen
has developed those noble traits of character alike
commendable in private and public life. His ser-
vice as Master of Chancery, extending from Sep-
tember, 1883, over a period of four years, was emi-
nently satisfactory, as indeed have l)een his labors
in every position he has been called upon to fill.
m^^^^^^.^
\f^ETER J. ROSS. An excellent farm located on
section 27, in Freeburg Township, is owned
by the gentleman whose name opens this
.article. The father of our subject was John
Ross, who was born .and reared in Brandan, Hesse-
Darmstadt,Germany, and was there married to Kath-
erine Dasher. He came to this county in 1835, and
located for a while on Turkey Hill, and then at
the place where our subject now resides, dying
at the .age of forty-five He left a fajnily of
seven children, three of whom are now living:
Katheriue Schneider, who lives in New Athens
Township; Mary Erbe, and our subject, who was
born January 5, 1830, in Germany, and was about
five years old when he came to this country. He
was reared on the place where he now lives, and
was sent to the best schools of those early days.
His father died when he was fifteen years old, and
he became the support of the family.
Our subject was married May 13, 1856, to Lou-
ise Wilhelmine Loescher, who was the daughter of
Benjamin and Johanna Loescher, who were born
in Schleitz, in Vogtland, Germany, and came to
this country in 1849, dying soon after of the
cholera. After his marriage our subject brought
his wife to the old place, and here he h.as lived
ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have eight children,'
as follows: Emma Frances, who is the widow of
Samuel .Shook; Edmund, who married .Sophia Din-
telman, and lives in St. Clair County; Philip lives
at Turkey Hill, and after the death of his wife,
Catherine Mueller, married Clara Barthel: John
PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD.
Gottlieb Louis, who is at home; Laura Elizabeth
is the wife of Charles Goetz, and lives in Belle-
ville; Caroline Catherine Georgina, Car!, and Louise
Emma Ross, are all at home.
Mr. Ross has a fine farm of two hundred and
twent^'-nine acres of land, of whicli tiiere are
about one hundred and flft^- improved and in
a good state of cultivation. He is a good farmer,
and his land shows it. He is a member of the Evan-
gelical Lutheran Church, and has been elected to
the office of School Director in this district. In
his political convictions, he is an Independent,
voting for the best man. He saw some service in
the army, and belonged to Company C, Fort3'-third
Illinois Regiment, and was mustered out of the
service in July, 1865. The family and its con-
nections are much respected in this neighborhood.
J^ OMINICK DElvUM,one of the mostprom-
jjj inent general farmers of St. Clair Town-
^ ship, is a native of this county, where he
has spent his worthy life, helping to make
the community what it now is by his industry and
thrift, and setting an example of what persever-
ance and honesty can accomplish. His father,
Michael Dekum, was a native of Bavaria, who
married Mary Ann Klock, of Lorraine. In 1840,
he emigrated to America and located near Birkner
Station, where he followed farming until his death
in 1855, when he was only thirty-seven years of
age, of the dreaded cholera.
Five children were born unto Michael and Mary
Ann Dekum: Rosa is tlie wife of .John J. Schmis-
seur, a retired mechanic, residing in Belleville;
Catherine was taken away by death in infancy;
Frank, a carpenter in Belleville, married Joseph-
ine. Louis, and they have four children; Jacob
died when only six years of age; Dominick, our
subject, was the third child in order of birth.
Michael Dekum was a good man, and his death
was deeply mourned bj' his family and friends.
Mrs. Dekum was married a second time, her hus-
band being Nicholas Sontag, by whom she had
four children, as follows: Louis, who died when
a child of three years; Emilj', who resides on the
old farm; Edward, a carpenter, residing in Bellv-
ville; and Nicholas, who resides on the old home-
stead, and is married to Rosa Davenroy. Mrs.
Sontag, the loved and revered mother, died Oc-
tober 28, 1882, when in her sixtieth year. ;ind her
loss was deeply felt throughout the entire commu-
nitv.
Dominick Dekum was l)firn February 7, 1851,
near Centerville Station, St. Clair County, 111.
He was reared at Birkner Station, and was
twenty-six years of age when he left the home
that sheltered him for so many years to found a
hou.sehold of his own. At Belleville, April 17,
1877, he married Miss Louis .Schmisseur, the sister
of Frank Schmisseur (see his sketch), and the
pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Dekum adjoins the
farm of Mr. Schmisseur on the east. Mr. and Mrs.
Dekum have no children. The^- are well-known
throughout St. Clair Township, and their hospita-
ble dispositions render a visit to their home an
event always to be remembered with pleasure.
Mr. Dekum carries on general farming and has
been very successful in agricultural pursuits. He
has never desiied office, but has been content to
use his inlluence in a quiet way, upholding the
principles of the Democratic party in a loyal man-
ner. In I'eligious matter-. 1h' niid his wife are
members of the Catholic ( hunh and they carry
the teachings of the Divine Master into their daily
walks of life, making all who know them respect
the faith they so earnestly uphold. If the citizens
of Illinois were of this type, our State, that we all
love so dearly, would soon .increase in prosperity
tenfold.
-^^m^m^^^-^^^^
I^REDRICK VOCiEL.Si;. The
■^=^— ^ ican citizens form a ver}-
(termaii-Amer-
imporlant elo-
.i\ ment in the population of St. Clair County,
where they are known as law-abiding and progres-
sive men, devoted to the interests of their adopted
residence: OF dominick de kum,sec.7.,5t.claif? tp,st.clair CO., ill.
-^I'^-'HJ v^W^ ^
' # li A
^4^t#-)^«^^^^_^
RFi^iDtiMCE or FRiEDRlCH VO^^EL . "^C o t ^ STOOKLr TP 6" CLaIR CO , lu
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
liome. One of the number is the subject of this
sketei), who is a successful farmer, owning and
operating a well-improved tract of land on section
.U, Stookey Township. The farm is one of the
best in the county, the improvements first class,
and the soil under good cultivation.
The parents of our subject were, like liiniself,
natives of Germany, and were by name t'onrad
and Christina Yogel, the father born in 179fi, and
the mother in 1790. The former was reared in
a German village, where he learned the trade of a
tinner, and was thus occupied until he came to
America in 1833, accompanied by his family. Ar'
riving in St. Louis on the 4th of July, that year,
he remained there only a few weeks, but during
his short stay had the misfortune to lose one of
his chilclren bj' cholera, which was r.aging in the
city at that time.
Coming to St. Clair County, Conrad Yogel pur-
chased a farm of eiglity acres in Stookey Town-
ship, and then went to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he
sojourned a few months. Returning to this county,
he bought two hundred acres where our subject
now lives. He survived his wife manj- 3'ears, his
death occurring in 1879, at an advanced age. He
was identified with the Lutheran Church, of which
his wife was also a faithful member. Thev were
the parents of three children, but the only sur-
vivor is Fredrick, who was born in (Germany in
1827.
At the .age of six ^-ears, our subject accompanied
his parents to the United States, and grew to man-
liood in this country, the progress of which he has
witnessed, and assisted in for many years. When
ready to establish a home of his own, he was mar-
ried in 1849, to Miss .Johanna, daughter of .John
Philip and Mary Wirth, and unto them have been
born nine children, four of whom died in infancy.
Tlic following is noted of the surviving members
iif the family: Louis married Catherine Miller, and
they have four children, viz: Louisa, Carrie, Louis,
.Ir., and Edward; Conrad is at home; Louisa is the
wife of Benjamin Zintg, and the mother of two
children, Nettie and Conrad; Fredrick married
Mary Wirth, and they have three children: Freda,
Matilda and Meda; and Emil is at home.
After his ma4riage, Mr. Yogel rented his father's
farm, where he has since resided, and which be-
came his property upon the death of his fathei-.
Here he has since labored in tilling the soil and
harvesting the grain, and through economy and
industry has become well-to-'do and prosperous.
He is not particularly interested in political mat-
ters, preferring the quiet enjoyment of domestic
life to public affairs. He nevertheless votes the
Republican ticket, and upholds its principles with
(idelity. In his religious views, he is a member of
the Lutheran Church, and the cause of morality
and progress finds in him a stanch adherent.
^p>}USTAY J. SCHEVE. Among the promi-
III ,— ; uent and well-established business men of
^^^;y(^' Mascoutah, stands the name of Gustav .7.
Scheve, who has been engaged in the real-estate
business in this city since 1879. This business im-
mediatel}' took a very important hold upon the
community, for in the very nature of things it was
impossible that a man of such caliber as Mr. Scheve
could engage in any business without making an
indelible impress upon the favorable opinion of
the residents and business men of the locality. His
business is far-reaching in nature, and he has on
! his list many choice lots for investment. In insur-
ance matters he is also well to the front, for
he has special agencies for some of the leading
companies of the United States, and can always
quote premiums at lowest rates.
1 In 1878, our subject was commissioned Notary
j Public, whicli office he is still filling. About five
years ago he branched out into the b.anking business,
I which line of his business has been steadily increas-
I ing, and he is now having an office and bank vault
constructed, which, if completed, will be an orna-
ment to the city, and one of the safest and best
arranged, equipped with all modern improvements,
including safe deposit boxes, etc., and, judging
from the well-merited confidence placed in him by
the people of Mascoutah, he will soon enjo.y one
j of the best patronages of a country bank.
Mr. Scheve was born in Mascoutah on the 18th
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of September, 1846, and is a son of Julius and
Amelia (Lang) Scheve, natives of Germany, the
father born in Heidelberg, and the motlier in
Soulhern Prussia. In 1833, the former Inaved
Neptune's tender mercies and crossed to America,
landing in New Orleans. He came with a com-
pany- of 3'oung men, and settled in Shiloh Valley,
St. Clair County, 111., being one of the founders
of Lateiner Settlement, so named on account of
tlie number of students located there. Mr. Sclieve
remained there until 1836, when he returned to
his native country to settle up his affairs there.
Wliile there, in 1839, lie was married to Miss Lang,
and in 1840 he returned to his adopted country.
He and his wife settled near Edwardsville, where
he bought land and was actively engaged in tilling
the soil. In 1844, he came to Mascoutah, St. Clair
County, 111., and was engaged in merchandising,
being one of the earliest merchants. This business
he continued until 1863, when he sold out and re-
tired from the active duties of life. His death oc-
curred on the 6th of July, 1884, at the age of
about sixty-nine years. The mother passed awa3'
on the 16tli of October, 1873, when about sixty-
four years of age. Both died in Mascoutah. The
father was Postmaster under Lincoln, and held
that position until about 1868. He was Township
School Treasurer from 1856 until 1875, and also
held the position of Notary Public. Formerly a
Whig in politics, he later joined the Republican
ranks, and was a stanch advocate of that party.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Fred
Scheve, passed his entire life in Germany, as did
also the maternal grandfather, Jacob Lang.
The original of this notice was one of four chil-
dren, as follows: Alvina, Charles, Fred J. and
Gustav J. Alvina was born in Germany, married
Mr. J. P. Postel, and is the mother of five children.
She is now a resident of Mascoutah, 111. Charles
was born in Madison County, 111., and is now a
widower. He has two sons, and was the first vol-
unteer to offer his service in defense of his coun-
try, April 5. 1861, from Mascoutah. During the
Civil War, he enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Infan-
try, and was Second Lieutenant of Company C.
He was wounded at Corinth and this crippled him
for life. Fred J., born in Madison County, 111.,
married Miss Sophia Scheurer, and for many years
was engaged in merchandising. He is now re-
tired. During the war he enlisted in Company C,
Ninth Illinois Regiment, and was in active service
for three years. He was cpiite severely wounded
at Shi 1 oh.
Our subject received the advantages of a good
common-school education, and subsequently at-
tended the German Institute in St. Louis for two
and one-half years. He was educated in the German
language, and also became quite proficient in the
French and Englisli languages. Our subject was
.but fourteen years of age when the war broke out,
and this interrupted his schooling to some extent,
for, his elder brothers liaving enlisted, he came
home to assist his father. His brother Fred came
home from the army in 1864, and he and our sub-
ject conducted the store until 1875, and in 1877
embarked in the lumber business. In 1879. tlie
latter embarked in his present business, real estate
and insurance, in which he has met with flattering
success. P'rom 1879 to 1886, he was Justice of the
Peace. In politics, he is a firm Republican. Mr.
Scheve was married on the 10th of September,
1877, to Miss Emma Dauber, daughter of Louis
D. and Elizabeth (Merck) Dauber, and a native of
Mascoutah. Her parents were born in Germany,
and are still living. Two children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Scheve, Louis and Elmer. Mr.
Scheve is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and
has been Secretarv of his lodge for ten years.
^I(s;^@1^^^
J^ OHN KNOBELOCH,of Shiloh Valley Town-
ship, where he resides on a farm situated
on section 26., was born in 1839, on the
same farm where he now lives. He is a
son of John and Elizabeth (Hardy) Knobeloch.
The father was born in Darmstadt, (Germany, in
1809, and his wife in Switzerland in 1811. Mr.
Knobeloch grew to manhood in his native coun-
try, and after reaching manhood, learned the trade
of a glazier. Believing that better opportunities
were afforded to young men of energy and Indus-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
try in the New World, be accordingly set sail for ;
the United States in 1832. He located in St. Clair
County, 111., and then sent for his parents. He
returned to Baltimore, where he met them on
their arrival, and brought thcni to Illinois, where
they made a settlement on the farm adjoining the
one which he had purchased. For about one year
he carried on farming under the supervision of his
father, and then bought land of his own, a tract
of three hundred acies in St. Clair Count3', and
later, two hundred acres in Washington County.
A few years after landing in America, .John
Knobeloch. .Jr., married Elizabeth Hardy, and to
them were born four children: .John, our subject;
Mary, the wife of Louis Farrottet; Harmon, now de-
ceased; and Elizabeth, who died in her eighteenth
year. The father was reared a Protestant and was
a member of the IvUtheran Church. Politically,
lie was a Republican.
Our subject passed his boyhood on his fatiier's
farm, engaged in the usual pursuits of a farmer lad,
and received such limited education .as could be ob-
tained in the early district schools. In 1869, he
married Mar^' Preiser, daughter of ChristO[)her
and Mary Preiser, who were both born in Ger-
man^'. Mrs. Knobeloch was a native of 8t. Clair
County, and by her marriage became the mother
of seven children, only three of whom are living:
Edith, Caroline and Louisa. After his wife's
death, our subject was again married, this lime to
Mary Vollmer, a daughter of .Jacob and Mar.y
Vollmer, and by this unitm has been born one
child, John L.
After his marriage, our subject carried on a farm
for two years in company with his brother-in-law.
He then settled on his present farm, wiiich he re-
ceived from his fatiier .and which now comprises
one hundred and seventy-eight acres. He has a
comfortable home and commodious farm buildings
and his property bespeaks the care and attention
which the owner bestows upon it. He is a most
successful farmer, and has all the latest improve-
ments and machinery necessary to the tilling of a
model farm. He is a respected and highly es-
teemed citizen of this county, where he has lived
for over half a centur}' and where he was among
the early residents. He has takeu an .active part
in everything which has developed and improved
this section of the State, and in consequence is
widely and favorably known. T..ike his father, he
easts his vote for the nominees of the Republican
party. His comfortable and hospitable home is
ever open to his many friends, among whom iie'is
veiy popular as a man of wide reading and general
research.
'iJ^RED HELMS. Among the prosperous fai
|i-^^ mers on the lands which are called coal
/il lands in St. Clair County, may be named
the subject of our sketch, who lives on survey 382.
claim 350, Smithton Township. He was the son
of Henry Helms, who was a native of Germany,
where he was married to Dorothea Bruns, the
daughter of Conrad Bruns, a farmer and distiller
of Germany. Henry Helms, the father of our sub-
ject, came to this covintrj' with considerable money
and settled at Turkey Hill in this county, where
he bought land in March, 1853. He died five
3'ears later and left a family of five children, four
of whom are living now. They are Mary, Au-
gusta, our subject and Nancy. The mother of our
subject is still living at the old homestead in tlii>
county, at the age of eighty-three years.
Mr. Helms of this notice was born in 1843, in
Hanover, Germany, and he was ten years old when
he came to this country. He attended both the
public and private schools in Illinois and made
his home with his mother until he desired to make
a home for himself. The lady of his choice was
Miss Melissa Shook and she was the daughter of
Samuel Shook, a farmer of this county. After his
marriage, he took his wife to the old home, remain-
ing there until 1866, when he moved to the farm,
where he now lives. He has grown to be quite a land-
owner, having about four hundred and forty acres
of land here and one hundred and twenty in Eree-
burg Township. He has a beautiful home on his
place, which he built in 1877, and the large and
commodious barn was built in 1871!. He engages in
f)20
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
general fanning and stock-raising. Mr. Helms has
had eight children, of whom seven are now living,
and tliej- are George H., who is on his father's
farm; Edward S., Herman L., Mary Ann, Maggie,
Walter and Julius are at the lionie with their fa-
ther.
Our subject is a very active member of the
Grange and has held several prominent ollices in
it. He was one of the charter members of
Turke^^ Hill Grange No. 1370. He lost his be-
loved wife October 16, 1888, and her memory is
very precious to the family. Politically, Mr. Helms
is a Democrat and upholds the principles of his
party on every necessary occasion. He has been
School Director of his district and takes great in-
terest in school matters, and enjoys the confidence
and regard not only of his own large family, but
of the whole neighborhood. Much of the land of
his farm is valuable coal land, but lie has never
operated it himself, preferring to le.asc it.
!^+^[
,*yi\ RS. AMANDA M( FARLAND. One of
ij! IV the best-known residents of St. Clair
I' * Township is the lady whose name opens
^ this sketch. She was born September 14,
1H2(), and has long been an honored resident here,
and there are sorrowful events in her life vvhich
have made her more prominent in the neighbor-
hood than are many of her age and acquaintance.
It is a pleasure to the biographer to be permitted
to give an outline of her life, as in time of afflic-
tion it may be an incentive to others to bravely
l)ear and suffer with Christian resignation.
The Rev. David McFarland, husband of our sub-
ject, was a native of Knox County, Ohio, and came
to Illinois and settled in St. Clair Count}' before the
Civil War. Mrs. McFarland is the daughter of Sarah
and Samuel Beedle, who were natives of Ohio.
Slie was born in Ridge Prairie, St. Clair County,
wiiere her marriage was solemnized at her fatiier's
residence in 1836, and about five years later her hus-
l)and felt the call to declare the Gospel and began
preaching. His work w.as [)rincipally' in tliose
days and in that section a labor of love, and he
continued farming as an occupation.
When the call came for troops after the fall of
Ft. Sumter, Capt. McFarland, for such he became,
left iiis church, and as he considered it a patriot's
duty, went into the army for the defense of his
country. He enlisted in Company I, of tlie One
Hundred and Seventeenth Illinois Infantry, and
left his home May 4, 1862. Ill health compelled
him to return home on a furlough, and perhaps if
he could have been less patriotic, the following
sad memoir migiit not have been written. He re-
turned to his regiment only to succumb, and his
valued life ended in Alexandria, La., at the age of
flfty-two years. He was lamented by all, and
many were the expressions of condolence which
his widow received to assuage her grief. After
the first shock, slie rallied and set an example of
patriotic self-sacrifice, which we can only regard as
heroic. With the death of her husband, our sub-
ject's cup of sorrow had not yet been filled to tlie
brim. Her bright, brave, first-born, Albert, who
was born February 16, 1844, left his mother, and,
too young for a soldier, went into his father's
company as a drummer. His young life was
sacrificed also, as he died from disease contracted
in tlie hard life and exposure, in April, 1864.
Mrs. McFarland's second son, James, was born
in 1846, and married Miss Caroline Hauser. He
lives in Kansas City, where he is a merchant, and
has a family of six children. Charles was born
in 18r)5, and married Lucy Bigole. He is an
electrician and resides in AVarrensburg, Mo., and
has an interesting familj' of four children. Sam-
uel was born in 1857, and lives at LaCynge, Kan.,
where he is a farmer. He married Sarah Bonier,
and is the father of two children. Mary Flor-
ence, who was born October 9, 1853, is the widow
of Edwin Moore, and resides in Warrensburg.
Carrie was born December 12, 1860. She became
the wife of John Adams, who is employed on the
railroad, and is the mother of one ciiild; their home
is in Pueblo, Colo. David and Wallace, twins,
were born April 10, 1862.
Mr. McFarland politically was a Republican,
and iiis loyalty was so intense that he could not
restrain himself from trying to defend his conn-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
623
tiy. His sorrowing widow sympathized with him
and even now feels tliat the saciifices that she has
made were right, and that only by sacrifices was
the l^nion preserved. She is one of the large
l.and-owners of this section, having two hundred
and fort^y acres on section 1, and one of the largest
and most comfortable residences in the county.
She moved into this home in 1860, and here dis-
penses hospitality to her family and friends; in
the latter rihc can count the wliole neighbor-
/^nHARLES R. DAKE, M. 1). The city of
[l( Belleville is not behind other places of
N^<' similar size in the number of skillful phy-
sicians who there reside, and among those who
have become well and favorably known may
be mentioned the gentleman whose name intro-
duces this sketch. He is a representative of the
homeopathic school and has a large and lucrative
practice in the eommunitj'. It may be said of
him as something worthy of note, that his pa-
ternal ancestors for four generations have been
members of the medical profession, and in every
generation since all the male members of the family'
in direct line have been physicians. By inheritance,
therefore, as well as by natural ability, he is
adapted to his chosen profession.
The father of our subject, Dr. I). M. Dake, was
born at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., in 1814. He was
graduated from Castleton University, in Vermont,
then the leading medical .school of the East, and
commenced the practice of his profession in New
York State, where he continued for ten years.
In 1845, he became a convert to homeopathy,
which he afterward practiced with great skill and
success. In 1847, he removed to Pittsburgh, Pa.,
and there continued until he retired from active
practice. He was widely known as a man of ver-
satility of talents and professional knowledge, and
was offered a professorship in a Philadelphia col-
lege, but was unable to accept. Religiously, he
was a meiiiber uf the HapLisI Church. For many
years he was identified with the Masonic frater-
nity, of which he was an influential member.
In 1835 occurred the marriage of Dr. D. M.
Dake and Miss Mary Manuel, who was born in
England. They became the parents of five chil-
dren, as follows: Theresa A., who is the wife of Dr.
F. W. Skiles, a retired physician, formerly of Brook-
lyn, N. Y., but now of Suffolk, Va.; Julia E.,
the wife of E. P. Casterline, who is a resident of
San Franciscoand an extensive miner of California;
Mary E., who married Frank Eaton, a merchant
of I)e Funiak Springs, Fla.; Grace, who died in San
Francisco in 1887; our subject, who is the only son
in the family. The father passed from earth Feb-
ruary 17, 1891. His wife still survives him and
finds a congenial liome with her daughter in Flor-
ida. All of Dr. D. M. Dake's brothers, three in
number, were physicians; but only one now sur-
vives. Dr. .1. P. Dake, of Nashville, Tenn., who is
at the head of llie homeopatliic school in the
United States.
The subject of this notice was born in Pitts-
burgh, Pa., December 22, 1849. His education
was commenced under a private tutor at home
and was afterward carried on at the Western Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania. After his return from
college, in 1868, he began the study of medicim-
under the direction of his father and Dr. Skiles.
his brother-in-law. Later, he entered the College
of Physicians and Surgeons at New York Citv,
from which he was graduated in 1873. After
spending some months in visiting hospitals, etc.,
he came to Belleville in December, 1873, and
opened an office for the practice of his profession.
He was honored by a call to fill the Chair of
Chemistry in the Homeopathic College at St. Louis,
but his practice had already assumed dimensions
that seemed to him to preclude acceptance.
In his medical views, Dr. Dake is very liberal
and does not feel bound down to any school,
cither in theory or pr.actice, although he is con-
sidered a homeopathist. From the nature of the
climate and the prevalence of diseases of the lungs
and throat, as well as of the ear, and catarrhal
diseases in general, he has devoted considerable
attention to their study and has established a very
large practice along those lines. Twice he studied
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in the hospitals of New York under specialists in
these branches, and he has all the latest appliances
for the treatment of these dangerous maladies.
His services are often called into requisition as a
writer foi current medical publications, and he
takes a deep interest in literary matters in gen-
eral. His office is in his residence on tiie corner
of High and Fifth Streets.
Tiic home life of Dr. Dake affords a pleasant
relaxation from his professional duties. The lady
whom he married Sejitember 12. 1872, was Miss
Eugenia Swyer, born in Helleville October 2, 18.55.
Her father, David Swyer, w.as one of the older
residents of this city, where he died in 1884. Tiie
Doctor and his wife have two children. May T.
and Eugenia Grace. In national affairs, Dr. Dake
has been a Republican, but is not a strict partisan
and has never sought an office. At all times and
on all occasi ns it is his aim to do what he con-
siders his dutv as a citizen.
f
ACOB FRIES, who is engaged in general
farming and stock-raising on section 31
F^ngelman Township, was born on the 22d
vg/ of Seplemljer, 18;i3, about three miles west
of Maseoutah. His father, John Fries, one of the
early settlers of the county, is now a resident of Mas-
eoutah. Of the family three sous are living: our sub-
ject; Dr. William A., a practicing physician of St.
Louis; and Dr. .lohn A., a dentist of the same city.
AVhen our subject was about ten years of age his
parents removed to the farm where he now resides.
There ho was reared to manhood, spending his
boyhood days in the usual manner of farmer
lads. He was educated in the district schools of
the neighborhood, which he attended during tlie
winter season, while in the summer months he
worked in the fields. He remained at home until
his marriage, which was celebrated on the 21st of
February, 1879, Miss Elizabeth Freivogel becom-
ing his wife. Her father. Christian Frievogel, w.as
Djje of the pioneer settlers of St, Clair County,
and now resides in Engelman Township. Unto
Mr. and Mrs.' Fries have been born six children,
two of whom are yet living, but the sons are all
deceased, Julius, Walter, Oscar and Edmund; Hild;i
and Emma are still with their parents.
After his marriage, Mr. Fries located upon his
farm in F'reeburg Township, wlieie he resided
for a period of eight years. He then removed
to the farm which is now his home, and has
resided thei-eon continuously since. He owns
one hundred and forty-six acres of valualile land
in Freeburg and Engleman Townships all well im-
proved and under a high state of cultivation.
He raises wheat, corn and potatoes and is also en-
g.aged in stock-raising. He is an enterprising and
industrious farmer, who has steadily worked his
way upward by his own efforts and won a well-
deserved success as the result of his industrious
laliors.
Mr. Fries holds membership with the Indepen-
dent Order of Mutual Aid of Maseoutah. In pol-
I itics he is a Republican but is not strictly partisan,
i holding himself free to support the man whom he
I thinks best qualified to fill the offices. He has
been School Trustee of the township and also
School Director. He faithfully discharges every
duty devolving upon him and is a public-spirited
and progressive citizen, who manifests a commen-
dable interest in all that pertains to the welfare
and upbuilding of the community. His life has
been well and worthily passed and the community
in which he has long made his home holds him iu
hisrh esteem.
^fT^EKDINAXD WILDGRUBE, a prosperous
'f^(g] and enei-getic agriculturist of St. Clair
•' ~ County. 111., for the past twenty-four years
vn as an excellent citizen, indus-
ht in character, now resides upon
a valualtle farm located upon section 9, Marissa
Township. Our subject was born in Prussia, in
1837. His parents, (iodfiey .and Elizabeth (Kean)
Wildgrubc. were also natives of Prussia, and al-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
625
though in moderate circumstances, gave to their
children all the advantages thej' could afford, and
wisely trained them in the habits of industry,
wliich later became their capital in life.
Beginning the struggle of existence in boyhood,
Mr. Wildgrube grew up self-reliant, manly and
encigetic, and was well fitted to make his own
way in the world. In 1868, he finally deter-
mined to emigrate to America, where he flrmly be-
lieved there were greater opportunities for the ad-
vancement of a young and resolute man. Cross-
ing the broad ocean, he was safely landed upon
our shores, and journeying to Illinois, was soon at
home in St. Clair County, arriving in this portion
of the country .July 26, 1868. Sepairated from his
parents and the associations of his youthful days,
lie entered into the marriage relation, founding
for himself a home and family in his adopted land,
llis highly-esteemed wife was Miss Wilhelinina
Bashman, a native of Prussia, Germany, who came
to the United States man}' years ago.
Possessing no capital to invest in |)roperty or
business, the first few years of our subject's resi-
dence in America, he was obliged to work out by
the day, week, month or year. Giving ever faith-
ful and conscientious service to his employers, he
was never idle, and frugally laid aside a small
amount, which in time gave him a start in life.
His excellent wife has proved a helpmate indeed,
and together they have accumulated some good
property, and now own a fine farm of one hun-
dred and eighty acres, all under a high state of
improvement. Patiently cultivating the soil of
the homestead year after 3'ear, Mr. Wildgrube
annually reaps a harvest, whose abundant returns
is the reward of intelligent and persistent effort.
The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Wildgrube
has been blessed by the presence of five bright
and intelligent children, who are enjoying the ex-
cellent educational advantages of their neigh-
borhood, and who will receive from their parents
the training which will make of them useful and
law-abiding citizens, worthy of all respect and
honor.
Mr. and Mis. Wildgrube are members of the
Lutheran Church, and are ever leady to .assist in
the support and good work of this religious organ-
ization. Our subject is in political aflflliation, a
strong Democrat, and firmly believes in the princi-
ples of the party which receives his vote. Never
a politician in the usual acceptation of the term,
Mr. Wildgrube takes an active interest in the
local and National management of affairs, and al-
ways may be found upon the side of liglil and
justice. Honorable and upright in all his huslnes-s
dealings, a true friend and kind neighbor, oiu- sub-
ject has a large circle of warm friends.
]^V AVID C. MARSH, a prominent and success-
I )j) ful business man and enterprising Alder-
(^^^' man from the Second Ward of the city
of East St. Louis, is one of the most ener-
getic and progressive citizens of St. Clair County,
III., and is widely known and highly esteemed for
his excellent qualities of head and heart. Our
subject was born in Kallston, Beaver County, Pa.,
May 2, 1828. His father, David C. Marsh, was
born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., in 1797, and,
as a mechanic, followed in the footsteps of his
father, who was a manufacturer of scythes and
other farming implements. The paternal grand-
father, a brave and resolute man, served with
courage and fidelity in the War of the Revolution.
David F. Marsh variously engaged in different
enterprises, and at -one time owned a grist and
saw mill. He was a man of ability, and early in
life started for the Far West with his family and
a two-horse wagon, but circumstances induced him
to return to Pittsburgh. The mother of our sub-
ject was Calispa Carpenter, who was born in Mass-
.achusetts in 1797, and was of (Tcrman descent.
Her father also served in the Revolutionary War,
and was honored by all who knew him. Mrs.
Calispa (Carpenter) Marsh was a well-educated
lady and taught school when young. She died in
McKeesport, near Pittsburgh, in April, 188.3, hav-
ing survived her husband, who died in 1866, sev-
enteen years. She was a member of the Presby-
terian Church, and a lady of culture and refinement.
David C, Marsh was one of a family of seven
626
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
children, four sons and three daughters, six of
whom lived to adult age. John died in McKees-
port, and had served in the army as Drum Major,
lemaining in the First Artillery of Pennsylvania
until the close of tlie war. Laura J. is Mrs. Mil-
ler, of McKeesport, Pa.; Mary A. Haas is a wealthy
widow and extensive ranch-owner, living in Tu-
lare County, Cal.; George died when young; Eliza,
Mrs. Maj. Barclay, resides in .Johnstown; Theo-
dore is located upon a ranch in Tulare County,
C.al. The latter served in tiie late Civil War, en-
listing in the Sixty-second Pennsylvania Infantry,
and was under the command of Gen. Black. Con-
stantlj- exposed to danger, he was Anally wounded
in the rigiit thigh, in a close engagement with the
enemy, and was afterward captured and held a
prisoner in Andersonville.
Our subject was reared mostly in Pittsburgh, and
attended the public schools, having the advantage
of six years of study in this city and in Peters'
Creek, where his parents resided for a time. Be-
ginning the active labor of life, Mr. Marsh worked
in the Kingston Iron Works, and remained in this
business for some years, afterward engaging in
flat-boating on the Ohio, floating coal down to
New Orleans and returning by a steamer. He
made five or six trips in the spring, working in
the mills at other times. In 1853, he came to St.
Louis and worked in tlie Schoate, Homson Ar Valley
Rolling Mills, and was there occup^'ing the posi-
tion of foreman until 1878, when he started in
the business of manufacturing patent albums. In
1880, he was engaged by Mr. Meyseirberg, who
came after him, to work in the Tudor Iron Works,
in East St. Louis, and he has been steadily employed
here ever since, having full charge of a set of
rolls. :Mr. Marsh is the oldest iron worker in the
mills, and is a liighly-valued employe. Our sub-
ject was married in Crawford County, Mo., in
1857, to Miss Fannie Cavcnaii, who was born in
Hermann, Mo. Her parents were early settlers of
that State and highly respected. Mr. and :Mrs.
Marsh are the parents <if tiiree living children;
David S. is the City Oil Inspector; James T. died
at the age of twenty-four years; John is a book-
keeper at the stock yards, and William A. is em-
ployed in the Tu.lor Mills.
While in St. Louis, Mr. Marsh served six years
on the Mulanphy Board of Philanthrophy. In
1887, our subject was elected Alderniau from the
First AVard, now the Second. Twice re-elected,
Mr. Marsh is serving with intelligent ability his
third term of office, and, being upon various im-
portant committees, has signally distinguished him-
self by the efficient manner in which he has han-
dled numerous difficulties and disposed of matters
of interest to the goneial piililic. Earnest, ener-
getic and public-spirited, he li.is been a leading
factor in the upbuilding and local improvements
of East St. Louis, and has won the esteem and
confidence of all his constituents and co-workers.
Our subject is a stockholder in the Second Loan
Association, and is one of the Appraising Commit-
tee. He IS, fraternally, a member of Mt. Mona
Lodge. A. ¥. k A. M., St. Louis, Past Master of Belle-
fontaine Chapter, R. A.M., St. Louis; ex-Excellent
King of Tancred Commandery No. 50, K. T., Belle-
ville; and is also a member of Olive Branch Lodge,
K. of II.. St. Louis. In political affiliations, Mr.
Marsh is an active Democrat, deeply interested in
both National and local affairs, and, as a true
American citizen, gives his best efforts in liehalf
of progress and reform.
"|TP^,OBERT II. HAMILTON. 1 n all the broad
jl!^ expanse of the Prairie State there is no
A\ \y county which affords sustenance to .'i
\^ greater number of agriculturists than this,
whose productive soil, commercial facilities and
advanced development make it pre-eminentlj' the
farmer's home. One of its comfortable and attrac-
tive abodes is that of the subject of this notice,
who occupies a good estate, comprising one hun-
dred and eighty-three acres pleasantly located on
section 28, .Marissa Townshi().
-lohn and Sarah (Elder) Hamilton, the parents
of our subject, were natives of S. *h Carolina,
where also the grandparents. Robert and Margaret
(Ross) llaniilton. were born, and w^.rc of Scotch-
POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,
Irish descent. As the means for obtaining an edu-
cation were verj' limited in an early day in North
Carolina, the father of our subject attended such
schools as the locality afforded, which were very
pool. He was reared to farm pursuits, and when
starting out in life for himself was married in his
native State, and in 1831 came to Sparta, Randolph
County, this State, where he made his home for
two years and then became identified with the in-
terests of St. Clair County. He came to this State
with just enough money to make the journey, and
entering two hundred acres of land from the Gov-
ernment added to it from time to time until at his
death he owned nearly four hundred broad and
valuable acres, which he developed and supplied
with substantial improvements, making it one of
the most desirable estates in the county. To the
occupation of a farmer he added that of a stock-
laiser and had on his place many head of fine
animals. He departed this life in 1876, having
been preceded to the better land by his wife, who
died in 1870. In politics, he was a stanch Demo-
crat for many years but attaclied himself to the
Republican party some years i>rior to liis death.
His principles were above reproach, and in him the
United Presbyterian Church found one of its most
sincere and upright members.
Robert H. Hamilton was born in Chester County,
S. C, in 182G, and his successful and useful life
reflects credit upon his early training. He gained
his education in the schools of his neighborhood,
and in 1851 was married to Miss Lucy A., daugh-
ter of Moses and Lucy (Henderson) Tiiompson, who
were early pioneers of this county but were born
in South Carolina. Moses Thompson followed the
occupations of a blacksmith and farmer and suc-
ceeded fairly well in worldly affairs. He was a son
of Archibald and Mary (McBride) Tiiompson, who,
like him, were born in South Carolina, of Irish par-
ents, and came to Illinois in the early part of the
nineteenth ceutuiy.
Immediately nfter his marriage, our suhjcci lo-
cated upon his present farm and now occupies the
front rank among the progressive and prosperous
agriculturists of Marissa Township. By his union
with Miss Thompson have lieeii horn .seven chil-
dren, viz.: Sjirnh .1.. Ihc wife of Kolicit .McCii.uiit ;
29
Lucy E., the wife of James White; John T.; Mary
IL, Mrs. John Church; Roberts., Martin M. and
Anna M\rtle. Mr. Hamilton is deeply interested
in the welfare of his children and is therefore
ready to bear a part in all those movements which
will enhance the material, educational and the
moral prosperity of the nation. They have all
been given the best advantages for obtaining an
education, several of them being graduates of some
of the best colleges in the State. His political
affiliation is with the Prohibition party and in re-
ligious affairs he is an active member of the United
Presbvterian Church.
^i^iN"Ni^^#i^
|IL_^ENRY C. WILLIAMS. The leading liv-
Wlr ®'T'ii=i"<^f Belleville is the gentleman whose
J)^^ name heads this sketch. He was born here
^ March 25, 1844, his father, \'olney L. Will-
iams, having come to Belleville in 1837. The lat-
ter was born in Smyrna, Del., in 1811, and was
engaged there as a carriage manufacturer. He es-
tablished a manufactory at the corner of Race and
Main Streets, Belleville, and continued there for
thirty-five years, or until his death, at which time
the business had gi'own to very extensive propor-
j tions.
Tlie mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of jNIartha Penn, and is a sister of Joseph Penn,of
whom ^ee biography. She resides at Lincoln,
, Logan County, 111. Of her eight children, only
two are now living, our subject and Lewis Mar-
lleiuy C. was educated in Belleville, and there
learned the trade of a carriage-maker with his father,
and followed that occupation for some time. When
twenty-one years old, he started out for himself,
and soon afterwaid Iniilt ;l Mock two stories high,
[ SO.kKIU feet. Onc-li.-ilf of the l.uilding is used as
; a carriage manufactory, while the other is utilized
I as a livery, the latter having been added in 1870.
1 He continued in the carriage business until 1890
when he sold to the Ik'llevilic Carriage Works,
fi30
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
He has fine accommodations for feeding a great
many horses, and keeps a hack line and many horses
and carriages for hire. January 19, 1892, a stock
company was formed with a capital stock of $5,000,
of which our subject is President and general
manager.
February 14. 1865, Henry C. Williams was
united in marriage with Mrs. Fannie Stookey, who
was born August 14, 1847. Their five living chil-
dren are: Nellie, born February 14. 1866; Lillie
Gladys. September 24, 1869; Laura M., November
10,1871; Henry James, August 9, 1874; and Elsie
Moore, January 25, 1881. The one deceased was
born October 29, 1878, and died in childhood. The
home of the family is one of the finest residences
of Belleville, and is located on East A Street. The
residence was purchased by Mr. Williams in 1890,
and has been finely furnished and equipped
throughout. Surrounding it is a beautiful lawn,
consisting of seven lots, all neatly laid out.
Mr. Williams may justly be proud of tlie suc-
cess which has rewarded his efforts, for it is the re-
sult of his unaided exertions and has been brought
about bj^ keen business discrimination and un-
flagging energy. In addition to the business
above mentioned, he has a second livery stable
which lie rents, and also has a branch livery stable
at Lebanon, 111., where a hack line .is kept and a
full equipment of carriages and horses. Socially,
Mr. Williams is identified with the Knights of
Pythias as one of its most prominent members.
^l^^pii ^ i ^ ;i^^Sii
riL^ ENRY B. & JOHN B. STEINERT. The rich-
ifjii est heritage of American youth is the exam-
^^ pie of their country's brain and brawn
(^) wrought into lives of perfect liarmonj',
.-splendid fealty and tireless industry. Tiie annals of
sucii lives are briefly told in the iiistory of Henry B.
and John B. Steinert. Tiiey are classed among the
prominent newspaper men of St. Clair County, and
are editors and proprietors of the East St. Louis Oa-
zi'fte and the Inlaiul Farmer, bright, newsy and
ill^^l|•llctive [lapcrs witii a wide circulation and ex-
tended influence. Their crisp and trenchant edi-
torials are always read with interest and are influ-
ential in moulding the (lublic opinion on subjects
of importance.
John Steinert, the father of our subjects, was
born in Bavaria, Germany, and there learned the
trade of a baker. In his early manhood, he crossed
the ocean to America, locating first at St. An-
! thony 's Falls, Minn., where he was shortly afterward
married to Miss Elizabeth Bowman, a native of
Nordheim, Germany. After their marriage, he
and his wife removed to Belleville, 111., where he fol-
lowed his trade and also engaged in the real-estate
business in connection with his brother-in-law,
John B.Bowman, at one time Mayor of the city.
1 He continued in the real-estate business until his
death, which occurred in 1870. Religiously, he
was a member of the Lutheran Church, and a kind
and benevolent man, highly esteemed wherever
known. His wife died in 1871, leaving five chil-
dren, as follows: Mrs. Amelia Maurer, a resident
of Belleville; Mrs. Addie Hallows, of East St. Louis;
I Henry B. and John B., our subjects; and Ed F.,
whose home is in Kansas City.
I Henry B. Steinert was born in East St. Louis on
the 12tli of July, 1864, and remained in this city
until six 3'ears of age, when his father died and he
went to New Athens, where his uncle, Nicholas
Steinert, a prominent farmer, was residing. He re-
mained on this farm until fifteen years of age, and
then entered Warrenton College, Missouri, where
he remained three years. After this, he studied
telegraphy at St. Louis and became an operator
with the Western Union Company. He located in
that city, but later went to Minnesota, and after a
short residence there returned to East St. Louis.
He subsequently ceased operating and went to Kan-
sas, but returned to St. Clair County and was en-
gaged in farming until 1886, when he went to Ar-
kansas and was in the employ of a seed and agri-
cultural house.
In the fall of 1886, Mr. Steinert embarked in
the real-estate business with Frank B. Bowman, and
continued in this until 1869, when he became man-
ager of the East St. Louis Gazette for one year. After
this he was in the real-estate business again and
was thus engaged until Januiiry, 1892, when lie
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
formed a partnership aud purchased the Gazette.
The Gazette was edited in 1865 by John B. Bowman,
is the oldest paper now in existence in the count}',
and tiie official organ of the county. It is a six-
column quarto, Democratic in its tone and devoted
to the best interests of the county. In May. 1892,
IMr. 8teinert purchased the Inland Farmer from
A. B. Ogle and edits it. This paper was started in
1876 and is devoted to the interests of the farm-
ing community. It receives contributions from
the ablest men and is a five-column quarto, pub-
lished semi-monthly. The press is supplied with
all tlie newest and latest improvements and he has
a large job patronage. Mr. Steinert owns consid-
erable real estate and is one of the foremost men
of St. Clair County. He evinced his preference for
secret organizations by becoming a member of tlie
Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, Golden Rule.
John B. .Steinert was born in Kasl St. Louis, on
tlie loth of October, 1866, and was reared by liis
uncle. Jonathan Leo, from the .age of four until
twelve, after which he attended the Central Wes-
leyan College, at Warren ton for two years. Later
he attended the Manual Training .School in St.
Louis for two years and after graduating tliere was
employed in the Missouri it Pacific Railroad ma-
chine shop for one year. In 1887, he went to
Omalia, Neb., as instructor of mechanics in the
deaf ami dumb schools for two years. In the
year 1889, he went to P.lgin, 111., and taught
manual training, drawing, etc, in F^lgin Academy,
and in 1890. went to New York Cit}-, wiiere he at-
tended a college for the training of teachers for
nearlj' two years. In .lanuary, 1892, tiie partner-
ship was formed on tiie Gazette.
^^] EORGE W. GUTHRIE, a history of whose
;ij life is herewith presented to our readers, has
^^^ passed from the scenes of eartlily joys and
sorrows to his final resting place. He was a pro-
gressive fanner in Marissa Township aud rose to u
position in agricultural affairs whicli many might
env}-. He was respected by all who Itnewhimand
such was his integrity th.at his promise was as good
as his bond. His valuable estate of two hundred
and lifty-tive acres, which is located on section
32, is carried on by his widow, wlio manages affairs
on a paying basis.
Our subject was born January 15, 1841, in tliis
county, and was the sou of Joseph and Elizabetli
(Boyd) Guthrie, of Irish and German descent. His
father, also a native of Illinois, was born in Ran-
dolph Count}- and made his advent into this section
in 1835. His wife, who was born in Ireland, was
brought to America in 1828 by her parents, who
located in South Carolina, where they remained
for a time and then came to Randolph County,
this State. Joseph Guthrie followed the combined
occupations of shoe-maker, school-teacher and far-
mer and departed this life in 1848, while his good
wife, who survived him a number of years, died in
1866.
The original of this sketch was tme of a family
of five children, only two of whom are living. He
was tlie recipient of a common-school education,
and when turning his attention to farming, mani-
fested such a lively interest in agricultural affairs
and so much industry and integrity of purpose
that he could not help meet with success. He was
married, March 2, 1864, to Miss Adelia Johnson, and
to them was born a son, John, who is a resident of
St. Louis. Mo.
The lady whom our subject chose as his second
wife was Miss Rebecca McClintock, Who was born
in C^ouiity Antrim. Ireland, in 1846. She was the
daughter of David and Anna (Grear) McClintock,
ahso natives of the above county in Ireland, where
they were married. The mother of Mrs. Guthrie
was the daughter of James and Mary (Wilson)
Grear. By her marriage with Mr. McClintock
she reared a family of two children: Robert and
Mrs. Guthrie. When but four years of age, the lat-
ter was brought to America by her parents, who
located in Randolph County, this State, where they
spent the remainder of their lives. They were
members in good standing of the Presbyterian
Church, aud were respected througlioiil tiie sur-
rounding country.
632
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Guthrie of this sketch was always greatlj^
interested in scliool affairs, and liis children one
and all received excellent instruction, David being
an attendant of tlie State Normal of Illinois. The
other members of the famil^y bore the respective
names of Joseph, who died when two years of age;
Elizabeth, the wife of -Tohn K. AVhite, and George
W. David was married, November 27, 1890, to
Miss Katie, daughter of Daniel and .Jane McCurdy,
and to them has been born one son, Daniel M.
Mr. Guthrie in social matters was a member in
high standing of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellovss and at all times and in all places showed
himself to be a loyal citizen and was well regarded
by his fellow-townsmen, and in his deatli, whicli
occurred February 12, 1888, the county lost one of
its most honored residents.
^, ATRICK FLANNERY, a valued member of
the Board of Election Commissioners, and
since 1865 one of the able, energetic and
leading citizens of East .St. Louis, has beini
prominently connected with various important
enterprises of this portion of the State, and is
widel}^ known as a public-spirited and very
progressive man. Our subject was born in County
Mayo, on the 17th of March. 1849. His paternal
grandfather, Hazell Flannery, was a man of sub-
stance and was a native of the Emerald Isle, where
James Flannery, the father of our subject, was
born. James Flannery was the agent and collector
for a large land-owner in Ireland, and was a suc-
cessful real-estate man, dying in the home that had
been his through life when our subject was a little
babe.
The mother of our subject was Margaret (Hoach)
FlanneiT, born in Jrebuid. and there died in the
year 1889, leaving five cliildreu to nioiini her loss:
Mary, Mrs. Nebol, died in F.ast Si. Louis in 1891;
Martin resides in East St. Louis; .lohn is a farmer
in Ireland; Patrick.our subject; and .lames cultivates
the soil of "Old Krin." Mr. Patrick Flannery was
raised upon a farm, ;uid received the beiielit of a
good common-school education. In June, 1865,
when about seventeen years of age, our subject
left Liverpool on the steamer "Arion," and after
an eight days' voyage, landed in New York.
Tarrying but a brief time in the Empire City, Mr.
Flannery came to East St. Louis, and immediately
received employment in the rolling mills of Allen
(^- Filley, working as a puddler, manufacturing
iron rails, and continuing there for ten years.
In time he was promoted to be foreman of a fur-
nace. In 1871 and 1872, he worked in St. Louis
and South St. Louis, wheie he assisted in the
manufacture of steel rails, and in 1875 engaged
in the management of a sample room in old Illinois
Town, and continued in this occupation until 1890.
For several years past, Mr. Flannery has been en-
gaged in the real-estate business, and owns one of
the handsomest residences in the city, at the cor-
ner of Market and Sixth Streets, opposite the City
Park. He has erected houses in different parts of
the city, and has completed a row of twelve houses
in Illinois Citj', Seventh Ward.
Mr. Flannery was married in East St. Louis, in
1876, to Miss Mary Wright, a native of Tennessee.
Tlie happy home of Mr. and Mrs. Flannery has
been blessed with the birth of five promising sons
and daughters: James is the eldest born, then fol-
low William, Abby, Vincent and Mary. In 1886,
our subject was appointed bj' Judge Hay as a
member of the first. Board of Election Commis-
sioners, an evidence of the appreciation of his
public course and confidence in his integrity, and
has been twice re-appointed since, now serving his
third term. L'nder the administration of the
Board, of which he has been a continuous member,
the election law has been faithfully and impar-
tially enforced, and the imblic satisfaction has
been unbounded, much credit having been justly
awarded Mr. Flannery-, whose excellent judgment
anil executive ability' are well known.
Our subject is a valued member of St. Mary's
Catholic Church, and is ever ready to a.ssist in :dl
worthy social and benevolent enterprises, without
regard to sect or nationality. Politically, Mr.
Flannery is a consistent Democrat, and being an
untiring worker, has a large following and influ-
ence, lie has been a delegate to numerous State
^^^^I'ry^^ U7-,
f yf^lsl,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
635
and county conventions, and is a niembei- of the
County Deniociatic Committee. Financially suc-
cessful in his business, our subject has been an
important factor in the upbuilding and regenera-
tion of East St. Louis, and has won honorable
rank in the community where he makes his home,
and is esteemed by all who know him as a true
representative American citizen.
,lZ_^ UGH L. PUGH, agent for the East St. Louis
\l)ji] >fe Carondelet Railroad at East Carondelet,
/^^ is one of the prominent citizens of St. Clair
(^5^ County. His years of service with one
corporation testify as to his ability and the esteem
in wliicli he is held by his employers, while the
record of his life proves better than any words of
the biographer can do the probit}^ and upright-
ness which have characterized his every action.
Some mention, although brief, is due the father
of our subject, Peter Pugh. He was born in Fair-
view, Hancock Count_y, Va., in September, 1828,
and traced his ancestry to Germany and Scotland,
where liis forefathers were people of influence and
high standing. He married Miss Susanna Scott, wiio
was born in Hancock County, Va., July 4, 1828.
I'nto them were born six children, five of wliom
are still living: Louisa, Mrs. Albert Nance, resides
in Denver, Colo., and during the late campaign
(1892) was the candidate of the People's party of
Colorado for the oftice of State Treasurer; Lulu is
tiie wife of Louis Perrin, and makes her liome in
East St. Louis; Seely Edsall .and Ermdn reside in
East Carondelet, and are both engaged as en-
gineers.
In 1859, Peter Pugh came to Illinois and located
in Bardolph, McDonough Countj-, where he en-
gaged in tiie milling business for a few years. Thence
lie removed to Fulton County, 111., in 1863, and
followed the same occupation in that county for
seven years. He came to East Carondelet in 1»70,
with the intention of taking charge of a mill; but
circumstances compelled liim to change his plans,
and he became watchman of an iron furnace, which
position he held until tiic time of his death, a
period of about eight years. He passed from earth
in Sei>teniber, 1891; his wife survives him and oc-
cupies a (fomfortablo liumo in East Carondelet.
Peter Pugli was one of those men who live in the
memory of others long after tliey have been called
from the scenes of time, and his connection with
the Presbyterian Church was of such a helpful na-
ture that his name will be preserved m its annals.
Born in Fairview, Hancock County, Va., Jan-
uary 24, 1854, our subject was a child of about
five years when he accompanied his parents to Illi-
nois. He received his education in the common
schools, principally those of Bardolph, and after
ids school days were ended he spent four years in
learning the trade of a machinist and engineer at
Bardolph. Later, he entered a railroad office at
Table Grove, 111., where he was taught the details
of the business. Since 1872 he has followed this
occupation exclusively, with the exception of the
years included between 1878 and 1882, when he
was engineer of the furnace at East Carondelet.
April 16, 1882, Mr. Pugh married Miss Anna,
daughter of George Walsh, a resident of East St.
Louis, who came to this county from England in
1857. Mr. and Mrs. Pugh are the parents of three
children living: Pearl, who is nine years old; Edna,
aged eight; and Irene F., who is five months old.
Hazel died at the age of tiiirteen months. Socially.
Mr. Pugh is identified witli the N. D. Morse Lodge
No. 346, F. & A. M., at Concord, 111. In politics,
he gives his ballot and influence to the support of
the Democratic party, and has been called upon to
occupy several important positions. He is now
serving as Justice of tiie Peace, School Director,
member of the Board of Education, and Drainage
and Levee Commissioner for Prairie du Point Dis-
trict, and as President of the Board of Trustees of
the village of East Carondelet.
■^^HEODORE HUMMERT, a prosperous and
iw^^ energetic agriculturist, and well-known
V^^ and highly respected citizen, cultivates a
fine farm of two hundred and twenty acres, near
Fayetteville, St. Clair County, 111., where he has
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
been located for more than two-score years. Our
subject was born in the jear 1827, in Hanover,
Germany, and is the son of Benjamin and Eliza-
betli (Lamppe) Hummerl. Tiiis worthy father
and mother led a peaceful and uneventful life in
the home of their childhood, where they were born,
raised, educated and married. Primitive in their
manners and methods, they were sincere Christian
people, and trained up their children to habits of
thrift and daily industry, and thus well lifted
them to make their own waj' in life.
The father of our subject was a carpenter by
trade, but rented land and profitably engaged in
the pursuit of general agriculture. In 1854, the
father and mother emigrated to the United States,
and a few years later died in their new home, far
from the friends and associations of early years.
They were the parents of three children, all now
surviving. Theodore Hummert had preceded his
family to America, crossing the broad Atlantic in
1848. He landed on our hospitable shore poor in
pocket but rich in youth, hope and energy, and
from very small beginnings has built up a substan-
tial success, and gained a comfortable competence.
When our subject first reached America, he jour-
neyed at once to St. Louis, where he located and
was obliged to work by the day for several
months.
After a time he came to St. Clair County, 111.,
and in Fayetteville found an excellent farm which
he could rent upon reasonable terms, and, locating
thereon, devoted himself for the succeeding four
years steadily to the duties of agriculture. At
length, able to buy land, Mr. Hummert purchased
quite a large acreage near the farm which he had
previously rented. To his new position he gave
the lienefit of his years of practical experience in
planting, sowing and reaping, and as the months
have passed in the patient cultivation of the soil,
he has been annuall}- rewarded by a bounteous har-
vest. Our subject has been twice married. He first
married Miss Mary Gudiwin, in Fayetteville, who
died early in life. Some time after the death of this
estimable lady, Mr. Hummert again married, in
April, 1888, his present wife being Miss Ger-
trude Wennemann, daughter of Ignatz and Eliza-
beth ( Peterswerth)Wenneman.
The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Hummert
has been brightened by the birth and presence of
three bright and promising little ones, a son and
two daughters, Elizabeth, Mary and Antoine.
Our subject and his good wife are active members
of the Catholic Church, of St. Libory, and are ever
ready to aid oihers less fortunate than themselves.
Mr. Hummert is a Democrat, .ind while never an
office-seeker is interested in the duteomo of local
and National issues. An lioiicst. hard-working and
upright citizen, our subject is highly respected by
the entire community among whom he has so long
resided.
€i^^' ^ 11 ^ i^^aiF-'
' ^ETER GODIN, Sk., of Prairie du Point, Sugar
I J) Loaf Township, St. Clair County, 111., was
. f^ born in the village where he now lives, and
) \ is the son of Peter (okIIu. born in the same
village in'about the year IT'H, tlie grandfather of
our sul)ject having been one of the very first resi-
dents of that county. The latter was probably
born also in Prairie du Point. Peter (Todin, the
father of our subject, married Jeanette S. Chartrany ,
of French extraction, and removed soon after his
marriage to Cahokia, where he conducted a farm
until his death in 1845. Six children weie born
to this latter couple, three of whom are still liv-
ing, namely: Teresa, the wife of Mr. Perch, of
Cahokia; Mary, the wife of a prominent citizen of
Cahokia, and our subject.
Our subject was born November 13, 1835, at
Prairie du Point, was five years old when his par-
ents removed to Cahokia, and lived there until 1867,
following the occupation of a farmer. He was
married there to Philesta Palmier, daughter of E.
Palmier, of the same place. Returning to Prairie du
Point, where his wife died, he was again married,
this time to Virginia Allary, daughter of J. B.
Allar3', an old settler of the village. This has
been the home of our subject ever since the date
named, and to him have come eight children, five
of whom are still living, namely: Mary, the wife
of Constant Chatilan, of Prairie du Point; Veta,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
637
living at Falling Springs; Edmund, employed in
a grocery at St. Louis; Isaac, living at home, and
Jenny, who is also at home. The three who are
dead passed away in infancy.
The business in which our subjec;t is at present
engaged is the retail liquor business, in addition
to which he has a farm of one hundred acres on
the bottoms of Sugar Loaf Township, which is con-
ducted by his son-in-law. He has two saloons, one
located at Prairie du Point and the other at Ful-
ler's Springs, and owns likewise a beautiful
place located on the side of the bluffs in Sugar
Loaf Township. The place of business at Prairie
du Point he -conducts himself, while his son
has charge of the one at Fuller's Springs. The
religious training of Mr. Godin was received in
the Roman Catholic Church, with which body he
retains his membership. Our subject manifests
much interest in politics, taking an active part in
all elections, his influence being directed to the
success of the Democratic ticket. His fellow-citi-
zens have elected him Highwa}- Commissioner of
the township, a position he yet retains, and he
holds the office of Treasurer of the Village Board,
and has also been Constable of the county. While
residing in Cahokia, he was made a Trustee of the
Catholic Church of that village, his interest in
which causes him still to retain it.
eHARLES FOULKS, a very early pioneer of
St. Clair County, but now residing with a
daughter in St. Louis, was born in Mon-
mouth County, N. J., in 1808. He is a son of
Christopher and Margaret Foulks, and it is worthy
of note that one of his parents was born in Ger-
many three weeks before the grandparents left
that country and the other was born in the United
States three weeks after the grandparents arrived
in this country. In Pennsylvania the parents of
our subject were reared to maturity, but soon after
their marriage they removed to Monmouth County,
N. J., where the father was engaged in a tobacco
factory and wool-carding machine business. After
selling out, he commenced to ship wool to New
York City and also owned and managed a store
for several years, being in partnership with a
brother.
About that time the attention of Christopher
Foulks was turned Westward. His brother came
to Illinois to enter land two years before there
was a land office for that portion of the
State which is now St. Clair County. After
a land office was opened, he came the second
time and entered three hundred acres where Rent-
chler Station is now situated. Christopher Foulks
with his family followed in 1817, and for a few
weeks stopped with the family of William Moore
until they could get a house erected. They built
a log cabin, 17x19 feet in dimensions, in which
twenty-one people made their home during the
entire winter.
After living on that farm for many years, Mr.
Foulks, Sr., sold the place and went to St. Louis,
where he again engaged in the tobacco business.
He met with success in his enterprise and the fac-
tory is still in possession of the family, having
been enlarged until it is now the largest tobacco
factory in the United States. The father of our
subject was one of eight brothers, three of whom
came to Illinois, two being ministers in the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church. He was also a member
of that church. In politics, he was a Whig and
served as Captain in the War of 1812.
The subject of this sketch was one in a family
of nine children. He was married first to Emilj'.
daughter of James Adams, and unto them were
born seven children. His second marriage united
him with Mrs. Mary E. (Fythian) Smith, and they
became the parents of eight children. After his
first marriage he engaged in farming a portion of
his father's place, and in 1828 he located on one
hundred and fifty acres of land near Belleville.
Soon selling that place, he entered eighty acres
near Freeburg, and in the home there established
he resided fifty-two years. At one time his landed
possessions amounted to thiee hundred acres near
Freeburg.
Retiring from farm life, Mr. Foulks erected an
hotel at Freeburg, which he managed for three
638
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years, but which, however, did not prove a fi-
nancial success. He then removed to Belleville
and i)urchased property amounting to «8,000. In
1887 he went to St. Louis, where he makes his
home with his children and spends liis closing
years in retirement. In his political affiliations he
is a Democrat and in former years was prominent
in public affairs. He has witnessed the progress of
St. Clair County from the time when it was the
home principally of Indians, until now it ranks
among the best counties of Illinois, and much of
its prosperity niav justly be attributed to his
efforts.
Ini) ^^^' '^'^^^ JARGSTORFF, of Darmstadt, St.
|IWj^ Clair Country, 111., was born in Ilolstein,
<£i \\\ Germany, in the year 1854. He is a son of
^, C. L. and Helena (Peters) Jargstovff, also
natives of Holstein, the father having been born
March 22, 1822. The latter was a scholar of super-
ior attainments, having graduated from one of
the leading universities of Germany. Earlj- deter-
mining upon the vocation of a teacher, he was ed-
ucated with that object in view, and after leaving
his Alma Mater was for manj' j^ears a professor in
prominent universities of his native country.
Eminently patriotic, his love for the Fatherland
is supreme, he having taken an active part in the
War of 1848, serving as First Lieutenant and re-
ceiving thirteen wounds, chiefly gunshot injuries.
jS'ow, in retired life, he receives a pension from the
German Government for his services as an educator.
Our subject's mother died wlien he was but three
years old, and of the two children born to her, he
alone survives. After her death his father married
again, his second wife's maiden name having been
Christina With. Russia is the native country of
tlie grandfather of our subject, he having been a
General in the armj' of that empire. In the year
1813, he went to Holstein, married and settled
tliere upon a large tract of land.
The subject of this sketch received a very care-
ful and thorough education in private seliools,
and Kiel University, and for several years attended
a college near his home in Germany, fitting him-
self for the profession of a teacher. Turning
his face AVestward, he emigrated to the United
States in the year 1881, locating at Cape Gir-
ardeau, where he prepared himself for the min-
istry of the Lutheran ( liureh. lie then went
to Belleville, 111., in .hiiic 1882, and was C)rdained
a minister in St. Paul's Ciiurch, taking work im-
mediateh' afterward in St. .Jacob's. Madison
County, 111., where he remained five years. Then
he went to his present place of residence and has
remained there ever since. Sophia Pahmeyer be-
came his wife, March 4, 1885. and has borne him
two children: Olga, aged six years, and Julius,
aged eighteen months. She is the daughter of
Ernest and Mary (Schieni) Pahmeyer, the latter
d3'ing when she was very young. Our subject is
a member of Marissa Lodge No. 654, I. O. O. F.
Politics is a pleasing .study to him, his faith in tlie
Democratic party being so strong that he lias ad-
vocated its measures from the stump, and it is
stated that at one time lie thouglit seriously of
stepping out of the ministry into the arena of
politics.
\I7 GUIS RIIEIN. living on section 4. Smithtoii
|l (p, Township, St. Clair County, III., is llio
'ILJ^. son of Fred Rheiii, who was born in l!a-
varia, Germany, where he was reared and married
to Katharine Lipbert, coining to this country in
1839. He first located in St. Louis, from which
city he removed to Belleville, and afterward to
Smitliton Township, where he bought prairie land
at $4 an acre and improved it himself. At the
time of his death, in 1884, he was the owner of
seventy-one acres. There were but two children
by the marriage of the parents of our subject,
namelj-, our subject and Fred. The mother, as
well as the father, was a member of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church at the time of her death, in 1870.
Our subject was born October 22, 1848, on the
old homestead in thiscount\'. where he was reared
n-
jw
(fA^^ 6^{ec//n^;p^yr->n^
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to nuiiiliuoil, received liis seliooliiig aiul was mar-
ried in 1875, to IMiss Louisa Oouch, daughter of
Mary Goueli. After two years of married life,
Mrs. Rhein died, July 23, 1877, leaving one child,
Otto, now deceased. Miss Elizabeth Schwiun be-
came his second wife, Februar}' 4, 1879; she is
the daughter of Peter Schwinn, an early settler of
St. Clair Township, this county, where he still
lives and where Mrs. Rhein was reared and edu-
cated. The latter has borne her husband nine chil-
dren, seven of whom are living, namely: INLirgaret
C, Stella L, Adolph F., Hilda M.. AdoU (>.. Kdna
C. and Theoliiida K.
The farm of our subject contains four hundred
acres of good land, well improved and carefully
cultivated. While raising much grain, he devotes
a large portion of his time to the improvement of
stock, bueeding a number of Kentucky mules and
blooded Clydesdale horses, it being his constant
aim to maintain a variety of first-class stock. He
has a ver>' comfortable home and is one of the
largest farmers in the township. His religious
convictions have led him to accept the doc-
trines of the Evangelical Lutheran Churcli, in
which body he holds membership. Educational
matters always interest him and he is a Director
of Scliools in his district.
Ilfv ETER REIMANN, of tlie firm of Niemestt
11 )J|) Reimann, contractors and builders, is one
^Mf^ of tlie successful business men of East St.
jt, Louis, and is a very pleasant gentleman
in all the relations of life. He is of German birth
and lineage, and possesses the thrifty traits of
character noticeable among people of that nation.
His grandfather, Peter Reimann, was a native of
Germany, and in that country engaged as a fanner
and wine-grower. He was one of the soldiers who
returned from Napoleon's disastrous campaign in
Russia. The father of our subject, Adam Rei-
mann, also followed the occupation of a farmer
and wine-grower, and was a soldier in the German
army in the campaign of 1848. Religiously, he
was a member of the Presbyterian Churcli, and a
man of sincere Christian character. His last years
were spent among his own vine-clad hills. The
mother of our subject was Elizabeth Fry, the
daughter of a German farmer who was frozen to
death in the French army. She resides in Ger-
many.
Our subject is the eldest of nine children born
to his parents, four of whom are yet living. The
place of his nativity was Mandel, by Greutznaugh.
and he remained there until he had reached his
eighteenth year. He attended the common schools
of Ills province until he was fourteen, and then
was apprenticed to a stone-mason for three years.
He worked in different places until 1866, when he
concluded to emigrate to America. Accordingly
he left Hamburg on the steamer "Prussia," and af-
ter a stormy passage of eighteen daj's, reached
New York. In the fall of 1867, he came to East
St. Louis. He followed his trade at various places,
in St. Louis, Mattoon, 111., Venice. 111., and Moberly,
Mo., and in 1872 he took the contract from H.
Watson to build the Round House in DeSoto, Mo.
Ill 188-3, i\[r. Reimann formed a partnership with
.lohn Niemes, and at the same time opened the
Falling Springs stone quarry, of thirty-five acres,
located on a branch of the East St. Louis & Car-
ondelet Railroad. This is b^' far the largest quarry
in Southern Illinois, and the firm takes contracts
for great quantities of fine stone. They have done
some very fine work, the Webster, Franklin ami
Lincoln Schools being samples, and others being the
Helms Brewery, the water-works, the principal
business blocks of the city, the Union Depot and
railroad work as far as the Indiana line. Our
subject personally superintends all the work, as
he is a practical stone and brick mason. He owns
considerable property besides his residence at No.
327 Ninth Street.
Mr. Reimann was married in 1871, to Miss Katie
Hermann, who was born in Belleville, and three
children are the result of the union. They are: Mrs.
Elizabeth Dohl, residing in East St. Louis; Cath-
erine and Albert, who are at home. In 1882, Mr.
Reimann was united in marriage with Miss Mary
Salmoh. who was born at Hermann, Mo. His pres-
ent wife bore the maiden name of Katie Schrader,
and was born in Brem-Sehwer, Germany.
642
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Our subject belongs to tlie Independent Ordei-
of Odd Fellows, and is the oldest member of that
order in East St. Louis, having joined in Belleville
in 1869. and is now a member of the Helvetia lodge
here. He is also a Royal Arch Mason, a Knightof
Honor, Knight of Pythias (Uniform Rank), and
one of the Sons of Herman. He is a Republican,
in his political faith, and has very fixed opinions
upon the questions of the day. In their religious
connections, he and his family are members of the
Evangelical Church.
E'
i DWARD C. SCHUETZ. Both in his busi-
[mi ness success and the position he occupies in
/P' — '^ the community, Mr. Schuetz is an example
of what a man can accomplish, providing he pos-
sesses energy, pluck, good judgment and honesty
of purpose, coupled with a respect for the confi-
dence of the people among whom he may live. He
is City Clerk of East St. Louis, to which posi-
tion lie was elected in 1888. He possesses excellent
judgment and good business qualifications, both
of which are necessary for a successful and pros-
perous career.
Born in East St. Louis, 111., on the 9th of Sep-
tember, 1862, our subject is the son of Charles C.
and Charlotte C. (Spellerberg) Schuetz, natives of
Germany, the father born in Dresden and the
mother in Hanover. The paternal grandfather of
our subject, E. C. Schuetz, was a Government
officer and Government Surveyor. He was a prac-
tical civil engineer, in which capacity he served in
the war with Napoleon Bonaparte. In his religious
belief he was a Lutheran. His death occurred in
Dresden, Germany, when he was eighty-three years
old.
The father of our subject, Charles C. Schuetz,
was only eighteen years of age when he crossed
the Atlantic, and after landing in America he
traveled quite extensively in various States. Later,
he entered the regular army and was in the expedi-
tion to the West during the Indian troubles there
under Gen. Kearney. Five years afterward he
returned and was discharged in St. Louis; he
then located in East St. Louis and was there
employed in the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad shops
as painter and decorator of passenger coaches.
During the Civil AVar he enlisted in the Second
Missouri Infantry and for some time saw active
service in the field, but was afterward taken into
the headquarters, Department of the Arm}' of the
Missouri, and made the final report. At the close
of the war he was under Gen. Pope.
For some time after the close of the war Mr.
Schuetz was engaged as book-keeper in a large
lumber business at East St. Louis; subsequently, he
was with a sawmill company in the same place and
still later was Deputy County Assessor under
George AV. Sierber. Afterward he served as Dep-
uty Sheriff for some time and then entered
the employ of the Fourth National Bank of
St. Louis as head book-keeper, which position
he is still occupying. He is a resident of East St.
Louis, where he is prominently identified with
many important public movements. In politics,
he is a Republican, and socially he is identified
with the (irand .\rmy of the Republic as a mem-
ber of Frank V. Blair Post. Mrs. Schuetz is de-
ceased.
Our subject attended the public schools of this
city until 1879. Since earlj' boyhood he has been
familiar with office work, having been employed
in various railroad offices in the city. In his so-
cial connections he is a member of the Knights of
Pj'thias, National Union. In political affiliations
he is a stanch Republican and has served as dele-
egate to count}' and State conventions.
■^#^-
\|^ATHEK PATRICK .T. O'HALLOKAX,
iLs^ Pastor of St. Patrick's Catholic Church at
ill East St. Louis, is a native of Ireland, and
came to America with his parents when a small
boy. The family located in Cincinnati, Ohio,
and there and in Kentucky he received his edu-
cation. He was ordained at Alton, 111., in 1862,
and received his first charge at .Jacksonville. He
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
643
was at various places, some of them being Win-
ohester, Bunker Hill, and Cairo, where he remained
five years, and in 1873, on December 1, he came to
East St. Louis and since then has been the Father
of St. Patrick's Church. It was the first Catholic
Church built in the city and was completed in
1862, having been founded by Father J. .1. Bremen.
Our subject has been verj' active in church work
liere and established the Lorella Convent, and tlie
St. Patrick's Parochial School, which is the largest
in the city. The church is centrally located on
the most desirable ground in the city The paro-
chial residence was completed in 1889 at a cost of
over *10,()0(). It IS finely furnished and has all
modern improvements. In 1890, his congregation
was so large that part of it started the St. Mary's
Church, but yet his congregation is the largest one
here, and he is one of the oldests priests in Alton
and Belleville. Socially, he is a member of the
Ancient Order of Hibernians; the Catholic Knights
of America and the Knights of Illinois; Father
Mathews' Total Abstinence Society; the Societ}'
of the Sacred Heart and the Rosary. He is loved
and looked up to by all his families and is a
devout worker in the Church of Rome, con-
scientiously living up to what he believes to be
right.
J I OHN C. HAMILTO>'. That our subject was
I one of the shrewdest and most intelligent
i agriculturists of St. Clair County is shown
' by the success which has crowned his eflforts,
for he is now living retired from active work of
any kind in the beautiful village of Marissa, where
he is prominent in both business and social circles.
He is a man of much practical business talent and
tinancial ability, and by the judicious investment
of his money has acquired a valuable property,
which, is a standing monument to the energy which
he has put forth in the labors of life, and the good
judgment which has characterized his efforts. His
high standing among his fellow-men is equally
satisfactory proof of his worth as a neighbor and
citizen.
A native of South Carolina, our subject was
born in Chester County, January 26, 1829, and is
a son of John and Sarah (Elder) Hamilton, the
former of whom was born in the above-named
county in 1794. The paternal grandparents of
our subject, Robert and Martha (Ross) Hamilton,
were natives of Ireland, emigrating to America
from County Antrim in 1792, soon after their
marriage.
The father of our subject was reared in his native
county, where he was engaged as a cotton planter
until coming to Illinois in 1831. Locating in Ran-
dolph County, he remained there for three years,
when he took up his abode in St. Clair County,
near where our subject makes his home. His mar-
riage with Miss Elder was solemnized May 1, 1817,
and of their union were born three sons and four
daughters, all of whom are living, with one excep-
tion. They were members of the United Presby-
terian Church, and departed this life in 1876 and
1871, respectively. On the outbreak ofthe AVarof
1812, the father of our subject enlisted in his fa-
ther's stead, and returned home from the conflict
unharmed. In politics, his early years were spent in
support of the Democratic party, but during the
latter part of his life he voted the Republican
ticket.
John C. Hamilton, of this sketch, remained with
his parents until their death, and since attaining
his majority has managed the farm with unqualified
success. He brings to the consideration of all sub-
jects presented to his mind the shrewd and cautious
judgment that characterized his agricultural career,
and though having been engaged all his life as a
tiller of the soil, he has been connected with various
other branches of business, and is now one of the
prominent men in the southeastern [lart of the
country.
In 1857, our subject and Miss Margaret, daugh-
ter of William and Mary (Borden) Meek, were
united in marriage, and to them has been granted
a family of four children. They have been given
the best advantages in an educational waj"', and
three are graduates of different colleges. Relig-
iously, Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are devoted mem-
bers of the United Presbyterian Church, and num-
ber their friends among the best residents of
G14
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the county. A quiet, unassuming man, lie is an in-
fluence for uuicli good in the community where
the greater part of his Ufe has been passed, and his
every deed and act are guided by the highest prin-
ciples of truth, integrity and morality. He is a
firm believer in the political doctrines of the Re-
publican party, and therefore casts his vote with
that element.
nP^ENRY (JUENTZ. This gentleman holds
Wjjfj the important position of Justice of the
'^^' Peace, was City Register of Belleville for
^p) eight successive years, and is also insur-
ance agent at the same place.
Our subject first saw the light of day in Dres-
den, Saxony, Germany, July 5, 1835. Here he
laid the foundation of a good education in the ex-
cellent private schools of his native land. Coming
to America with his mother August 1, 1847, he
finished his course of study in Siiiloh N'alley in
the vicinity of Belleville, for a time under the in-
structions of Milton Scott, who later became Su-
preme Judge. After that he entered the mercan-
tile establishment of P^dward Tittmann, tlie largest
business at that time in Belleville, and remained
with him until his failure in 1857, wiien he was
retained as chief clerk by the assignee until the
business was entirely finished. He then purchased
the Tittmann vineyard and farm in the immediate
vicinity of Belleville, which he operated for ten
years, until 18()8, when he removed to the city of
Belleville, and was appointed to the office of City
Register in 1869, filling that office for eight suc-
cessive years. He was elected Justice of the Peace
in 1873, and still continues to fill that office to the
satisfaction of all parties. He is the oldest Justice
continuing in office, he having held his position
for nearly a quarter of a century. In addition to
his public office he is the agent for a number of
the oldest and largest insurance companies of the
country.
Our subject continued in single blessedness
until August 12, 1862, when he took a wife unto
himself in the person of MaiT Eimer, the accom-
plished daughter of Simon Eimer, a prominent and
leading citizen of Belleville. This happy union
has been blessed with nine children, namely: Louisa;
Mar^-, wife of Otto A. Krebs; Emma, Henry, Jo-
hanna, Eugenia, Helena, Josie and Camilla, all of
whom are a credit to their parents. Henry now
has a position with the Simmons Hardware Co., in
St. Louis, Mo.
Mr. Guentz is a [ironiinent member of the
Knights of Pythias, Ancient Order of United Work-
men, and Knights of Honor. He and his interest-
ing faiuil}' reside in a pleasant home at No. 215
South Charles Street, and no family in Belleville
is more highly esteemed than is that of Mr. Henry
Guentz.
allARLES O. M(C'ASLANI). Among the
- 3'oung and active business men of East St.
Louis is this gentleman, who is a native of
the Prairie State and one of the most prosperous
real-estate dealers in the city where lie makes his
home. He is connected in business with his brother,
J. T. McCasland, of whom a sketch will be found
elsewhere in this work.
He of whom we write was born ne.ar Murr.ayville,
in Morgan County, this State, April 6, 1866, and
received his education in the common schools,
supplemented by a course at the High School at
Jacksonville. Remaining at home until reaching
the age of eighteen years, or in 1884, he came to
this county and joined his brother J. T. in the in-
surance business, in the interests of which he trav-
eled in Nebraska, Colorado, Nevada, Montana,
Wyoming and other States. In June, 1889, Mr.
McCasland returned to the city and became inter-
ested with his brother in various real-estate
plats, he himself attending to the laying out of
North Clearmont, and also handled and platted
the Beacon Heights Addition.
Mr. McCasland was married in St. Louis, in Oc-
tober, 1891, to Miss Nettie, a daughter of David
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
Lusk. now of East St. Louis. Mrs. McCasland was
limn in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and by iier union with
(lui- subject lias become tlie niotliei- of one child,
who bears the name of Julia E. Our subject stands
Minona the worthy and enterprising men of the
community .in which he is respected l)y all who
know him. In his politics, he is an adherentof the
Democracy.
^^+^
[( OHN P. JUEN(;ER is the grandson of Jacob
and Dorcas Juenger, both natives of Ger-
many. His father was John Mitchell Juen-
\g/ ger, and his mother Anna M. (Kahler) Juen-
ger. John M. Juenger served eleven years in tiie
(ierman army, and after obtaining his discharge,
he occupied himself at the shoemaker's bench, which
trade he had most thoroughly- learned. At the
age of twenty-nine years he emigrated with his
family to the United Stales. There were four
children in the Juenger famil}', namely: George;
John P., the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth,
wife of Julius Gairhart; and Catherine, wife of
Michael Keifhler.
John M. Juenger located in Darmstadt, St. Clair
County, 111., in the year 1838. Here he purchased
land and made a pleasant home and he and
each member of the family soon made themselves
respected in the neighborhood in which they re-
sided. Patience and perseverance bring their re-
ward in due time, and Mr. Juenger by industry
and thrift was able to accumulate sufficient of this
world's riches to ease his mind with regard to the
necessities of old age. He, however, did not enjoy
the allotted three-score years and ten, as his death
occurred in the year 1872, while he was surrounded
by a loving family and the friends who had learned
to honor and respect him for the sterling man-
hood they knew him to be the i)OSsessor of. His
intelligent and capable wife, who had bravely
stood by his side in storm aiid sunshine, and in
every respect had done her share to accumulate and
make the most of his resources and maintain the
reputation of tlie family, di(Ml in 18i»l.
In Germany, the Land of his parents and grand-
parents, John P. Juenger was born. Ho was ten
years old when his parents brought him to the
rnited States. He received the ordinary schooling
given to boys of his station and position in life,
and he remained under the paternal roof until his
marriage to Miss Elizabeth Laudenschger, which
occurred in the year 1856, his bride being also
a native of Germany. This union was blessed
by six children: Conrad, who married Miss Anna
Shuster; Dorcas; Catherine, wife of John Steinha-
mer; Augusta, ]\Iai'garet. wife of (ieorge Eckert:
and Sophia.
With genuine (Tcrman thrift and prudence, ^Ir.
Juenger began to save, and he furnished a fair ex-
ample of what a man may become by adhering
to the rules of economy and industry. Com-
mencing life as a poor man, he h.as by his own
will and determination to accumulate amassed a
goodly share of property, made a good home at
.all times for the family who was dependent upon
him, and is to-da^- the possessor of two hundred
and forty acres of choice St. Clair County land, as
well as other jiossessions, all of which are the
achievement of his own personal efforts.
Politically, Mr. Juenger is a Democrat, and up-
holds his party .as a stanch, faithful and loyal ad-
herent. Both he and his estimable wife are mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church, to which organization
he has always contributed liber.ally. He is a pub-
lic-spirited man and in favor of everything that
will improve the county and elevate society. His
fidelity to the stanch principles of his German
ancestors, and his well-spent life as a citizen have
contributed to the high regard in which he is lu'ld
in liis community.
^|p^ AVID MUKPHY is a progressive, wide-awake
!l Jl and intelligent tiller of the soil of Lebanon
%<^ Township, St. Clair County, 111., where he
owns a magnificent farm of three hundred and
ten acres, of which he has' been tlic owner since
646
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1868. Wliat he has accumulated is the result of
hard work, untiring industry and good manage-
ment, and he deserves much credit for tlie admir-
able way in which he has surmounted the many
difficulties that have strewn his pathway through
life. He began tlie battle of life for himself .as a
renter, but in 1861 bought one hundred and Hfty-
two acres north of his present farm, exchanging it
for the latter seven years later and paying a differ-
ence of $10,000 in cash. He was born in County
Cork, Ireland, March 22, 1833, a son of Tlioraas
and Abbie (Leahy) Murphy, with whom he came
to America in 1849, landing at New Orleans. From
tiiat place they came to St. Louis, and tliere the
mother died the following June of cholera, her
luisband's death of the same dread disease i
occurring in September following. Their family
consisted of five children: Ann, who died in 1860,
became the wife of Mr. Foley, who is also de-
ceased; David, the subject of this sketch; Dennis
l)ecame a soldier in the Union army, and is sup-
posed to have been killed at Pittsburgh Landing,
altliough no authentic news of his death was ever
received; Ellen is a resident of St. Louis; and
Mar3' died in girlhood in St. Louis.
David Murphy was a resident of Shiloh >'alley
Township of tiiis count}- prior to the Civil War,
and, although his finances were at avery low ebb, he
set energetically to work to better his condition,
but found it uphill work for a number of years.
He removed to Lebanon Township in 1861 and
bought tlie land adjoining his present farm, but, as
above stated, became the owner of his present farm
in 1868. He has a beautiful, commodious and
substantial residence, and every nook and crannv
of his farm is exceptionally neat and well kept,
showing that a man of intelligent and enlight-
ened views is at the helm. On the 20th of March,
18.59, he was married to Miss Martha \erlinda
Moore, a daughter of Rev. William and Margaret
(Alexander) Moore, and in due course of time the
following ciiildren gathered about their hearth-
stone: Margaret, who became the wife of ,Iohn
Midgley, who is an employe of the St. Louis
Bridge Company, is the mother of one child, Ethel,
an infant; Edith is at home with her imrents; Al-
bert died iu infancy; Ellen and MilUaui are at
home. Mr. Murphy has always been interested in
school and educ.itional matters, and his children
have received the advantages of the common
schools in the vicinity of their home.
Mr. Murphy is a well-informed gentleman on all
topics of general interest, and believes in keeping
in constant touch with the current issues of the
da}-. He is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, and
is very popular both in his immediate neighbor-
hood and wherever he is known. He has served in
the capacit}' of Highway Commissioner and School
Director, and politically is in sympathy with the
Democratic party. He is a member of the Method-
ist Church, as is also his wife, but is liberal in his
support of other denominations also. His wife is
a sister of Risdon A. Moore, of Shiloh Vallej- Town-
ship, and her parents were among the very early
settlers of St. Clair County, having become resi-
dents of Shiloh Valley Township in 1810. A
genealogy of her family has recently been prepared,
which covers nearly one hundred pages.
^^i|^-.l^i|M#!#i^
^ ^ILLIAM L. JONES, editor and proprietor
\rJl' of the Lebanon Jmirnal, belongs to one of
^f% the representative and honored pioneer
families of St. Clair County, where his entire life
has been passed. He was here born June 7, 1859,
and received his education in the common schools
of Lebanon and at .McKendree College, from which
institution he was graduated in 1879. Two years
later his father, Oliver P. Jones, purcha.sed the
plant of the Lebanon Journal, at which time our
subject embarked in the printing business, and
soon became a practical printer .as well as success-
ful manager of a country newspaper.
In 1882, Mr. Jones became a memlier of the
Southern Illinois Press Association, in which he
soon att.iiiieil >uch prominence as would be ex-
pected from a man of his unquestioned abilit\- and
talent. In 18H7, he joined the Illinois Press As-
sociation, and has since attended all the meetings
of that organization, serving as delegate to the
touveution of the National Editorial Association
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD.
647
at Detroit in 1889; Boston, 1890; St. Paul, 1891;
and San Francisco in 1892. His service as Presi-
dent of the Soutliern Illinois Press Association, to
which position he was elected in 1891, has re-
sulted in the advancement of the interests of that
society to a marked extent.
For more than eleven years Mr. Jones has
been the capable and efficient editor of the Leb-
anon Journnl, one of the wide-awake papers of
the county, and of great value to the community.
During 1890, he was a member of the party of
Illinois editors who went to the city of Mexico,
and lias also traveled extensively elsewhere. He
is correspondent of the Illinois J^tate Natural His-
tory Society, and holds other positions of respon-
sibility and honor.
•*-^^-
|r^,IC'IlARD AV. ROPIEQUET, an attorney-at-
ijUf^ law, of Belleville, 111., born in that city
JL. V March 23, 1866, is a son of Frederick K. and
Anna (Wangelin) Ropiequet, the latter a
sister of Richard Wangelin. The father of our
subject was born on the Rhine, Bavaria, December
16, 1835, his father being an attorney of ample
means, who died in 1847. Frederick K. Ropiequet
received a classical education in the German lan-
guage, and was educated as an engineer. He emi-
grated to the I'nited States in 1852, landing at
New York and proceeding to Belleville, where he
found employment as clerk in a general merchan-
dise store. In the following year, he was a|)-
pointed assistant engineer, and aided in the con-
struction of the Alton, Terre Haute A St. Louis
Railroad. Study of law next engrossed his atten-
tion, but when George C. Hart was elected Sheriff
he was made a Deputy under that oHieer, and in
1864 was himself elected Sheriff. After his term
of office expired, he engaged in the manufacture
of agricultural implements until 1876. The books
of abstracts of St. Clair County were completed by
him in 1877. Two years later, in 1879, he was
elected City Treasurer and re-elected Sheriff in
1880, In the vt-nr JW68. he was elected Mayor of
the city of Belleville. His time is now devoted to
the abstracting of titles.
The subject of this sketch received his educa-
tion in the schools of Belleville and at Smith
Academy of Washington University, St. Louis,
after which he read law with Charles W. Thomas,
and was admitted to practice by examination in
August, 1886, receiving his license when but
twenty-one years old. Taking an office in Belle-
ville at once and appl^'ing himself diligently, he
has built up a good practice. Exclusive attention
to his profession and faithful regard for the in-
terests of clients have resulted in the establishing
of himself thus early in his career in the confidence
of friends and the public. He has his office in the
Academy of Music building. Our subject was
married to Miss Mamie W. Crouch, daughter of
William T. Crouch, the photographer, April 14,
1890, by whom he has had one child, Wilfred C.
His religious belief is pronounced, he being a
Steward and Trustee of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and also Superintendent of its Sunday-
school. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Ropiequet is
on .South Jackson Street.
^T% R. C. F. WILHELMJ. a talented and suc-
I ))) cessful physician and surgeon of East St.
'^3^ Louis, 111., is a native of the State and
was born on Elkhorn Prairie, near Nash-
ville, Washington County. His father. Dr. Charles
Wilhelmj, was well known throughout Southern
Illinois, and ranked high in his profession. He
was born in the duchy of Nassau, in Germany, of
which duchy his father, the paternal grandfather
of our subject, was Governor. Dr. Charles Wil-
helmj was a graduate of the University of Heidel-
berg, and attended the University of Munich. He
passed peacefully away at the age of seventy-six
years, a man universally respected and honored.
A wife and five children and a host of friends
mourned his death. At the time of the Revolu-
tion of 1848 in Germany, he had taken an active
i-ORTEAIT A^'D BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
part and was obliged afterward to seek refuge in
America. He spent his first year in tiiis country
in Cincinnati, finally locating in Maeystown,
where he remained in the active duties of his pro-
fession until his death, a brief time ago.
The mother of our subject was Sophia Ballot, a
daughter of Dr. Fred Ballot, of Waterloo. Dr.
Ballot was a native of Germany, and a graduate
of Heidelberg, and early emigrating to the United
States, settled in Waterloo, being the pioneer
doctor of that flourishing town. Our subject was
an only child, and after the death of his mother in
1860, was sent to St. Louis, where he attended the
public school, and later went to an aunt in St.
.loe, there receiving the benefit of a High .School
course. In 1877, he returned to Washington
County, and studied medicine under his father.
In the fall of the same year, he entered the St.
Louis Medical College, and graduated from the
medical department witii the degree of M. D. in
1880. For the five succeeding 3'ears, Dr. C. F.
Wilhelmj practiced medicine with his father, and
at the expiration of this time removed to East St-
Louis, where he enjoys one of tiie most extended
and lucrative fields of piactice in the city. His
office, No. 13 Nortii Main Street, is conveniently
located and aside from his professional round of
visits affords Dr. Wilhelmj an excellent income.
Our subject was for one term the CJounty
Hospital Physician for p]ast St. Louis. He is the
local examiner of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, and is also the Medical Examiner of the
American Legion of Honor, and also of the
Knights and Ladies of Honor. Dr. Wilhelmj is a
member of the Illinois Medical Association, and is
A'ice-president of the St. Clair County Medical As-
sociation. Our subject is likewise a member of the
Monroe County Medical Association. Dr. Wilhelmj
is in political affiliations a stalwart Re|)ublican,and
h.as held the responsible position of County Com-
niissionei-, discharging the duties of the office witli
honor and ability. He is deeply interested in the
management of iioth local and national affairs and
ever ready to assist in all progressive movements
and enterprises of merit, and is widely known as an
earnest and ])ulilic-spirited citizen. Upright in
cliaracler and ilcvolcd to tlie relief of suffering
humanitj', our subject brings to the daily exercise
of his profession skillful knowledge, excellent
judgment, and a courteous bearing which have de-
servedly won the confidence and esteem of a large
circle of friends and well-wisiiers.
-^^l
\^^
^lllLU' 11. POSTEL, a practical and suc-
cessful miller, h.as acquired his knowledge
of tlie business by the most studious and
searching habits, and has grown gray in
solving liie problem of how to excel in making flour.
A German by birth, he inherits many of the most
commendable qualities of that race, among which
may be mentioned honesty of purpose, industry
and thrift. His birth occurred on the lllh of
July, 1818, at Hassloch, Rheinpfalz, to George and
Maria Kathrina ((iramlich) Postel, who were born,
reared and spent thiir li\c> in Germany.
In his youth Pliilip II. Postel was possessed of
a laudable ambition t<> make fame and fortune
for himself, and with this end in view he came to
America in 1841, embarking for this country at
a E^-encli seaport, Havre, on the 9tli of May, and
landing at New York City on the 22d of June.
; After a short residence in the metropolis of this
countr3', he went to Philadelphia on the first rail-
road that was built in America, from which city
he went by canal to Pittsburgh, and then by
j river to St. Louis, Mo., the journey occupying
i three weeks. He came to Mascoiitah as a visitor
j to the Eisenmayer family, and only expected to
spend a few years in this country, hut by the
20th of November, 1841, he became idcntiticd in
business witii Conrad and Philip II. Kisenmayer,
w1k> were at that time operating a grist and saw
mill. Mascoutah comprised only eleven houses
at that time, and the mill of which these gentle-
men were the proprietors was the first one ever
erected in Mascoutah Township.
A short time after their connection was formed,
the firm purclia.sed a watermill in Monroe County,
about four miles from Red Bud, a i)roject which
iniforliiuati'ly proved a failure, and tlie mill was
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sold in 1846. Mr. Postel has been associated
with five partners, two of them at two different
times, but at the present time has no associates
excepting his three sons. Their plant consists of
three fine mills, and the business was incorpor-
ated in 1886 with Philip H. Postel, Sr., as Presi-
dent; P. H. Postel, Jr., Vice-president; George
Postel, Treasurer; and .Julius Postel, Secretary.
Among the brands of flour manufactured are
the "Elegant," "Patent," "Extra," "A," "Mas-
coutah Star," and others. The mills have a ca-
pacit}' of one thousand barrels per day, and the
constant bustle of receipt and shipment makes it
one of the busiest corners of the place. They are
fitted up with every device known to milling
science, are up with, and even ahead of. the times,
and have a large local trade, of which the home con-
sumption is the strongest endorsement the flour
could have. The wonderful success to wliich Jlr.
Postel has attained may be attributed to the fact
that he makes the finest flour in the market, sus-
tains the uniformity of his brands, and offers cus-
tomers the best terms, by reason of his large capi-
tal and by treating everyone with whom he has
business relations in a courteous manner.
In the land of his birth Mr. Postel received, as
was cusloniary in his country, only a common-
school education, but in a compulsory public
school. As his instructors were intelligent and
thoroughly understood their duties, he made fair
progress in his studies. In this country, after
working eighteen hours a day, he found time to
attend night school one hour of the remaining
six, where he took lessons in English in order to
master to a certain degree the intricacies of this
language. He was one of four children. Eva
Catherine and Andrew both died of cholera; .nnd
Anna Margaret, who died in the parental home
at Germania at the age of seventy-four years.
On the 4th of September, 1842, Philip H. Postel
was united in marriage with Miss Anna ]Maria
Eisenmayer, a daughter of Philip 11. and Anna
Elizabeth(Haas)Eisenmajer, of Hassloch, (Germany,
and sister of Conrad Eisenmayer, his partner. She
was born in (ierniany and came to America with
lier brollier Conrad in 1840. Of the chiUboii
born to Mr. and Mrs. Postel two died in infancy
30
and seven are now living, viz: Elizabeth, who is
still at home; jMaria E., wife of Carl Schwalb, who is
residing in Denver, Colo.; Philip H., Jr., also at
home; George, who married Miss Dora Jansen, of
Quincy; Anna, wife of John Fackt, of Mas-
coutah; Louisa, wife of Boyd Cornick, M. I)., of
Knickerbocker, Green Count}', Tex.; and Julius,
who married Amalia, daughter of John P. Postel.
The above-named children have enriched their
father with seventeen grandchildren.
Mr. Postel is a man of intelligent, practical and
progressive views, and while serving as a member
of the State Legislature during the session of
1881-82, he was a thoughtful, painstaking, con-
scientious and industrious member of that body.
He was elected to this honorable position on the
Republican ticket, the principles of which polit-
ical order he has always supported, and his con-
stituents had every reason to be pleased with him
as their representative. He was also appointed
one of the Board to subdivide St. Clair County
into townships. All measures of morality"find
in him a stanch supporter, and he is an especially
earnest patron of education and lias served in the
capacity of Trustee of the Illinois State University
when said ofHce was still an appointive one. He
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and has "kept the faith" since 1841, being at
present Superintendent of the _ Sunday-school,
which ottice he has held for over 'thirty years.
;fpVEV. HENRV EDGAR FULLER has been
[1^ following a calling that is the noblest lo
Jv \V wliich n man can devote his life, and in the
\£) <a|ia(ity of the pastor of the First Baptist
Church of Belleville, he has had a fruitful field in
which to sow the seed of Christianity. His work
has required patience, persistence and grace, but
he is possessed of all these commendable qualities,
and during the six years that he has been a resi-
dent of Belleville his work has been truly noble
and he has laid his fouiidntioiis (•.•uefiilly and well
lie is an eloquent pulpit oralur, his jcimons show
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
much painstaking thought, and his illustrations
are always happy and to the point. His power is
largely in his capacity for training his people,
especially the young, and the boys and girls who
are now in his hands will become men and women
of might. He was born at Lake Geneva, Wis.,
March 12, 1852, a sou of L. W. and Huldah Ann
(Ingham) Fuller, both of whom were born in the
Empire State. By occupation the fatiier is a
tiller of the soil, having his home in Lake
Geneva, Wis. He is of English descent and traces
his ancestry back in direct line to the sixteenth
century.
In the towu of his birth Rev. Henry E. Fuller
received his education and for some time was an
attendant at Lake Geneva Seminary, and the
AVhitewater Normal College, a State institution,
finishing his literary education in the University
of Chicago, which he entered in 1874 and from
which he graduated in 1878 with the degree of 15.
A. Succeeding this, he began his theological stud-
ies in the Baptist Theological University of Mor-
gan Park, 111., and graduated in the Class of '84.
In 1879 he preached the Gospel at East Dela-
vnn. Wis., and also for a short time supplied a
pulpit at Lake Geneva, after which he was pastor
of a church at Walnut, 111., for two years. He
was ordained on the 6th of December, 1881, by a
council composed of eighteen members, represent-
ing eleven churches. While taking his theological
course, he preached for seven months at Amboy,
111.
After graduating, the first charge of Hex. IMr.
Fuller was at Marion, Iowa, where he remained from
1884 to 1887, during which time thirty-seven
accessions were made to the chuicli. From Marion
he came to Belleville, 111., in response to an urgent
call, and here his services in the vineyard of his
^Master have been attended with tiatlering success.
Since locating here a parsonage has been erected at
a cost of 13,200, sixty-one accessions have been
made to the church, and a Normal Class of twenty-
live members h.as been in existence for the past
four years, the members of which, in this manner,
lit themselves for church work. A Young Peo-
|)le's Society of Christian Endeavor has been or-
g:uiized with twenty-five active and forty asso-
ciate members, and a class of fifty of "Willing
Workers" has been organized, which is composed
of both boys and girls. The Sunday-school at-
tendants number one hundred and fifty and the
school is presided over by jM. W. Weir, who, be-
sides being one of the very best lawyers in the
city, finds time to be a most excellent Ciiurch
Clerk and Treasurer.
Rev. Mr. Fuller attends National, State and Di*-
Irict Associations, Ministers' Institutes, etc. He is
active in the Alton District Association, and was
j very earnest and active in organizing the Baptist
Young People's Society of the Alton District
Association. He is very conscientious and pains-
taking in his work, and as a natural result he has
brought many to the feet of Christ. At the
Alumni Association of the Morgan Park Theolog-
ical Association in 1890 he read a beautiful orig-
inal poem, which wc take the liberty of inserting:
SADRA.
|Ali iinajriiiary scone intended to represent a seeker for the
j t]-utli, who. after meeting the representatives of various faiths,
finally recognizes the Uliristian faith as superior to all others.l
1 O welcome muse, come down from starry height,
Awake the power that sleeps, and bid the light
I To stream thro' clouds that gather, energize
Some dormant gift, and may the spirit rise
To sing in lofty and exultant strain
I Of Him who doth exeell Far, far away.
Where many charming isles are seen to lay
Like gems upon the bosom of the deep,
Is one whose verdure green and mountain steep
And ever quiet shores ^attract the e.ye.
The sails of many ships are drawing nigh —
There seems to disembark a mighty throng,
Of which the varied people do belong
To every race beneath the sun. Ere long
The beauteous isle is peopled, and among
Its sloping hills and through its valleys fair
Are many sacred spires and domes, that vie
With one another for supremacy.
By Mount Eringel, nigh its southern base.
Amid ambrosial fragrance, is a place
Delightsome. There, behold a maiden fair
Did wander to a spot sequestered, where
Gushed forth from rocky bed a limpid stream.
And there in shady bower reclined to dream
Of life, and all its unsolved mysteries
Of sorrow, pain and grief, and remedies
For all the ills of life, if such there be,
Of what from guilt has power to set me free.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHTCAL RECORD.
651
These questions rising in lier mind left naught
Hut sadness, and in tears she vainly sought
To find some higher power to satisfy
Tiie soid's demand, when, lo, before her eye
Api)roaching near, in lovely robe arrayed,
A form most radiant 'mid the forest shade;
Her beauty thrilled, but mild with grace she bade
All fear be gone, and said, "Why art thou so sad?
A messenger I come, and now invoke
Your earnest soul." In tender words slie spoke.
•■ Reneath proud Ilimalaja's snowy crest
Tiierc is a land by sacred story blest,
Of him who lived to dissipate the niglit
Of ignorance, and give all Asia light.
'Tis good Siddartha, who has struggled on
And mounted higher and liigher and has won
The great Nirvana. Come and follow me.
For him we worship. Happy you shall be."
Beyond the sloping hill was Buddha's shrine.
And thither did the}' wend their wa^-. Wlicre vine
P^n wreathed the sturd\- tree, and verdure green
And bowers fair and varied flowers were seen.
The temple stood. The priests drew near and
throngs
Of humble worshippers with sacred songs
Upon their lips, and while they gathered round
To worship, Sadra heard the solemn sound
Of tinkling bells, and now before the shrine
Of Buddha monks and abbots fall in line.
And popes and bishops solemn homage pay
To him who brought to Asia light — the way
To virtue and to hap])iness; and all
The ardent worshippers of Buddha fall
Upon their knees, and now pervades the air
The voice of supplication and of prayer.
But soon the sound of manv voices die
Away, and eagerly they list, with eye
Upon the priest, who tells them how to live
And be like good Siddartha, and to give
Their lives to deeds of charity, and gam
By deeds of merit freedom from all pain
And consciousness, or else a blessed state
Oblivious, or absorption in tlie great
Nirvana. But the service fails to wear
Away the took of sadness and of care
Among the eager listeners. No word.
No song, no prayer, no language they have heard
H.<is shown how guilt and sin are washed awa}'.
This life is dreary, no eternal day
Shines l)right before them. Doubting nmrc and
more,
The humble Sadra, pondering o'er and o'er
The message, strayed again. Where lifted liigli
The giant trees their lofty branches, nigh
A running brooklet in the welcome shade,
'Mid nature in its loveliest form iirrayed,
She sat oblivious of the passing day,
And thought of nature's God, who could arraj'
With myriad graceful forms and colors clear
Tliis world of life and beauty. Drawing near,
The darkness stole upon her. Then she stood
And shuddered, conscious of the solitude
Around her. Lo, a figure lank and lean
Approaches. From her strange and ghastly mien
She would have Hed. But when she spoke in tone
So mild and clear, and made her message known,
The timid Sadra listened. She addressed
Her thus: "If ever more thou wouldst be blest,
I tell thee of the sunn}' land where flow
The Indus and the Ganges, and where grow
The choicest fruits and tropic plants, and where.
Embedded 'neath the soil, are treasures rare;
Wiiere mind has soared and victory has crowned
Their lofty search, and trutii eternal's found —
With Yedie hymns and prayers and Indian lore.
With sacred streams and Vishnu to adore —
AVith torture of the body and supreme
Dislike of matter. Let thy beauty seem
An evil, and behold my haggard face
With many a bruise and scar. Thine outward
grace
Is guilt and evil, nought beneath the stars
Isg0(j(l liiit s|iirii. Now with ugly scars
I pray tlin' uin y thy form so true and fair
Be bruised. Sc (■!< some forest where
The iiiiclvly ilmin is growing.and amid
Its many nuly lunnches I now bid
Thee tliiu.-l llivsclf, for thou slialt save thy soul
By means of conscious pain. Would'st thou be
whole.' —
Wish not for death, wish not for life, repeat
The self-inflicted torture, and may heat
And cold combine to rack thy frame, then pore
For many a day through all the Vedic lore.
Come follow me and I will show thee how
We sacrifice to Vishnu, how to bow
Before those forms inscribed upon the stone —
Of men with elephiiiitine lieads, and grow'u
From human shiijie reptilian heads
And grisly nii>iistfr>." Sadra trembles, dreads
The honid \i>iiL;v. luciks almut, and when
Thick ihukness throws its iininlle o'er her, then
With quickest speed slie darted thro' the wood.
While every form amid the solitude
Was like some ghostly figure. Soon she dreamed
Beneath the humble roof, while faintly gleamed
A ray of light upon her burdened soul;
And while she longed the mystery to unroll,
She pondered thus: " There is one God who
made
The world. With wondrous wisdom was each
blade
Of grass .•mil flower formed. The heavens show
His might. But does He see me, hear me, know
652
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Me, love me? Is there hope beyond? Will fear
Of just desert be gone by trusting?" Near
Her view the clouds would almost Open; day
By day the thouglit repeated, and the i-ay
Of light still lingered. Hope revived. She sought
To hear the voice of nature, and, while naught
Responded, she did love to wander where
The beauteous forms around her did declare
The wisdom of the great Creator. Near
The sound of falling waters, where appear
The ripples of the stream on rocky bed,
Where come to view the caves and lof tj" head
Of jutting cliffs, the seething foam and spra_y
From falling cataract, did Sadra stray.
The snow-white poppy and the craggy ledge
And creeping iv}- vines, and by the edge
Of running streams tiie tufts of moss, and 'round
The foot of hills the green turf, and the sound
Of feathered songsters warbling in the air
Their notes of sweetest cadence, bade all care
To flee away. But while in reverie
'Mid varied forms beneath the canopy
Of nature, lo, appears a distant gleam
Of sword or sabre. Musi she ford the stream
And seek the woody shelter? Can it be
That from this beauteous Eden she must tlee?
Again she looks. A giant form draws near,
AVith armor flashing in the sunlight. Fear.
Now tries the nerve of vSadra, for the deep
And rapid stream that flows beneath the steep
Rock rushes madly, while a warrior foe
Did cause her heart to quail. His piercing eye
Bespoke of war. But ere a shriek or cry
She utters, he has thrown his sword aside
And scimitar. " The deep and flowing tide
I praj' thee do not cross," he said and smiled.
AVith pleasing words, lie spoke in accents mild —
" Two camel marches from the great Red Sea.
'Mid wild Arabian hills, idolatry
Is banished evermore. 'Tis Mecca by
The Mount of Light, where intersecting ways
Bring pilgrims from afar, who love and praise
Tlie hallowed spot. Within its wall there stands
The sacied mosque, whose solemn form demands
Our reverence. Enclosed by colonr.ade
Tliey see the holy Ka'ba that was made
By pro|)hets old, and on its holy wall
The consecrated black stone, which, at call
Of Abraham, the Angel Gabriel brought
From starry height, and millions there have
sought
Its mystic touch. O'ersiirea.l with black buirado
From hoary Egypt's city, and o'erlaid
With band adorned with golden letters, wrought
With skill from sacred ICoran, where is taught
The way to heaven: the holy place wc view
And near its site, the eager throng renew
Their vigor by the water from the well
Of Hagar. There is naught that can excel
The words of wisdom that the suppliants hear.
In reverence now they gather and with ear
Attentive listen to the message. Light to all
AVho .seek a heaven above, where bright
Robed angels sing and chant their pseans, came
From lips of Islam's follower, whose aim
It w.as a brighter, holier light to shed —
Not everlasting chaos for tiie dead.
Tliere is no god but fiod; the Islam faith
Brings life and liglit and heaven, all others death.
All others let them lie accursed. The priest
Continues, says the ci< x-fnt lias i-eleased
From death the milli.'iis wIk. ,-Mcc|)ied, said
If all would bow and \vc>i~hi|]. then the dread
Tiiat filled their soul and made them sad would
flee.
And heaven's brightest glories they would see.
Then prostrate on their face the people pray
And mutter 'Allah! Allah!' " — "Daughter, say
Before me now that thou will ever be
The humble follower and devotee
Of Islam," said the stranger in a tone
Persuasive. Lovely Sadra, almost won
By words inspiring, asked •' If God so great
Would, like a tender Father, bid the weigiil
Of sin be gone, and love me, or am I
A slave and God a t^'rant? " No reply.
The winning smile has disappeared, and now
AVith voice stentorian, vengeance on his brow.
He added, " Holy .lust One, most divine.
Has ordered this, the crescent, Islam's sign.
To be a mark of fealty. May it be thine
Forever, wilttliou not? Then we combine
AVith mortal weapons." Then with rapid move
He grasped his sword and scimitar to prove
Her loyalty, and spoke: "A conquering host,
AA'e're marching onward, and demanding most
Abject obedience to our faith." Then flashed
His gleaming armor, and with force he dashed
Beside the rapid stream on rock}' bed
AVhereon he stood a clump of clay, and .said
" So may it ever be to one and all.
To every race who live upon this ball
AVho follow not the crescent." Human tongue
Can ne'er describe her terror. Fear had wrung
Her nerves, and horrid death was near her. Yield
She could not. "God." she cried, "come nigh and
wield
Some power lo .set me free!" But list, a cry
That rent the airl The warrior fell to die;
Then rose a shout of triumph, while drew nigh
The bitter foe of Islam, vengeance in his eye.
And while she stood and trembled with alarm
lie came a frieiiil, and liade her fear no harm.
"Well might you quail before that vilest foe,"
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
He said, " hut my protecting Aegis, lo
I give you, 'tis the crucifix, tlie sign
Of Calvary. Redemption will be tbine
If thou accept." But Sadra, weak with fright.
Implored protection ere the coming night
.Should bring thick darkness. "Sisters, come," he
said.
When rose two forms, in plain attire, who led
The frightened Sadra to their palace home.
With tender voice tiie Sisters bade lier come
And seek repose. — The morning breaks; the day
Has dawned, and ere the maiden goes her way.
While in the palmy grove on rustic seat,
The loving sisters offer to repeat
The story of the cross, and thus recite:
" If thou would'st know the only fount of light,
Far off by ancient Tiber's flowing stream
Amid the seven hills, where once did gleam
The dickering, glimmering light of pagan lore.
And heathen emperors ruled fiom shore to shore,
The Kternal City stands. The reverend head
Of all the churchl3' power, designed to shed
Tiie light of truth o'er all the world, resides
AVithin it« gates and sits enthroned, presides
As the annointed one with mystic ke^-
To open heaven's doors and grant the tree
Of life to all who worship and adore
The holy faith. Come kneel and bow before
His chosen priest, tiie secrets of thy heart
I'nbosom, and forever will depart
Thy guilt; and wear the crucifix, the sign
Of Him who came and showed His power divine.
And died and rose." A loving parting word.
And Sadra hastened, pondering what she heard.
Mor pope, nor priest, nor city, nor the power
Of churchly lule were valued in the hour
Of meditation, buj. the One who died
Upon the cross, and as she thought she sighed
And breathed a prayer — " Be merciful to me!"
Time moved with rapid pace, and speedily
Were changes wrought. And now a guest refined
Approaches where beneath the bough reclined
The gentle Sadra. Gracefully he speaks.
And softly does she answer, while he seeks
To win her favor. 'Neath that spreading tree,
Where violets bloomed and sweet anemone.
Where gentle zephyrs fanned her golden locks,
Near by the jutting cliff of tiintj' rocks,
'Mid lovel}' foliage with its fragrance sweet.
They sat in converse on the rural seat.
The scenes through which she passed, the thought
that wove
Upon her, she recounted. " Nevermore,
I pray thee," said her guest " allow thy thouglit
To wander in the dark. I long have sought
To know the triith. We live where myths abound —
There is no faith in all the woi'ld around
Entitled to our credit; and no light
Except from nature. Banish from your sight
The endless creeds that stay all progress, scan
For naught the Koran, Vedas, Bible. Man
Should never be enslaved to fables. Turn
Your thoughts from prodigies and wonders. Learn
The world of facts, for we have reached beyond
The miracles, and conjurer's magic wand.
The puerile words of Buddha, Laotse,
Confucius and the Christ of Galilee.
The flimsy ground on which their teachings stand
Has broken down. No longer they command
Respect from thoughtful men. The mighty acts
Of men of science, dealing in a world of facts,
Demand our homage." With triumphant air
He ceased. A pause ensued, and Sadra fair
Did softly question thus: "What then is true?"
A painful pause, and then the silence grew
Prolonged. No answer. Now beneath the brow
Of yonder hill, the sun is sinking low.
While twilight shades are thickening; lovingly
He clasps her hand in his and winninglj'
Awaits a glance responsive; vain his art!
And with a parting word and heavj' heart
He turns his homeward way. In shady grove.
In after time, where anciently did rove
The wild and savage natives, she did gaze
I'pon the throng assembling. What a maze
When motley crowds their many voices raise
In honor of their gods! And while all praise
Their faith, she sees the wild and haggard face
Of Brahma's devotee, and with her lovely grace
The beauteous form of Buddha's worshipper
The holy crescent's gleam, the messenger
Of Rome with crucifix, and in the train
Belie\(i- in thv spirit world, who fain
Woulil -ri k mill' rrnts, and agnostics small
And t;ir.ii. ( oiilueius' followers, and all
Who follow Aliraham. Now stands in view
A messenger of peace to tell the true
From false. They hear his voice, profound
The silence reigns. They ne'er have heard the
sound
Of words so welcome. Tlius the stianger spoke,
"If thou wouldst know the only e.asy yoke
Allied with freedom, hear tlie joj'ful sound
Of Zion's song to all the world around,
And know the one true light, the guiding stai-.
There is a chain of lakes that stretches far
Within a mighty continent, and one
Extending southward, on whose shore has grown
A mighty city. On a gentle rise of ground
Still southward from the bustle and the sound
Of cit3' clamor, is the modest seat
Of Christian learning. There inquirers meet
654
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
An(J learn of Him wlio was a sacrifice
For all who hear His message. Analyze
The truth and sift the error, then go forth
As heralds to proclaim His matchless worth.
Thence came I to this beauteous isle to tell
Of Him whose rising glory doth excel.
He speaks to you, 'Come unto Me and I
Will give you rest. God sent Me here to die
That you may live.' " Thus boldly spoke the one
Who came with joyful news. No sooner done,
Than Sadra, auclaored in the truth, did find
Her burden gone. Now all the light combined
Of Asia, Islam, and their boasted lore
Did sink away invisible before
The brighter lustre of that glorious cross,
And all their words of wisdom seemed but dross
Beside the Christian hope and Christ who brings
Redemption. Listen, while the stranger sings
The Gospel songs! There comes the piercing cry,
"What shall I do? Can hearts of crimson dye
Be cleansed?" They hear, they live, the chorus
song
The}' join, and praise the Son. Amid the throng
Is heard the clash of arms, the voice of war
To meet by force the stranger from afar.
Again his voice is heard, while silence reigned —
" No arms we bring. Our faith shall ne'er be
stained
By worldly force. Shall we put out the stars
That all may see tiie sun? We need not mar
The feeble lights to make our deeds seem bright —
Disturb not others with their glimmering light.
The Son of Righteousness hath risen, shines
His glory forth, and all the heathen shrines
Will quickly crumble 'neath His heavenly rays,
And all shall join His holy name to praise."
Rev. Fuller has made a specialty of the study
of Greek and Latin, and has read two of his liter-
ary productions before the St. Louis Ministers'
Association. During his career in the Chicago
University he was class-poet during the entire
course, and frequently lead his pioductions in
public. He also edited the Volante, the Univer-
sity paper. May 16, 1882, he was united in
marriage with Miss Alice Stearns, of Lake Gen-
eva, Wis., a native of Oshkosh, Wis., and a
daughter of L. P. and Alura A. (Kinney) Stearns,
of Oshkosh. She was educated in her native place
and Milwaukee, and for about seven 3'ears was a
teacher in the public schools near Lake Geneva.
She is a noble woman in every respect, and is a
model in her home, in the church, and in the so-
cial circle in which she moves. Quick in her
sympathies, intelligent and tactful in her honesty,
brave in her modesty, she is a rare power in all
her husband's work. She has borne her husband
three children: Henry Hill, born July 13, 1883;
William Edgar, who died at the age of three
years; and Frederick Hudson, born September II,
1892. Socially, Rev. Mr. Fuller is a member of the
Knights of Pythias.
'|I/_-^ENRY BERTELSMANN, who resides on sec-
Wjj] t'on 4, Smithton Township, St. Clair
JW^ County, 111., was born in the Province of
(^) Hanover, Germany, in 1821. He came to
this country in 1823, and first located at
St. Louis. There he engaged in teaming, and
made that city his home for thirty years, when he
I'cmoved to St. Clair County, 111., and rented a
farm, which he cultivated. While living at St.
Louis, he married Miss Maria Hamm, who bore
him five ciiildren. Tiring of paying rent-money,
and having saved up something, he looked out
for a tract that would be suitable for a peimanent
home, and finally purchased the farm upon which
he now lives. This consists of one hundred acres
of good land, all of it well improved in conse-
quence of industry and careful attention to all
the details of the farm. Good tillage has brought
tangible results, which permitted the erection of
needed good buildings, fences, etc., most of which
have been erected by Mr. Bertelsmann since he
bought the place. His care has been to have a
comfortable home for his family and a commodi-
ous barn and outhouses for his stock. The princi-
pal crops raised upon the farm are potatoes, corn,
wheat, etc.
The marriage of Mr. Bertelsmann to Miss llainni
has resulted in a family of five children, all of
whom are living. John C. lives at home and runs
the farm for his father. He married Miss Teresa
Yutzh, who has borne him ten children, five of
wiiom are living. Mary, the second child, is the
widow of Frank Lachemeyer. J. H., the third
child, lives in Smithton Township. Henry, the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
fourth, live^ on the C'entreville roatl. Annie, the
fifth, the wife of Charles Weber, lives at Belleville.
Our subject holds religious views that were in-
stilled into him in his childhood and from which
he has not in any wise departed, he being a mem-
ber of the Roman Catholic Church. While taking
an interest in affairs relating to the county, State
and nation, he does not take a prominent or very
active part in politics. Still he has at heart the
success of the Democratic party, which he always
assists with his vote and his influence. During
the late war, he was drafted into tiie army, but he
could not tind it convenient to go, so he hired a
substitute, to whom he paid the sum of %i 1,000.
^g HAKLES H. SA(4EH, of Lebanon Township,
ill r ^^' ^'^''" County, III., was born November
\Uf' .'), 1838, at Lancaster, Fairfield County,
Ohio. His father was born near Hamburg, (Jer-
many, .Tune 12, 1800, and died July 1, 1877; his
mother, born in Virginia in 1803, died in the year
1880. They were married in Ohio, and removed
to Washington C. H., Fayette County. Our
subject is one of seven children, namely: Eliza-
beth, who remained single, died at about the age of
thirty-one; .Jane, single, died at about the age of
thirty-five; Eliza, single, living at Lebanon; M.S.,
manager of Washington Stamping Works, resid-
ing at Washington C. H., Ohio, married to Miss \
Letta McMaster; Irene, dying in childhood, at
Oakland, Ohio; Frances, living in Arkansas City,
Kan., married to J. H. Eckert, a lawyer, having
two children, Mary and Fannie, twins. In his
parents' family our subject was the fifth child.
Our subject remained in Ohio until he was
twenty years of age, when he came with his par-
ents to Illinois, and engaged in the hardware and
tinsmith business at his present location, his father
being associated with him. Choice was made of
this business because Charles had learned the trade
of a tinsmith in Ohio. He was married, March 3,
18.59, to Amelia Starkel, daughter of Charles and
Amelia Starkel, who were born in Germany and
emigrated to America when Mrs. Sager was but
eight years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Sager became the
parents of five children, namely: Emil, living at
St. Louis, employed in the retail department of
the Simmons Hardware Conip.any for the past
eight years, also owning a hardware business in
charge of his brother, James R., at Nos. 4106
and 4108 Easton Avenue, St. Louis, married
Miss Addie Moore, by whom he has two boys;
Francis died in infancy; Edgar, in the hardware
and tinware business with his father, married
Miss Sarah Fleischbein, by whom he has a daugh-
ter; James R., living at St. Louis, in charge of his
brother Emil's store, is single; and .Jesse, living
at home.
All the above-named children have been given a
good education by their father, our subject. Emil,
after receiving a common-school course, enjoyed
the advantages offered by Mclvendree College for
one term, and a military .academy for one year;
Edgar was educated in the common schools; James
supplemented a public-school course with manual
training in Washington University. In his re-
ligious faith our subject holds to the views of the
Calvinistic school, and is a member of the Presby-
terian Church. He is a member of the Ancient Or-
der of United Workmen, and of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, having passed the Chairs in
the latter order. The principles of the Republican
party are in full harmony with the opinions enter-
tained by him. Chosen a member of the City
Council, and otherwise prominent, his influence in
party matters is universally recognized.
'l^xETER PREDIGER, a successful general
Ij Jfi agriculturist and well-known energetic
•MJ?^ and representative citizen, residing in
)£ Lenzburg Township, St. Clair County, 111.,
owns an excellent farm of one hundred acres of
land, all under a high state of cultivation. Our
subject is a native of Illinois, and was born upon
the farm where he resides in the year I85G. He is
(iSfi
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the son of Peter and Nancy (McKahey) Prediger,
both natives of Germany, where the father was
born in 1817, and his wife, whose birthplace was
not far from his, in the year 1826. When Peter
Prediger was but a little lad of six years, he emi-
grated with his parents to the United States.
Not long after their arrival in America, these
paternal grandparents of our subject settled upon
Dutch Hill Prairie and bought land which they
patiently cultivated. After some years' sojourn in
their new home, during which time they were ever
industrious and law-abiding citizens, highly re-
spected by all who knew them, the worthy hus-
band and wife passed from their labors to a better
world. At about the age of twentj'-one years,
Peter Prediger, Sr., married the mother of our
subject, who was the daughter of James and Nancy
McKahey, and a most estimable ladj', and the
mother of three sons: William, John and Peter,
our subject. John died in 1892. Peter Prediger,
Sr., had but very limited advantages for an educa-
tion, being left an orphan at tlie age of nine years.
\'ery early in life forced to begin the struggle for
an existence, he proved himself a self-reliant, ener-
getic and ambitious man. Beginning a poor and
friendless boy, he won his way upward, and ac-
cumulated a large tract of valuable land, which he
cultivated and thereby- acquired a competence. Po-
litically, he was a true Democrat, and took an
active interest in local and national affairs.
Our subject was reared and educated upon the
old homestead and in the neighboring schools.
Thoroughly trained in the duties of agriculture,
Peter Prediger, Jr., was well fitted to care for him-
self and to make a comfortable home for a wife
when, in 1880, he was married to Miss Elizabeth
Metzzler, a daughter of Adam and Mary Metzzler.
Into the pleasant and happy home of our subject
and his good wife have come five bright and in-
telligent children, Emma, Carrie, Otto, Linda
and Bablin, who will each and all enjoy the ex-
cellent educational advantages of their locality
and home neighborhood. Mr. Prediger is a valued
member of Belleville Lodge No. 92, K. P. Politi-
cally, our subject is a Democrat, as was his father
before him, and although never an aspirant for
public office, ever takes an active interest in the
management of local and National affairs. Always
ready to aid in the enterprises and improvements
of the township and vicinity, Mr. Piediger does his
duty as a true American citizen, and, as a native
of St, Clair County, has been an eye-witness of the
rapid growth and permanent advancement of all
the prominent interest,? of the State, For the past
thirty years, our subject has been identified with
the history of his neighborhood and vicinity, and
is highly regarded by the entire community,
among whom he has passed his life from infancy
to adult age.
h^+^l
li_^ ON. JOSEPH B. ME,SSICK, a leading attor-
jf jj ney-at-law, located in East St. Louis, and
/.4)^ widely known as Judge Messick, is one of
(^ the most prominent, able and influential
citizens of Illinois. A gentleman of superior
social and business attainments, commanding the
esteem and confidence of all who know him, he
hiis held various positions of trust and honor, and
has been intimately associated of late witli
National and local politics.
Our subject w.as born in Macoupin County, III.,
seven miles south of Carlinville, January 29,
1847. His paternal grandfather, Abraham Mes-
sick, was a native of Pennsylvania, but early
settled in Kentucky, in which .Slate Joseph Mes-
sick, Sr., was born in 1814. Grandfather Jlessick
was of German descent, and was an industrious
and successful farmer of Christian County, Ky.,
and was known as a man of sterling integrity of
character.
Joseph Messick, Si-., while yet a single man,
went to Galena, where he remained about five
years, when he removed to Sangamon County,
afterwards making his home in Macoupin County,
He was acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, and,
like him, in early life assisted in splitting raiLs.
In 1840 be returned tv Kentucky, but soon again
made himself a home upon eighty acres of land in
Macoupin County, where he built a little rude log
house of one room, and settled down to the pioneer
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
65'
experience of those early da.ys. Energetic and
ambitious, lie achieved success, and became an ex-
tensive land-owner of hundreds of valuable acres,
but in unlucky investments of stock lost much of
his property. In the year 1876, he removed to
Crawford County, Kan., near Girard, and bought
a fine farm, which he cultivated until his death,
in February, 1891. At one time he was a Whig,
but later became an ardent Republican. In relig-
ious affiliation he was, when a young man, a Bap-
tist, but at the time of his demise was a member of
the Methodist Jipiscopal Church.
The mother of our subject, Sarah K. ( Kitten ger)
Messick, was born in Kentucky, and was a daughter
of Martin Kittenger, born in Pennsylvania, but an
early settler and slaveholder of Kentucky-. Mrs.
Sarah Messick passedaway March 3, 1861. Judge
Messick was one of a family of nine children, four
of whom are now living. The eldest brother,
Daniel W., enlisted in 1861, at the first tap
of the drum, in the Seventh Illinois Infantry,
and at the expiration of three months re-enlisted
in the Thirty-second Illinois, soon receiving the de-
served promotion of Orderly Sergeant. This brave,
young and patriotic soldier was shot and killed in
a skirmish at Pittsburgh Lauding, March 1, 1862.
He was the first man killed in the regiment, and
was mourned by all his companions of those troub-
lous days. The Daniel Messick Post, G. A. R., in
Carlinville, was named in his honor.
.lames F. Messick enlisted in 1864 in the
One Hundred and Thirty-third Illinois Infantry,
serving until the fall <:)f 1864, when he was
mustered out. He is now located at Carlinville.
Joseph B., our subject, was raised upon the home-
stead, and early assisted in the labors of the farm,
and acquired a thorough knowledge of agricultural
duties. During the winter months Judge Messick
enjoyed the advantage of instruction in the com-
mon schools of the neighborhood, and from 1866
to 1867 attended the Shurtleff College at Upper
Alton. In August, 1864, our subject enlisted in
the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Illinois In-
fantry. Company I, and was mustered in at St.
Louis and sent with a battalion into Missouri,
and remained in the service until July, 1865,
when he was mustered out and returned home.
He then entered Shurtleff College and well im-
proved the time in that excellent institution,
and, after a course of study, began teaching school
and continued as an instructor until 1869, work-
ing meantime in summers upon the home farm and
also studying law under Gen. Reukait.
Later Judge Messick was admitted to the Bar at
Carlinville, and taught school until 1872, when he
went to East St. Louis and opened a law office.
In 1875, our subject was elected to the position of
City Judge, the duties of which office he dis-
charged with distinguished ability, his decisions
ever being sustained by law and evidence. For
four years he occupied the judicial bench with
honor and efficiency, and in 1875, at the close of
his term of office, again resumed the practice of his
profession. In 1881, Judge Messick was appointed
Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue for the
Fourth District of the Thirteenth District, for one
term. In 1882, he was elected upon the Republi-
can ticket to the State Legislature from St. Clair
County, and was re-elected in 1884, remaining in
office until 1886. As a member of the Legislature
he was faithful to his constituents and did excel-
lent work upon various important committees. Dur-
ing his terms the State Legislature contained a large
number of brilliant men, some of whom have since
occupied chairs in the United States Senate.
July 1, 1884, our subject formed a part-
nership with a leading attorney, the firm being
Messick & Rlioads. The well-known office of the
firm is located at No. 320 Missouri Avenue. In
1889, Gov. Fifer appointed Judge Messick a mem-
ber of the State Board for Southern Illinois pen-
sions, and in the fall of the same year he became
President of the Board. January 1, 1885, our
subject was united in marriage with Miss Sarah P.
Woods,who was born in Des Moines and is a daugh-
ter of James A.Woods, a contractor of East St.Louis.
Mr. and Mrs. Messick have one child, a son, .1. li..
Jr. Richard O. died in 1887. Judge Messick is
a charter member of McDowell Post, G. A. R., and
is also a Modern Woodman. Always a Republican,
our subject has been a delegate to the various State
conventions since 1871, and was Chairman of
the county convention for two years and received
the honor of being sent as delegate to the National
f.58
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
convention at Minneapolis. Judge Messick en jo3's
tlie distinction of being a popular man witli both
Democrats and Republicans. Ever genial, courte-
ous, affable, benevolent and sympathetic by nature,
his read\- wit and exceptional conversational abil-
ity render him a host whose cordiality and enter-
tainment are never forgotten by the guests who
enjoy his hospitality. Upright and honorable in
the daily transactions of life, our subject com-
mands the esteem and confidence of his fellow-
citizens, and the attractive home at No. 517 North
Ninth Street is the scene of many lirilliant social
gatherings.
both
* RS. CATHERINE HARDY, of Len/Aiurg
IV Township. St. Clair County, 111., was born
'^ in Germany in 1819, and is the daughter
of Peter and Catherine (Sun) Makendoler,
of whom were natives of France. The father
of our subject started with his family for the United
States in 1827, and the mother died on the journey
up the Mississippi, two days before the arrival at
St. Louis. Upon reaching the latter place, his cir-
cumstances were so straitened that he was under
the necessity of separating from his children, four
in number, and parceling them out among strangers.
Mr. Makendoler never succeeded in gathering his
family together again, as he died in a few years,
and before he secured a pc>sition that would war-
rant such a step.
Our subject, the eldest of the children, made
her home for three years with .Jacob Margie.
No advantages of schooling were afforded her,
yet her strong natural sense and keen obser-
vation have combined to give her a fund of in-
formation that stands well in its stead. Possessed
of a memory above the average, she recalls inci-
dents and events with striking exactness, and
talks intelligently upon a great variety of ques-
tions. She was married in 1838 to John Hardy,
who was born in Switzerland in 1812, and came to
the United States with his parents, .lacob and
Barbara Hardy, both natives of Switzerland, in
1817. This old family first settled in Indiana, re-
maining there one year, at the end of which time
they removed to Dutch Hill Prairie, St. Clair Coun-
ty, III., being among the very earliest settlers of
that section of country. Jacob Hard}' was a farmer,
having followed that calling all his life.
John Hardy and his wife were the parents of
seven children, as follows: Catherine, John, Eliz-
abeth, Susan, Jacob, Mary and Henry. John, Eliz-
abeth and Susan are dead. These children were
all born upon the estate of their grandparents,
their father having lived at home with his parents
until his marriage, when he and their mother made
a home on another part of the farm. Our subject,
as w.as also her husband, is a member of the Ger-
man Methodist Episcopal Church. His political
belief held him to the Republican party. The
death of this good man occurred in 1882, when he
was seventy j'ears of age.
l^^ll4i"i^iiM#!^^-
Sipx I C H O L A S GERMAIN, an industrious
I )); farmer and respected citizen, living upon a
/l\-i^. nicely improved tract of eighty acres on
section 9, Smith ton Township, St. Clair County,
111., is the son of Hyacinth Germain, whose sketch
will appear in another portion of this work. This
farm was purchased in 1842 by the father of our
subject, and has been in the family ever since,
Nicholas having been born and reared upon it,
and has lived there continuously /rom the time of
his marriage. After years of attendance at the
public school of his district, our subject took a
course of instruction in schools at St. Louis, his
education embracing a line of study m the (Ger-
man as well as the English language.
In the year 1874, Mr. Germain was married to
Miss Elizabeth Meister, daughter of Jacob Meister,
of Belleville, the offspring of the marriage being
ten children, all living, as follows: Rosa, Elnora,
Edward John, Robert D., vVlbert Henry, Etta, Ida,
Anna Helen, Margaret and Lena. Our subject has
put to good account the fertile land of his farm,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
659
which he devotes to the growing of grain and the
raising of stock. Ho takes decided interest in cat-
tle, and can show to visitors some verj' fine Hol-
stein cows that have grown up under his e3'e,
whose superior condition is largely due to his in-
telligent care. An apt knowledge of the soil and
its adaptability to various grains enable him to
choose to best advantage the kind of seeds that
will yield him the best harvest. Careful cultiva-
tion, with industrious application to work, has re-
sulted in winning for him the well-deserved repu-
tation of a good farmer.
The religious convictions of our subject are de-
cided, being the result of early education received
at iiome and of the reflection that comes with ma-
ture 3'ears. Towards the Roman Catholic Church, in
whose membership he is enrolled, he holds senti-
ments of attaciiment and .allegiance. While he
does not take a busj' or prominent part in politics,
Mr. Germain always manifests lively interest in the
success of the Democratic iwrly. the ticket of
wliich lie .ilwavs votes.
^^
J/OHN HEINZELMAN, a practical mechanic
who is acquainted with all the details of his
business, is a member of the firm of Hein-
zelman Bros., leading carriage manufacturers
of Belleville, 111., located at the corner of B and
Jackson Streets. The factory is a two and tiiree
stoiy building, 150x155 feet in dimensions, the
lower floor of which is occupied by wood, iron,
paint and trimming workers, a portion, also, being
set apart as a wareroom. The house does a jobbing
trade through Southern Illinois, and gives employ-
ment usually to twenty-five men. This firm, one
of the oldest in Belleville, having been established
in 1857. has won an enviable reputation for fair
dealing and excellent work. Prior to the date
named, the two members, John and William, had
prepared themselves for the important step by
learning the trade in a carriage factoi-j- at St.
Louis.
Our subject was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, April
16, 1841, his parents being John A." and Catharine
(Heiserman) Heinzelman, who came to the United
States in 1835 from Stuttgart,'Germany, where the
father was born. They resided at 'Cincinnati, at
which place the son William, as well as John,'was
born, for a number of vears before the removal of
the family to Belleville. The father started the
carriage manufactory on a small scale and contin-
ued at its head until his death, in September, 1865,
when. John and William, wiio had been associated
with him since the beginning of the business, as-
sumed entire control, under the firm name of
Heinzelman Bros. Gradually trade increased until
larger quarters were required, and in 1874 the
present building was erected.
The subject of our sketch was married October
16, 1867, to Miss Emeline Middlecoff, born eight
miles out of St. Louis, the daughter of Frank
Middlecoff. Three children have been born to this
couple, namely: Sophia, Oudelette and Arthur.
INIr. Heinzelman is verv prominent in local Masonic
circles, having held leading positions in St. Clair
Lodge, Belleville Chapter, Belleville Council and
Tancred Commandery. He is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, holding the office of
Trustee in that body. The pleasant home of Jlr.
and Mrs. Heinzelman is located at No. 216 Jackson
Street, Belleville.
^r^jEORGE C. LEMEN. The subject of this
(II g— sketch resides on a well-cultivated farm in
%^\ section 29, Freeburg Township, St. Clair
County, 111. He is one of the fortunate gentlemen
who probably can trace his family back four gen-
erations. Frequently in the hurr3- and turmoil of
life the records of a family get lost and a direct
line cannot be traced. In Mr. Lemen's family
this has not been the case. His father was George
C. Lemen, who was the son of John T., who was
bom in the northern part of St. Clair County, and
he was a son of Robert Lemen, who was the son of
James Lemen, who came to this State from Virginia
fifiO
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at an early day and was one of the first settlers of
the county. At that time the original inhabitants
in the State were njore numerous tlian white men.
John T. Lemen was married to Patience E.
Wildernian, the daughter of George Wilderman,
who was one of the settlers of the county and
who came here in 1806. He had three children,
two of whom grew to manhood, R. W. and George
C. The former is still living in Freeburg Town-
ship.
George C. Lemen, tlie father of our subject, was
married to Maria Grittin and had but one child. He
died from injuries received by a fall from a horse.
The birth of our subject took' place on the 13th of
January, 1858, on the place where he now resides.
He was reared here and was one of the pupils at
the district school — one of those who could have
sat for the portrait of the '"Barefoot Boy," immor-
talized by the late lamented poet Whittier. After
he had reached a proper age, he went to Shurtleff
College, where ho finished his education.
After Mr. Lemen returned home he became in-
terested in farming, and on September 6, 1883, he
was united in marriage to Miss Laura J. Agnew,
who was the daughter of A. F. Agnew, wiio was a
farmer in Monroe County, near Columbia. Her
mother died when she was small and she made her
home with Mrs. Isaac Shook, now Mrs. William
Winkleman, of Belleville.
After marriage, our subject brought his wife to
tills place, and here they made a pleasant home.
Mr. Lemen has a farm of two hundred acres of
land all well improved and he raises mucii line
stock. His principal crop is wheat, although he
grows other grains. He has full-blooded Jersey
cows and takes an interest in fine stock.
Two lovely children All the home of our subject
with happiness. Grace is eight years old and
Willie is four years old. In his political opinions
Mr. Lemen is a Republican, and believes in the
wisdom of the party's methods looking tcjward a
protective tariff, and casts his vote and influence
with that party.
Mr. Lemen made himself felt in the affairs ot
the Grange, being a member of importance in that
association at Turkey Hill. This organization holds
some of the best men of the State and all of the
advanced agriculturists belong to it. At their
pleasant home, hospitality reigns, and assisted by
his amiable wife Mr. Lemen is alwavs glad to see
his friends and entertain them with his best.
W'
J~i OHN WESLEY HYPES. There are certain
characters that mellow and sweeten under
; the chastening hand of affliction as certain
' rare and luscious fruits only attain their
perfection when touched by frost. So it has been
with the man whose name appears above, and of
whom it is our pleasant privilege to give a short
biographical sketch. Shut out from the world of
sound and with the visual sense dimmed, there have
been discovered in his inner life resources and
riches unknown before he was thus isolated from
the clang and clatter of the ordinary routine of
life.
John Wesley H\pes was born May 12, 1810, in
Botetourt County, Va., and is a son of Henry and
Patience (Reynolds) Hypes, also natives of Vir-
ginia. Our subject's ancestry on the paternal side
is traced to Germany, while on the mother's side
English blood flows in his veins. Mr. Hypes' par-
ents were married in Virginia, and there followed
farming until 1811. when the family moved to
Da3'ton, Ohio, remaining one year, and in 1812
settled on a farm near the town of Xenia. That was
the family home as long as the father and mother
lived, the former passing away in his eightieth
year, and the mother dying when fifty-one.
Our subject was one of a family of eight chil-
dren, who are named as follows: Nanc}'. .loseph,
Washington, Sarah, Benjamin, Davison, John
W. and Francis Asbury. They are sketched as
follows: The eldest sister, who married Nathan
Horner, is deceased; Joseph died in Lebanon, and
left two children; Washington joined the United
Slates Navy in 1835, and has never been lieaid
from; Sarah died at the age of seven months and
fourteen days; Davison departed this life in 1823;
Benjamin is a venerable and esteemed resident in
Lebanon Township; Francis A. died in 1847.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
661
Mr. H\'pes removed to Lebanon in 1836, and
was first engaged in business as a saddle-maker
and later enlarged his interests and added to it
harness-making. He w.as thus employed until 1876,
at which time he retired from the active conduct
of the business. November 1.5. 1849, our subject
was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Murra.y,
a daughter of Daniel and Rachel (Horner) Mur-
r:iy, lioth of whom were natives of Baltimore, Md.
Mr. and Mrs. Hypes have been faithful and con-
genial com|ianious for nearly half a century, and
now reside together in their i)leasant home. They
have been the parents of two children: Henry
Murray, who died in infancy; and Eliza Maria,
who married J. C. Keet, and lives in Springfield,
Mo. She is the mother of four children: Florence
IClizabeth, Bertram, Harry and Belle.
Throughout his career, Mr. Hypes luis been char-
acterized by modesty, and although be has by no
means been indifferent to the political phases
through which his country has passed, he has de-
sired to be only a looker-on farther than in cast-
ing his ballot. Originally a Whig, on the forma-
tifm of the Republican party he joined its follow-
ing. In church relations, both Mr. and Mrs. Hypes
have for many years worshipped with the Method-
engaged in agricultural work, his father before
him having been a farmer, and thus he under-
stands the art of making the most out of his land.
He raises fine crops of wheat, oats, corn, etc., and
is interested to some extent in stock-raising.
Miss Elizabeth Fries became his wife November
10, 1861. She is the daughter of John Fries, who
emigrated to this country from Germany in an
early daj', and also followed the occupation of a
farmer. Three children were born to our subject
and his estimable wife to gladden their pathway
and shed sunshine through their lives. They still
remain under the parental roof and bear the names
of George J., Elizabeth M. and Emilie.
He of whom we write has never been an office-
seeker, but has been honored by his fellow-citizens
with the olHce of School Trustee for the length of
six years. He is a conscientious member of the
Lutheran Church at Mascoutah, in which he holds
the office of Trustee. Socially, he is connected
with the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and
politically is a stanch advo<!ate of the Republican
party.
§>-^<m
FRIES, prominent in agricultural,
id political circles, is an enterpris-
fho does his share in forwarding
'J^!/' every movement to enhance the best inter-
ests of his township and county. The father of
our subject was George Fries, of whom a fuller
history may be found in the biographj' of (George
Fries in another part of this volume.
.lolin Fries was born September 28, 1840, on
Turkey Hill, in what is now Freeburg Townshij),
where he resided with his father until the time of
his marriage and received his early educ alion.
He now makes his home on section 12, Engelnian
Township, where he owns one hundred and sixty
acres of rich farming land, six acres of which were
cut off by the railroad, and twenty-five acres of
good timber laud. Our subject has always been
^^^^EORGE MUNIE. The farming community
III of Bond County has received a recent val.
^^i^( uable addition in this gentleman, who in
1892 removed hither from St. Clair County and
purchased a farm. In addition to general farming,
he is considerably interested in stock-raising, in
which he has met with more than usual success.
A practical, energetic and persevering farmer, he
uses modern methods of agriculture and the latest
improved machinery, and his recently-purchased
estate alread}' gives indications of his skill and
judgment.
The province of Lorraine, then owned b\' France,
but secured bj' German}' in the Franco-Prussian
War, was the native place of our subject, and Aug-
ust 24, 1844, the date of his birth. His father,
Paul Munie, was born in that province in 1800,
and there grew to manhood, choosing as his wife
a lady who was likewise boru iu Lonaiue. lu
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1853. the family emigrated to the United States, 1
and, after landing at New Orleans, came by boat
up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, wlience tiiey
proceeded to Illinois, and settled upon a farm in
St. Clair Township, St. Clair County. Tiiere the
father remained engaged in agricultural occupa-
tions until his death, which occurred April 17, ,
1866; his wife survived until 1881, passing away
March 2.5 of that year.
The following is recorded of the brothers and
sisters of our subject: Magdalena married George
Buchler and resided in St. Cl.air Township, St.
Clair County; Hyacinth chose as his wife Miss
Louise Adams, and they reside upon a farm near
Freeburg in Smithton Township, St. Clair County; j
.Joseph married Christina Germain, and is a well-
to-do farmer residing in St. Clair Township; Mary '•
Ann; George, the yniiiiiic-t cliild, was reared on
his father's farm in St. L'\i\\v Township, and in his
youth was a student in the common schools, later
attending the Catholic schools in Belleville.
The estimable lady who, on April 10, 1866, became
the wife of Mr. Munie, was born April 17, 1848,
and bore the maiden name of Adeline Tribout. '
She was one of six surviving children among
the thirteen born to Bonaventura and Margaret
(Fournie) Tribout, the former a farmer in St. Clair
County until his death May ."), 1881, at the age of
seventy-five. The mother lives on the old home-
stead two miles north of Belleville, and is in full
possession of her mental faculties, notwithstanding
her advanced age of seventy-eigiit. Eleven chil-
dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Munie, who
are named George .1., Magdalena, Katherina, Rosa,
Louis, Emily, John, Arthur, Victor, Lawrence and
Edmond. Katherina died at the age of eighteen
years; Rosa, when six; Louis at four, and Emil_v in
infancy. The others reside under the parental
roof, and are gaining good educations in the
schools of the county.
Mr. Munie removed to Hot Springs, Ark.,
having sold his farm in St. Clair ToMusliip, and
for .several months engaged in the wholesale pro-
duce business. He was not satisfied with that
State, however, and soon returned to his former
place of residence, where for about two years he
was proprietor of an hotel in Belleville. H«.- then
bought back his old homestead in St. Clair County
and resided there until 1892, when, realizing that it
was too small to give employment to himself and
sons, he sold it and bought the above-mentioned
estate in Bond County. He is independent in
politics and is a man of decided beliefs and force
of will. He finds his religious home in the Cath-
olic Church, in which faith he was reared, and to
which he has ever been devoted.
^^+^
\li^^ H. HORNER. In a log house which
ifjV stood on the south side of St. Louis, just
!^^^ west of the public square, the subject of
(^' this sketch was born February 22, 1821.
He was of English descent on his father's side, his
great-grandfather having emigrated to America
from England, while his maternal ancestry was of
German-English origin. His parents were Nathan
and Nancy (Hypes) Horner, the former born in
Baltimore, Md., 177(t, and the latter a native of
Fincastle, Va.
In 1812, the grandfather of our subject removed
from Baltimore, Md.,to Lebanon, Warren Count}',
Ohio, where he remained until 1817, removing
thence to ISt. Clair County, 111. Here he purchased
a farm two miles north of Lebanon, and passed
his remaining years upon that place, dying there
when about eighty years old. Our subject was
one of three children, the others being Sarah Ann
and Virginia Elizabeth. The former married Hiram
J. Ashley, a merchant of Lebanon, and both are
now deceased. Nathan Horner, father of our sub-
ject, came to Illinois .shortly after his marriage, in
Xenia, Ohio, in 1817, and after operating a farm,
came to Lebanon, where he engaged in mercantile
pursuits for fort}- years. He was one of the found-
ers of McKendree College, of which he was Trustee
as long as he lived.
Our subject was reared in Lebanon, where lie
attended the common schools and later entered
McKendree College, from which he was gradua-
ted in 1841 with the degree of B. A. The degree
of Master of Arts was afterward conferred upon
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
663,
him. He commenced the study of law in the of-
fice of .Judge Underwood, at Belleville, and was
admitted to practice by the Supreme Court in 1847.
Diu-ing the following year he opened an office for
practice at Belleville, and first formed a partner-
shiij with Judge .Joseph Gillespie, of Edwardsville,
with whom he continued several years. He has
since practiced alone. Witli the exception of ex-
Lieut.-Gov. Koerner, he is the oldest living lawyer
in practice in the county.
November 19, 18u7, Mr. Homer married Helen
M., daughter of .Tonathan and Ruth Danforth.
Their children are: Henry R.. Wilbur N., Hattie
II., Bertba A. and two that died in infancy. Henry
K. is a civil engineer, with headquarters at Den-
ver, Colo.; Wilbur N., an attorney-at-law, is witli
the Hon. Lyman Trumbull in Cliicago; Hattie
11. and Bertlia A. are at home. After graduating
from McKendree College, our subject was made a
tutor in that institution, and six months later
was appointed Professor of ancient languages.
In 1866, he was elected to tiie position of Pro-
fessor of the law department of the college, from
which he retired in 1890. He was elected Mayor
of Lebanon in 1874, and re-elected in the follow-
ing years. His political affiliations were origin-
ally with tiie Democrats, but since 18.i6 he has
been a Republican.
ll]_ (JX. .JOHN J. M( LEAN, Captain of the
\l)i: boat "Christy" of the Wiggins Ferry Com-
¥' pany at East .St. Louis, was born in Cin-
^ cinnati, Ohio, January 4, 1841. His father,
Milton McLean, was a nephew of Judge McLean,
of the Supreme Court, and followed the profession
of a lawyer in Cincinnati until 1841, when he
came to Illinois and purchased a large distilleiy.
This was operated by competent men until it was
burned to the ground in 184,5. Later, it was re-
built and was the largest distillery in the West.
After selling his interest in that enterprise, Mr.
McLean located in St. Louis, where he practiced
law until his death. He and his partner, E. C.
Blackburn, stood at the head of the legal profes-
sion in St Louis, and were considered among the
most eminent attorneys of the West. I'olitically,
he was a Democrat.
The mother of our subject was Mary M'. .lohn-
ston, who was born in Piqua, Ohio. Her father,
Col. John .Johnston, was born in Ireland, March ;i.
1775, and when young accompanied his parents to
America, settling in Cumlierland County, Pa. He
was witli Gen. Wayne on the Ohio River in 179.3-94,
served as clerk in the War Department and Indian
Bureau thirty-one years, and in the War of 1812
was Paymaster and Quartermaster alternately, in
1841-42, he was United States Commissioner for
trading with the Indians, and in all these respon-
sible positions he acquitted himself honorably.
The mother of our subject died in Shiloh, this
county, where she had made her home on a farm.
Our subject was one of six children who grew to
maturity, four of whom are now surviving, lie
was brought to St. Clair County in 1844, but re-
mained only a short time. In 1849, he returned
here, but during the high water of 18.51 the family
removed to St. Louis. After acquiring his educa-
tion, he became a telegraph operator and remained
in East St. Louis in that capacity about six years.
In 1864, he enlisted in Company I, Forty-third
Illinois Infantry, and as Corporal marched with his
regiment to Arkansas. He was in Little Rock at
the time of the assassination of President Lincoln.
In July, 186.5, he was mustered out and returned
to East St. Louis.
In 1867 our subject was made Chief of Police,
a position which he occupied for four years and
in which his quickness of perception and courage
saved blood-shed and riot several times. In 1871 he
became a Captain of the Wiggins Ferry, and contin-
ues in that capacity. His residence is at No. 621
Collinsville Avenue, and in addition to that place
he owns considerable real estate and several busi-
ness blocks in the city; also some unimproved
land in Missouri and Minnesota.
At East St. Louis, in 1870, Capt. Mc. Lean mar-
ried Miss Elisa A. Griffith, a native of East St.
Louis and the daughter of Joseph Griffith, an
early settler of this place. They are the parents
664
PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of five children: John J., Nathaniel, Eliza L.,
Ralph and Birdie. John J., who is a graduate of
Bryant Sr Stratton's Business College, is Assistant
Cashier of the First National Bank; Nathaniel,
who also was graduated from Brvant & Stratton's
College, is one of the best stenographers of East
St. Louis. The Captain has held many positions
of honor in the county and in politics is one of
the most prominent Repulilieans of the com-
munitA'.
-^ .•^.y.gj^. r~~— . -<$))
^^ansp oviaiion.
The Wabash.
^^^O THE public and our thousands of readers
m^\\ '" general: It will no doubt be interesting:
'\^<-' to all if we give a brief description of this
road. The Wabash, as now known, lias been oper-
ated under different names from time to time. It
is the offspring, as it were, of the first line of
road projected in Illinois, then known as the
Northern Cross Railroad, extending from Dan-
ville to Quincy. This was chartered in 1837, and
upon it the first locomotive was placed in the
winter of 1838-39, running from Meredosia, on the
Illinois Kiver, to Jacksonville. In 1842, the road
was completed from Jacksonville to Springfield,
and three trips per week were made. The track
was of the old flat-rail style, which was made by
nailing thin strips of iron on two parallel lines of
timbers i)laced at the proper distance apart and
running lengthwise of the road. The engine, as
well as the road, became so impaired that the
former had to be abandoned and mules substituted
as the motor power. However, such locomotion
was destined to be of short duration, for the State
soon after sold the entire road for a nominal sum,
and thus for a short time was suspended one of
the first railroad enterprises in Illinois. lUit in
the West a now era-one of prodigious industrial ac-
tivity and far-reaching results in the practical arts
— was dawni)ig, and within thirty years of the tem-
porary failure of the road mentioned, Illinois had
pwtstri^ped fill others in gigantic internal iinjjiove.
ments, and at present has more miles of railroad
than any other State in the Union. The Great
Western, whose name has been successively
changed to Toledo, Wabash <fe Western, Wabash,
and Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific, and Wabash
Railroad, and The Wabash, the last of which it
still bears, was an extension of the Northern
Cross Railroad above mentioned, and traverses
some of the finest portions of Illinois, Indiana and
Ohio. It soon became the popular highway of
travel and traffic between the East and the West.
Through a system of consolidation unparalleled in
American railways, it has become a giant among
them, and has added manj' millions of dollars to
the value of bonds and shares of the various com-
panies now incorporated in the Wabash System.
The road takes its title from the river of that
name, a tributary of the Ohio, which in part sep-
arates the States (if Illinois and Indiana. In look-
ing over tlu' maps of the Wabash Railroad it will
be seen that the line extends through the most
fertile and wealthy portions of the center of the
rnited States, having termini at more large cities
than any other Western road. It was, indeed, a
far-reacliing sagacity which consolidated these var-
ious lines into the Wabash System, forming one
immense chain of great commercial activity and
power. Its terminal facilities are unsurpassed l)y
any competing line, Its home offices are estab-
lished in commodious quarters in St, Louis, The
lines of tlie road »ro co-extensive wjtli the impor-
tau(;e of the great transportation facilities requirec|
TEANSPOETATION.
for the products of the Mississippi Valley. This
line passes through the States of Iowa, Missouri,
Indiana, Ohio and Jlichigan. The various lines
of road mav be divided into the following:
Miles.
St. Louis to Chicago 286
Toledo to Kansas City 662
St. Louis to DesMoines 360
Logansport to Detroit 207
Chicago to Laketon Junction 123
Clayton to Keokuk 42
Bluffs to Quincy 105
Streator to Forest 37
Attica to Covington 15
Champaign to Sidney 12
Edwardsville to Edwardsvillc Crossing. 9
Bement to Altaniont & Efflnghara 63
Brunswick to Omaha 225
Roseberry to Clarinda 21
Salisbury to Glasgow 15
Centralia to Columbia 22
Total miles of main lines and branches. . 2204
From the above main lines and branches as in-
dicated it will readily be seen that the Wabash
connects with more large cities and great marts of
trade than any other line, bringing Omaha, Kan-
sas City, Des Moines, Keokuk, Quincy, St. Louis,
Chicago, Toledo and Detroit together with one
continuous line of steel rails. This road has an
immense freight traffic of the cereals, live stock,
various productions and manufactured articles of
the West, and the States through which it passes.
Its facilities for rapid transit for the vast produc-
tions of the packing houses of Kansas Cit_y, St.
Louis and Chicago to Detroit, Toledo and the East-
ern marts of trade is unequalled. A large portion
of the grain productions of Kansas, Nebraska,
Iowa, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana finds its way
to the Eastern markets over the lines of this road.
The AVabash has always taken an advanced posi-
tion in tariffs, and its course toward its patrons
has been just and liberal, so that it has always en-
joyed the commendation of the business and trav-
eling public. The roadbed is one of the best in
the countr}% and is ballasted with gravel and
stone, well tied, and laid with steel rails. The
bridges along the various lines are substantial
structures. Tlie dcixtts, grounds and general
IH-dpertv of the road arc in good condition. The
management of the Wabash is fully abreast of the
times. The road is progressive in every respect.
The finest passenger cars on the continent are run
on its lines, and every effort is made to advance
the interests of its patrons. The passenger de-
partment is unexcelled for the elegant and sub-
stantial comfort afforded travelers. The sleeping
cars on some of the most important lines are of
the compartment sj'stem, upholstered in a costly
and tasteful manner, each room supplied with hot
and cold water. On several of the main branches
of the system dinin2:cais are run.
Illinois Central Railroad.
L<^^IIIS is one of the largest corporations in lUi-
i/f-/^' nois, and with its splendid terminal facili-
\^^ ties in Chicago, and its numerous suburban
trains, has been a potent factor in building up the
South Side and South Chicago, while at the same
time enriching itself. Its management has always
been careful and conservative, and it is not too
much to say that it has been most potential in de-
veloping many of the rich agricultural districts of
the State, besides fostering and encouraging the
growth of towns and cities along its line. As
this was one of the earl3- roads of the State it will
not be uninteresting to give a brief history of its
inception.
In September, 1850, Congress passed an act,
and it was approved by President Fillmore, grant-
ing an .aggregate of two million five hundred and
ninety-five thousand and fifty-three acres to aid in
building the road. The act granted the right of
way and gave alternate sections of land for six
miles on either side of the road. The grant of
land was made directl^y to the State. On February
10, 1851, the Legislature of Illinois granted a
charter to an Eastern company to build it, with a
capital stock of *1, 000,000. The Legislature, in
granting the charter and transferring to the cor-
poration the lands, stipulated that seven per cent,
of tlic gross earnings of the road should be paid
semi-aiinualiv into the troasury of the Stale for-
TRANSPORTATION.
()67
ever. This wisp provision, in lien of the liberal
land giant, j'ields a handsome annual revenue to
the State. Also, tliat in the event of war, (tOv-
ernraent transportation should be furnished at a
certain reduction from the prices regularly paid
by the General Government for such services.
The proceeds of land sales have been regularly
applied to the redemption of construction bonds,
and it is significant that the original issue of
mortgage bonds amounted to «522,000,000. That
amount has been so reduced that in 1802 the
whole issue will be practically retired, and the
stockholders will own a road in Illinois more than
one thousand miles in length, fully equipped, and
with no outstanding liabilit}- other than the share
of capital. It may be noted here tliat when the
General Government donated lands to the States
of Illinois, Mississippi and Alabama, it was in-
tended that through the aid derived from these
lands a through artery of travel should be estab-
lished between the Lakes and Gulf ports. Had the
war not supervened, the project would then have
been carried out in its entirety, and the North and
South movement of traffic would have been fully
developed, but the enforced delay in carrying out
the original program was utilized in building up
the State of Illinois and in perfecting the track of
this road. Strict attention to local business has
always been a marked characteristic of the Illinois
Central Railroad management.
By an extensive sj'Stem of railroad construction
and by its leased lines, the Illinois Central Rail-
road has termini in many ' important centers of
trade in the Missouri and Mississippi Valleys, as
well as the great chain of lakes at Chicago.
Through this vast system Chicago is brought into
close connection with .Sioux Falls, Dak.; Sioux
City, Cedar Rapids and Dubuque, Iowa; Lyle,
Minn.; and Dodgeville and Madison, Wis. Its
trattic also extends to St. Louis, Mo., through run-
ning arrangements over the lines of the Vandalia
and Cairo Short Line Railroads. Its " Diamond
Special," lietween Chicago and St. Louis, is rapidly
acquiring popularity with the traveling public,
owing to its splendid equipment and rapid time.
Over the Big Four Road connection is made with
Indianapolis and Cincinnati, and with its Spring-
field Division the Illinois Central reaches the cap-
ital of Illinois, and taps the center of the
great corn belt. At Cairo the Ohio River is
spanned by a magnificent steel bridge, from which
point south connections are made with the great
cotton marts of Memphis, and the principal cities
of Mississippi, and New Orleans. Thus it will be
seen that the great metropolis nestling on the
shores of Lake Michigan by this sinuous arteiy of
steel is brought into direct traffic relations with
the leading marts in the sunny South, as well as
the serai-arctic regions of Dakota, affording the
traveler, both in summer and winter, unsurpassed
facilities for reaching a ple.asant clime.
Chicago & Alton Kailroad.
(S^^HIS road traverses some of the best terri-
fu^W ^*"*''^' *"'^ Illinois and Missouri, having its
^s^/J Western terminus in Kansas City, and South-
ern in St. Louis, and the principal termini and
general headquarters in Chicago. It is one of the
important lines of the great system of railroads in
the Mississippi Valley.
The Air Line between St. Louis and Chicago,
the most prominent cities of the great West, and
the most pronounced commercial rivals, occupies
a prominent position among the trans-Mississippi
railroads. This may be attributed partly to the
manner in which the management has fostered and
developed the local business along the line of the
road since its organization in 1862. Its manage-
ment has always kept abreast of the times. The
length of the system is practically nine hundred
miles. In brief, the Chicago & Alton Railroad
has by a judicious system of permanent improve-
ment, and by the introduction of modern appli-
ances, which tend to the preservation of life and
property, placed itself in such a condition, mate-
rially and physically, that its financial condition is
not easily affected. Its success as one of the great
highways of the West is an assured reality. It
may be appropriately noted here, that, while much
of this road's past success may be attributed to its
668
TRANSPORTATION.
admirable geographical location, einhracing a very
rich section of the country for local traffic, and
with termini on Lake Michigan, the Mississippi
and Missouri Rivers, yet equally ns much is due to
the wisdom and >t!il)ilitv of the management.
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad,
OPULARLY known as the Santa Fe Route.
The initial line of this great system was
first built from Atchison to Topeka in
1869, and for many years the former city
was the Eastern terminus of the road. The man-
agement of the Santa Fe, with wonderful energy,
pushed out its lines in ever^y direction into the
young and growing State of Kansas, and in the
majority of instances preceding settlement and
civilization. This road was the first to penetrate
across the southern part of Colorado, via Pueblo
and Trinidad, into New Mexico, until its lines pen-
etrated the old iuloliu town' of Santa Fe, whose
citizens wen- IimII' Sp.Mni.sh and half Mexican. As
its course peiictralrd tlie wilderness, it sometimes
followed the Old Santa Fe Trail, and generally
not far distant at an^' time from the trail which
had been made famous years before by trappers
and the Government freighters. The marvelous
growth and development of the State of Kansas is
in a great measure due to the enterprise and pub-
lic spirit of the managers of the Santa Fe System.
Not only did they devote their energy to the up-
building of the road, but at great expense they
maintained emigraticm and colonial agents in the
various countries of Europe, as well as the Eastern,
Middle and Southern States, thereby advertising
the State of Kansas as no other State has hereto-
fore been done. Its climate, its soil, and great ad-
vantages to the homeseeker, were at all times f UII3'
portrayed by the enterprise of this road. Every
fostering care was given to the stock and ranch-
men, to the merchant, to the mechanic and the
manufacturer to settle in Kansas. As a result,
we have a State here in the center of the Union,
of boundless agricultural resources, settled by a
wide-awake, euteiprising and prosperous people.
The Santa Fe owns and operates more miles of
road in Kansas than any other line, with its vast
system of East and West, North and South lines
reaching ever\' important town in the State, and
penetrating sixty-three counties in_ Kansas alone.
The magnitude of its business is immense. Its
lines, beginning at the Missouri River towns in
Kansas and Missouri, St. Joseph, Atchison,
Leavenworth and Kansas City, extend south to
Coffeyville, Arkansas City, Honewell, Caldwell,
Kiona (thence to the Pan Handle of Texas); and
North to Superior, Neb., Concordia, Clay Centre,
Minneapolis, and other Northern Kansas cities.
Its main line and branches re.ach nearl}- every im-
portant city in the State. St. Joseph on the Mis-
souri side of the river has a population of nearly
one hundred thousand, and its wholesale trade is
heavy throughout the West. Atchison is a grow-
ing city, and Leavenworth an important manufac-
turing center. Leavenworth was the earliest famous
city of Kansas, as it was the original outfitting
point for travel and traffic across the plains. The
Kansas Sj'stem may be described as a main East
and West line, over four hundred miles in length,
with branch lines extending in every direction
where an area of particularly rich country or
some other special advantages invited a line of
rails.
The road from Topeka after 1869 was extended
West and South, and then East to Kansas City by
purchase of a line built by another company from
Kansas City in 1887-88. The line was extended
to Chicago under the name of the Chicago, Santa
Fe tt California Railroad in 1887, also the pur-
chase of the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Road; and
the extension of the Kansas lines through the In-
dian Territory to Texas gave the company a line
to the Gulf of Mexico, so that at the present time
the Santa Fe System proper begins at Chicago.
It passes through Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kan-
sas, Colorado, Indian Territory, Texas, New Mex-
ico, Arizona and California, and lijis for its South-
ern terminal Galveston, on the Gulf of Mexico,
and El Paso, on the Mexican frontier; and for its
Western terminals San Diego and Los Angeles, on
the P.acific Coast (San Francisco being practically
TRANSPORTATION.
a Pacific Coast terminal, as it is readied, via Mo-
jave, over tliQ tracks of the Southern Pacific Kail-
way); and for its Northern terminals Chicago, St.
Joseph, Mo., Superior, Neh., and Denver, the capi-
tal of Colorado.
Chicago to Kansas City is practically an air-line,
being tlie most straight and direct of any road be-
tween those cities. It passes tiirough a large
number of important towns in Illinois, including
Joliet, with its great steel works and other manu-
facturing interests. The next important place is
Slreator. A few miles south of the latter place a
branch extends to the thriving cities of Peoria
and Pekin, on the Illinois River. From Streator
the main line crosses the Illinois at Chillicollie,
and extends tiirough Peoi'ia and Knox Counties
to the beautiful and enterprising city of Gales-
burg. Here it comes in competition with several
lines of the Burlington System, then running in a
Southwesterly direction through a rich and popu-
lous section, crosses the Mississippi at Ft. Madi-
son on a magnificent steel bridge. Here the com-
pany have established shops, that being tiie ter-
minus of the two operating divisions of the road.
From Ft. Madison, Keokuk is readied by a spur.
Along the Santa Fe new towns are springing up
and new industries are being developed. Tvyenty
miles East of Kansas City the Missouri River is
crossed by a steel bridge, so that the line enters
Kansas Cit^' on the south side of the river. From
Kansas City to Topeka the line runs on the south
bank of the Kansas River. At Wilder and Holli-
day are points for the departure of branch lines —
one Northward to Atchison, and the other South-
ward through Ottawa and Southern Kansas, being
known as the Southern Kansas Division of the
Santa Fe System. From Lawrence to Topeka the
road is still in the Kansas Valley, througii a verit-
able garden. Native trees of great height over-
hang the railway here and there, and in the sjjring
and summer the crops look green and luxuriant.
The approach to Topeka is tiirough the long yards
and by the vast machine shops of the Santa Fe
Company, and across various broad streets to a com-
modious brick station. The general offices of tiie
road are in Topeka, and occupy a handsome and
commodious building near the State Capitol.
From Topeka to Denver the Santa Fe route runs
for about seventy-five miles in a southwesterly di-
rection to the u()per wateis of the Neosho River.
At Emporia, passing through Osage County, are
found some of tlie richest coal fields of the West.
At Newton the line diverges South through South-
ern Kansas, the Indian Territory and Texas to
Galveston. Continuing West from Newton the
first city of importance reached is Hutchinson.
Here are some of the heaviest salt works in the
United States, besides other extensive manufactur-
ing interests.
At La Junta, Colo., the line for New Mexico,
Arizona and beyond turns South. Pueblo, sixty-
five miles due West of La Junta, for years the ter-
minus of the Santa Fe System, is a growing man-
ufacturing city. It is admirably located with ref-
erence to the great ore-producing canons of Colo-
rado. All roads leading to it ship coal, iron, silver,
gold, lead, copper, building stone, everything in
fact which is produced in the greatest mining
State in the Union rolls naturally down hill to
Pueblo. Beyond Pueblo to the west are many
thriving cities founded on mining and agriculture,
notable among which is Leadville, the greatest min-
ing camp in Colorado, while forty miles north of
Pueblo,on the line of tlie Santa Fe,are the beautiful
cities of Colorado Springs and Manitou, nestling at
the foot of Pike's Peak. Manitou is at tlic mouth
of a deep canon, and is one of the most lovely sum-
mer resorts in America. Near here is tlie famous
Garden of the Gods, whose wondrous beauty and
grandeur are unsurpassed. From Colorado Springs
Westward through Manitou, and up the canon be-
yond Pike's Peak, the Colorado Midland Railroad is
pushing ils w;iy toward the western border of the
State. i:iiility niilfs north of Colorado Springs,
the Sniita Fe lini- terminates at Denver, a magnifi-
cently built city. It is probable that no Ameri-
can city has so many features of unique beauty as
Denver. Its splendid public huiMiiiu-. :ind its
broad avenues lined with lieautil'iil i c-i'lenees. eoz-
ily located at the fool of the siim\ -(■.■ippiMl moun-
tains of the Rocky Range, render it unlike any
other city of its size in the world. The ride from
Pueblo to Denver along the foot of the mountains
is one never to be missed. The snow-covered
670
TRANS PORTATI ON.
peaks, the many combinations of sun, cloud, vain,
snow, and tlie marvelous atmosphere, all combine
to surprise and charm the beholder.
Newton to Galveston. The line leaving the main
East and AVest line in Kansas at Newton runs di-
rectlj' South to (lalveston. The fii'st place of im-
portance reached is AVichita, located on tiie big
and Little Arkansas Rivers, a city of thirt_v-flve
thousand people, where onlj' a few years ago was
an Indian trading post. South of AA'ichita is a
cluster of growing cities, comprising AVinfield,
AVellington, Arkansas City and Caldwell. AVich-
ita and Arkansas City have profited much b^y the
opening up of Oklahoma to settlement. Entering
the Indian Territory the line passes through a
magnificent agricultural country, as yet almost
wholly undeveloped. Galveston, the terminus, is
a rapidly growing city of fifty thousand inhabi-
tants. It is charmingly situated on the Gulf
coast, and has an unsurpassed climate in both
summer and winter.
La Junta to EI Paso. From La .Tunta the line
climbs to the summit of the Katon Range, seven
thousand six hundred and twenty-two feet above
the sea. On the wa_y up it passes through the im-
portant Colorado towns of El Moro and Trinidad.
The village of Raton is an important division
point for the railway. And then comes Las A^e-
gas and its famous hot springs, six miles distant
from the main line, but connected with it by a short
line with good equipment. At the hot springs is
the Rluvnix Hotel. The springs are unsurpassed
anywhere in the world, and the hotel is conducted
by the company in a most generous manner. The
springs are forty-two in number, are hot and
cold, and have a variet}' of mineral properties
which render them remarkably strong in their cur-
ative power. South of Las A'egas the line passes j
through fertile valleys, iieavy forests and black ]
and rugged canons until the valley of the Rio
Grande is reached. A branch line from Lamy ex-
tends up the mountain to Santa Fe, the capital of
New Mexico, next to St. Augustine the oldest
city in America. Its quaint old churches and
dwellings are interspersed with modern structures. 1
It should be seen befctre the peculiar charm of its j
antiquity has been entirely' destroyed. Albuquer- |
que, Socori-o and San Marcial are the chief points
between Santa Fe and El Paso. All are important
points for the business of mining, cattle-raising
and general commerce. From Rincon a branch
line leads to Deming, where junction is made witii
the Southern Pacific Railway, and to Silver City,
and to the other mining towns of Southern New
Mexico. It is the fortunate destiny of New Mex-
ico generally, and tlie Rio Grande A' alley particu-
larly, to soon take fiont rank in the line of fruit
production. The grapes produced in the lower
Rio Grande Valley are not surpassed in either
qualitj- or quantity by the product in any part of
the continent. F>om Albuquerque, in the heart of
New Mexico, due AVest, the Atlantic & Pacific
Railroad forrtis the main Santa Fe route to Cali-
fornia. The line passes through a great mining
and stock-raising country', where the climate is
perfect. Prescott, the capital of Arizona, is
reached bj' a branch from Prescott Junction.
Constant changes of scenery characterize the line,
and the crossing of the Colorado Canon is one of
the most lemarkable accomplishments known in
the railroad world. In Southern California tlie lines
of tiie California Central and Southern reach every
important cit}-. Barstow, San P)ernardino, Colton,
San Diego, National City, Los Angeles, and a hun-
dred other beautiful towns offer iinequaled induce-
ments to the seeker after health, wealth and pleas-
ure. San Francisco and other cities of Central
and Northern California are reached by tlie lines
of the Southern Pacific b\- virtue of a special ar-
rangement for traffic.
Between Chicago and Kansas City meals are
served on the finest dining ears. On the otlier
lines and branches are superb eating-houses and
hotels.
From the resume thus given of the facilities pos-
sessed by the Santa Fe Railway for interchanging
tratflc at its termini and various juiictions, it must
be apparent to the reader that the line is admir-
ably situated, and that in many respects it occu-
pies a strategic position, superior to that of other
trans-Missouri and Mississippi railroads. These
advantages have been utilized in tiie past, as they
will be in the future in developing the localities
through which the vnrioiis brandies extend, and
TRANSPORTATION.
to build up the permanent prosperity of the prop-
erty whose histor\- is so closely interwoven with
the settlement, development and prosperity of the
AVest beyond the Missouri River. Its local traftii-
compares favorably with that of other competing
lines. To this purely local traftic must be added
the contributions of its several termini, all large
cities and prominent trade centers in the Missouri
and Mississippi Valleys. With the growth and
steady development of the manufacturing and
other industries of Chicago, St. J^ouis, Kansas
City, St. Joseph, Atchison, Leavenworth, Topeka,
Wichita, Galveston, El P.aso, Pueblo and Denver,
since the middle of December, 1890, by means of
running arrangements with the Jacksonville &
Southeastern Railroad, the Santa Fe has a
through line from Chicago to St. Louis with a fine
equipment of palace cars. The Santa Fe Railway
must naturally make corresponding strides toward
attaining that proud financial position which has
been the life dream of its originators and present
owners. L'nder the present progressive and con-
servative management all advantages of geograph-
ical position, and all the resources of the through
line, will be constantl}- utilized in building up the
future prosperity of the road itself, and in devel-
oping the extended area of Chicago's commercial
supremacy. The land grant from the Government
amounted substantially to tjiree million acres. In
brief, its commanding geographical position,
coupled with its direct Eastern alliance for
through business, must render the Santa Fe event-
ually one of the most remunerative of our West-
ern railroads.
Cairo Short Line.
^IIE
terminal points of this line are E.ist St.
((iS I'luis and St. Louis, from which points it
S_V iims in a Southwesterly direction across
SouUiciii Illinois, touching the Ohio River at Me-
tropolis City and Pellonia, where it taps a grow-
ing and increasing trade with Kentucky and Ten-
nessee, giving a short route to the St. Louis mar-
kets for the products of a portion of those States.
At DuCJuoin and Carbondale connection is
made with the Illinois Central Railroad; at Parker
City it crosses the line of the Big Four; at Eldo-
rado traffic relations aie had with the Big Four
and Louisville & Nashville Railroads. The Cairo
Short Line passes through a section of lUmois
particularly rich in coal mines, which contributes to
the road an Immense freight business. At Du-
Quoin and Carbondale it taps the center of the
fruit belt. Its business is increasing, and the road
is in a prosperous condition.
Louisville & Na.sliville.
ine of this road crosses the Southern
part of Illinois in a Southeasterly direction.
Its Eastern terminals are at Evansville.'Mt.
A'ernon and Shawneetown, on the Ohio River,
while its western termini are St. Louis and East St.
Louis. This road transports annually large quan-
tities of coal, grain, flour and other products, and
has done much toward building up the towns along
the line.
Illinois & St. Louis Railroad,
^f^; ETTER known as the "Pittsburg Ro.ad,"
\r^\\ ^^^^^^^ from Belleville to East St. Louis,
/f^)]l| also to Union Depot, St. Louis, over the
^^y " Eads " Bridge. It has fine terminal f.a-
cilities in almost the center of Belleville, and is
extensively patronized ))y the people along its
line, iiut its most iin|i<>rtaiit tiallic is in transport-
ing coal.
Ohio & MissLssippi.
mis extended system operates in connection
with the Baltimore & Ohio, having St.
Louis for its western terminus, and close
traliic connections are maintained with the lead-
ing cities on the Atlantic seaboard. This was one
of the first roads built in Southern Illinois, being
672
TRANSPORTATION.
completed and opened for traffic the entire length
of the line in 1857. Under the present manage-
ment the road has grown in business, and now
comprises one of the important trunk lines of the
Mississippi Valley.
The VauclaUa Road.
^^IIK first train was run on this line in .Inly,
fCt-A ^''^''''^••'i"^ i" \9il{) was completed its entire
\^ length, and immediately thereafter through
passenger trains were established between New
York and St. Louis. Both in passenger and
freight business this line promptly became a lead-
ing factor in promoting the business interests of
the sections through which it passes, and with its
running arrangements with the Pennsylvania Cen-
tral furnishes fine facilities for its patrons.
^^30^^^^«
Abend, Hon. Edward 242
Aberle, F. W 357
Abt, P. W 270
Adams, John 23
Adams.John Q 39
Affleck, James 279
Ahlers, Conrad 318
Ahrens, Frederick 295
Ammel, N. E 370
Andel, Adolph 281
Andel, Casimir 265
Appel,J.L 2fi0
Arthur, Chester A 99
Bader,H.F 266
Badgley , Adam 210
Baer, Amson 317
Barthel, August 323
Barthel, Henry 589
Baum, Simon 272
Becker, Hon. Charles 117
Begole,F.M 322
Behrens.J.C 250
Bennett, Jeremiah 221
Bennett, Capt. W. H 305
Berkemeyer, C. F 210
Bertelsmann, Henrj' 654
Berteloth, John 442
Bertelsmann, J. B 611
Beste,J.H 454
Biebel,N. J 270
Bocquet, Gustave 367
Bocqnet, J. C 367
Boemer, Henry 436
Bohnemeier, John 360
Boismenue, Louis 209
Boismenue, Nicholas 578
Boneau, Judge Benjamin ... .280
Booth, D.S.,Sr 240
Bomman, Mrs. Elizabeth.... 227
Bug, Martin
Burke, Thon
Burr, J . C. . .
Cange, Mrs. Dora ..
Cannady, Cliaili--
Cannady, Elijah
Carr,L.T
Carroll, C. B
Carson. J. S
Carter, M. VV
Cash, V. B
Chapin, Rev. S. P
Chenot, Augustus
Clark, A. T
Clark, Samuel
Cleveland, S.Grover...
Corli.s.i;. L
Coulter, K.S
Crosby, George
Cunningham, Robert. .
Daab, Fred
Dake,C. R.,M. D..
Daniel, T. J
Dar
, W. A.
Davis, E. R ,
Day, J. A
Decker, H. J
DeHaan.H. J.,M.D.
Dehn, J. G
Dil,-. I i>i I i-.l' '• '■
D<.Hls.:nH. Mr- M.nl
Doyle, Jolin
Doyle, M. R.,M. p. .
Draser, George, Jr.
Dressel, Ernest
Dunn, James
Eberhart, J. J
Eberlein, George. ,
Eckert, Charles. .
Eckert, H. C
Eggmann, E.J...
Ehinger, .John
Eidmann,L. F....
Elliot, Henry
Elliot. Harry, Jr. .
Engelniann, W. B
Ettling, Christian
Ewing, Capt. G. A
Eyman, Isaac
Fahne, George, Sr
Fairbrother, H. C, M. D. .
Faulbaum. August
Fekete, Alexander, M. D. .
Fiet.sam,C. H
Fillmore, Jiillard
Finke,E. J
Flaniicrv, Patri.-k
Flc-ix. i ■ ■ '
F.-.r.M.: • I . ■ ■
Foiilk- ■ li.iil.-
Fournie. Sylvf-sfer. . .
Frey, John
Friederick, Michael.
Fries, Adam
Fries, Jacob
Fries, John
Fries, Peter
Friess, J. H
Fuesser, J. P.
Fuller, Rev. H. E
Funk, Adam
Funk, H. C
Funk, Henry
Ganter, Henry, M. D 149
Garfield, .Tames A 95
Gauch, Jacob 550
Gauch, P. A 408
Geary,M.F 126
Gelwicks, G. B 440
Germain, J. H 42R
Germain, Nicholas 658
Gillen, Rev. James 482
Gintz. Adam 573
Godin, Peter, Sr 636
Gooding, Abram 365
Gough, Rev. J. M 581
Graner, Louis 4t9
Grant, Ulysses S 87
Grebe, William, M.D 125
Green, B.P 315
Griffen, Abraham 542
Griffen, Charles 489
Griffin, John 410
Griswold, J. W 492
Gross, Louis 257
Grossmann, Charles 463
Grupe, W. H 577
Guentz, Henry 644
Gundlach, Frank 504
Guudlach, Jacob, Jr 147
Gundlach, P. M 543
Guthrie, G.W 631
Haas, Daniel. .
Hacker, J. N..
Hagen, Rev. H. J
..387
.410
McCuUough, J. W
..483
Penn, Joseph
..153
Hagist.E.R
.114
Karch, Charles
..547
McFarland, Mrs. Amanda
.620
Perrottet, Hon. Louis
.,269
McFarland, Capt. Milton..
McLean,Capt.J. J
Hamilton, J. f
..61S
Keller,J.P
.169
.CBS
Perryman.J. L.. M. D
..431
Hamilton, R. H
..fi2(;
Kemper, G. H
.520
McLean, J. J
.124
Pfall, Adam
..140
Hardy. Mrs. Catherine. . .
...B58
Kiefer,Jobn
.688
McQuillan, E.J
.295
Pfeiffer, Adam
..185
Harkins, Rev. John
..377
Kilian, Conrad
..441
Mechiri.J. .^S,,„
.145
Phillips, \V. H
..437
Harrison, Benjamin
Harrison, H. W
...107
...530
Kilian, Jacob
Kirk.J.W
.4.50
..198
Merk.-l.C.nul
Merrilk, F. B
.:!(I0
..486
Pierce, H. A
..160
Harrison. William Henry.
Harrold Michael
Polk James K
59
464
Metelmann M F
. 503
Postel, P. H
618
Hartmann.Bernhard....
Hauss, Charles
379
»34
Predi-'er. William
568
...B47
Knewitz, Henry.-
..476
Meyer, Rev. Henry
. .423
Prediger, Peter
.65,1
Hayes, Rutherford B
... 91
Knobeloch, Adolph
..582
Miller.A.J
..197
Priester, F. M
.665
Heberer, George
. ..1.S9
Knobeloch, Henry
..316
Miller, D. D
..41«
Priester, Fred
..166
Heelv, D. C, M. D
...006
Knobeloch, John
.818
Miller.J.E
..452
Probst, Charles
..479
Heidinger, J. J
...13S
Knobeloch, Julius
..514
Miller, L. Q
. .292
Pugh,H L
..S3.5
Heimberger, R. U
Heinrich, Oscar
Heinzelman John
...451
...mi
659
Knoebel, Thomas
..556
Miller, Louis
Miller, Peter
Miller, W.J
Mills, Hugh
4-'l
Koeberlin, Frederick, M. D
Koenig. Rev. Christopher.
..404
..;i53
. .398
..429
R
Helms, Fren
...619
Hempe.H.W
...238
Koerner, Hon. Gustavus. .
..348
Moehlmann, Fredrick, Sr.
..2.^4
Hentzel, Benjamin
...181
Kra£rt,T.J
Kurrus.J. A
...356
..394
Moe8er,Prof. Frederick..
. V,^,
Raab,E. p., M.D ..
. ..395
Higgins, Benjamin
...181
Moeser,Philip, M. D
..278
Rafter, J. J
.127
...461
L
Rebhan, Emile
Rebhan.G. C
Montag, Carl
Mootz, Albert
..196
..274
.337
Hoff, Henry
. . .567
..146
...175
Mootz, Herman
..123
Reichert, Joseph
66"
Muelheim, Mrs. G. L
.249
Law. Robert
Leake, Frank
Lehman, Prof. G
...607
..516
..302
Mueller, A. J
Mueller, J. F
Mueller, J. F
..289
..244
..253
Huber, Henry .,..-
Reis,Henrv !22
Hypes, Benjamin
...163
Reis. Hon. Michael
.5S.7
H\T>es,J. W
. . .660
Leiner, Jacob
Muetze, Christian
. .683
Lemen.G.C
..6.59
Munie, George
..661
Rembe, Charles, M. D...
...418
Lenz, August
..497
Murphy, David
..645
Rtnshaw, (apt. J. ^\
.173
Muskopf.G.J
..132
I
Lienesch,G. P
..515
Reuss, Julius
..186
Lill.P. W
..150
Rheiii,Fred
..571
Lincoln, Abraham
.. 79
Rhein, Louis
..638
Illinski, A. X., M. D
...385
Lindly,J. J
..408
N
Rhein, Philip
...164
Lischer, Hon Christ
.461
Hichter, F. E
..502
Isch, Anthony
Lischer. C. J
..457
Rittenhouse, W. P
..119
Robertson, N.S
J
Louis, Joseph
Lyons,J. R
..438
Niemes,John
North AdolphuB . . .
..941
. 407
Roewe, Henry
Rogers, E.P
Rogers, G.B.M
..496
Nuetzel, Gottfried
...276
.507
Jackson, Andrew
...43
Rohm, Christian, Sr
.223
Janssen, Rev. John
...143
M
Romeiser, V.M
...447
Jargstorff, Rev. John.. . .
...688
o
Ropiequet, R. W
..i;47
Jelterson, Thomas
... 27
Rose, F.T., M.D
..159
Johnson, Andrew
Johnson, C.C
. . .578
Madison, James
Malinee,S.B
. . 31
..600
Rilbach, Ferdinand, M. D
..613
...121
Johnson, L. M
. ...535
..273
Oebike, Henry
..235
Ruemmler, CO
...470
Jones, C.T
...473
OHalloran,Rev.P. J
...642
Ruester, Philip
..335
Ortgier, William
. ..373
...122
. . .615
...326
Otten. Hermann
..549
Butter, G.F
Joseph, John
Maule Francis
..404
...467
..230
Juenger,J. P
Justus, Fred
Maule.John
May, Thomas, Jr
McCasland, CO
..en
P
S
McCasland.C. D
..222
McCasland, J. M
McCasland, Hon. J. T
..251
..282
McCasland, W. A
..596
Padfleld, J. R.
...182
Sackmann, Capt. Henry .
..231
Kaemper, Charles
...513
McCracken,R.X.,M.D..
..587
Padfield.W.R
...668
Sager, C. H
..665
Kaiizler, George
...410
McUulIey, A.J
..119
Parry.H. F
..413
Battler.Fred
..1J9
Sauter, John
Schaefer, M. W
Schaller, John
Schaub, George
Scheel, A. M.,M. D. ...
Scheve, G. J
Schlernitzauer, A.. M. I
Schmidt, H. T
Schmidt, J. C
Schmisseur, Eugene
Schmisseur, Frank
Schmisseiir, Mrs. M. A.
Schneider. Peter
Schoeniiis, E. T
Schi.tt.O. F
Schroeder, George
Schuetz, E. C
.Schwaegel. Jacob
Schwarz, Franz
Schwarz, Hans
Schwinn, Peter
Scott, E.J
Scott, W.S
Sehlinger, Anton
Seibert, John
Seibert,Hon. Peter
Seranielroth, George. . .
Shipman, G. W., Sr... .
Siebert, William
Sinclair, J. C
Skaer, Philip
Skaer, Wesley
Slade, Hon. J. P
Slieper, F
Smiley, A. B
Smith, J. P
Sopp,P. H
Spitznass, Herman
Stack,?. H
Staub, Nicholas. . .
Stauder, Peter
Stanfenbiel, F. J. .
Stein, Adolph
st.-ir..T',ii r. ....
Stolberg, Andrew.
Stookey, Aaron. . .
Stookey, E. D
Stookey, Elijah...
Stookey, G. H
Stookey, L. P., M.
Stookey, M. M
Stookey, M.T
Stookey, T. A
Strecker.C. F., M.
Suemnicht, Herma
Sullivan, J. .M
Tarlton,R. B
Tate, G. R
Tate, John
Taylor, Zachary . . .
Thomas, E. A
Thomas, Hon. John .
Thompson, Amos. . .
Tiemann, August. . .
Tissier, M. F
Todd, Lemuel
Tomlins, Rev. W. H.
Townsend, William. .
Traubel, Leonard
Trautmann, Frederick
Trendley, Capt. H. E...
Turner, L. D
Twenhafel, Bernard
Twitchell,R. A., M. D..
Tyler, John
Vahlkamp, Stephan..
Valerius, Jacob
VanBlareom, W. D. .
Van Buroii, Martin .
, H. W.
.014
Voyt, Tlu-o....
Volkeniug, Hei
Voskamp, Hen
VoBS, Casper. .
Voss, Henrv...
3<»0
221
Waeltz, William
Wagner, Henry
Walrath.f. L
Walsh, Capt. Mike..
Wangelin, Richard.
Ward, J. T
Wasem, Valentine
Washington, George
Webb, Emanuel
Weber, John
Weber,P.L
Weckler, F. S
Wehrle, J. & Son
West, B. J
West, Washington, M. V
Westermann, Col. Hugo.
White, H.K
White, J. K
White, T.H
Wies.J.J
Wiggins, J. L.,M.D
ilder
Wilderman, Hon. A.
Wilderman,F. A
Wilderman, James...
Wilderman, J. C
Wilderman, J. S
Wildgrube. Ferdinan
Wildy, Alexander
Wilhelmj, C. F., M. D,
...fil2
...437
...148
...lm
...45.H
Williams, H.C
Willoughby, J. A
Wilson, H.M
Wiukelmann, William.
Wolpert, F. W
Woodley, Rev. R. D. . . .
Woods, Alex., M. D
Adams, John 22
Adams, John Q 38
Affleck. James 278
Arthur, Cliester A 98
Becker, Hon. Charles 1 16
Bennett, Jeremiah 220
Bennett, W.H 304
Bertelsmann, J. R 610
Bornman, Mrs. Elizabeth... .22r.
Braudenburger, William ijiJi
Broderick, W.J 3B2
Buchanan, James H
Cange, Paul 422
Chenot, Augustus 382
Cleveland, S. Grover 102
Cimningham, Robert 34R
Dake.C. R., M. D B-22
Day, J. A .164
Faulbaum, August 310
Fietsam, C. H 236
(iiiil.M],ri,arl.-s 4»8
Gross, Louis 25C
Harrison, Benjamin 100
Harrison, W. H 50
Hayes, R.B flO
Hypes. Benjamin 163
Jackson, Andrew 42
Janssen, Bishop J 142
Jefferson, Thomas 26
Johnson, Andrew 82
Johnson, L. M 534
Jones, C.T 172
Kaemper, Charles 512
Kloess, John 262
Koenig, Father C 352
Lincoln, Abraham 78
Madison, James 30
Maule, John
466
Seibert, Hon. Peter
....18
Smith, J. P
Stack, P. H
Niemes.John
540
... .21
Penn, Joseph
152
Stei)heiis, :M. 51
....13
PeiTM,!,.,, !.,„„.
268
Stoi.kcv, M. T
IVri \ . .I..l,ii
494
Strcckei. C, I' ,M, D...
)'i,.|',.,-. 1 r;nik[|ii
70
Suemiiirlil, ll.Tniai.....
:,i
Polk. J. K
68
Tayl.T, Za.lKuv
.... 6
Pugh.H. L
. . . .634
Th(ini|,^..ii, .\iiM.s
Rank, John
43*
Tyler, .I,.|,n
.... 5
Ra.vhill, .J. J
392
Vahlka,„|,..^l,.pl.an....
Reimann,Pc-iL.|
640
Van Hiiivi,..-M.,itii,
.. . 4
Reinecke, CoiiiiKl
201
Van('o,„t,B.J
....13
Reis.Hon. Jli.ha.-:
.-)S6
Warllz. William
....5.i
Renshaw.J. w
17-2
Wasliin-ti.ii, George
.... 1
Richard.son,J. H
178
Wehrl.-,J..s,.ph
....51
Romeiser, P M
West,T,„aiM,. II„^-n
19
Romei.ser.Mrs.E.H...
445
•VVhitr.T. 11
... .59
Scheel,A.M.,M. D....
604
William-, H.C
....62
Seibert, John
402
h§Ws,
Ahlers, Conrad 319
Ammel, N. E 371
Beste. J. H 455
Burr, J. C 499
Dekum, Dominick 615
Dressel, Ernst. .
Dunn, James. . .
Germain, J. H. .
Griffin, John.. .
Haas, Daniel.. .
Knewitz, Henry. . .
Liebig, G. P
Miller, Louis
Miller, Peter
Prediger, William.
Rhein, Fred
Schott, O. F
Schwinn, Peter. . .
Stookey, M. M....
Togel, Friedrich.
221
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