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 Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, 
 
 TOGETHER WITH BIOGRAPHIES AND PORTRAITS OF ALL THE 
 
 ® Presidents of the I5nited states.® 
 
 CinCAGO: 
 1893.
 
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 UlE greatest of English historians, Macaulay, and one of the most brilliant writers of 
 the present century-, has said: "The history of a countrj- is best told in a record of the 
 lives of Its people." In conformity with this idea the Portrait and Biographical 
 Record ^f ^\^\^ 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 industiy, 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 manj^ whose lives are worth3^ 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 
 
 /— viiei^H I - advantaijes for securinsr an education, have become learned men and women, with an 
 V l,'^. )V^i influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who 
 have risen from the lower wallis 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 manj', very 
 many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pui-sued "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 land. 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 tre.isure, 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 everj' opportunity possible 
 jiven to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them- 
 elves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograph 
 eal 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, 18U2. CHAPMAN BROS. 
 
 192864

 
 FIRST PRESIDENT. 
 
 ft 
 
 
 HE Father of our Country was 
 born in Westmorland Co., Va., 
 jy Feb. 22, 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 
 lormer married Mildred Warner 
 and had 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 si.x 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 the parental residence. George 
 received only such education as the neighborhood 
 scliools afforded, save for a short time after he left 
 scliool, when he received private instruction in 
 mathematics, H.s spellini" v/as rather defective. 
 
 Remarkable stories are told of his great physica: 
 strength and development at an early age. He war. 
 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 appointed 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 demise tlie 
 estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. 
 
 Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, 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- 
 cepted, 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 rniles. Winter was at hand, 
 and the journey was to be made without military 
 escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 
 
 irip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near 
 losing his lite, yet he returned in safety and furnished 
 a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment 
 of 300 men was raiaed in Vu-ginia 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 Braddotfk 
 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 had four bullets through 
 my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped 
 unhurt, thougli death was levelin" 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 royal army, he 
 took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the 
 expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio, 
 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 
 -jf 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 common liberties, 
 peaceably if possible. To this Congress 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 Le.xington had been fought. Among the 
 first acts of tliis 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 memberof the Congress. He accepted 
 it on June 19, 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 
 .ind matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest 
 niti-in of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in 
 a piiii^ig address of surpassing beatity, resigned his 
 
 commission as commander-in-chref of the army vo 
 to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He 
 retired immediately to 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 riew 
 government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part 
 of other governments; trials from want of harmony 
 between the different 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.nent could discern the golden mean; and 
 while perhaps 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 temi many 
 were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely 
 refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March, 
 1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi- 
 dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there 
 his few remaining yeais 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 
 his life was suddenly cut off. December i 2, he took 
 a 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 we 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 alile 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 iserson of Washington was unusally tan, erect 
 and well proportioned. His muscular strength was 
 great. His features were of a beautiful symmetrv. 
 He commanded respect without any appearance oi 
 haughtiness, and ever serious withon' V^in^; duU.
 
 'm
 
 SECOND PRESIDENT. 
 
 OHM ADAMS, the second 
 President and the first Vice- 
 President of the United States, 
 was born in Braintree ( now 
 •'5. Quincy ),Mass., and about ten 
 •^ miles from Boston, Oct. 19, 
 735. 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 relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the 
 study of law. For this purix)se 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 siieech, 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), -^le attempt of Parliamentary taxa- 
 tion turned him fnni law to politics. He took initial 
 Steps toward hold'-., n town meeting, and the resolu- 
 
 tions he offered on the subject became very jwpulai 
 throughout the Province, and were adopted word foi 
 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 delegates 
 from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress, 
 which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himselt 
 by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- 
 vocated tlie movement for inde\)er.dence against tb-; 
 majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved 
 and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies 
 should assume the duties of self-govemment. He> 
 wus a prominent member of the committee of iive 
 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 ttiree days debate. 
 
 On the day after the Declaration of Independence 
 was passed, while his soul was yet warm with th! 
 glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife 
 which, as we read :t now, seems to have been dictated 
 by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the 
 greatest question was decided that ever was debated 
 in America; 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- 
 jiendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of 
 July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history 
 of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated 
 by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary? 
 festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day o' 
 deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almieh"- 
 God. It ought to be solemnized \vith pomp, sho-^
 
 JOHN ADAMS. 
 
 games, Sjx)rts, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations 
 lioLn one end of the continent to the other, from this 
 time forward for ever. Vou will think me transiwrted 
 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 seethe 
 rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is 
 wjrth more than all the means; and that posterity 
 will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I 
 ho[)e we shall not." 
 
 In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a 
 deilegate to France and to co-operate with Bemjamin 
 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 Septeniber of the same year he vi^as again 
 cliosen 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 ptoposels. He 
 sailed for France in November, from there he went to 
 H illand, where he negotiated imi)ortaut loans and 
 formed important commercial treaties 
 
 Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed 
 Jan. 21, 17S3. 'i'he 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 goto 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 appoint a minister to the United 
 States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom- 
 plishing but little, he sought permission to return to 
 .lis 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 aliroad, was chosen Vice President. .Again 
 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. 
 S.;rving in this office four years,he was succeeded by 
 ■^Tr. Jefferson, his oppcment in politics. 
 
 '. 'hile Mr. Adams was Vice President the great 
 
 French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, 
 and it was upon this point which he was atissujwiili 
 the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson. 
 Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French peojile 
 in their 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 tlie other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
 enlisted in behalf of the French peojile. Hence or- 
 iginated the alienation between these distinguished 
 men, and two powerful parties were thus soon orgar.- 
 ijed, 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 
 api)reciat:on 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 streni,th 
 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 theu 
 earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkalile as 
 to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. 
 Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning 
 of the fourth he found hmiself too weak to rise from 
 his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the 
 customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In- 
 DEPtiNDENCE FOREVER." When the day was ushered 
 in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, 
 he was asked by one of his ; ttendants if he knew 
 what day it was? He replied, "O yes ; it is the glor- 
 ious fourth of July — God bless it — Clod 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 pIeposses^in^. His face, 
 as his portrait manifests.was intellectual ard expires 
 sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and \\-\ 
 manners were frequently abrupt and unronrteous 
 He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor 
 the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked 
 the manners and address of Tefiferson,
 
 '^^S^y-ZP-^l
 
 THIRD PRESIDENT. 
 
 »7 
 
 ^,^^,,,^™ 
 
 «_T1I DIxjAa JEr PEESDI^. M 
 
 ^ 
 
 HdMAS JEFFERSON was 
 born April 2, 1743, at Shad- 
 well, Albermarle county, Va. 
 His parents were Peter and 
 Jane ( Randolph) Jefferson, 
 the Ibraier a native of Wales, 
 and the latter born in Lon- 
 don. To them were born six 
 daughters and two sons, of 
 whom Thomas was the elder. 
 When 14 years of age his 
 fatiier died. He received a 
 most liberal education, hav- 
 ing been kept diligently at scliool 
 from the time he was Ave years of 
 age. In 1760 he entered William 
 f.nd Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat 
 of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion 
 a. id splendor. V'oimg 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 
 such influences, 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 
 nouvs a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex- 
 ercise only a run in the evening 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; anvl 
 
 I there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virgir.ia, a 
 ! more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man. 
 Immediately upon leaving college he began the 
 study of law. For the short lime he continued in the 
 practice of his jirofession 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 chosen 
 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, th-re 
 was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which 
 commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and 
 beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for 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 Colonial Congress, 
 where, though a silent member, his abilities as a 
 writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he 
 was placed uix)n 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
 
 THOMAS JEFFERSON. 
 
 man — what the emotions that swelled his breast — 
 who was charged with 'he preparation of that Dec- 
 laration, wliich, while it made known the wrongs of 
 America, .vas also to publish her to the world, free, 
 soverign and independent. It is one of the most re- 
 markable i)apers 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 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to 
 Patrick Henry, ;.s Governor of Virginia. At one time 
 the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to 
 Moniicelio, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five 
 minutes elapsed after the hurried 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 e.<citement, and 
 in the summer of 1782 she died. 
 
 Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. 
 Two yens 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. This 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, Vice President. 
 
 The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra- 
 tion was disturbed by an event which 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 
 ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a 
 military expedition into the Spanish territories on our 
 southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there 
 a new republic. This has been generally supposed 
 was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been 
 generally known what his real plans were, there is no 
 doubt that they were of a far more dangerous 
 character. 
 
 In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for 
 which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined 
 to retire from political life. For a period of nearly 
 lorty years, he had been continually before the pub- 
 lic, and all that time had been employed in offices 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 bid fare- 
 well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello. 
 
 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- 
 
 sary of the Declaration of American Independence, 
 great preparations were made in every part of the 
 Union for its celebration, as tlie 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 fetv surviving signers of the Declara- 
 tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill- 
 ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and 
 had been continually increasing, compelled him to 
 decline the invitation. 
 
 On the 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 hour was at hand. On the ne.\» 
 day, which 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 tfe airof the filtietl' 
 anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose 
 dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, 
 burst upon 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 which 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 wanting to fill up ihe record his life, 
 
 Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- 
 dred siiirit of the venerable Ad;.ms, 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 the 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 complexion was fair, his fore 
 head broad, and his whole coui'»enance intelligent and 
 thoughtful. He possessed great fortitr,de of mind as 
 well as personal courage ; and }.is 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 hospitality was so unbounded that 
 all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver- 
 sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic; and 
 his language was remarkably pure and correct. He 
 was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is 
 discernable the care with which he formed his style 
 upon the best models of antiquity.
 
 .jV,ij«(?Y
 
 /<2/f< - • -t^ 
 
 g^^lC-t.1 c ^
 
 FOURTH PRFSIDENT. 
 
 3» 
 
 ^piijEsnpDisor]. 
 
 AMES MADISON, "Father 
 of the Constitution," and fourth 
 _," President of the United States, 
 ^ was born March i6, 1757, and 
 ;b died at his home in Virginia, 
 ■^^^ June 28, 1836. The name of 
 James Madison is inseparably con- 
 nected with most of the important 
 events in that lieroic period of our 
 country during which the founda- 
 tions of this 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 ujxjn the shores of the Chesa- 
 ])eake but 15 years after the settle- 
 ment of Jamestown. The father of 
 James Madison was an opulent 
 planter, residing upon 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 jjersonal and 
 jx)litical 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 embellislied and gave proficiency to his subsr 
 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 
 whicli 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-work ot 
 a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of 
 mind, and his frail health leading him to think that 
 his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten- 
 tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mind 
 singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with 
 almost unecjualled powers of reasoning, he weighed 
 all tlie arguments for and against revealed religion, 
 until his faith became so established as never to 
 be shaken. 
 
 In the sjiring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he 
 was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to 
 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 talent, energy and public spirit of the 
 modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf, 
 and he was appointed to the E.\eculive Council. 
 
 Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were 
 Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained 
 member of the Council ; and their appreciation oi his
 
 • lite ' ■ ■ ' ^ ill, coiiiii;.iiu-a 1,..' 
 I Ir • c. In tlir )car 
 17S-. - ^ .1 the C'omiiiciiial 
 L'on^icMk. Here iic uict the incnt illustrio'.iii men in 
 uur iiiml, nril he W;H iiiiine<ti,itoly iin^i^Mcd to one of 
 the 1 . !icni. 
 
 1 . .cU in Con- 
 
 cie^ . - 'i.il members. 
 
 In tnc year I7n4, hu term having expired, he was 
 elected a inenilier uf the Virginia Legislature. 
 
 No man Icll mure deeply tlian Mr. Madison the 
 utter incthticncy ol the old conl'edcrai y, wiih no na- 
 tional government, Miih no |iowlt to lorin treaties 
 which would tic binding, or to enforce law. There 
 was not any State more prominent than Virginia in 
 the declaration, that an elVicient n.itional government 
 mu»t Ik: lormcd. In J.inuary, 17S6, Mr. Madi>on 
 earned a relation throiigii the (iencr.il Asscmlily of 
 Virginia, inviting the other .Stales to ap|X)int commis- 
 sionets to meet in convention at .'\nna|<(>!is to discuss 
 this subject. I'ive States only were represented. The 
 convention, however, issued auotlier call, drawn up 
 by Mr. Madison, urging all the Stales to seiul their 
 delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 17S7, to draft 
 a Constitution for the United States, to t.ike the place 
 of that Confederate League. The delegates met at 
 
 • he time ap|iointeil. Kvcry Stale but KIhhJc Island 
 wa.s represented, (leorge Washington was chosen 
 oresident of the convention; and ihe present Cimsti- 
 tution of the United States was then and there fonned. 
 There was, i>erhai«, no mind and no pen more ac- 
 tive in framing this iminori.il document than the mind 
 and the \M:n of James Madison. 
 
 The Con-titution, .idopted by a vote Si to 79, w.-is 
 to l)e presented to the several States for .icceptance. 
 Hut grave solicitude was felt. .Should it be rcjct ted 
 we should l>eleft but a conglomeration of inde|>endenl 
 State'., with but little (lower at home and little icspect 
 abro.t<l. Mr. Madi'iui was selected by tne conven- 
 tion to draw up an arldress to the |)c<>ple of the United 
 Stales, ex|>ounding il.e principles of the Constitution, 
 and urging its .idoption. There was great op|osition 
 to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and 
 went into effect in 17S9. 
 
 Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Rcpre- 
 tentaiives in the first Congress, aiul soon became the 
 avowed leader <jI the Rc|>ublic.in party. While in 
 New York attending Congress, he met Mrs Todd, a 
 young widow of remarkable jmwcr f)f fascination, 
 whom he marric*!. She was in i>erson and character 
 queenly, and jtrobably no lady has thus f.ir occujiied 
 ■to pmminent a (losition in the vcy |ic<:iiliar society 
 which has constittiled our republican court as Mrs. 
 Midison.. 
 
 Mr Madison served as Secretary ol State under 
 JefTcrvm, and at the close of his ailministiation 
 was ilioscn Prciident. At this time the encroach- 
 ments of Kngland had brought us to the verge of war. 
 
 I,;;', .. •■:...■:■. , - ,.,'.-,- - , . ., : .1 
 
 out (lag was c\ 
 
 was a man ol i ■ ' r 
 
 in hlsdii|iosillou, «al liad iiuchaiiiislui htiii. liul the 
 ineekckt S|>irit can be ruusetl. It makes unc'o bhuMi 
 boil, even now, to think ol . ' ' ' ( 
 
 to, u|iun theoiean, by the . 
 
 A young lieutenant sle|/s ' ' .i- 
 
 crcw to lie paraded Itelore hiiu. Witii gicat nuiuhal- 
 ance he selects any nuiiil>er whom he may please to 
 designate as Unlish subjects; orders them dcwn the 
 ships side into his lioat ; and pl.ices them on the gun- 
 deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the 
 battles of Kngland. This right of search and im- 
 pressment, no efforts of our (.iovernment could induce 
 the Hiitish cabir,et to relimpiish. 
 
 On the i-Sth of June, 1812, President Madison gave 
 his appioval to an act of Congress declaring war 
 against (Weat Britain. Noiwitlisianding the bitter 
 hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country 
 in general appiuved; and Sir. Madisiin, on the 4th 
 of .Mart h, lijij, was re-elei led b) a l.irge majority, 
 ami enlered uj'on his second term of office. This is 
 not the place to describe the vanoiis adventur.:s ol 
 this war on the land and on the water. Our infan 
 navy then laid the foundations of its renown in gTa|>- 
 pling wiih the most formidable [lower which ever 
 swe|)t the seas. The contest commenced in earnest 
 by the aiijiearancc of a British fleet, early in February, 
 1813, in Chesajicake Bay, derlanrg neatly the whole 
 coast of the Unilc-d States under blcn kade. 
 
 The Kmi>eror of Russia offered his services as me 
 dilator. .America accepted; Kngland refused. A Brit- 
 ish force of five thousand men landed on the lianks 
 ofthePatuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa- 
 |>cake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens- 
 burg, u|ion Washington. 
 
 The straggling little city of Washington was thrown 
 into consternation. The cannon of the brief lonflict 
 at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the 
 metropolis. The whole fiopuialirn fled from the city. 
 The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the Wiiite 
 House, with her carriage drawn up at the doer to 
 await his speedy return, hurrie-«i to meet the officers 
 in a count il ol war He met our tnio|>s utterly routc*d, 
 and he could not go back without danger of l)eii>g 
 ca|>turcd. But few lioiirs cla|>sed ere tl>e Prcsidenti.i! 
 Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in 
 Washington were in flames. 
 
 The war close<l after two years of fighting, and on 
 Feb. 13, iSn.the treaty of (leace was signed atChent. 
 
 On the 4th of Manh, 1817, his sc<€ind term of 
 offi.c expired, and he resigned the Prc>>idcniial chair 
 to his friend. James Monroe. He rciia"<l to his leau- 
 tifiil home at Mont(ielicr, and Iheie pas'-etl the re- 
 mainder of his days On June jS, 1S36. then at the 
 age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi 
 ion died July la, 1849.
 
 LIBRAflY
 
 ^/ii^) -y -t^ y // -^-^ f^ ^ (^^
 
 ' FIFTH' PRES7D^1^2\ 
 
 35 
 
 ^^a^asM" 
 
 
 -•3i& 
 
 ^s^lg^lY"^/^' 
 
 y.-<3*"'^>-ol 
 
 AMES MOXROR. the fiftli 
 I'rcsidentof The United States, 
 was born in Westmoreland Co., 
 V'a., April 28, 1758. His early 
 life was passed at the place of 
 nativity. Hi.5 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 uixjn the un- 
 just and manifold oppressions of 
 Great Britian, declared the separa- 
 tion of the Colonies, and promul- 
 gated the Declaration of Indepen- 
 dence. Had he been born ten years before i: is highly 
 probable that he would have been one of the signers 
 of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left 
 school and enlisted 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 ixDuring 
 in ; and the lories not only favored the cause of the 
 mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, 
 who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- 
 t3nding 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 
 |X)litical emancipation. The young cadet joined the 
 ranks, and es|ioiised the cause of his ijijured country, 
 • with a firm determination to live o. lie with her strife 
 
 for liberty. Firmly \ et sadly he shared in the tnel- 
 anclioly retreat from Hadeam Heights and White 
 Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled 
 before its foes Ihrougli 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 tlie 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- 
 paigns of 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, tlie 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 avolun 
 teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. 
 
 In 1782, 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 disfjlayed some of that ability 
 and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards 
 employed with unremittir^g energy for the public good,
 
 i* 
 
 James a/onrob. 
 
 >>en a merober of 
 
 Mutituctwli liic iiii|icrfc(tiontorihco)U 
 ' ».is u|i|itMicil tuilie new Cuii*tiiiiiiun, 
 ii 1.111) oihtrs of 'he Kc|iiil>licaii luny, 
 
 '.li .iiili |iow>.r toilicfciiiiiiKiovcriiiiicMii, 
 
 411' ; . ., ■ i<> llie iiiiliMiliul .Sutcs. Siill lie rc- 
 
 tjiiicii liic cHicciii uf hii liicnds wlto were its wami 
 tupiiortcis, .iMJ wlto, notwiilisiniidiitg his O|i|x>si(ion 
 secured iis .iduptiuii. In 17X9, lie Iwciine a menilier 
 of tlie United Slates Scii.itc; which otfiie he held for 
 foiiryc.ir>. Kverj' mouih the line of distinction l»e- 
 twecn the two j-rcat paiiies whii.h divided the nation, 
 the Federal and the Keinililiian, was growing nturc 
 distinct. The tun (iroiiiitient iiieas which now sei>- 
 arated them were, that tiie Ke|iiil>lican party wa.s in 
 sympathy with Kr-ince, and al-o in favor of such a 
 stiict construction of the Constitution as to give the 
 (.'ctitral (rt)vernment as little |>ower, and the State 
 llovernmcntsas much iwwer.as the Constitution would 
 warrant. The |•'edel.lli^ts sympathized with Kngland, 
 and were in favor of a liberal Lonstruttion of the Con- 
 stitution, which would give as much |iower to the 
 Centra! (>overnmcnt as tnat document could |X>ssibly 
 authorize. 
 
 Thr li.-adini; Federalists and Republicans were 
 aliV . consecrating all their energies to the 
 gif >n. Two more ho'iest men or more 
 pill ^ m John Adams the Feiletalist, and 
 James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. Ill 
 |)uiMini; i>i> ilii< Ml ijrsiir nation, which is destined 
 to ' " \-.-.yri.iii greatne^s, tliecom- 
 
 bi' was neetied to create the 
 
 \\^.' , \ . >-• each in his day was de- 
 nounced as almost a demon. 
 
 Washington was then President. England had es- 
 poused the raii>.e of the Bourlions .1^'ainst the prinr.i- 
 \Ae^ of the French Revolution. .Ml Riiro|)e was drawn 
 ml" •' ■ •' t. We were feeble and far away. 
 U cd a prorl.ihiation of neutrality be- 
 
 twi. 'ending (lowers. France had heli>ed 
 
 us in tiie -.u.iggle for our liiierties. All the despotisms 
 of Enrol* Were now comliinedto prevent the French 
 fro ■ • V a thousand-fold worse 
 
 til ired <!ol. Monroe, more 
 
 mi t. was anxious itiai, at 
 
 whatckct li,i/afd, we !iliuuld help our old allies in 
 their cxtrj'mily. It was the impulse of a generous 
 an. I ' ' re. He violently opposed the I'rcs- 
 
 idt' ' iiion as ungrateful and wanting in 
 
 m.i.. 
 
 Washmgion, who could apnreciatc such a character, 
 fieve'-'TTd hi'. '--I'm. ^••r<"\r, almost divine greatness, 
 bv lis Monroe, who was dc- 
 
 iK> I '.crnmcnt, as 'he minister 
 
 of ■ ' 'i>- iif Frame. Mr. 
 
 M' 'innal Cjnvcntion 
 
 in I ..'ic demonstt/^ions. 
 
 I SItonly after hu return to this counlrv, Mr. Mon- 
 I rue was elected Governor of \'irgniia, and held the 
 ' offiic fur three )eaii>. He was again tent to France to 
 co-o|icrate with Chantcllor Livingston in obtaining 
 I the vast tcrriiury then known as the Pruvimc u( 
 Ix>ui>iaiia, whiih F'rance had but shuiily l^rfore ob- 
 tained from Spain. 'I'neir united cfrorts were suc- 
 cessful. For the comparatively small Mim of fifteen 
 milliuns of dollars, the entire territory of Oilcans and 
 district of lyouisiann wcie adiicil to the l'nite<l States. 
 This was probably the large--.! l:ans(er of real estate 
 which was ever made in all the history of the world 
 Fronr Frame .Mr. .Monroe went to luigland to ol>- 
 tain fniin that country some recogmtion of ou: 
 rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against thos- 
 odious impressments of our seamen. hut Eng- 
 land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng- 
 land on the same mission, but could receive no 
 redress. He relumed to his home and was again 
 chosen Oovemor of Virginia. Thi> he soon resigned 
 to accept the jiosition of .Secretary of State unde- 
 Madison. While in this office war with Flngland w.is 
 declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and dnnng 
 these trying times, the duties of the War Departmcn 
 were also put ujion him. He was tnily the armor- 
 bearer of President M.idison, and the most cffiiient 
 business man in his caliinet. C|>oii the return ol 
 |)eace he resigned the Department of War, but con- 
 tinued in llie office of Sei retary of Stale until the ex- 
 piraiion of Mr. Madison's adminstralion. At the elec- 
 tion held the previous autumn Mr Mtmroc himself had 
 lieen chosen President with but li;tle op|iosition, and 
 u|>on March 4, 1R17, was inaugurated. Four year? 
 later he was elected for a second term. 
 
 Among the imi«rtant measures of his Presidency 
 were the cession of Florida to the I'niied Stales: the 
 Miss<juri lompromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.' 
 This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe 
 <lo» trine," was cnunci.sti-d by him in iR2_v A' 'h*' 
 time the I'niieil States had recognized the indc|>end- 
 ence of the .'yinth American slates, and did not wish 
 to have Eurojtean |>ow'ers longer attempting to sub 
 due |K»rtions of the American Continent. The doctrine 
 is as follows: "That we should ronsidcr anyaltenipt 
 on the part of F'upopean |X)wers to extend their sys- 
 tem to any (wrtion of this hemisphere as dangerous 
 to our j)cace and safety," and "that we could not 
 view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing 
 or controlling .^nicrii an governments or provinces in 
 any olhcr light than as a manifest.ilinn by Euroi»ear 
 Iiowers of an tinfriendly disposition toward the I'niiec 
 Stales." This doctrine immediately .nflTcctcd the course 
 of foreign governments, and has l>ecome the approved 
 sentiment of the United States. 
 
 At the end of his fccond tenn Mr Monroe retire<1 
 10 his home in Virginia, where he lived until i8^o 
 when he went to New ^'nrk to live with his son-in- 
 law. In that city he died. on the 4th of July. 1S31
 
 f 
 
 
 J . 5 , '^ ^ Ayy>vj
 
 S/XTH FRF.SIDRNT. 
 
 
 
 OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the 
 ^ixth President of the United 
 ^■••f Slates, was liorn in the rural 
 home of his lionored father. 
 John Adams, in Quincy, Mass , 
 (jii the I Uh cf July, 1767. His 
 mother, a woman of exalted 
 worth, watched over his childhood 
 during the almost constant ab- 
 sence of his father. When but 
 eight years of sge, he stood with 
 ' his mother on an eminence, listen- 
 ing to the booming of the great bat- 
 tle on Bunkers 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 fatfier for Eurojie, 
 through a fleet ol hostile British cruisers. The bright, 
 icumiated boy spent a year and a half in Paris, where 
 his f.ither was associated with Franklin and Lee as 
 minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted 
 ihe notice of these distinguished men, and he received 
 from them flattering marks of attention. 
 
 Mr. John Adams Iiad scarcely returned to this 
 cou.'.try, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again 
 oi.n Quincy accompanied his father .At Paris he 
 ap|)lied himself with great diligence, for si.\ months, 
 to .■•^ndy; then accotTi|)ained his father to Holland, 
 wnere he entered, first a school in .\msterdani, then 
 the University at I.eyden. About a year from this 
 time, in 1781, when the manly boy was but fourteen 
 yea-T of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min- 
 ister to the Russian court, as his private secretar\'. 
 
 Tn this school of incessant labor and of enobling 
 culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned 
 to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and 
 Bremen. This Icng journey he took alone, in the 
 winter, when in his sixteenth year. Asain he resumed 
 njs studies, under a pr>"ate tutor, at Hague. Thence. 
 
 in the spring of 17S2, he accompanied his fnther 't; 
 Paris, travehng leisurely, and forming ac(iuaintanct 
 with the most distinguished men on the Conrinent 
 examining arcniteclural remains, galleries of paintings 
 and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again 
 became associated wiih the most illustrious men of 
 all lands in the contem])lations of the loftiest temporal 
 themes which can 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 returned to America. To a brilliant young 
 man of eighteen, v. lio had seen much of the world, 
 and who was familiar wiih 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 thiee years. In June, 1794, be- 
 ing then but tvifenty-seven years of age, he was ap- 
 pointed by Washington, resident minister at the 
 Nelliei lands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reacheo 
 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 Portuga' a3 
 minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal, 
 upon arriving in London, he met with despatches 
 directing him to the court of Beiiin, but requesting 
 him to remain in London until he should receive his 
 instructions. While wr.iting he was married to ar 
 American lady to whom he had been previously en- 
 gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughte' 
 of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in London 
 a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom- 
 plishment which eminently fitted her to move in ti4 
 elevated sphere for which she w« t'xs'iced
 
 John quincy adams. 
 
 He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797; 
 where he remained until Jul}', 1799, when, having ful- 
 filled all the purposes 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 promment and influential niembers 
 of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern- 
 ment in its measires of resistance to the encroach- 
 ments of England, desUoying 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 1809, Madison succeeded Jefl"erson in the Pres- 
 idential chair, and he immediately nominated John 
 Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersixirg. 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 cUmate 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 through life the Bible constituted an important 
 Ipart ot 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 appointed Mr. 
 Adams Secretaiy of State. Taking leave of his num- 
 erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he 
 sailed in June, 1819, for the United States. On the 
 i8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his 
 home in Quincy. During the eight yearsof 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- 
 seven. 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 assault upon 
 Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in 
 »he past history of our country than the abuse which 
 
 was poured in one 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; always rising 
 early,, and taking much exercise. W hen at his homein 
 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 Ubraiy 
 often long before dawn. 
 
 On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired 
 from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew 
 Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi- 
 dent. The slavery question now began to assume 
 lX)rtentous 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 wa? 
 elected representative to Congress. For seventeen 
 years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre- 
 sentarive, 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. The 
 battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, agains*: 
 the proslavery party in the Government, was sublim? 
 in Its moral daiing and heroism. For persisting in 
 presenting petitions for the abolition 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 liis 
 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 tauglit him ip. 
 his infant years. 
 
 On the 2 ist 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 parnly 
 sis, and was caught in the arms of those aiound liim. 
 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 aid 
 said " T/iis is the endofearih .-"tlien after a moment's 
 pause he added, '' I am contmf" Tliese were the 
 last words of the grand " Old Man Eloquent."
 
 SEVENTH FRESinENT. 
 
 *3 
 
 
 
 XDREW JACKSON, the 
 seventh President of the 
 ■ United States, was born in 
 W'axhaw settlement, N. C, 
 March 15, 1767, a few days 
 after his father's death. His 
 parents were poor emigrants 
 from Ireland, and took up 
 their abode in Waxhaw set- 
 tlement, where they lived in 
 deepest [wverty 
 Andrew, or Andy, 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 veiy 
 little in his character, made visible, which was at- 
 tractive. 
 
 Wiien only thirteen years old he joined the volun- 
 teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 
 1781, 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 prisoner 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 him, and which probably soon after caused 
 his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and 
 were finally stricken with the small-jxix. Their 
 mother was successf'U 'c* obtaining their exchange. 
 
 and took her sick boys home. After a long illnjs:. 
 .\adrew recovered, and the death of his mother ?oon 
 left liim entirely friendless. 
 
 Andrew supjxsrted himself in various ways,s i:;ha3 
 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 apiiointed 
 solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, 01 
 which Tennessee was then a part. This involved 
 many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of 
 every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, 
 and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmisbl 
 witn the Sharp Knife. 
 
 In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a womaH who 
 sup[X)sed 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 theii 
 containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the 
 people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con- 
 stitution. Five were sent from each of the elevan 
 counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates.' 
 The new State was entitled to but one member ia 
 the National House of Representatives. Andre>v JacTc- 
 son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he 
 rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its
 
 *A 
 
 ANDREW' JACKSON. 
 
 iesjions, — -a distance of about eight hundred miles. 
 
 Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Do;no- 
 cratic pirty. Jefferson was his idol. He admired 
 Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. 
 Jackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose 
 second term of office was then expiring, delivered his 
 last speech to Congress. A committee dre\y 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 adminslration 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 chosen Judge of the Supreme Court 
 of his State, which position he held f.^r si.x years. 
 
 W-hen the war of 1812 with Great Britian com- 
 menced, Madison occu[)ied the Presidential chair. 
 Aaron Burr sent word to the President t^iat there was 
 an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who 
 would do credit to a commission if one were con- 
 ferred uiwn him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson 
 offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred 
 volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops 
 were assembled at Nashville. 
 
 As the British were hourly expected to make an at- 
 tack L-.pon 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, 
 the men were ordered hack to their homes. But the 
 energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire 
 devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him 
 golden opiniorrs ; 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, wer-e committing the most awful ravages. De- 
 cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with 
 his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in 
 a 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 forcon 
 one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River-, near the cen- 
 ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother. 
 With an army of two thousand men. Gen. Jackson 
 travei'sed 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 of 
 tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow 
 neck the Indians had constructed a formidable brea:.t- 
 work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, 
 with an ample suplyof arms were assembled. 
 
 Tire fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des- 
 perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When 
 bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en- 
 deavored to spare their lives. From 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 struck their heads as 
 they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred 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 br-oken forever. This bold 
 plunge into the wilderness, with itsterriffic slaughter, 
 so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants 
 of the bands cauie to the camp, begging for peace. 
 
 This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- 
 centrate all our militia ujwn the British, who were the 
 allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will 
 than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian 
 campaign to so successful 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 the beach, anchored near the little fort, 
 and fi'om both ship and shore commenced a furious 
 assault The battle was long and doubtful. At length 
 one of the ships 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 1S24, 
 he was defeated by Wx. Adams. He was, however, 
 successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected 
 for a second term in 1832. 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 rccmcrabie 
 in the annals of our country; a;jp!aude^. oy one party, 
 condemned by the other. No man had moi-e bitter 
 enemies or warmer friends. hX the expiration of his 
 two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where 
 be died June 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack- 
 son's life were that of a devoted Christian man.
 
 ^ ^-MaaJftdrf 
 
 / 7 /^ZJ'a/^ ^<L^j U^.^^,
 
 EIGHTH PRESIDENT. 
 
 (D5^(^ 
 
 wm^m vjii] BOREi]. gj-::^ 
 
 ■^^'CA^X''^:^-^vO 
 
 ARTIN VAN BUREN, the 
 eighth President of the 
 United States, was born at 
 Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 
 1782. He died at the same 
 place, July 24, 1862. His 
 body rests in the cemetery 
 at Kinderhook. Above it is 
 a plain granite shaft lifteeu feet 
 high, bearing a simple inscription 
 about halt way up on one face. 
 The lot is unfenced, unbordered 
 or unbounded by shrub or flower. 
 
 There ■- uut lUtle in the life of Martin Van Bure.i 
 ofroman' c 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 earliest emigrants from Holland 
 to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, 
 residing iu the 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 lie coald be adaiitted to the bar. Inspired with 
 .( lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur- 
 sued his studies with indefatigable indistry. After 
 sjicndi.ig si.v years in an office in Hio native village, 
 
 he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his 
 studies for the seventh year. 
 
 In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years ot 
 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. Mr. 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 Riglits ; though at thai time the Fed- 
 eral party held the supremacy both in his town, 
 and State. 
 
 His success and increasing ruputation led him 
 after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, tli. 
 county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years, 
 constantly gaining strfaigth by contending in th(. 
 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 accomplishments. After twelve slioa 
 years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump. 
 tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep ovei 
 her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was 
 an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record 
 of those years is barren in items of public interest. 
 In iSi 2, wlien thirty years of age, he was chosen to 
 tlie State Senate, and cave his strenuous support to 
 Mr. Madison's adminstracion. In 1815, he was ap- 
 pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved 
 to Albany, the capital of the Slate. 
 
 '.Vhile he was acknoVledged as one of the most 
 p. oniinent leaders of the Democratic party, he had
 
 48 
 
 MARTIN VAN BUREN. 
 
 the moral courage to avow that true democracy did 
 not require that " 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 
 ?.tale. 
 
 In 182 1 he was elected ;. member of the United 
 States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat 
 in the convention to revise the constitution of his 
 native State. His course in this 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 
 ■seat 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 
 Andrew 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 supposed that no one knew so well as he how 
 to touch the secret spiings of action; how to pull all 
 the wires to put his machinery in motion; and how to 
 organize a political army which would, secreily and 
 ste.-'Uhily accomplish the most gigantic results. By 
 these powers it is said that he outv/itted Mr. Adams, 
 Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which 
 few thought then could be accomplished. 
 
 VVhen .\ndrew Jackson was elected President he 
 appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This 
 position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately 
 appoit)ted 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 nomir.ation 
 as ambassador. 
 
 His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of 
 President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor- 
 ite ; and this, probably more than any other cause, 
 secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Esecu 
 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. 
 'l"he 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. 
 
 Wiih the exception of being nominated for the 
 Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 184S, 
 Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until 
 his death. 
 
 He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, 
 and living within his income, had now fortunately a 
 competence for his declining years. His unblemished 
 character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned 
 patriotism, and the distinguished positions which he 
 had occupied in the government of our country, se- 
 cured to him not only the homage 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 Lindenwald. 
 he still exerted a powerful influence upon 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; enjoyir.g in a healthy old 
 age, probably far more happiness than he had before 
 experienced amid the stormy scenes of h'S active life-
 
 hi^ 
 
 '"'■«^c 
 
 ^ Of ■ 
 
 Or 
 
 '*'VO,c
 
 /c^. M )9a^z^-^^
 
 NINTH PRESIDENT. 
 
 S' 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 ^^ 
 
 ^w 
 
 ILLIAM HENRY HARRI- 
 SON, the ninth President of 
 the United States, was born 
 at lieikeley, 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, was 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. 
 
 Mr 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 common-school education, he 
 entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated 
 with honor soon after the death of his father. He 
 t.hen repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under 
 the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianshij) of 
 Jobert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, 
 ligners 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, 
 .laviiig obtained 1 'nmmissipn of Ensign from Presi- 
 
 dent Washington. He was then but ig 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 aj)- 
 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 jx)rtions. The 
 eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced 
 in the State of Ohio, was called " The Territory 
 north-west of the Ohio." The western jMrlion, which 
 included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and 
 Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana 'J'erritory." Wil. 
 liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap 
 pointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana 
 Territory, and immediately after, also G t of 
 
 Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almosf 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 resijonsible 
 duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four 
 times apjxDinted 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. A'> .!•.
 
 52 
 
 WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 
 
 the year i8o6, two extraordinary men, twin brothers, 
 ot" the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. Or.e ot 
 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 ni wliich 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 an orator: he was, 
 in 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, 1812, his army began its march. When 
 near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made 
 their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harri.oii 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 spot for his night's en- 
 camp- *■ he took every precaution against surprise 
 His ; .1, J were jx)sted in a hollow 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':st then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all 
 the desperation which superstition and passion most 
 liighly 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- 
 jus yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubtir.ga 
 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 from the Can- 
 adas, were ol themselves a very formidable force ; but 
 with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the 
 forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn- 
 ing, i)lu.idering, 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 difiicult 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 their 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, sapped 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 18 19, Harrison was elected to the Senate of 
 Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the i)residential 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 forthe 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 anv 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 briglit and 
 joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison was seized by a 
 pleurisv-fever and after a few days of violent sick- 
 ness, died on the 4th of April ; just one month after 
 his inauguration as President of the United States,
 
 
 ^"VO/s
 
 'Xon_ 
 
 -r
 
 TENTH PRESIDENT. 
 
 So 
 
 ^ OHM TYLER, the tenth 
 /o.» Presidentof the United States. 
 He was born in Charles-city 
 Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He 
 was the favored child of af- 
 fluence and high social po- 
 sition. At the early age of 
 twelve, John entered William 
 and Mary College 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 pirtly 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 
 
 lot retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he 
 was almost unanimously e'ected 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. 
 
 ^Vhen but twenty-six years of age, he was elected 
 a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and 
 ably wi;h the Deir.ocratic party, opposing a national 
 pank, interr^-ji impruvements by the General <^vem- 
 
 ment, a protective tariff, and advocating 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. S. portion of the Democratic party 
 was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course, 
 and brought forward John Tyler as his opixanent, 
 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 he 
 had always avowed. 
 
 Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of 
 his profession. Ther? was a cplh in the Democratir
 
 JOHN TYLER. 
 
 ^arty. His, friends still regarded him as a true Jef- 
 feisonian, gave him a dinner, and showered 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 •■nsa 
 not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice 
 of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan- 
 tation. Soon after this he remo\ed to Williamsburg, 
 for the better education of his children ; and he again 
 look his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. 
 
 By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national 
 convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in 
 7839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har- 
 rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of 
 tlie 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 No;th: 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 occupant 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 
 unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri- 
 son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of 
 April was inaugurated to the high and responsible 
 office. He was placed in a position of exceeding 
 delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been 
 opposed to 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 surround himself with coun- 
 sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or, 
 on the other hand, should he turn against the party 
 whicii had elected him and select a cabinet in har- 
 ir.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 Haririson had 
 selected to retain their seats. He recconim;nded a 
 day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and 
 bless us. 
 
 The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the 
 incn::inration of a fiscal bank of the United States. 
 Tlie P'esident, after ten days' delay, returned it with 
 ni§ .ycU). H? «uegested, however, that he wuld 
 
 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. AH 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 at the close of his term, 
 lie 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 relief. His first wife. 
 Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842; 
 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, Charles 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. Witlr sufficient 
 means for the exercise of a generous hosjiitality, he 
 might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few 
 friends who gathered aroinid 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 desiroy, by 
 force of arms, 'he Government over whir h he had 
 
 onee presided, he was taket] sick and soon died,
 
 .i^
 
 ^LE VEN^TH^PRWsT'SE^tr 
 
 59 
 
 JAMES 3L PDI,3i, 
 
 I AMESK. POLK, the eleventh I sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the 
 fS^President of the United States, counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits. 
 
 was born in Mecklenburg Co., 
 N. C, Nov. 2, 1795. His par- 
 ents were Samuel and Jane 
 (Knox) Polk, the former a son 
 1 Col. Thomas Polk, who located 
 at the above place, as one of the 
 first pioneers, in 1735. 
 
 In the year 1S06, 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. 
 
 Ver)- early in life, James- develoi)ed 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 liad inspired him with lofty 
 principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his 
 £ather, fearing that he might not be able to endure a 
 
 hoping 10 ni nmi lor commercial pu; 
 This was to James a bitter disai)jx)intment. 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 1815, 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 Jeffersonian 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 thai 
 he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stumj). 
 He was a mail of unblemished morals, genial and
 
 6a 
 
 /AMES K. POLK. 
 
 courterus in his bearing, and with that sympathetic 
 natui-e 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. Jackson, 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, until 1839, he was con- 
 tinueo* in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, 
 only l*iat he might accept the Gubernatorial chair 
 of If'nnessee. In Congress he was a laborious 
 meroSer, 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 1841, 
 his term of office expired, and he was again the can- 
 didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. 
 
 On the 4th of March, iS45,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 the 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 nearly 
 two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, 
 where he erected batteries which coipmanded the 
 Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on 
 the western banks. 
 
 The anticipated collision soon took place, and was 
 was declared against Me.xico 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 spoils." Mexico was 
 prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. 
 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. Buttlie 
 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 fiftv-fourth 
 year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen.
 
 'c^,-^::>/L<:y<^<^/\y^^?t^'
 
 TIVELFTH FRESIDENT. 
 
 63 
 
 
 ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth 
 President of the United States, 
 was born on the 24th of Nov., 
 1784, in Orange Co., Va. His 
 father, Colonel Taylor, was 
 ■ — .-^^z ^ Virginian of note, and a dis- 
 tinguished [latriot and soldier of 
 the Revolution. When Zachary 
 was an infant, his father with liis 
 wife and two children, emigrated 
 to Kentucky, where he settled in 
 the pathless wilderness, a few 
 miles from Louisville. In this front- 
 ier home, away from civilization and 
 all its refinements, yjung 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, 
 cather 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 wlio were ravaging the frontiers. There 
 is little to l)e recorded of the uneventful years of his 
 childhood 0:1 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 1812, 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 jiis march 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 upon the fort. Their 
 api)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 that 
 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 six 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 comiiel 
 the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- 
 tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty, 
 liac" promised they should do. The services rendered 
 (iC-C secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of 
 the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated 
 ic ;he rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon 
 after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com- 
 nand of the United States troops in Florida. 
 
 After two years of sucn wearisome employment 
 imidst the everglades of the peninsula. Gen. Taylor 
 obtained, at his own request, a change of command, 
 iiid was stationed over the Department of the South- 
 Aest. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, 
 .Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters 
 lit Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family 
 ^o a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. 
 ^L.re he remained for five years, buried, as it were, 
 fu.m the world, but faithfully discharging every duty 
 ji'.posed upon him. 
 
 In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land 
 be' ween the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river 
 jbeing the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed 
 by the United States. Soon the war with Me,\ico 
 WL.; brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
 Pa Ima, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the 
 Mi;xicans. The rank of major-general by brevet 
 was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name 
 Was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in 
 tlie Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and 
 "Euena Vista in which he won signal victories over 
 fences much larger than he commanded. 
 
 His careless habits of dress and his unafTected 
 si/oplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops. 
 Wit sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.' 
 
 Tne tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista 
 •I'read the wildest enthusiasm over the country. 'I'he 
 n, .me of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. 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 
 Piesidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- 
 nc uncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- 
 cbiring that he was not at all qualified for such an 
 ofitice. So little interest had he taken in politics thht, 
 fni forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not 
 without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen 
 v^liO had been long vears in the public service found 
 ^i.ixt claims set aside in behali 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. 
 Though 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 ; '",alifornia 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 grajihic and truthful 
 description of his character: — " With a good store oi 
 common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en- 
 larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse 
 with the world. 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 his hat 
 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 
 offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), 
 whom he would not, to use his oft repeated jihrase, 
 '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 comfortarAe, >''"<-ii. 
 saving contempt for learning of every kind."
 
 i^i/^: J f-'C.'^^yp'i-ocnj)
 
 THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT. 
 
 1 ^'MILLftRH FILLMDREj^ I 
 
 -e-f 
 
 
 ILLARD FILLMORE, thi.-- 
 ' teenth President of the United 
 States, was born at Summer 
 f Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on 
 the 7th of January, 1800. His 
 father was a farmer, and ow- 
 mg to misfortune, in humble cir- 
 cumstances. Of his mother, the 
 daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, 
 of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been 
 said that she |X)ssessed an intellect 
 ofverjMiigh order, united with much 
 personal loveliness, sweetness of dis- 
 ixjsit'.on, graceful manners and ex- 
 quisite sensibilities. She died in 
 1831 ; having lived to see her son a 
 ' young man of distinguished prom- 
 ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high 
 dignity which he finally attained. 
 
 In consequence of the secluded liome and limited 
 iTieans of his father, Millard enjoyed but slerder ad- 
 vantages for education in his early years. The com- 
 mon schools, which he occasionally attended were 
 verv imperfect institutions; and books were scarce 
 and expensive. There was nothing then in his char- 
 acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he 
 was about to enter. He was a plain fanner's boy ; 
 intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred 
 influences of home liad taught him to revere the Bible, 
 and had laid liie 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, wherp some 
 
 enterprising man had commenced the collection of a 
 village librarj'. This i^roved an inestimable blessing 
 to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read- 
 ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with 
 books. His thirst for 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 that 
 there was a gentleman m 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 impressed 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. 
 r.o friends to help him and that his previous educa- 
 tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood liad 
 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
 
 06 
 
 Millard FiLLMokR. 
 
 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 1S23, 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 fortune 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 parlies, 
 that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very 
 unusual degrte 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 tunmltuous 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 him 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. FilliTiore 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 andas 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 necessaiy to associate with him on the same 
 ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. 
 
 Under the influence of these considerations, the 
 namesofZachary 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 cone iliate 
 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. 
 Fillmcre'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 lha» 
 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.
 
 tl»/iVF(,.,.,j^, 
 
 OF THF
 
 POURTEENTH PRESIDENT 
 
 -^ ■:. 
 
 
 
 -^'-' 
 
 ^'T^ 
 
 
 P 
 
 K;■•■;■■-*■^• ,•,;;-; 
 
 15) (ov 
 
 
 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 liome 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 
 y 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 1820, he 
 entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was 
 one of the most jxapular 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 
 ]x>litical 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 Hiithful 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 even' 
 station with which her husband was honoied. Of the
 
 p 
 
 hkANKLtN Pl&kcn. 
 
 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, upon 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 true 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 
 measures 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 tlie 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 i2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven- 
 tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the 
 Presidency. For four days they continued in session, 
 r.nd 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 point. It became evident that there was 
 an " irrepressible conflict " between them, and that 
 tliis 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 alien- 
 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 ol 
 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 sufferingand want, and manyof his towns 
 people were often gladened by his material bounty.

 
 ''tl^7z^^ (2-^UC-
 
 I'IFTEENTH PRESIDENT 
 
 ««c ►- 
 
 -» »*- 
 
 
 
 »»> 
 
 m;^ 
 
 Hif'f 
 
 AMES BUCHANAN, the fif- 
 teenth President of the United 
 States, was born in a small 
 Irontier town, at the foot of the 
 eastern ridge of the AUegha- 
 nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on 
 c 23d of April, 1791. The place 
 A Here the humble cabin of his 
 t ither st'od was called Stony 
 ' Batter. It was a wild and ro- 
 mantic spot in a gorge of the moun- 
 tains, with towering summits rising 
 f grandly all around. His father 
 was a native of the north of Ireland; 
 a ixx)r man, who had emigrated in 
 f 1783, with little property 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 
 Lis son was placed at school, and commenced a 
 course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His 
 progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he 
 entered Dickmson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- 
 veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among 
 the fir'it sciiolars in the institution. His application 
 \0 stud\ was intense, and j-et his native powers en- 
 
 abled him to master the most abstruse subjects wf "- 
 facility. 
 
 In the year rSog, he graduated with the highest 
 honors of his clas:.. He was then eighteen years ot 
 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 law in the city of Lancaster, 
 and was admitted to the bar in t8i2, when he was 
 but twenty-one years of age. Verv rapidly lie rose 
 in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand 
 with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but 
 twenty-si.x years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc- 
 cessfully defended before 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; anc 
 there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu- 
 crative practice. 
 
 In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as s 
 candidate for Congress. He was elected, and fo: 
 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, upon his elevation to the Presidency, 
 apjxjinted Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The 
 duties of his mission he performed with ability, which 
 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, WeLsier, 
 Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated tl'.e meas- 
 mes proposed by President Jackson, of making rejjn-
 
 70 
 
 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 administration. 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 [X)wer 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 exists." 
 
 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 the American troops into the disputed 
 territory was not wrong, but for the 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 pi":rpetuation and extension 
 of slavery, and brouglit all the energies of his mind 
 to bear agdinst the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his 
 cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1S50, 
 which included the fugitive-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 abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- 
 mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re- 
 reived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
 174, and was elected. The popular vote stood 
 1,340,618, for Fremont, r, 224, 750 for Buchanan. On 
 March 4th, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. 
 
 Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four 
 years 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 
 seeking the destruction of the Government, that tliey 
 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^ 
 
 ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in 
 their assumptions. As President of the United States, 
 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 
 nominated Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer 
 in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slaverv 
 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 
 Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of 
 the United States. 
 
 Mr. Buchanan's sympatjiy with the pro-slaver^' 
 party was such, that he had been willing to ofiferthem 
 far more than they liad 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 sliall 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-offices 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 which 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 triumph over the flag of the rebellion 
 He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, i868.
 
 /'»,,,,
 
 d-, 
 
 7-^-f 
 
 'V-<i— ^^ , C^-i 
 
 .-^/^SZ*^- 
 
 'tiT^^
 
 SIXTEENTH PRES/DENT. 
 
 79 
 
 < ABRAHAM > " 
 
 s^sas^g' 
 
 ii>f^<ip < LINCOLN. > I 
 
 BRAHAM LINCOLN, the 
 ,, sixteenth President of the 
 lii^L' lilted States, was born in 
 Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12, 
 1 809. About the year 1 7 80, a 
 man by the name of Abraham 
 Lincoln left Virginia with his 
 I'aniily and moved into the tlien 
 wilds of Kentucky. Only two years 
 after this emigration, still a yonng 
 man, while working one day in a 
 field, was stealthily appro::ched by 
 an Indian and shot dead. His widow 
 was left in extreme ix)verty with five 
 little children, three boys and two 
 girls. Thomas, the youngest of the 
 loys, was four years of age at his 
 father's death. This Thomas was 
 the father of .\braham Lincoln, the 
 President of the United States 
 whose name must henceforth foi-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 poorest of the [X)or. 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 thussijent the whole of his youth as a 
 ?il)orer in the fields of others. 
 
 V\'hen twenty-eight years of age he buili a log- 
 labin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
 daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi- 
 grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their 
 second cb.ild was Aliraham 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.Nclaims the grate- 
 ful son ' I owe to my angel-mother. " 
 
 When he was eight years of age, his father sold his 
 
 cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana Whei^ 
 two years later his mother died. 
 
 Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated 
 community around him. He could not have had j 
 better school than this to teach 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-read until they were almost committt' < tc 
 memory. 
 
 As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly fair.ily 
 was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and 
 griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sisto 
 .Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mai 
 ried when a child of Init 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 Macon Co., 111. 
 
 Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. 
 With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing 
 another log-cabin, .\brahani worked diligently at this 
 until he saw the family comfortably settled, and theii 
 small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when 
 he announced to his father his intention to leave 
 home, and to go out into the 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 liis 
 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- 
 eating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in 
 God's word, "Thou shalt not take the name of tha 
 Lord thy God in -' .1..;" and a profane expression ha 
 was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. Hii 
 morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a 
 single vice. 
 
 Voung Abraham worked for a time as a hired labore) 
 among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield 
 where he was employed in building a large flat-boat 
 In this he took a herd of swine, floated them dowi 
 ihe Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis 
 sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin 
 coin undertook, he performed so faithfully as to givv 
 great satisfaction to his employers. In this adven
 
 io 
 
 ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 
 
 ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon 
 his return tliey placed a store and mill under his care. 
 
 In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he 
 enlisted and was cliosen 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-oftice was his hat. All 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 
 soon 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 the 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 
 slavery 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 tlie 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 tiien 
 dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the 
 bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him: 
 andaslittledid hedream that he was to render services 
 to his. country, which would fix upon him the eyes of 
 the whole civilized world, and which would give him 
 a place in the affections of his countrymen, second 
 tnly, if second, to that of Washington. 
 
 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 tirad? of fibus§ that was poured upon this gcx)4 
 
 and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was 
 greater than upon any other man ever elected to this 
 high position. In February, i86i, Mr. Lincoln started 
 for Washington, stopi>ing in all the large cities on his 
 way making speeches. The whole journey was frought 
 with much danger. Many of the Southern States had 
 already seceded, and several attempts at assassination 
 were afterwards brought to liglrt. 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 plot, k secret and special train was provided to 
 take him from HarrisL'urg, through Baltimore, at an 
 unexpected hour of the night. The train started at 
 half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi- 
 cation on the part oi the Secessionists with their Con- 
 federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had 
 started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln 
 reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, 
 although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people 
 
 In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave 
 to Mr Seward the Department of State, and to other 
 prominent opponents before the convention he gave 
 important positions. 
 
 During no otlier 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 
 his 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 
 trials, 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 1861, however, plans liad 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, witli 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 tliat a nation was 
 in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a 
 model. His name as the savior of his country '"'iil 
 live with that of Washington's, its father; hisc^'intry- 
 mer. being unable to (jecide whii K is ti'e ereate;.
 
 „w.VF»SlTY Of >H'*'"'S'
 
 '^<:^^-^^-:l{^^-:yi^
 
 SEVENTEENTH PRESIDENT. 
 
 3j 
 
 
 Ai^r D U [If vr >iTM(tM?5aM^ 
 
 MDREW JOHNSON, seven- 
 teenth President of the United 
 States. The early life of 
 Vndrew Johnson contains but 
 the record of poverty, destitu- 
 tion and friendlessness. He 
 / was born December 29, 180S, 
 m 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-5nf:r ::.'ei\ the slight- 
 est advantages of education upon 
 their child. When Andrew was five 
 years of age, his father accidentally 
 lost iiis life while herorically endeavoring to save a 
 friend from drowning, ''niil teri years of age, .*^idrew 
 was a ragged boy about the streets, supjxjrted 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 tlie alphabet, and 
 with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen, 
 learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle- 
 man to borrow the book of speeches, The owner, 
 
 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 recreation to devote such time as he could to 
 reading. 
 
 He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at 
 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 be 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 Van 
 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 Stale 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 resi)onsible ix)si- 
 tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abi'.
 
 84 
 
 ANDRE W JOHNSON. 
 
 ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- 
 ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected 
 United States Senator. 
 
 Years before, in 1S45, ^^ ^'^^ 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 
 sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, 
 and become merged in a population congenial to 
 themselves. " In 1S50, 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 
 South persons who attempted to escape from slavery. 
 
 Mr. Johnson was neverashamedof 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 iSuo, ae 
 {Was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the 
 presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the Soutli- 
 irn 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 *ide 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 punished ; 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 in utter icKonsistency with, and the most 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 
 tiie 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 impotent!;-, 
 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 days 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 27th of July, 1875, the e.x-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 occasionally, 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
 
 y- 12. 
 
 ..:^
 
 EIGHTEENTH PRESIDENT. 
 
 *t 
 
 LYSSES S. GR.\NT, the 
 eighteenth President of the 
 "■ '' United States, was bom on 
 'i the 29th of April, 1822, of 
 s Christian parents, in a humble 
 _;Jy 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 
 the Military Academy at West 
 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, 1843, 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 Mexico 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 
 Resacade la Palma, his second battle. At the battle 
 of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that 
 ne 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 anin\al, ran 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 apfxjinted 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 
 discover)' 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. I^uis, 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. .\s 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 if'' of
 
 ULYSSES S. GRANT. 
 
 )une, t86i, 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 Major-General, and the military 
 iistrict of Tennessee was assigned to him. 
 
 Like all great captains. Gen. Grant knew well how 
 to secure the results of victory. He immediately 
 Dushed 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 Texas, 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 the Union Army infighting condition. Then 
 followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout 
 Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels 
 were routed with 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 
 ind enter upon \hi' duties of his new ofifice 
 
 Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of 
 the 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 ^\lh. 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, r868, 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, 1872, 
 placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second tenii 
 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, private 
 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 
 nameof 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 oif 
 the illustrious General.
 
 s 

 
 NINETEENTH PRESIDENT. 
 
 91 
 
 ••^.y.^i'.^(5s>^Vi':.'.'V.n-.,'.--.'.'i^,v.' 
 
 •. ■'^.'^.^fj.^'g'i'iiga'^'gga'igti'^t^'^t^t^'iSita;?. \ 
 
 m MIJTHElMFORD Be Mm'TSS. 
 
 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- 
 rane cvtrtaking the family, George Hayes left Scot- 
 land in i6iSo, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son 
 George wat 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 scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, 
 son of Ezekiel aiid 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 utiknown date, settling in Erattleboro, 
 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 been 
 among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. 
 Her ancestry on the male 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 fainily 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. HA YES. 
 
 subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he 
 was 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 
 •boy'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 would really come to something yet." 
 
 " You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. " You 
 vait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him 
 President 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 went to 
 school. His education, however, was not neglected. 
 He probably learned as much from his mother and 
 iister 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 Birchard 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 hirii 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 graduating at the Law School, he was 
 admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly 
 afterward went into practice as an attorney-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- 
 Cession. 
 
 \n 1849 he moved to Cincmnari, 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 Webl), of 
 Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cin- 
 cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its 
 members suck men as'^hief Justice Salmon P. Chase, 
 
 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 to reflect 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 bashfulneis and 
 modesty. 
 
 In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judgs of 
 the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac. 
 cept the nomination. Two years later, the office ol 
 city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Counci'k 
 elected him for the unexpired term. 
 
 In 1 86 1, when the Rebellion iiroke out, he was al 
 tne zenith of his professional I'f,. His rank at the 
 bar was among the the first. But the news of the 
 attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take -id 
 arms for the defense of his country. 
 
 His military record was bright and illustrious. In 
 October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and 
 in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th 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 i)laced 
 in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, 
 and for gallant and meritorious setvices 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 ^V'est 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, wliich had long been Dem- 
 ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, 
 and after his election was inqMrtuned to resign his 
 commission in the army ; but be finally declared, " 1 
 shall never come to Washington until I can come by 
 the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. 
 
 Ir. 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, 
 over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a populai Democrat. 
 In 1869 was re-eiected over George H. Pendleton. 
 He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. 
 in 1876 he was the standard beaier of the Repub- 
 lican P.irty in the Presidential contest, and after a 
 hard long contest was chosen President, and was in 
 aunurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his 
 full term, not, h. wever, with satisfaction to his party, 
 but his administration was an average or>.?
 
 L Cy^'^;f-^^-<<7{
 
 TiVENTIETH PRESIDENT. 
 
 95 
 
 fMm 
 
 A$;;g^^s'--ja>-p;K^*^;::c'S'-5;:;:-<*^;i:$*-g;g<i>$;!;^*-5::::-'*^ 
 
 AMES A. GARt'IELD, twen- 
 tieth President of the United 
 States, was born Nov. 19, 
 1S31, ill the woods of Orange, 
 Cuyahoga Co., O His par- 
 ents were Abram and Eliza 
 (Ballou) Garfield, both of New 
 England ancestry and from fami- 
 lies 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 
 .,ic about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be- 
 .W2en the logs filled witji clay. His father was a 
 .lard working farmer, and he soon had his fields 
 jleared, an orcliard planted, and a log barn built. 
 The liousehold comprised the father and mother and 
 •heir four cliildren — iMehetabel, Thomas, Mary and 
 'ames. In May, i823j the father, from a cold con- 
 .racted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At 
 ihis time James was about eighteen months old, and 
 riiomas about ten years old. No one, ])erhaps, can 
 fell how much James was indebted to his biother's 
 ceil 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' 'tmggles to keep the little family 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 fiicnd of his boyhood was as kindly 
 greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sureof the 
 sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness 
 of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the 
 sweat of tlie brow. He was ever the simple, plain, 
 modest gentleman. 
 
 The highest ambition of young Garfield until hi 
 was about si.xteen 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, tliat 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 
 After 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 when 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 
 tlie 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 
 " exhausted 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(V.- 
 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 haiipened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of 
 Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion;
 
 90 
 
 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 judgmeuL 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 comnmnions 
 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 ' wlio loveour Lord in sincerity.'" 
 
 Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss 
 Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. ir, rSsS, who proved herself 
 worthyasthewifeof one whom allthe world loved and 
 mourned. To them were born seven children, five of 
 whom are still living, four boys and one girl. 
 
 Mr.Garfieldmade his first politicalspeechesin 1856, 
 Jn 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 i86r 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, t86i. He was immediately put into active ser- 
 vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in action, 
 was placed in command of four regiments of infantry 
 and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the 
 work of driving out of his native State the officer 
 '.Humphrey Mirshall) 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. ro, 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 
 arniy." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, 
 in itsoperations around Corinth and its march through 
 Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the 
 General Court-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 Ges 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 Whittlesey 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 his la.bors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since 
 the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which 
 has been debated in Congress, or discussed before & 
 tribunel of the American people, in regard to whict 
 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." 
 
 Upon Jan. r4, 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, r88r, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- 
 ministration ever opened its existence under brighter 
 auspices than that of President Garfield, and every 
 day it grew in favo." with the people, 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. While on his way and at the depot, in com- 
 pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stejiped behind 
 him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. 
 The President tottered and fell, and as lie did so the 
 assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the 
 left coat sleeve of his victim, but in.licting no farther 
 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 which so nearly froze the blood of the peop"'; 
 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 ]iower and hope. For eighty 
 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. 
 rg, 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 committ«d the fou? deed.
 
 TWENTY-FIRST PRESIDENT. 
 
 99 
 
 HESTER A. ARTHUR, 
 
 twenty-first Presi^'.^iu of the 
 
 ^7' United States, was born in 
 
 f ranklin Cour ty, Vermont, on 
 
 9 the fifthofOc'ober, 1830, andis 
 
 the oldest of a family of two 
 
 sons and five daughters. His 
 
 father was the Rev. Dr. William 
 
 Arthur, a Baptist d'.fgyman, who 
 
 emigrated to tb'.s country from 
 
 the county Ant.-im, Ireland, in 
 
 his i8th 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 cf that time came to 
 New York, with $500 in his jwcket, 
 and entered the ofifice of ex-Judge 
 E. D. Culver as student, .^fter 
 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 
 soon afterward majprd 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 
 nommation 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 
 tlie 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. AitTfftJR. 
 
 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 )2ading 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 
 was Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated 
 March 4, 1881, 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 
 anjcious suspense, when 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 of 
 the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of 
 the high office, and he took the oath in New York, 
 Sept. 20, 1 88 1. The position was an embarrassing 
 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 point. Under these trying circumstances President 
 Arthur took the reins of the Government in his owr. 
 hands; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of 
 affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so 
 wisely that 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- 
 rying 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.

 
 Y l^€rL£y/ C/^^^t^/c^'^y^Z^^
 
 TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT. 
 
 103 
 
 A^^f/sr<>:^^^ 
 
 %xm^x Clti^elHHti 
 
 
 w,s=*T-;3r<»^:isl 
 
 
 TEPHEN GROVER CLEVE- 
 LAND, the twenty second Pres- 
 I ident of the United States, was 
 \ born in 1837, in the obscure 
 town of Caldwell, Essex Co., 
 N. J., and in a little two-and-a- 
 h ilf story white house which is still 
 St mding, characteristically to mark 
 the liu:nble birth-place of one of 
 \nn.nca's great men in striking con- 
 trast with the Old World, where all 
 men high in office must be high in 
 origin and born in the cradle of 
 wealth. Wiien the subjei;t 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 Ha Isou River and Erie Canal, to 
 Fayetteville, in search of an inceased 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 presum ibly 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 indepe:ident thinkers. When he 
 arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgro^vn the 
 capacity of the village school and expressed a most 
 
 emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To thia 
 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 Fayetteville seemed 
 to be a position in a country store, where nis father 
 and the large family on his hands had considerable 
 inflaence. Grover was to be paid $jo for his services 
 tlie first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to 
 receive ;|ioo 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 letain 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. 
 But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette- 
 ville, he went with the family in their removal to 
 Cliiito:i, whire 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. .\t this [)lace his father died, after preaching 
 bat three Sundays. This event broke up the family, 
 and Grover set out for Mew York Ciiy 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. GROVE R CLEVELAND. 
 
 calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order, 
 fte left the city to seek his fortune. !n=t=^'' •)*' crnlnw 
 to a city. He liisc xnougnt ot Cleveland, Ohio, as 
 there was some charm in that name for him; but 
 before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to 
 isk 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 stady 
 lavf," was the reply. "Good gracious!" remarked 
 ih« old gentleman ; " do you, indeed 1 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 him a 
 place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a 
 year, wriile iic cuuld " look around." One day soon 
 ifterward he boldly walked in»o the office of Rogers, 
 Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told lliem what he 
 wanted. A number of young men were already en- 
 gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, a:id 
 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, although 
 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 here, his senior em- 
 ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him 
 with a bang that 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 Grover out of his plans ; 
 Dut indue time he mastered that cumbersome volume. 
 Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland 
 exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for 
 chasing principles through all their metaphysical 
 possibil'ties. " Let us quit talking and go and do 
 It," was practically his motto. 
 
 The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was 
 eiected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in 
 which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell 
 to his duty to inflict capital pi'.ishment upon two 
 caiminals. Li iSSi he was elected Mayor of the 
 City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es- 
 pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms 
 
 in the administration of the municipal affairs of that 
 c-'t" Tn thir office, a? w»l.) as that of Sheriff, his 
 pertormance oi duty iias generally been considered 
 fair, with possibly a few exce])tions 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 from one vetoing an inioui 
 tons street-cleaning contract: "This is a time foi 
 plain speech, and my objection to your action shall 
 be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of 
 a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme 
 to betray the interests of the people and to worsj 
 than squander tiie 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 Empire 
 State. To the latter office he was elected in 1882, 
 and his administration of the affairs of State was 
 generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if 
 any, were made very public throughout tlie 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, 
 Beniamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.: and he 
 was elected by the people, by a majority of aI>out a 
 thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub- 
 lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve- 
 l.md resigned his office as Governor of New York in 
 January, 1885, in order to prepare for his duties as 
 the Ciiief Executive of the United States. ,in which 
 capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th ol 
 March, 1885. 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 Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of 
 Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas, 
 of Wisconsin ; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of 
 Arka.isas. 
 
 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.

 
 (^uY O^^
 
 TWENTY-THIRD PRESIDENT. 
 
 i07 
 
 ■'kS 
 
 .o#o«©Xl®-o*o- 
 
 :ENJAMIN HARRISON, the 
 
 twenty-third President, is 
 the descendant of one of the 
 liistorieal families of this 
 1 'Uintry. The head of the 
 tuinily was a l^Iajor General 
 Harrison, one of Oliver 
 Cromwell's triioted follow- 
 ers and fighters. lu the zenith of Crom- 
 well's power it became th.:. duty of this 
 Harrison to participate xu ttie trial of 
 Charles I, and afterward tc sign the 
 deyih warrant of the king. He subse- 
 quent!} paid for this with his life, being 
 hung Oct. 13, 16C0. His descendants 
 came to America, and the next of the 
 family that appears in history is Benja- 
 ."zin 'larrison, of Virginia, great-grand- 
 father of the subject of this sketch, and 
 after wbom he was named. Benjamin Harrison 
 •s-as a member of the Continental Congress during 
 the years 1 774-5-6, and was one of the original 
 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Be 
 wa thi-ee times elected Governor of Virginia, 
 Gen William Henry Harrison, the son of the 
 
 distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a suc- 
 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 saroer was cut short 
 by dc.ith within one month .fter Ids in-uguration. 
 President Harrison vi" bcrn at ^oi"-. ijr^ud, 
 Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. "0, 18a3 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 thi 
 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 to Cin 
 cinnati and then read law for two years. At the 
 expiration of that time young Harrison receiv-d tbi 
 only inheritance of his life ; his aunt dying left LiiE 
 a lot valued at $800. He regarded this legacy as a 
 fortune, and decided to get married at once, «aks 
 this money and go to some Eastern town an '. be- 
 gin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and with 
 the money in his pocket, he started out wita his 
 young wife to fight for a place in the world- E«
 
 108 
 
 BENJAMIN HARRISON. 
 
 decided to go to Indianapolis, which was even at 
 lliat time a town of promise. He met with slig'.it 
 encouragement at first, making scarcely anything 
 the first year. He worked diligently, applj'ing him- 
 self closely to his calling, built up an extensive 
 practice and took a leading rank in the legal pro- 
 ression. He is the father of two children. 
 
 In 1860 Mr. Harrison was nominated for the 
 position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be- 
 gan his experience as a stump speaker He can- 
 vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by a 
 handsome majority. In 1862 be raised the 17th 
 Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its Colonel. His 
 regiment w.is 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 I'egiment was one of the best 
 '.Jrilled and organized in the army. At Resaca he 
 ■jspecially distinguished himself, and for his bravery 
 at Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier Gen- 
 eral, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most 
 complimentary terms. 
 
 During tiie absence of Gen. Harrison in the field 
 
 lie Supreme Court declared the olHee of the Su- 
 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 1868 Gen. Harrison declined ^ re-election as 
 .-eporter, and resumed the practice of law In 1876 
 ne was a candidate for Governor. Although de- 
 
 ieated, the brilliant campaign ht^ iLade won iorhim 
 a National reputation, and he was aiuch sought, es- 
 pecial.y in the East, to make speeches. In 1880, 
 as usual, he took an active par*' in iae campaign, 
 unH WW elected to the United States Senate. Here 
 uc sei-ved six years, and ras known as one ox the 
 ibiest men, best i&wyer"^ «.ud strongest debaters in 
 
 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 .June and 
 named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer 
 of the Republican party, was great in every partic- 
 ular, and on this account, and the attitude it as- 
 sumed upon the vital questions of the day, chief 
 among which w.as 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 popul.ar, and from all sections of the 
 country societies, clubs and deleg.ations 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 hit 
 power as a debater, he was called upon at an un- 
 cornmonly early age to take part in the discussion 
 of the great questions that then began to agitate 
 the eountrj'. He was an uncompromising anti 
 slavery man, and was matched against some of t'.:e 
 most eminent Democratic speakers of his Statvj 
 No man who felt the touch of his blade ds 'red tc 
 be pitted with him again. With all his e'oq-^ence 
 as an orator he never spoke for oratorical effect, 
 but his words always went like bullets to the mark 
 He is purely American in his ideas and k a splec 
 did type of the American statesman. Gifted witli 
 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 
 sparlded with the rarest of eloquence and contained 
 arguments of greatest weight. IMany of his terse 
 statements have alreadj" become aphorisms. Origi- 
 nal in thought precise ia logic, terse m statement, 
 yet withal faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as 
 the sound statesman and bri.ilan orator c ta^ day
 
 '^t 
 
 St. Clair County, 
 
 ILLINOIS. 
 
 -4—•^ 
 
 _i-®)
 
 INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 
 #^ 
 
 ■-.r^ 
 
 _r^' ^ 1 IK time has arrived when it 
 becomes the duty of the 
 people of this county to per- 
 petuate the names of their 
 pioneers, lo 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 
 to instruct man by precedent, to 
 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 raiiidly 
 the great and aged men, who in their prime entered 
 the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their 
 heritage, are passing to tlieir graves. The number re- 
 maining who can relate the incidents of the first days 
 of settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an 
 actual necessity exists for the collection and |)reser- 
 vation of events without delay, before all the earlv 
 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 best 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 .jto the amount of intelligence they possessed. 
 Th- pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the 
 names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu- 
 mations made by the archeologists of Egyiit from 
 buried Memphis jndiwte a desire of vhose people 
 
 to perpetuate the memory of their achievements 
 The erection of tlie great obelisks were for the same 
 pur[X)se. 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 something to show that they had lived. All 
 these works, though many of them costly in the ex- 
 treme, give L)ut 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- 
 hmited 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 adinirable systeiD 
 of local biogriphy. By this system every man, though 
 he has not achieved what the wodd calls greatness, 
 his the means to perpetuate his life, his history! 
 through the coming ages. 
 
 The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the 
 physical man is left. The monument which his chil- 
 drer. or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme- 
 tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his 
 life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, 
 which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated 
 by a record of this kind. 
 
 To preserve the lineaments of our companions we 
 engrave their |x)riraits, for the same reason we col- 
 lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we 
 thir.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 thos? whose !ivi>p 
 are unworthy of puljllc record.
 
 LIBRARY 
 Of THE 
 
 UNivfRsny OF Illinois.
 
 ^ ^^^-r ^ 
 
 -^(^^ 
 
 f >i. 
 
 f/ ON. CHARLES BKCKER. ex-Stalo Treas- 
 urer. It is diftieull in few words to accu- 
 rately describe a character. Only the mo-st 
 salient features can be fitl^- expressed — tlie 
 ligiits and shades can be understood only by tiiose 
 who come in contact with the man under various 
 circumstances. It is ditticult. also, to point out the 
 exact traits to which a man owes his success; suHice 
 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 have found full scope. 
 Mr. Becker was born in Rockenhausen, Rhenish- 
 Bavaria, Germany,, lune 24, 1840. Ilis father, Urlian 
 liecker, was an architect and builder of more than 
 ordinary ability, liad a large and lucrative business, 
 and many are tiie handsome structures that stand 
 as monuments to his 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 18.') I, 
 crossing the stormy Atlantic in order to secure a 
 home for himself and family. lie at once identi- 
 fied himself with American interests, and, being an 
 honorable business man and of a genial and kindly- 
 disposition, he won the friendship 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, which occurred in 
 
 1874. His widow survived him until March 2'), 
 
 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 liberl_y, 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 Mis- 
 souri Infantr3\ ]\Iarch 8, 1802, he was wounded in 
 the right thigh and leg at Pea Ridge, and while 
 he lay on the battlefield his leg was amputated 
 aljove 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 23, 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 18G(). 
 At that time he was elected to the position of 
 County Sheriff, which he filled with ability for two
 
 118 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 3eai-s. Succeeding that, he became the proprietor, 
 in connection with Mr. Erhardt, of a brewery, the 
 firm being known as ErharcU & Becker. In 1872, 
 Mr. Becker was elected Circuit Clerk and Recorder, 
 being tlie only Republican elected at that time. 
 In 1876, upon his re-election, although iiis party 
 was defeated by eleven hundred and eighty-three 
 votes, he was elected by eight hundred majority, 
 two tliousand in excess of his party vote. He was 
 Cliairman of the Republican Central Committee 
 for one }ear, and to him the part}' owes much of 
 its success. In tlie capacity of State Treasurer, to 
 which responsible and honoralile position he was 
 elected in 1888, he showed himself capable, con- 
 scientious, painstaking and eflicient. His duties 
 were discharged in a manner liighly satisfactory to 
 those concerned, and to his own honor and credit. 
 For a number of years he has been connected with 
 the Belleville Stove Works, 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 lionors he has received in 
 the way of ollicial position liave been unsought by 
 him, but have come to liim 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 Kay. 
 Fred is deceased. 
 
 ^ OHN K. WHITE owns and occupies a well- 
 developed farm in Marissa Township, which 
 consists of one hundred and eighty acres 
 and is tillable tliroughout its entire ex- 
 tent. It is a portion of the old homestead, and 
 since it came into his possession he has by well- 
 directed efforts brought it to a good condition, it 
 now being supplied with neat fences, good stock 
 of various kinds, and all tlie needful machinery 
 used in its cultivation. 
 
 Our sniijoct was born in this county, near wliere 
 
 he is at present residing, in 1860, and is tlie son 
 of John K. and Margaret (Hamilton) Wliite. The 
 father was born in Chester County, S. C, and the 
 mother in Randolph Count}', HI. The father, who 
 was born in 182.5, was the son of John White, 
 wlio was born about 1790, also in South Carolina. 
 The grandfather was reared on a farm and re- 
 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 John Kennedy, wlio 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, William 
 and Margaret 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. AVilliam AVhite'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 vei-y 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. W. T. Dixon; our subject, 
 and Elizabeth, who married Samuel Boyle. Those 
 deceased are Willie, who died in infancy; Jennie, 
 the wife of Charles Ritchie; Sarah, Mrs. James 
 Wylie. The mother of our subject, who is still liv- 
 ing, makes her home with jNIr. Wylie and cares for 
 his three children. 
 
 He whose name heads this sketch began life
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 119 
 
 for himself at the age of sixteen yeai-s, taking 
 charge of the home farm, in wliich he now lias one 
 liundred and eighty acres. His fields yield abun- 
 dantly of the various grains and are a source of 
 sufficient Income to surround tiie family with llie 
 comforts and many of the luxuries of life. The 
 lady to whom he was married in 1889 was Miss 
 Elizabeth A., daughter of George W. and Kebcccn 
 Guthra. To them has been born one child, a 
 son, Joseph G. Tiie principles of Democracy meet 
 with the hearty approbation of Air. White, who 
 never fails to cast his vote for the party of his 
 choice. He is an active worker in the United 
 Presbyterian Church, and, as a reliable citizen and 
 an intelligent man. wins respect from those about 
 him. 
 
 -=1-^4^1 
 
 ^ILLIAM P. RriTENHOl^SE, the subject 
 ' of the present sketch, resides upon survey 
 ^^^' 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 Rittenliouse, 
 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 
 (iovernment 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 lires, and re- 
 mained there until his death in 1870. He reared 
 a family of four daughters and two sons, all of 
 whom grew to maturity. They were Elizabeth, 
 Sarah, Eleanor, 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 lx)ru April 9, 1844, on tiie place 
 of his present residence; here he w.as reared and 
 attended tlu' 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 count)' and still lives near Ereeburg, 
 111., and her mother first saw the light in the State 
 of Kentucky. After his marriage, our subject be- 
 gan housekeeping, and on the home pl.ace 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 
 .^cres 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 first-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 (-ye of curiosity. A place of con- 
 tentment it is, whose Inmates have won the regard 
 of neighbors and 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. 
 
 
 ff NDREW J. M< CULLEY. The subject of 
 ^Q the present sketch, born July 12, 1814, 
 within three miles of the "Hermitage," in 
 Tennessee, w.as the son of William and 
 Mary (Phillips) McCulley, who moved to Tennes- 
 see frojn North Carolina. The father w.as born on 
 the sea when his jjarents were coming from Scot- 
 land, and became asoldier under J.ackson during the 
 Indian War and 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 handkerchief and 
 continued the fight. .Seeing an Indian's head peer 
 over the log bchinil wliicli he was lying, a sharj)
 
 120 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 report rang out and soon there was one savage 
 less. The illustrious Gen. .Tackson and the fatiier 
 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 only 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 days we may not 
 know, but at the age of sixteen years our subject 
 entered the employ of Thomas Harrison & 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 machinery 
 in different parts of the State. He soon became 
 not only a practical miller, but also a milling ma- 
 chinist. Afterward he 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. McCuUe}- 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 flfty years. 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 P^lla; William has 
 lived in Los Angeles, Cal., since 188G, 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 has one child; 
 Klraer lives in Belleville 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 3'ears since. He is a Repub- 
 lican liut a great admirer of Gen. Jackson, and has 
 never desired oflice, as he has always found liis 
 business recpiired all his time and attention. 
 
 ULIUS W. STGFFEL. One of the leading 
 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 h.as found here 
 a very pleasant home and a business in which he is 
 very successful. 
 
 The father of our subject wjis one of the self- 
 made and progressive busmess men of Mascoutah 
 in its early days. Louis Stoffel was born in Ger- 
 man}', 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 saloon 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 cluldren,the subject 
 of our sketch was the third. The mother of our 
 subject still lives and tin<ls a pleasant home in 
 Mascoutah. 
 
 Julius ^Y. 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 difM- 
 cultv in securing employment, and so remained in
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 121 
 
 that fity for five or six yeai>:, when he i-etucned and 
 bought out Mr. Ilottes, and for a few months c<ar- 
 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 
 I'liillil) Weber, of West Belleville. 111., as bride. 
 Mr. Weber is an old settler of that place. The 
 children who now compose the household of Mr. 
 and Mrs. Stoffel, happy, if noisy, are four hright 
 lads, that promise to be very smart men some day, 
 unless their looks woefully belie them. They are 
 Frank, Walter, Hugo and Otto. Mr. Stoflfel is a 
 prominent member of Lodge No. 361, A. F. it A. 
 !M., and also belongs tf) the Independent Order 
 of JIutual 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 tlie Board of Education for many veal's. In 
 the political field, Mr. .Stoffel stands an ardent Re- 
 publican, always voting with this party, which he 
 believes will best carry out the principles of good 
 government. The business in which our subject 
 is engaged is a verj' nece.ssar\' one and requires 
 close attention, that the different branches, such as 
 roofing, spouting, guttering, etc., are properly done. 
 In tliis. as in everything else, "knowledge is power." 
 
 *^^! 
 
 Tip-i// lU'B.VCII, M. I). I'rominciit among the 
 l^to successful physicians of the city of Belle- 
 Jv "' ville is the gentleman whose name heads 
 this brief sketch. Dr. Rubach is one of the good, 
 sterling men that Oerraany has given us, having 
 been born in Nassau, German}', November 29, 
 1837, being the son of Augustus Rub.icli. This 
 last-named gentleman received his education in 
 the military schools of liis native land and served 
 his country as an officer in the army. 
 
 In 1841, the father of our subject emigrated to 
 America and settled in riiiladeliiliia. whore he re- 
 
 mained for two years, then came West to .St. Clair 
 County to eng.ige in farming, subsequently remov- 
 ing to Belleville, entered mercantile pursuits and 
 continued to reside in this city until 1871. His 
 wife was of a distinguished family, being the 
 youngest daughter of President Schenck. of the 
 Ducliy of Nassau, and her name was Wilhclmina 
 Sciienck. Both are now dead. She bore her hus- 
 band two children, sons, who lived to maturity. 
 The youngest, AVilliam R.,was a soldier in the late 
 war and acquitted himself with credit in the 
 Twelfth Missouri ^'olunteers; he re-enlisted for 
 three \ears 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. When 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 3Iedical College and 
 graduated with the degree of M. D., in 1K.')8. Jn 
 the May following, lie went to Germany 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. Arit, thence to Berlin, where he studied dis- 
 ejises of the e^-e, under the celebrated Von (Jraefe. 
 Then he returned home after an absence of three 
 3-ears spent iir fitting himself for general practice. 
 
 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 
 I'nited 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 j-eai-s. Dr. Rubach was married. May 4, 
 1866, to Miss .Sophia Maus, daughter of John 
 Maus, this union being blessed with four chil- 
 dren, namely: Johanna, wife of Dr. C. II. .Starkel, 
 of this city: Jennie. Otto and Ferdinand, .Ir. Dr.
 
 122 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Rubach possesses a most agreeable manner, which 
 makes him a favorite among all classes, and this 
 pleasant quality coupled with Uis skill and knowl- 
 edge of his profession renders him one of the most 
 popular and successful physicians in the county, 
 where he has practiced for a third of a century. 
 
 J f| OHN JOSEPH. The gentleman wliosc sketch 
 I now occupies our attention is the prosper- 
 \\ ous farmer who lives on section 16, New 
 ^J Athens Township, St. Clair County. The 
 German Fatlierland was the birthplace of his 
 father, Claus Joseph, who was born in Baden in 
 1802, was reared there, and in the same country 
 married Mary Ann Vagtlin. Following the great 
 company of relatives and friends who had already 
 found a home in this countr}', Claus Joseph came 
 to America in 1837 and located in St. Clair 
 Count}', choosing land one and one-half miles 
 north of Freeburg, where he lived for two years. 
 He then removed to the place on which our 
 subject now lives, and in the year 1871 died 
 there, leaving four children: Mary Magdalene, who 
 married George Buechler,and has since died; John, 
 our subject; Claus, who died at the age of ten 
 years; and Catherine, who died at the age of six 
 months. 
 
 The subject of this sketch is the only one of the 
 family left. His father was a successful farmer, 
 and both he and his wife, who died in 1886, were 
 faithful members of the Lutheran Church, being 
 liberal supporters of it. John Joseph, born De- 
 cember 28, 1827, in Baden, German}', was ten years 
 old when his parents brought him to this country. 
 He was reared and educated in this county, and 
 acquired a knowledge of the English language 
 with remarkable quickness. He became acquainted 
 with the family of John Lortz, an early settler in 
 this county, and in 1850 the daughter, Caroline, 
 became his wife. After the ceremon}', he brought 
 his bride to the place where they now live, and 
 wheio four cliildrcn have Ih'Cu born to them, one 
 
 of whom died in infancy; George died when a 
 bright little fellow of four years. Louis was born 
 in January, 1860, is married, and lives in New 
 Athens in this township; and Edward, born in 
 1861, is married and lives u|)on his father's farm, 
 which he operates. 
 
 Our subject has made all the improvements upon 
 this place, and has a good brick house and all 
 the modern improvements. The farm is a fine 
 piece of land of five hundred and sixty-one acres, 
 all of which is iu a good state of cultivation. His 
 principal crop is of wheat, and sometimes the yield 
 is wonderful. Jlr. Joseph and family belong to 
 the Evangelical Lutheran Church, of which they 
 are devoted members. In his political convic- 
 tions, he prefers the principles of the Dem- 
 ocratic party, and he has held the office of 
 School Director in several districts. He has 
 lived a hard, work-a-daj' life, which has been 
 crowned with success iu a worldly sense, and, what 
 is better, with the reward .of an approving con- 
 science and the approbation and esteem of his 
 neighbors. His estimable wife and himself are 
 among the most prominent people of the town- 
 ship, whom all deem it a happy privilege to know. 
 
 ='-5"5"{"{-'^®'''5"5"!"5-F 
 
 % „^ENHY1\EIS. The gentleman whose name 
 
 appears at the head of this sketch is a 
 member of the prominent lumber firm of 
 M. ife H. Reis, who have carried on their 
 large and successful business in this city for (lie 
 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 the son of Val- 
 entine Reis, also a native of the Fatherland, 
 who came to America in 1849, bringing his wife 
 and famil}'. He stopped in St. Louis, where he 
 remained until 1857, and then removed to Scott 
 County. !Minn., 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, 
 namelv: IMichael, A'alentine, Ceorge and Henry.
 
 K)RTRAIT AND BIOGKAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 123 
 
 Henry received his educalion iu tlie excellent 
 schools of St. Lonis. Removing with his f.ither ti) 
 Minnesot-i. he reni.Tined 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., .ind engaged in the grocery business 
 until 18t>6. when he came to Belleville to en- 
 gage permanently in the lumber business with his 
 brother, M. Reis. The yard is situated on West 
 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 to bis other 
 interests. Mr. Reis is a Director in the Fii-st Na- 
 tional Bank of Belleville, and owns a one-third in- 
 terest in the nail mill, which carries on a very 
 llourishing trade, giving employment to a large 
 force of men. 
 
 When -Mr. Keis chose a wife, he select€d one of 
 the maidens of this city, namely. Miss Elizabeth 
 Kissel, who was born in Belleville in .\ugust, 184.'i.a 
 daughter of \'alentine Kissel, the marriage occur- 
 ring in July. 186(5. 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- 
 bei-s of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Cathedral 
 and Mr. Reis is Treasiner of St. Peter's Cath- 
 olic Benevolent Society. The pleasant home of 
 this entertaining family is on tlie corner of Race 
 and Second South .Streets, where Mr. and Mrs. 
 Reis receive their large circle of friends in a trulv 
 hospital)le manner. 
 
 "^ 
 
 !T_^ EHMAN MOOTZ. The gentleman whose 
 r J name opens this brief notice is the accom- 
 Xj^ modating pharmacist located on the corner 
 (^y) 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 
 Germany and attended the gymnasium at Gifhorn, 
 near Brunswick: lie was gr-aduated there, and then 
 
 entered upon the stud}- of pharmacy with the 
 Commissary, llr. Proellius. at the Raatz Apotheke. 
 in Hanover. 
 
 In 18t!7, our subject came to America to escape 
 military oppression after linishing his course, 
 leaving Bremen in December. 186*;, in the sailing- 
 vessel ".Atlanta," for Xew York, and was almost 
 drowned on the p.assage. .as on the 25th of De- 
 cember the vessel ran upon a cliff on the English 
 Coast during a terrible storm. There were twelve 
 hundred passengers, all of whom, Fcbruarv 18, 
 1867, had to be put upon half rations and reduced 
 to four ounces of water a day. At Xew York, 
 he went ujK>n the steamer "Livingston," bound 
 for Savannah, Ga... and took the position of hos- 
 pital steward under Dr. Savers, who w.as just 
 starting a German colony on a large rice [)lantation 
 seventeen miles south of Savannah; butheonlv 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 arniv 
 in the Sixteenth Regiment, United States Infantrx'. 
 He was made Hospital Steward, sent from iiillarto 
 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 ho 
 went to Memphis and took charge of a prescrip- 
 tion store for Robert Battier, going thence in 
 1872 to Providence, La., as clerk for Dr. L. B. 
 Bernard. In the fall of 1873, our subject [)ur- 
 chased a stock of drugs and medicines from Col. 
 F. Pennington, and did a very successful business 
 until the crisis of 1873 broke it up. 
 
 Mr. Mootz then collected what he could and 
 went to (Jreenville, Miss., and opened a store. 
 Eight months later a fire started in a building 
 three blocks awiiy and a third of the city w.as 
 burned before it could be controlled, and our un- 
 fortunate subject was the loser of all his stock, 
 upon which there w.asno insurance. This was dis- 
 couraging, indeed, but in the spring of 1876 Mr. 
 Mootz came to East St. I>ouis and took charge of 
 the drug store of Dr. E. Vanquist, conduetin» his
 
 124 
 
 PORTRAIT 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 marriage of Air. 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 the age of two years in 
 New Orleans. Mr. and Mrs. Mootz have had three 
 children: Albertine and Camelia; and Dora, who 
 died at the .age of five years. The two daughters 
 of Mrs. Mootz by her former marriage were P^mily 
 and Rosa, both deceased. Mr. Mootz is a member 
 of the Ancient, Free & Accepted Masons and 
 Modern Woodmen. lie is a Democrat in his be- 
 lief, but is not active in politics. 
 
 (j/ M. NEEDLES. One of the most efficient 
 officers of the law in the city of Belleville 
 is the gentleman whom we have named 
 s^ 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 
 Heurj' ]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 friends. (See sketch of 
 Dr. Mace.) 
 
 The father of our subject removed to Brown 
 County and then to this 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 here, 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, which 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 Y. 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 
 the city, his re-election dating from April. 1892. 
 
 "ifj OHN ,1. jMcLEAN. Among the many note- 
 worthy lines of business which have made 
 East St. Louis a very important commercial 
 centre may he mentioned the building and 
 loan associations. Probably that which has best 
 carried out the wishes of its founders is the one 
 bearing the name of the Safety Homestead and 
 Loan Association, of which our subject is the effici- 
 ent Secretary. He is also Interested in the real- 
 estate business of the city, and is connected with 
 some enter|)rises in Hillsboro. 
 
 The grandparents of our subject many years 
 ago moved from Scotland into Kings County, Ire- 
 land, carried on farming there, and in that county
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 125 
 
 our subject's father first saw the light. From 
 there when still a young man, IMartin McLean 
 came to the I'nited States, settled in the fertile 
 county of Westchester, 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, buying one hundred and sixty 
 acres of land five miles from the sea coast. In 
 1861, JMr. McLean came to Illinois and located in 
 Montgomery Count}', near Litchfield, where he 
 bought a farm of over one thousand acres. On 
 that place he now resides and has been an exten- 
 sive stock-raiser. Politically, he has afflliated with 
 the Democratic l)art3'. The mother of our subject 
 was Mary Car}-, 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. .1., 
 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. E. McAnarney, of 
 Montgomery County. 
 
 Mr. McLean was reared on tlie farm and at- 
 tended the common school of his neighborhood 
 until he came to Illinois. In 1870-71-72, he at- 
 tended the Christian Urothers' 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 Montgomery County 
 for one year, but in 1873 he was elected to the 
 office of Treasurer of Montgoiner}- Count}', 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 188() 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 IMIU, he located in 
 East St. Louis and opened a real-estate business, 
 dealing in city property. In 18;(1 he organized the 
 Safety Homestead and Loan Association, was 
 made Secretary, and h.as oontinued in this posi- 
 tion ever since. Mr. McLean was 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 Ilillshoro. and 
 is 3'et a Director of that institution. 
 
 Mr. McLean was married in Jk>ntgoniery 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 Chur(;h of Hillsboro, and the family takes 
 a very important i)osition in the social life of the 
 city. He is a generous, liberal n)an, ver}' kind- 
 hearted. He is devoted to tlie principles of the 
 Democratic |)arty and a great admirer of ex-Pres- 
 ident Cleveland. 
 
 m>^^<i 
 
 j,ILLIAM (iREBE. M. 1). Tlie sul)ject of 
 the following short sketch, a practicing 
 physician of Freeburg, III., 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 
 Suites. 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 cit}', was 
 graduated and then visited Germany, returning to 
 Philadelphia in 1884. 
 
 During his absence, he served one year in tlie 
 army and studied medicine under aCJerman physi- 
 cian. .Vfter liis return. Dr. Grebe became a student 
 at the rnivcrsity of Pennsylvania, graduated from 
 tlie medical department in Sei)teinher, 188U, then 
 came West, looking for a location where his educa- 
 tion and abilities would be appreciated, and fiiiall}- 
 decided to locate in tlie pleasant town of Freeburg. 
 lie ni.ade this place his home two years ago and 
 lias lived hero ever since. We do not declare that 
 people here get sick in order that the Doctor may 
 make I Ill-Ill well; but it is not exaggeration to say
 
 126 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 that when serious illness comes, the desire of the 
 friends of the sufferer is that the brilliant 3'oung 
 pliysician may exercise his skill upon them. He 
 conducts a drug store in connection with his (irac- 
 tice. 
 
 The marriage of Dr. Gretjc took place June '2;i, 
 1891, the bride being Miss Helen Barlhel, the 
 charming daughter of Henry Barthel, a prominent 
 merchant of Freeburg. They have one bright 
 little one named AViUiam 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 Recohl) of St. Clair County is written we pre- 
 dict that the name of this young and progressive 
 physician will be known beyond the borders of 
 Illinois. 
 
 
 FREDERICK WILLIAM WOLPERT. Our 
 
 ^> subject is one of the many representatives 
 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 born in Hesse-Darmstadt, May 
 1, 1830, and is the son of Frederick AVilliam 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 Oppenheira, Germany. 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 twent}' 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, 1851, 
 he landed in New York City, and started out 
 to find employment. He first engaged in the 
 raanufaotuvp of shears, in Newark, N. J., where he 
 remained one y^^v, His next removal wjva to 
 (I'oiinvftll, Conn., where hu vcmuiued until 1M61, 
 
 In 1862, he 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 P^ast 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 AVermels, 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 birth. To them have 
 been born nine children: P^lizabeth, widow of Philip 
 Hoener; AVilliam, a carriage-maker of Carlinville, 
 111.; Anna, wife of C. Brandt, of St. Louis; Louis, 
 of St. Louis; Louisa, of St. Louis; Otto and George 
 at home; John, a mail carrierof St. Louis; and Ma- 
 tilda, wife of Fritz Schermer, of this city. 
 
 The pleasant home of Mr. AVolpert is at No. 301 
 Walnut Street. He is a member of the German 
 Methodist Episcopal Church of this city, and is 
 one of the Board of Trustees. His son Henry 
 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. 
 
 ICIIAEL F. GEARY. The State of Pcnn- 
 ., sylvania contributed quite extensively to 
 the upbuilding of Illinois, and among 
 the honest men who came here and have 
 taken an active interest in everything of value to 
 this beautiful city may bo mcntionef] >vitli truth 
 Iho name of Mr, M. F. Goary. Tlis fnthiM' wa,i
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 127 
 
 born in Pennsylvania, owned a farm on the banks 
 of the Susquehanna, and was a very prominent 
 man in liis neighborhood, liaving acceptal)ly tilled 
 the otiiccs of Justice of the I'eace, Road Over- 
 seer, and Supervisor for many jears. lie was of 
 the Democratic faith in politics, lived to lie nearly 
 eighty years of age, and died at his home. The 
 motiier of our subject, JMary Kern , was a native of 
 the Emerald Isle, and died a few \-ears after her hus- 
 band, a member of the Catholic Church. She had 
 been the mother of sixteen children. 
 
 Our subject was born in Friends ville, Suscpie- 
 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 amtmg 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 da^'. JNIr. Geary was made 
 Yardmasterat Titusville, Pa., on the Oil City Rail- 
 road, and later was conductor on the pfissenger 
 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, 
 wliicli was then only a small vill.age. 
 
 In 1871, he came to the Iron Mountain Railroad 
 and ran a mixed train from Fredericktown to Bel- 
 mont until 1873; then in December came to East 
 St. Louis in ciiarge of tiie yards of the Cairo Short 
 Line Railroad, remaining until 1881, when he went 
 to Indianapolis in charge of tiic Indianapolis, 
 Bloomington A: Western and the Indianapolis.Deea- 
 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. (Teary was made Superintendent of the 
 Heims Brewery in 1883, and continued with them 
 until they sold out in .lunc, 1888. He then 
 bought Trauble Hall, and has been in the lii|uiir 
 business since that lime. In October, 18'.il, Mi-. 
 Geary bought thesite, on which he built Geary Hall. 
 This building is used by fourteen different socie- 
 ties, and is occupied ullof the time, Although it 
 Vas raised and huill in fifteen days, it luis 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. (ieary owns 
 considerable real estate in the city, and speculates 
 with it; is a partner in the linn of Hill I'.ros. in 
 the ownership of twenty-live acres m (he city 
 limits, which they will soon lay out; has built up 
 some residences here, and owns other property. 
 
 The marri.age of our subject took place in Titus- 
 ville, Pa., March 4, 1867, to Miss Carrie 15. Spear, 
 born in Salem, Mass. Tliey have but one child, 
 Frank, living at home. Mr. (ieary is a member of 
 many fraternal societies and an officer in some of 
 them; is Treasurer of Illinois Lodge Xo. 268, K. of 
 IL; Treasurer of the Chevalier Commandery, K. of 
 II.; Trustee of Eureka Lodge No. 81, K. of P.; and 
 Trustee of Rathbone Division No. 17, U. R. and K. 
 of P., iind also is Grand Assistant Dictator of the 
 Knights of Honor of Illinois. The gentleman of 
 whom we write li.as 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 the 
 Board of Trustees for four districts. 
 
 ]-^+^i 
 
 ■jf AMES ,1. RAFTER, A. IJ.. A. ]\I. The pres- 
 ent jiractice of law requires the possession 
 of a very liberal general education besides 
 a knowledge of the princii)Ies (vlucidated 
 liy Coke and Blackstone. The gentlem.an whose 
 name opens this sketch h.as proved that he h.as con- 
 (piered all the dilliculties in the w.ay,and is now en- 
 joying a very successful practice in a i)leasant 
 office at No. 119 North Third Street, East St. 
 I.ouis. 
 
 I"he grandfather of our .subject, .Micli;iel Rafter, 
 brouglil his family from Ireland to .Vmerica in 
 lHlf< and located on a farm near Augusta, Me,, 
 where he passed the rest of his life. I'lui father of 
 our subject was named Martin, nnrt was boin in 
 Country Wexford, Ireland, in 18UG, When twelve
 
 128 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArillCAL 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 Joj'ce, who had been born 
 in the same State. Her mother, the grandmother 
 of our subject, was an Erskin, of an old pioneer fam- 
 ily. Its founder was with Cien. Washington iu the 
 Revolutionary War, and after its close moved 
 into the wilderness of Maine. The maternal 
 graudfather of our subject came when a boj' from 
 Ireland and engaged in the fishing business in 
 Newfoundland. Going in a schooner to Boston 
 witli his flsli, 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 wealtiij' 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 seventj'-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 svibject is tlie fourth oldest of ten children, 
 and was born in Augusta, Me., March 15, 1846; 
 was brought to Springfield when 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 witli 
 the degree of B. A., and later received the de- 
 gree of M. A. In September, 1868, he became 
 Principal of the Pleasant School in Sangamon 
 County, HI., 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 study of law 
 with Stewart, Edwards iV Brown. 
 
 Mr. Rafter was admitted to practice in Septem- 
 ber, 1874, wlien he returned here, opened an office, 
 and has had several partners, but is now conduptjiig 
 (lis business alone, Jn 1875, he was elected Scffool 
 
 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 tiiat 
 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. Crowlej-, who was born in 
 Pennsylvania, but was reared in Cairo. She was 
 removed by death in 1887, and left two interest- 
 ing children. Rose and C!erald, 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. 
 
 
 
 \^nHILIP L. WEBER, a prominent insurance 
 Jl) agent of Belleville, with his office at No. 
 
 f^ 6 High Street, has been a resident of Belle- 
 , \ ville since 1871. He was born in Bremen, 
 German }-, July 7, 1854, and is the son of (ieorge 
 and Sophia (Bruns) Weber. Our subject received 
 his early education at his birthplace; then learning 
 the mercantile business, working in a wholesale 
 ofl[ice,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 whiclj, in 1883, he 
 engaged in the insurance liiisiiiess. In this departure
 
 ItBRAAV 
 Of THE
 
 *'&• 
 
 ^5 jd 2^-e^/^^^^'^^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIGAL RECORD. 
 
 131 
 
 lie built up a iironiineiit and successful business 
 witli a partner, under the lirni name of Weber it 
 Sikkania, and their ollice is liead(iuarters for the 
 (iernians of Freepurt. They do business in ten ad- 
 joining counties, and they iiave about, seventy 
 agencies under tlieni. 
 
 Mr. Weber has been President of the tierinania 
 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*f 
 the daughter of .Tames Enwright, a prominent rail- 
 road contractor of lliat (ilaoe. 'I'lio marriage oc- 
 curred December 1, l.s.s(i,uiid lhe\' liave three chil- 
 dren: Oscar, .loll n and Ella. ]Mr. Weber had been 
 previously married to Miss Rosa 1 loner, of this city, 
 who at her death left five children: Arthur, Erail, 
 Irwin, Walter and Louise. Our subject bought a 
 pleasant place for a residence, which he has remod- 
 eled, and he has in front of the house a large and 
 licMiitifully kept lawn. 
 
 EN.IA.MIN .1. VAN t'CJlKT, who is now 
 living retired on section 29,0'Fallon Town- 
 ilt^JI ship, is one of the prominent and honored 
 >5^ pioneers of this county. lie comes of a 
 family of Dutch origin, his grandfather, .Tob 
 \'aii Court, having been born in Holland. He em- 
 igrated to America with the Van Stuyvesants, 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 valualile estate. He left four 
 children, .lohn, Benj.imin, Lucy and Hannah, all 
 of whom married and had families. 
 
 The father of our subject, Benjamin Van Court. 
 w.as 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, He wedded Mary, daughter of 
 Dr. .lames Lindsey, and renioyed to Mc\'evtowii 
 
 on the Juniata River in Pennsylvania, where be 
 became a large grain dealer and extensive mer 
 chant. He made several trips to the West pros- 
 pecting, and finally removed to Hlinois, locating 
 first on a farm in Proi)lietstown, Whiteside County. 
 He spent his declining years in St. Louis, and at a 
 good old age, January 3, 18.50, p.assed away at his 
 residence on Collins Street. His wife survived 
 him only a few years and dieil "SHy 14, 18.55. at 
 the age of seven t^'-one. 
 
 In the Van Court family were five children: 
 Eliza, born December 14, 1810, died at the home 
 of our subject August 18, 1881. Alexander, born 
 Kebruaiy 27, 1812, was married in 1852 to Miss 
 Chamberlain, who died in June, 1862, on their 
 farm near Litchfield, leaving two children; Mary, 
 who is now the wife of William Kelley, of Tex.as; 
 and Benjamin, who is married and msikes his home 
 in Texas. In 1849, Alexander started across the 
 plains to California, where our subject joined him 
 in 1853. They spent about five 3ears 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, 1816, and in 1817, at , St. Louis, 
 married John Cormack, a steamboat pilot on the 
 Mississip|)i. She died August 28, 1884, at the age 
 of sixty-eight, leaving one son, Alexander. Ma- 
 h.ala, born .Iiine \x. 1818, died at St. Louis, in 
 1854. 
 
 Benjamin Jackson Van Court, whose name heads 
 this record, was born December 20, 1820, in Mc- 
 \'eytown, Pa., and acquired his education in the 
 common schools, .assisting his father when not in 
 the school room. He went into business with his 
 brother Alexaudcr.aiid at the .age of nineteen came 
 Wot with the family, the father having preceded 
 tliciii. He and his brother built a boat called the 
 ■■A. :iiid 15. .1. \aii Court," and, embarking at 
 .I()liiist<)wii, llo.ilcd it down the canal to Pitts- 
 burgh, thence down the Ohio to the Mississippi. 
 There the boat w.is attached to the steamer 
 •■Smelter." which was to tow it to S|, Louis, but
 
 132 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 before getting fairly started the boat sank, in eon- 
 sequence of the strong current. They lost all of 
 their possessions and barely escaped with their 
 iivos. 
 
 With Ills 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, thej' 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 .luly, 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- 
 man3'. She was born December 6, 1829, and the 
 wedding ceremony was performed by Rev. Dr. 
 Spring. 
 
 The wedding journey of IMr. and Mrs. ^'an 
 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 with a McCormick reaper. He employed 
 ten Indians in the harvest field, for the labor of 
 white men was worth from 18 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 thecit^', 
 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 .luly, 1856, 
 he came to O'Kallon, bought a farm of one hun- 
 dred and thirty-seven acres and built his present 
 residence. In I860, he sank a coal shaft upon his 
 farm, and tiie 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 
 pow . le.ised to the Consumers' Coal C()iii[iany of 
 St. Louis. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. ^'an Court iiavc Ueeii born 
 nine children: Benjamin J, died in California 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 children, Benjamin and Hallie; Benja- 
 iftin J., born September 29, 1862, died at the age 
 of seven years; George, born May 25, 1867, died 
 in infancy; and Belle, horn August 10, 1869, also 
 died in infanc\'. 
 
 Mr. Van Court is a member of the Congrega- 
 tional Church. He has been connected with the 
 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 office- 
 seeker. In his business, he has been very success- 
 ful and won a handsome ))roperty. He is now a 
 wealthy citizen, living retired, and is liighly re- 
 spected by all who know him. 
 
 ^ I^ASHINGTON AVEST, M. D. To attain 
 \/\/// distinction in any of the learned (jiofes- 
 ^^^ 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 iiigh jio- 
 sition, and his success is certainly worthy of ap- 
 plause and emulation. Gratifying has been the 
 results of the life of the subject of this sketch 
 in lii-; ))rnotice of surgery nn(l inodicine in the
 
 PORTRAIT AIST) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 133 
 
 beautiful city of Belleville, wliere he is one of the 
 prominent plij'sicians. 
 
 The Doctor is a son of Benjuniin Hilleary West, 
 and fii':;t saw tiie light on tlie West farm nearHelle- 
 ville. Feliruary il. 1847. lie was well fitted by na- 
 ture and education for his chosen life work, !»s he 
 attended the city schools, finishing his literary 
 course at the city university' at .St. Louis; from 
 there he entered the St. Louis Medical College, from 
 which he graduated in 18()8. He was then Acting 
 .\ssistant Surgeon in the army for two years, being 
 with Maj.-Gen. AVilliam 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 Cheycinie River Agency. 
 
 Dr. West was married on the 30th of June, 1870, 
 to Miss Mary Agnes Wolfe, of St. Louis, daughter 
 of Thomas Wolfe, one of the leading stockmen in 
 the St. Louis I'.acific Stockyards. Dr. and Mr.s. 
 Westarethe happy parents of six children, namely: 
 li.asmath Ariadne. Mary Agnes, Wasliington. Maria 
 Catherine, Way 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 Bootli.a physician of .St. Louis, 
 Mo., and a Professor of Barnes Medical College of 
 .St. Louis. They liave an elegant home at No. 
 4622 Pfige .\ venue. 
 
 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 Piiila- 
 delphia at tlie time of the Centennial, when lie 
 was correspondent for a number of papers, and 
 also attended the clinic at the I'niversity of Penn- 
 sylvania. With this exception, he has been in 
 active practice here ever since, and now enjoys so 
 large a patron.age that it is ditticult for him to an- 
 swer all the demands made upon liis time and skill. 
 
 Dr. West is a member of the St. Clair County 
 and State Medical Societies and American Medical 
 Association: lie also was Assistant Surgeon at the 
 County Farm for twelve years. In addition to 
 his other duties', he served as President of the 
 Eagle Foundry for some years. Mrs. West, an in- 
 telligent, relined lady, is a menilior of Dr. Brook's 
 Presbyterian Church of St. I.'iius. ;ind is a descen- 
 dant <if tlic ixr>-.\[ D;inu'l I'x c of K'l-ntiicli v. Dr. 
 
 West belongs to no political party, preferring to 
 cast his vote for the man his judgment pronounces 
 to lie the liest, regardless of party distinctions. So- 
 cially, he is connected witii no orders, the duties 
 of his profession being to:) heavy to admit of any 
 such relaxation. 
 
 •f^B^i 
 
 'ifULirs .1. 11KIDIN(;KK. TIic gentleman 
 whose name appears upon this page is one 
 ^,^1 of the representative railroad men of tliis 
 ^^fJ section, holding the responsible position of 
 agent for the St. Louis. Alton it Terrc Haute Rail- 
 road and attending to the freight and ticket busi- 
 ness of this road, which does more business tlian 
 all the other lines entering the city. 
 
 .Julius Heidinger is the son of .Tacob and Magda- 
 lena (Schmidt) Heidinger, and w.as born in this 
 city September 18, 1853. His parents were of 
 German ancestr3',.and were natives of Rastadt, Ba- 
 den, Cernianj', 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 journej', 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 Cdllinsville; Rudolph, who here conducts 
 a tin and hardware store; Hermine, wife of H. 
 Mason, of Paducah. Ky., now deceased: and Quido 
 B.. a conductor on the Air-line .\ccommodation. 
 
 After our subject had received his education in 
 the public .schools of this city, he learned the har- 
 ness-making trade, and later entered a nail mill; 
 later he became agent for the old Illinois it St. 
 Louis Railroad for ti\e years, having previously 
 learned telegraphy. Mr. Heidinger then kept a 
 set of Iwoks for the B. F. Switzer it Co. (louring 
 mill for two years. Then he took the Short Line 
 agency, and has given such satisfaction that there 
 is no prosjiect of any change unless for a sti-ll 
 liighcr position. He has made this line highly re- 
 spected, and his services aie apjireciated. lie is 
 interested in oilier matters besides railroad busi-
 
 LSI 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 m\ss, and has found time to invest largely and 
 wisely in real estate in this cit3' and in St. Louis. 
 Mr. Heidinger gave up single blessedness May 
 !), 1882. wiien occurred his marriage to Miss Cath- 
 erine Iloldner, daughter of Fred Holdner, of this 
 city, who was born December 7, 1857. Four 
 bright children have blessed this home, but the 
 Death Angel took the eldest, little .Tulius, wlien 
 only three months old. The living are Roy Reu- 
 ben, Milo Drew and Magdalena. Mi-, and Mrs. 
 Heidinger are members of the Metiiodist Episcopal 
 Cluireh, and are most highly valued as neighbors 
 and friends. Mr. Heidinger possesses those quali- 
 ties which go to make a leader, and manages the 
 twelve men under his charge without any friction 
 and to the interest of his employers. 
 
 <S^DWARD FRANK SCHOENING. Promi- 
 fel nent among the industries of St. Clair 
 /i' — --^ ' County are its milling enterprises, and the 
 men who have worked in that line have contribu- 
 ted effectively to the advancement of theircommu- 
 nities. The firm of Hirsch & Schoening, merchant 
 millers at Millstadt, has established and success- 
 fully conducted a flourishing business, which has 
 gained a reputation for progressive methods and 
 reliable dealings. The junior member of this firm 
 is the subject of our sketch, a young gentleman of 
 enterprise and perseverance, and a worthy re()re- 
 sentative of a thrifty German family. 
 
 .Tohn Schoening, father of our subject, as his 
 name indicates, was a German, and was born in 
 Ilolstein, where he was reared to manhood. Farm- 
 ing was 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 iionor and industrious habits, 
 iiighly esteemed by his neighbors and acquaint- 
 ances until death, 
 
 In Ilolstein, (iermany, tho subject of tliis sketch 
 )v;|s b(,)rn Noveinboc U, JS^S, wljece he passed his 
 
 childhood years, receiving excellent educational 
 advantages in the common schools of that prov- 
 ince. Having resolved upon emigrating to Amer- 
 ica, he left his parental home in 1866, when about 
 tliirteen 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 
 C^ounty, 111., to follow milling for about one year. 
 Afterward Mv. Schoening took the long trip across 
 the plains to California, where he followed his 
 trade in the Sacramento Mills for nine months. 
 Thence tiie journey was made to Washington, and 
 through that State and Oregon to Laramie City, 
 Wyo. 
 
 By tills time, tired of traveling, our subject went 
 to St. Louis, Mo., to engage with the East St. 
 Louis ^Milling Company. He was 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 <fe Stern. Mr. Schoening remained here un- 
 til 1884, when he went to 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 
 permanent business, so in 1885 the {iresent 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 
 city 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 memliers 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. 
 He wns one of the jirincipal agitators in the build- 
 ing of the new school building ij) Miljstadl, aiu]
 
 t"»> 
 
 ''''^*, 
 
 
 ^'^o, 
 
 ''5
 
 /I'V'l . /V^^^-yA^iJlj^tXyiyv^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 1/.7 
 
 has aided all the eflforts of the Board to obtain the 
 best of iiistiuctors. 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 people in Millstadt, and his admir- 
 able wife .assists in dispensing the hospitalities of 
 their pleasant home. 
 
 '■ ' ^3- 
 
 ON. M. M. STEPHENS. Many of the men 
 connected witli the city government of 
 East St. Louis in various capacities have 
 'J) 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 
 an}- other man. 
 
 Mr. Stephens w.as elected to his present respon- 
 sible position in April, 1877, with a reform city 
 council, rpon .assuming the office, he found a 
 lamentable, complicated and embarrassed condition 
 of .affairs. 1$}' mal-administration and corruption, 
 the city had been plunged into an indebtedness of 
 ^H.")().()(I0, with nothing to show for the greater 
 part of it. The city had no credit. The only cur- 
 rency it had been for _\ ears dealing out for labor, 
 material, etc., was worthless "script," and the city 
 w.as flooded with that. The revenue had been col- 
 lected for months in advance and squandered. In 
 fact, everything w.as in a chaotic state. But >Layor 
 Stephens had .assumed office with a well-defined 
 policy. With the assistance of tliose 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 r^ustaincd liiin. They restored law 
 
 and order; abolished "script" and instituted 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 liefore undertaking 
 the gigantic improvements which have made East 
 St. Louis a city 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 le.adei-ship 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 by 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 .ability, 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 State 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 li.as 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 eflforts 
 were rewarded. He is one of the most .agree.able 
 of men, h.as a heart of gold, and is ever ready to 
 extend a helping hand to the needy and suffering. 
 
 M. M. Ste|)hens was born in Pennsylvania, near 
 Scranton, Luzerne County, on the 7lh of Febru- 
 ary, 1847. His father, Ziba Stei>hens, was also a 
 native of the Keystone Stale, 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 un railroads, and 
 built miles of the Delaware, Lackawanna A- 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 
 l^hiladelphia. He affiliated with the Democratic 
 party and was a worthy and much r(>spected man.
 
 138 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Travis, 
 was born near Scranton. Siie came to East St. 
 Louis and made her home with our subject until 
 lier death. She was an cxemphiry meiuhei- 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 tilled the position of brakeman on the Dela- 
 ware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, and was in 
 the machinery department of the Delaware & Hud- 
 son Canal Railroad for three years. He had one 
 year's experience as fireman, and served as en- 
 gineer three or four years. In the fall of 1864, 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 maciiine de- 
 partment. Later, he run an engine on the railroad 
 from Carboudale 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 Coliinsville and Sum- 
 mit Avenues. 
 
 In 1884, Mr. Stephens was elected Alderman of 
 the Fourth Ward, and held that position for two 
 years. In 1887, lie 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 Illizabeth 
 (Tompkins) Beam, a native of France, who came 
 to America with her motlier. 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 party to many of the National Conventions 
 and also county and State conventions. 
 
 "TSl^»" 
 
 ^^^;^, E(JRGE R. TATE, J. P. This prominent 
 
 III farmer and public oflicial lives upon sec- 
 
 V^^ tion 19, Smitliton Township, and is the son 
 of Edward Tate, who was one of the early settlers, 
 having come here before the Indians had left, in 
 1818. 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. Tho. 
 trip from St. Joseph, Mo., clear through to Port- 
 land, Ore., was made in a wagon drawn liy 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 witli Sarah C. 
 Smith, daughter of Robert J. Smith, of this county, 
 who was born in Maine, and came here when very 
 small. 
 
 After his marriage, our subject continued teacli- 
 inc 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 tlie 
 scliool-room. Our subject lias been blessed with the 
 following children: E. Clara, who is the wife of N. 
 O.Phillips; John J., who died in 1891; INIatilda C. 
 Hallie M., Adel.aide and David, all living at home 
 except the first named. Our subject has one hun- 
 dred and twenty acres of land, all well improved, 
 and raises on it a great deal of grain, besides an 
 abundance of berries, which have yielded a good 
 income; also a fine peach orchard of budded fi-iiil, 
 perhaps the finest in the county. All of the im- 
 provements are of the very 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. 
 
 1 .'V.) 
 
 iind of Helleville ('liai)ti.-i- of Royal Arcli Masons; 
 lias )>eei) Master of tlie lodge, and has filled the 
 office of ■lunior Warden. .Tustiee Tate also be- 
 longs to the Patrons of Hiisliaiidry, and has been a 
 member of the Giange 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. 
 Me has served acceptably two terms as .Justice of 
 the Peace, and has the satisfaction of knowing that 
 there is no man in Smilhton Township who stands 
 higher socially than himself. 
 
 -^^ 
 
 I.r.ERT. E. WILDERMAN. It is not given 
 to many lu sec llic wilderness blossom like 
 1 the rose, as has been the lot of the gentle- 
 ^ man whose name appears at 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 
 tu-day. 
 
 Our suhjcctt was the son of (ieorge Wilderman, 
 a native of the Keystone State, who came to Illi- 
 nois in the early part of this century, 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 musii'ian. George Wilderman was a 
 very large land-owner in the county, and defended 
 it from the encroachments of the Indians during 
 the lilack Hawk and minor wars with the savage 
 tribes of red men. He was a very prominent man 
 and worthy citizen of the county where lu' lived. 
 taking an active part in all affairs of public concein. 
 
 Our subject can claim the honor of being a na- 
 tive son of section 6, Freebuig 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. 
 Wildfiiiiaii can relate man\- interesting incidents 
 
 which took place in the early day- of the county, 
 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 P., who resides in this township; Ada, wife 
 of Louis Sheetz, of New Athens Township; and 
 Mary, wife of .lulius Wilderman. residing in Free- 
 burg Township. 
 
 Mr. AVilderman 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 lias one of the 
 finest farms in the county. Mrs. Wilderman and 
 daughter are members of the Grange, playing an 
 important part in the doings of that body. Our 
 subject is a strong Democrat in politics, and holds 
 the important office of School Director in his dis- 
 trict. 
 
 (F ^ ENRY HUHER. The gentleman whose name 
 
 [f)j) o|)ens this sketch is the .•senior member of 
 l£^ the firm of Huber it Son, dealers in general 
 (^^ merchandise in the town of Freeburg, 111. 
 The father of our subject was \'alentine 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. Mar}' is the wife of (ieorge Gareyher; Mar- 
 garetta, first married (ieorge Klos, who died; 
 later she married Mr. Wagner, who is also dead; 
 after his death she married for a third lime. Imt is 
 now a widow.
 
 140 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Our subject made his home with his good mother 
 until his marriage with ]Miss Susanna Jainiet, who 
 was the daugliter of Cliarles .Taimet. Her life was 
 short, and after her death Mr. Huber married her 
 sister, Catherine. After tliis event he located in 
 Taraaroa and lived there twent,y-four years, en- 
 gaged in farming; he then went to Kreeburg and 
 worked at tlie trade of cooper for about five years, 
 when an opening for good mercantile trade pre- 
 sented itself. He h.as 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 place; Peter Pitts and Mary, both 
 at home. 
 
 When the Adams Express Comp.any desired to 
 obtain some reliable representative in Freeburg, 
 Mr. Huber was selected as its agent, and has man- 
 aged its affairs here to tlie general satisfaction since 
 187i». The religious connection of the family is 
 with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and they 
 are members much esteemed in tliat relationship. 
 In political matters, Mr. Huber is and hfis always 
 been an ardent Republican, and has held the of- 
 fice of Supervisor. Our subject owned one iiun- 
 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 ISIr. Huber is highly regarded, and 
 their home is one of the pleasanlest in I'reeburg. 
 
 l^i^'iG 
 
 ?DAM PFAFF. The gentleman whose name 
 (@M opens this article is well known in the 
 !i city of iNIascoutah, where he has done an 
 honor.able l)usiness 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 light in a country far from this, 
 and no doubt he still has fond memories of the 
 Fatherland. Born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, 
 September 18. 1836, he was a boy of seventeen 
 
 years upon landing on American shores, leaving 
 old iiome 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. Mr. Pfaflf eng.aged as a painter, at the muni- 
 ficent wages of 1*4 i)er month, and worked away 
 diligently for some time, eventually learning 
 enough of the tr.ade to be considered an artist of 
 the paint brush, if his canvas happened to be a 
 house, barn or building of any kind. In 1859, 
 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 he was among the first to 
 spring to her defense. 
 
 Our subject enlisted in Company B, Ninth Illinois 
 Infantry, and on the 19th 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 iiis trade until August. 1861, 
 when he re-enlisted in the 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 Lieuten.ant. 
 His term of service having expired in October, 
 
 1864, he was honorably discharged, and returned to 
 Mascoutah, where he worked at his trade for a sjtace 
 of two 3-ears. 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, .Ir., understanding other 
 departments in the same way, together tliey make 
 a strong firm, as theory is all right, but experience 
 is the best assurance of success. 
 
 Ijieut. Pfaff was married on tiie 25th of July, 
 
 1865, to Miss Margaret Ileberer, daughter of George 
 II. Ileberer, an old settler of the county. An in- 
 teresting family of nine children has grown up 
 about them, who are .as follows: Mary, who 
 married Carl Montag, and has a home of her 
 own; Anna, Amelia, Henr}' .1., George, Charles, 
 Adam, Ernest and Irwin, wlio are still at home.
 
 ''•')'
 
 K)RTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 143 
 
 Tlic i-liildren witli wliom our subjet't and his wife 
 lijul to iiart wpre two little ones, Katie and Lena, 
 and Belle, who was taken away at the ago of fif- 
 teen years. Our subject is a very prominent man 
 in tiie Grand Army of the Repuljlic, holding the 
 position of I Quartermaster of the post. Politi- 
 cally, he is a stanch He|)uhlican, .ind believes in 
 uiiholding- the |)rinciples foi' which he fouglit. lie 
 lias served his district ou the Board of Kducation 
 for a term of twelve years. 
 
 •t-v-*- 
 
 ^^,T. miy. JOHN .TANSSEN, Bishop of Belle- 
 L;#r ville.was born in lvei)peln, Bhenisli Prussia, 
 <4i \y March 3, 183.'j. He was educated in the Bish- 
 op's college at Gaesdonck and at Munster, 
 and took a theological course at the latter i)lace. 
 The bishopric of Alton, 111., had been erected in 
 18,')7,with Bishop Henry D. .Juncker, presiding, and 
 while this gentleman was looking for material to 
 use, he visited the University of ]\Iunster and 
 arranged with several jjriests and tlicological stu- 
 dents to come to his diocese, John Janssen being 
 one of the number. Upon completing his course 
 of study in IHoS, he at once joined Bishop Juncker 
 at Alton, and on the IDth of November of that 
 year he was ordained priest. Immediately after 
 his ordination, he was i)laced 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 i)riest at Springfield and one at 
 Jacksonville. 
 
 Bishop Janssen continued his connection with 
 Springfield and the al)Ove-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 18(!8, when Bishop Juncker 
 (lied. He was also made Chancellor of the diocese 
 and so acted until Bisho|) Baltes was consecrated, 
 in .January-, 1870. He was then made A'icar- 
 (ieneral to Bishop Baltes .and as such continued 
 for sixteen vcars. or until the latter was called 
 
 from life in 1886, serving, however as rector of St. 
 Bonif.ace's Church at Quincy, III., 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 Janviary, 1887. 
 His appointment as Bishop of the Belleville Dio- 
 cese, comprising twenty-eight eounties.was received 
 February 28, 1888. He continued to administer 
 the affairs of the diocese until the appointment of 
 Father James Ryan as Hishoi) of Alton, and on the 
 23d of April, 1888, he surrendered the otlice. 
 
 On the 2.')th of the same month. Bishop Janssen 
 was consecrated in the Belleville Cathedral by Arcli- 
 bisop Feehan, assisted bj- Bishop Hogan,of Kansas 
 City; Bishop Fink, of Leavenwc)rlh: Bishop Spaul- 
 ding, of Peoria; Bishop Chatard, of \incennes; 
 Bisho|) Bonacum, of Lincoln; and P.isliop Ryan, 
 of Alton. The diocese of which he has control 
 contains twenty-eight counties, and he has under 
 him seventy-one priests, eight3--seven churches, one 
 orphan asylum at Belleville, and a hospital in each 
 of the following cities: Belleville. East St. Lniiis, 
 Cairo and .\viston. 
 
 E^^^ 
 
 PRANK SCHMISSEUR. The subject of this 
 sketch was born .\ugust Id, 1843, in a loir 
 _ cabin which stood in the front yard of his 
 
 present residence, being the son of Joseiih and 
 Elizabeth (Clienot) Sclimisseur. 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, Ohio, whcie 
 they lived for a time, going thence to St. Louis. 
 The father conducted a restaurant in the latter 
 city in connection with his father-in-law, .Joseph 
 Cheiiot, at the old market. The parents remained 
 in St. Louis until September, 184 1, when thev set- 
 tled on this place, which contained one hundred 
 and four acres. Some of the land has been sold 
 since. The father died .Xovember 25, 1880, the 
 mother having preceded liini li\ four veais. This
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 couple were good and kind parents to the follow- 
 ing children: Louise, who married Dominick 
 ])ekum (see sketch); .lohn J. married Rosa Dekuni, 
 and is a carpenter in Belleville, with tliree chil- 
 dren; Charles was married to Emily Phillips, and 
 is proprietor of the West Belleville Custom Flour- 
 ing iMill; Eugene, a farmer living near Richland, 
 married Lizzie Battre. 
 
 Our subject was reared on the home place, at- 
 tended the common schools, and afterward went 
 to St. Louis, where he took a course in the excel- 
 lent Catholic college of the Christian Brothers. 
 He was marrred September 15, 1874, to Madeline 
 Russell, daughter of Nicholas and Rosa Russell. 
 Her parents were natives of France and came to 
 America when she was three 3ears old. Five liv- 
 ing children have been born them and make a 
 merry household. They are iNIary, Clara, Russell, 
 Walter and Harrison. 
 
 The gentlemen of whom wc write has followed 
 general farming, and derives a good revenue from 
 the coal wliicli is beneath his land. In his opin- 
 ion his underground farm does better than 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, highly esteemed b}- all 
 who know him. 
 
 RXEST R. HAGIST. The union of families 
 in their business enterprises has often proven 
 the truth of the old saying that "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 it Son caused no surprise. The subject of 
 our sketch is the younger member of the above- 
 named firm, which does business in the fiourishing 
 little city of Mascoutah, in St. Clair County, 111. 
 He is the son of Ernest Hagist, whose birth occurred 
 in a land far removed and very diffeient from. 
 this, his adopted country. 
 
 Ernest Hagist, Sr., wasliorn in liaden, Cerman}-, 
 
 in the year 1828, was reared there and received his 
 education in the excellent schools which offer learn- 
 ing in Germany, 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 j'ear; 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 w.as too acute, and demanded a bus- 
 ier life, so in 1800 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 jMr. J. F. Frey, a native of Ger- 
 many, who came to America, and settled in St. 
 Clair County in 185"2. Two children have been born 
 to Mr. and Mrs. Hagist, Sr.: our subject, and Minnie, 
 the wife of H. Sauter, 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 pujjil, 
 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 ife 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. Slie was Miss Mary Ricli- 
 ter, the daughter of Fred E. Richter, who lives in 
 this city, being a retired farmer of the ciiunty, 
 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. The}- 
 are all bright, happy children, and have the prom- 
 ise of a successful future before them. Mr. Hagist, 
 of this notice, has always been interested in the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ediiealioiial affairs of his town, and now is serving 
 a term on the Board of Kdueation. The business 
 carried on by tlie (irm of Hagist it Son is a very 
 prosperous one, and tlie inenilicrs of this firm are 
 wide-awalvo men, wlio not only woriv for their 
 own advancement, but also for the advantage of 
 llie beautiful little city of tlieir hom ■. Such r-it- 
 izens make tlie success of a town. 
 
 -^^- 
 
 MKCIIIX .t .SON. The tirni whicli this 
 name represents is made up of John Meehin 
 and his talented son, Armand .1. IVIechin, 
 ^^ .\. 11. Tiiey do the largest and most suc- 
 (e.ssfiil traiU' in fine jewelry in the city. The fam- 
 ily of our subject is an fild .lud highly connected 
 one in France, and in (he city of Tours Jean 
 Mechin, the father of John Mechin, was born. He 
 became a farmer, was with the French army under 
 Napoleon in l!<12 and passed his last da_vs in 
 sunny France. 
 
 Our subject was born in Tours, France, Feb- 
 iiiai\ II, 1822. When fourteen years of age, he 
 w.as apprenticed to a jeweler in Paris for three 
 years, then traveled through France and crossed 
 the Channel three times. lie w.as 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 IJennett's jewelry establish- 
 ment, which is one of the largest in that metropolis. 
 In 187:^, Mr. Mechin t(K)k the family to London 
 and there embarked on the steainer "Canada," of 
 the While Star Line. In fourteen days he arrived in 
 New York .and then came on to St. Louis. Our sul)- 
 jeet earned on a jeweler's busines.s on Third Street 
 in St. Louis, and in 187G located in Fast St. Louis, 
 in the Workingmcn's IJank Hlock. continuing there 
 uiilil ISIM, when betook the fine location now 
 occupied by the firm at No. 8ir> Broadway, 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 Chicago, Cleve- 
 
 land, Cincinnati it St. Louis, Cairo Short Line, 
 I Louisville it Nashville, Mobile it Ohio, and Clii- 
 I cago, Burlington it Quincy Railroads. 
 I Our subject was married in France to Mademoi- 
 selle \'alentine Mardell. who was boi-ii in France 
 and was the daughter of M. ^■alentine, a fine 
 pastry baker and conductor of a restaurant. Our 
 subject's wife was a devout member of the Catholic 
 Church, and died under its ministrations, March 8, 
 1892. Mr. Mechin w.as left with the comfort of 
 four children, .as follows: Gus. V. R., Secretary of 
 eight different building and loan .associations and 
 Public Administrator, is located in St. Louis; Jane, 
 now Mde. Darcnberg, resides in France; Juliette, 
 now Mrs. Kelly, and Armaad, Jr., reside in F^ast 
 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 w.as born in 
 London, England, May loth, 1870, .and w.as 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 Kansiis, 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 anilii- 
 tious .young man, who then took a trip to F^urope, 
 via New York to Paris, to attend the World's Ivv- 
 position, and remained there for three months, 
 breathing the air of the home of his ancestors. 
 When he returned, with his polish of manner and 
 superior education, he had no ditliculty 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 3'oung man has already be- 
 come proficient in the business, and will no doubt 
 stamp his name indelibly on the commercial 
 circles of E.ast St. Louis. Armand is a member of 
 the Indei)endeilt Order of Odd F'ellows; the 
 Knights of Pythias; American Legion of Honor; 
 and Knights and Ladies of Honor: and is also a 
 member of St. Patrick's Chnrclu While at Va\)e 
 Girardeau, he took quite a prominent part in the 
 literary exercises of the college, belonged to a 
 dramatic society, in which he took leading parts.
 
 146 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 and was manager of tlie base-ball club. Politically, 
 lie has affiliated with the Democratic party, but is 
 no radical in his views. Mr. jMechin takes great 
 pride in tiiis talented young son and feels that the 
 business so carefully built up will he entirely safe 
 in Armand's hands. 
 
 ,^^EORGE C. REP.HAX. The brilliant legal 
 larae introduces this 
 
 ^^EORGE C. REP.HAX. 
 II (— - gentleman whose nr 
 ^^^ sketch, is one of the n 
 
 W JJI ..i.^f^.i, .-o ^„« ^r tKn most enterprising and 
 successful lawyers of the city of Belleville, is No- 
 tar\' 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 born in .lefTerson City, Mo., 
 Jul^' 25, 1856, and was the son of P^mil and Cath- 
 erine (Miller) Rebhan. The father of our subject 
 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 near 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 ; he continued in that emplo}'- 
 ment, then settled in Shiloli, and was given the 
 postoffice, 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 Sliiloh 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 
 farming until 1880, when he decided to make a 
 change in his life. Therefore he went to Belle- 
 ^■ille and was fortunate in being able to reail law 
 
 with Gen. Kueffner, and had the satisfaction of 
 being admitted to the Bar by the Appellate Court 
 at Mt. A'ernon,May 1, 1885, and after reading for 
 five years passed at the head of his class. He 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 (Tiindlaeh, Sr., and the}' have 
 one daughter, Estelle. Mr. Rebhan has been a Di- 
 rector in the Belleville Pump Works for some years, 
 and has stock in different business enterprises. Our 
 subject left Gen. Kueffner in the fall of 1889, and 
 bought out the Abstr.act Office 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 buving 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 honest}- in many cases. 
 He is a prominent member of the Sons of Veterans 
 and at present is Lieutenant-Colonel of the Illi- 
 nois Division. Mr. Rel)han is a consistent mem- 
 ber of St. Peter's Catholic Cathedral. 
 
 \fl IJCIUS C. SHAWHAN. The art studio, 
 I (?S) where nature is not only faithfully pic- 
 jl* — ^, tured, but often improved upon, to the 
 satisfaction of those who do not wish to be too 
 trutlifuUy 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 very 
 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 the earliest 
 settlers there, where lie passed the remainder of his 
 life. 
 
 Tlie father of our subject was a contractor and
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 147 
 
 Imildor. who, after working at different places, vc- 
 lurncd to the imine of liis fatlier, and died in 
 Monow. Warren C'ountv. in the year 1850. at 
 the age of thirty-li\i^ year.'S. The mother of our 
 subject was Ph(ebe Green, burn in New Haven, 
 Conn., her mother being a typical New England 
 woman from Martha's Vineyard. Mrs. Shawhan 
 lived in 3Iaineville, Ohio, where she died in 1890. 
 Onr subject was one of two children, his brother, 
 J. W., living in Jlorrow. This brother was in the 
 same regiment an<l company as himself during the 
 war. 
 
 Mr. Shawhan was reared about eight miles from 
 the Shaker settlement, and w.is educated in the com- 
 mon schools of the district. When fourteen years 
 of age the call came resounding through the land, 
 foi' defenders of the countrv, and among the first 
 to respond was this young lad, who ran awa^' from 
 home and made his wa}' to Camp Chase, where he 
 enlisted in Company A, Eighty-sixth Ohio In- 
 fantry, was mustered in June 3, 1862, and was 
 sent to Virginia. He was at the battle of IJnchan- 
 nan, \a.; was then sent to guard railroad tracks at 
 Parkersburg; was then put on detail duty to 
 photograph maps, going through from Memphis 
 to Corinth under Rosecrans, and afterwards was at 
 Shiloli. luka, Tuscumbia, Vicksburg and up the 
 Black Uiver, 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 June, 18(ir), being only seventeen years old, and 
 yet a veteran soldier. 
 
 After his return from tiie life of a soldier, Mr. 
 Shawhan went right to work at photography in 
 co-partnership with the man he had been associa- 
 ted witii ill llie army, the partnership being for one 
 year in Cincinnati, when he opened a galieiy of 
 his own. Tlie young man remained at his busi- 
 ness there for two years and then tried his hick 
 two years in Newport, Ivy., thence liack to Cin- 
 cinnati. In the meantime. Mr. Shawhan opened 
 a gallery at Lebanon, and look views of the 
 Shaker l)uildings. Remaining in Ohio until 181)0, 
 he came to East St. 1/Ouis and located, winning 
 tho reputation of turning out the best work 
 ever done in Oils city, Our stibjout is a mnn of 
 Dieaus. owning real-estate in Cinciimati, and is a 
 
 Repulilican of no uncertain kind, believing in the 
 righteousnes? of his favorite party, whether it lie 
 victorious or defeated. 
 
 Mr. Shawhan was married at Leiianon, ()lii(i, in 
 1871, to Miss Nanc.v 'IMiompson, who was born in 
 Warren County, but died at Piqua, Ohio, where she 
 went for her health. She departed this life May 
 ;3(), 1888, leaving one son, C. B., who lives with his 
 grandfather at Madison, Ind. Our suliject is very 
 popular, and [irobably the 3'oungest member of 
 Alexander Post, (!. A. K.,of Piqua. Mr. Shawhan 
 is an indefatigable worker, and a conscientious, 
 l)ainstaking and artistic photograplier. 
 
 =jm^ | 
 
 ■^[ACOB GUNDLACH, Jr., a farmer who re- 
 sides on the northwest corner of section 3, 
 Smithton Township, St. Clair Count}', the 
 subject of the present sketch, is the eldest 
 son of Philii) John (iundlach, who resides in St. 
 Clair Township. The later was born in Nassau, Cier- 
 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 Hiebel, liy vvhoni he had eight children, 
 all of whom grew to maturity and five of whom 
 are now living. 
 
 Our subject was born Uecemlier 13, 18o4, on the 
 old homestead in St. Clair Township, in this county, 
 was reared 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 efficient 
 instructions. After linishing his schooling, he re- 
 turned to his father'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 w.as Miss Minie Ilerr, daughter of 
 Philip Ilerr, of Stooke}' Township, now living in 
 I'lelleville the life of a retired farmer. Mr. Ilerr 
 came to this country from Germany in 18)3, inak- 
 ijig his home at once in St. Clair. 
 
 After inurriage, Mr. Gundlach <'ame to this place
 
 148 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 and has lived here ever since, upon a fine farm of 
 two hundred acres in a good state of cultivation. 
 Mr. and Jlrs. Gundlach have three left of their 
 five children, who are as follows: Peter .1., 
 born October 9, ll^Sl; Louisa, born Mav 6, 
 1883, and Clemens, born .Tuly 20, 1891. Tliose 
 who died were, John Linus, five years old, who 
 died of diphtheria in 1890, and Rosa, only three 
 years old, succumbed to tiiat dreadful disease at 
 the same time. Politicall}', Mr. (lundlach is a 
 Democrat and believes in the principles of that 
 party. In his religious relations, he belongs to 
 the Catholic Church and is a member of St. Peter's 
 Cathedral, of IJelleville. The home of this worthy 
 family is a ver}' pleasant one, and no cloud has 
 come to it with the exception of the deaths of the 
 children mentioned above. 
 
 W? AMKS WILDERMAN. One of the wealtii- 
 iest and most intluential men in the county 
 of St. Clair is the gentleman who resides 
 ^^/' on section 8, Frceburg Township. George 
 Wilderman, the grandfather of our subject, was of 
 German ancestry, and'was born in Washingtoii 
 County, Md., whence he came West in 1805, and set- 
 tled in the Territory of Indiana, which now is tlie 
 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: .Tohn, Jacob, Francis, James, Dorsey, Henry, 
 Joseph, William, Levi and George. Jacob, George 
 and James served as soldiers in the Black Hawk 
 War. 
 
 The father of our sul)ject James AVilderman, born 
 in Pennsylvania, July 19, 1790, was about sixteen 
 years old when his father came to this county. He 
 married Sarah Jarvis, who died February 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. The children of this remarkable family 
 wej'c as follows: Flizal>eth, wife of DcWitt 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 Ma_y 21, 1892; Thomas, Elinor, Amanda, 
 and an infant, have all been deceased upward of 
 forty years; Maria, the widow of John McGuire; 
 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 H. 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 picturescpie 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 
 being highly esteemed bv all who know him. 
 
 (.i^^RANZ SCinVAUZ. The subject of the 
 llsak, present writing is a prominent grain farmer 
 111, of section 21. Smitliton Township, St. Clair 
 
 County. He was the son of John Schwarz, a shoe- 
 maker by tr.ade, who was born in German}' and 
 there married Miss i\Iary Moore, and by that mar- 
 riage had six children. Our subject was born in 
 (.lermain- in IHoO. on the .stli of .hil v, was reared
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 149 
 
 tliere and came to America iu 1853. He first 
 landed at New Orleans, then came up to SI. Louis, 
 where he worked for two months at the black- 
 smith trade; then went to Minnesota for two 
 nmnths. Coming hack to St. Louis, he remained 
 fotii- lu- live months, and then went to Helleville, 
 whiMc he resided ten years, during seven of which 
 he conducted a shop for himself. At that time our 
 subject went to Ihc fnrrn. where he lived for two 
 years, and then wont to anotlier, where he lived 
 for some time, but finally settled down on the pl.ace 
 where he now lives, and wiiicii lias liccu his home 
 ever since. 
 
 .Mr. ScliWMrz wa- married in lis() 1 tn Miss Mary 
 I'leish, by whom he has iiad nine children, eight 
 of whom are yet living. They are: Rettic, Marten, 
 Frank. Mattie, Lizzie, Jacob, Mary, and .Toe. 
 Mary is deceased. Mr. Schwarz has one liundred 
 and si.xty acres of land where he lives, besides 
 eighty-five acres on section 10, raising grain prin- 
 cipally. His political convictions are in accordance 
 with the doctrines of the Democratic party. Our 
 subject h.as held the office of School l^irector to the 
 satisfaction of his constituents. He is connected 
 with the Roman Catholic Church, and is a man of 
 hal)its and character above reproach. 
 
 ri/_^ LNKY GANTKR. M. 1). It is our pleas- 
 r )!■ ure to call the attenti<in of our readers to 
 ■!^>^ a disciple of Escnlapius, who resides in the 
 ('^ township of Millstadt, St. Clair County, 
 and disi)enses pills and medicaments to the sur- 
 rounding country. This illustrious gentleman is 
 a native of Ccrmany (that hind of learning whicii 
 sends us so ni;iny of its grc;it men in science and 
 politics), born in Baden, August 18. IKll*. 
 
 Early evincing a great taste for niedical studies, 
 lie resolved to make this ))rofession his litV work. 
 He accordingly began the study of this br.iiuli of 
 science in his native country and graduated at 
 Wurzburg, Germany, in 1H7.), from one of the 
 institutions of leariiiim in lh;it 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 mouths 
 Dr. Ganter changed his place of residence and 
 went to the pretty little village of Floraville, in 
 Millstadt Township, St. Clair County, where he 
 has remained ever since, eng.aged in soothing the 
 |)ains and ailments of a people, sinw^rely attached 
 to the kind-hearted physician. 
 
 Dr. (ianter is the only physician in Moraville, 
 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 
 hiis 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 w(re more as just and chari- 
 table , as this ( Jerinan-.Vmeiioan i)liysician of Flora- 
 ville. 
 
 Dr. (iantei- in 1878, married Miss Caroline 
 Kaemper, the accomplished daughter of Ernst 
 Kaeniper, an early settler of St. Clair Countv. 
 Six children have been .sent to ble.s.s 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 niouni her loss. Our subject 
 is very prominent in the Jlonroe jMedical Society, 
 where his views on various matters pertaining to 
 the profession are listened to by his brother phy- 
 sicians with respect and great intej-est, as they 
 recognize his superior knowledge and skill. This 
 .society meets at Waterloo and the meetings are of 
 great benefit to all c<nicerned. 
 
 The (jcople testilied theirapprecialion of tlie l)oc- 
 U)r's knowledge in educational matters by electing 
 him School Director, a position he still retains. Dr. 
 (ianter was I'resiclcul of the l-"lor:i\ill<' ('rc-:inicr\-
 
 150 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Company for some time, and very efflcieutly 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. 
 (lanterisa devoted Republican, never allowing 
 anything to interfere with his loyalty to that 
 party, and always casts his vote for its candidates 
 and exerts his intluence for their success. In re- 
 ligious matters, this good man is aXI'atbolic and a 
 man of whom all speak words of praise and com- 
 mendation. His acts of charity are many, of 
 which the world knows nothing, and in every 
 way he seeks to live up to the teachings of the 
 Divine Master. 
 
 i>-?)^<i 
 
 ENRY T. SCHMIDT. Among the lionored 
 and esteemed young farmers of Smithton 
 Township, St. Clair County, 111., we find 
 \!l^ the subject of this sketch, who is a promi- 
 nent School Director and Township Commissioner. 
 He w.as the sou of Philip Schmidt, an honestGerman 
 emigrant, who was born in Hesso-Darmstadt, Ger- 
 many, in 1810,andcameto this country in 1832, first 
 locating in St. Louis, where he remained for three 
 years, a portion of which time he was employed as 
 a salesman for the Goodyear Rubber Companj'. 
 Thence he came to St. Clair County and en- 
 tered Government land, living on the farm his 
 efforts rede(mied 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 only 
 four survive, among whom is Mrs. Schmidt. She 
 bore him a family of seven children, four of wliom 
 are still living: August, residing in Smitliton'Town- 
 ship; John C, residing in ]\Iillsladt Township; 
 George AV. and our subject. The father was a 
 consistent member of the Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church and lived a worth}'. Christian life. 
 
 Our subject was born March 13, 1853, on the old 
 home place, in Smithton Township, where he still 
 remains. Here ho received his primary education 
 in the public schools of the district, supplementing 
 
 this bj' 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 happ\' years. To this union five 
 bright, intelligent children have been given: 
 Amanda, aged eleven; Oscar, aged ten; Elsie, aged 
 nine; Hilda, aged six; and Josie, aged three. 
 ]Mi'. 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 i)refercnce, 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. 
 
 3-5-I-** 
 
 •5-*4-*L 
 
 '**'3"J-*^^''****I 
 
 ETEK W. LILL. The gentleman whose 
 sketch is now presented is the present 
 Recorder of Deeds of St. Clair County, to 
 which 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 lielleville P'ebruary 8, 
 1850, and was the son of Peter, and Catherine 
 (Steitz) Eill. Peter Lill, Sr., was born in 
 Germany in March 181(1, was there educated, 
 came to America in 1841, and soon made his way 
 to Belleville, where so many of his honest coun- 
 trymen had come. He learned the trade of a 
 wagonmakcr and located a maiuifactory here, 
 where ho cioitinued up to ISGG, being among liie
 
 ''*, 
 
 'i'A 
 
 "^'ry 
 
 ^4.
 
 .0 
 
 ft^ '' 
 
 ^(Hu^ TM^y^'^i^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 l.V^ 
 
 first to conduct :i niauufactory at this place. In 
 the year 1866, tlie family moved to Mascoutali. 
 He was married in 1845, his wife having come from 
 Germany about tlie same time that ho did. The 
 family have lived in Mascoutali since their settle- 
 ment there, and for the past twelve years the 
 father has lived retired from business. For seven 
 years he held an olliee in the City Council of 
 Helleville. Mr. and .Mrs. i, ills' four children 
 are living, namely: ouv subject, Emma, Julius 
 Z. and Adolph II. 
 
 Our subject obtained bis e<hR"ilinii in the cdin- 
 nion schools of IJellevillcand supplemented it by a 
 course at the Commercial College of Bryant and 
 Stratton, from which he gra<Iuated. He then 
 went into a cigar factory, owning the factory at 
 Mascoutali from 1873 until 1887. Mr. Lill held dif- 
 ferent offices in the gift of his township and city, 
 and at the tune of his election as Recorder, was 
 Cit\- Clerk and Township Collector. His residence 
 is still at Mascoutali. The marriage of our subject 
 occurred October 9, 1872, to Miss Anna M. J\aab, 
 of St. Louis, a daughter of Martin ><aab. The 
 children that have been added to the household 
 are: l.illie E., Alma C., Nettie, Amy, Herbert F., 
 and Anna. Mr. Lill has been a very prominent 
 Republican for many years, and enjoys the conli- 
 dence of his party. 
 
 'o.SElMI PENN. One who lias 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. .3();j North 
 .lackson Street, where he has a comfort^al)le home. 
 He is a native of St. ('lair County, and has devoted 
 himself entirely ti> its advanceMicnt :uid improve- 
 ment, 
 
 Mr, Peiin was lK>rn live miles north of IJelle- 
 villo. Ill,, on the I2th of April, 1828, and is a .^on 
 of \Villiam ,'iiid Humali (IJedniond) IVnn. natives 
 
 of Georgia and Virginia, respectively. The father 
 w.as born in 17!)6, and was reared in the Hlue 
 (irass 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 his wife in the 
 person of Miss Uumali, daughter of Samuel Red- 
 mond, who came to St. Clair Count}' from Virginia 
 as early jis 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 
 Count^'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 wlioiii are now living. 
 He assisted his father on the farm and attended 
 the common schools, thus passing his boyhood and 
 3'outli. In .Tune, 1846, he enlisted for one j-ear 
 in a company raised in St. Clair County, and com- 
 manded by Col. (later Gov.) Bissell. On the 
 organization of the company he was elected .Ser- 
 geant, and in that capacity took part in the battle 
 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 184 7 to 1848, and then returned to the 
 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 our subject's second wife. In 1855, 
 our subject married Miss Arminda H. Martindale, 
 of Lebanon, who died in 1864. Ten years later, 
 Mr. Penn moved to Belleville but continued his 
 farming interests. He owns two tli<nisand acres 
 ill ten different farms in St. Clair and Sangamon 
 Cniiiilies. 111., and Cooper County, IMo. Besides this, 
 he is the owner of the Penn Building, which is 
 valued at 4'.'}(),(ll>l) .and also the Ueiiohler liuilding. 
 which is valued at *5(l,000. 
 
 Mr. Penn i> not active in politics but usu:illy 
 votes the Hepiiblicnn ticket. He was President 
 of tlje Fair Association for one year and w.is also 
 Superinlendent, being very active in promoting 
 its jnlerests, 'I'lie annual reuni(»ii of the old 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 witli Mrs. Susan A. 
 (Hart) Scott, the widow of John Scott, and daugh- 
 ter of his father's second wife. The children born 
 of tlie first marriage of Mr. Penn are as follows: 
 Georgianna, who married Finley McNulty, of 
 Springfield, III.; William C, of Cooper County, Mo. 
 and John, a resident of Belleville. To the second 
 marriage no children were born. By her former 
 marriage Mrs. Penn became the mother of four 
 children: Theodore H., of South Dakota; Adolphus 
 G., of Chicago, 111.; Leonora .1. (Mrs. John T. Geb- 
 l)ie) deceased; and John E., a resident of Indian- 
 apolis, Ind. For forty years or more Mr. and Mrs. 
 Penn have been members of the Methodist Episco- 
 pal Church, and tlie sincerity of their lives proves 
 lietter than mere words the deptli of their belief. 
 
 -S<*'Y"'^&='*^=^ e' 
 
 vspsuGENE SCHMISSEUR,one of the leading 
 1^ and enterprising farmers of Smithton Town- 
 /Ik^ ship, St. Clair County, is a son of the 
 soil, having been born, reared, educated, married 
 and always lived in the township that now claims 
 him as a resident. This little township of Smith- 
 ton has been the scenes of his labors, successes and 
 interests. 
 
 The ancestors of Mr. Schmisseur were of French 
 birtli, his father having been a native of Lorraine, 
 France, who came in his early youth to America 
 and settled first in St. Louis, where he followed 
 tiie trade of wagon-maker for a short period of 
 time; he then operated a restaurant for some time, 
 but .soon left St. Louis, and made his way to St. 
 Clair County, where he purchased land, and con- 
 tinned 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 creditabl\' ns School Director, and was 
 llMiversally mourned by aU >vl,io knew hi in, 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 6, 1849, on the farm of his father in Smith- 
 ton Township, St. Clair County. After his mar- 
 riage, Mr. Schmisseur began farming on the old 
 home place, continuing there one year, going 
 thence to the American Bottom and from there to 
 Ridge 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 high state of cultivation. On this land 
 are raised grain and stock, the latter being of a very 
 fine and sujierior grade. 
 
 Mr. Schmisseur was married to Miss Elizabeth 
 Beatrie, daughter of Nicholas Beatrie, 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 Independent Or- 
 der of Odd Fellows, in which lodge he is Past 
 Grand, having passed all the chairs. In poli- 
 tics, he adheres to the platform laid down b3' the 
 Farmer's Alliance, and is one of its stanchest sup- 
 porters. Mr. Schmisseur is one of the most promi- 
 nent citizens of his townshii), where he takes an 
 active part in public affairs. 
 
 
 \]^ETEK HILL. The subject of this sketch, 
 Jl) who resides on section 30, in Freeburg 
 ! ^ Town.ship, St. Clair County, 111., was the 
 I \ son of .lames 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 
 hundred and sixty acres from the Government, 
 and remained there until 1862, when he removed 
 to Freeburg, since which time he luas lived the 
 comfortable life of a retired farmer, James Hill 
 w;\s )));iiried about 1831 to Klizabotli Thrift,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 155 
 
 daiigtiter of Samuel Tluift. He owns three 
 hundred and seventeen acres of land in Free- 
 burg Township, was tlie son of one of the old- 
 est settlers in St. Clair County, and was himself 
 one of the soldiers of the lUack Hawk War. He 
 has held tlie otlice of Justice of the Peace in this 
 township for three terms. His children were as fol- 
 lows: our subject; .Samuel, who lives in New 
 Alliens; Elizabeth and .James, both deceased; 
 Jackson, living at Freeburg; Permelia, living at 
 home; George W., wlio is managing a mill at St. 
 Louis; .Sarah, Anna, Theresa and Albina are all 
 deceased. The father is a member of the ^lethod- 
 ist Episcopal Church and one of its officers. 
 
 Our subject was born on the birthday of tlie 
 Father of his Country — February 22, 183.5 — on the 
 same i)lace 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 18o*.>, our subject lived on the old 
 pl.ice 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 County, 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 County, 
 where he lived ten years and engaged in farming. 
 Affection for the old place clung to him in all his 
 changes of residence, and lie finally came back to 
 it. to remain here ever since. He has had seven 
 children. Ellen died at the age of seven, and 
 three died in infancy. The living are Samuel, 
 Joseph and Minnie. Saiiiuel married Mrs. Nancy 
 Eubanks, and is living in Freelnirg. 
 
 Our subject farms three hundred and seventeen 
 acres of land, part of which belongs to him and 
 the rest to his father's estate, wheat being his 
 principal product. P<ilitically, Mr. Hill is a Dem- 
 ocrat and is devoted to his favorite party. He is 
 a consistent member of the I>aptist denomination 
 and is everywliere regarded with respect and 
 esteem, liccause of his consistent, stiaightforwaifl 
 life and his devotion to the princi|)les which he 
 avows. Much ir.TM'i :iihI i-hange of place have 
 
 broadened his mind and added to his understand- 
 ing, so that liis views upon the (juestions of the 
 day are always presented by him with fairness 
 and intelligence and with due regard"to the opin- 
 iiins of others. 
 
 I 
 
 G^ 
 
 '\f;' A.^IKS >LVS()N. 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 scarcelj' the ap- 
 pearance of fifty, and is so genial and companion- 
 able that the younger stranger forgets the dispar- 
 ity. The sulijcct of this sketch was born in Stir- 
 lingshire, .Scotland. October .30, 1817, the son of 
 AValter and Isabel (Baird) Mason, who came to 
 America in 1818, went to Pennsylvania, and settled 
 in Pottsville. Sciuiylkill County, where tiiey lived 
 and died. 
 
 The j'outh and the active years of our subject "s 
 life were given to hard work. He remained with 
 his parents and uncles in PennS3'lvania more than 
 a year, when he and a brother started AVest, and 
 continued until they reached French Village, near 
 East St. Louis, in St. Clair County, III., where our 
 subject obtained work in a coal mine by tlic day. 
 and continued there three or four years; he then 
 bought a mine of his own along the blulT. a mile 
 from French X'illage, operating it three ir four 
 years and then selling it. AViout 185(), Mr. Mason 
 l)ecame Superintendent of the Twiss Mills on the 
 Short Line Uoad, holding the [losition four years, 
 and then iMiuojht property and built the comtort- 
 able house he h.as (Xicupied since the spring of 
 l.s(!l. Ills a w.ayside h6use of refreshment for 
 man and be.ast. Two of his brotlici-s, John and 
 Malcom, served .is soldiers in the Union army 
 during the late Civil War, the former in the Nine- 
 tieth Tennsylvania and the latter in the Sixth 
 rciiiisylvania Reserves. 
 
 Mv. .Mason has been niairicd three times, his first 
 marriage taking place in August. 1^<4I, in Stir-
 
 156 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 lingshire, Scotland, the name of his wife being 
 Agnes Young, who died in 1845. The two chil- 
 dren b\' this marriage were Ellen and Isabel; the 
 former, born Febriiarv 6, 1843, in Scotland, 
 'married Francis A. McBride, a resident farmer and 
 stockman of St. Clair County, who died January 
 26, 1889, 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 25, 1876. The 
 three living children of this marriage are Walter, 
 a mining engineer, who married Emma Sutton 
 and resides at Kabe Station, near his father; 
 Anabel, who married John Vickers, a ranchman 
 who lives in New Mexico; and AVilliam, married 
 recently in New Mexico, who is engaged in min- 
 ing. Our subject married in February, 1877, his 
 third wife, jMrs. Elizabeth Allen, who assisted him 
 in dispensing hospitality at the family home until 
 her death, November 6, 1890. Mr. Mason has 
 never accepted ottice, and is a Democrat when he 
 deposits his ballot. The family belongs to the 
 Presbyterian Church, and are much thougiit of in 
 the neighborhood. 
 
 *^^^i 
 
 \f^^ J. STAITFF:NBIEL. The City Council of 
 |N®1 Belleville, 111., established a public library 
 /li) by an ordinance passed February 5, 1883, 
 
 and since that time the gentleman whose well- 
 known name opens this sketch has been its erticient 
 Librarian. .Since the opening of the institution, 
 its management has required almost his entire time, 
 and at present he has the assistance of Miss Jo.>*e- 
 phine Bissell,a daughter of Gov. Bissell, deceased. 
 Mr. Staufenblel was born near Muhlhausen, Thur- 
 ingia, Prussia, September 29, 1833. His parents 
 were Joseph and Marriana Staufenbiel, natives of 
 the same country. 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 
 ill clerking in a brewery, rpiflj^ining three years, 
 J II 1859, our sultjec'l ('!).ni(.> pt this cjly, whefe lio 
 
 engaged with the Western Brewery, remaining 
 with this company for a period of fourteen years. 
 Following this 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 F'ranciska F^ngelniann, of this 
 city, the daughter of Michael Engelmann, a civil 
 engineer, of Germany. Mrs. Staufenbiel w.as born 
 in that 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 societj' and are 
 higlil}- esteemed by a large circle of friends. 
 
 r^ 
 
 SrrrrT/liVA) PKIESTER, one of the leading Ger- 
 t=^'' man-Americans of Belleville, has been en- 
 
 /li ^ gfigcd in the lumber business within her 
 confines for the past twenty-five 3ears. 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 Priester. Mr. Jacob 
 Priester was also a native of Germany, but after 
 the death of his beloved wife, Margaret (Priester) 
 Priester, he brought his motherless famil3' to the 
 United States, making the trip in 1850. The 
 father was not destined, however, to live and en- 
 joy the advantages of the land to which he had 
 come in .search of freedom and fortune, for his 
 death occurred in 1853. One sister of our subject, 
 Mrs. Paulina Kothgangel, Is a resident of Belle- 
 ville, where she is higlily respected. 
 
 Mr. Priester, our subject, was born in Nassau, 
 Germany, September 23, 1827, and received his 
 education in the excellent German .schools. Upon 
 coming to St. Clair County, 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 1859, he sold this excellent prop- 
 erty and caino to Belleville. After his ndveiil into 
 tlie cjl^', Mr. I'riester engaged in the bipwiiig biisc
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 157 
 
 iness, and later took charge of tlie St. Clair House, 
 which he operated until 1867, when he entered 
 his present business, under the firm name of Oscar 
 Hemrich A- Company, Mr. Priea.ler representing 
 the comp.any. 
 
 The firm opened business on South Illinois 
 Street, where they are still to be found, conduct- 
 ing the largest lumber business iu the city, carry- 
 ing all kinds of lumber, sash, blinds, doors and 
 everything pertaining to the business. Their 
 premises occupy uearl3' 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 
 l?auk of Helleville. Our subject is a man of un- 
 usual business abilit_v, and his entire property lias 
 been accumulated by his own efforts. 
 
 Mr. Priester was married on the 1st of Febru- 
 ary, 1850, before he crossed to America, and the 
 name of the lady was Mrs. .\nna Och. Mr. 
 Priester and his bride set sail for -Vmerica, April 1, 
 1850, and reached Belleville July 4, following. 
 Mr. Priester and wife arc esteemed members of St. 
 Paul's Free Protestant German Church, in which 
 body they are influential peo|)le. 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. 
 
 ¥ESLKV SKAKR. .Vltlidugh quite a young 
 man, this gentleman already has cimsid- 
 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 hardship and priva- 
 tion, and the toils which they underwent in giving 
 the trencration which followed them a hiiihlv 
 
 developed and beautiful country, with ail 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. I'hilip 
 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 
 a.ssisted her hu.sband 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 Smithtoii 
 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. 
 Ciair 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 1(1. 
 1876, our subject married Mi.ss Mary Eva Kunkel- 
 mann, the daughter of Leonard Kunkelmann, a 
 prominent 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 
 short time afterward removed to the place on 
 which he now resides. Six children have blessed 
 him and his wife, one of whom, Catlierjne, died at 
 the age of one year and ten months. Those living 
 are Amanda, born November 16, 1878; Amelia, 
 July 20, 1880; Henrietta, born in A|)ril. 1882; 
 Elizabeth. -March 2. 1884; and Artlnir. .lime 27, 
 1886. 
 
 Wesley Skaer is rich in the |)ossessi(in of an in- 
 teresting, bright and healthy family, and hi.< chil- 
 dren bid fair to l)ecomc a credit and blessing to 
 his declining years. He is a man of advanced 
 ideas, and l)elieves iu thorough education as the 
 most useful factor in laying a foundation for the 
 future American citizen. His cliildren are all in-
 
 Iu8 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORB, 
 
 telligeiit, and with the means at his command he 
 proposes to fit tlieni for the responsibilities of life 
 to the best of his ability. 
 
 The farm owned by our subject comprises one 
 liundred 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 
 seeing fifty-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 tiie Republican part^', 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 energ}' 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 honesty and integrity of his character, 
 and as one of the best citizens of this community 
 holds the unlimited confidence of all who know 
 him. 
 
 \T/OIIN TATE. The grain and stock-raiser 
 who resides on section 20, Sraithton Town- 
 ship, was the son of Edward Tate, who was 
 _ born in Faj-ette County, 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, lie married 
 Miss Lovina Stuntz, who had also come from Penn- 
 sylvania. The newly-married couple then removed 
 to Turkey Hill, bought a farm and remained tiiere 
 some four or five years, going then to the place 
 where our subject now resides, and there lived uji 
 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 Wilderman; Sarah, widow of Edwin 
 Phillips; Lovina, wife of M. S. Carr, of East St. 
 Loui«; George and our subject. Those who have 
 been taken away are Priscilla F. Terrell, Mary 
 Ann Walker, Matilda Woods and ISIargaret Robach. 
 The father was one of the soldiers who made 
 things uncomfortable for the Indians in the Black 
 Hawk War, and was not onlj- a brave soldier, but 
 was also a fine farmer, and owned about four hun- 
 dred acres of land. 
 
 The birth of our subject took place ,lune (!, 1827, 
 on Hazel Creek Farm on Turkey Hill, 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 (ialena. 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 children, nine of wjioiii 
 o-rew 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., who is one year too young to cast a 
 vote, is at home; Alfred, ten years old; Martha C., 
 seven; and Margaret Pearl, four. Those who have 
 passed to the other land are: Mary Ann, at llie 
 ao-e of eleven; Charlotte, between two and three 
 years; .lohii. who was not ciuite two; and an in- 
 fant. 
 
 ISIr. Tate is a member of the Grange of High 
 Prairie Lodge, and has been honored with almost 
 all of its offices; he is a Democrat in faith, and lias
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 139 
 
 been prominent in local politic-til aflfaiis. Our sub- 
 ject is a large lanrl-owner, having two hundred and 
 twenty-six acres of fine land on sections 19, 20 
 and 29, all well improved. lie has been success- 
 ful in both grain and stock-raising, and is known 
 throughout this region as a man who understands 
 the Inisiness of agriculture very thoroughly, hav- 
 ing made almost all of the superior improvements 
 on his land and built a very desirable home for 
 himself and family. 
 
 ^>^^<m 
 
 <^r^m-:m'AUCK T. UOSK, AI. D. Few young 
 ||^(K)-i men appear to have a brighter career of 
 ik^ ^ usefulness before them and one *hich prom- 
 ises a more successful termination than does the 
 young 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, III. He is the son of Dr. Will- 
 iam Rose, a native of (Jermany who came to this 
 country when but fourteen years of age, making 
 his home with his uncle. He l)egan a medical ed- 
 ucation and was graduated at the College of Phy- 
 sicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, beginning 
 the practice of his profession at Columbi.-i, 111., 
 where he has remained ever since, one of the old 
 and reliable pr.actitioncrs of the State. lie has 
 been the President 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 |)ridc in his son's success. 
 
 The gentleman of whom this notice is written 
 resides in the town of Millstadt, and has his ollice 
 on ]Main Street. Me grew up in the place of his 
 birth and there went to school, his father after- 
 ward sending him to AVarrenton, Mo., where he so 
 improved his opportunities that his father decided 
 to encourage his natural leaning toward the life of 
 a physician, although none knew lietter than him- 
 self what a self-sacrificing life it often has to be, 
 espcciallv in (•(nuilrv neighlKuliodds. At any rate. 
 
 Dr. Rose took the boy into his otlice, opened his 
 medical libraries, taught him the necessary rudi- 
 ments of the healing art, and so directed his young 
 mind that in 1889 he was prepared for college. 
 He went into the College of Physicians and Sur- 
 geons at St. Louis, Mo., took three courses of 
 lectures there and graduated from that well-known 
 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 prsictice. 
 
 After this hapiiy termination, our subject came 
 to the growing town of Millstadt and has made 
 this his home and has done well here. He h.as the 
 proper manner for a successful doctor, and does 
 not need age to give him dignity. He inspires 
 confidence, and, no doubt, will one day become 
 one of the leading physicians of the State. So- 
 cially, Dr. Rose is an acquisition to Millstadt, and 
 his presence is appreciated by his many friends 
 and act]Uaintances. 
 
 (f^*RED SATTLER. This gentleman is the 
 jl=^ Superintendent and Manager of the Belle- 
 l^ ville Pump .and Stove Works, located at 
 the corner of Race and Seventh Streets. As his 
 name would indicate, he is of Oerinan descent, 
 having been bom in Baden, March 31, 1852. His 
 parents were Peter and Elizabeth Sattler, who came 
 to this city in 1855, where j\Ir. .Sattler was en- 
 gaged as a wagon-maker, conducting a shop until 
 his de.ath in A|)ril, 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 with the Esler & Ropierpiet Manufac- 
 turing Company sis 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 ISIr. Becker, organized the 
 I5elleville Pump Works. From the time of its oi- 
 iianization. Mr. Sattler has had the full manage- 
 ment <if the plant and has made it a great success.
 
 160 
 
 PORTRAIT AKt) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 In 1883, be was elected President of the Sucker 
 Drill Company, at that time the PMer and Ropie- 
 quet ManufactiiriTiCT 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 the 
 Liederkranz and the Kranthaler Musical Socie- 
 ties. He was married November 6, 188;"), to Au- 
 gusta Tieman, daughter of August Tieman (see 
 sketch), and they have three children: Cordelia, 
 Elmer and Blanche. The business which Mr. Sat- 
 tier has so successfullj- carried on was incorpor- 
 ated in September, 1881, with a capital .stock of 
 1525,000 which has since been increased to 175,000. 
 The present officers are Charles Becker, President; 
 C. T. Mullen, Secretary and Treasurer; and our 
 subject. Superintendent and Manager. Tiiey en- 
 gage in the manufacture of iron goods, have a 
 foundry and general machine shop, and give em- 
 ployment 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. 
 
 (||^ IRAIM A. PIERCE, for seventy years a resi- 
 
 jif)Jj dent of this count}', owns a farm on section 
 's:^ 3, Shiloh Township, where he now resides. 
 I^M* His birth occurred in 1822, within a mile 
 and a-lialf 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 
 lilacksmith's trade, wliich 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 
 township. Ashe was possessed of but little means. 
 
 he purchased a small propertj-, to which he 
 brought his wife, whom he had married the year 
 previous. She was the daughter of Julius 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 substantial farm buildings. Seven chil- 
 dren blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce: 
 Juliet C; Emily .1., wife of Daniel S. Osborn; 
 Hannah, wife 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, and for four years he and his 
 brother James carried on the farm for their mother, 
 relieving her of all care and anxietv. 
 
 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 G.; Kate, 
 wife of Albert Reuss; Lonella, wife of John E. 
 Lemen; John 11., Don Albert, Edgar F.. and Clar- 
 ence E. John 11. assists his father on the home 
 farm. 
 
 In 1851, Mr. Pierce went to Ilelleville 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 tine land as can be found 
 in the county. For several years, he has engaged 
 in stock-raising. He went to Vermont and there 
 purchased for |!5,000 a horse of Hambletonian 
 breed. He has dealt quite extensively in Durham 
 cattle. Mr. Pierce is the owner of one of the finest 
 residences in the eastern part of St. Clair County, 
 and in addition to this h.as commodious barns and
 
 
 ""0,^
 
 si 
 
 i^&i&i^^^tz^^^^^ic yrt^s-c^.
 
 f-ORTRAIT AND BlOGliAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ir,3 
 
 other well-built farm buikliiijrs. His fann is :i 
 model of neatness and shows the care and time 
 which are devoted to it l>y 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 materially in the development and advance- 
 ment of the same, lie is a public-spirited man. 
 taking an .active pait in .-ill measures, political, 
 educational and moral, which tend to the welfare 
 of the community. He is an honored .and respected 
 citizen, and by his upright and honorable course 
 throughout life has won the respect of all with 
 whom he has come in contact. 
 
 b'^T^^'G 
 
 aKX.TA:MIN HYPE.S. One of the most ele- 
 gant residences of Lebanon Township is 
 that owned and occupied by the subject of 
 our sketch. Retired from active business 
 affairs, he pa.s8es 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. F"rom 
 poverty to prosperity, every step was won by hon- 
 est work and brave efforts, and his biography 
 therefore is most u.seful as an incentive to others. 
 Horn February 10, 1805, in Botetourt County, 
 \'a., our subject is the son of Henrj- and Patience 
 (Reynolds) Hypes, also natives of the old Domin- 
 ion. The jjaternal 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 year, .and the 
 mother was taken away when fifty-six. Our sub- 
 ject was one of eight children, as follows: Nancy, 
 who married Nathan Horner; .Iose|)h, who died in 
 Lebanon and left two children; Washington, who 
 
 left St. Louis and joined the United .States Navy 
 in 18.3;'), and has never been heard from since; 
 Sarah, who died young; Davison, who departed 
 this life in 1822; -L 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 anrl afterward set- 
 tled in Lebanon. In his boyhood, he had no edu- 
 cational advantages, as there were then no common 
 schools in N'irginia or Ohio. After reaching Leb- 
 anon, he attended the seminary 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 projtrietor of. a 
 store in which Mr. Hypes bought a half interest 
 and assisted in carrying it on until 1810, when he 
 sold out to his partner. In 1812 he went into 
 business for himself and continued until 181)3, 
 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 retired from active 
 business. 
 
 At Lebanon in 18.'3l. Mr. Hypes married Miss 
 Caroline, daughter of Daniel and Rachel 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 A- 
 Southern Railroad. 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 fus Postmaster of Leb- 
 anon, also .as I'nited States Internal Revenue Col- 
 lector. James died in boyhood. .lulia married 
 A. S. McCuire, and lives in Chicago. Benjamin, 
 a physician, resides in St. Louis and is Professor 
 in a college and one of the physicians m the City
 
 164 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Hospital. Caroline Virginia married W. F. Swallow 
 and resides in fireencastle, Ind. Mr. Swallow was 
 for three yems President of MeKendree College, 
 at Lehanon, 111., and is now Professor of Greek in 
 DePaiiw (Ind.) College. Our subject and his wife 
 celebrated their golden wedding in November, 
 1884, and both still survive, in fair health notwith- 
 standing tlieir advanced j^ears. 
 
 Mr. Hypes is the only living member of the 
 Charter Trustees of MeKendree College. Politi- 
 cally, he was first an old-Une AVhig and later be- 
 came a Republican. He is a faithful member of 
 tlie Methodist Church. A well-preserved man, his 
 courteous manner and tall, well-built frame give 
 one the idea of an old-school i'entleman. 
 
 (^)ALENTINE RETS, one of the popular and 
 
 A / prosperous citizens of the county of .St. 
 Clair, is the senior member of the firm of 
 Valentine Reis & Sons, contractors, builders, and 
 dealers in all kinds of wood work. Mr. Reis is 
 one of the old settlers of the count}', having come 
 here in 1846. He is a native of Germany, having 
 been born in Hesse-Darmstadt, December 3, 1825. 
 
 The parents of our subject, Valentine and Cath- 
 erine (Freihaut) Reis, were also natives of Ger- 
 man^'. The family came to America in 1846 and 
 settled in St. Louis, whore the father engaged in 
 the lumber business, and his son, our subject, 
 learned the business under him, remaining until 
 1855, 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. Iteis came back to St. 
 Clair County and started a building and contract- 
 ing business, in which he has been exceedingl}' 
 successful. 
 
 Among the prominent buildings that bear tes- 
 timony to his skill are the following: the Orphan 
 Asylum, the Sisters' Hosintal, County Jail, Con- 
 vent for Sisters and Priest's house, and the Cen- 
 tral Schoolhouse, all of which are large brick 
 structures, costing from $18,000 to -1530,000 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^■alen- 
 tiue Reis tt Sons. 
 
 Mr. Reis was married at St. Louis in 1853 to Jos- 
 ephine Apselt, of German ancestry, and the follow- 
 ing children have been born to them: Anna, wife of 
 Carl Knetzyer; Barbara; Henry, living in St. Louis; 
 Jose[)h, of the tirm of Reis & Sons; Elizabeth, 
 wife of Henry Kapi); C^liailes, who has a planing- 
 mill in Carondelet; 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 honesty, in- 
 dustr}', and thrift. He has reared a fine family 
 that adds honor to the family name, and gives 
 promise of much in the future. 
 
 ^ji^sHILIP RHEIN, the efficient and pleasant 
 JJj County Clerk of St. Clair County, has been 
 
 ^ in office continuously' since 1882, having 
 l\ been elected in November, 1882, 1886 and 
 1890, on the Democratic ticket. So popular is he, 
 that the second time no opposing ticket w.as 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 Rhenish Bavaria, hav- 
 ing been born June 17, 1842, and is the son of 
 Philip and Elizabeth (Rothley) Rhein, 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. Klieiu received the greater part of liis educa- 
 tion in the excellent schools of his native land, but 
 .also attended the public schools of Madison County 
 a shoi't lime and then ensiayod in farniinsj-. Our
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 subject c-ontinued a tiller of the soil until l^fiG. 
 workinsr witli 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 whol«sale liquor business for some time, but 
 in 1873 was appointed to fill the position of Deputy 
 County Clerk, holding that ollice until he was elected 
 County Clerk in 1882. having been in office nine- 
 teen years, and during all that time has discharged 
 his duties with satisfaction to all parties. 
 
 Our subject was married to Miss AVilhelminaOstor, 
 who was a native of the Grand Duchy of Nassau, 
 the ceremony occurring December 10, 1871. Ten 
 children have been added to their family, namely: 
 Charles, Frieda. Tillie, Lula, Walter. Louis, Ferdi- 
 nand, Herman, Hannah and Otto, all bright, inter- 
 esting children, who reHect credit ujion their 
 jjarenls. 
 
 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. lie 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 made 
 this their country by adoption, and who, bj' in- 
 dustry and thrift, have taken their places among 
 the well-to-do and most prominent of the Ameri- 
 can people. 
 
 •^^! 
 
 C. WILDKHMAN. Among the prominent 
 .agriculturists of Lebanon Township, St. 
 Clair County, wlio have helped to give this 
 county its proud position in the Stale, is 
 the gentleman whose name appears at the opening 
 of this paragraph. Turkey Hill, St. Clair County, 
 Til., is the native place of .Mr. Wilderman, he being 
 Ixnn there June 22. 1827. His father, George Wild- 
 erman, was born August 17, 178(), and died .lune 28, 
 1866. and his mother, Nancy (Hill) Wilderman, 
 was born November 7, 1788, and died August 1.5, 
 1866. They were natives of Pennsylvania and came 
 to Illinois in 1806. 
 
 m 
 
 Mr. Wilderman, Sr., held no otlices, although 
 he took a very great interest in politics, hav- 
 ing been a AVhig in the early days and a He- 
 puliliean 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 fifty 
 years. Nine children were theirs, as follows: 
 Francis, Patience E., Celon, George W., A. J., 
 Margaret A., Alfred C, J. C. and Albert K. The 
 eldest 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 Stookcy, 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 Shurtleff College, 
 at Alton, 111., is unmarried, and makes his home 
 in this county; .lohn and Francis. Patience E., 
 the eldest sister of our subject, married John T. 
 Lemen, and both are deceased, her death occurring 
 :Marcli 28. 1866. They left one child, Robert W., 
 who is engaged in fanning pursuits south of the 
 village of P^reeburg. Celon, who was unmarried, 
 died April 12, 1840. George W. died June 27, 1866, 
 and is survived by his wife, whose maiden name 
 was Isalwlla 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 Williatn 
 .Seabut, a music te.acher, November 22, 1849, and 
 their four children .ire: Karl, who is a lawyer 
 by profession; George, who is a steamboat clerk; 
 Annie, the wife of Dr. McGuire; and Willie, a 
 practicing [)liysician. Alfred C, who is follow- 
 ing the occupation c>f a farmer on his pl.ace south 
 of Freeburg, was married March 12, 18;'i0, to ^liss 
 R.achel Tate, and they have five surviving children: 
 Albert E. married Sophronia Hill February lit. 
 18r)7. and they reside on the old homestead. 
 
 On the homestead where he w.is born, the sub- 
 ject of this sketch was reared to manhood, and 
 early gained a practical knowledge of agriculture.
 
 166 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 As there were no common schools at that early 
 day, he attended the subscription schools held 
 three months in the year. During 18.52 he w.as 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, hut 
 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. Wilderman was 
 married April 22,1856,10 Miss M. McBride, daugh- 
 ter of William J. and Dovey (Harrison) McBride. 
 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 
 ■M, 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 Virgin ica 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. 
 The}' had the following childien, 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) McBride. The former was born in 
 Loudoun County, Va., in 1766. His wife, who 
 was born about the same time, died September 20, 
 l'840. 
 
 Mr. and Mis. Wilderman have the following 
 children: Hugh H., who lives in Belleville, mar- 
 ried Rosella Moore; William Norris, who lives on 
 a farm south of Freeburg, married Mattie McGuire; 
 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 purpose 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 oflices, .although he has been a good Whig 
 and Kcpublicaii .all his life. He iti :in inlluential 
 
 member of tke Methodist Episcopal Church. A 
 ple.asant, genial man, he enjoys the respect of his 
 host of friends, to whom his nobility of character 
 has endeared him. 
 
 (4\ I^ILLIAM SIEBERT, one of the most pop- 
 \/iJ// "'*' *'=^'™®''*' t"'' Smithton Township, St. 
 W^ 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 across 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 family are .as fol- 
 lows: Conrad, William. George, Dorothea and 
 Henry. 
 
 William Siebert, our subject, was born June (!, 
 1840, in Germany, and can remember very little 
 of his native country, as he left it at such an im- 
 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. January- 12, 
 18fi8, Mr. Siebert married Miss Magdalena Runtz, 
 the daughter of Adam Runtz, a resident of Suiith- 
 ton Township. A home had been prepared for the 
 bride and Mr. Siebert received her on the place 
 where they have since resided. The famil}- 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 line crops. He 
 is a faithful and active member of the P^vangelical 
 Lutheran Church, while his wife is highly' esteemed 
 in her connection with the Roman Catholic Church. 
 Polilicallv, Mr. Siebert is a Uopulilicnn and does
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 167 
 
 all in his power to uphold the piincipk',s of the 
 party of Linculn and Grant. This family is highly 
 respected and no doubt some of the stalwart sons 
 and daughters will I)e heard from in the future of 
 the State. Mr. Sieberl is a gentleman of pleasing 
 manners and Ins affable disposition has made him 
 many friends in the township which he has called 
 home for the greater portion of his useful and 
 busv life. 
 
 ;»1LI.I.\.M TOWNSKNI). Among the suc- 
 1 'Jl! ^'^^'^f"' farmers of St. Clair County who 
 Y^' have become wealthy and influential and 
 are now retired from active 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 grandfathers joined in the struggle 
 for American independence. The father of our 
 subject bore the name of Whitefield Townsend, and 
 was born August 'li, 1782, and died January 'i, 
 18t6. The motlier of our sul>ject was Sarah Ann 
 Farrar, born iu North Carolina April Id. IT'.Mi.and 
 died .lune 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 family 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 2(), 1850, and was the wife of 
 A. J. Dugger, who died in Madison County; 
 Klizabeth, born April It, 181G, lives with our 
 subject; .lohn died in infancy; Edmund, who mar- 
 licd .lane lliggins. lives in Madison County. 
 Nancy, liorii April 2, 1821. was married to T. 
 Townsend, who died in 18jr); she died April 2, 
 1880. and had one child, which died prior to her 
 dealh. Whitefield, born October 24, 1823, who 
 ilied .lanuary 20, 1887, was married to Jane 
 Hradsby, w))o died in 1851, wiien he married 
 Mrs, Anna Cook, who, with fo||r I'lijldren, survives 
 
 Our subject was the eighth child, and w!»s 
 reared on the home place, remaining there until 
 seven years ago, when he removed into Lebanon, 
 lie received the advantages t^if the conunou 
 schools, and jiassed his life as do other fanner 
 boys 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 
 IC), 186G, married Catherine Stephenson, a native 
 of Greene County, Mo., born April 30, 1847. Iler 
 parents bore the names of Henry and Sarah Ann, 
 respectively. The children of ilr. and Mrs. 
 Townsend are Ana, Mary, Ella, Lola, Kate, Jen- 
 nie, and Willie W., who died in infancy. Ana 
 married C. J. Hanson, and resides with her three 
 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 sixt\-tliree acres. He in former yeai-s 
 was a Whig, but since the formation of the Repub- 
 lican party has adhered to its principles. No ottice- 
 seeker iu any sense, he yet uses his influence 
 wherever he thinks he c^an 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 
 conHdence of a wide and extended circle of friends 
 and aoijuain lances. 
 
 if; ACOH VALERIUS, a grain farmer residing 
 on section 7, Smithton Township, St. Clair 
 County, was the son of Peter Valerius, who 
 pas.«ed the whole of his life in Germany. 
 Our subject is one of the men, foreign l)orn, who 
 have come to this country ami by honesty and 
 industry, combined with economy and self-denial, 
 have made successful business men, and have 
 earned comfort for their later years. 
 
 Mr. \'alerius, of this notice, was born N'oyeinbor 
 30, 1815, and cnine to this country wlioii twenty- 
 one years old. His Urst choice of a lioine was on a
 
 168 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 farm one and one-lialf miles from tlie city of 
 Belleville, and there he remained four 3'ears, when 
 he found a location which pleased him better, and 
 removed to his present residence. He married 
 Miss Marj- Catherine Billem in the year 1874. She 
 was the daughter of William Billem, an old settler 
 of St. Clair County, who had come from Ger- 
 many, and at the time of the marriage of his 
 daughter lived in Smithtou Township. 
 
 After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. ^'alerius removed 
 to the place where the}' now reside and have spent 
 these 3^ears in making a pleasant home. They 
 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 fifty acres, 
 and one hundred and thirty-five of it are under 
 good cultivation, yielding large crops of wheat and 
 corn. 
 
 The family 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-daj' palaces compared with those of a generation 
 ago. In his political convictions, Mr. Valerius is 
 a Republican, and bravely upholds the standard 
 of that party. He belongs to the Roman Catholic 
 Church, and is a sui)porter of it to the best of his 
 means and ability. 
 
 ^>^^<m 
 
 \f| OlINSON C. SINCLAH?. Probably no man 
 ill the village of East Carondelet is better 
 known or more public-spirited than the 
 gentleman whose name opens this sketch, 
 now occupying the 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 f.atlier of our subject was named Levi M. 
 Sinclair and was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, 
 in 181!), where he w.as also reared and educated. He 
 married Elizabeth Myers, daughter of .lacob My- 
 ers, of that place, and followed the trade of a mill- 
 wright, carpenter and cabinet-maker. Mr, Sin- 
 
 clair emigrated from his liome 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 AVar, when he became 
 one of the Nation's defenders. He became a mem- 
 ber of Company E, Seventy-seventh Ohio Infantry, 
 and went through the war, taking part in the 
 battle of Shiloh, where so many of our brave and 
 valiant men fell to rise no more. Mr. Sinclair was 
 wounded, and was afterward promoted for bravery 
 to the rank of Second Lieutenant. 
 
 After the dawn of peace, Levi Sinclair returned, 
 but w-ith newer ideas and broader views, and de- 
 cided to take his famil}' .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 until 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 earl}' 
 days he had been a Quaker, but in his latter }-ears 
 attended the Presbyterian Church. His six chil- 
 dren were all left to mourn the loss of a kind 
 father. These arc: Iaicv, living in East Caron- 
 delet with her mother; A. 15., following the 
 trade of painter and living in Waterloo; Austin, 
 a carpenter, living in East Carondelet; Roscoe, who 
 makes Los Angeles, Cal., his home; Orville, living 
 in Clinton County, this State, a tailor; and .John- 
 son C, the subject of this sketch. 
 
 The latter was the second in the family of good 
 and industrious children born to Mr. and Mrs. 
 Levi Sinclair. He was born September 7, 1848, in 
 Ihuiovcr, Columbian.'i County, Ohio, and was 
 reared and educated in that place. ( »ne of the 
 first to leave the plans and prospects of young 
 manhood and take up his musket in defense of his 
 couiitrv. he enlisted in Company E, Seveiity- 
 scventli Ohio liifunlry, October 2(t. ISOl, and was 
 honorably discharged March 8, 18()G, at Urowns- 
 ville, Tex., but was taken prisoner at AFiiiks Mills, 
 Ark., and passed tliirleen months of liis young life
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 169 
 
 in .a rebel prison, hoinii' in a womuled condition 
 «licn lio was capturtMl. 'riif true stoi-y of tiiose 
 (lay.s of suffering ivin onl\ lie lenined from iiis lii)s. 
 Our subject was in the liatlles of Sliiloli, Fallinij 
 Timber, Coiintli, .Jackson (JMiss.), Hollow Springs, 
 Memphis, Helena. Camden, Little Rock and Elkins' 
 Ford. After his release from prison, lie took part 
 m tlic battles of Alohile and Whistler. Ala., and 
 during his service he w.as not only ()romoted first 
 to be Corporal and then to he Sergeant, but he 
 w.as also given a special medal for bravery. 
 Toward the close of the war, our subject was on 
 detached dut^-, 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 year 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 .Sclnveickhardt, 
 whose father still lives in Monroe Count}-, where 
 he was an early settler. Eight children have been 
 born to Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair: Lillie, Orville, 
 Elmei', IMyrtle, Tlieo, .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 jwsition 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 
 olfice of Postmastei- under a friendly adminis- 
 tration. His family are all well known in this 
 neighborhood ;ind universally respected. 
 
 ?OHN I'llll.ll' KKLLEi;, whose biography 
 we lake plrjisinc in writing, i.s one of those 
 worthy men who take no active part in 
 _ ludjlic life, but pursue the even tenor of their 
 wa\' in their chosen \i)c:itio!j. accumulating by 
 
 thrift, industry and business ability not only the 
 necessities of life, liut the wherewithal to indulge 
 in luxuries should they feel so inclined. 
 
 .John Philip Keller, Sr., the father of liiin whose 
 name introduces this sketch, was born in Hesse- 
 Darmstadt, Germany, on the 8th of October, 1807. 
 He received his carl\- 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 (Jeisz, whose father held a Government posi- 
 ition in his native province. The year 1814 marked 
 an era in Mr. Keller 'slife, for in that year the golden 
 opportunity of ni.aking a fortune in the 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 Jul}', 
 1811, landed in St.Clair County, 111. In eon- 
 sc(picnee of the high waters of that year, the 
 steamboat landed INIr. Keller at the lUutf. One 
 of the most striking incidents of ^Ir. 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 
 Hoods 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. 
 
 Air. Keller loc:it('<l in Prairie dn Long, where he 
 immediately entered forty acres of land under the 
 Government, the same being partof the tract now 
 known as >,'ew Athens. The results of his native 
 industry and thrift soon allowed of his adding 
 eighty acres more to his first possession, 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. I'or the 
 (Irst three or four ye.ars of his residence in St. 
 Clair County, he li\(>(l in a rented house, Jiut, after 
 adding another eighty acres to the land already 
 aciiuired, he built a home near Twelve .^lile Prairie. 
 His lirst purchase of land w.as constantly added to. 
 and after the lapse of a few years he wjis the 
 owner of three hundred acresof fine fanning land, 
 and a man favored liy fortune in all his under- 
 takings. His family consisted of live children, all
 
 170 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, and 
 four of whom aie to-day respected citizens of this 
 State. One son, Loomis Keller, died in early man- 
 hood, leaving a wife and two children to nioiun 
 his loss; the next in succession was Elizabeth, wife 
 of Henry Dintelmanu, of Belleville, 111.; then came 
 Margaret, who is the wife of Conrad Dintehnann, 
 of New Athens; and Barbara, wife of Michael Frees, 
 of Twelve Mile Prairie, an old 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 
 l)revious to her death had been blind. She de- 
 parted this life March 7, 1880, mourned by a fam- 
 ily who had learned much by her patience and 
 fortitude, and beloved by a large and sincere cir- 
 cle of friends. 
 
 Mr. Keller, Sr., was an active member of the 
 Lutheran Churcii and a firm believer in its teach- 
 ings. His sudden and untimely death was an oc- 
 currence that will ever be deeply regretted in this 
 community. It occurred in the year 1891. On 
 the 4th of September of that year, he had attendee'' 
 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 highly-respected citizens of this community, 
 and those of his immediate family who live in the 
 communitj' are respected for their connection with 
 a citizen so higiily esteemed and beloved. 
 
 .lohn Philip Keller, our subject, was born in 
 Hcsse-Uarmstadt on the 12th of August, 1838, and 
 was tive years old when he came with his parents 
 to America. He received his education in the 
 schools of St. Clair Count}-, and here he grew to 
 manhood's estate. The vocation of farmer was the 
 one that in early youtli seemed most congenial, and 
 he has spent his life as an agriculturist. The farm 
 on whicli he now resides consists of one iiundred 
 acres of fine, well-improved and thoroughly- 
 cultivated land. He has for years given time and 
 study to the best methods of cultivating grain, and 
 is rewarded for liis efl'orts by knowing tlial no 
 Uuii) ill the commuH-lty yields a liner wheat erup 
 
 than the one he harvests. He is a man of progres- 
 sive mind and a humanitarian in all that tiie word 
 implies. He is noted for many char.icteristics in- 
 herited from his father, and stands high in the 
 community as the representative of one of the old- 
 est and best families in St. Clair County. 
 
 6 
 
 v._ 
 
 >.,EORGE H. vSTOOKEY. A traveler through 
 the farming lands of St. Clair County will 
 
 [i observe with pleasure that the signs of 
 prosperity are on every side, and the well-improved 
 farms far outnumber those which are neglected. 
 The highly improved farm of the gentleman whose 
 name opens this sketch will attract the notice of 
 the visitor. It is located on section 13, Smithton 
 Township. St. Clair County. Mr. Stookey, of this 
 notice, was the grandson of the Daniel Stookey 
 who came to this county on a prospecting tour 
 from Virginia, in 1797. and returned to settle in 
 1800. The old House which he built on the place 
 in 1802 is 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 (luring 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 lie old Stookey 
 homestead in 1806, where he was reared and edu- 
 cated. He married Miss Margaret McGuire, the 
 daughter of Thomas McGuire, an early settler of 
 this county, who came here about 1816. 
 
 After his marriage, Mr. Stookey, the father 
 of our subject, entered the two bundled and 
 thirty acres where his son George now lives, and 
 lived upon this place until the time of his death 
 in 1844. The brother and sisters of our subject 
 are: Thomas, who lives in this township; Susan, 
 who is the wife of i;ii Green, and is living in 
 Florida; Barbara, the wife of R. W. Lemen, who 
 lives in Freeburg Township, this county, and Mar- 
 garet, who is the wife of William Pitt?*, living in 
 New Athens Township. Tlic mother !if tiiis fsmi- 
 ily was taken away by death ia 1«U^,
 
 Of ,.
 
 «> 
 
 'i.1
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 173 
 
 Uiir subject wa.-* born October 23, 1833, on the 
 place where he lives, was reared on the farm to 
 manhood, receiving his educatidii in the schools of 
 the district, and in 1H.")() was married to ]Miss 
 Elizabeth Wiklerman. She was tiie daughter of 
 Erancis Wilderman. the S(ni of (leorge Wilderman, 
 who w.as one of the tirst settlers of the county. 
 Af t«r marriage, our subject began domestic life on 
 the old place, and here he has since lived, everv 
 year making improvements, until now he has a 
 very desirable property. Three children have 
 blessed this household: Emeline, who married James 
 (_;. Carr, a resident of East 8t. Louis; (Jvven N'., who 
 is a lawjer in Chicago; and Ida, who is at home. 
 
 Our subject has three hundred and sixty-three 
 acres of excellent laud, 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 ditliculty in disposing of his produce. In poli- 
 tics, Mr. Stooke^- is, and always has been, a Demo- 
 crat, but has desired no olticial recognition. The 
 religious connection of the family is with the Bap- 
 tist Church, in which body tiiey are highly useful 
 and valued members. 
 
 l^+^i 
 
 eAPT. JOHN W. HKNSllAW. East St. Louis 
 has no financial interest of more paramount 
 importance than that of real estate, and at 
 the present time, when the securities of the mone.v 
 market are so dcjjressed, 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 activ( and enterprising real- 
 estate and insuraiici' riicu nf this cit\- is Capt. 
 John AV. IJoiisliaw. lie is a native of Madison 
 County, Ind., and was born at Anderscm on the 
 21th of August, 1H3(;. 
 
 lion. John Heiishaw, fatlier of our subject, was 
 born in Washington County, Pa., in 1798. After 
 the death of his father in the Keystone Stale, he 
 came with his mollicr 1o Uos» Cuuiil\', (_)liio, when 
 
 but a small boy, and settled with her near Chilli- 
 cothe, where he grew to manhood. In 1832, he 
 removed to Ander.son, Madison County, Ind., and 
 there imi)roved 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 represented his 
 county in the State Legislature. In 184 4, he came 
 with his family to Belleville, 111., and located on a 
 farm, where he remained for some time, but subse- 
 quently moved to Belleville. He was elected 
 Justice of the Peace in 1848 and discharged the 
 duties of that position until he resigned, after 
 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 
 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 AVhig in politics, he became a strong Re- 
 |)ublican. 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 aw.ay 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 Ihcu with his parents came to Belleville 
 by team. The tirst .season he was on a farm and 
 received his scholastic training in an old log school- 
 house, built in true pioneer style. After remov- 
 ing with his parents to Belleville, he attended 
 school until 18.52, when he was apprenticed to 
 learn the plasterer's trade under his brother-in-law. 
 lie worked at his trade until 18o(), when he went to 
 Mississippi, settled in "Warrington, and in 1860 was 
 .ludge of Election in that precinct. Being a North- 
 ern Democrat, he cast his first Presidential vote for 
 Stephen .\. Douglas. He was also engaged in 
 merchandising at that place with a cousin, .John 
 Kenuimore, and continued with him until IMCl, 
 when he returned to his old home in Belleville. 
 After settling here, he was engaged at his trade 
 until November, 18()4, at which tiiiu' he raised 
 Company C. One Hundred ami I'oily-ninth llli- 
 1)1 lis In I'm lit IV. and was at once made ('aptMinol' the
 
 174 
 
 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 conipnii_y imisteied in at Camp Butler under Col. j 
 Kiiffner. 
 
 Capt. Rensliaw went South to Nashville; thence 
 to Chattanooga, where he was engaged in guarding 
 tiie railroad; li'Oin there to Atlanta, Ga., thence to I 
 Augusta, and spent the remainder of the time in 
 the South, where his company was detailed to en- 
 force the measures of reconstruction. In 1866, he 
 was mustered out at Dalton, Ga., and discharged 
 at Springfield, 111. During the spring of the j 
 above-mentioned 3'ear, he located in East St. Louis 
 as a wholesale and retail dealer in coal, which he 
 hauled by teams to St. Louis, having hundreds of 
 teams on ferry boats across the river. He had 
 offices in both cities, and continued in this busi- 
 ness until 1872, when he was appointed Chief of 
 Police by the City Conncil, and discharged the 
 duties of tliat important position for nine and a- 
 lialf years, or until 1881. During the dark days 
 of East St. Louis, when riots were frequent, liis 
 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 
 for 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 warraut 
 against prizc-iighters. boarded the boat "Conti- 
 nental," on which the roughs were taking passage 
 to the head of the Island, and, b}' the aid of a few 
 frieuds, checked the fray. The step was a hazaid- 
 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 have been meritorious and he 
 deserves much credit for his efHciency 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 insiu'anee 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 tlje United States. His 
 f.llicr is located at N'>, 106 Nnrth Maiii 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 was employed by the AViggins Ferry Com- 
 pany over sixty years. (See sketch of Capt. Henry 
 Trendley.) Four children have been born to Capt. 
 and Mrs. Renshaw: Henry, John, 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 rc-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 Royal 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. U., 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. 
 
 ^^ii^-i^ilM^^ 
 
 "if'OSEPII LOUIS, one of the lutluenlial and 
 wealthy- farmers of Smithton Township, is 
 , ,, I the gentleman to whose sketch we now call 
 ■^^^ 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 county. Here he 
 lived a short time, and then came to this county, 
 where the father bought the home where oiu- sub- 
 ject now resides, which is the place where the 
 grandfather lived and died. 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 n consistent member of the Roman 
 Catholic Cliiircii, and lived llio life »( a good
 
 POUTRAIT AND BIOGUAPIIICAL RECORD. 
 
 Christian gentleinau. Nearly all of tlie improve- 
 ments, inchuling the honse. wore made by tlie fa- 
 ther of our subjeet. and he wa.< one of the eailiest 
 s:etllei!i of this eoniily. 
 
 Our subject was; born Ajuil 2. KSli2. on the old 
 homestead, where he continues to reside. Here he 
 was reared, and received his education in botli 
 Cerman an<l Knglish. in the parocliial schools of 
 lielleville. Mv. Louis has a line farm of one hun- 
 drtd acres in a jiigh state of cultivation, where he 
 raises both stock and grain. 
 
 >Ir. Louis was married in ISffit to Miss .losie 
 lleinrict. accomplished daughter of George Hein- 
 rict. a pioneer of this township, who has since died. 
 Our subject brought his young bride to his pres- 
 ent home on section 5, Smithton Township, where 
 they dispense hospitality to their nianv friends in 
 a pleasant manner. One child. Mary, has been 
 born to them. 
 
 Our subject, like his father before him. is a con- 
 sistent member o( the Roman Catholic Church, and 
 also like him endeavoi"s to live up to the teachings 
 of the Divine Master. Politically, Mr. Louis is a 
 Democrat, and generally votes the ticket iirepared 
 by that party. 
 
 ■^i^MKHY IIOLC'OMB. The subject of this 
 11^ sketch resides with his brother. Williani II. 
 jl^ — ^ Holconib, on scetictn ."Jii, Millstadt Town- 
 ship, in St. Clair County, 111., where they have one 
 of the finest farms in this [lortion of a Slate that 
 h.as a national reputation for fine farms. Kaiery 
 Holcomb is the son of Williani lloieomb, who was 
 born in I'nion County, S. ('.. in the yeai 178-t, 
 and who was the son of .loel Iloleomb, who lived in 
 his native State of South Carolina, and is supposed 
 to have been one of the soldiers in the Revolution- 
 ary' "War. 
 
 William Iloleomb was reared in his native State 
 until nineteen years of age, when he went to Ken- 
 tucky and front there to N'ew Madrid. Mo., and 
 >vas living in that place at the time of the great 
 
 earthquake in 1811. Removing thence to St. 
 Clair County, III., he located near IJelleville 
 and entered land of the fJovernnient and lived 
 there for several years; but finally coming to the' 
 place where our subject now lives and entering 
 one hundred and sixty acres of land. Williani 
 was one of the very earliest settlers here, for at 
 that time the county was the home of the deer and 
 of the Indian. Ueing 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. AVliile living near 
 Belleville, he was married to Miss Polly Reather- 
 ford, from which union sprang a family- 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, Williani Hol- 
 comb married Mrs. Catherine Stout, daughter of 
 Abraham Eyman, who came to this countj- at a 
 very early day from the State of Pennsylvania, 
 and was of (Jerman extraction. By this union 
 there were five children born, four of whom grew 
 to maturity, and three of whom are now living: 
 Einmalissa is with her brother at home; William 
 H. resides with his family on the old homestead; 
 and Emery, the subject of the present sketch. 
 Hannah died November 2.S, 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 
 ilils faniiU was a remarkable man in his day, not 
 oiil\ in war, where his record is remembered and 
 cherished, but in many other respects. He wa.s 
 maile .Justice of the Peace on accoimtof his good 
 judgment. and for sixteen years served as constable; 
 he acted as Deputy Sheriff under Anderson Beard, 
 and was c;ille<l upon to assist at the first hanging in 
 the county. 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 :}, 1878. 
 
 Willi-im II. Iloleomb, a son of the above prom- 
 inent man. was born August 28. 18^0, in the old
 
 176 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 homestead, and has lived here all of his life. He 
 was married June 10, 1884, to Miss Margaret A. 
 Eynian, who was the daughter of Jacob Eyiuan. 
 Our subject was born December 2:i, 184 1, here 
 on the old place, and has grown up in the county, 
 having attended the commcm schools. He de- 
 cided upon agriculture as his occupation in life, 
 and settled down here with his brother William, and 
 together they operate this flue farm of one hun- 
 dred and sixty-nine acres. They conflne their 
 farming to grain, principally wheat, but have some 
 stock, including some fine Berkshire and Poland- 
 China hogs. Some very superior calves have Ijeen 
 raised and sold by them. 
 
 Politically, these gentlemen are Kepublicans, as 
 was their father, believing that the platform of 
 that party has the right ideas concerning the 
 proper policy in governing a great nation. Mr. 
 Holcomb Sr., was formerly a Whig, 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. 
 
 ■iflOHlSI J. WIES. It sometimes seems as if 
 much of mankind only lived to eat instead 
 of eating to live, and to this class the gen- 
 tleman whose name opens this sketch is the 
 friend in need, as he conducts an eating house and 
 lunch counter at the Relay 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 subji^ct was Emil Wies, 
 who 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 
 .'<iil)ii'ct, was born in Ilcsse-Parmsladt, Geimany, 
 
 and was a baker by trade. In the fall of 18.57, 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.^ l^Ir. Wies, Sr., built the 
 first high-grade block in the city, now the 
 Workingman's Hank, and still owns the property 
 and vaiious other valuable pieces. As he believes 
 that the Republican 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, 1862, 
 attended the public schools and from boyhood 
 assisted in the bakery. 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 tlie 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 h.as 
 been well patronized. 
 
 Aside from this regular business, our subject has 
 engaged in buying and selling real estate, dealing 
 in lots. He has erected two residences on Kentucky 
 Street and Findlay Avenue, respectively. In Dem- 
 ocratic local politics, Mr. Wies is very prominent 
 and has been a delegate to the county and congress- 
 ional con ventions, 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 city, 
 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 IJuilding and Loan Association ; a stock- 
 JiolchT ill the SI. Clair Land Association, an() also in
 
 
 
 '% 
 
 '<f
 
 
 <2^>i^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 179 
 
 the Woikingiiian's liankinij; Company. Tie has 
 sliovvn hi.s sagacity by l)iiying hiiul wIhmi knv and 
 watching tlie market and selling when high. He 
 is a favorite among liis neiglil>ors and business ac- 
 i|iiaintanccs and may become one of the cily mag- 
 nates. 
 
 ^T/AMKS H. RICHARDSON. On section 33, 
 Mascoutah Townshij), lies a line farm of 
 three hundred and eighty acres of fertile 
 (!^/' land, one of the most pleasant homesteads 
 in tiie county. Tlie owner, IMr. Richardson, has 
 used great care and judgment in the cultivation of 
 the soil, and lias placed the entire estate under 
 good improvements, with the exception of a small 
 portion, which is in timber. 
 
 The father of our subject was .lohu Richardson, 
 an E'.iglishinan, who learned the printer's trade 
 and followed it until his death. Our subject was 
 born in Lanin, Staffordshire, England, ,lune 28, 
 l«'2ij. Early bereft of his father, he was obliged 
 to depend entirely upon the care of his mother. 
 The latter left England when her child was about 
 one and one-half years old, and brought him to 
 his grandmother, who lived in Philadeliiliia. In 
 this pleasant home Mv. Richardson lived for some 
 time, when circumstances occurred that made a re- 
 moval to Westchester desirable. Wishing to learn 
 a useful trade, when the jiroper age arrived he 
 went to Marshalllon, Pa., and there apprenticed 
 himself for four years to a carriage-maker. Learn- 
 ing that trade thoroughly, he left Marshallton and 
 went to Kennett S(iuare, where lie helped make 
 tlie first four drills that were made in the United 
 States. 
 
 Our subject remained in the last-named place 
 three or four years, and then changed his business 
 to a factory in IJridcsluirg. where he engaged in 
 the manufacture of cotton machinery. At that 
 place he remained one year, and then, returning to 
 Kennett Sc|uaie. worked one year in the drill fac- 
 tory. In 1818, he came to St. Clair County, 111., 
 and in the fall of that year bought what was called 
 the Mound Farm, in this township; but 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 his fortune 
 there. Six months were consumed in making this 
 journej', and when he reached the Far West he im- 
 mediately began working in the mines. More for- 
 tunate than many, he was quite successful in ob- 
 taining the precious metal, and in 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 very 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 
 in civilized countries in the nineteenth century, 
 and those who are called upon to endure such 
 strains u|)on 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 .lacob Rentch- 
 ler, who was an early settler of this county. Eleven 
 children have resulted from this marriage, and the 
 seven living are: ISIary Jane, the wife of Jacob 
 Bachmann, of Mascoutah, 111., a teacher by pro- 
 fession; Sarah, who resides at home; Frank, who 
 lives on one of his father's farms; Ellen, 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.
 
 IHO 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Politically, Mr. Richardson is a believer in the 
 principles promulgated by Thomas Jefferson and 
 has served his district as Scliool Director. He has 
 had a life of more adventure than many of his 
 neiglibors. During his trip to California in 1849, 
 he became better acquainted with the Indian char- 
 acter than he had ever been before, .lust at this 
 time the Pawnee and Shawnee Indians were at 
 war, and they often visiied their enmity upon the 
 innocent emigrants, who were invading their coun- 
 try. Our subject was one of those sent forward to 
 open the way for the trains, and they made him 
 captain of the party. At a place called Scott's Bluff 
 tiiere is a deep cut through the mountains, and 
 as he rode through here, he came upon an encamp- 
 ment of Pawnee Indians. He w.as 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 tlie 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 subject relates many other interesting adven- 
 tures of the trip, which it would be a pleasure to 
 relate if the limited space in this Ri'.coiui did not 
 forbid. 
 
 ^ DOLPII SCMLKRNITZAUEU, IM. D. The 
 
 little city of Millstadl, 111., h.is among its 
 l^\ highly respected citizens none more greatly 
 
 esteemed than the subject of this sketch. 
 His father was .Joseph Schlernitzauer, who was 
 l)Orn in Lorraine, France, February 28, 1795, was 
 reared there and at that place w.as 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 north of Belleville, which so 
 
 pleased him that he continued at the same place 
 until the time of his death, which occurred in 
 November, 187(1. The 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 are 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 Lorraine, 
 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, 18(54. 
 After this success. Dr. Schlernitzauer came to Miil- 
 stadt, and has been in practice here ever since. 
 
 The happy marriage of our subject took place 
 June 1, 1865, to Miss Mary Ball, daughter of 
 Ciiampness Ball, Postmaster of the city of Belle- 
 ville nnder the administrations of Presidents 
 Pierce and Buchanan. This lady lived but eight 
 years after her mariiage. Our subject was again 
 married, in 1878, this union being with Miss Mary 
 Palmer, whose father, Andrew Palmer, of Janes- 
 ville. Wis., w.as the founder of the Toledo Blade 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 has been educated 
 at a convent in Belleville. 
 
 Dr. Schlernitzauer has built up a large prac- 
 tice in this city and county, great reliance being 
 placed 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 away
 
 PORTR.UT AND BlOGRAPlllCAL RECORD. 
 
 181 
 
 liy professional duties. He is an active member of 
 tiie Democratic party and gives iiis vote and in- 
 rtuence to advance its interests. Socially, llic 
 Doctor and liis pleasant family take a foremost 
 place in IMillstadt and deservedly so. for none 
 could be Itctter fitted educationally and by tem- 
 perament for such duties than Dr. and Mrs. Schler- 
 nitzauer. 
 
 <Ml D. TUHNEH. 1.1- P.. The distinguished 
 I (@ gentleman who.se name appears at the head 
 IIL-^ of this sketch has the honor of being 
 the Master in Chancery for the St. Clair Court, 
 having been appointed to this important oflice in 
 December. IX'Jl. He a member of the tirjn of 
 Turner .t- Holder, one of the leading law firms of 
 the city ofBelleville. This gentleman is a native 
 of St. Clair County, having been born on a farm 
 near tiie city of Freel)urg, October 5. 1849. He is 
 named for liis father, a distinguished pioneer of 
 this county, who came here from ^'lrginia in ).s:}0, 
 wiien about twenty -seven years of age. 
 
 Mr. Turner w.as educated in the University at 
 Ann Arbor, Mich., bein^ graduated in the Class 
 of "73, having previously read law for some months. 
 After graduating, he located in this city and prac- 
 tised alone until 188'), when the present firm with 
 Mr. Holder was established. These gentleman have 
 built up a tine 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. I.ouis A- 
 Carondelet Railroads. 
 
 Hesides his law practice, Mr. Turner li.-is been :\n 
 Alderman, serving with great credit to himself and 
 liimor to this city; lie has also been Chairman of the 
 County Board of Supervisors and is no\T Director 
 of the Helleville Savings Bank. In all of the po- 
 sitions of trust and res|)onsibility he has held, Mr. 
 Turner has .awiuitted himself in a ni.asterful man- 
 ner, worthy of mention. 
 
 Mr. Turner was united in the liolv bonds of 
 
 matrimony to Miss Josephine Eckert, of Waterloo, 
 Monroe County, III., in August, 187.5. To this 
 happy union have come fivechildren, the eldest of 
 whom, Waldo, is deceased Those living are: Don, 
 Zylphia, Jo.sephine and Mary, all bright and intel- 
 ligent children who are a joy 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 respect and esteem of .all who know him. 
 Public confidence in him is b.ased upon his honest 
 merit. His scholarly attainments, studious habits, 
 faithful devotion to the interests of his clients, 
 able and m.a,sterly 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. 
 
 l>-^<-| 
 
 ^EN.IAMIN IIIOGINS was n man of most 
 '' noble character and of many good qualities, 
 whose name will long be held in reverence 
 by his fellow-citizens, by whom he was 
 considered a most excellent neighbor. He was a 
 native of St. Clair County, born one mile south of 
 (ieorgetown, 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 Ilig- 
 gins, was a native of Maine, b\it removed to Ohio 
 in 1H1(), and settled in tliat State about twenty 
 miles north of Cincinnati. He remained there, 
 however, but tvvo 3"ears, wluii lie i-euioved to Illi- 
 nois and located on the farm wliere IJenjamin af- 
 terward lived. He married Miss Su.san 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 horn in Maine in 180;'), and was but thirteen
 
 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. He mar- 
 ried Miss Sarah Carr, daughter of one of the 
 pioneers of the county, and they lived on the home- 
 stead for fifty years. 
 
 Of the family of Robert Higgins, 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 M.ay 1, 1890, wlien 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 early 
 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 tlie hand 
 of any other woman in marriage, which bespeaks 
 his love more plainly than could be told by pen. 
 He was very generous with his wealth, and always 
 kind to those in need of assistance and ready to 
 extend what aid he could to his brother man. 
 When his death occurred, Marcli 13, 1892, the 
 community suffered a loss from which it will not 
 soon recover. 
 
 \f J OSEPH R. PADFIELD, J. P. The follow- 
 ing sketch is of one of the best-known men 
 of Lebanon Township, who has lived heie 
 _ many years, and is identified with the vari- 
 ous interests of the neighborhood. The family 
 record is an interesting one, and we give it in full. 
 Joseph R. Pad field was born September 24, 1820, 
 in Mascoutah, St. Clair County, 111., and was tlie 
 son of William Padfield, Jr., and of IMahala Barnes. 
 His father was born about 1786, near Hopkins- 
 ville, Ky., and died there in 1849. The paternal 
 grandfather was William Padfield, Sr., a good old 
 
 Methodist, and the religious meetings were held 
 in his house. He was a native of Maryland, and 
 died about 183."). aged seventy-five years. The ma- 
 ternal grandfather of our subject was Josliua 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 Townsliip. 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 
 the early settlers. A full account of the life and 
 labors of this good man would be very interest- 
 ing. 
 
 Our subject was one of ten cliildien, eight of 
 whom grew to maturity. Susan died when about 
 forty-five. She w.as the wife of Sampson Briggs, 
 and left no family. Mary Ann died in 1884. Her 
 first husb.and was Jesse Berry, by whom she had 
 two children. Her second husband was Isaac Hall, 
 by whom she had also two children. Mr. Hall is 
 also dead: James R. resides in Clinton, Henry 
 County. He married Elizabeth Anderson, a na- 
 tive of St. Clair County, and has two children. 
 William N., who died at the age of thirty-five, mar- 
 ried Elizabeth Lunsford, .and left one child, Mrs. 
 Marie Campbell, a resident of Belleville. John B. 
 married Susan Harrington, and lives in St. Louis. 
 Evan B, married Amanda Bell, and diedaljout 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 Sarah, who 
 first married William Huff, and at his de.Ttli was 
 again married, is now deceased. 
 
 The boyhood of our subject was passed on a 
 farm, where he had the advantages of a common- 
 school education. His marriage to Miss Susan Tip- 
 ton occurred April 23, 1844. She was a native 
 of Carter County, East Tennessee, and w.-is 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 tiie 
 parents of seven cliildren: Martha, wife of Joseph 
 Utley, residing in Boone County, Mo., the mother
 
 ,o\S. 
 
 pylvrCt
 
 d/Z^^ iAe/^^^^.^7^^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 1 sr. 
 
 of six c'liildion; 'riionias, wlio died at the age of 
 six yeai-s; JIatiida, living at home, single: John 
 C, living in Trenton. 111., a seliool teacher, who 
 married 5Iiss .\ddie Siiaffer, and li.as two .children : 
 Henry I... who iii;irriod Reliocca ( iliene: Afahnla 
 anil .lames, whn ilicil in childlinod. 
 
 Oursnliject lived in Mascoutah Townshi(> until 
 18.J7, when he moved to Sumnierflold and engaged 
 in the eolleeting business. In 1864, he bought 
 eighty acres of land which are included in his 
 present place, where he has two hundred acres. 
 Mr. I'adfield h.as followed farming most of his life, 
 and h.as been very successful. Me has occupied 
 the offices of Township Collector, Constable and 
 Justice of the Peace, which latter office he has iield 
 for the Last eight years. Our subject is a member 
 of the masonic fraternity, being connected with 
 Summerlield Lodge No. 344, A. F. & A. M., of 
 wliicii he has been Treasurer for the past sixteen 
 years. The principles of the Democratic party 
 are 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 importance, he being held in highest esteem. 
 
 &0N. PKTKR SKir.EHT, one of the most 
 induential and prominent men of St. Clair 
 County, resides on section 3(1, f^ngleman 
 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 aliililies 
 and keen judgment. 
 
 The father of our subject, lialthaser Seiberl. was 
 a native of Ilesse-D.nrmstadt, (icrmany. and came 
 to America with his family in 18o2. 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 Mascoutaluwhere he resided 
 until the time of his demise. After he came to 
 America and became .acquainted with the political 
 issues of the day. he joined the Republican party 
 
 and voted that ticket until 1872, when ho 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 wlioni 
 our subject is the fourth. 
 
 The birth of the distinguished gentleman whose 
 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 eng.aged in 
 farming until liis marri.age. which occurred in 
 18()8. His wife was Miss Catherine, daughter of 
 ^Martin F.idmann. who was one of the pioneers of 
 this county, having settled in Turkey Hill, this 
 township, in 1832. After his marri.age, Mr. Sei- 
 bert located six miles east of Alascoutah. but since 
 1876 he has resiilcd un tlie 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 (ieorge. 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 jdace, 
 and has a home most beautifully located, where 
 his wife assists him in the hospitable entertain- 
 ment of their friends. 
 
 Senator Seibert is a member of the organization 
 of Knight* of Honor, and is also one of the most 
 |)rominent members of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit 
 Association. Politically, he is a Democrat, al- 
 though previous to 1880 he voted the Republi- 
 can ticket. He was led to become a Democrat be- 
 cause that i)arty better expressed his views on the 
 tariff rpiestion. He is a very strong advocate of 
 free tr.ade, and is oppo.sed to all indirect taxation. 
 He is a man of strong convictions, who always 
 does what he believes to be right, regardless of 
 consequences, and has always been a strong 
 worker in the ranks of the party, .\lthough he 
 has never sought olllce, office has sought him, and 
 he served as Supervisur of the township for three
 
 186 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 years, and School Director for over twenty years. 
 So entirely has he gained the. confidence of liis 
 fellow-citizens that in 1890 they elected him to 
 tlie lionorable position of State Senator from this 
 senatorial district. He has ablj' represented his 
 constituents, and is as strong a worker in public 
 life as he always has been for his party in private 
 life. He is a great admirer of Henry George, and 
 lielicves thoroughly in the principles advocated by 
 tliat political economist. He has named his young- 
 est son after the distinguished leader. 
 
 Wl ULIUS REUSS has tlie iionor of being a na- 
 tive of St. Clair County. 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. Tiic fatiier was born 
 in the city of Frankfort-on-tlie-Main, Germany, 
 received a college education and was graduated 
 from one of the noted medical scliools 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-vessei, 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 Jiicho, who died soon after coming 
 to this country, leaving no children. He tlien 
 wedded Caroline Raitli, and unto them was born 
 a family of nine, as follows: Henry, Julius, Caro- 
 line; Rosa, deceased; Albert; Augusta, wife of 
 Charles Eisher; Johanna, Mary and Ferdinand. 
 The father of this family was a member of the 
 Masonic fraternity in Germany, but never identi- 
 fied himself with tliat order in this country. He 
 was a stalwart Republican in politics, ardently ad- 
 
 vocating the principles of that party. In his prac- 
 tice, he was very successful and won a high repu- 
 tion 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 tlie labors of the 
 farm until after the death of the Doctor. He is 
 now a substantial and progressive agriculturist, 
 who 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 
 Mary 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. 
 
 O^p^'IIOMAS A. STOOKEY is a prominent and 
 l(f((^^. successful grain farmer and stock-raiser of 
 ^^0 St. Clair County, residing on section 14, 
 Smithton Township. He was one of the sons of 
 Daniel Stooke}*, Jr., who was born in St. Clair 
 County in 1805, and a grandson of the well-known 
 Daniel Stookey, who came to this county from 
 Bedford County, Pa., in the year 1800. 'I'he lat- 
 ter made his first iHp through here in 1797 on 
 horseKack, and in 1800 located at New Design,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 187 
 
 in Monroe County, .•md lived there several years, 
 when he located near Helleville and entered Gov- 
 ernment land. He reared a large family, and died 
 in 1835, at tiie age of sixty-foni years. His son 
 Daniel was reared and educated in this county 
 and married Margaret Mctiuire, the daughter of 
 Thomas McGuire, who came to this county in 
 1818 from Crawford County, Pa. 
 
 .\fler marriage, Daniel entered one hundred 
 and sixty acres of land on section i:^, 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 und 
 twentj-seven acres of land, the most of which had 
 been acquired by his own efforts. Of a family of 
 seven children, six grew to maturity 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; Harbara E., married to Robert 
 W. Lemon, living in Frceburg Township, where 
 they own a farm; and Margaret, the wife of Will- 
 iam Pitts, living in New Athens Township. Mary 
 Emeline (deceased) was the wife of George 15. 
 Short, and at her death left a daughter, who mar- 
 ried Peter IJoler and now lives in California. 
 
 The subject of this notice was born .June '.>, 
 1828, on the old homestead in Smithton Town- 
 ship, on section 13, St. Clair County. 111. Roared 
 and educated there, he remained until twenty- 
 four years old. when he married and removed to 
 the place where he now lives, ^fr. Stookey was 
 married September 2. I8.V2. to Cyrena L. Short, 
 daughter of William 1!. Short, who was born in 
 this cfiiuity in 1803, and whose i)arents came here 
 about 1800, being very earl^- settlers. Mr. Short 
 w.as a prominent farmer of this county. ^Irs. 
 Stookey was born October 17, 1834, on the old 
 homestead that her fatlier entered from the (Gov- 
 ernment. After his marriage, Mr. Stookey moved 
 to this place (m the 2oth of October, 18;')2, and has 
 lived here continuouslj' 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 
 neighborhood, together with a han<lsome liousc 
 and cap.acious barns, and lives in great comfort. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. vStookey are the parents of eight 
 living children, as follows: William, living at 
 Hillsboro. Montgomery County, III.; .lames M., 
 on the farm in Saline County, Mo.; Samuel K.. 
 in Smithton Township, is a farmer on section l.'S: 
 Mary E., living at home; George, employed at 
 Pinckneyville. Perry County; .lulius, Charles and 
 Eben, :ill 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. Stookey 
 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 alw.ays held to 
 the tenets of the Democratic party, and feels sure 
 that the coiintiy would be safe under the niniiaijc- 
 meiit of its leaders. 
 
 .'lOIIN RODENHEISER, one of the leading 
 and influential citizens of the city of ]>elle- 
 ville, is a member of the firm of Horn A- 
 Rodenheiser, prominent dry-goods and 
 carpet niei'cliants. occupying an elegant store in 
 Belleville, on East Main Street, in the New Monk 
 Building. The building is 33^x1.50 feet, and the 
 firm has been located here since March II, 1891. 
 Our sid^ject w.as born in Waterloo, 111., Ocloher 
 18, 18()1. His p.arents were Ernst and Barbara 
 (Eschenfelder) Rodenheiser, natives of Germany. 
 The father of our subject upon coming to this 
 country w.as first a furniture dealer, after which he 
 became a hotel-keeper. The death of this esteemed 
 gentleman took jilace November '.K 187.'i, but his 
 wife is still living. 
 
 Mr. .lolin Rodenhei.ser received his eaily 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. .\. When he first came to 
 this tf>wii. Mr. Rodenheiser was engaged as a clerk
 
 18.S 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAnilCAL 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. Tiie store he 
 occupies is the longest one-floor store in the county 
 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. Rodenlieiser was married. May 5, 1886, to 
 Miss Minnie Maus. Two beautiful and engaging- 
 children have been tlie result of this union, 
 namely: Meta and Edwin. Mrs. Rodenlieiser 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 
 tiie 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. 
 
 |:h^^:h-| 
 
 &0N. JAMES P. SLADE, A. M., ex-State 
 ) Superintendent and the present Superin- 
 tendent of the East St. Louis public schools, 
 is a gentleman whose career may be studied 
 witli interest and emulated witli profit bj' 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 strengtliened and enriched 
 l)y tlie highest culture. He was born in Albany 
 County, N. Y., February 9, 1837, in wliich county 
 his father, Leonard Slade, was also born, in 1802. 
 .lames Slade, the grandfather, was born in Con- 
 necticut, but became an earh' settler of Albany'. 
 He was a very 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 tlie 
 calling of a teacher, after which he followed in 
 his father's tootsteps 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 was born in 1802 and died in 1889. She 
 had been a school teacher in her youthful days, 
 and was possessed of rare intelligence and refliie- 
 nient. 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 liis early training in the public 
 schools, after which he took an academic course. 
 In 1854, he entered the Fairfield Seminaiy, whicli 
 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 III., 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 lie made 
 upon him, and this has been attested b3' 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 Superintendent 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 tlian 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. 
 
 ISO 
 
 nariaii. Iii wiitiiig ami speaking, he is clear and 
 forcible, iiarticularly so when addressing himself 
 to any sulijeet pertaining to tlie theory and prac- 
 tice of teaching, and iiis reasons for his convictions 
 are always well delined and reasonable. 
 
 In 187S, he made the race for State Superinlou- 
 dent of Schools on the Republican ticket, and so 
 enviable a reputation had he gained as an instruc- 
 tor of the 3'oung, that he was elected by a large 
 majority and tilled the position with distinguished 
 ability for hnw years. During this time he 
 made his home in Springlield and made many 
 journeys to different portions of the .Stiite on 
 business connec'ted with his office. In 1878, he 
 purchased a one-half interest in Alinira College, of 
 Greenville. III., and the following year became its 
 President. In 1H72, he received the degree of A. IM. 
 from .Shurtleff College, which honor was unsolicited 
 by him. While 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 pul>lic schools of 
 K.ast St. Louis, without any solicitation on his part 
 and has since ably 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 State 
 and have made his life a succession of honors. 
 
 He was married in Belleville in 1876, to Miss 
 Ella Bowman, daughter of Jlrs. Panny 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 I'niversity of Illinois at 
 Champaign, appointed liy Cov. Palmer, and was a 
 jiH'inber of the I'.oard when the new building was 
 
 erected. In whatever locality he has resided, he 
 h.as always taken a prominent position, and while 
 a resident of (Jreenville he w.as 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 
 111 helping to establish the Normal Universities in 
 the .State, and has been Treasurer and Vice-president 
 of the State Teachers' Association, and w.is one of 
 the organizers of the .Southern Illinois Teachers' 
 Association, of which he w.as 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 18.5.") by the Baptist Society, and I'rof. Slade, on 
 being requested to purchase it, in 1878 bought a one- 
 half interest, but was soon after elected State Sup- 
 erintendent, so did not take charge of it until 188:J, 
 when his term expired, after which he operated it 
 veiT successfully, as above stated. He h.as been 
 prominent for many j-ears in State and National 
 Educational Associations and has taken high rank 
 in his profession. He is a member of the Baptist 
 Church, and for sometime has been one of it« dea- 
 cons. 
 
 ]^^-^P=-=— I 
 
 ^=^E()H(;E HEBEHER. Glancing at the bio- 
 (|[ ^-— graphics of successful men and noticing 
 A^^l that almost invariably they 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 develop sturdy traits of 
 self-reliance and self-denial, which often in the 
 wealth}' lie dormant. There are many citizens of 
 .St. Clair County whose unaided exertions have re- 
 sulted in prosperity, and an excellent rc[)resenta- 
 five of this class may be found in Air. Heberer. 
 This gentleman owns and operates a fiiioly-im- 
 i ])rovcd farm on section 25, Fayctteville Township, 
 iiul is iniiijbere(l among the luosl progressive and
 
 190 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 enterprising farmers of the fouiitv. Upon his 
 estate of one hundred and sixty acres lie carries 
 on mixed farming, raising tlie various cereals to 
 which the soil is adapted. He uses tlie latest im- 
 proved machinery and modern methods in every 
 department of agriculture, and the result is that 
 he has attained a degree of success unusual but 
 highly satisfactory. His life furnishes an excel- 
 lent example of what may be accomplished by 
 perseverance coupled with energy and good judg- 
 ment, for he was thrown upon his own resources 
 and conii)elled to be self-supporting when he was 
 a mere lad, nor did he receive any assistance in 
 his efforts to accumnlate a competencj'. 
 
 As were many of the best citizens of St. Clair 
 Count}', our subject was born in Germany, his 
 birth occurring in 1837. 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 German}-, 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 youth learned the trade of a 
 wagon-maker, which he followed throughout his 
 entire life. His death occurred May II, 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 which 
 faith he reared his four children. They are: 
 Nicholas, now deceased; George, of this sketch; 
 Conrad, and Christena, who liecaine the wife of 
 Daniel Harman. ' 
 
 Early orphaned 1)\' tlie death of his father, 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 I 
 primitive order, both in the furnisliing of tlie I 
 building and the method of instruction, but i\Ir. : 
 Heberer made the most of every ojiportunity of- I 
 fered him and became a well-informed man. "When 
 twenty. three years of age, he was united in mar- ! 
 riage with Miss Barbara, daughter of .John and 
 Margaret Schuster, iind uuId theiii lune been born 
 
 eight children, only two of whom sui vive. Anna 
 M. is the wife of Peter Schickedanz, and Adam I>. 
 is at home. Barbara, who married Conrad .luenei', 
 is now deceased. In his political belief, Mr. Heb- 
 erer is firm in his adherence to the principles of 
 the Democratic party and ever ready to support 
 the party of his choice by his intluence as well as 
 his ballot. 
 
 "ji^M.IJAlI STOOlvEY. The subject of this 
 1^ sketch is the oldest surviving member of a 
 /I' — y/ 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. Ilis father was a native of Ger- 
 many, who married Barbara Whetstone, a native 
 of Virginia, born near the Maryland line. 
 
 Daniel Stookey .seems to have been one of a 
 family of pioneers. His eldest brother, Jacob, re- 
 mained on the 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 Count}, Pa., and Samuel 
 went to Canton, t)liio. Daniel, the father of our 
 subject, was the youngest of the family and was not 
 to lie left behind; so he decided to tr\- the West, 
 but as lie did not wish to go alone he was mar- 
 ried in A"irginia before starting. Shortly after 
 this he removed to Ohio, settling near C'hilli- 
 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 183o,at the age 
 of sixty-live years. His wife survived him four- 
 teen }ea)'s, dying in 1849, aged sevejit^'-llye years,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 191 
 
 As far as the biographer can discover, llie children 
 of Mr. and Mrs. Stookey were .Simon, born in 
 179(j; Muses, in 1 71t«: Aaron, in 1808; and Klijali, 
 in 1813. From these brothers iuwe descended the 
 members of the .Stookey family now resident in 
 lielleville, St. Clair and Stookey Townships and in 
 Southern Illinois, and wherever found this name 
 represents 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. 'J'lie ioij schoolhouse was 
 his temple of learning, and a lew 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 
 sdmol. The teachers of those days were far from 
 being the capable instructors of the i)resent. 
 They 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 
 habits, strong common-sense, and clear-headed 
 judgment, they grew to years of discretion and 
 kept pace with the progress of the country, accu- 
 mulated pro|)erty and prospered generally. The 
 most of them lilled with fidelity and capability 
 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 years of age, but grew \\\) on the home 
 place 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 farmei-s shipping down the Ohio and 
 Mississippi Rivers to Xew' Orleans. The nearest 
 Eastern market w.as Cincinnati, which in 1810 had 
 a population of twenty-live hundre<l. and lri|is 
 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. When he reached the 
 age of twenty-three years, he was united in mat- 
 rimony with Miss Klinor Mc(;nire. l)orn in Craw- 
 ford County, Pa., March 25, 181;'), and whose par- 
 ents moved to St. Clair County when she was four 
 years old. Three children were born of this mar- 
 liage; .Madison '[',, borii Novrmlier 20, !837 (see 
 
 sketch), and living in Belleville; Lafayette, who 
 died at the age of four years; and William, who 
 died in infancw 
 
 After marriage our suliject and \\\(r lived eleven 
 years on the home place, now a \i:\\\ n( the I.Tud 
 l)elonging to M. T. Stookey. They h.ive m.-ide 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 in it one hundred and thirty-five 
 acres, and thele the fainily lives in great comfort. 
 In religion, husband and wife are in unison, hav- 
 ing joined the Baptist Church in tlu'ir 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, friendl\- manner, and converses with 
 the (piick tone of youth. He personally at- 
 tends to his own liusiness, and bids fair to see 
 manv jears of enjoyable life, being of the n um- 
 ber that will never lose interest in their own or pub- 
 lic affairs so long as they live. Sir. Stookey is 
 happj' in the possession of many cherished friends, 
 whose intimacy beuaii in their childhoiid. 
 
 C-'^SCAR IIKINRICH. The subject of this 
 jjl notice is a memlier of the lumber firm of 
 ^jf^ O. Heinrich and Company, and is the oldest 
 dealer in the cit}', having opened up his business 
 here February 2, 18.55. He was born near Dresden, 
 Saxony, Germany, .Vugust 111, 1820, was educated 
 there, emplo^'cd as a clerk, and was apprenticed in 
 a wholesale house for nine years. For four year.-i 
 he then worked on his father's farm. .Vt this 
 time he decided to come to this country and left 
 home alone in 18o:?, coming to Mascfuitah III., 
 and engaging there in the lumber business. Our 
 subject was married to .Miss Johanna Lang, living 
 in I5elleville, but born on the Rhine in Pru.s.sia, 
 February 1, 1805, and who came over in 184!*, Feb- 
 rnary 2, 1855, he opened his present business 0||
 
 Ht2 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 tlie !>ame premises he now occupies. At first Mr. 
 Ileinricli 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, sash 
 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 either. Mr. Ileinrich 
 lost his faithful wife, Februar3- o, 1890, and onl}' 
 one child, Ida, survives, and she is living with her 
 father. Her sister Mela, wife of Theo. Schmidt, died 
 in Pittsburgh, ia 1891. Mr. Heiurich occupies a 
 very nice residence on the corner of South Illinois 
 and Fifth Streets. He is a member of the Evangelical 
 St. Paul Free CTcrman Protestant Church, is one 
 of our best German residents, and enjoys the re- 
 spect and esteem of all who know him. 
 
 I>-M<m^-'- 
 
 ■ir/OHN C. SCHMIDT is a farmer residing on 
 section 24, Millstadt Township, St. Clair 
 County, III., who was born in St. Louis, 
 Mo., on the 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 with the desire and intention of foU 
 lowing an agricultural life. 
 
 In due time he began to think <if n domestic 
 hearth of his own, and in IHtlli he became the proud 
 and happy husband of Miss Louisa Kalberteisch, 
 daughter of Peter Kalbelleisch, a resident of this 
 county. Alter marriage Mr. Schmidt moved with 
 his wife to this place, which he rented from his 
 father, and wlijcli lie bought of the estate after his 
 father's death. He Uil» lived liei'c iner sij)cc, and 
 
 has reared a famil}' 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 county when another Ri;<()i;i) of this 
 kind is comi)iled. 
 
 Our subject is the owner of eighty acres of land, 
 upon which much labor and expense have been 
 lavished, but which repays him with magnificent 
 crops of grain, wheat principally. As Mr. Schmidt 
 views the fine fields of waving yellow grain, he 
 must feel in a great measure repaid for the manj^ 
 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 tlie 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 
 l)eople. 
 
 Politically, our subject is one of the standi suj)- 
 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 
 liodv he is considered a valuable memlier. He has 
 been prominent in the public .affairs of the district, 
 and has served his fellow-citizens as Commissioner 
 of lligiiways, as District Commissioner and .as 
 Scliool Director. Mr. Schmidt has always done his 
 share in the way of improvememeiit nnd is con- 
 sidered one of the solid men of Hii" p.Trt of tlie 
 county.
 
 Of ^"f 
 
 (WIVH"
 
 /^^^:^/.^>^^'^^^2:^^^^^-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 195 
 
 e 
 
 OL. HUGO WESTERMANN. The Gov- 
 ernment of the United States makes very 
 careful selections when the appointment of 
 important ofMcials 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 which office 
 he W.1S appointed .Tuly ."51, i88!t. He has his olKce 
 and headcpiarters at Ik'lleviilc. and has charge of 
 St. Clair, Monroe. Randolph and Washington 
 Counties. 
 
 Hugo Westerinanii was born in Nassau, (ier- 
 many, December 3, 18"27, and was given an educa- 
 tion at the Polytechnic .School in Carlsruhe, Haden. 
 In 1848, he was drafted into the army of Nassau, 
 and served during the War of Schleswig-IIolstein 
 for one and a-half years as a piivate soldier. .\t 
 the expiration of thai time, in September, 181!), 
 he started for .Vmerica, and after landing came on 
 West as far as Belleville, where he arrived .January 
 2, 1850. It did not take long for one of his pleas- 
 ant appearance to obtain emi)loyraent, and he im- 
 mediately became a clerk in a store in St. Louis, 
 but soon stiu-ted a store of his own in Helleville 
 in company with his uncle Rubach. Here he con- 
 tinued in this busine.ss until shortly before tlie 
 breaking out (jf the Civil War. 
 
 When the guns were (ppi-nid on Smntcr, Col. 
 Westermann found an eclio m his lireast which 
 made him one of the first to en li>l. lie was elected 
 Second I^ieutenant of Coni|)any A. Ninth Illinois 
 Infantry, his commission being dated .Vpril 'i-J. 
 18(il. The company was first sent to Springlield 
 and then to Cjiro, 111., for three months' service. 
 -At the expiration of that time, he went out of that 
 regiment and raised Comjiany H, Forty-third Illi- 
 nois Infanti\. with a commission of Captain from 
 September I. IMlll. His regiment was sent to Se- 
 dalia. Jlo., and from thcie to Si. Louis and I'l. 
 Henry. Ft. Donelson and Shiloli; then to \ick>lairg. 
 Helena. Little Rock, relieving lianks at Canton. 
 Ark., and then retreating to the river for the battle 
 of Jenkins Ferry, where they made a good ll<,dit. 
 They were next sent back to Little Rock. 
 
 For efficiency in service our subject was |)ro- 
 
 9 
 
 nioted to the rank of Major, April 1, 1864. and 
 was ai)pointed Lieutenant-Colonel April 29, 1865. 
 Fortunately lie was neither captured nor wounded, 
 although he .saw four years and eight months of 
 actual service. He was finally mustered out De- 
 cember 1, 18(!.-). I'lion his return to Belleville he 
 engaged as cashier in a dry-goods store and then 
 served as liook-keeper in the Belleville Savings 
 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 li.as served in 
 that position with fidelity and tact. 
 
 Col. Westermann married Miss Bertha Abend, a 
 sister ni the President of the Bank. They have 
 two living children: Dorette, the wife of Herman 
 Moeller, of Indi.anapolis; and Pauline, wife of 
 Frederick Paro, of this city. Col. Westermann is 
 a member of Hecker Post,G. A. R. He h.as 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. 
 
 sy^c^i^sii 
 
 /j^ r.. C.VRROLL LL. 11. .Vniong the promi- 
 
 V // '"'"'' ■^'"""" ""'" -'""^ successful attorneys of 
 1^' East St. Louis is our subject, whose high 
 reputation and material prosperity came as the 
 reward of unusual natural abilities industriouslv 
 applied. Mr was born near Wood River, Mad- 
 ison County. III., on the 19th of September, 
 18.')ii. and inherits thecpiick wit and native i)olitc- 
 uess of liis Irish ancestors. His father. .John 15. 
 Cairoll. w:i> born in (^ueen 's County, Ireland, .June 
 1(1. l.s.S-2. rhe latter's father was a battle-scarred 
 veteran of the ill-fated uprising for Irish inde- 
 pendence in 17!I8. At the age of sixteen, the 
 grandfather of our Milijcct left home, and enlisted 
 in the light dragoons of the liritish arnu'. \Vith 
 
 hi> < ii)any he participated in the Crimean AVar, 
 
 and as a member of the "Light Brigade" was one 
 of the survivors of the ill-fated six hundred at 
 P>alaklava. refeired to hv Tenny-^on in iho foljow- 
 ini; lin<>:
 
 196 
 
 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, 
 Boldly they rode and well; 
 Into the jaws of death. 
 Into the movith of hell, 
 Rode the Six Hundred. 
 
 At 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 he died many 
 yours later. 
 
 The father of our subject came to America in 
 1M55, and at Alton, 111., he was married to Miss 
 McDonald. About 1858, he opened the first coal 
 mine in Madison County, this State. After the 
 war he engaged in farming, and in 1871 settled in 
 East 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-pncumonia and lie 
 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. Me was six feet in height, was powerfully 
 built, and was the champion wrestler of the times. 
 He was City Marshal of East St. Louis for some 
 turn'. Im religion he was a member of St. Patrick's 
 Cliurcii. Mis wife was born in Cavaii, Ireland, and 
 lier father died during the cholera of 1844, at St. 
 LiMiis, whither he had moved a number of 3'ears 
 previously. ]Mrs. Carroll now resides in East St. 
 I>(iuis and five of her children are living. 
 
 I'ntii nineteen years of age, our subject reninined 
 (in Ihc f:irni and attended the common school. In 
 \x7\. he (■••unc til Kast St. Louis and clerked in a 
 groceiy store for some time, but at the same time 
 Mttended night school, Lfttor he entered the High 
 Scii'iol in lljf cily, ai)d when nbout twenty yenvs of 
 
 age began learning the printer's trade in the office 
 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 activelj' engaged in his pi'actice. 
 
 In the s|)ring 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 
 Bari'on, a native of St. Louis, were celebrated in 
 the j'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, Mr. Carroll 
 is a stanch Republican, and he and wife are worthy 
 members of St. Patrick's Ciiurch. 
 
 /J^ ARL M(JNTA<i, editor and proprietor of 
 llf^. the Mascoutah Herald, and one of the 
 ^i^' 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 his 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, 
 I860, but his widow still survives him. Unto this 
 worthy couple were born four children, three of 
 whom are yet living: Jacob, a resident farmer of 
 Piatt County, 111.; Mrs. J. N. Quick, who resides in 
 llazelton, Kan.; and Carl, of this sketch. 
 
 Our subject spent his boyhood days under the 
 pttfuijtrtl vuvf, Mi(] thtf public svliuuis sffovJetl hi«^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 107 
 
 his edacational privileges. However, at the age 
 (if thirteen, he left school and entered the print- 
 ing office of the Mascoutali Banner, there remain- 
 ing about two nionths. The same 3-ear another 
 paper was started, called the Maseoutah Enterprise, 
 and he entered tlie new olfice, hut after a short 
 time the publication of the paper was discontinued 
 and Mr. Montag secured a position on the staff of 
 tlie Lebanon Jounio/, with which he was connected 
 for about a year. On the expiration of that per- 
 iod he entered the office of a new (ierman paper, 
 the Maseoutah 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 which he went to .St. Louis, where he 
 worked as a journeyman printer. We next find 
 liini in Chicagt), where he worked at his trade 
 until the fall of 1882. lie was then employed on 
 the Cleveland Leader, of Cleveland, Ohio, after 
 which he went New York City, where he worked 
 at his trade for a yeai'. 
 
 On the expiration of tliat period. Mr. Montag 
 returned to Maseoutah, where he s|)ent a year, and 
 then went to Lebanon, where he {)urchased the Leb- 
 anon He)-ald, publishing that paper until January, 
 1885. when he discontinued the same, removed 
 the plant to Ma.scoutah, and established the Mas- 
 eoutah /fcra/f?, of which he has since been editor 
 and propric-tur. It is a bright, newsy sheet, well 
 conducted. It is published every Friday, and has 
 a large subscription list, which is well de.served. 
 
 June 18, 1891, Mr.Montag was united in marriage 
 with Miss ^L-iry. daughter of Adam I'faff. This 
 worthy coui)le aie highly respected throughout the 
 community in which they reside, and rank high in 
 the circles of society in which they move. In pol- 
 itics, Mr. Montag is a stalwart Democrat, doing all 
 in his power for the growth and success of the 
 part}'. He is a member of the Congressional 
 Central Committee and the Ciiuiity Central Com- 
 mittee. He has held the office of Justice of the 
 Peace, to whicli he was elected in 1X86 and again 
 in 1888. He was also City Clerk from May, 1889, 
 until May. 1891, discharging his duties with 
 promptness and tidelity, to the credit of liimsolf 
 ftnd lu the satisfaction of his (Minstituents. .So- 
 cially, he is t\ luemlier uf the Ocid Fclhnvs' societ\ , 
 
 and of the Knights of Honor. Mr. Montag is a 
 public-spirited and progressive citizen, who takes 
 an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare 
 of the community- and uses his influence for its 
 benefit. 
 
 -h 
 
 ^f UGIST J. MILLKK, a very prominent 
 W |l '^'^*^ general farmer and stock-raiser of 
 
 '// Ifc this section, is located on section .5, Free- 
 '^! burg Township. Here he has a tine farm, 
 
 and one point upon the place is the highest land 
 in the county, and has been utilized by the I'nited 
 .States as an observatory. 
 
 Our subject is the son of Boleei- .Miller, who was 
 born in Hesse-Uarmstadt, 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 (iovernment, and there lived until his 
 death. He believed that ''a rolling stone gathers 
 no moss," and in his case he found that itw.as bet- 
 ter to find a home and stay there, and put all of 
 his energies in one place. Here he reared a family 
 of seven children, and died in 1875. Those of his 
 children living are: our subject; John, who lives 
 in Freeburg Township; Henrv. who lives near Leb- 
 anon, III., and .Adam, who resides in this State. 
 Those who have p.assed away are Halsec. Christena 
 and .lacob. 
 
 Our subject was born September l.'i, IX.'iM. on 
 I lie old home place. He attended the pul)lic 
 schools ;iiid there received his education. In 
 18t)8, Mi.ss Margaret Ilainann became liis wife. 
 She was the daughter of George H. llaniiinn.a 
 farmer of tlii.> county, .\fter his marriage, our 
 subject settled on this place. !ind has lived here 
 ever since. Mr. anil .Mrs. Miller liuve had a fam- 
 ily of eight children; those who h,i\e been 
 taken from them by death are Lena, .\inelia, Ida 
 and Bertha; and those who still remain are: .Iiilius, 
 Otto, K.mnia and .Vniiif. 
 
 Mr, Miller has one hundred nml seyeiity-tive 
 rtcfes of laud, all well impro\ed and in a line state
 
 198 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of cultivation. Politically, he is a Republican, 
 and socially lie belongs to the Fanners' 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 
 iudginent and strict moralitv. 
 
 /AMES W. XIKK, City Comptroller and Ed- 
 itor of the Journal, has been a prominent 
 factor in the upbuilding of the city of East 
 St. Louis, and is one of the representative 
 men. He was born in South B^yron, 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 dairv 
 business in his native countrj', 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 years of age. 
 The Kirk family was originall}' 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, 
 where he assisted on the farm and in the dairy 
 business until the New York Central Railroad was 
 built, when he eng.aged in contracting and build- 
 ing between Rochester and Buffalo. After itscoin- 
 pletion, he was Assistant Superintendent on llii> 
 road for years, but finally retired to Bergen, and 
 there died. In religion he was a Catholic, and in 
 politics, a stanch l^emocrat. His wife, who was 
 formerly Miss iSusan 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 this wortliy couple, 
 ten are living at the present time, and our subject 
 is the 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 dry-goods store, thus accumu- 
 lating sulHcient means to enable him to obtain n 
 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 Schools, and after graduating he received 
 a State certificate, afterward teaching at B3-ron 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 witii the East St. Louis Gazette as a writer and 
 repoi'ter 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 
 Gazette, which ho edited until the 1st of tlanuarv, 
 1889. 
 
 Previous to this, however, in 1872, he was ap- 
 pointed City Auditor by the Mayor, and held tliat 
 position in a capable manner for five years, or un- 
 til 1877, when be became Librarian of the Public 
 Library, filling that position for eighteen months. 
 After this he became Assistant City Clerk, and 
 held tliat position for three years. During the"dark 
 days'" of East St. Louis he was reporter on the 
 St. Louis Republican and Globe-Democrat, and he, 
 with Mayor Ste[>hcns and otliers, united to form a 
 new city government. This new law was adopted 
 in the fall of 188G. After leaving the Gazette, Mr. 
 ICirk established the East St. Louis Journal, edited 
 it under that name for a year, and then changed it 
 to llie Daily Journal in March, 189(i. and is con- 
 ducting it at the present time> 
 
 In April, 1887, he was appointed City Auditor
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 199 
 
 by Major Stepheiiti, and in September. 1888, he 
 was appointed City Comptroller, yiv. Kirk owns 
 considerable real estate in the city, including the 
 Journal office, which is a two-story briek on Broad- 
 wa.v, at the head of CoUinsville, and hi.s liand.<ome 
 residence on Pennsylvania Avenue. !Mr. Kirk was 
 married in East !St. Louis to Mrs. Mary (Pow- 
 ers) Godin, a native of Providence, R. I., and the 
 daughter of John Powers, who was a joiner in roll- 
 ing mills. She had one son by her former marriage, 
 William J. Godin, who is pressman in the Journal 
 ottiee. Mr. and Mrs. Kirk have one child, .Su.sie. 
 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 valual)le service. 
 For several years he w.is 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 t)f the 
 unthinking public, have been justified by results; 
 but a recital would not bo approved by iiim. lie 
 is one of the county's most induential citizens, 
 and is a pleasant, genial gentleman. He and Mrs. 
 Kirk are member'^ <>f the St. ratrick's Catholic 
 Church. 
 
 ^Sf^HARLES DEXTER. The adventurous life 
 [1^ 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 
 Countj-, but this record would be very incomplete 
 if there was no mention made of it. Thirty-eight 
 years seenv a short time in which to accomplish so 
 much, but that is the length of time that has 
 elapsed since our subject fii-st 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 "Mavflower" 
 
 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 finallj' came 
 home to Lancaster and ended liis 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 .ind 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 the War of 
 1812, and was a saddler by trade. Hotli parents 
 liave passed off the stage of life. Two children 
 were the result of tlieir union. Bennett W., who re- 
 sides in Jliuneapolis, 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 liere 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 
 (ieodetic Coast .Survey. In 1879, he graduated 
 witli the degree of A. B., and then came West as 
 far as Charles City, Iowa, and then spent one year 
 in travel. 
 
 During his travels he penetrated into the wild 
 countiT in New Mexico, where the Apaches were 
 giving the troops miicli trouble, and with the spirit 
 of youth and tlie 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- 
 f.ictory 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 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 struck 13enver 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 satisfactorilj' 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 .icres on Tenth Street, on 
 Broad waj', 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, Kan.sas 
 City, Chicago and other points. 
 
 Our interesting subject made a great step for- 
 ward in 1881 by his marriage. The cliarming lady 
 was Miss Wyllian Knapp, horn and educated in 
 Charles City, Iowa. He is a strong Republican 
 and can give many reasons in his cheery style why 
 he is one. He belongs to the Unitarian Club of 
 St. Louis. 
 
 Mr. Dexter is a fine convers.ationalist and his de- 
 scriptions of killing deer and bear, and of marching 
 one hundred and even two hundred miles without 
 sleep with loaded muskets, when on the way to Ft. 
 Stanton, are very thrilling. He is one of the most 
 successful business men of this place. 
 
 <S^Mn. .1. EGGMANN, lawyer, and State In- 
 jlU) spector of the National Stock Yards at East 
 Jj— ^ 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 tlie lakes in Switzerland, and still later 
 became harbor-master at Romnnshorn. 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 seventy-five years. 
 
 The mother of Emil J. Eggmann was Anna 
 Kathrina .leanrenaud, who was of French descent, 
 but was born in Switzerland. Emil .J. Eggmann 
 was the only scion of his father's house, and was 
 reared in the large manufacturing town of St. 
 Gallen, where he first attended the gymnasium, 
 and afterward the polytechnic school, where he 
 completed the prescribed course. Following this, 
 he was employed as clerk in a mercantile house for 
 some time, then spent two years in traveling 
 through Southern Europe. He was a fluent speaker 
 of both (ierman and French, and therefore derived 
 much more benefit from his travels than he other- 
 wise would. At the age of nineteen years he came 
 to America, deciding to do so while in England, 
 and with this end in view, he returned to Belgium, 
 sailing from Antwerp in .Tanuar^', 1864. and land- 
 ing at New York. The Civil War in this country 
 was tlifn in progress, and Mr. Eggmann at once 
 enlisted in Company F, Eleventh New Jersey In- 
 fantry, under the name of Emile .leanrenaud, and 
 was mustered in at Newark in November, 1864. 
 He joined his regiment in front of Petersburg, and 
 served until the close of the war. He was in the 
 Grand Review at Washington. 1). C, and received 
 his discharge in .Inly, I860. 
 
 In the fall of that year, he went to St. Louis, 
 Mo., and a short time after engaged in the general 
 mercantile business at Mcredosia, 111., but six months 
 later began clerking in St. Louis. September 19, 
 1866, he located in East St. Louis, and after a few 
 years spent as a clerk in a grocery store he began 
 in the same capacity in a hardware establish- 
 ment, and although he experienced many ups 
 and downs, he in the main was successful. In 
 1872, he was elected to the position of .lustice of 
 the Peace, and during the four years that ke 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 1890 was 
 admitted to the Bar. After his term of Notary 
 had expired, he was appointed by Gov. Oglesby
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 •2(11 
 
 as State Officer for the Prevention of Cruelty to 
 Auimals in East St. Louis, and lield this position 
 three and a half years. In 1890, he received the 
 appointment from Gov. Fifer as Public Adininis- 
 trator for .St. Clair County, and in February, 1892, 
 he was appointed by the State Hoard of Live Stock 
 ('omniis<ioneis to his present position, which he is 
 ably filling, and which occupies much of his time. 
 Our subject's marriage to Mi.ss Caroline Manewal 
 took place in St. Louis in 1866. She was born in 
 Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and has become the 
 mother of nine children: Kmil W., who is study- 
 ing law in St. Louis; Dr. Jerry P., who is a prac- 
 ticing physician of Chicago; Horace .1., a school 
 teacher of tliis city; Katie .\., P^lvira, George, Aug- 
 ust M.. Tancred C. and Riciiard .T. ^Ir. Kggmann 
 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, tiolitically, and 
 belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. He 
 and his family attend tiic F.vanaetic.il Lntlieran 
 Church. 
 
 ♦^^ 
 
 ^^ 
 
 j^R. H. .1. okHAAN, 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 cit}- 
 of East St. Louis, was born in .St. Louis, Mo., May 
 24, 1858, a son of J. .1. de H.ian, who was born in 
 Coin, German}-. 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 attaine<l to consideralile rank. He 
 served in tlie Revolution of 1848, in tlie King's 
 Guards in Berlin, and w.os later honorably dis- 
 charged at Coin. In 18.')7, he came to St. 
 Louis, Mo., with his wife, and became manager for 
 the Saler Publishing House, the largest (merman 
 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 Ferry Ccmipany, but 
 resigned in 1889. and has since lived in retirement 
 at his pleasant and comfortable residence at No. 
 70 Penn.Mlvania Avenue. His wife was Catherine 
 Rudtge, a native of Coblenlz. Germany, and by 
 her he became the father of two sons and three 
 daughters, one son being now deceased. The 
 paternal grandfather was born in Holland and be- 
 came well known .as an architect of more than 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, III., he 
 still continued to pursue his studies in St. Louis, 
 where he first attended a German institution, 
 later entering the Sacred Heart College at Ruma, 
 111., where he graduated in the Latin course at 
 the age of eighteen j-ears. .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 Eseulapius 
 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 188."). 
 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 fainiliar willi both (iciiiiaii 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 pui-suance 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 
 
 POUTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 entered upon the practice of his profession, and it 
 was not long before the public began showing its 
 appreciation of his ability, Ids earnest effort, and 
 his conscientious devotion to the duties of his 
 profession, as it always shows appreciation of gen- 
 uine merit. AVith professional skill which 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 the closest and 
 most assiduous attention to l)usiness has swelled 
 his annual income to goodly proportions. This 
 has also been increased by judicious investments 
 in real estate, in which business he has shown 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 Tennsylvania 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- 
 ical 1 v. 
 
 R. ALKXANDER FEKLTI-:, the etticient 
 Postmaster of East St. Louis, 111., and a 
 well-known physician of this section, was 
 born in Buda Pesth, Hungary, December 
 2, 1827, of wliicli country his father, Louis Fekete, 
 was a Government officer. The 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 imder Jesuit instruc- 
 tion, and, after completing his course there in 
 1845, he entered the University of Vienna as a 
 medical student; but at the end of three years lie 
 
 became involved in tiie Revolution of 1848, in 
 wliieh he served during tlie eighteen months that 
 it was in progress. He was a member of the Le- 
 gion of Vienna, became First Lieutenant, and was 
 wounded in tlie battle of Hermannstadt, on the 
 10th of .lanuary, 1849. His wound was in the 
 left thigh, wliich 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 tlie spring of 1850 he left Con- 
 stantinople with Kossuth, on board an American 
 vessel of war, and for some time thereafter was in 
 the hospitals of London. 
 
 In the fall of 1850, he crossed the .Atlantic to 
 America and readied New York at the end of six 
 weeks. He became a clerk in a drug establish- 
 ment in that city, but in 1852 came West to St. 
 J^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 
 I Fisher, a tiller of the soil, whose father had been 
 a Revolutionary soldier, as was also her maternal 
 grandfather. Dr. Fekete remained in Aviston, 111., 
 for about. five ye.ars, 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 
 Missouri Cavalry, and was in Mi.ssouri, Kansas and 
 Arkansas fighting bushwhackers. In 1864, he be- 
 came Surgeon of the regiment, witli the rank of 
 Major, and on the 14th of April, 1865, vvas mus- 
 tered out of the service at Rolla, Mo., tlie 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 o\t'v the country to visit his patients, he 
 carried his drugs in his saddle bags. As a medi- 
 cal inactitioner, he has shown the same tenacity of 
 purpose and the same devotion to duty that he 
 showed upon the field of battle in two hemispheres, 
 and his painstaking professional effort has placed 
 him in an independent financial condition. He 
 is a practitioner of the homeopathic school, and
 
 
 ■l/.i
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 20.1 
 
 has been siuce 1><77. In the year 18«0. he made the 
 race for County Coroner on the (iarfield ticket, 
 but the county wns largely Democratic, and he was 
 defeated by a small majority. In December. 1889. 
 he was appointed Postmaster of East .'^t. Louis by 
 President Harrison, and on the 1st of February. 
 1h;iO, he entered upon his duties. At that time it 
 was a third-cl.i,ss ollice. but it is now second-ciass, 
 and h.is a free delivery. 
 
 The Doctor h:us a pleasant residence at No. "223 
 Collinsville Avenue, where he and his family dis- 
 pense a refined hospitality. lie lias two children. 
 Thomas L. and Ida M. The Doctor has been As- 
 sistant County Physician for years, and was Health 
 Ollicer also for some yeai-s. Politically, he is a 
 strong Republican. 
 
 -^^ 
 
 ONHAI) RKINKCKK. of Belleville, is Presi- 
 dent and owner of the m.ajority of stock in 
 the Reinecke Coal Company, beside which 
 he owns extensive mining interests near the Louis- 
 ville it Nashville Depot and at Madisonville, 
 K}-. Born in Martsausen, Kurhessen, German}-, 
 May 19, 1844, our subject is a son of Frederick 
 and Mary (Oundl.icli) Reinecke, who became resi- 
 dents of Belleville. 111., in 18.')(i. The father had 
 learned the miller's trade in his native land, but 
 after becoming a resident of America he did not 
 engage in any special business. His famih* con- 
 sisted of two sons and two daughtci-s, of whom 
 the onl}- survivors are the subject of this sketch 
 and one sister, Eleanor, the wife of John Brown. 
 Both parents 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 w.as anxious to obtain suHicient 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. he- 
 coming thoroughly proficient in the business. At 
 the age of twenty-one years, he began coal-mining 
 as superintendent and manager for .Tohn A. 
 
 Reeves, with whom he remained until 1871. At 
 that time, having through economy and prudence 
 ac<|iiired sufficient means, he became a partner of 
 William M. Reeves, a son of his former employer, 
 in operating a mine at Reeves Station. At the 
 end of three years he came to the conclusion that 
 he could make more money if he embarked in 
 !)usiness alone, and with this object in view he 
 leased some coal land and sank a shaft, which he 
 is still operating. lie has gradually increased it 
 to its present capacity and now takes out about 
 seven thousand bushels of coal per da\-. He has 
 shipped .OS many as fifteen thousand busliels per 
 day on the Louisville & 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 
 ei|uipped with all the necessary machinery and 
 appliances for the successful operation of the busi- 
 ness, and the maii.agcment and practical details of 
 the work are in the hands of a man who is thor- 
 oughly familiar with ever\- branch of the business. 
 He is the organizer of the Reinecke Coal Company, 
 which has a capital stock of ¥100,000 paid up. I. 
 Baile}- is the Secretary of this company, also Treas- 
 urer and General Manager. Shipments of hiscoal 
 are made exclusively by rail to all parts of the 
 South, where the product of his mine is especially 
 noted as a superior tiuality and is in large demand 
 throughout the territor}" covered by his trade. 
 
 Through his own efforts Mr. Reinecke has at- 
 tained to his present enviable financial condition, 
 and h.os the unbounded satisfaction of knowing 
 that he is not beholden to any one for the prop- 
 erty he h.as .icquired, 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 h.is the respect of all with whom 
 he has had busines.- relations. He is decidedly 
 pr.actical in his views, has always been a keen ob- 
 server and h.as had the good judgment to grasp at 
 every opportunity that presented itself for tlie ad- 
 vancement of his interests, but never at the ex- 
 pense of others.
 
 206 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL 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 birtli 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 Fenn, of Belleville; Clara, and 
 Fred, who is attending school. Mr. Reinecke and 
 his family aie attendants at and supporters of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Cluirch. 
 
 II^R. H. C. FAIRBROTHER. There are men, 
 I ))) and the number is by no means small, who 
 V^ drift into what we are accustomed to look 
 upon as the learned 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 preference for any 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 environments, and in the course of time 
 they also find themselves shouldering responsibili- 
 ties for which they have scant liking, carrying 
 burdens 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 his life, 
 and leads to the unbiased and impartial view, that 
 the splendid success which he has achieved is the 
 logical sequence of talent rightly used, together 
 with energy and industrj* never misapplied. 
 
 Dr. Fairbrother was born near the village of 
 Bonaparte, Van Buren County, Iowa. His father, 
 Henry Fairbrother, and his grandfather of the same 
 
 name, were from Lancashire, England. His mother, 
 Frania Tollman, now in her eighty-sixth year, is 
 of hardy New England slock that can Ije traced 
 back to near the time 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 by 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 day 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. Looking 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 hardly more than a wil- 
 derness, inhabited by the red man 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 here, 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 j'ears 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 hoc of their former charms. 
 Realizing that his education had been almost lost 
 sight of, he began to cast about as to how he should
 
 PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL KFXORD. 
 
 •i((7 
 
 retrieve this loss. Upon the advice of his mother, 
 and brother John, wlio was then a student there, 
 lie heff.an an aeademic-al course at Denmark, Iowa, 
 graduating in the classical course of four \-ears, in 
 18(58. at wliieli time lie was valedictorian of his 
 class. During the greater part of this time he was 
 dependent upon his own resources, and earned tlie 
 means for iiis 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 tlie direction of Dr. An- 
 gear, at Ft. ^ladisoii. Iowa. He remained here 
 for a year and a half, maintaining himself in the 
 meantime by work in a drug store, after wiiich he 
 came to St. I.oiiis and entered the St. Louis Medical 
 College. 
 
 During the Krst year of his ct>urse his expenses 
 were defrayed by various kinds of work, chiefly 
 in the ortice 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. liOuis. 
 A pasteboard card with the name and new title upon 
 it was tacked upon the door of a room in Ixivings- 
 ton's Row. The furniture that decorated this 
 office was unearthed from the cellar of Con Fal- 
 lon's saloon on tiie 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 ijuantity, as it formed a fair-sized load 
 for a one-horse coal wagon that was passing that 
 way, and tlie teaming cost but a trifle. But as luck 
 would have it. tiie 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 (inergency call was made, 
 and tlie 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 .\. 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 her ninth year, died of scarlet fever. Still liv- 
 ing from this union are Raymond, now in his six- 
 teenth year, and Mildred in iier tenth year. In 
 April, 1883, Dr. Fairbrotlier was apjiointed 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 many suggestions with regard to the 
 conducting of these schools. He had scarcely re- 
 turned, when their magnificent University build- 
 ing, erected at a cost of %300,000. was consumed 
 by fire. As the State does not insure its proj)- 
 erty, there was no insurance on tlie 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 imraediatel}- to Spring- 
 field and laid before the Governor a petitlcui to 
 call a special session of the Legislature to make 
 this appropriation. The petition failed so far as 
 calling of the session was concerned, hut 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 veiy little trouble, the 
 appropriation was secured. 
 
 Dr. Fairbrother gave personal attention to tlie 
 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 w.as united in marriage to 
 Miss Kate H. ilerry, also a teacher in the i)ublic 
 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 year. For the past eighteen years Dr. l-'air- 
 brother has been an active member of the St. Louis 
 Medical Society. He is a member of the St. Clair 
 Countv 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 
 tUe meeting of that body in St. Louis in 1861, as 
 Cliairman 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 mone}' to the elevation of the public schools 
 of East St. Louis, and in securing their freedom 
 from entanglement with religious dogmas. 
 
 In public 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 verj'^ fair competence. He is Vice-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 lesidence 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. 
 
 =» — ■■ ;i 
 
 ^^EORGE L. CORLIS. The grandfather of 
 II j_. tlie pleasant gentleman whose sketch it 
 '^^^ gives us pleasure to place before the readers 
 of the Ri;roiii> was an English Captain who brought 
 his famil3' 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, 
 partlj' 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 alwaj'S 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 LTnited States. Both parents 
 afHliated 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 Metroi)olis, 111., 
 May 26, 1868, and was reared in the place of his 
 birth. He attended the common schools tliere 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. lie had been practic- 
 ing in Metropolis during his vacation, and his first 
 case was one of murder, when the brilliant j'oung 
 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, wlieie the firm 
 eno'ages 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 w.as twice selected 
 by his classmates to take the President's chair in
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 209 
 
 If 
 
 the Platonian Society and was the salutatorian of 
 his cl.ass. He is a member of the Methodist Episco- 
 pal Church, tlie church of his parents, and is proud 
 of the connection. The Democratic party finds in 
 liim a valiant champion, and we maj- venture to 
 predict great things for this young son of a college 
 that has sent out many prominent men in the last 
 half-centurv. 
 
 11^^51 m\]^ lo^aii^' 
 
 oris BOISME^■UE, Chief Clerk in the Heim 
 jj, Brewery of East St. Louis, and a reiMc- 
 ^ sentative of one of 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 the bottoms of the Missis- 
 sippi River, and followed agricultural pursuitii 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- 
 giiged 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 produce and 
 provisions with the soldiers at the Western forts, 
 ffoing .as far West as Ft. Laramie during the war. 
 When the railroad came to St. Joseph, he went 
 from there West for a few years. After thi.s, he 
 was engaged in the livery business on Main and 
 Third Streets f()r four years, but subsequently be- 
 came Cashier of the East .St. ].,ouis Bank, with Col. 
 J.anott as President, ilr. Boismenue held that 
 position until he had to retire on account of ill- 
 ness, and was succeeded by our subject. He died 
 in 188."i. wlien fifty-six years of age. He was Alil- 
 erman in the city for some time, and in politics 
 was a Republie.-ni. He held membership in the 
 Catholic Church. He married Miss Josphine Jar- 
 rolt, a native of E:wt Si. Louis and the 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- 
 boat* 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 hoi-seback 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 w.as organizer of the East 
 St. Louis Bank. In 1875, he was .again taken with 
 the gold fever, closed out business here, and went 
 to the Black Hills, where he was engaged in min- 
 ing. His death occurred in 1.h7(). when ovei- 
 seventy-five years of age. lie was one of the 
 original strong Republicans of the Stale, being 
 elected Representative on the Whig and Republican 
 ticket. He was Mayor of E.ast 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. Brislow, resides in St. Louis, Mo.; George 
 makes his home in East St. Louis; and Agnes also 
 ni East St. Louis. 
 
 The original of this notice, who was the eldest 
 child, was reared in East St. Louis, and received 
 his education in the public and High Schools, 
 graduating from the latter when seventeen years 
 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 Cashier 
 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 the Heira Brewing Company and has 
 been here ever since. He is interested in real- 
 estate and has about three hundred and fifty 
 .acres adjoining the city limits. He has imi)roved 
 his farm and 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.: .larrott, 
 Adele, Marie and Margaret. They have a pleasant 
 liome 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 C'ontral Committee and is 
 one of the foremost men of the county. 
 
 '■ ' ^S- 
 
 /^N HAHLES F. BERKEMEYER, Secretary and 
 (l( p Treasurer of the East St. Louis Hardware i 
 '^^/ Company, is the subject of the following 
 sketch. He is a gentleman in every sense of the 
 word, and conducts his business witii an amount of 
 energ3' that ensures success. The company whicli 
 he represents w.as incorporated in 189U, witii a 
 capital of 455,000, and their place of business is 
 No. 216 East Broadway, where a building 25x65 
 .accommodates their large stock of stoves, heavy 
 and shelf hardware and agricultural implements. 
 The grandfather of our subject was named Henry, 
 and in his native country, Germany, he worked 
 at liis tiade 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 lie became a farmer in 1877, when he located 
 on eighty acres in Madison Coiinty, where he still 
 resides. Our subject is one of the children of his 
 father's second marriage, the others being Albert, 
 who residcfi in filast St, Louis; Rosa, who is Mrs. 
 Isenberg, of Madison Cunnty; and George, who is 
 Ih t^itj employ of k\o h(u\Uv\; 'J,"l(0 wotliec >yss of 
 
 German descent, but was born in Switzerland. Her 
 maiden name w.is 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 this notice was reared in St. 
 Louis and attended the public schools until his 
 sixteenth year, but at that time he went to the 
 farm with his father and resided there fov four 
 yeais. 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 very 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 which 
 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 
 amonjj the business men of East St. Louis. 
 
 DAM BAU(;LEY. The very .agreeable 
 gentleman whose honored name opens 
 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 propei' amount of grain and fruits, but 
 holds in its secret recesses vast quantities of the 
 bl.ack diamonds whicli have made the fortunes of 
 so many, and which are destined to make wealth 
 for more, 
 
 For tlin dateof iiis birth we must go hack to the 
 ^■(irtf l.sia, Jmiwary 3i, ^\\v joiitiUon Mug miw
 
 PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 211 
 
 the place now owned by George W. Badgley, in 
 section 9. He was the son of Aaron and Catherine 
 (Stroud) Badgley. They were natives of Hardy 
 County, Va., the father born in the year 1773, and 
 the mother in 1776. The mother was of Dutt-h 
 parents, and was the daughter of Adam and Kve 
 Stroud — hence tlie pleasant little fiction in the fam- 
 ily that their home was the (iarden of Kden, with an 
 Adam and Eve, but noserjjent. 
 
 The Badgley family first settled in tiiis country 
 in Essex County, X. J., where the grandfather of 
 our subject, David Badgley, 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 
 liorseback, and they came together in order to bet- 
 ter protect themselves 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. Thev made the 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 i)ractically a wilderness, and the 
 Indians had not been driven West. The tribes 
 which inhabited these regions were the Kickapoos 
 and the Pottawattamies. Before proceeding further 
 in tlie 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 Hardshell 
 Baptists. He organized the first Baptist Church 
 west of the Ohio River, at Kaskaskia, and traveled 
 among the settlers, ])reaching in the open air and 
 in their homes, exluirting them to pious living, 
 joining their sons and daughters in holy matrimony, 
 baptising Ihem 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 way another 
 little life was added to the company. Within a 
 veai' after arriving ii) >ioin'oe Coi»«t^', the (aitlifuj 
 
 wife and the infant died. In 1800, Mr. Badgley. 
 Sr., married .again, the wife being Catherine Stroud. 
 \t that time there was no regular survey of the 
 lands by the (iovernment, 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 tiie 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 
 onh" 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 
 !is Justice of the Peace, and w.as made Over.seer 
 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, ia 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 1.'),. 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. With the exception of a partial loss of 
 iiearing, 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 iimucdiate subject of tliis sketch was born 
 oil a farm, and reared there. He hail very little 
 chalice f(M- obtaining an education, but he was 
 naturally (piick, and has overcome the early dis- 
 advantages in that line. While young, his father 
 administered on an estate, ll was in the days of 
 [)aper money, and tiie bank that issued the bills 
 that represented the estate failed, and Mr. Bad- 
 gley, Sr.. found himself seriously crippled finan- 
 (ially. It took him a number of years to make 
 up tlie amount lost, and this young man had to 
 bear the bvi^ut &f atraiteiiud nieHUsi, He luai'iiec}
 
 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 neighbors. 
 They had but two children, an unusual circum- 
 stance, as in those days tlie families generally as- 
 sumed patriarchal proportions. The children are 
 Rebecca and Austin. The former married William 
 Boo-gy, 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 .T. Henderson, of Iowa, daughter of 
 Thomas and Eliza Henderson. Mr. Badgley lias 
 served his district as School Director and Road 
 Overseer. He has been in liarmony with the Dem- 
 ocratic party all Ids life. 
 
 'tfj OHN DOYLE is one of the pioneers of East 
 St. Louis. 111., with whom time has dealt 
 most kindly, and although he has lahon-d 
 
 hard throughout his life, he is in the full 
 
 vigor of manhood. His early days 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 son .John and secured 
 employment in the public works of Toronto. In 
 18.54 he returned to Ireland and brought the 
 balance of his family liither, 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 motlier lived until 1879, when 
 she, loo, passed away. Six 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 employed, 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 6; 
 Co., and later was in the employ of the St. Louis 
 Transfer Company. He labored in different ca- 
 (lacities from driver up to foreman, attaining the 
 latter position in 1865. In 1858, the island was 
 overflowed and Jlr. Doyle rode all over the city 
 in a skiff, and also to the city of St. Louis, where 
 he was making his home at tlie time. 
 
 INIr. Doyle has always 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 <>f some valu.-ible real estate on Col- 
 linsville Avenue, :ind is in the enjoyment of a 
 competency, which is tlie result of his own earnest 
 efforts. Taken all in all, Mr. Doyle's life h.as 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, 
 wIk) deserves all the success he has achieved. He 
 is lortnuiii (if the St. Louis Transfer Com- 
 l)any on llic Illinois side of the river, and has 
 lieeii longer engaged in this business than any 
 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 1«71. he was elected one of tbe direclors of
 
 LIBHARY
 
 PORTRAIT A>;D biographical RECORD. 
 
 2ir> 
 
 the Douglass School and has held the position to 
 the satisfaction of all concerned up to the present 
 time. He is the oldest member of the Board in 
 the city, and for the past five years 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 tlie Board that was on tlie building com- 
 mittee. In 186i), 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, 1807, to Miss Kate Cooney, a native of 
 Ireland, and six of the children born to them are 
 living: Thomas J., who graduated at the St. Louis 
 rniversity, is now holding an official jiosition in 
 a Vandalia railroad office; William J. was also 
 educated in the St. Louis University and is now a 
 railroad clerk at the same place; Henry M. is with 
 the Illinois A- St. Louis Railroad; John G. is 
 with the St. Louis Transfer Company; OUie 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 lias been a dele- 
 gate to countv conventions. 
 
 ♦^^^1©-©®!^^^- 
 
 .A'l'RlCK 11. STAC K. a wealthy real-estate 
 owner, lias been a resident of the city of 
 East .St. Louis since 1804, .•iiid has identi- 
 fied himself with every worthy interest of 
 this section. He was born in County Kerry, Ire- 
 land, lint ill IMID w.as brought by his father, to- 
 gether with the lest of llic family, to America, 
 taking passage on the sailing-vessel '"Christopher 
 Columbus," at Liverpool, England. The}' reached 
 New Viirk Harbor nftcr a five-weeks ocean voyage, 
 and imnu'dialcly proceeded to Lpper Canada, 
 where the fathei, (Jarrett Stack, bought a farm of 
 IvTo hundred and forty acres, which he improved, 
 and on which he resided until his death. He was 
 a son of Robert Stack, a farmer, which occupation 
 
 19 
 
 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 Ballylongford, 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 coining 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 
 [)ursuits would be more congenial to his tastes, and 
 he afterward turned hisattention to book-keeping. 
 He went to Nashville, Tenn.,iu 18.5 L as a railroad 
 employe, in which capacity he traveled all over the 
 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- 
 pliis, and there entered the employ of the Federal 
 Government as Commissary Supply Clerk, in which 
 cap.Hcity 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 ct Alton Railroad, acting in the capac- 
 ity of foiemau. He then turned his attention to 
 other occupations, and by 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-story brick residence, wliicli, when 
 completed, will lie one of the finest in the city. 
 
 He owns other valualile property in East St. 
 Louis, besides one liundied mihI forty acres of land 
 near Carlyle, Cliiiloii County, 111., mm iiiipioved 
 and valuable farm, wliicli he ieiil>. He lias liiiilt 
 iii.-iiiv hoUM's in the city, among which ma}- be 
 nicnlioiu'd the Turf Clnli House, tni Main Street. 
 Ill' was innrieil in ( liicago to Miss Margaret Lillis, 
 aiialixcof Comity Clare, Ireland, and by her is 
 the fatlici of Ilic following children: .lohaiiua, 
 Mrs. Ilealay, a resident of St. Louis; Garrett .1., a 
 clerk with Nelson Morris iV Co., of (liicago: .lolin 
 J., at home, and Margaret I',
 
 216 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Mr. Stack has been a member of the School Board 
 of East St. Louis for three years, held the oftice of 
 Justice of the Peace from 1869 until 1877, and was 
 Township Collector for one term. He is a member 
 of the First Mutual Building tfe 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 
 Workingmen's Bank, and was a Director for 
 seven years. Ho aided in organizing the East St. 
 Louis Gazette, and also has served as Director of 
 the same. Politically, he is a Democrat, has been 
 a delegate to count}' and vState conventions, and 
 been chairman of county conventions. He and his 
 family attend St. Mar^-'s Catholic Church. He is 
 well known in the business, political and social 
 circles of the city, where for so many j-ears he has 
 made his home. 
 
 ^^ APT. HENRY E. TRENDLEY. In ordei- to 
 [if perpetuate for coming generations the re- 
 
 ^^^'' cord of one whowas verj' prominently con- 
 nected with laying the solid foundation of the 
 prosiierity of East St. Louis, a brief sketch of the 
 life of Capt. John Trendley, father of our subject, 
 wiio might properly be called the "Father of the 
 City," maj- be of interest 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 b^' occupation. The 
 latter came to America with his family as early as 
 1817, and resided for some time in Alexandria, 
 Va. F"'rom there he moved to St. Charles County, 
 Mo., bought new land, and spent the remainder of 
 his days in improving it. lie was a devfuit Catho- 
 lic in his religious views. 
 
 Capt. John Trendley's youthful days were spent 
 in assisting his father in clearing the farm and re- 
 ceiving what little scholastic training he could in 
 the pioneer schools of those days. After growing 
 up, he came to East St. Louis and was witii Capt. 
 William AViggius oii ll)o civcr, first ns q, deck hand, 
 
 then as Captain and afterward as agent. When 
 twenty years of age he was made Captain 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 3'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. lie was one of the original members 
 of St. Henry's Church in East St. Louis and 
 was deeply interested in its growth and prosperity. 
 Capt. Trendley was one of the oldest members of 
 the AVMggins 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 
 fift^'-five years of age. Ten children were born to 
 them, only three beside our subject now living: 
 Elizabeth, Caroline and Josephine. Capt. Henrj' 
 Trendley' was reared and educated in the private 
 schools of St. Louis, and subsequently attended 
 the University of St. Louis for two years. Later 
 still, he entered McKendree College, where 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 
 F"'erry 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 
 Kidman 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 thom now. At present he is Captain of 
 the -'Henry L. Clark." Formerly i)art of his bus- 
 iness was to take excursions up tlu' river for six- 
 teen miles. 
 
 Captain Treinllcv owns one hundred imd Iwcntv 
 acres of land tm the North Belleville Rock Road, 
 adjoining the corporation, wljidi ho leases. He
 
 POlMHAir AM) UKXiRAIMI'CAL KECOKD. 
 
 217 
 
 resides on the farm, and is a stockholder in the Wij^- 
 
 <,Miis Ferry Comptiny. lie was married in Si. 
 Louis, ill ISCiT, III Mi.-'S Cflestine (iautier, a natnc 
 of St. Louis, ami two rliildicii have blessed this 
 union, .loliii M. was educated in St. Louis and was 
 for a lime Assistant Casliier of tlie Yandalia Rail- 
 road, and at present he is traeing clerk; and Rosalie, 
 now Mrs. W. W. Dean, of St. Louis, Mo. The fam- 
 il\- holds ineinbership in St. Henry's C'iiurch, and 
 Capt. Trendley is an ardent Republican in his 
 political views. lie 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. 
 
 ^., LKXANDKK FLANNHiKX. The gentle- 
 'J^lJj man whose biographical sketch it is now 
 Is our purpose to give is a successful lawyer 
 of East St. Louis, and has gained (luite a 
 name in the county for his good judgment and 
 sound rendering of the law. His place of business 
 is in the Flannigen Huildiiig on Tliird Street, 
 which was erected in 1H82. 
 
 The father of our subject was born in Belfast, 
 Ireland, and was a shoemaker in tliat country. He 
 came to America when about thirty years of age 
 and locateil in riuladelpliia, where he was mar- 
 ried. He resided on t'.allowliill Street in that 
 city, and there his two ehlest children were born. 
 In .the year ISAH, he started Westward via (ialena, 
 and first made liis home in Washington County, 
 111. He was fond of travel, and visited Indi- 
 ana and Kentucky; at Kvaiis\ille ln' became 
 overheated and injudiciously drank a eiip of cold 
 water, which caused his iiiiiiie<liatc de.-itli. The 
 mother of our subject ludiight hci' three chil- 
 dren to Washington ( ouiity. where she had a 
 cousin, a Mr. McCiine. She aflcruard married a 
 James McLellaii. who now resides in Nashville, 
 111. Her maiden name w.as .lane McMunii and she 
 was born in Helfjist. Irehiud. ;ifler her father, 
 Hugh McMunii, a nati\-e of Scotland, had emi- 
 grated to tliat city. She now resides with her 
 youngest son, Kd McLellan, who is » banker in 
 
 C'hanute, Kan. The three children of the first un- 
 ion, were: .lames, who now is in Denver, Colo.; 
 William, who resides in Cli.'uiute, Kan., and is 
 a farmer there; and the subject of our sketch. His 
 two step-brothers are Edward, and George, who 
 is a Police .ludge at Oklahoma. 
 
 Mr. Flannigen w.as born in (Jaleiia, 111., De- 
 cember 8, IH.').'! He was reared on a farm near 
 Nashville, 111., and began early to display his pro- 
 fessional tendencies. He commenced teaching 
 school before he had reached his .seventeenth year. 
 He first taught at Hridgeport,lll.,and then at Nash- 
 ville, 111. He then taught three years at Ogle Sta- 
 tion, and in 1871 he became first assistant in the 
 Franklin School. Here he taught for three j'ears, 
 and then began the study of law in the office of 
 William (J. 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 Henjamin II. Canby, who is Judge of the 
 City Court. This partnership lasted until the 
 election of Jlr. Canby, in 188(1. Since then Mr. 
 Flannigen has practiced alone. He is interested in 
 much real estate, and has a veiy extensive busi- 
 ness. He held the office of City Attorney for 
 three years and was Cit3- Treasurer for one year. 
 While holding the latter office, he secured a con- 
 fessed judgment against the city for .i!80,000 of 
 the money belonging to the schools, which had 
 been improiierly used by the city, and with this sum 
 twoschoolhouses were built. He is a man of very 
 iiidepeiuh'iit views and has never permitted himself 
 to join aii\ oilier, as he wishes to bean unpre- 
 jiiiliccil alloniey. lie is a decided .Vgnoslic in his 
 belief, alMiouuli the teaching of his youth was the 
 faitli of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Late 
 years have aNo shown liim that his political views 
 are not the same, anil now he is a Democrat when 
 once he was a [Republican. 
 
 Mr. Flannigen was m.arried here N'ovemlier 30, 
 IH8-2, to .Miss Dora, the accomplished youngest 
 daughter of .Mitchell Marsh, the projtrietor of 
 Summit .\veiiuc Hotel, who was a native of llalv; 
 her mother, Ivjizabeth Goodwin, though born
 
 •218 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 In St. Clair Count)-, was of French descent. 
 Walter A. and Nellie are the fairies of Mr. Flan- 
 nigen's home, and with the mixture of Scotch-Irish- 
 Italian-French blood in their veins, they ought to 
 be well equipped for almost any emergency of life. 
 
 ]^-f^! 
 
 \I^ A. TWITCHELL, M. D. The subject of 
 Ls^' the following sketch represents an old pio- 
 li^% neer family of Illinois. He is one of the 
 ' most successful of the physicians of East 
 St. Louis, and is located at No. 426 Fourth Sti-eet. 
 The grandfather of our subject was born in 
 Maine, and came to Illinois as one of the first 
 settlers of Hardin Count}-. He came down the 
 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 many miles to get 
 their grain ground. All these things form whole 
 histories by themselves, but in a brief sketch, such 
 as the present Riccoiai 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 onl}- twenty years of age, he started 
 overland, with 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 il burned. He then went back to 
 farniing and continued there until 1859, when he 
 was seized with the prevailing Pike's Peak fever, 
 ni)(l went overland again. lie 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 the 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 acceptably 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, III., 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 J. W., who is now 
 in Colorado studying medicine. 
 
 Dr. Twitchell passed his boyhood upon the 
 farm and was eniplo3ed 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 
 was engaged .as book-keeper at Rosiclare, 111., for 
 four years and then took up the study of medicine, 
 and for five years w.as under Dr. R. R. Lacy. He 
 assisted in his practice and in 1888 he entered the 
 Meciical College of St. Louis. He graduated from
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 thoie iji .1 11110. 18iMt, with the degree of M. D. He 
 then Iiipntcd 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. Louis Short 
 Line Railroad. 
 
 Dr. Twitchell was married April l.i. lt<!S2, to 
 Jliss Laura L. Simmons, who was born in Salem. 
 Ky., but was reared in Hardin County. Ill- They 
 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 Kxamin- 
 ing Physician for the Commercial Alliance In- 
 surance Company of New York. Although an 
 Eclectic in his education, he pr.actices with the 
 regular school and belongs to the F^clectic 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 ?^piscopal Church and to that he clings. 
 
 'iflEREMIAH BENNETT, one of the honored 
 jjioneers of St. Clair Countj-, residing on 
 section 26, O'Fallon Township, was born 
 near Hillsboro, Guilford County, N. C, 
 January 19. 1819, and is of English descent. His 
 grandfather, Elijah Bennett, ,was born in England, 
 and having emigrated to this country in Colonial 
 days, served in the War for Independence, partici- 
 pating in many engagements of the Revolution. 
 He was a farmer by occupation and died at his 
 home near Hillsboro, N. C.. in 1837, at an advanced 
 age. 
 
 The father of oursubject, John Bennett, was also 
 a native of North Carolina, and in 1825 emigrated 
 to Tennessee with his faniilj-. 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 Lineberry, died at the age of seventy-three 
 years. They were married near Greensboro. N. C, 
 
 and unto them were born these children: Eman- 
 uel and Daniel, who died in infanc3'. Sarah, who 
 was born near GreensVjoro in 1812, married John 
 Moreland in Tennessee. In 1836, they removed to 
 Missouri and resided on a farm near Vienna, where 
 Mr. Moreland engaged in business as a stock-dealer 
 .and shipper. They had two sons who 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 
 Ilathaw.ay and died at the age of seventy-five years. 
 They had five children: James, Eliza. Pleasant, 
 Sarah and Paraleah. Polly w.as married in Ten- 
 nessee in 1833, to AVilliam ^Moreland and they have 
 four children: John, G. Washington. 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 eng.aged 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, 
 Caioline, John and an infant. Emily, born October 
 
 9. 1844. and John 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 Emetine 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: 
 Huffh. Rosa M.. Alberts.. Jeiemiali H.. 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 Knoxville. Tenn., 
 .lanuary 31, 1837, and is a daugliter of Absalom 
 and Frances (Quails) Hart, the former a natire of 
 North Carolina, the latter of Tennessee. They 
 were married in 1834, and removed to Perrj' 
 County, Mo., in 1843. The daughter was there 
 married to Mr. Wolford in 1852, and unto them 
 was born a daughter, PVances 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 whicli 
 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. McCASLAND. One of the 
 ill most successful business men of this city 
 
 ^^7 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. McCasland (see sketch of J. 
 M. McCasland). 
 
 The subject of our sketch was born June 20, 
 
 1843, at Woodson, Morgan County, 111. He passed 
 his boyhood tipon the farm and received a com- 
 mon-school education, wliich was included in 
 eighteen montiis of attendance. Wiien the call 
 came for soldiers to rise to the defense of tlie 
 (Government, young McCasland was among the 
 first to respond, and enlisted in Sejitember, 1862, 
 in Company H, One Hundred and Ninety-first 
 Illinois Infantry, and was mustered in at Jackson- 
 ville and was sent to the front that fall. He was 
 with the regiment at Holly Springs, where the 
 greater part of it w.is captured, he, with a few- 
 others, being fortunate enough to escape; and also 
 at the siege of Vicksburg, 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 tiiey 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 Army Corps, and as such he re- 
 mained until the close of his service. He was one 
 of the brave men, who, with Sherman, made th.Tt 
 historic march to the sea, and tiien went to Rieii- 
 mond and took part in llic triumphal review at 
 the close of the long struggle in AVashington City. 
 He was mustered out in Springfield, in 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, when, 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 
 wliich he has been endowed, he 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, Mr. McCas- 
 land went to East St. Louis in 1885, and carried 
 on an extensive stock business until 1889. With 
 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. 
 
 3-23 
 
 wliat i.s known as North Clearniont and the addi- 
 tion to Xortii Clearniont. Since then he has taken 
 the lead in the business in East St. Louis, and has 
 made more money than any other dealer. He has 
 large possessions here, and owns both residence and 
 business property on Jlissouri Avenue and Broad- 
 way, and is still improving and building. 
 
 Mr. Mct'asland was married October 11,1867, 
 to ^liss Elizabeth Todd, the accomplished and 
 charming daughter of Martin Todd, who was born 
 in Jlorgan 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, 
 lie makes no excuse for his Republican principles, 
 but glories in the future he see« for his favorite 
 party. Mr. JlcCasland 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 this country by pluck and 
 honestx'. 
 
 m^-^^<m^ 
 
 IIRl.STIAN ROHM, Sr. This pleasant, ac- 
 
 ecommodaling gentleman is one of the old- 
 est merchant* in the city. flis place of 
 business is located on Collinsville 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 Ohl-ingen, Gcrnianv, 
 May 6, 1838. He was the son of Philip Rohm, 
 born in Hesse-Uarmstadt, who lived the life of a 
 farmer and died there in 18;')!. The good mother 
 of our subject, a daughter of Daniel Dau.ster, 
 a farmer, was given the name of Sophia, and 
 was born in Nassau, Germany. She spent her last 
 j-ears 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 gentleman of whom we write was reared in 
 
 Germany until he was seventeen years of age, and 
 I 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 Hiis way to Rotterdam and 
 from there to Liverpool, where he took passage on 
 the sailing-vessel "Anrora"to New York City, arriv- 
 ing there after a voyage of twenty -eight days. 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 drovei-s and 
 farmers on their waj- to the mart across the 
 great Father of Watei-s, which they reached bv 
 ferry. He engaged as clerk for two 3ears, and then 
 started in the grocery business on Broadway, 
 which 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 
 bv 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 I85;t, 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 i)arty, and has been 
 honored by it in various ways. He w;is an Alder- 
 man of the First Waid one term and then the 
 same time in the Seventh Ward. He has .acted on 
 different committees where the interests of thecitv
 
 22-4 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 liave been at stake, and was on tlie 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 Arch Masons of 
 this place, and Knights Templar of lielleville. 
 He is a man very much respected and is one well 
 posted in the interesting past of the city he has 
 seen make snch a marvelous orowth. 
 
 
 \l^-^ E N R Y VOS.S. Witli the rapid and im- 
 jVi mense growth of East St. Louis, and the 
 
 ^ ever-increasing demand for residences and 
 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, this 
 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 twentj'-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 $300, engaged in 
 buying 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 
 considerable. 
 
 In the meantime, the 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 very 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 Chuich. AVhen thirty-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-scliool education by attending 
 the city schools. He was early set to work, and 
 as he 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 property 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 P^ast St. Louis and the daughter of I^ouis 
 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 AC o., 
 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 $8,000 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 188fi, when not more than
 
 llBRAi^V 
 
 iNOIS
 
 
 ."^^ 
 
 ■^ h- ^ 
 
 ELIZABETH BORNMAN
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 twciity-f'iui- yoars of age, he was elected Village 
 Tni^tfc of New Brighton, and served his third 
 tt'iiii. when it was annexed to East St. Louis. He 
 has been a School Director of his district, serving 
 two times as President and two timesas Clerk. Li 
 1889, he was elected Commissioner of Highw.iys 
 on the Democratic ticket, and the last time was 
 elected iij 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 office of Director, he has built 
 up till' Illinois city school, one of the finest in East 
 St. Louis, at a cost of 830,000. He was one of the 
 Commissioners and took an active part. 
 
 Our sul)ject's marriage lias been blessed by the 
 birUi of two children, Natalia and Louis Henry. He 
 is a member of St. Henry's Church, in which his 
 father was one of the prominent members, the lat- 
 ter being one of four to build the first church in 
 East St. Louis. In politics, Mr. Voss is Democratic 
 in national affairs, and has been a delegate to 
 county conventions. 
 
 — "^^^w^®^^- 
 
 IhM, KS- ELIZABETH BOKNMAN. The ven- 
 erable lady whose honored name intro- 
 duces this sketch 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 riglit and the beautiful 
 traits of Christian character which have distin- 
 guished Mrs. Bornmau, deserves more extended 
 praise than the feeble pen of the 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 Hardy 
 County, near Harper's Ferry. They were of Ger- 
 man descent, the mother having been educated in 
 
 German}'. In 1797, they came to Illinois and first 
 made settlement near New Design, Monroe 
 County, where they lived for about two years. 
 Thence the\' came to St. Clair County and settled 
 on the aliove-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 i)ioneer life 
 caused much sickness and death. The children who 
 were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller were: Solomon, 
 wlu) 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 (laughter: William, who is a 
 farmer and resides in Perry County; Benjamin, 
 who resides in Stookey 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 wliich 
 countrj' he had come in 1817 to New York, and in 
 1819 to St. Clair County. 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 succes.s- 
 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 serioush' impaired. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Bornman were particularly blessed
 
 228 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 in their family. Tlic i^ons grew up brave and 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 last year of the war in 
 Company F, Thirtieth Illinois Infantry, and was 
 with Sherman in the march to the sea. Louis en- 
 listed at the 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 Company 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. Her grief was great 
 to see them go out from their peaceful home into 
 the danger of the battleQeld, but they were all 
 mercifully spared to her. Frances, Adeline and 
 Mary S. reside with the brothers at the home of 
 the aged mother and vie with each other to make 
 her 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 sixty-five acres of land, partly within the cor- 
 porate limits of the city of Belleville. 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 Ciiristian lives. 
 
 The venerable lady of whom we write is the old- 
 est living person in St. Clair Township, and with 
 the exception of Col. John 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 days, he being that 
 
 much her junior. Notwithstanding her age, Mrs. 
 Bornman has a bright memory, and can give ac- 
 counts of events and experiences which have es- 
 caped those much younger. With the exception 
 of deafness, she is still in possession of all of her 
 faculties, and enjoys life, taking an interest in the 
 welfare of those 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. 
 
 «^ 
 
 RS. :SIARTIIA DOrSSARD. The intelli- 
 gent lady whose name heads this sketch 
 is the widow of Lucien Doussard, and since 
 the day that depriv^ed her of her natural 
 support, she has lived on the farm left her by her 
 devoted husband, which her son operates for her. 
 This estimable lady is the daughter of Conrad and 
 F:iizabeth (Miller) Bornman. (See sketch of Eliza- 
 beth Bornman.) Mrs. Doussard was born on the 
 25th of January, 1831, in the city of Belleville, 
 being one of seven children. 
 
 Our subject was married November 29, 18.i."), 
 to Lucien Doussard, a native of St. Louis, in the 
 West Indies, who was born September 21, 1825. 
 His parents, Louis and Lucy Doussard, 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 to St. 
 Louis. Mo., but remained there but a short time. 
 In May, 1849, he removed to 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 eng.aged in clerking, but the latter
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 2 -in 
 
 liditiDii of his (liiys was .spent in tilling the soil. 
 In politics, lie was an ardent Repnlilican, iipliold- 
 ing the prinfiples of li is party whenever necessary. 
 He lived and died in the faith of the Catholic 
 Church, of which his family are also members. 
 
 Mr. and Mvs. Doiissard were the parents of .seven 
 children, :i.s follows: Joseph Riifus, a re.sident of 
 Kast St. Louis. 111., where he is engaged in the liv- 
 ery liusiiiess. lie married Catherine Schreck, and 
 they have three children. Mary died when still 
 young. .lames is at home, as is also Lucy. Cor- 
 rine has renounced the world and its vain iileasures 
 and is a sister in a convent at Koxbury, Mass. 
 .lulian M(jrris is living at home, and .-Xugusta died 
 when onl}- two years of age. 
 
 Mrs. Donssard resides on her pleasant farm of 
 sixty-seven acres with her son and daughter, who 
 endeavor to console their revered mother for her 
 great loss. Miss Luc\- Donssard is a refined, intel- 
 ligent lady, whose sweet manners win her friends 
 wherever she goes. This is a fainilj" whose name 
 deserves a place in every history of St. Clair 
 County, for it is such men and women as belong 
 to this household that make societj^ better and 
 purer. 
 
 eAPT. ClIHIS riAX INCOLI). There is 
 a tradition somewhere, that the Mississippi 
 River steamers can blow up oftener .and 
 burn down quicker, and make more fuss about 
 their demolition, than any other boats on the face 
 of the globe, and for that reason, perhaps, they 
 have a fascination for the youth born along the 
 banks of the mighty river. 
 
 The pleasant and entertaining gentleman of 
 whom this notice is written was born .\pril 11, 
 18r)6, on the corner of Boge and .Second .Streets, 
 Kast St. Louis, when that part of the now pros- 
 perous city was known .as Bloody Island. His father 
 w.as .Jacob Ingold, who came from his native town, 
 Baden, Germany, to Philadelphia, Pa., and, after 
 making the trip to St. Louis, engaged as a laborer, 
 and then went as a (nivate in the Mexican War. 
 
 .\fter his return, he came to E.ast St. Louis and en- 
 gaged as a teamster for the Wiggins Ferry Com- 
 pany, lie Continued with this company until 
 1><<S2, when they pensioned him and he now lives 
 retired. The mother of our subject was named 
 Annie M. Fletcher, and was born in Cerinany, 
 and died May C, lHi)l. 
 
 The subject of this writing was the only child of 
 his parents, and was reared on the Island and edu- 
 cated in St. Louis at the Saxon and Douglass 
 .Schools, .attending the .Jones Commercial Col- 
 lege at night. When but a bo}', he began to work 
 for .1. M. Jordan, of St. Louis, and remained with 
 him until in 1874, when he went into the employ 
 of the Wiggins Ferry Company .as weighmaster 
 and as (icck hand. lie was licensed as Captain 
 and I'ilol ill lissi. and took charge of the tug " H. 
 C. Crew veliiig,"' and ran it about three years, when 
 he took the tug"Clubb" and after this had charge 
 of others. He has been either Captain or Pilot tin 
 every boat since that has done iniuh for the 
 opening up and extension of development along 
 the ^lississippi River in the last twenty years. He 
 w.as Pilot for three years on the " Napoleon ^lulli- 
 gan " under Capt. Wick. In 1890, he became Cap- 
 tain of the'- John Trundley " transfer-boat. When 
 the water is low, tliej' make a run of fourteen miles 
 from the landing here to Chain of Rocks, at the 
 new St. Louis AVater AVorks. 
 
 Capt. Ingold was married in E.ist St. Louis, in 
 1886, to Miss Caroline Ilentze, who w.as born in 
 P^ast St. Louis, and' one charming little daughter 
 has come to gladden the good Captain's heart. 
 Her name is Ora Evelyn. He is a Democrat in his 
 politics, and has served as Clerk of Elections here. 
 He belongs to the social orders of Knights of 
 I'ythias and the rniform Rank of Knights of 
 Honor. 
 
 The subject of this sketch handles the helm with 
 accuracy, born < f long service in an employment 
 for which he alw.ays has had a fondness, and he 
 has the confidence of the people of East St. Louis, 
 for they know that he is thoroughly acquainted 
 with every harbor and rapid and unex[)ected curve 
 of tlie Father of Waters, along whose shores he 
 has passed his useful life. He was only twenty- 
 three years of age when he was first entrusted
 
 230 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 with a sleanier, and many have been his exper- 
 iences since then. He has seen the wonderful 
 growth of East. St. Louis and takes great pride in 
 showing it to the stranger. 
 
 f)HOMAS MAY, Ju. One of the most prom- 
 inent citizens of East St. Louis, who has 
 s^^' held here many oflicial positions of trust 
 and responsibilitj' and is at present the most effi- 
 cient Clerk of tlie City Courts, is Thomas May. 
 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 liis countrymen are known. His 
 parents, Thomas and Bridget (McDermott) May, 
 were natives of the Emerald Isle, the former born 
 in County Mayo, and a successful farmer in that 
 countr}'. When a single mau, the father decided 
 that America was the land of promise for a strug- 
 gling young man, and, after reaching this country, 
 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 subsequently was employed b}' 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 part}' 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 resulting from the 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, lie 
 
 came to East St. Louis at the last-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 
 City Courts over two popular opponents, by a ma- 
 jority of four hundred. He filled that position in 
 so creditable and etticient 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 amemberof tlie 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. 
 May 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 the principles of the Demo- 
 cratic party. 
 
 ^^j HARLES L. AVALRATH. The principal 
 [if requisite in the success of the real-estate 
 
 ^^^J business, the safest and surest form of in- 
 vestment, is to have reliable agents who are thor- 
 oughly posted on their city and locality. Such a 
 one has East St. Louis long possessed in Charles L. 
 Walrath, who is now not onl}' 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- 
 portant brandies of business "in any community. 
 He is a native of the Empire State, born in Cana- 
 joharie, Montgomery County, on the 19th of De- 
 cember, 1851, and conies of sturdy Germ.in ances- 
 tors. The first inemliers of this family to settle 
 in America were seven brothers, who came here 
 at a period antedating the Revolutionary Wai', 
 and served all through the struggle for indepen- 
 dence. 
 
 The great-grandfnllier of our subject, .latob 
 Walrath, was born in TS'ew 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 (the father 
 of our subject), .John .J. AValrath, 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 which he had been reared, and 
 tilled the soil very successfully for some time. 
 He then sold out and removed to Hdlsdale, 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 years well. lie is a Republican in politics and 
 a Methodist in religion. He married Miss Mari- 
 etta St. .John, a native of Montgomery County, 
 N. Y., and the daughter of Sylvanus St. .John, 
 who was born in C'onnecticut, and was one of the 
 early settlers of Montgomery County. Mr. St. 
 John was a very extensive farmer and was Captain 
 of a State militia conii)any. He was at Lake Erie 
 during the War of 1812. Mrs. Walrath died in 
 1882, leaving four children: Rev. J. II., who resides 
 in Chicago and isa Congregational minister; Louis 
 E., in Texas County, Mo.; Ciiarles L., our subject; 
 and Emma E., wife of the Rev. O. C. McClure, 
 of Coopcrstowu. N. i);ik. 
 
 The original of this notice was reared in New 
 York until the .'im' of twenty years, and from 
 early IiovImkkI deliglited in handling tools. He 
 served hi> lime at tlie carpenter's trade and was 
 educated at Ames Academy, of national reputa- 
 tion. When nineteen years of age, he taught 
 one winter term of school, and in 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 siilijecl 
 came to East St. Louis and assisted in settling the 
 St. John property, left b^' his great aunt, and since 
 then has been engaged in the re.al-estate business 
 building up and developing the city as much as 
 any other one man. His office is on the corner of 
 Third Street 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 flourishiiig busi- 
 ness. 
 
 Mr. Walrath w.as 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 (lolitical positions. Mr. W:ilrath w.as made 
 Notary I'ublie in 1887. lie is a niember of the 
 Presbyterian Church and is Trustee, Secretar}- 
 and Treasurer in the same. He was a member of 
 the Building Committee of the new church, one 
 of the finest in the city. 
 
 6 APT. HENRY SACKMANN. Among the 
 most noted and representative men of East 
 .St. Louis, III., stands the name of Capt- 
 
 Henry Sackmann, whose high reputation and ma- 
 terial prosperity came as the rewards of unusual 
 natural abilities, industriously applied. lh> is one 
 of the old settlers of ICast St. Louis, coming here 
 in 184G, when the city wai called Illinois Town and
 
 232 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 when there was but one house on the Island. From 
 that time to tlie present, he has so identified him- 
 self witli tiie affairs of tlie place tliat their history 
 cannot be recorded without according bini a con- 
 spicnous and lionorable part. He has assisted ver^' 
 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 brouglit forth 
 the flourishing East St. Louis of to-daj'. lie is at 
 [iresent the veteran employe of the Wiggins Ferry 
 Company, is the Superintendent of the large cor- 
 poration, and holds a very responsible position. 
 
 Capt. Sackmann was born on tlie 8th of April, 
 1834, at Hanover, Germany, and his parents were 
 also natives of that country. The father was a 
 carpenter by trade, and he and his wife passed 
 their entire lives in the land of their birth. Our 
 subject «as the third youngest of the children born 
 to his parents, and remained in Germany until ten 
 years of age. In 184o, he left Bremen for America 
 with a relative, and lauded m 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 him out to a baker in that 
 city and he remained with him three years, after 
 wliich he became connected with Illinois Town, 
 carrying and delivering bread on that side of the 
 river. He became a practical baker and at the ex- 
 piration of his time he worked one month for 
 the Wiggins Feriy Company. 
 
 In 1849, he went South, and was a lesident 
 of New Orleans for two years, engaged in selling 
 goods. In 1852, 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, 11nall\', Super- 
 intendent. He was Captain for many years. In 
 1871, he l)ecame Assistant Superintendent, but 
 virtually Superintendent, and in 1884, when Capt. 
 S. C. Clubb died, he became Superintendent. He 
 is the right man for the riglit place and is thor- 
 oughly familiar with everything connected with it. 
 This company runs tive ferry boats, throe ti;i)isfcr- 
 boats aud one lug, 
 
 Capt. Sackmann is the first man who ever took 
 a boat up the river and started the excursion trade, 
 about thirty years 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 produce a set 
 of as old men as the AViggins Ferry Compan3-. This 
 is the largest ferry on the Mississippi, or west of 
 New York, and the company employs in the river 
 department about eighty men. The Captain has a 
 comfortable home at No. 106 North B Street, and 
 is surrounded with all the comforts of life. He 
 was first married in 1858, to Jliss 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 one 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, 
 with the exception of four years. He is the oldest 
 alderman on the board aud has been President pro 
 tem. He is at present Chairman of the Public 
 Building and Grounds Commitee and a meinlierof 
 other committees. 
 
 A boat on the river, built in 1883, was named 
 "Henry Sackmann" for him, and is a transfer, carry- 
 ing fourteen ears. Another boat, the -'George A. 
 Madill," a large transfer boat for sixteen cars, was 
 built in 1891. Since the new admistration, he has 
 been Mayor Stei)iiens' right-hand man and has 
 taken an active part in all luiblic enterprises for 
 the prosperity of the city, lie is a member of the 
 School Board of Township No. 2, N. R. 10 W., 
 and has held tiiat position Un- nine years. He is 
 now the President of the Board. 
 
 Although he has had but limited educatimial ad- 
 vantages, the Captain is a self-made and self-edu- 
 cated man, and, being a man of observation aud 
 excellent judgment, is well posted on all the cur- 
 rent topics of the day. He was Special Collector 
 for tiie improvement of Front Street when it was 
 builland collected ^104,000, Jlo wfis nn orgauizerof
 
 rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 233 
 
 the Mutual Building and Loan Association in East 
 St. Ix)uis, 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 Comniandery No. 38, K. of H., of the Uniform 
 Rank, and was the first past Commander in the 
 State, this being tlie 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 the County Demucr.itic Com- 
 mittee. 
 
 
 ENRY OEBIKE, grocer, brings to the de- 
 tails of the business a thorougli experience, 
 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- 
 riety- of the goods handled by him, it is hard to 
 enumerate anj' special feature, for all that enters 
 into the line of staple and fancy groceries and 
 food supplies are comprised in it. ^Ir. Oebike is 
 the oldest grocer, in point of location, in the city, 
 for lie has been established iiere ^iince 1858. He 
 was born in West|)halia, Germany. .July 23. 1836, 
 in which country his worthy parents, Christof and 
 Anna (Sniaudl) Oebike, were also born, the former 
 of whom was a merchant of Warburg, an<l a tiller 
 of his own land. He was Alderman of his town 
 for years, and died the|e in 1866, when over>ixty- 
 five veai-s of age, after a useful and well-spent life. 
 His father, Edmond Oebike, was a rope manufac- 
 turer, and the muliier's fatiier w.a.s a tanner by 
 trade. 
 
 llciiiy ()cliike is the only sui-vi\ ing nieiiiber of 
 five children liorn to his parent*, and after obtain- 
 ing his first knowledge of books in the common 
 schools, he entered Warburg Seminary, where he 
 took tlie classical course and remained six years. 
 
 At the age of seventeen yeare, he left school and 
 began working in a grocery and hardware store in 
 Paderborn, and after attaining his twenty-first 
 year he was made managing clerk. In 18.58, not 
 fancying a military life, he 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 Oliio & Mississippi Railroad to join his l)rother 
 William, who was in the wholesale grocery busi- 
 ness in St. Loui-i. He remained in that city until 
 September, 1858, when he opened a grocery store 
 in East St. Louis, buying out the establishment of 
 .Mr. Millendorf. The place, which w.as then some- 
 times called St. Clair City, consisted of only about 
 one hundred inhabitants. 
 
 In 1863, Mr. Oebike bought the lilock which he 
 was occupying for $2,800. but in 1866 built the liist 
 brick building on Broadw.ay and moved the frame 
 building, in which he foruierly did business, to the 
 side of his brick estalilishment, 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 18'.t0, when his nephew, 
 Henry Strothman. became his partner. Their es- 
 tablishment, which is the oldest one in the i)lace, 
 is located at the corner of Broadwa^y and Collins- 
 ville -A. venue, and is very favorably located fur 
 I a successful trade. The store is 36x50 feet, two 
 st<jries in height, with a large basement, all of 
 which is in use. They do a large wliolesale and 
 retail business and deal in all articles usually kept 
 in .-i first-cl.ass groceiy. Mr. ( )ebike 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, Ijeside considerable real estate (over twenty 
 lots) throughout the city. In 1873, he laid out some 
 lots known as Oebike A- Eases' .\ddition, opposite 
 St. Henry's Church, which he sold at a satisfactory 
 advance; also an addition on SiuMt Street, some lots 
 at the corner of Mis.souri .\venue and Eleventh 
 Street, and three and a half acres within the city 
 limits on the Belleville turnpike. He also built a 
 residence on Missouri .\\cnui' now owned by Di'. 
 Strecker. 
 
 In 1865, he made a trip to Europe, but at 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 tiie 
 same for sixteen years lie retired. He w.as a mem- 
 ber of the Town Council for two terms, was inter- 
 ested in the incorporation of the place in 1865, 
 and for ten years was a member of the School 
 Board, and for seven years acted in the capacity 
 of President. 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 I860 to Miss Lazetta Schroe- 
 der, who was born in AVestphalia, Germany, 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-. 
 
 ^OHN P. METZEN was born near Bonn, on 
 the Rhine River, in Germany, November 
 ,—,1 I 23, 1825, but for some time past has been a 
 ^f^/J wealthy retired citizen of East St. Louis, 
 111. His father, .Tolin P. Metzen, was also born 
 there, and followed the calling of a school teacher 
 \intil his death. His wife was Agnes Bierther, 
 whose father was a Captain under Nai)oleon Bona- 
 parte and was a participant in the famous battle 
 of Waterloo. He afterward became Mayor of tlie 
 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 ,lohn P. and 
 Agnes (Bierther) Metzen eight children were born, 
 of whom the subject of this sketch is the only o|ie 
 
 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 armj- and re- 
 mained in the service for tiiree years, 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 
 (iovernment as Superintendent and Overseer of 
 the Public Domain, also Superintendent of For- 
 estr\', which positions he filled until 1851, when 
 he emigrated to America. He left Antwerp in 
 the f.all 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 land sales at Paola. He 
 settled on this land in Franklin Count}% 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 
 army, wl.en he was attacked b}' Gen. Price, and, as 
 his men were totally untrained and mau3' of them 
 without arms, he was defeated. He was taken 
 prisoner 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 
 previously 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 iMiss 
 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 
 F^ast St. Louis and soon afterward purchased land 
 here, which lie had previously leased as a place 
 for holding picnics. He nest engageil Ui the dairy

 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 
 
 237 
 
 business, which he conducted on a large scale, and 
 owned as many as one hundred and twenty cows. 
 He sold milk ami 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 1881) made his first large real-estate deal, 
 selling fifty acres to a St. Louis speculator, lie 
 built and owns a block on Missouri Avenue and 
 Seventh Street, and owns tlie I'.uck 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 (Irand Army of the Republic, is a. 
 Republican politically, and in 1 872 was a delegate 
 to the State convention at Springfield. He has 
 one son, .lohn 1'., .Ir. 
 
 ^^ HARLKS H. FIETSA.M. Tlic name at the 
 (ti I-. head of this sketch is tiiat of the practical 
 ^^^^ and successful farmer wlio resides on sec- 
 tion '2, New Athens Township. The father of our 
 subject, Henry I'ietsam, was born in Nassau, (;er- 
 many, November 8, 1791, and in his native land 
 was reared, and there married .Tuditli Monken. He 
 came to America on the 12th of .January. 18.T(t, 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 
 l)urcliase was the place where our subject now lives, 
 which he bought in 18.53. There lie remained until 
 his death in 1872. The mother of our subject sur- 
 vived until 187(). This worthy couple left twelve 
 children, all of whom grew to maturity, and five 
 of whom are still living: .losepli makes his home 
 in Texas; Henry resides in St. Cloud County, 
 Minn.; George lives in P'reeburg Township, this 
 county; and August lives in Williamson County, 
 this State. Those who have passed away are: Se- 
 bastian, wliodied in Belleville. III.; William. .Tohn 
 .1., Michael ami Fritz, all four iif whom died ui 
 Texas; Klizabelli. who died in (ieiiiiMnv; .iiid 
 Adolpli. who died on the home phu'c. 
 
 Our subjei't was born No vein be r lu, I8;il. in 
 N:issau. (iermany, and was liftecn years old when 
 
 his father decided to remove to America. He 
 grew to manhood in this country, and obtained 
 but little schooling. However, his natural ability 
 was great, and he has in a measure educated him- 
 self. 
 
 riie marriage of .Mr. Fielsaiii. in IHtll. united 
 him with Elizabeth I.oux, who died two years after, 
 leaving one daughter, Ida. now the wife of Frank 
 Aberle, of Fayetteville. In 18(54, Mr. Fietsam 
 again married, his wife being Mi.ss Philomeua, 
 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 economy and comfort. There have 
 been ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fietsam, 
 all of whom are yet living: Jlary is the wife of 
 Henry .lung, and they live in this township; 
 Charles is a fanner in New .\thens Township; Jo- 
 seph. Anna, Adolph, Edward, Theresa, Sophia, 
 Heruhardt 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 
 Coiintv; is .lustice of the Peace, and has been 
 County Commissioner for three years. He was re- 
 elected when the township was re-organized, liut 
 did not serve. He has always taken an active part 
 in the politics of his county, and is a very prom- 
 inent man there. He was a Director in the Farm- 
 ers" Life Insuiance Company for twenty years, 
 held the oflice of Financial Secretary, and for 
 seven years he has b(>eii Treasurer of that organ- 
 ization. 
 
 n. .1. 
 
 \\'I(;(;iNS. The eminent East St. 
 
 Ill Louis i)liy>ician and surgeon whose name 
 {^3^' appears at the head- of this sketch im- 
 presses even those who meet him in a 
 wav as a man who has diiftecl e.asil\- an<l
 
 238 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 naturally into the medical profession, who realizes 
 he has marie no mistake in the clioice of his voca- 
 tion, and who feels thoroughly at home in the po- 
 sition whicli 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 which he has achieved is the logical sequence 
 of talent rightly used, together with energy and 
 industry never misapplied. 
 
 Born in St. Lotiis, Mo., in 1855, 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 Republwan, 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 polities, he was a Republi- 
 can, and in religion, a strict Baptist, being Deacon 
 in his church. The motlier died in 1863. Five of 
 their six children are 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 tlie 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. lie 
 began practicing at C'aseyville, St. Clair County, 
 111., was verj' successful, and continued there for 
 seven years. In 1884, he came to East St. Louis, 
 still a small town, and lias practiced here ever 
 since. In 1879, he took a~post-gradnate course in 
 St. Louis Medical College, and has since been en- 
 gaged in his regular practice. 
 
 Dr. Wiggins selected for his life companion, 
 ISIiss Louisa C. INIoeller, a native of New I'lin 
 Minn., Init who was reared in Si. l,iiuis, and tiicir 
 union was celebrated in 1880. In the \cai- 1K«,S, 
 Dr. Wiggins was elected a member of the School 
 Hoard, held that pf)siti<>ii tliree ye:ir^, and dur- 
 iim this time tlic Webster Scliool linililini;' 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. They were erected at a cost of |i40,0()() 
 each, and are the finest in the country. By his 
 resolution on the 1st of July, 1889, the American 
 flag was placed on the school buildings of the city 
 each national holiday, and also one daj' of each 
 week. These resolutions were passefd, and were 
 the first passed West of the AUeghanys. 
 
 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 ^'alley 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 
 ill 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 Republican partv. 
 
 ^^^^^#S=^= 
 
 fl ENRY W. HEMPE. It is universally con- 
 ceded that the distribution of food pro- 
 ducts constitutes the most important factor 
 ill the long list of a city'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 every 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-ajipointed establishment of Henry W. 
 Heiiipe. who is not onl\' a prominent business man 
 of the city, Imt is Alderman from the Second 
 Ward. 
 
 Mr. llempe is a nati\e of (ierinany. iiorn in 
 Westphalia, Feliruary 5, 1837, and isa son of Will- 
 iam and Willielmina (Welman) Hempe, liotli na- 
 tives of the Old Country. The grandfather, Will- 
 iam IIiMiipe, Sr., was a farmer in (ierinany, and was 
 a soldier in Najioleon's army. IJe c:|ine of a proiii-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 239 
 
 inent German family, and w;is a Lutheran in his re- 
 liffious views. William Hempe. .Ir., was about tiie 
 age of King Frederick AVilliam. having been born 
 the same year; he served in the same regiment, and 
 knew him personally, exchanging letters with him 
 in later yeai-s. Like his father before him, William, 
 .Ir., followed agricultural pursuit;*, and was engaged 
 in this occupation at the time of his death, which 
 occurred in 1870. when he w!i.* seventy-one years 
 of age. lie married Miss Wehnan, the daughter 
 of Henry Welman, who was a fai'mer by pursuit, 
 and who was in the Germ.an army. After the 
 death of her husband. Mrs. llerape crossed the 
 ocean to America, and died at the home of her son, 
 our subject, when seventy-six yeai-s of age. Six 
 children, three of whom are living, were born to 
 this worthy couple, llemy W. llemi)e being the 
 eldest. 
 
 The original of this notice had early instilled 
 into his youthful mind all the details of farm life; 
 he attended the common schools regularly, and re- 
 mained under the parental roof until twenty yeai-s 
 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 18.57 he hired out as a stew- 
 ard on the vessel -liluchart," sailing from Haiti- 
 more to Bremen, .\fter this, he was on the "Ed- 
 ward," and went from Kew Orleans to the West 
 Indies, always in the capacity- 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 18t;i until 18().'). he 
 clerked in a grocery store in New York City, ami 
 was there during the rioU«. 
 
 In 1866. Mr. Hempe came to St. 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 ccmsiderable real-estate in different parts 
 of Ea.<t St. Louis, and has a line residence in the 
 city. In 18S8. ho was elected Alderman from the 
 Second Ward. ;\nd has tilled that position since. 
 He has l>ecm un tlifferont committees, and was 
 Clmirman of tlif police Comuiissioticrs, Ue 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 memberof the Indepen- 
 dent Order of Odd Fellows. Past Noble and En- 
 campment. He was on the Building Committee 
 that erected the German Presbyterian Church in 
 ]8'J1. and is an .active member c)f that church. In 
 politics, he adheres to the Republican party. 
 
 ■1^ 
 
 (f^^^ARHY ELLIOT, .Ii;., ^■ ice-president and 
 |P^i .Secretary of the Elliot Frog & Switch 
 ^^^' Company, of East St. Louis, 111., is a native 
 ^S) of Cincinnati, t)hio. where he was born 
 .lune 28, 1851, 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- 
 smith'.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 country. 
 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 emplo^-ed as smithy on 
 board a number of (Jovernment boats plying on 
 the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Later, he was 
 located at Cockrum. near .\urora, but in 1867 he 
 removed to St. Louis, Mo., and became connected 
 with the St. Loviis Railway Supply Companj- 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 
 187:5 he and lils 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 
 j genius and had patented several other of his in-
 
 240 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ventions, among which was a raih-oad car-spring 
 of great merit. He died in St. Louis in 1875, at 
 the 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 Cliurch. She 
 bore lier husband four children, only one of whom 
 attained mature years, Harry, the subject of this 
 sketch. He was educated in the public schools of 
 Aurora until fifteen years of age, at wliich time he 
 l)egan working at the machinist's trade in St. 
 Louis, under the supervision of his father; but in 
 1870 lie left the works and took a course in the 
 jMound City Commercial College, of St. Louis. He 
 then resumed work under his father, and when the 
 latter and his brother started in business for them- 
 selves, he took charge of the books. The business 
 of the firm increased very rapidlj^ and at the death 
 of his father, Harry became the partner, and 
 the firm, which up to that time had been Elliot 
 ife Bro., now became H. <fe H. Elliot. This contin- 
 ued until the year 1878, when the business was 
 incorporated under the name of the Elliot Frog 
 & Switch Company, with a capital stock of 
 i!lOO,000, 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. 
 Employment is given to from one hundred and 
 twenty-five to one hundred and fifty skilled 
 mechanics, and their pay roll is over |i8,000 per 
 month. Mr. Elliot superintends the work himself, 
 and is eminently fitted for so doing, for he is 
 thoroughly familiar with every branch and detail 
 of the business, and is careful to see that all goods 
 sent out are in first-class condition, and will reflect 
 credit upon the establishment. They have a fine 
 lot of modern machineiy, which is propelled by 
 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 he has a beautiful home in one of 
 the most popular residence portions of the cit}-. He 
 was married in St. Louis in 1881, to Miss Emma C. 
 Uriker, a native of that city ;inil 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 of 
 the Legion of Honor, and politically is a Kepub- 
 licau. He is naturally of a very social disposition 
 and is a most agreeable gentleman with whom to 
 have business dealincrs. 
 
 AVID S. BOOTH, Sn., M. D., died Satur- 
 jl day, September 10, 1892, and lies buried 
 '^Uf^ in the Caledonian Cemetery at Sparta, III., 
 the town where he had made his home so 
 long. The professional reputation of Dr. Booth 
 was an en viable one, and his knowledge and skill 
 were highly valued by his fellovv-eitizeus. 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 peoi)le who came over 
 with Peiin. Dr. 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- 
 pital in Springfield, Mo., and was made surgeon 
 of all the hospitals in the city, and there he re- 
 niaincd a \ear. when he resignecl, having fornie(l
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 •241 
 
 many valuable acquaintaiic'es and orained a vast 
 amount of experience. He later settled in Sparta, 
 111., and liere remained a quarter of a centur\". 
 Wishing: to made his work 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 very ^reat and successful, 
 and, though a most .skillful operator, he was always 
 conservative and conscientious. 
 
 Dr. Bootii was a member of the American Jledi- 
 C!il Association, the Mississippi Valley Medical As- 
 .sociation, and the Illinois State Association, of 
 which latter he 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 ^Icdical .Society (of which he had been 
 President), the Belleville ^Medical Societv, the 
 Southeast Missouri Medical .Society and the .St. 
 Clair Medical Society. Of the last-named society, 
 he had served .is \'ice-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 18.51), to Miss Cvuthia 
 Grounds, of Kredericktown, Mo., a daughter of 
 Adam (Grounds, a farmer of that place, and to 
 them were born six children. Their daughter 
 Mary married .1. B. Jordan, .ind dying left an in- 
 fant son to her father's care. .Sar.ah became the 
 wife of Dr. Jerome Thompson, of Morrisonville, 
 111., formerly of Helleville. 111. Frank is the wife 
 of William J. Burnett, the State agent for the Mc- 
 Cormick 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 Basmath Ariadne West, 
 of Belleville. .Inne M). lH!t2. John .(. died in in- 
 fancy. 
 
 Our subject had been a te.aclier of both medi- 
 cine and pharmacy, having at times as many as ten 
 students, of whom he exacted dailv 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 by let- 
 ter from the same denomination at .Sparta, III. 
 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 .lack- 
 son and Washington Streets. 
 
 lU ACOB MANN, one of the extensive land- 
 owners of St. Clair County and an enter- 
 prising farmer who resides on section 32, 
 Mascoutah Township, claims Germany as 
 the land of his birth. He was born in Bavaria on 
 the I9th 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 opportunities 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 \ears. On the expiration 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 became to this county. 
 Mr. Mann wsis married in 18.53, to Miss Eliza 
 Kraus, daughter of Phillip P. Kraus, a resident 
 farmer of Clinton County, III. After a short mar- 
 ried life of three years, the lady died, and IMr. 
 Mann was again married, his second union being 
 with Miss Louisa Hubsch, who resided on a farm 
 in this count}'. One child was born by the first 
 union and seven bv the second marriasj-e. Thev
 
 U2 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 are as follows: Mary, now the wife of Albert 
 Schielen, a resident of East St. Louis, where lie 
 carries on carpentering; Catherine, wife of George 
 Eberlein, of Maseoutali; Philip, who is engaged in 
 farming on section 36, Mascoutah Township; John, 
 who resides upon his father's farm in Clinton 
 County; Henry, wiio is engaged in agricultural 
 pursuits in Engleman Township, tliis country; 
 Fred, who is living on tlie old liomestead 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. lie filled the'oflfice of School Di- 
 rector for six years, and was a warm fi'iend of the 
 cause of education. In politics, he is a stalwart 
 supporter of Republican principles. Ilis landed 
 possessions aggregate five hundred and eighty-five 
 acres, one hundred of wliicli are in Clinton County, 
 the remainder being located in this county. Witli 
 the exception of a sixty-five-aere 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 comi)etenc.y, becoming one 
 of the substantial citizens as well as one of the 
 leading farmers of the community. 
 
 
 |/j_^ON. EDWARD ABEND, President of the 
 Belleville Savings Bank, is a Bavarian, who 
 was born on the 30th of May, 1822, a son 
 of Henr^'jWho 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 disfavor with his Government and he ten- 
 dered his resignation, and in compan}' with other 
 families came to America in the spring of 1833. 
 This little band was destined for INIissouri, of which 
 section glowing accounts had been heard, but upon 
 their arrival in St. Louis the cholera was raging. 
 
 and two of Mr. Abend's children unfortunately 
 died of that scourge, as well as hiuiself. The widow 
 with her remaining family then settled at Shiloh. 
 St. Clair County, HI., where 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 cliildren, only four survive, 
 of whom Edward is the eldest. 
 
 Our subject attended the scliools 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 tlie pio- 
 neer schools of this section, his first teacher being 
 George Bunsen. Upon locating in Belleville, he 
 attended subsci'iption schools for some time, after 
 which he spent one term at ^McKendree College, 
 at Lebanon, and left that institution lietter fitted 
 than the average bo}- 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 study of law, and for that purpose en- 
 tered the law office of Lyman and George Trumbull, 
 where he pursued his 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 184t), and served during tlie session of 1849-50, 
 taking part in the famous senatorial battle between 
 (4en. 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 sums of money to invest in Amer- 
 ican lands and securities. This, and the proper 
 conduct of his own affairs, made him a (Mishing,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 243 
 
 ac-tive business niau. He lias been identified witli 
 almost every interest tendini>- to the good or the 
 material advancement of his section, and in 1851) 
 he became one of the Directors of the l$elleville 
 (ias it Coke Company, and for years vv.is its Sec- 
 retary- and Treasurer. In 18()0, 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 personal 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 lihcrally patronized and is 
 firmly established. 
 
 In 1852, Jlr. Abend was married in Europe to 
 Miss Caroline Wetermann, who died two 3-ears 
 later, and on the 2(5 th of October, 1856, tie took 
 for his second wife Miss Anna IIilgard,a daughter 
 of Theodore Ililgard, .Ir., and a native of St. Cliir 
 County, 111. Altliough a firm Democrat at the 
 present time, he became a Free-Soiler in 1854, over 
 the Kansas-Nebraska troubles, and took strong 
 grounds against the extension of slavery. 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 lias held the position of Mayor of Belleville 
 four terms, and has also filled oth«r local otlices 
 • 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 caii not be too liighlv 
 prized, for he is of an exceptionally faithful and 
 generous disposition, and his good judgment is 
 un(iuestioned. 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 niigia- 
 tion were among the wealthy class in (Germany, 
 and were instrumental in bringing man.>' more 
 verv desiralile settlers to the Fnited State*. 
 
 i^+^i 
 
 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 b}- those who have employed him, 
 but by his medical brethren .as well. He was born 
 in Shelby County, III., July 26, 1859, a son of E. 
 M. Doyle, a native of Russellville, K^-., and a grand- 
 son of John Doyle, a native of Virginia. The 
 great-grandfather w.as born in Scotland, but with 
 two brothers came to America jtrior to the Revo- 
 lutionarj- War, in which war they participated as 
 members of the (,'olonial 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 laud he had tilled for so many years at the 
 advanced age of ninety years. E. M. Doyle, the 
 father, was reared on Blue Crass soil, but when a 
 young man removed to Vandalia, 111., which was 
 then the capitol of the State, and drove stage be- 
 tween Vandalia, Springfield and St. Louis. Like 
 most Kentuckians, 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, purch.ased some 
 land and nicely improved it. He first lived in 
 I'Xvette County, then Madison, then IMacoupin, 
 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 hale and
 
 244 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 heart\- old age. His magnificent farm comprises 
 two hundred and forty acres, and for many years 
 his thorougli acquaintance witli stoel< led him to 
 follow the calling of a veterinary' surgeon, hut 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 Penns3-lvania, 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 very 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. Doyle 
 is about sixty years of age, and, like her husband, 
 is in the enjoyment of good healtli. Mv. Doyle is 
 a member of the Methodist P^piscopal Cliurch, 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- 
 tlist Infantry 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 John joined a 
 Missouri regiment and served four years 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 Viecame 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. Doyle early learned what hard work 
 meant, for he assisted his father on the home farm, 
 but he attended school sufliciently to acquire a 
 u-ood practical edueiition, which he finished in the 
 
 Valparaiso (Ind.) Normal College. At the age of 
 twenty he began the study of medicine, for which 
 he seemed to have a natural aptitude, and toward 
 which profession he has alwa3's had a decided inclin- 
 ation, and in 1881 he entered the Chicago College 
 of Physicians and Surgeons, in which he took two 
 full courses. During this time he practiced with 
 Dr. Wayohn, who was a Professor in that college. 
 Ill 188.5, Dr. Doyle entered the Kentucky .School 
 of Medicine at Louisville, from which he was gradu- 
 ated in June of the same year with the degree of 
 M. D. He took a special course in chemistry. He 
 located at Pana, Christian County, 111., in 188.5, 
 building up an extensive practice during the four 
 years of his residence there in Shelby and Mont- 
 gomery Counties, as well as in Christian County. 
 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 .\ssociation 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 F'ellows, and, politically, is a 
 Rei)ubliean, the principles of which party lie at all 
 times supports. 
 
 i; OHN F. MUELLER. One of the good farm- 
 ers of the fertile township of Smithton is 
 the subject of our sketch, and he lives on 
 sections o and 6, where his farm of seventy- 
 five acres shows 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 wlien 
 about twenty-two years 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

 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 24 7 
 
 Coiiuly. Here he purchased a farm and lived 
 until a ^lioit time before his death, when he re- 
 moved to Hellevillc, where he died. He liad a 
 family of six childiei). five of whom are still liv- 
 ing. The livinsj ones heside our subject are .lohn. 
 .Stephen, Mary .loseiihine. .loseph and Anton. 
 Mary Helena is deceased. Me was among the early 
 settlers of .St. Clair Township, and was a faithful 
 member of the Roman Catholic Church. The 
 mother of our subject was Mary .Vnna Fisher, and 
 she too lias passed away. 
 
 Our subject was born on the old lionieslead in 
 St. Clair Township and county, September 7, 18.')8, 
 and w.as educated in the Catholic schools. He was 
 united in marriage with Miss Catherine Louis, the 
 daughter of .Joseph l>ouis, one of the early settlers 
 of the township. After marriage, he removed to 
 the place where he now lives, and here his family 
 of intere.-ting children has been born. They are 
 .losepli I)., .Mary. Helena, Catherine and .lohnnie. 
 
 "Sir. Mueller is a Democrat, believing in the su- 
 periority of principle and executive power as ex- 
 erted by that form of Government. The Roman 
 Catholic Church is the religious denomination with 
 which Mr. Mueller linds a home. This is one of 
 the pleasant representative (Jerman families which 
 make St. Clair Countv what it is. 
 
 ellRISTlAN F. STRK( KKH. M. 1). The pro- 
 , fession of the physician is perhaps the most 
 __ trying on brain and body of any in the 
 lield of science, for it absorbs the attention of him 
 who practices it conscientiously both day and 
 night, and brings into play the most versatile 
 powers of his being. From a boy. Dr. Strccker 
 desired to become a physician — his kindly nature 
 turning instinctively to that broad field of aid to 
 human sulTering 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 h.as 
 driven sorrow and despair from many homes by 
 his skill as a physician. 
 
 Our subject was born near Ludwigsberg, Wur- 
 tomberg, Germany, October 20, 18.51, to C. F. and 
 Anna .Mariah (Kitzenbergei) Strccker. who were 
 also horn in Wurtemberg, the former in 1817 and 
 the latter in 1823. The father was an excei)tion- 
 ally skilled machinist, and while a member of the 
 ( ierman army w.as a cannoneer. After the death of 
 his wife, he. in 18()(). came with his five children 
 to America on the steamer "Saxony," taking pass- 
 age al Hanover, and after a voyage of eight days 
 reached Xew York City. Soon after this he came 
 to St. Louis, Mo., but later went to Warren ton. 
 Mo., in the vicinity of which pl.ace he purchased 
 some land and improved a farm. He died there in 
 .Tune, 1881, when just on the eve of starting to 
 Kurope to make his home. His father, David 
 Strecker, was an architect, builder and real-estate 
 owner of his native land, and erected many fine 
 public buildings. He died in Germany in 1884, at 
 the .age of ninety-two years, a member of the Lu- 
 theran Cluireh. Tiic niothei's people were lioncst 
 tillers of the soil. 
 
 or five children born to C. F. Strecker and his 
 wife, only ffiur are now living: Louis, a business 
 man of St. Louis, Mo.; .\ugust, a farmer of Colo- 
 rado; Pauline (.Mr#. Rieehers), who resides in Xe- 
 br.aska; and Dr. Christian F. The latter was 
 reared in the valley of the Xeckar River and oli- 
 tained a good education in the town of I'oppen- 
 weiler. in the schools of which he remained until 
 fourteen years of .age. After his father had lo- 
 cated at Warren ton, JIo., he assisted him on the 
 farm. but later entered the Central Wesleyan College, 
 in which he stayed for two \ears, graduating from 
 the normal department in 1875. He paid his own 
 way tlirougli school with money he earned during 
 v.acations, 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 M. I). 
 He located in Fast St. Louis in 1877, and through 
 honest merit has built up a very extensive practice 
 in the city and country. He h.as a pleasant ollice 
 on .Mi.*souri Avenue, and a comfortable and home- 
 like residence at No. 7115 Illinois .\ venue. 
 
 In 1884, Dr. Strecker made a trip to the "Father- 
 Land," and. during the four months he remained 
 .abroad, he visited the lios[)it.als of Herliii. Munich,
 
 248 
 
 PORTRAIT 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 the city, and a daughter 
 of John B. Thoma, a mercliant tailor who died in 
 1892. 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 cit_y, and 
 was one who generously aided in properly equip- 
 ping the police force of the city. 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 
 politically. In his religions adherence, he lielongs 
 to the Evangelical Lutheran Church. 
 
 — J- 
 
 i^-KSf^^^-;^ 
 
 (.41 I^ILLIAM BROWNLEE. The record of St. 
 \rJ// Clair County would not be complete with- 
 ^^' out a mention of one of the best-known 
 and most highlj' respected men of Lebanon Town- 
 ship. On one of the quiet streets of this beautiful 
 little cit_v, resides the subject of our sketch, sur- 
 rounded by all the comforts of life, and affection- 
 ately wailed upon by one of the best of good 
 wives. 
 
 Our subject's father was Christopher Brownlee, 
 who was born in Ireland, 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, 
 which is now a part of the Evansville & Terre 
 Haute. He lived to be about eighty-two years of 
 age. The mother of our subject, Mary Brownlee, 
 was also a native of Ireland. She passed her life 
 in Gibson County, and only survived her husband 
 five years. 
 
 The subject of our sketch was born in Provi- 
 dence, R. I., September 25, 1825. When twelve 
 years of age, he work('(l with his fathei-, 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 bj' keeping his 
 eyes wide open, and b3' 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 snbject came to Illinois in 185.3, 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 Road master. He 
 then was a freight conductor for a number 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 emi)loyersandthe traveling public, many of 
 whom he changed from strangers to friends. 
 
 All railroad men marry well, and our subject was 
 no exception to the rule. December 24, 1857, he 
 married Miss Sarah L. Notestine, one of the mai- 
 dens of Olney, III., 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. Tiie 
 daughter is Bertha, who is the wife of Fred C. 
 Brooks, a merchant in St. Louis. She has 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. 
 
 ■249 
 
 liy the side of liis clioorv wife, over whom the 
 years liave glided liiiidl}'. He does not botlier 
 hims-elf about politics, but finds plenty in his silent 
 life to entertain and anuise him. Mrs. Hrownlee's 
 father and mother were anions the first settlers of 
 Olnev. 111. 
 
 ^_ RS. GKACK FEIJCIA (LANDER) MIEL- 
 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 sjieed." The original of the 
 present sketch is one of the most successful busi- 
 ness women in the AVest. She conducts a large 
 millinery establishment in tliis city, and her name 
 appears on quite as many papers for improvements 
 and for charities, as docs any man's (jf like means 
 in East St. Louis. 
 
 The family of Mrs. Muelheim 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 
 War of 1812. and grew very wealthy and promi- 
 nent in that section; In 185:5, 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 Whig, from 
 which class have come giant* 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, 111., and 
 there passed a peaceful life, improving his estate 
 until his death, in 1863. He w.is a member of the 
 Baptist denf>niiiiation and departed lamented by 
 all. His name was well known amona' the Aboli- 
 
 tionists of the North. The mother of this remark- 
 able man was an aunt to the family of Breckeii- 
 ridge, and her father was a large planter and one 
 of the first settlers of Christian County, Ky. The 
 Landers were always [troud of their descent, as it 
 went back unbrpken to those of noble birth in 
 Wales. The beloved mother of our subject was 
 Elizabeth Purcell, a native f>f Ilopkinsville, Ky., 
 and a daughter of the Pennsylvania Piircells. 
 She lived a blameless life, doing her duty as the 
 mother of a large family, and ended her d.ays in 
 Washington County, 111. The father of Mrs. Muel- 
 heim was twice married, five children resulting 
 from the first union and eiglit from the .second. 
 
 Our subject was the eldest of the children of the 
 second marriage of her father. She w.as born in 
 Christian County, Ky., October 21, 1834, and tliat 
 was her home until she was nineteen 3-ears old. 
 .She was educated at private schools until her mar- 
 riage, which occurred in Kentucky in 1852, to O. 
 E. Davis, a Kentuckian,a cousin of .lefferson 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 eii- 
 g.aged 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. ISIuelheim was a member of Hebekah 
 Lodge, and was a .Sister in the Masonic lodge. 
 
 In 1872, our subject started in the business 
 which her abilitj- has made so prosperous. .She 
 located in East St. Louis in 1882, as she desired to 
 settle her. son. Dr. Robert JI. Muelheim, in his pro- 
 fession here. Her affairs were in a very flourishing 
 condition, but in 1890 she suffered from a fire, and 
 W.IS 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 marri.age: Carrie, now Mrs. Charles Fos- 
 ter, who resides in EIniira, N. Y., and (irace, now
 
 250 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 the wife of 1.. C. Doggett, the manager of the 
 business of X. K. Fairbanks in St. Louis, Mo. A 
 great grief t-ame to Mrs. Muelheim in 1884, when 
 lier talented young son, Robert, was removed b}- 
 death. He was a brilliant j^oung man, and had 
 graduated with honor from the Jefferson Medical 
 College, when only nineteen \'ears 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. Miielheini is a devout member of the Baptist 
 denomination, as were also her ancestors, and has 
 been a Democrat in her political opinions since the 
 Presidency of Gen. Grant. She is a very pleasant 
 lady in social life, and is one who can hold her 
 own and command respect in any position. 
 
 1 
 
 |((»HN C. BEHRENS, is a self-made man and 
 prominent fanner of O'Fallon Township, 
 who was born in Holstein, Germany, No- 
 vember .3, 1833, and is a son of Christian 
 and Magdalena (Kolsen) Behrens, both of whom 
 were also natives of Holstein. The father was a 
 farmer and fisherman, who fought in the Danish 
 army in the war with Napoleon. His death oc- 
 curred in 1840, and his wife died in 1838. Their 
 family numbered twelve children, six sons and six 
 daughters, but two sons and two daughters died 
 jirevious to the birth of our subject. Catherina, tlie 
 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 18.54, and died in 18.')8, near 
 Dutch Hill, St. Clair County. He was married and 
 his widow is still 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 1875, at the age of eighty-eight years. She 
 was the wife of Jurgin Slange, 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, at the age of sixty- 
 one years, leaving a valuable estate. Annie, born 
 in 1822, is married and resides in Altoona. She 
 had five children. .Turgen came to America with 
 his brother Claus in 1848, and died in St. Louis 
 in 1852, leaving a handsome property. Margaret 
 died in CTCrmany in 1848, at the age of twenty 
 years. 
 
 Mr. Jiehrens, whose name heads this sketch, ac- 
 quired his education in tiie common schools of 
 his native land, and there engaged in fanning 
 until 1852, when he sailed for America, landing in 
 New Orleans June 1. He then went np the river 
 to St. Louis, and thence to the farm of Fred Bogel, 
 for whom he worked six months at $6 per month. 
 He then worked on the construction of the Cairo 
 ik St. Louis Railroad until 1855. His business 
 was to superintend ten hundred and forty acres 
 of 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. 
 
 In September, 1859, Mr. Behrens was united in 
 marriage 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 Margaret, who was born March 2, 
 
 1862, is now married. She became the wife of 
 Stephen Nicholas, a farmer of Lebanon Township, 
 June 6, 1892. John Henry, born October 10, 
 
 1863, is a railroad emplo^'C; Albert Christian, 
 born November 14, 1865, is operating the home 
 farm on shares; Wilhelm Amos, born December 6, 
 1867. Cora Clarissa April 2, 1871; Minnie 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 onlj' a few days. 
 
 Mr. Behrens was reared in the Lutheran faith, 
 but is liberal both in religious views and in i)oli- 
 tics. In 1852, he became a member of Germania 
 Lodge No. 878, K. H., 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, has 
 resided continuously upon his present farm for
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 .ibout twenty-seven years. He has led a busy and 
 useful life which has brought him a comfortable 
 competence. He came to this country eini)ty- 
 handed, but by his enterprise and industry he has 
 steadily worked his way upward to a position of 
 wealth and allluence. For his success he certainly 
 deserves great credit. He is an intelligent man 
 of studious habits, who 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 better than the Father- 
 land. This community linds in him a valued citi- 
 zen, wlu) well deserves re|)rosi'ntatioii in this 
 voUinie. 
 
 ^(OHN M. Mrt'ASLANI). The original of 
 the present notice is a resident of Jackson- 
 ville, 111., hut his business is conducted in 
 East St. Louis, where he has been located 
 since 1889. His name is one of the powders 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 \'irginia, where he carried 
 on agricultural pursuits. He served through the 
 Revolutionary War under (len. Washington, and 
 his wife received a pension up to the time of her 
 death. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and mar- 
 ried Ellen McCullough, a native of Ireland. She 
 lived to the age of ninety-three years, and her life 
 ended in Sangamon County. 111. William McCas- 
 land brought his family to Indiana and located in 
 .lefferson County, where he followed farming un- 
 til he died. The respected father of our sul)jecl 
 was named .lames Harper McCasland ami was also 
 a \'irginian by birth. By occupation, ho was a 
 wood-turner and cabinet-maker and he was en- 
 gaged in the manufacture of furniture in huliana 
 until 1811. when he came to Illinois. lie located 
 in (iallatin County the first year, hut this seemed 
 such a sickly locality that he moved north and 
 settled in the higher lands in Mcjrgan County, and 
 there he lived a few years and engaged in farniiui; 
 
 near AYoodson. .Some j'ears 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 
 ollice. 
 
 The mother of our subject was .Jane Hood, a 
 Noith Carolinian b3- birth, and a daughter of .lohn 
 Hood, of that Slate, who afterward became a fai- 
 mer in Indiana and died at La Porte. Our snli- 
 jcct's nnjther lived until 1868, and left seven of 
 her eight cluldren to mourn her death. .Sarah is 
 now Mrs. Graves and resides in Si. .losei>h. Mo.; .1. 
 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; .T. T., 
 w.as a soldier also and is now a farmer in Sangamon 
 County, this State; Elizabeth is Mrs. E])liman and 
 lives in Wheeling, W. Va.; Thomas O. was another 
 of this patriotic family who entered the army, but 
 this brave man never returned, being killed at 
 Murfreesboro, Tenn.; C. I)., 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 be proud. 
 
 Our subject was lioin in Hanover, .lefferson 
 County. I ml.. .Inly 1, 183."}. He was reared in 
 Indiana until nearly eight years of age, at which 
 time his f.-itlicr niove<l the family to (iallatin 
 County, 111. The emigration was made by boat to 
 (iolconda on the Ohio River and then by team lo 
 their destination in (iallatin County. Here his 
 father raised one cro|) of tobacco, in 1842, hut then 
 ri'inoved to Morgan County as recM)rded above, 
 and in IMIT to .Sangamon County. It w.as at this 
 plat e that our subject was niaiiud. December 22, 
 18.');!. to Fr.ances Collins, who w;\> lioin near Frank- 
 lin in iMorgan County. Here tli( young couple 
 began their married life on a farm, and later our 
 subject bought a farm foi' hiinsclf of ninety acres, 
 near Murrayville, ifi Morgan County, He was 
 one of the brave men who left the plow to answer 
 the call of his country, and in .Inly. 18G2, he en-
 
 252 
 
 PORTRAIT 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. McCasland 
 was a member succeeded in escaping. In the 
 spring of 18C3, he was sent toMilliken'sBend and 
 detailed on a gunboat, the "Lafayette," and on 
 the night of April 16 ran the blockade at Vicksburg, 
 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 Ked River and theie remained 
 until the fall of Vicksburg. Tlien 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 
 through the Carolinas to Raleigh, was at the battle 
 of Beutonville, 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 bullets of the enemy did him no in- 
 jury he suffered from the hard marching. When 
 he entered the army, 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 appeared robust at the 
 outset. 
 
 After the war, iNIr. McCasland look 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 been very prosperous. His first large deal 
 was one in which he made *3,.500, and since then 
 he has been dealing in lots. He lijis proiierty in 
 many of the additions to the city and in .Tnckson- 
 yille; has a farm ill Franklin County of seventv- 
 
 three acres and interests all over the city. He has 
 had a family of twelve children, two of whom died 
 in infancy,but serious illness has often invaded his 
 home. Those of his living children are as follows: 
 -T. T. bears the name of the Real-estate King of P]ast 
 St. Louis; .lane is Mrs. T. B. Flowers, of Lincoln, 
 Neb.; Clara A. is Mrs. Brooks, of this place; Charles 
 0. is in the real-estate business in this city; 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 .lacksonville. Mary 
 B. was Mrs. Skinner and died in January, 1881, in 
 Elk County, Kan., and Rosa died also in 1881, the 
 same month as her mother. Mr. McCasland 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. McCasland 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 yeare, with his influence 
 and means. He was a Republican, but since the 
 formation of the Prohibition party he has found 
 that the exponent of his views. 
 
 j^ I ^*^ 
 
 FDWARD R. DAVIS, attorney-at-law, and 
 ex-City Attorney of East St. Louis. 111., has 
 liii/ 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- 
 niiwn. on account of his scholarly attainment*, his 
 thdniugli knowledge of the law, and his devo- 
 tion to the interests of his clients. He was born 
 near Hatavia, X. Y.. on tlie 12th of March 
 1839, to David and Harriet (Wilder) Davis, the 
 former <if whinii was born near Pitlsliurgh, Pa., 
 and tiie hitter near Boston, Mass., jn I.S(i2. The
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 253 
 
 father was a shoemaker by trade, and after his 
 marriage, wliich took iilaee in Massachusetts, he 
 removed his family and household goods to Gen- 
 esee County, N. \ .. and engaged in farming, a 
 calling lie followed in that State until 1843, when, 
 with his wife .and eight cliildren, he removed to 
 Michig.an City, going by wagon to lUiffalo, and 
 then by schooner to Detroit. He settled in Lapeer 
 County among tiie woods, and after following his 
 trade for a number of years, located on a tr.act of 
 wild land ten miles north of the town. After 
 clearing and improving eighty acres of land there, 
 he removed to Tuscola Count.y, and there bought 
 a farm of one liundred and sixty acres, which lie 
 improved. Here he died in 1880. but his widow 
 still survives him. Tlie maternal grandfather was 
 a native of England, and after coming to Amer- 
 ica settled in Mass.aciuisctts. 
 
 To David and Harriet Davis tlie following chil- 
 dren were born: O. W., a prominent lawyer of 
 East Saginaw, Mich.; Dr. William II., a physician 
 of Springfield, III.; Hiram, who liad been a resi-, 
 dent of California since 184'J, but is now a resi- 
 dent of El Dorado County; and Edw.ard R. The 
 latter was a resident of New York until four years 
 of age, from which time until he attained his 
 eighteenth year he was a resident of Michigan. 
 After attending school until eight years of age, at 
 which time it w.as thought that a strong, active 
 and healthy lad, such as he was, could make better 
 use of his time at farm wt)rk than at scIhhiI 
 his opi)ortunities for accpiiring an education 
 were very much abridged. .\fter spending two 
 years at farm labor, he began learning the car- 
 penter's trade at Almont, at wiiich he worked un- 
 til he was eighteen years old, wiien his lirother re- 
 turned from ( aiiforni.-i and started to take him 
 and tlie entire family li:ick to that State with him: 
 but 1 hey got only as f;ir :i> New \nvk (ily. :iii(I 
 there decided not to go any I'luiher. Our subject 
 then went to Corunna, Midi., and, in addition to 
 jiraeticing his trade, took up llic study of law 
 In 185!) he bcg.-in devoting his attention to this 
 in the oltice of L. II. Pai-.sons, and May 1. Lsco, 
 was admitted to tlic Bar. Soon after liiis he opened 
 an ofticc at Nortli|iort. but in tlio fall of 18(11 re- 
 turned to (\>runna, lie w;is niairicd at Oxford, 
 
 Oakland County. Mich., in 1863, to Miss Angio A. 
 Matice, who was born in Onondaga County, 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 18(>5, removed to St. 
 Louis, Mo., where he w.as 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 1100,000 convent, 
 wiiich was completed at the end of two years, lii 
 1868, he came to East St. Louis, 111., and h.as 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 father of two children: 
 Carrie (Mrs. D.avid Sage), and Inez. He has been 
 a supporter of Republican principles all his life, 
 and socially, belongs to the Independent Order of 
 Odd Fellows and the Alethodist 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. 
 
 if[ OHN FREDERICK MCELLER. The gentle- 
 man whose honored name heads this sketch 
 ^~^\ is a resident of Mascoutah Township. St. 
 ^^}' Clair County, III. 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 ;i very pleas- 
 ant and fruitful one. 
 
 Mr. ^Iiiellcr was born in Prussia, (ierniaiiy. Aug- 
 ust 2 1, 1828, wlicic he was reared and educated, 
 and remained until 184!), when he crossed the 
 great ocean, and made his way to Pittsburgh, Pa., 
 wliere he first located and engaged in farming, 
 remaining there until the following year, when he 
 decided to follow the course of the sun and "go 
 West." His choice in this second removal was 
 Helleville, 111., where he was employed for two
 
 254 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 years by Mr. Bunson and Mr. Neuhoff. At the 
 close of tliat time our subject decided that it is 
 not good for man to be alone, so he won and mar- 
 ried Miss Henrietta Mann, the daughter of Nicho- 
 las Mann, one of the early settlers of this place. 
 
 After the marriage of this happy couple, they 
 settled on land rented of Mr. Neuhoff, and 
 here they lived for ten j^ears, when, things having 
 piospcred, our subject bought the nice farm he 
 now is the proud owner of. The happy owners 
 removed to theirown property with glad hearts, and 
 here they have lived ever since, improving the land 
 which they earned by 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, wiiich 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 liie county, and if he continues 
 to improve as much in the future as lie 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, ri:- 
 side Mr. Mueller, his wife and two children, ^lag- 
 gie and Annie, the former of whom is married to 
 .Tohn Renth, but who still remains at the old home, 
 her parents preferring that she and her husband 
 make their home with them. Here, in contentment 
 and happiness dwell this family, of whom our sub- 
 ject is the honored hend, 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, very ))oor, but 
 his honest industry and perseverance have aided 
 him in the amassing of a large property, although 
 some assistance he received, from German}- after 
 some year's residence in this country, was of much 
 benefit to him. Even without this help there 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 Ihc induslry 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 snppoi'ts 
 its platforms and measui-es, firmly u))holding 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 stime i)r^iniineiice in the politics of the 
 township. 
 
 One 
 
 ■jf^KEinnCK .MOKIILMANN, Si 
 ItWg); the most extensive of the manufacturing 
 !l[ concerns of Belleville, and one wliich has 
 
 largely contributed to its importance as a center 
 for the supply of machinery, is that now conducted 
 by Mr. Fredrick 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 county, 
 Mr. Moehlmann is of foreign birth, a native of 
 Hanover, Germany, born on the 2r)th of December, 
 1828, and his parents, Henry and Margaret (Pieper) 
 Moelilniann, were natives of the Old Country also, 
 the father being a cari)enter by trade. 
 
 In the fall of 1836, the family, consisting of Mr. 
 and Mrs. Moehlmann and their 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 
 where our subject now lives for forty-six years, 
 and took an active interest in all laudable or worthy 
 onter|)i'ises. 
 
 Fredrick .Mochlinann was liut eight years of 
 age when he crossed the ocean to .\merica, and his 
 first recollections of the town of Belleville were 
 that it was but a vill.age. He attended the sub- 
 scription schoiils llieii in vogue, secured .i fair ed- 
 ucati(Mi,and suliM'qufiitly began leaiiiiug carpen-
 
 ■ei»k»y 
 
 Of 1"^„ .w.n'i
 
 ' raft ' '!'' i'^'llS* --, 
 
 -^^-:2--2-<2<^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 257 
 
 teriii^' with liis father. Later, he learned engineer- 
 ing on llie river. After this lie became a millwright 
 and established a niat-hine slioj) in 1856. By in- 
 dustry and close attention to business he became 
 the owner of two lai-ge lots in town, and on these 
 he established a lai-ge machine sho)), a l)rick build- 
 ing, operated b_v 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, lie is one of 
 the 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 every 
 walk of life his career has Iteen lioth honorable and 
 upright. 
 
 Our subject selected his life conipaiilun 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, 
 Edward and Fredrick, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Moehl- 
 mann are worthy and exemplary mernhers of the 
 Free St. Paul's (liurch, ;ind contribute lilierally to 
 its support. 
 
 ^1 or IS ( ; K( )SS wa> the lirst citizen of K.a.-t St. 
 I (f^ Louis who laid out an addition beyond the 
 l^^ corporate limits of the city. For nianj' 
 years he has been engaged in the field of realty 
 operations in this vicinity, and ha.> attained a con- 
 spicuous place in the front rank of property owners. 
 To achieve such prominence as that to which he 
 has attained, is an evidence of tlie possession of 
 personal and business qualities of the highest order. 
 Oiu- subject was born in the Seventh Waril of 
 the city, September 28, 181;!. Ili> futhcr. (apt. 
 Englehard Ciross, was born in .Sirasburg, .Msacc, 
 France, and was a soldier in the French army from 
 the time he was si.x teen years of age. \\'hiK' on 
 the way to Moscow. Russia, he was promoted to the 
 
 Vi 
 
 rank of Capt.'un. He w.as instrumental in saving 
 the life of a Russian ofiicer 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 
 MS an heirloom. Capt. (iross was alw.ays conspicu- 
 ous for his bravery, and his services were highly 
 \alued by that famous commander, Napoleon Bona- 
 pnrle. In 183(5, he came to America and located 
 m C'ahokia Township, St. Clair County, 111., where 
 the (irst work he did was for old Father Cable, a 
 Catholic [)riest, in wlio.se service he remained for 
 some time. He was very finely educated and could 
 speak and read German, French and Engli.sh, his 
 knowledge having been acquired principally by 
 self-application. 
 
 In the city of St. Louis, Caiit. (iross organized a 
 conip.any, which he drilled in French, and which 
 became a part of the State militia. After leaving 
 P^ither 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 Itli of November, 1855. He 
 was pre-eminently a man of business, and in the 
 conduct of his worldly affairs showed judgment 
 and shrewdness. He became very 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, formerly 
 Mademoiselle Bridgette Rotli, was born in Alsace, 
 France, and died in East St. Louis in 1846. She 
 bore her husband six children, Init only two grew 
 to mature years. The elder, Ferdinand, was 
 drowned in Indian Lake near this city when twenty- 
 years of age, and Louis, the subject of this sketch, 
 is the only survivor. After the death of his first 
 wife Capt. (iross married again, but his second un- 
 ion was childless. The i)aternal grandfather was 
 a native of Germany but became a tradesman of 
 Strasluirg. Alsace, (Jermauy. .\t the advanced age 
 of eighty-two years, he joined his son. Capt. Gross, 
 in F.ast St. Louis, but his riwideiice in this country- 
 only covereil a period of six weeks, his death oc- 
 curring in 18 I'.t. 
 
 When twelve years ohl, Louis Gross was left 
 iMtlierlos. liut even at that early age hecould drill 
 aliiio>i ;i> well as his accomplished father, who hac]
 
 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 
 uijon leaving that institution at the age of fifteen 
 years, he began clerking in a general store, which 
 business occupied his attention for tliree years. He 
 then began farming, a calling with which lie had 
 liecome familiar prior to liis twelfth year, and un- 
 til he attained his twent3'-first }'car he continued 
 to till the soil. He then took charge of the forty 
 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 fisliing for five years. He 
 found this a profitable business and supplied the 
 St. Louis market, as well as the country on tliis side 
 of the river. 
 
 In 1873, our subject laid out the Louis Gross 
 Subdivision to East St. Louis, which was the first 
 outside of the cit}'. These lots found a read}' sale 
 and laid the foundation for his present business. 
 In 1864, lie 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 
 .January 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 & Voss, 
 and these gentlemen liave since been quite exten- 
 sively engaged in the real-estate business. Since 
 1873, Mr. Gross has laid out the 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 l)eautiful native trees, oak, maple 
 and pecan. It is neatly arranged with scats 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 
 autliority on values, present and prospective. He 
 i-i r >iirleoi|s, affabU' ai|il gonial, and it is noticeable 
 
 that all his patrons are his friends, owing to the 
 fact tliat he is frank, prompt and straiglitforward. 
 Mr. Gross was married in French Village,' De- 
 cember 25, 1864, to Miss Natalie Weagand, who 
 was born in Frankfort, Ciermany, and who died 
 November 30, 1890, leaving three children : Natalie, 
 wife of Henry Voss; Louisa and Emma. Mr. Gross 
 was a School Trustee for three years, and is] a be- 
 liever in Republican principles. St. Henry's Cath- 
 olic Church counts him among its most active 
 members. _His home is a very pleasant residence 
 and is located at Gross Park. 
 
 !^-i^l=—- =§■ 
 
 eASPER VOSS, dealer in lime, cement, 
 brick, builders' material and supplies, is a 
 member of the firm of Voss & Haas, of 
 East St. Louis, III. The enterprising members of 
 this firm are business men of rare capacity, and the 
 eminent success of their undertaking h.as more 
 than justified their s.agacity in establisiiing 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 years was a practical blacksmith. 
 
 After the death of Mr. Voss' father, he and his 
 brother Henry operated the home farm for two 
 years, but in 1889 severed their connection, and 
 Casper .J. became the owner of forty acres of land 
 adjoining the city limits. He continued to till 
 this laud until 1891, and during this time was en- 
 gaged in contracting on roads, but on the 1 1th of 
 April, 1892, he became associated in business with 
 II. T. Ila.as, a pr.aetical contractor, who now has 
 charge of that department. In April, 1892, Mr. 
 Voss purchased his warehouse of Thorn & Hun- 
 kins, dealers in lime, cemeiit, etc., of St, Louis, and 
 is now doing a very extensive retai] business on
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 259 
 
 Belmont Avenue. Tbey deal in river sand, in the 
 hauling of which five teams are employed. Their 
 warehouse is 8.5x50 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 
 Kast 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 
 188!t, on the 5th of November, to Miss Laura Blue- 
 myer, a native of St. Louis, and tiieir union has 
 resulted in the birth of one child, Henry. Our sub- 
 ject and his wife attend St. Henry's Church, and 
 he has always been in sympathy with the measures 
 of Democracy. 
 
 
 kOUlS F. EI DM ANN. the subject of this 
 j sketch, resides on section 18, Engelman 
 ^ Township. St. Clair County. 111. The 
 
 father of the gentleman of whom wo write was 
 named Bernhard Eidmann, and was iiorn in tlie 
 town of I'mstadt, in the Province of Darmstadt. 
 Germany, March N. 1817. He was the son of 
 Martin Eidmann. who carried on the trade of 
 a wagou-inaker in the Old Country, and was there 
 married to Miss Elizabeth Haas. He came to 
 America in 1H33 with his wife and seven children, 
 and was one of the first settlers of Erecburg Town- 
 ship, St. Clair County, III. He lived !iis life out 
 in that place, and tiiere his family was reared. 
 
 Bernhard Eidmann, the father of our subject, 
 was educated in the schools of Gcrm.any, and In- 
 fore coming to America w\as employed as a clerk 
 in tiie "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 
 J-'rederica GriielKil, who was the daughter of George 
 
 Gruebel, who came to this country from Germany 
 and was a brewer on Dutch Hill, in Lenzburg 
 Township, this county. After marriage, he moved 
 to the farm which our subject now owns and which 
 he had purchased previous to that time. The wed- 
 ding ceremony took place November 10, 1842, 
 and as soon as the young 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 
 ■51, 1869. He started in life a comparatively 
 poor man, but b\^ 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 
 jjlenty of oceui)ation, and at the age of twent3'- 
 tlirce, Augn?t 2, 1870, he was married to Miss 
 Catherine Koob. She was the daughter of Philip 
 H. Koob, a prominent farmer of Clinton County, 
 III., who late in life moved to New Baden and 
 then to Mascoutah, where his life ended. After 
 the lunriiage of our subject, he lived on the home 
 place until 1880, when he built the substantial 
 brick residence where lie now resides. When he 
 bought his present place there were no improve- 
 niciits upon it. He has been very industrious and 
 all the iinprovemonts have been the result of 
 his own toil. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Kidinanu have seven children, all 
 of whom are living. Edward C.,tlie eldest son, was 
 graduated from the State rniversity atClmmpaign, 
 HI,. !uul is now n civil engineer; Hej'tha A, \Vi
 
 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., Louis B., Hilda L. and Gustav H. 
 are at home. This family resides on the fine farm 
 of three hundred and ten acres of good land lo- 
 cated in this townsiiip owned by Mr. Eidmann. 
 In Clinton County, 111., he also owns a fine farm 
 of one hundred and sixty acres, which is in a good 
 state of cultivation, except twenty acres which 
 have 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 Cliurch at Mascoutah, 
 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, wliich office he lield for two years. At pres- 
 ent, liis time is fully employed, as he is serving his 
 fellow-citizens as School Director. He has served 
 as Trustee, and is now Supervisor of the townSiiip 
 and Justice of the Peace. His family is one of 
 the oldest and best known in the township, and he 
 is a man who enjoys the respect and esteem of 
 everyone with whom he is brought in contact. 
 
 'ill OH N L. APPEL, Justice of the Peace of 
 Illinois, was born at Highland, Madison 
 County, 111., August 14, 1858, a son of 
 Nv^/' John A. and Magdalena (Schwartz) Appel, 
 both of whom were born in Germany. In 1846, 
 tiie father came to America and eventually found 
 himself in St. Louis, Mo., but at a somewhat later 
 l)eriod he settled in Madison County, III., near 
 Highland, where he remained until 18G0, at which 
 date he became one of tlie substantial residents of 
 SI. ('\:uv County. 
 
 Ill the viciiiilv "f Suminerru-ld. Mr. Appel pur- 
 (■h:iH'd a coal mine, wiiicli he 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 1ms attained to the age of six- 
 ty-three years. She bore her husband a family of 
 nine cliildren, as follows: Lizzie, who died in 
 Summerfield in 1883, was the wife of Adam Wei- 
 nenth; Frank; John L., the subject of this sketch; 
 Amelia became the wife of Michael Frevelc, a 
 farmer living near .Summerfield; Louise is the wife 
 of Piiilip Biltz, a commission merchant, by whom 
 she has one child; Bertlia married Heiiiy Miller, a 
 miller by trade and a resident of .Summerfield, by 
 whom she has one child; Jacob is a wide-awake 
 business man of Summerfield; Amalia, and Ida, 
 who is at home. 
 
 John L. Appel was reared in the vicinity of 
 .Summerfield and, like the majority of boys, ob- 
 tained a common-school education in the 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 young 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 dece.ased. 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 which 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 
 was twenty-one 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 
 numtlis, rolificallv, he is a Democrat, and the
 
 J2;/P
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 263 
 
 men and measures of that party always find in 
 liim a standi supporter. Mr. Appel lias many 
 warm friends throughout the section in which he 
 resides, and in every rcspeet deserves the high 
 esteem in wliich he is held. 
 
 •^ ^ ^ 
 
 !&=:=: ■ 
 
 \||OIIN KLOE.SS. The life of tiiis gentleman, 
 I of which we give a brief outline, affords an 
 <^l| illustration of the power of courage and in- 
 ^^^ dustry in enabling a man to overcome 
 early ditticulties of no ordinary kind. When Mr. 
 Kloess came to Belleville he had no money with 
 which to embark in busine.ss, but, undaunted by 
 obstacles, he labored untiringly, displayed good 
 judgment in the investment of his earnings, and 
 now, as a reward of his efforts, he has gained pros- 
 perity. He owns considerable real estate, and is 
 numbered among the most prominent business 
 men of Belleville. 
 
 Our subject wns born in (iermany. on the 2()tli 
 of August, 1830, the son of Philip 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 (Germany, and his father departed this life 
 iu 1864, after he came here, aged seventy-eight 
 3'ears. 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 yeai-s 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 bought the place where his yard is 
 now situated. He has thirty-five acres in a lirick 
 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 busine.«s 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 JIachine for soft 
 mud,capacity twenty thousand; and the Stiff Mud 
 Brick Machine, of thirty thousand. Five large 
 kilns are in operation, the brick being sold to both 
 liome 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, ihiity-eight acres being 
 devoted to the home and brickyard. Mr. Kloess 
 is a Director in the First National liank, and a 
 stockholder in the Belleville Savings Bank. He 
 was a partner from 1870 to 1S7!I in the Western 
 Brcwer\'. 
 
 March 14, 1855, was the date of the marriage of 
 Mr. Kloess to Catherine Mueller, who was born in 
 May, 1 832, in Germany, near our subject's old home 
 in the neighborhood of the Rhine. They have a 
 family of six children, as follows: Louis, who mar- 
 ried Mary Gintz, and is now in Pomona, Cal.; Eliz- 
 abeth, who is the wife of Julius Kohl; .Tohn, who 
 married Anna Hartman and is engaged with his 
 father in the brick business: Emma, who married 
 Henry Shoettler; and Julius and \Villiam, who are 
 in business with their father. The three youngest 
 sons will probably succeed to the management of 
 the brickyard when Mr. Kloess retires from busi- 
 ness. 
 
 ^^^ APT. (iEOKGE WASHINGTON EWIN(i. 
 (l( _ The prominent gentleman whose well- 
 ^i^' known name apj^cars at the head of this 
 sketch is the eftieient Superintendent and Manager 
 of the East St. Louis Gas Works. The grand- 
 father of this gentleman was a distinguished pro- 
 fes.sor in A'irginia's celebrated college of William 
 and Mary, and was a native of Fairfax County, 
 that State. In ITSIO, 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 i 
 given by heirship. He was an old-scliool Presb}'- i 
 terian, of Scotch-Irish descent, and lived until he 
 was ninety-four years of age. He was one of { 
 three brothers who caine from Ireland and settled 
 in Virginia. 
 
 The father of our subject was the Hon. Matliew 
 Ewing, who was bora in Adair County-, Ky., in 
 1795. He was a cousin of Hon. Thomas Ewing, j 
 who was known as a very'proniinent man in Ohio, ; 
 and as one of the most powerful orators of the 
 day; he also was a cousin of the celebrated Lin- 
 ens Pawing, the father of the Cumberland Presby- 
 terian Church. He was reared in Kentucky, and 
 when only seventeen years of age volunteered in 
 the War of 1812, and fought through the West 
 with (tcu. 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 mother of our subject, who so 
 completely captivated the young Kentuckian that 
 he 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, Ky., 
 a daughter of Henry Hall, who was reared in Ken- 
 tucky, but who removed to Ohio and became an ex- 
 tensive farmer 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 War, died in Hopkins, Mo., in 1876; 
 Isaiah, who is in the Home G uards, resides in Mis- 
 
 souri; James was a private in the Mexican War, 
 and raised a company in Iowa County for service in 
 the Civil AVar, and was made First Lieutenant of 
 theP^ighth 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 (fe Mississippi Railroad in 1885; 
 Mary, who is married, lives in Osgood, Ind.; Sarah, 
 who is Mrs. IMeyers, lives in Riplej' County, Ind.; 
 Fannie, who is Mrs. Rutledge, also lives in Ripley 
 County; and .lolni. who died at the age of twenty- 
 three. 
 
 Our subject was reared in Uhio until he was ten 
 j'ears of age, and enjoyed common-school advan- 
 tages. He was then sent to Lawreneeburg, Ind., 
 where he learned the bricklayer's trade, and then 
 engaged in the business of contracting and build- 
 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 1859, 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 witii the Government to 
 build a cracker factory at Jeffersonville — a b.nkery 
 that would manufacture four hundred barrels of 
 hard-tack. He built it and put it into successful 
 operation in 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 Lawreneeburg, Ind. At 
 this time he was admitted to practice law at 
 Charlestown, and in 1868 he became connected 
 with the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. He pro- 
 cured the right of way from North Vernon to 
 Louisville, and had the general superintend- 
 ence of the building of the road, but this po-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 265 
 
 silion lie 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 w.is a loss for all. He then returned to 
 the Ohio it 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 Com pan}-. 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 lift}' 
 thousand cubic feet of gas in twenty-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- 
 isliment and gratification of all. Mr. Ewing has not 
 been left behind on real estate. He owns a line 
 residence on Eighth Street and Summit Avenue, 
 which he built at a cost of about #10,000. He 
 owns other proi)erty, and is a stockholder in tlie 
 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 P'ellows. 
 
 Mr. Ewing married Miss Ann Allen, a native of 
 Connecticut. She died one year after iier mar- 
 riage. He was married a second time in ^ladison, 
 Ind., to Miss Abbisenia Runyon, 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 Jcflferson- 
 ville, Ind., in 1862, with Miss Eliza B. Dryden, 
 who was born in Louisville, Ky., and of this union 
 tliere are four living children: James K., who is 
 a .salesman for the Micliigan Salt Companj-, of 
 East St. Louis; Ida, who is Mrs. Tlir.mas .1. Zook, 
 
 resides in Sioux City, Iowa; George W., Jr., is a 
 clerk with the J.acksonville it Southeastern Rail- 
 road: and Leltic, wiio is a book-kccjier for lier 
 father. 
 
 Our subject and'lhe President of the United 
 States were reared boys together, and Mr. Ewing 
 is a strong supporter of the party 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 iminovemcnts for the 
 benefit of the citv. 
 
 eASIMIR ANDEL. The pleasant 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, 1810. When 
 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 iu Comjiany B, Twelfth Mis- 
 souri Infantry, enlisting as First Sergeant, but 
 being promoted through the ranks of Second and 
 First Lieutenant to be Captain, serving as .\id-de- 
 Camp to Gen. Peter Joseph Osterhaus until No- 
 vember, 186-1. During this time, lie 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 iu the 
 ortices 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 iVr 
 Weber, for eight years. 
 
 When the First National Bank of Hclleville w,as
 
 266 
 
 K)RTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 organized, in July, 1874, with a capital of $100,- 
 000, Dr. Jnlius Kohl served as the first President, 
 and ^'an L. Runyan as first Cashier, the last- 
 named gentleman serving only 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 arc the 
 happy parents of five children, who have proved 
 themselves worthy of the father whose name they 
 bear. The}' are Josepha Johanna, Gisela Sophia, 
 George K., William C. and Coleman E. 
 
 In the strike of 1874, Mr. Andel was chosen 
 Captain of Company A, Belleville fiuards, 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. 
 
 ^ ENRY F. BADER. The subject of this 
 \) 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, German}', 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 fifty-six years of age. He had al- 
 ways been a Republican in his political opinions. 
 The mother of our subject wa.-5 Margaret Hartmann, 
 
 who came from the banks of the storied Rhine. 
 Her father came to America 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 this 
 place, are the only survivors. He grew up here 
 and was educated in tlie public schools of this 
 city, and when fourteen years old he engaged as 
 clerk for 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 INIarch, 
 1881, he bought Mr. Neubert out and then located 
 (m 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 1890, he 
 thought he saw an opportunit}' 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 AYorkingmen'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 (Jalvanized 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 has been a Knight of Pythias 
 since 1879. 
 
 Our subject selected as a life companion the 
 daughter of Nicholas Spannagel, who was a 
 native of Alsace, Franco, and came to this coun- 
 try with his parents when quite young. lie was 
 the founder of the Heim Brewery, whicli he sold, 
 and then engaged in the manufacture f(f mineral
 
 ^,«»x 
 
 i«s^^^ 
 
 ,^.OH0^^
 
 ,^n^i^i^ 

 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 269 
 
 water. He was veiy successful in this enterprise, 
 .and made a fortune before liis death, in February, 
 1H!)2. His wife was .Tohanna .laiins, who was l)orn 
 in Germany, and died in 188.3. Of their seven 
 children, Louisa, Mrs. Bader is the eldest. Her 
 marriage to Mr. Hader took place in 1881, and 
 four lovely cliildrcn are the jewels of their homo: 
 Kdna, Walter, Henrietta and Louisa. 
 
 Mr. B.ader is a conspicuous memlier of the Re- 
 publican ranks, and has served his fellow-citizens 
 in the various c<mventions. He is of sucii a pleas- 
 ant, genial nature that his friends who wisli liim 
 well are not to be counted. 
 
 OX. LOUIS PERROTTET. wh.. owns a 
 splendid farm on section 27, and also a 
 finely improved estate on section 23,8hiloli 
 ^ Valley Township, was born in a Frencli 
 Province of .Switzerland in 184.S. His parents, 
 John and Mary (Pantillon) Perrottet. were both 
 bf>rn in the sjime province as tlieir 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 
 arin3'and was a faithful soldier during a service of 
 seven years. 
 
 On leaving the armj-, then being twenty-eight 
 yeai-s of age, Joiin Perrottet married and started 
 in tlie occupation of farming, wliidi he continued 
 during the remainder of his life. In 18.55, 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, whicli he op- 
 crated. He then removed to Macoupin County, 
 where he purchased 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 children: 
 Mary, the wife of Adam Rover; .John. August; 
 Sophia, wife of .lolin McGee; and Louis, the 
 
 youngest of the family. In religion, Mr. Perrot^ 
 tetwas a Lutheran. Politicalh", he was a supporter 
 of Republican principles. The grandfather of 
 our subject. .John Perrottet, and hLs wife, whose 
 family name was Derron. were natives of Switzer- 
 land. 
 
 Louis Perrottet, the subject of this .sketch, re- 
 mained with his parents until twenty-five years of 
 age. At that time occurred his marriage to Mary 
 Knobeloch, who is a daughter of .John and Eliza- 
 Ijeth (Hardy) Knobeloch. Mrs. Perrottet was born 
 in St. Clair County, where her parents were num- 
 bered among the very early pioneers. Mr. and 
 Mi-s. Perrottet are the parent-s of eight children: 
 Elizabeth, the wife of ]\Iichael Plab; Emma, the 
 wife of Fred Clark; Sophia, Charles, Alvona, Ida, 
 Hilda, and one who died in infancy. 
 
 In 186;5, responding to the call of his adopted 
 country, our subject enlisted as a member of the 
 Forty-third Illinois Infantry under Gen. Steele. 
 He was stationed at Little Rock and never took 
 part in any eng.agement. After his marriage. Mr. 
 Perrottet came to his present farm, where he has 
 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 man;- years of industry 
 and labor. Now fields of grain meet the eye on 
 ever;- hand, and everything about the place be- 
 tokens the care and cultivation of a careful mana- 
 ger. He is also the owner of two hundred ami 
 forty acres on section 2.3, this township. 
 
 Mr. Perrottet has occupied many official 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 alw.ays re- 
 ceived his earnest co-operation and hearty support, 
 and for sixteen years he has been one of the 
 School Directoi-s. 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 IjCgislature on the 
 Republican ticket. In his capacity .as Legislator, 
 he took a very prominent pari in trying to liave
 
 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 
 olHcial position, he has alwa3'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 sympathy and aid. He is a member of 
 tlie Grand Army of the Republic at Belleville. As 
 a soldier, he was always found at his post of duty 
 and was ever to be depended upon as a man of 
 fidelity to his trust. 
 
 ^^^JCHOLAS J. BIEBEL. The prosperous and 
 I jj intelligent farmer whose name opens this 
 liSMi article possesses one of the finest farms in 
 the county. He was born near Sargemunde, Lor- 
 raine, France, October 18, 1836. His parents came 
 to America in 1843, and landed in New York and 
 tlie same year settled in St. Clair Countj'. The3' 
 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 bouglit anotlier 
 near Mascoutali, 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 country 
 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 
 Mascoutali. 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 Gruiidlach, 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 Artliur, Ida Isabella, Emma Matilda, Albert 
 Allen, Elinor, Walter Nicholas, Richard Roy and 
 Julius. The children have all received an English 
 education and are living in this county, being 
 much thought of in their neighborhood. 
 
 Mr. Biebel has been Highwaj^ 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 day. His manner 
 is genial and friendly, and he is regarded as being 
 very liberal. 
 
 ^AUL W. ABT, President of tlic First Na- 
 1/ tional Bank of East St. Louis, is of foreign 
 birth, having been born in Wurteniberg, 
 Germany, near Stuttgart, April 25, 1845, 
 and his father, AVilliam Abt, was also born near 
 Stuttgart, German 3^ 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 
 to 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 cunie to East St. Louii-, wliere lie \v;is 
 engaged in the wholesale liquor business for alxnit 
 fifteen yejirs, and met with substantial results. 
 
 In 1887, Mr. Abt became Cashier of the old 
 Kast St. Louis Bank, which in 1890 was con- 
 verted into the First National IJank, he becoming 
 President. The bank has a capital of ?;100,000, 
 and bows to none either in enteri>rige or solidity. 
 Mr. Abt laid out the Paul W. Abt First, Second and 
 Third .Additions to Fast St. Louis during the la>t 
 five or six years. 
 
 Our subject was married in East St. Louis to Jliss 
 O. I. Buettner, a native of (Jermanj-, 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 Mas(mic fraternity. He holds- 
 membership in the German Evangelical Church, 
 and in politics, advocates the principles t)f the 
 Democratic party, being a delegate to county and 
 State conventions. 
 
 ^ SAAO EYMAN. The homestead owned and 
 |l occupied by the subject of this sketch is one 
 il\ of the most desirable and attractive within the 
 limits of Stookey Township. It is pleasantly lo- 
 cated on section 3.5, 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, .\brahain Evman, the grand- 
 father of our subject, settled in what was then a wild 
 and desert-like portion of Illinois, now known as St. 
 Clair Count}'. He was born in Pennsylvania in 
 the 3'ear 1767, his father being Abraham Eyman, 
 who emigrated from (lerman}' to America when 
 fourteen years of age and became identified with 
 the pioneer history of Pennsylvania. Abraham 
 
 Fynian, grandfather of our subject, removed from 
 Pennsylvania to Virginia, where he married Miss 
 .Susannah Whetstone, a native of Hardy County, 
 Va. In 1796, this sturdy forefather of the Eyman 
 family came to what is now Monroe County, HI., 
 selected a portion of land, and. after planting a 
 crop, returned home for his family, which then 
 consisted of his wife and two sons. The year fol- 
 liiwing, he placed all his earthly effects on a flat- 
 lioal, and with his small family started down the 
 Ohio River to his new home. The spot on which 
 he had chosen to locate was a veritable wilderness, 
 it> native population consisting of Indians and 
 wild beasts, the hostile nature of the former and 
 the abundance of 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 
 anxiet}', and he started back across the country to 
 look for his lost ones, who, after many days' search, 
 he found on the open prairie, where they had been 
 abandoned to make their way 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 away. The discomforts, inconveniencies 
 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 w.as 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, firandfather Eyman learned 
 the trade of blacksmith, wliich craft lie never
 
 272 
 
 PeKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 allowed himself to forget, always having a shop 
 on his farm. Nature endowed liim with the attri- 
 butes 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 use at tiie home of his 
 grandson today. lie built the first wool-carding 
 machine produced in St. Clair County. He served 
 in the War of 1812. When Illinois was admitted 
 to the Union, he was chosen by the Whig party to 
 I'epresent his district in the first State Legislature 
 of Illinois. In religion, he and his 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, John; Isaac, the father of our subject; 
 Nancy, Mrs. McClintock; Catherine, wife of Jacob 
 Stout; Susannah, wife of James McClintock; and 
 Mary, wife of Benjamin McCuire. Abraham Ej'- 
 man departed this life June 8, 1831, his wife sur- 
 viving him until the 10th of August, 18.'J2, she 
 tlien being eighty-two years old. 
 
 Isaac Eynian, 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 yet a boy, threw him on his own 
 responsibilities. He and another brother, how- 
 ever, remained with their mother, farmed the 
 place and operated the wool-carding machine, 
 which 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 chiidliood, the rest being Nancy; Minerva, 
 wife of Abraham Gooding; Theodore; Walter; and 
 Isaac, with whom this biography more particu- 
 larly deals. Isaac, Sr., lived tlie life of a farmer in 
 its strictest sense. Ills sympathies were with the 
 
 old Whig party, but lie 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 sketcii, 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 
 (Carr) Stooke^', and to them have been born three 
 children: Jerome, A. Irene and Warren. Politi- 
 cally, our subject is a Republican and has served 
 his township three times as Collector. 
 
 There are but few families in any community 
 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 the grandfather, Abra- 
 ham Eyman, have descended from the second to 
 the third generation, and his .achievements in all 
 branches of industry, and his reg.ard 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 that his family will 
 alw.iys have a representative in the community so 
 freighted with reminiscences of this grand pioneer 
 character. 
 
 -S)^5* 
 
 i^^ IMON BAl'M. This gentleman is the gen- 
 ^^^ iai proprietor of the Repulilican House, 
 (iL/JJ! 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 h.as been very successful in his business, ns he 
 gives it his undivided attention. 
 
 Mr. Banm was liorn in Wiirtemberg. (Jeriiiany,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIIICAL RECORD. 
 
 273 
 
 March 2, 1856, being the son of Patritze and 
 Mary liaum. Wlien he was five years old he came 
 with his mother to 1-ebanon, 111., where lie sjrew U< 
 manhood, and was educated there in tiic pulilic 
 schools.. In thnt town he learned tlie trade of 
 a blacksmith, going llirough an apprenticeship. 
 He then engaged in tiie saloon business at Leb- 
 anon, engaging in tiiat business for six years. From 
 there lie went to Kinmundy and engaged in tlie 
 same business for one year, and tlien removed to 
 Helleville. 111., wiiere he operated a saloon from 
 187!) to 188.i, on tlie corner of Main and Jackson 
 Streets. 
 
 Mr. Haum was married to Miss .h>lianna Spies, 
 of this city. Her father had been the proprietor 
 of the Republican House, she being born in it, and 
 has lived lierc since her birth. The marriage took 
 place November 10, 1885. They have two chil- 
 dren, Carl and Cecelia. 
 
 Mr. liaum is a member of St. I'eter's Cathedral, 
 also of the Turnverein, and 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. liaum 's aged 
 mother still lives at lycbanoii, well known and 
 highly respected. 
 
 -^^' 
 
 LEXANDEH RIEMMLEH. As awcithy 
 representative of the intelligence, the iii- 
 /// ii' tegrity, and the moral worth of the people 
 _ of Darmstadt, St. Clair County, the sub- 
 
 ject of this sketcii occupies no ordinary position. 
 He is widely and favorably known in his native 
 county, and the fact that he is well s|)oki'ii of by 
 high and low and rich and poor is suflicioiil indi- 
 cation of his cliaracter. Mr. Uuemmler should de- 
 rive much satisfaction from tlie contemplation of 
 the part which he has played in life, building u|i a 
 record which his descendants may look upon with 
 pride, liv a course of industry, prudence and good 
 managemont, he has becf)me well-to-do financially, 
 !UuI his line residence and thriving business indi- 
 
 cate in a marked degree to what good purpose 
 the owner has labored and expended at h^asta [lor- 
 tidii of his capital. 
 
 Alexander Riienimler is oin' of a family of eiglit 
 children born to .Vdamand .iiilia(Heist) Huemmler, 
 both natives of Germany. Adam Hueinmler was 
 born in (lermany, April 3, 1800. He was a shoe- 
 maker by trade. His wife, Julia (Heist) Kucminler, 
 was born in (iermany in the year 1802, and died 
 in (iermany in 1846. Soon after the death of his 
 wife, Adam Kuemmler joined his son Alexander, 
 who had preceded him to America, and who at 
 that time was living in St. I^ouis, j\Io. Adam 
 Kuemmler followed his trade of shoemaker in this 
 country until the time of his death, which occmred 
 in 1869. He was reared in, and always clung to, 
 the Lutheran belief. His father was John Peter 
 Kuemmler, born in 1760, and a respected citizen of 
 the community' in which he lived in Germany. 
 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 ^-ears 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. iyouis. 
 Xo man understands more thoroughly than he 
 the liardships endured by a stranger in a strange 
 i(niiiti\'. who, with limited means, has the [iluck 
 and energy to start for himself. After reaching 
 St. Louis, he sought occupation at his trade, and 
 his lirst work brought him the munificent sal- 
 ary of ?i4 per niontli: Iml llirifty (Jerman iii- 
 dii>lry is very >tidngly cxciniilified in his char- 
 acter, and in the year 1><.")I wi- lind him. .'it tlie 
 age of twenty-six years, owner of lii> own shop 
 and assuming the car.es of a luisjiicss lifi; for him- 
 
 .sclf. 
 
 'l"lu' same year which lieieaved him of his father 
 finds him a new settler in Darmstadt, St. Clair 
 County, his present home. In 186!) he invested 
 his savings in property here, and started the biisl«
 
 274 
 
 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRArfflCAL RECORD. 
 
 ness which he has so successfully manipulated, 
 and founded the home which Is to-day a monu- 
 ment to liis energy and ability. 
 
 The 29th of June, 1852, was made an inleiest- 
 ing day in the 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 children, namely: Christian 
 L., Henry F. and Mrs. Miller. After tlie deatli of 
 the estimable mother of these children, Mr. Kuemm- 
 ler married Miss Mary May Miller, and to them 
 have been born six children: Elizabeth, wife of 
 Mr. George Schlesinger; Alexander, Mary, Julia, 
 Charles (deceased) and Leonard. 
 
 At the outbreak of our late National unpleasant- 
 ness. Mr. Rneramler enlisted in the Fourth Regiment 
 of the Fourth Corps of Missouri, and went to the 
 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 looked up to in his community as a self-made 
 man and a broad thinker. Beginning life dependent 
 upon iiis 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. 
 
 Jf LBERT MOOTZ. No special department 
 ( @fl-] \\ of commerce is of more importance to a 
 i\ community tlian 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 the 
 healing of the sick has been regarded as among 
 the highest of human functions, and it is for this 
 reason that so nuH'li attention is paid to the call- 
 ing of the druggist, jii our own da^-. Mr, Mootz 
 
 was born in Hoheneggelsen, Province of Hanover, 
 Germany, December 20, 1844, a son of August 
 Mootz, a native of Brunswick, and an apothecary 
 by calling, which occupation he first followed in 
 the cit}^ 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 Doiothea 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 grnnd- 
 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 apothecar3''s trade at Holzminden, 
 Brunswick, where he remained four years, after- 
 ward clerking for three years. In that time he had 
 to pass several examinations, but did so successf ull3-. 
 In 1870-71, he was an apothecary during the 
 Franco-German War in the place of the regiment 
 apothecary at Dingelstadt, Saxony, 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 cnme to East St. Louis, but our subject 
 continued there one year longer in partnership 
 with a physician. In October, 187(), 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 tine business 
 block, a brick building with a frontage of forty- 
 three feet. His store is very handsomelv and con- 
 veniently fitted up, and he carries a large line of 
 everything connected with his line of business. 
 He has a large and influential patronage from the 
 best classes of society, popular prices pj'evail, and
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 275 
 
 polite and attentive assistants serve his customers 
 intelligently and promptly. Mr. Mootz was first 
 niiuried in East St. Louis to IMiss Theresa Wel- 
 ters, who was born and spent her life in this town. 
 After her death, he took for his second wife Miss 
 Anna .Tackiesch, who w.is also born in this city, 
 .and by her has two children, Dorothea and Else. 
 Mr. Mootz and his family are Luther.ins in reli- 
 gion, and, politically, he is a pronounced Republi- 
 can. He belongs to the State I'harniaceutical As- 
 sociation, and is one of the leading pharm.acists of 
 East St. Louis. 
 
 E^^- 
 
 ^p^OTTFKIKI) NUETZEL,a prosperous farmer 
 ((( c— <^" section 6, Casey ville Township, 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 
 leared on a farm and in the neighboring village, 
 wiiere 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 
 w.as reared in the Lutheran faith, and was a mem- 
 ber of lliat church. 
 
 Until twenty-two years of age, (;<>ttfiic(I Nuet- 
 zel remained under the parental roof. In lf<."i-l, 
 believing that the Western World uffercd grcalci- 
 opportunities for .acquiring a fortune, he left his 
 home and friends and came to the United .States. 
 lie \h>\ 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. Accordiugl}-, he rented land for a few 
 years near C.aseyville, which he operated quite 
 successfully. Encour.aged 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. 
 
 Oursubject was first married in 18G0 to Catherine 
 Christ, and to them was born a family of four 
 children, who are now all deceased. The mother 
 passed away in 1871. IMr. Nuetzel was again mar- 
 ried, his bride being Anna M. Soellner, daughter 
 of John M. and Anna B. (Siengeiiberger) Soellner. 
 This worthy couple have become tlie parents of 
 five children: John (J., Gottfried F., Anna M., 
 Caroline L. and (Jeorge L. 
 
 Believing in the 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 .jf the Lutheran Church, 
 and with tliat denomination holds membership. 
 For a period of nearly fort}' years, Mr. Nuetzel 
 h.as 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. 
 
 F^^UOyiAS BURKK, i)ropriet.ir of the Dublin 
 House of E.ast St. Louis, 111., is an able and 
 ellicicnt manager, and lias made his hotel a 
 veritable symbol of all that constitutes the com- 
 fort and pleasure of guests. Mr. Burke was born 
 in County Uoscouuuon, Ireland, in 18-12, a sow
 
 276 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of Thomas, and grandson of John, Burke, both 
 of whom 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 w.as Mary Shauney, surviving 
 him until 1888. when her death occurred at tlie 
 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 liome 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 years 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 different times 
 at Belf.ast, 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 Jul}', 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 daj'S. He remained in New 
 York City one month, then went to Galena, HI., 
 where he was engaged in the grocery business with 
 his uncle, and in the 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 
 liquor establishment at Ogle Station, removing to 
 Belleville at the end of two years. He conducted 
 the Farmers' House of that place for three years, 
 but in the spring of 1881 ho came' to East St. 
 Louis and bought the site of his present business 
 house, which was then improved with a commo- 
 dious frame Iniilding. He opened his hotel, but 
 in 1883 put u[) his present brick building, which 
 is three stories and a basement in height, has a 
 frontage of lifty feet and is seventy-two feet deeii. 
 This iiouse js furnished in a tasteful maiuiei', 
 
 suited to the demands of his patrons, and his ta- 
 bles are always spread with the delicacies of the 
 season. His rates are yery reasonable, and he is 
 an attentive and courteous host. He is interested to 
 some extent in real estate, owns a small improved 
 farm in Effingham 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 years, was Assistant Supervisor 
 for one ^ear of the Fourth Ward, and i)olitiealiy 
 has alwa3'S been a Democrat. 
 
 His marriage, which occurred in St. Louis Janu- 
 ary 2, 1869, was to Miss Sarah J. IMcDonald, 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. Mr. 
 Burke and his family worship in St. Patrick's 
 Catholic Church, and he is a member of the Catho- 
 lic Knights of America. 
 
 
 J-IILir MOESER, M. 1). This gentleman 
 is a popular physician and surgeon of the 
 little village of New Athens, wliere he has 
 made his home since 1882. He is the son 
 of Henry Moeser, one of the early settlers of St. 
 Clair County. (See sketch elsewhere in this book). 
 The Doctor is a native of this State and count}-, 
 having been born on the home place in Sinitlittui 
 Township, where he continued to live until he 
 was ten years old. when he left home to reside 
 with his sister, Mrs. Philip Skaer. wilii whom 
 he remained until he was fifteen years of age. 
 He secured his primary education in the common 
 schools of the count}- and afterward took a course 
 at Bryant and Stratton's Business College at St. 
 Lonis, finishing his literaiy education at McKend- 
 ree College, Lebanon, 111. After this he began the 
 study of medicine willi Dr. Cunningham, at Leb- 
 anon, 111., and later pursued his studies under the 
 supervision of Dr. ISarnnm. at Freedom, 1 II. He 
 graduated from the American College, ;it Si. Louis, 
 in 1882, and iiiuiietliatcly began tlie practice of
 
 \H«^'^T 
 
 \\^^ ..lA*'^
 
 .=».1-w*-' ^^^ 
 
 ^ ^^^ , ^ 
 
 4* -i, ^-^t-^s-flife^ 
 
 /
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 279 
 
 his |)rofessi(>ii in New Athens, where he has contin- 
 ued to make his home ever since, buihling up a 
 large and successful practice, excelling any other 
 physician of New Athens in the number of his 
 patients. In his practice Dr. Moeser makes a speci- 
 alty of throat and lung diseases, applying what 
 is known as the inhalation of oxygen treatment, 
 in which lie has been exceedingly successful. 
 
 Our sul)ject w.is married to Miss Betty Fries, the 
 accomplished daugiiter of (ieorge Fries, of New 
 Athens. She bore her husband one child, (Teorge, 
 but the bright, promising little flower was cut down 
 liy deatii. wlien only five years of age, July 4, 1889, 
 .ind this national holid.ay will ever be a day of 
 sadness to his afflicted parents. 
 
 Politically, our subject adheres to the principles 
 of the Democratic party and is a stanch member 
 of the Independent Order of Odd P'ellows,in which 
 order he has filled all the chairs. He is one 
 of the leading men of tlie village and promises 
 to make himself heard, both in the professional 
 and political world. 
 
 \1|AMKS AFFl.KCK. The subject of this 
 notice has lived longer in the city of Belle- 
 ville than any other resident, for he came 
 here in 1820 and has made it his home ever 
 sirce. His birth occurred either in North Carolina 
 or Tennessee, and his parent* were David and Ann 
 (Gillespie) Affleck, who were born and reared in 
 .Scotland. Soon after their marriage tiiey came to 
 America and settled in Wilmington. X. C, but af- 
 ter a short sojourn there they removed into Ten- 
 nessee. The fatlier taught school on Stone River, 
 not far from where Rfurfreesboro now stands. 
 When the Illinois "boom" started, they came to 
 St. Clair Countj-. where he bought land and resided 
 until his death, in 18 lit. The mother's death oc- 
 curred one year earlier. Tiiey were the best <if 
 people and showed to thi' worhl how the Scotcii- 
 Presbyferian faith c:ni cany believers thr(>iiL.'li a<l- 
 vei-sity. 
 
 C)ur subject was born August 15, I^IS, and was 
 
 13 
 
 left an orphan in a new country before he was six 
 \'ears of age. with one relative, Robert Gillespie 
 Affleck, now of Bolivar, 5Io. 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 shop of his own, in which he continued until 
 he thought he could make more b}' farming. For 
 a short time he followed agricultural pusuits, 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 
 j'ears. That his services were valued is sufficiently 
 proved bj- 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 citj-. For years he h.as been Alderman 
 from the Fourth Ward, and has served in other 
 places of trust. 
 
 November 12, 18.35, Mr. .\ffleck married Hester 
 Ann, a daughter of Weslej- Coleman, and to them 
 have been born five children, namely: Charles D.; 
 Mary, wife of Edwin Park, an attorney of Decatur; 
 .lason. deceased; Amanda, the wife of Judge Wil- 
 derman; and James H. After the death of his first 
 wife, Mr. Affleck married Miss Ann E. Richardson, 
 a native of Oliio. Their family is as follows: Cora, 
 the wife of Frank I,. .Stewart, of Carmi, III.; Es- 
 telle, who «as married to John A. Logan, a second 
 cousin of the lamented John A. Logan, and lives at 
 Carmi; Hen F. is now a Cairo Short lane officer at St. 
 Louis; Edward ('<. is in the Ilarri.son ^lachine Shop; 
 ami Susie R. is attending the N<jrnial School. 
 
 Mr. Affleck is a member of the church of his 
 (•iiiintrvmcn, in wliieli he has served as Deacon. 
 Ili-Ncin Edward Imlds llie positions of Elder and 
 Trustee in that church. Although Mr. Affleck is a
 
 280 
 
 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 thorough American and proud of the progress made 
 liy the city of his clioice, he Lakes great interest in 
 all Scotch-Irisli affairs, and has just returned from 
 Atlanta, Oa., wliere there was a meeting of the 
 
 clans. 
 
 „ ,( DAjNI funk. Tlie subject of this sketch 
 iS^OI is the largest land-owner in this section 
 
 |llii of the county. He resides on section 14, 
 Freeburg Towushii), and owns nine hun- 
 dred and forty acres of land in one place, and has 
 a two-thirds inteiest in one hundred and sixty acres 
 in another part. 
 
 Onr subject was the son of George Funk, who 
 was born and reared, and also married, in Germany, 
 his wife being Catherine Routh; he came to America 
 in 1833, and first 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. Tlien the land was wild, and deer and 
 wild turkeys abounded, and the family went 
 through the hard experiences of pioneer life in a 
 new and unknown country. Of the five children 
 l)orn to Mr. F\ink, four are yet living. Catherine 
 is the wife of Henrj' 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 se\cn hundred acres of land here 
 before his. death. 
 
 The gentleman of whom we write was born Oc- 
 tober 11, 1830, in Germany, and was three years 
 old when he came to America. He was reared on 
 the place where he now lives and never had the 
 advantage of any schooling. Our subject was 
 married in 1858 to Catlieiine Routh, who was the 
 daughter of Adam Koutli and was born and reared 
 in (ierniany and came here in 18/)4. After his 
 marriage, he brought his wife to this place, where 
 lie has remained ever since. His wife died after 
 fourteen years of married life, and his second 
 companion was Christina Schnure, who also was 
 h();ii ill (iernianv. V']\c children were liorn 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 John Dickhaut, and Cliarles lives at 
 home. Eight children have been born during his 
 present marriage: Willie, Philip, Anna, Battle, 
 Emma, Katie, Louisa and August. 
 
 Mr. 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 and 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 neighljorhood and has many friends. 
 
 ^.- .=^^^^^.^^g 
 
 ] llD(iE BENJAMIN BONEAU. Judge Bon- 
 eau's father, Joseph Boneau, whose name 
 indicates his Fiench extraction, came from 
 '^^^ Logansport, Ind., in the early part of the 
 present centurj', and settled in French Village, 
 where, in connection with farming, he followed 
 the occupation of a coal miner until his death, 
 which occurred in October, 1834, he having been 
 crushed 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 F'rench 
 Village. He sold coal to the Wiggins Feriy 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 the time of 
 his death. 
 
 Judge Boncau's mother was born in Prairie 
 du Kocher. Raii(k)lph Count\-. Ill,, about the
 
 PORTRAIT AND KIOGRArillCAL RPX'URD. 
 
 281 
 
 year 1796. Her maiden name was Felicite Gal- 
 liot, and slie was descended from a lonj? line 
 of Fn-neli ancestors-, some of whom came to Kas- 
 kaskiii. III., and St. (Tenevieve.^Io., early in tiie last 
 icntuiy. She died in the montli of January, 18.iO. 
 Her son. Judge Benjamin IJoneau, is one of the 
 county's representative men, and is in every way 
 (lualified for the honorable position he is now hold- 
 ing;. In the year 18.52, he was graduated at St. 
 Xavier's .lesuit College, Cincinnati, and inuni'- 
 dialely afterward entered the Cincinnati Law 
 School, from which he received his diploma in 
 18,55, having in the meantime been a student in 
 the law office of King A- Anderson, two of the 
 most prominent attorneys in the State of Ohio. 
 
 In 1856, our subject was admitted to the Bar in 
 Belleville, when Judge Breese was on the Bench, 
 and al.«o the St. Louis Bar, during .ludge Hamil- 
 ton's incumbency as Circuit Jiulge in that city. 
 This was also in 1850. He practiced law for one 
 year in Chicago, and for ten or fifteen years 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 otliiT anil more active i)ur- 
 snits, belter suited to his taste and more beneficial 
 to his health. In the meantime, however, he al- 
 ways kept ui) his stock of reading and his study of 
 law, and is regarded by the members of the Bar as 
 ])Osscssing a clear and analytical legal mind, which 
 eminently (pialifies him to fill accei)tably the otHce 
 of County Judge, to which the people of this 
 county elected him in 1h;I(i, with a majority of 
 five hundred over Frank Berriii, who was Presi- 
 dent of the Board of Supervisors of the county. 
 
 Judge Boneau's elo(inence is natural, fluent and 
 persuasive. His veneration for tlie law, and his 
 high sense of moral responsibility, invest his 
 manner with peculiar gi.ace, and this, combined 
 with his accuracy of legal knowledge, lucidity 
 of statement, felicitv of illustration, and (•opi(>ii>- 
 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- 
 paigns. He was married on the 12th of January, 
 1858, to Miss Helen A. Lacroix. a lad}' reared in 
 
 Belleville, and the daughter of R. 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: lienjamin C, of the electric light 
 plant of Minneaiiolis, Minn.; Mary A., at home; 
 Charles W., in the railroad department of the Chi- 
 cago i)ost-oftice, being the only Democrat left in the 
 office: William C., at home, clerking in St. Louis; 
 and Leo Ogle, now attending school. This family 
 holds membership in the Catholic Church. 
 
 DOLPII ANDEL. the genial host of the 
 popular National Hotel, of which he is 
 the proprietor 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 I'ublie Square, and is a brick building 
 fif 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 ( ierman by biitli. having been 
 born in Hesse-Darmstadt May 3, 1843, and is a 
 son of Johan and Catherine (JIaus) Andel, natives 
 of the same place. Mr. Andel was reared and re- 
 ceived a thorough (Jernian education in his native 
 ))rovince, but, being dissatisfied with the Old 
 World, he resolved to seek employment in the 
 New, .-o in 1X60 he came to the I'nitcd States, set- 
 tling in St. .loe. Mo., where he remained for fif- 
 teen years engaged as a book-keeper in a hardware 
 st<jre. At the expiration of that time, he cam.e to 
 lielleville and engaged as a book-keeper with the 
 linn of C. W. Andel A- 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 year, he was able to 
 pun.-h.ase it, and since then h.as been the sole |)ro- 
 pi iitor of this flourishing hostelry. 
 
 .Ml-. Andel is a member of the Knights of Pvthias,
 
 282 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of the Liederkranz, and of the Tuinverein Ger- 
 man societies. In botli of these societies he is 
 an honored and respected member. It was in 
 Missouri that Mr. Andel won and married his 
 cliarming wife, Lizzie Klippel, she being a native 
 of that State, and tlie ceremony occurred in St. 
 Joe .June 24, 1869. Two bright, interesting chil- 
 dren have blessed tliis union. Carl W. and Mamie 
 M. In Mr. Andel we behold one of the influen- 
 tial men of Belleville, and one that enjoys the 
 respect and esteem of everyone who knows him, 
 and, as he is in a position to become acquainted 
 with all the peoi)le. his circle of friends is ex- 
 tremely large. 
 
 ON. .70IIN T. MtCASLAND. There is in 
 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 
 obscurity of poverty. These reflections are called 
 forth by the study of the life of Mr. John T. Mc- 
 Casland, who is not only the "real-estate king" of 
 East SL Louis, but one of the city's most active 
 and public-spirited 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, 18.56, and is a son of 
 J. M. McCasland (see sketch). His childhood 
 days 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 
 years of age. He then went West to Colorado, at 
 the lime of the Pueblo excitement, and drove 
 overland witli team and wagon to that place, 
 whi^re he sold the outllt and eng:iged in (iros- 
 piTtiiig for gold, continuing this for about a 
 
 year. Returning to Morgan County, III., he 
 soon after entered the 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 city, gave up his position with the insurance 
 company, and in June, 188l», he stepped right 
 into the real-estate market with such spirit 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 Eng- 
 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 East 
 St. Louis to the front and has advanced her inter- 
 ests in a wonderful manner. While thus engaged, 
 he has mnde a snug fortune for himself, as well as 
 for many others in East St. Louis, and has reached
 
 K)RTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 283 
 
 liis present standing as a business man by strict 
 attention to tlio interests of patrons, and by in all 
 cases endeavorinti; to give llie limit of satisfac- 
 tion. 
 
 Mr. McCasland selected liis life comp.anion in 
 the person of Miss Julia E. Lusk,a native of lows, 
 and their marriage was celebrated at Cheyenne, 
 Wye, in 1887. She is the daughter of David C. Lusk, 
 now a resident of East St. Louis. The latter w.as 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 ])rom- 
 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 has raanv warm friends. 
 
 e^+^ 
 
 1^^ YLVESTER FOURNH:. The sunny land 
 ^^^ of Fr.ance, the home of La Fayette, has con- 
 !|l/^j Iributed to 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 ancestoi"s onlj- found the savage 
 Indian. 
 
 The father of our subject was born in Lorraine, 
 Fr.ance, where he lived until the age of twelve 
 years. His parents came to this country at an 
 early day and settled in Illinois m this locality, 
 and here Louis Fournie w.as married to Fclissa 
 Adlebrook, who was born in Lorraine, France, and 
 came to this country when a young lady. 
 
 After marri.agc, Louis Fournie and his bride set- 
 tled in "Dutch Hollow," on a farm near Belleville. 
 The former made a trip to California, and then 
 came back and bought a farm a mile north of 
 IJelleville.upon which he lived until the time of his 
 deatli, being a consistent member of the Roman 
 Catholic Church. He had seven children, .loscph, 
 Andrew, Sylvester and l.iiuis 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 Xichol.as Cully, a farmer 
 of this county. This interesting ceremony took 
 place in September, 1878. After marriage, otir 
 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 
 W.1S 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 at home: Katie, Tony, Louis, Ida. Syl- 
 vester, Tillie, and Charlie, the seven-month-old 
 bab^'. 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 household 
 among the green fields and meadows that the pass- 
 ing traveler loves to see and meditate upon. 
 
 ♦^^■^tg#@!^^^ 
 
 ENRY ELLIOT, President of the Elliot 
 Frog and Switch Company, which was in- 
 iK\y>y corporated in 1887, was born in Jedburgh 
 Roxburghshire. Scotland, in 1827, to the un- 
 ion of Henry and Mary (Shortreed) Elliot, both na- 
 tives of Jedburgh. The paternal grandfather, 1 lenry 
 Elliot, Sr., was also a native of Jedburgh. The 
 father was an iron worker and machinist and made 
 his home in his native town until 18.34, when he 
 removed to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, and 
 w.as in the employ of (icorge .Stevenson, the first 
 locomotive builder. Later, he took charge as sup- 
 erintendent of the locomotive works of Coulthard 
 it Sons, and continued there until 18.">4, when he 
 brought his family to America, settling in Cincin- 
 nati, where he was employed in the I^ittle Miami 
 Railrofid shops. From there he went to A'incennes, 
 Ind., where his death occurred in 1863. when
 
 284 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RFX'ORD. 
 
 tiixty-three years of age. Mrs. Elliot died in Cin- 
 cinnati, Ohio, in 1857. She was the dauohter of 
 George Shortreed, a native of Scotland and a shoe- 
 maker by trade. When young, the latter enlisted 
 in the English army as private, serving in Erance 
 and other places. Seven children were horn to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Elliot, ttiree of whom survive. 
 
 Henry Elliot, the original of this notice, was the 
 third in order of birth of the above-mentioned 
 children. Erom the age of seven, he was reared in 
 Newcastle and was educated in the common 
 schools. At the age of twelve, he began working 
 in a grocerj' store and was thus emplo.yed until 
 fourteen, when he was apprenticed with Coulthard 
 * 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 Wiiitehaven, but later went to 
 Liverpool, where he was in the employ of the laig- 
 est manufacturing works there, and assisted in 
 building the large steamer "Sarah Sands," one of 
 the first propellers tiiat ever crossed the ocean to 
 America. Erom there he went to Leith, Scotland, 
 and was in the employ of Hawthorne it Co., man- 
 ufacturers of locomotives. 
 
 Returning to his home, he was tlien put in charge 
 of the erecting shops wliere he had learned his 
 trade. He came to America in 1849, and was the 
 first of his family to touch American soil. He took 
 passage on the sailing-vessel "Isaac Wright" 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 Works, remained there for a time and 
 then went to Richmond, Va., and worked in rail- 
 road shops there for some time. Erom there he 
 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 Viucenncs, Ind., and was master mechanic on 
 the Ohio (fe Mississippi Railroad until 1863. In 
 1864, he was in the Government employ as master 
 mechanic with headqnjirters at Nashville, Tenn., 
 and he had charge of fourteen hundred men. 
 He remained there until the close of the war 
 and disposed of tlie machinery. In tlie 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, was 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 witli his brother George. 
 
 They started the Erog and Switch works under 
 the firm name of Elliot & Bro., on a small scale, 
 but as George died soon after, his son Hari\y was 
 taken in and the business was continued as H. & 
 H. Elliot, with a capital of $5,000; They leased 
 the ground and shops. 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. They do all 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 Companj- 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 1879, 
 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 Eirst 
 National Bank and is a stockholder in the Ituild- 
 ingand Loan Association. 
 
 Mr. Elliot was first married in Cincinnati to 
 ]\Iiss Mary A. Bariy, 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 East St. 
 Louis; James emploj'ed in a shop; May 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 E. Mr. Elliot and family reside 
 at No. 3631 Washington Avenue, St. Louis. 
 
 Mr. Elliot assisted in drawing uj) 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. 
 
 Mason, and in politics is a Republican. In 1882, 
 he made a trip to Europe and has visited that 
 country twice since, the last time in 1891. He 
 had a very pleasant visit hack to his old iiome and 
 has been all over Scotland, England, Ireland, (ier- 
 many, France and Switzerland. The second time 
 he took his family along. Mr. Elliot is a member 
 of the Xational Master Mechanics' Association and 
 is one of t4ie oldest members. 
 
 'OHN HENRY FRIESS, who resides on sec- 
 tion '2G, Shiloh Valley Township, is one of 
 the worthy citizens tliat (iernian}- has fur- 
 nished to St. Clair Couut3'. 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- 
 riage. In accordance with the laws of his native 
 land, he also served a few years in the German 
 army. 
 
 After liis marriage. Mr. Friess turned iiis atten- 
 tion to agricultural pursuits, owning a farm in the 
 Fatherland. At length, he determined to seek a 
 home in the New- World, and bidding good-bye to 
 the scenes of his youth, .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 (iovernnient. 
 The wild and unimproved tr.act he transformed 
 into an excellent farm, ujjon which he made his 
 home until his deatii. He w.as reared in tlie Luth- 
 eran Church. His death occurred about 1877, and 
 his wife survived him four years. To this worthy 
 couple were born eight children, of wliom only 
 four are now living: Cieorge. .John H., Frederick, 
 and Mary, wife of Louis Fisher. Those deceased 
 are Michael, Peter, Adam, and Marg.iret, who was 
 the wife of Stejjhen 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. Tiie days of his boyhood 
 were spent under the parent,al 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 daugliter 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 Jlr. and Mrs. Friess, three sons and three 
 daughters: Philip. Henry, George; Katie, wife of 
 JIartin Emerick; Matilda, wife of Gusta ve Schrader; 
 and Mary, wife of Frank Moser. 
 
 Soon after his marriage, Mr. Friess purchased 
 the laud on which he now resides. .B3" 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 him 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. The 
 county regards him as among its valued citizens, 
 for he has ever borne his part in the jiroinotion 
 of ail public enterprises of wortii. 
 
 J'"? OHN EHIXGER. This gentleman is one of 
 the oldest German- Americans at Belleville, 
 having come here April 1, 18.50. He was 
 _ born in Baden, (Jermany, April ;?, 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 w.as 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 Amci- 
 ica. ( In reaching tiiis country, he followed the tiade
 
 286 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of cai-penter, woikiiiu; for eleven months as jour- 
 neyman. He then engaged in business for himself, 
 and began taking contracts and building from that 
 time on. He has 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 arranged for their line of business, and 
 constantlj' give employment to tweiity-tive men. 
 
 Our subject married Miss Caroline Suttler, in 
 1851, the marriage taking place 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 
 StoU. 
 
 Mr. Ehiugcr built a flue 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 family-. 
 
 i.S|&^SA£2^ 
 
 ^^^m^^w^m 
 
 ^S^ETER SCHWINN, who is the owner of a 
 jj] fine farm of six hundred acres on section 2, 
 f^ Stookey Township, was born in Gerniau^-., 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 eightj'-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 strictl}' 
 devoted to the tilling of the soil and kindred pur- 
 suits. 
 
 On the Ttliuf Se[)tcml)er, 1848, Leonard .Schwinn 
 was foully murdered by a farm hand who had pre- 
 viously worked for him. At the time, witii his 
 son, Mr. Schwinn was living alone on his farm, his 
 wife having died several years before. Our sub- 
 ject was at a neighbor's when the dreadful crime 
 was committed. The cowardly assassin followed 
 Mr. Schwinn from the house, and shot him in the 
 back. The motive of the deed was always sup- 
 posed to be robbery, as the victim had a large sum 
 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 
 was twent3--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, which 
 he has improved and brought under a high state 
 of cultivation, His farm is considered one of the 
 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 
 among the leading agriculturists of the county, 
 where he has lived for nearly sixtj- years. He is 
 an intelligent and successful business man, iden- 
 tified with the best interests of the community and 
 ever ready to aid in the promotion of such enter- 
 prises as will advance the general welfare. 
 
 The marriiige of Mr. Schwinn was celebrated 
 April 23, 18-18, when Miss Christina Mosser became 
 his wife. To them were born seven children: Mary, 
 the wife of James Jlitchell; Peter, Frederick; Min- 
 nie, the wife of Charles Hoff; Elizabeth, wife of 
 Louis Rhine; Leonard; and llosa, who is now de 
 ceased. Afterthedeath of his first wife, Mr. Schwinn 
 was married to Mrs. .losephine Droit, the ceremonv

 
 PORTRAIT AND r.I()( inAPTHCAL RECORD. 
 
 289 
 
 being performed in 1877. Slio is tliu (l;iu<;litor uf 
 I.oiiis Miul Mary (Merselle) Diipoiit. By iier union 
 Willi Mr. Droit were horn s^ix c-liildron: Louisa, 
 wife of Joseph Kttienne; C'aniit'1;i. 'I'olina. C'nllu'rt 
 (deceased), Waller and Oliver. 
 
 In his political attiliations, Mr. Schwinu is allied 
 with the Republican party, and is much interested 
 in the political issues of the day. His fellow-citi- 
 zens, api)reciating his worth and aliility, have fre- 
 (piently called upon him to serve in local positions, 
 the duties of which he has ever performed with 
 lidelit\ . and to the sati faction of all. 
 
 S-^* / 
 
 NTOX J. MUELLKR is one of the sub- 
 " stantial and influential farmers of St. Clair 
 Township, living on a line farm one and 
 a-lialf miles from Belleville. His parents 
 were .Joseph D. and Annie Mary (P'isher) Mueller, 
 natives of ( Jermany. 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 country, they in 1852 
 came to Illinois and settled on a farm about eight 
 miles from the present home of our subject, re- 
 moving in 1 8.^)3 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: .lolin F., a farmer of 
 Franklin Township; Stephen, a single man, who is 
 making his home with his brother ,lohn ; Helena, now 
 the wife of .1. II. 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 with Anton. Mr. 
 Mueller, Sr.. died in 188.3, .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 he now 
 
 o(•(■u|>ic:^ 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-eight years of age, having been 
 born April 28, 18(!4, but is one of the best farmers 
 in his section and promises to lie one of the 
 weighty men of the county. His farm is a fine 
 one of eighty-five .acres, 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 Mis.souri, 
 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- 
 coiits 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 wealtlir 
 
 ='*++*'^S 
 
 JOHN FHEY is the owner and occupant of a 
 pleasant farm located on section 26, Stookey 
 Tovvnshi]!. It comprises many acres of 
 well-improved and cultivated land, a suli- 
 stantial and commodious residence and good barns 
 being included in the buildings which adorn it. It 
 is devoted to the pur))Ose of general farming, and 
 has been for years the scene of the successful 
 labors of its owner. 
 
 Jolni and Mary (Mas) Fiey, the parents of our 
 subject, were born in Prussia, and were natives of 
 the same town. .John Frey, Sr., was a weaver by 
 occupation, but owned a small farm which he man- 
 aged successfully in connection with his trade. The 
 subject of our sketch w.as the third of five chil- 
 dren, his brothers and sisters being Adam; Frank, 
 deceased; Catherine, wife of Peter Rock; and 
 Marv, 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 Catherine, Mis. Rock, who 
 lives in Marion County, III. 
 
 John Fre_y, Jr., received his education in the com- 
 mon schools of his native land, and after finishing 
 the school course compulsory under the laws of 
 Prussia, he learned the trade of a shoemaker, which 
 he followed as a means of livelihood until he left 
 his native land to seek a lietter fortune in the New 
 World. 
 
 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, be started on his journey to the United 
 States, the Mecca of his hopes of future prosper- 
 ity. In the year 1853, he located at Belleville, 
 111., at which place he found the den: and for men 
 of his 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, lie, as the son 
 of a farmer, became impressed with the fertility of 
 the district in which he bad located, and therefore 
 left his position in the factory and took a position 
 on a farm, in order to become thorouglily conver- 
 sant with the life he meant to pursue. 
 
 The year 1872 marks an era in the life of our 
 sul)ject, 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 
 A' Barbara (Stein) Haas, and who at the time of 
 her marriage was the owner of the farm on which 
 they now reside. Mrs. Barbara Fre3' was born near 
 New Orleans, her birth occurring on board the 
 vessel that brought her parents to the United 
 States in tlie year 1833. 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 Frcv is a man of excellent habits and flue 
 
 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, he was ready to espouse the cause of this nation 
 as far back as 1865, when he enlisted in Company 
 B, One Hundred and Forty-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 theories of the leader 
 he helps to elect. 
 
 i>-^<^=^- 
 
 OUIS FORCADE. The Forcade family has 
 many representatives in Prairie du Long 
 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 many improvements of a 
 high order, which are the work both of the senior 
 and junior members of this family. 
 
 Louis Forcade, the father of our subject, was 
 born in Germany, and came to this country with 
 his parents when a boy of twelve years. His 
 fatiier settled in Pennsylvania, from which State 
 he moved to (reorgetown. 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 place 
 ■where he now lives. May 26, 1848. He received 
 his early education at the public schools, 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, III., and moved thence to Belleville, III. 
 Eleven children were born to our subject and his 
 wife, seven of whom are still living. They are 
 Katie, George, Louis, Henry, Eda, Hilda and Lulu, 
 who are all at home. 
 
 Mr. Forcade is the possessor of a very tine farm
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 201 
 
 comprisiug some two hundred acres, all of which 
 is well improved and in a high state of cultiva- 
 tion. He is noted as one of the most skillful and 
 thrifty 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 i)roud of the record 
 lie 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 Farmei-s' J[utiial Benefit 
 Association, of wliich he is Secretary; and also of 
 the Trebund order, of which he is Financial Secre- 
 tary. 
 
 Politically, -Mr. Forcade is a strong Democrat, 
 and has always voted that ticket. He has been 
 elected to the oHice of Assessor of this township, 
 and for three successive years has held the ottice 
 of Collector. He is a strong advocate of educa- 
 tion and served the community 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 efforU, and all duties of ottice 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 community, and 
 his example as a man of energy, industry and 
 business ability iiiav lie emulated to advantage. 
 
 ^^EOKGE DRASF:R. One of the most enter- 
 '|j g-- prising and successful business firms in the 
 ^^3i' city of jSIascoutali is the lumber firm of 
 Diuser it I'faflf, 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 that has 
 
 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 lands to be had in this part of the 
 West he made his wa3' hither. His first location 
 was in Georgetown, in St. Clair Countj-, and there 
 he soon found plenty of employment in his tr&de 
 of carpenter. He followed his occupation steadily 
 for three years, but after that moved to a farm east 
 of ^lascoutah, and here remained for six years, 
 when the growing village of JLascoutah 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 line 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 w-itli Mr. Pfaff in the lumber business, 
 which was carried on successfuil3- until 1890. Then 
 Mr. Draser retired from the firm, and his son 
 George went into it in his place, and became the 
 junior member. 
 
 (ieoi'ge Draser, Sr., was married about IS,')! or 
 18.5.5, in Georgetown, to Miss Dora Slromberger, 
 whose father came to America when advanced in 
 years. He had followed the occupation of fanning 
 in the Old Country, and continued it in this. Three 
 children were born of this marri.age, who are 
 Henrietta, who now is the widow of George Schus- 
 ter; Jlena, who is the wife of John Kolp, who 
 conducts a successful business in a general store in 
 Lebanon, in this county; and the third is the sub- 
 ject of this notice. Mr. Draser, Sr., has held the 
 office of Treasurer of the town of Mascoutah, 
 where he now lives retired. 
 
 The suljject 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 with 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 lias made trade very lively' in this section for 
 the past three j'ears. 
 
 The lady who became Mrs. Draser on June 4, 
 
 1891, was Miss Matilda Grossman, who was the 
 daughter of Louis Grossman, of Fayetteville. The 
 father was an old settler in this county', and he 
 died in Fayetteville about twenty-three years ago. 
 
 The political convictions of our subject are tliose 
 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 
 tlie future ma}' hold an important place for Mr. 
 Draser. He is the only son of his father, and to 
 this parent he is a comfort in his declining years, 
 lie and his young wife are prominent socially in 
 Mascoutah. 
 
 OUIS G. MILLER. 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 arc writing, was born in Bavaria, Ger- 
 many, on the 23d of June, 1823, and after attain- 
 ing Ills 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 other 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 siioemaker and worked at the bench 
 until 1844. Business prospects seemed to him to 
 
 be better at St. Louis, and he accordiiiglj' started for 
 that point, where, after being employed at iiis trade 
 but a sliort time, he started in business and estab- 
 lished himself as a dealer and manufacturer of boots 
 and shoes. It was about the year 1850, tliat the pos- 
 sibilities of St. Clair County as a farming county 
 attracted Mr. IMiller's attention; and, following his 
 naturall}' shrewd business instincts, he closed out 
 his affairs in St. Louis, moved to Prairie du 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 County. 
 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 
 ■\V., who lives at home. The family circle was 
 broken by the death of Adolph F., which occurred 
 when he was two years and five months old. Pros- 
 perity was the reward that crowned Mr. Miller's 
 etforts, and but a short time after settling in this 
 county, we find his original purchase of forty acres 
 largely 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. 
 
 Politically, Mr. Jliller is a stanch adherent of 
 the Republican part}- and h.as 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 tiie 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 
 
 lie received his education in the district school, 
 which at that lime was located on section 21. When 
 fifteen years of age, he concluded to end iiis school 
 life, and became interested in |)ursuits of labor 
 more fitted to his taste. A natural and careful 
 student, he acquired by reading and close study of 
 books and of all witii whom he came in contact, an 
 education that is, so far as the actual and practical 
 experiences of life are concerned, (jnite equal 
 to tliat gained in our large colleges; and has not 
 only developed his inherent faculty of accpiiring. 
 but is also endowed with the ability to make use of 
 his knowledge and self-training. 
 
 In the year 187St, L. G. Miller was married to 
 Miss 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 (JOT. 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 tlie years that 
 have intervened since his marriage: Anielia, Laura. 
 Clara, Percy J., ^Malbern P., and Albert .1. 
 
 Our subject li.as a fine farm of one hundied and 
 six acres, all of which is well improved and in a 
 high slate of cultivation. He devotes his farm 
 to growing cereals mostl}', wiieal being his princi- 
 pal crop. He is a stanch Republican and the leader 
 of his party in Praiiie du Long. His first vote 
 was cast for (ien. 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 oflice of School Treasurer from 1880 to 1884, 
 and was Collector for his township during thesamc 
 period. He held the otiice of Assessor from 1886 
 to 1881), and h.ns been School Director for the past 
 five years. Fie w.as re-elected to the oflice of Col- 
 lector in IM'.to. and in 1891 was elected Supervisor, 
 the most important office in the townsiiip, whicii 
 position he now holds. As a member of the Board 
 of References, he is Ciiairman of the Committee 
 on Elections and Townships, and a member of the 
 Committee on Paupers, and hasalso been appointed 
 Census Enumerator ff)r his township. All these 
 positions he lias filled with honor to himself and 
 with credit to his 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. 
 
 y;ILLIAM LOTZ was horn and reared on 
 the farm whicli he now operates, on sec- 
 ,, ,, tion 27, Shiloh Valley Township, 1855 
 being the year of his birth. He is a son of John 
 and ISIargaret (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- 
 man}'. The |)atcrnal grandparents of our subject 
 were Charles O. .and Elizabeth Lotz, who lived in 
 Germany, where the former carried on a farm. 
 They both came to the Ignited 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 township, he afterward 
 married the daughter of Peter and Margaret Scn- 
 .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 whicli was a most desirable proiiorty. 
 His first purchase was a tract of fifty aiTcs, 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 farm, 
 which he took charge of as soon as he had reached 
 a sudicient age. His mother found in him an able 
 and trustworthy helper, who relieved her of most 
 of the cares and anxieties pertaining to llic proper 
 management of a large farm. 
 
 When he had reached the age of Iweiity-tluee, 
 Mr. Lotz was married to Miss Anna Scliiicder, a 
 daughter of Adam .and Elizabeth (Hamen) .Schne- 
 der. Into them two cinldrcn li.ave been born, 
 Tillie anil Charles W. They have also opened
 
 294 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIUCAL RECORD. 
 
 their hearts and home to an orphan child, John 
 Fisher, to whom they have shown every kindness. 
 Mf. Lotz uses his right of franchise in support 
 (if the Kepuhlican party, as did liis fatiier before 
 him. He was chosen Collector of the township in 
 18!I2, as the successor of John Pierce. He takes 
 an active part in the affairs of education, and has 
 l)een School Director for three 3ears. 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. We are pleased 
 to add this brief sketch of one of the lionored 
 citizens of St. Clair County to this volume. As 
 one of our representative men of sterling worth, 
 lie ranks high in this commuiiit)' where he has so 
 long made his home. 
 
 W OHN CEORGE DEHN. The subject of the 
 present sketch is a prosperous farmer who 
 resides on section 24 in Millstadt Township, 
 ((^/ St. Clair County. 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 liis life. 
 
 Our subject was one of three children, of whom 
 Katherine and Mathias died in their old home in 
 Germany. 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, he 
 decided to leave the old surroundings and find a 
 new home and a wider field in America. He made 
 his way to the seashore, engaged passage, and soon 
 was on his w.ay to New York, where he landed in 
 1838. His destination was the fertile Lands of the 
 Prairie State. He went first to Philadelphia and 
 tiience to Pittsburgh by rail, and then sailed down 
 the Ohio River ou a Hat-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 
 way that poor facilities of transportation then 
 made necessary, our subject engaged to work for 
 $10 a month. After working for fourteen months, 
 he had saved a good part of his inone.y and, de- 
 ciding to purchase a farm for himself, bought 
 eighty acres of land where he now lives from Louis 
 Grostniann. 
 
 In 1841, our subject was united in marriage to 
 Miss Anna Borbra (irosmann, 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 maturitj-, and four are 
 still living. They are: Marie Marthareta, who is 
 the wife of Valentine Schwab and lives in this 
 township; 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 Johann Philip, Anna 
 Katarina (two children were named b}' this beauti- 
 ful German name), Johann Carl, Marie Katarina 
 and Fritz. 
 
 The subject of this sketcli is now the owner of 
 one hundred and sixty acres of fine farming lancf. 
 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 1841), .and his land shows what farm- 
 ing carried on with good man.agement in all mat- 
 ters can make of a jilace. 
 
 When a draft was made for iiuire men to lill ii|i 
 the ranks during the latter part of the Civil" War. 
 the name of our subject was one in the list. He 
 filled the gap by the purchase of a substitute. In 
 his political preference, Mr. Dehn is a stanch He- 
 publican and will always give his influcni-e for 
 that iKiily. lie lias been a member of the Board
 
 PORTRAIT AND BlDGRAl'HICAL RECORD. 
 
 295 
 
 of Township Supervisors and has also filled the 
 office of School Director for many years. 
 
 recuniarily, Mr. Delin i^ well situated and bis 
 son Henry lias taken the management of tlic farm 
 off of his hands. He stands higli in the esteem of 
 his fellow-townsmen, because of his i)ractical busi- 
 ness views and upright dealings with all. 
 
 "I^ DWARD J. Mc QIILLAN, one of the pros- 
 i|^ perous farmei? of this county, resides on 
 J^^ section 31, Prairie du Long Township. He 
 is the son of John Mct^uillan. 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 
 .leres of (iovernment land, and from that small 
 start as a foundation he built tlie magnificent for- 
 tune with which he w.is afterward blessed. 
 
 When .lohu Mct^uilian 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 lo his start of eighty 
 acres he kept on adding property until at one 
 time he owned as many as three tliousand .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 ha-s also 
 invested some in patents. He has one patent on 
 which lie now makes coiisidei-al)le simply from tiie 
 royalty he receives therefrom. 
 
 The lady who became the wife of .John Mcl^uil- 
 lan was Miss Mary Ann Thorajjson, daughter 
 of Robert and Ann Thompson, natives of Lan- 
 caster, England. Of their seven children, five 
 are slili liviut; and tliev are as follows: our 
 
 subject; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Louis 
 Gregson: Mary, the wife of Theodore Klinkhardt: 
 .lohn B.; aud .Martha M., wife of Joseph Roscoe. of 
 Monroe County. Sarah Ann aud Edward are de- 
 ceased. 
 
 Edward J. McQuillan w.as bom in St. Louis, Mo., 
 March 8. 184.5. When he was four years old, his 
 parents moved to Monroe County, 111., and he re- 
 sided there until his niarri.age, 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 liumlred 
 .icres 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- 
 cally, he upholds the principles of the Republican 
 party, and h.as held the office of Justice of the Peace 
 for three terms, and is still serving in that capac- 
 ity, besides that of a Notary Public. He has also 
 served as School Director in his district for nine 
 }-ears, and is a man whose advice and counsel are 
 much souelit after bv all. 
 
 -^^ 
 
 -^^ 
 
 fip^REDERICK AHRENS. One of the men of 
 ll^^ this ])art of the county who can look with 
 1 pride on an honest and industrious p.ast, 
 
 which has been crowned with success, is the 
 owner of the fine farm of one hundred and seventy- 
 five acres of beautiful land situated on section 25. 
 -Millstadt Townsiiip. The father of our subject 
 was one of the honest German farmei's who lived 
 and died in the old home, but who encour.aged 
 the voung life lo find a career in the New Country,
 
 296 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 where thfere was more room and chance for ad- 
 vancement. 
 
 Frederick Ahrens, our subject, was born in (Ter- 
 many, 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 his couutrj'men 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 wa3', 
 renting and working, saving and looking about 
 for the best place in wiiich to place his earnings 
 and savings for a permanent home. For several 
 jears he did this and then decided to locate on 
 the pleasant place which is now his home. Of 
 course, he was obliged to go deeply into debt, 
 but he had establislied such habits of tlirift 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- 
 tonishingly short time he was able to see grain 
 where he liad found only forest and scrul). 
 
 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 found 
 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 1855. Her life ended in 1878, and Mr. 
 Ahrens was then married to Miss Margaret Stur- 
 zem, who has made him a good and industrious 
 wife. 
 
 The first wife of nur subject left him seven 
 children, and these are Mena, who is the wife of 
 William Jelly, and lives in Kansas City; Rachel, 
 who is the wife of Louis Grossman and lives in 
 Smitliton Township; Katherine, 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 Elizabeth, wlio is also at luiinc. 
 Mary and Fred are the names of those who dii'd. 
 
 The tine farm of Mr. Ahrens contains one hun- 
 
 dred and seventy acres of land, which would 
 bring a high price if [)ut upon the market. The 
 soil is very fertile and the production of grain very 
 great, although Mr. Ahrens 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. Tlie 
 family are good. Christian people, consistent mem- 
 bers of the Lutiieran Church, and stand high in 
 the neitthborhood. 
 
 \1l ^ KNRY FINK. The gentleman of whom 
 
 r jl we write, although deceased, still lives in 
 JV;^ the esteem and affection of his neighbois 
 [^j 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. 
 Chrislopiier entered this land from tlie Govern- 
 ment and worked hard to improve it. He was the 
 father of six children, all of whom were born in 
 Germany, but one died on tiiis place. The chil- 
 dren were (ieorge; Margaret, who became the wife 
 of Adam Routli; Henry; Katharina; Holzstophel; 
 and Regina, who married Peter Friese. 
 
 Our subject was born February 23, 1818, in the 
 same town of which ids 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 tlie farm. He was 
 married in 1845, to Miss Catherine Perschbacher, 
 who was born in (ierman^^ and came to this county 
 in 1833. Her father located in Shiloh Valley, this 
 county, where he entered Government land. 
 
 Mr. and ]Mrs. Funk of this notice had seven 
 cliihlri-u, six of wlioni are yet living: Regina, who 
 iii.nnicd llcnnaii Spelynars and is now deceased;
 
 PORTRAIT AND JUOGRArHlCAL RECORD. 
 
 29:) 
 
 (u'urge WilliMiii. wild lives in Belleville; Mary, 
 who iiiai-ricd lleiiiuiii Spelyiiiirs; Annie, who m;\v- 
 riod Fred K. Stock and lives near Baden; Louisa, 
 who married William Reinliart and lives in this 
 t()wnsiii[); llenrv, who is on the old farm, and Kate, 
 who married Kdward lloerintf. The latter is farm- 
 inj; tlie i)laee wliere Mrs. Funk, Sr., is livina'. 
 
 Our suhjeet accumulated a line property, and iii.s 
 widow, witii the help ol' hei' son-in-law, carries 
 on his work on three hundred and ninety acres. 
 Ilenr}' Funk died Octolier is. 1^77, leavin<i' a 
 character for honesty and integrity lieiiind iiiin. 
 lie had been a Democrat in his jwlitica! belief and 
 had served the district accei)tahly as School Di- 
 rector and hi.s county as Supervisor. 
 
 The son-in-law of Mrs. Funk. Kdward llncriuLr. 
 was born in Mascoutali, lliis comity, and was the 
 son of riiilip lloeiinu', wlio was a car[)cnter by 
 trade. lie was edncati'd in Mascontah, and in 
 the year l?i7'.) was married to our subject's 
 daujrjiter Kate. After marriaice he located in 
 Mascontah and engaged in the car|)enter iiusiness 
 for five year.s and then came to this place. Mr. 
 and Jlrj. Iloeringare the parents of the following 
 children: Rudolph, Emma, C'l;na, ivate, Fred, 
 and (ieorge F. Edwin is deceased. 
 
 In i)olitical affair-S, Mr. Iloering votes with the 
 Democratic party, and is now serving the district 
 a."* School Director. This family is well connected 
 in the county and all arc highly respecti'd. 
 
 !-^+ A 
 
 .ANIEL I1A.\.S, who owns a farm fin sec- 
 tion 22, Stookey Townshii), St. Clair 
 Count}', is the son of Adam and Barli:ira 
 (.Stein) Haas. He was born in (ierinany. 
 in 1«21. His father was liorn in I 7m I and his mo- 
 ther in 17SH, and both were natixes uf the same 
 town. Adam Haas was reared on a faiiii .'ind re- 
 ceived such educational advantages as weie 
 afforded by the schools of his Fatherland. He early 
 turned his attention to agricultural pursuits ami 
 during his life followed that occupation solely. 
 
 14 
 
 In l.s;!.i. leaxing (iermany, Mr. Hans, Si., .sailed 
 Westward willi his family for America and landed 
 ill .St. i.oiiis the 12th of June. lie came at once 
 to St. Clair County and here took up one hundred 
 and sixty acres of (ioveniment land, where our 
 subject now resides. The latter has in his po.sses- 
 sioii the ( ioveniment deeds to this property, which 
 were signed by Andrew .lackson and Martin Van 
 Bureii. To this |iropeity Mr. Haas added from 
 time to time until he had two hundred and forty 
 acres. In |)olitics, he was a Whig, and with his 
 family w;is a member of the Lutheran Church. 
 I'nto liini and his wife were born ten children, two 
 of whom died in Germany, in infancy. The others 
 were as follows: Louisa and Margaret, both now de- 
 ceased; Daniel, the subject of this sketch; Jacob 
 and Catherine, also deceased; Philip; F^lizabeth, 
 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 184G, when he started in 
 business for himself. \t that time, he was married 
 to Mi.ss Philapena. a daughter of Conrad Hankani- 
 mer. ()iie child was born of this union, Barbara, 
 the wife of Christian Ileilman. After the death 
 of his lirst wife, Mr. Haas was married to Caroline, 
 a daughter of .lacob and Susan Bisliof. Ten chil- 
 dren were born of this marriage. Two of these died 
 in infancy and eight are still living: Jacob, who 
 married B.'irbara Gnckese; Daniel A., who married 
 Lena Hambaum; Christian; Margaret, who is the 
 wife of Nicholas Rohr; Elizabeth, wife of Charles 
 Welde; (ieorge; Albert, who married Emma Iler- 
 liert, .and Charles, who wedded Elizabeth Pinkston. 
 His second wife having departed this life, onr snlt- 
 jecl married Mrs. Susanna Deietz, a daughter of 
 .lacoli Rolin. Her death occurred a year and ;i 
 half .ago. 
 
 In his political sentiment, our subject is a stanch 
 siip|)orter of the Repulilican i)arty. He is a man 
 of public s|)iiit, doing all in his power to advance 
 the be>t interests of his county and the coniinunitv. 
 He is a member of the Lutheran Church, in which 
 he is highly esteemed. He is one of the pruiiiinonl 
 and inlliiential tariiieis of this section and his place 
 bears on ever\ li.'iml the evideiic-eof the thrift 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 sixty years, he has won 
 the esteem and confidence of all with whom he has 
 been brought in contact. 
 
 'll ACOB LKINEK. One of the pleasantest 
 I places in tlie city of Belleville is the pop- 
 ,~ ' 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 every way 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 arc well furnished and well at- 
 tended to. Mr. Leiner has been a resident of this 
 place since October, 1874, and since 1876 has been 
 the proprietor of his hotel. He was born in Rhein, 
 Bavaria. Germany, 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 anil father. 
 lie was called from life in 1867. 
 
 Jacob Leiner, the sul)jeet of this biography, was 
 educated in the Fatherland, liis advantages being 
 far better than that of the average 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 way to imi^rove his time to the 
 utmost. Although in no way a " mollycoddle," 
 lie 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 
 iciii;iiMed for three years, at the end 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 
 undeniabl}- successful in this field. Besides the 
 attractions of his house, he is an attraction in him- 
 self, genial, courteous and affable, with a good 
 knowledge of the world, all of which (lualities 
 constitute him a model host. 
 
 Our subject has shown excellent judment in the 
 man.agement of his business affairs, as well as in 
 choosing himself a wife, for the lady who has been 
 his heljimate for the past eighteen years is 
 intelligent and energetic, wide awake, enter- 
 prising and ambitions. 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 Ilarugari and the Treu- 
 bund, and for tlie last three years has Ijeen Grand 
 Master for the State in the latter organization. 
 He was elected the National 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 officers. 
 He has been a representative from his lodge to the 
 Grand Lodge of the Kniglits 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. 
 
 -5-=^=^>-^^<^^=- 
 
 {([ I-, is familiar to tlie traveling public, for he 
 ^^y who bears it looks after the comfort of those 
 whom business or pleasure detains f r(mi home within 
 the borders of the little town of Millstadt. He dis- 
 penses food and refreshment to man and beast, and
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 301 
 
 has caused many a dreary hour to pass swiftlj' in 
 his pleasant hostelry. 
 
 Tlir f.ither of the subject of tills notice was an 
 honest farmer of Baden, (iei-many. who came to 
 America when his son, our subject, was only eight 
 years old. lie located in Highland, Madison 
 County, 111., and remained there for several yeare 
 farnnng and teaming. Later in life, he moved 
 inl«> .Millstadt. where lie lived until the lime of his 
 death. 
 
 The sul)ject of our sketch was liorn in Baden, 
 Germany, in the old iiome 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. lie 
 w.as a strong boy, and as he loved horses decided 
 to become a blacksmith, and before long had his 
 apron, anvil, forge and bellows, and worked for 
 twenty -eight years at the trade. He became very 
 expert and w.is in great demand among those 
 who were careful of the hoofs and feet of their 
 faithful friends, the horses. 
 
 Wlien ilr. Merkel discontinued his blacksmith 
 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 supp'.y for his table will be of 
 the best and most varied. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Merkel took phice in the 
 vear 1H83, when he was united to Miss Louisa 
 Kropp, who was also reared in St. Clair County, 
 and who has proven wise and capable, 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: (Jeorge K., Henry, Oliver, 
 Alia and Elmer. They are all bright, interesting 
 children who will make their inipre.-is on the future 
 of the county. 
 
 The Roman Catholic faith is the one to which 
 the inclination and teadiln^ of Mr. Merkel natur- 
 ally bind him and in lier ministrations he finds 
 comfort in times of trouble. In his [wlitieal lean- 
 ing he is a Republican, and he furthers in many a 
 quiet wa_v the interests of his party. 
 
 For two years, our subject was a member of the 
 Town Board, and was regarded as a man of 
 sound sense and good judgment. lie 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 comfortjible hotel, with 
 saloon attached, where he now carries ou his busi- 
 ness, his out-l.iy being nearly 8C,0(IO. 
 
 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 tlie 
 Millstadt inn. 
 
 R. FREDRICK KIRSCH. Although but a 
 I lecent addition to the medical fraternity. 
 Dr. Kirsch h.as already won an enviable 
 reputation as a practitioner of the healing 
 art, and has a large and lucrative [)ractice. Like 
 many of the representative citizens of the county, 
 he is a native of (iermany. horn in Mentz, Hesse- 
 Darmstadt. Februarj' 2, 18.59, and is one of five 
 children, ftuir sons and one daughter, born to Gab- 
 riel and Annie .S. Kirsch, nalives of Germany and 
 Alsace, France, respectively. 
 
 The father. Dr. Gabriel Kirsch, was the son of 
 an apothecary, and was graduated from the Uni- 
 verslt}' at Strasburg, and the University of Hei- 
 delberg, with the degree of M. D. Afterward, he 
 l)racticcd in Mentz until 1882, when he retired, 
 and In 1891 he came to the United Suites to reside 
 with his son. Dr. Martin Kirsch, at .\bllenc. Kan.; 
 but, not being .satisfied with this, he returned to 
 his old home, where he is now living at the age of 
 eighty-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 
 age, respectively. The children born to this much 
 esteemed couple were as follows: .lacob. a felt man- 
 ufacturer of Mentz, (Jermany: .lohn: Dr. Martin, a 
 practicing physician of .Vbilene. Kan.; and Clara. 
 Mrs. Fllllnger, who resides in (icrniany. 
 
 The oriyinal of this sketch received his carlv
 
 302 
 
 PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 education in Mentz. and was graduated from tlie 
 gymnasium as a jiharmacist when twenty years of 
 age. In the year 1880, he left Bremen on the 
 steamer "ISIain," which landed him in the harbor 
 of New York a weeiv or so later. For a year and a 
 lialf he traveled about through the various .States, 
 and for seven months he worked in the wholesale 
 business in Denver. He then returned to St. Louis, 
 and on the 7th of October, 1882, purchased a 
 drug store, which he carried on very successfully 
 until 1889, when he sold out. 
 
 Our subject selected his life couipaniou in the 
 person of Miss Minnie Reubel, a native of Belle- 
 ville, III., and their nuptials were celebrated on 
 the 1st of October, 1882. Her father, Peter Reu- 
 bel, was engaged in the meat business at Belleville. 
 In 1888, our subject entered the St. Louis Medical 
 College, and was graduated from that well-known 
 institution with the degree of M. D. in 18110. 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 has a line store, lias it well 
 equipped with new and fresh drugs, and in his dual 
 capacity of physician and druggist has met with 
 the support and patronage he so riclil\' merits. Li 
 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 children, as follows: Lizzie, Frank and Ar- 
 thur. In |i()litu-s, the Doctor is independent. 
 
 KOF. (i. LEHMAN, President of the Fast 
 St. Louis Board of Education, and a musi- 
 cal instructor of distinguished ability, was 
 I)orn in Potsdam, Germany, .lune 1 1, 184.5, 
 a son of Adolph Lehman, who was engaged in the 
 wholesale grocery Inisiness in a town near Berlin, 
 in which business he was very successful. He died 
 ill Ills native land in 1862. His wife was Minna 
 llilkert. a native of Potsdam, whose father was a 
 j>rii>|)erous lumber dealer of that place. She still 
 
 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 are residents of America. 
 He attended the gymnasium 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 the 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 city. He has endeavored to pro- 
 mote the highest aims in musical culture, and it is 
 but justice to say that he has signally awakened a 
 taste for classical music, resulting in its general 
 dissemination. Upon abandoning the calling of a 
 musical instructor, he began dealing in musical in- 
 struments, his establishment being on Collinsville 
 Avenue. lie 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 i> now the leader of 
 the Sehweizer 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 the principal places of interest. He was 
 married in New York to Miss Marie Berger, a na-
 
 '^^2-2>^^Z^r^^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 305 
 
 tive of Germany, who came with her parents to 
 
 New York wiicn four years (if age. Her uiiidn 
 with Prof. LfliiM;iii ha- rfsulled in llio liirtli <if 
 four children: Fred R., Ernest.!., Ida 1.. M. and 
 Philip A. 
 
 In 1)<H7. the l'rofes.sor was elected President <if 
 the Board of Education of East St. Loui.s, 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 tlie State, 
 and he is constantly endeavoring to improve them. 
 He is a warm patron of education, and all measures 
 of morality (ind in him an earnest supporter, lie 
 is a memlier of the East St. Louis Protective 
 Union, and socially-, belongs to the Independent 
 Order of Odd Fellows, and tlie Knights of Pythia.-: 
 politic-all}', lie is a Republican of pronounced type. 
 
 =-=-^^+^-^ 
 
 APT. WlLLl.VM II. r>ENNETT. The pro- 
 fession of law claims some of the brightest 
 minds of the age, and in the prominence of 
 its representatives East St. Louis need not hide her 
 head. In the affable gentleman who.se name intro- 
 duces this sketch may be found one who thoroughly 
 understands the vexed fpiestions which only legal 
 minds can unravel, and wlm has met with gre;it 
 success in his practice, lie is locateil on Main 
 Street in East St. Louis, where he Ikis practiced 
 since 1872. 
 
 The grandfather of our subject, Howard Bennett, 
 was a native of Virginia and the owner of a large 
 ])lantation there. He was proud of his pure English 
 ancestry, which he could tiace back to Saxon pro- 
 genitors,and was related to the old and inlluential 
 Hearing and Lynch families. He carried out in his 
 life the fine courtesy known the world over as be- 
 longing to the Virginia gentleman of the -'old 
 school." The father of our subject. Col. .lames I). 
 Bennett, was born in Campbell County, November 
 !•, IHK). In 1832, he was married in Tennessee, 
 where he engaged in school-teaching and also be- 
 gan the study of the law, in which he w.as gradu- 
 ated and admittetl to the Bar. He was a Captain 
 
 in the Seminole War, in Florida. In 1837, he be- 
 came manager of his wife's large-estate near Ilarts- 
 ville.Tcnn., and continued thereuntil the breaking 
 out of the Civil War. 
 
 October 19, 1861, .lames I). Bennett was chosen 
 Lieutenant-Colonel of the Seventh Battalion of 
 Tennessee Cavalry, and with his regiment went into 
 camp .'It Epperson Springs, Macon County, Tenn., 
 ^\'hen the Twelfth and Seventh Battalions were 
 consolidated, he resigned on account of ill-health. 
 But 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 
 wliom 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 rci)lied,"No, 
 my 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 Coi. Patton, where he died of 
 typhoid-pneumonia, .lanuary 23, 18G3, 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 body-.servant, Jeff, to whom the 
 kind master had given his freedom and also a farm 
 of eighty .acres. 
 
 •lames Bennett was a generous, kind man, and. 
 as an instance of his generositv, we may inenlion 
 that every year he was .accustomed to set aside a 
 (piantity 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 pop- 
 ularity was not bounded by the artificial barriers 
 separating counties. In his religious belief, he was 
 a c(Misistent member of the Christian Church and 
 carried out the precepts of its founders in his daily 
 life. The mother of our subject, Martha Hutchin- 
 son, was born near (iallatin, Tenn., and still resides 
 on iier 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, 18-1."). He was reared 
 in the place of his birth and attended the academy
 
 306 
 
 PORTllAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL EECORD. 
 
 there. In October, 1861, he joined the Confeder- 
 ate army and was appointed Orderly-Sergeant of 
 Company B, Seventh Battalion. lie remained with 
 liis fatlier until tlie latter witlidrew, and then he 
 also came home. He liad been atSliiloli,and in a skir- 
 mishing expedition around Corintli. In July, 1862, 
 he re-enlisted and assisted his father in raising the 
 regiment and Ijecame Sergeant-Major of tlie Ninth 
 Tennessee Cavalry. He was in the battle of Galla- 
 tin, with Gen. Morgan; at While's Creek; at Mil- 
 ton, where he was made Second Lieutenant for 
 gallantry on the field; at Gordonsville; then with 
 Morgan through Tennessee, Kentucky and into 
 Ohio, engaging in Itattle at Somerset, Ky., Green 
 River, Lebanon and Brandenburg, on the Oliio, and 
 was the third man who jumped off tlie boat upon 
 Oliio soil. He 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 tlie 
 sixty men who escaped from the island and went 
 on foot three hundred miles through the mountains, 
 subsisting upon wliat they could find and often 
 reduced almost to starvation. When they reached 
 Morristown,Tenn.,they were reorganized, assigned 
 to Forrest's command, and took part in tlie 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. Sliei- 
 man. He was a prisoner from November 23, 1863, 
 to October 1, 1864, at Johnson Island, Lake Erie, 
 and was the youngest officer tliere. 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., 
 lie 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. they found 
 Jefferson Davis, and our subject was in Duke's 
 
 brigade when Davis was cajitured near Woodstock, 
 Ga. Tiiere the regiment disbanded. But a few 
 days before that our subject was captured by Gen. 
 Palmer and was kept at Greenville, S. C, for 
 twenty days, wlien he was jiermilted to return 
 home. 
 
 After his hazardous life, Capt. Bennett settled 
 down in IlartsviUe and entered the academy to 
 complete an education that the clarion of war had 
 interrupted. Later, he entered the law department 
 of the Cumberland University at Lelianon, from 
 whicli he was graduated in 1869. He began the prac- 
 tice of his jn-ofession with his uncle, the Hon. R. A. 
 Bennett, and tlie Hon. Bailie Peyton, of Gallatin. 
 Tliere lie 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 Government, 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 lie has 
 practiced law. He has been very active in political 
 matters and has made many campaign speeches for 
 the Democratic parly. 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 tliat 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 IMillvuni, who 
 was born in St. Louis. 
 
 ^««\ HARLES CANNADY, the efficient and in- 
 //(^ telligent Superintendent of Scliools for St. 
 ^^1^ Clair County, is the gentleman to whom 
 we call the kind attention of the reader. 
 
 Mr. Cannadv is a native son of Illinois, having
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 307 
 
 been born near where New Memphis Station now 
 stands, in Clinton County, March 3, 1844, being 
 the son of Stepiien and Tabitha (Harryinan) Can- 
 nady. Tiie former was born in Tennessee, coming 
 to Clinton County in 1833, where he remained for 
 a few years, and then removed to Washington 
 County, the home of Mrs. Cannady. This lady 
 was the daughter of CliarlesHarryman, one of the 
 old pioneers of the .State. In 18G7, he left the 
 .State of Illinois and went over into Southwest Mis- 
 souri, settling in Jasper County, and removing from 
 there to Lawrence County, where he died November 
 16, 1886, leavingiiine children to mourn his loss. six 
 of whom were by a later marriage. The two 
 brothei-s 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 McKendree 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. 
 He took a prominent part in the schools of Mas- 
 coutah for ten years, being Principal during thai 
 time. This gentleman li.<is lieen 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 influence. Mr. Cannady had 
 been Principal of the M.iscoutah 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, entirely dependent upon his exertions 
 for maintenance, as lie is the owner of a fine farm 
 in .Shiloh Valley and a pleasant home in M.-iscoutah. 
 
 Our subject wa,s married to Miss Ella A. Wise, 
 the charming daughter of Adam Wise, an old 
 settler of Lebanon. 111., the ceremony occurring 
 September 5, 1872. These two are the ])roud par- 
 ents of six as tine children as can be found 
 anywhere in the county. These are: Edward 
 W., at school; Minnie Lee, Arab 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. 3G1, A. F. <i' 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 city, and was the first mem- 
 ber of. his profession to locate here. He 
 came in 18.52 and has been in continuous practice 
 for forty j-ears. 
 
 Dr. Carter was born in New Hampton, N. H., 
 on the 29th of May, 1826, and w.is the son of Levi 
 and ^larv (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 born in 
 the j'ear 1611. He came to Massachusetts and 
 shared in the tii-st division of the town of Salis- 
 bury, .Sei)tember 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, 1 788. 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 gtme 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 the 
 'town. He died June 6, 1885, at tiie advanced age 
 of ninety-seven yeai-s, and his wife's demise oc- 
 curred October 15, 1840. They were members of 
 the Baptist denomination.
 
 308 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Our ^iubjcct was reared and educated among the 
 New Hampshire hills, and when he came to decide 
 upon a profession lie chose that of dentistry, and 
 entered the ottice of Dr. Williams, of Waterford, 
 Vt. He began practice in Uniontown, Ohio, and 
 lemained in that vicinity for several years, and 
 then came to this place, where he has occupied the 
 ottice on Main Street ever since. He is a mem- 
 ber of the Southern Illinois Dental Association, 
 and had a membership in the INIasonic fraternity 
 before he came to Belleville. 
 
 The marriage of Dr. (;arter took place December 
 6, 18.")f), 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 Mary 
 Eymann, who lived on the farm where her daugh- 
 ter was married. Three children were tlie result of 
 this marriage: Mary E., who married Robert 
 Young; Kliza, known as I.yda, who is still at home; 
 and Samnel Levi, who died May 28, 1882, at the 
 age of fifteen. Tiie Doctor has been very success- 
 ful in his practice, and to him the older citizens 
 turn, as thev have .so long prolited by Ins skill. 
 
 -^> 
 
 '\f| OHN WEBER. The import.inee of mechani- 
 I I cal and sanitary plumbing cannot be over- 
 
 d] estimated, and it has frequently been proved 
 ,^^ that much of the sickness developed in 
 many hou.seholds 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 has too often done, without the cause being 
 known imtil too late. Fevers, etc., lurk in defec- 
 tive drainage and sewer connecting pipes, and it is 
 absolutely necessary, tiierefore, that the work 
 should be done by a competent sanitary plumber. 
 Prominent among those in this line of business in 
 Belleville is John Weber, senior member of the 
 firm of Weber & Son, with headquarters at No. 
 19 South High Street, where they have been en- 
 gaged in plumbing and gas-fitting for the past four 
 years. They aie 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, 
 183.3. and his parents, Jacob and Catherine AVeber, 
 were natives of the same country. In the year 
 1847, the parents decided to cross the ocean to 
 America, and with their eight children took pas- 
 sage for this country. They 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 Newmann, of Jackson County; Philip; 
 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 country, the principal part of our sub- 
 ject's education wiis received in this country. 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 
 the West Belleville Post-oftice 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 the business, has had consider- 
 able experience and is an expert plumber 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, 
 18.55, and their union has been blessed by the 
 birth of eight children, who are in the order 
 of their births as follows: Amy, Mina; Jacob, now 
 clerk in the Western Brewery, married Miss Ida 
 Barth; 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 county, and in 
 every walk of life has conducted himself with up- 
 ri<^htness, justice and fairness to his fellow-citi- 
 zens. To show his appreciation of secret organiza- 
 tions, he has joined the Odd Fellows' lodge. 
 Knights of Honor, Knights and Ladies of Honor,
 
 KjRTRait and btograpiitc'al record. 
 
 311 
 
 the Ancient Order of Druids, and the I'liilhai- 
 monics. He resides at No. 1002 West Main Street. 
 He lias been Street Inspector of the city for (me 
 year, for ten years w;is City Trustee, and for four 
 years w.as I'resident of the Board, and is now serving' 
 liis seveiileentli \ear mi tlie Hoard of Iviiicnlioi). 
 
 ^i^il-^i"i^ii^#i#i= 
 
 lT(;rs'r FAlLHAUAr. v. S. The scientific 
 attainments of tiie veterinary surgeon 
 li:i\e so advanced, that the dumb animals 
 ^1 now liave their sufferings relieved equally 
 
 witii the liuuinn race. It reciuires constant study 
 on the part of tlie veterinary student and profes- 
 sors, however, to attain these results, and the aii- 
 atonij' of the domestic animals is studied as closely 
 .as that of man. Among those holding a liigh po- 
 sition in this profession in JJelleville is l)i-. Faul- 
 liauiii. wlio has been a resident of the city since 
 IMdl. lie was born in Saxony, Prussia, November 
 8, 1838. and received Ids literary and professional 
 education atlLanover, M.agdeburgaiid IlaUierstadt. 
 After a long course of stud3-, he practiced his jiro- 
 fessioii one year, during which time he had tiie 
 lieiielit of the instruction and experieiiee of liis 
 fatlier. (Iiiistiau Faiilbauni, who was for many 
 years a veterinary surgeon in the Pru.ssian army. 
 In September, 18.")7, Dr. August Faulbaum came 
 to the I'nited States and first located in Milwau- 
 kee, Wis., but at the end of two years he removed 
 to Chicago. Wiien 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 
 1(1, 18(!1. Not wishing to wail for the whole regi- 
 ment, he was. witii tlie other niemliers of Com- 
 pany M, transferied liy the (iovcrnmeut to the 
 
 lienton A- Fre lit lliLssars, and later became a 
 
 part 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- 
 
 \ i(e 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- 
 (•ome the leading veterinary surgeon of this sec- 
 tion. While ill the army he was on special service 
 as veterinary surgeon to look after contagious 
 diseases, and h.as been very successful in his treat- 
 ment of many of the most fatal disesises known to 
 lioises. His practice extends all over the country, 
 for he devotes his entire time to this occupation, 
 .•viul he has won more than a merely local reputa- 
 tion. 
 
 On the -iOth of Deeeniber. 18i;."), Dr. Faulbaum 
 was married to Miss Ida Daneiskc, of Belleville, 
 wiio was born in West Prussia, (iciniany, and 
 was brought to Aineriea by lier parents when ten 
 years of age. Of eiglit 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 experi- 
 enced druggist; Hellmann, Emma and Otto. Au- 
 gusta became the wife of George Bracke, and upon 
 her death left an infant named Charles. 
 
 Dr. F'aulbaum is well supplied with worldly 
 goods, and beside his [ileasant and very comfort- 
 able residence at No 220 East Avenue, where his 
 liome has been for the past twenty years, he is the 
 owner of a fertile fnirn of ninety acres near Mar- 
 issa. His career Ihioiigh 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, generosity and 
 natural kindness of heart. 
 
 ^^^,F20RGE FAHNE. Si!.,ownsaiid operates two 
 [|[ (-— hundred and sixly-iiine acres of land, upon 
 ^^^i\ which he has resided since 18.')9. This farm 
 in O'Fallon Township is situated on .section 2, and 
 is under a high state of cultivation and well im- 
 proved. The owner was born in I.angate, Lorraine, 
 France, in 1828, and is a son of .lean Nickolas 
 Faline. The father, beiim' an only son, was thus
 
 312 
 
 PORTRAIT AND RIOGRARHICAL RECORD. 
 
 exempt from militiiiy duty, and in June, 1832, he 
 came with his family to America, landing in New 
 Orleans, whence he went up the river to St. Louis. 
 He was there offered a block of land just south of 
 the court house, but, preferiing to live in the 
 country, he removed to Belleville, and securing 
 forty acres of land established a brickyard. He 
 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 Townshij) in 1833. 
 
 The family of this worthy coui)le numbered six 
 children: Peter, who married Elizabeth Remmel, 
 died February 7, 1878, at the age of fifty-seven 
 years. They had two children: a daughter who 
 died in childhood, and George, of JIurfreesboro, 
 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. ISIargaretha was married, and both she and 
 her husband died of cholera in 1849, she being 
 about twenty years of age. The next child died 
 in infancy. George, whose name heads this sketch, 
 is the next >ounger. Nicholas, born in 1818, died 
 April 8, 1869. 
 
 Our subject was only 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 mairiage in 1854. He wedded 
 Phillipine Loyd, who was born in 1833 and died 
 November 26, 1869. Eight children were born of 
 tiiat union: John, born July 18, 1854, wedded 
 Mary .Siegel, daughter of George and Louisa Siegel, 
 and is a farmer of this community. They have had 
 (ire children: Mary, twelve years of age; Louisa, a 
 maiden of ten; Celia, 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 William Schaefer, a resident farmer of 
 O'Fallon Township, by whom she has six children: 
 Phillipina, George, Linda, William, Anna and 
 Louisa. Conrad died in infancy. George, born 
 
 April 3, 1861, was married, in March, 1886, to 
 Lizzie, daughter of Michael and Ann Rock, and 
 they have tliree children: Annie, five years of age; 
 Johnnie, 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 .Seiiildknecht and they have two 
 children, George and Lilly, aged respectively four 
 and two years. Margaretha, born September 24. 
 1865, was married, April 11, 1888, to William 
 Siegel, a farmer of Madison County, and they have 
 two children, George and Louisa. INIichael, born 
 February 7, 1868, is at home and completes the 
 family. 
 
 After the death of his first w ife, Mr. F'ahne 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. Henry W., born 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 this writing is connected 
 with no church. In politics, he is a Democrat. 
 
 llERNARD TWENHAFEL. The career of 
 this gentleman has been one of persever- 
 f»J)))l); ance and integrity, and has been crowned 
 with the success which those meet who stead- 
 ily pursue their way, doing always that which tiieir 
 hand findeth to do. Mr. Tweuhafel 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." 
 
 Herman Twenhafel. the father of our subject.
 
 PORTRAIT AND lUOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 .ii;i 
 
 was a native of G!«rmany, born in tliat coun- 
 try in the year 1800. He veceived a good 
 education in the (iernian eoninion scliools, and, 
 after tiiiishin<>' his course in school, learned the 
 trade (if liaktr. which h»' followed for a liveli- 
 hood all ills life. After serving the customary 
 five j-ears in the German army, Herman Twen- 
 hafel returned to his trade and married Miss 
 Regina .Sticnker, also a nativeof ( ierraany. He was 
 blessed with a family of six children, three of whom 
 are yet living: Bernard the subject of this sketch; 
 Hannah, wife of Conrad Lautenschlager; and Caro- 
 line, who is yet in Germany. Herman Twenhafel 
 and his wife were always active members of the 
 Lutheran Church. 
 
 liernard 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, wliich 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 .\nierica 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 
 \ears. Louisville, Ky., was his next place of resi- 
 dence, and for seven yeai-s he remained in that 
 city 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 18o.'5, .Mr. Twenhafel dropped his 
 trade, and, haying become impressed with the po.s- 
 sibilities to be derived from a residence in Darm- 
 sUadt, St. Clair County, 111., he accordingly moved 
 to that spot, invested his earnings in propeitv 
 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 years 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 
 twenty-six years. 
 
 One year after his migration to Darmstadt. Mr. 
 
 Twenhafel married Miss Appolonia Fruth, daugh- 
 ter of Adam and Mary E. (Peter) Fruth, and lu 
 them were born six children: Anna, wife of F. S. 
 Weckler; Elizabeth, wife of William Ruemmler; 
 Mary (deceased); Appolonia, wife of Charles Mar- 
 lock; Philip R. and Gustave (deceased). 
 
 Politically, iVIr. Twenhafel is a Rei)ublican, and 
 one of the stanchest adherents of his part}-. He 
 has always given the heartiest support to the partv 
 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. 
 11«. A. F. A- A. M., of Freehui-g, and cariies a life 
 insurance in the same oi'der. 
 
 Mr. Twenhafel has increased his first purchase 
 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. 
 
 ^>^^<-^=^ 
 
 'OIIN M. SULLIVAN. Among the varied 
 and extensive business operations carried 
 on in the thrifty and progressive cit_v of East 
 St. Louis, there is none that meets with 
 iiKjre general recognition than that of general mer- 
 chandising. Among those actively engaged in it 
 is .lohn M. Sullivan, who has one of the finest, 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 
 6i\\ of May, 1859, and inherits tlie quick wit and 
 active brain of his Hiliernian ancestors. His 
 father. Michael Sullivan, was a native of County
 
 314 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Cork, Ireland, and was reared to the pursuit 
 of farming. When still a single man, ho came 
 U) America and settled in St. Louis, where 
 he was emijloyed as foreman of a brewery and 
 took charge of the delivery department. Later, 
 he removed to Leavenworth, Kan., filled the same 
 position in a brewery tliere, and tliere received his 
 final summons in 1866. The last year of his life 
 he was engaged in the dairy business in tiiat city. 
 He was a member of the Catholic Church, as 
 was also his wife, Mary Cogan, who was a native 
 of Ireland, born in County Cork. Mrs. Sullivan 
 came with her parents to Cincinnati, Ohio, where 
 lier father tilled the 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 
 sixty-eight years of age. Five children were born 
 to her marriage, 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 
 year 1876 be attended the public schools. "When 
 lifteen 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 
 CoUeo'e and graduated from that institution. On 
 the 19th of August, 1884, he embarked in the 
 grocery 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 everyth'ing except dry goods. 
 'I'his 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 msu-ried to 
 Miss Maggie A. Muri)hy.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 I^Uica- 
 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 memljer 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. 
 
 ^HEO. VOCtT is a wholesale litpior dealer 
 of East St. Louis. In this age of gross and 
 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 tlie 
 responsible establishment of Mr. ^■ogt, of which he 
 has had the management since 1888, his house of 
 business being located on Broadw.ay. He was born 
 at Huelschotten, near Attendorn, Westphalia, Ger- 
 many, November 28, 1849, to Peter and Elizabeth 
 Vogt, the former of whom w.is a worker in iron 
 and a farmer by occupation. He was in an artillery 
 regiment in the Prussian army and died in 1H71, 
 at the age of sixty-five years. His widow died in 
 1877, when about seventy years of age. 
 
 Theo» Vogt is one of two surviving members 
 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
 
 PORTRMT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 
 
 315 
 
 Germany, obtained a com in on -school education, 
 and at llie ajjeof eigliteen years went to Kadevorin- 
 wald in tlic Riiine country, wliere lie learned the 
 tanner's trade, at which he worked until 18t!',t. In 
 tlie fall of that year, he took passas^e at Hreinen 
 on the sailwig-vessel "C'osmus" for America, and 
 reached the city of New Wnk after a voyage of 
 thirty-eight days. After working a short time in 
 tlie metropolis of the New World, he cauie to St. 
 l.ouis, !Mo., ill .lanuary. 1870, and for ten months 
 thereafter worked at his trade. In 1870, he entered 
 Fiona College, St. Francis, Jlilwaukee County, 
 Wis., completing the cinirse after an attendance 
 of two years and six iiHuitlis. lie then came to 
 (J'Kallon, 111., wliere he taught in the parish school 
 for one term, then came to KastSt. Louis, and for 
 six yeai-s thereafter was a teacher in the ))ultiic 
 schools of this city. 
 
 For eighteen months our subject traveled over 
 several .States for the linn of Harold dcs Glaubens, 
 which experience was very valuable to hini. He 
 then started in the grocery business at No. 1601 
 .Morgan Street, St. Louis, but three years later pur- 
 chased a retail licjuor house in that city. In 1888, 
 he sold his establishment there, and bought the 
 wholesale litjuor establishment of Paul Abt, in East 
 .St. Louis, which was located on Jlissouri Avenue, 
 and was a brick building, two stories high, with a 
 frontage of forty feet. In 1891, he built his pres- 
 ent line brick establishment, whicii lias a sixteen- 
 foot frontage on Broadway. It is a two-story 
 building, very finely furnished, has an elevator 
 and is heated by furnace. 'rhi> is considered the 
 handsomest lilock on Broadway and is a credit to 
 the town. 
 
 Mr.'Vogt is interested in mines iu ( oUiradd. lias 
 an exceptionally handsome residence at \o. 120 
 North .Seventh .Street, which was erected at a cost 
 of 110.000, and is the owner of other valuable 
 property, lie was married in E.ast .St. I,<uii>. in 
 1878, to Miss Lizzie de Haan, who was horn in 
 Coin, Germany, a daughter of Capt. .lolin de Haan. 
 She was reared and educated in St. Limis, Mo., and 
 has borne her husband the following children: Kate; 
 Ida; (iertrude, who died at the age of three yejirs; 
 Theo; Fmil;and Margaret. .Mr. N'ogt and his fam- 
 ily attend St. Henry's Church. He belongs to the 
 
 Catholic Knights of America, and in politics is in- 
 dependent, casting his \ote for the one he consid- 
 ers the best man. He is a pushing, enterpris- 
 ing young merchant and is deservedly popnljir 
 witli all with whom lie lias dealings. His goods are 
 of the liiiesl (luality and are (juoted at the lowest 
 )) rices. 
 
 KN.IAMIN I'AI.'KF.H CKKKN. There arc 
 very fcwcountii's in the Fiiited States that 
 do not contain men who have prosecuted 
 
 3^ a successful career, rising from poverty to 
 competence by dint of energy and industry, coup- 
 led with good manageinent. An example of this 
 kind in .St. Clair County was found in the jjerson 
 of the gentleman whose name introduces these 
 paragraphs and whose home was located on .section 
 28, IMarissa 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, 1800, when sixty-eight 
 years of age. 
 
 He of whom we write was born in County An- 
 trim, Ireland, in 1822. He wa.s the son of Sir 
 Francis and Rebecca (ireeii, both of whom were na- 
 tivesof the Fnierald Isle, and on coming to America 
 were pioneers in St. Clair County. Henjaniin P. 
 of this sketch being 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 aiul enterprise, was very successful in 
 his undertaking. 
 
 The lady to whom Mr. (Irceii wa.-, married in 
 18(5.5 was Miss Sarah, daughter of .lames and 
 Elizabeth (Kilpatrick) Gitty, and, like herhu.sband, 
 was al.so born in County Antrim, Ireland, in the 
 year 18;V2. Her fatheV was a linen weaver in that 
 couiilrv, which occupation he followed until his 
 decease. Mrs. (ireeii is the only ineinber of the 
 family of seven children who came to America, 
 liirce of her bifithers and sisters dying when young. 
 Her paternal grandfather, Henry (Jitty, Sr., was 
 born in the same house in Ireland where his son
 
 316 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 James was born. Mrs. Green came to America 
 when twenty-eight _years of age, in company with 
 her 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 Josephine, Mrs. Charles Edminson. 
 
 e^^-^ 
 
 ^tj YJMAN T. CARR. The gentleman whose 
 11 ((^ name stands at the opening of this short 
 |IL-^ sketch has the honor to be the Justice of 
 the Peace for Smithton Township, in which he has 
 a tine 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 
 coiraty from Virginia and settled in this township, 
 where he entered land from the 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 
 Long Township, where he continued to live until 
 1861, when he went to Randolph County and en- 
 tered land and continued to live for 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 
 of whom are still living. 
 
 Our subject first saw the light of day December 
 29, 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 with his 
 father until his marriage in 1862, when he settled 
 on a farm in Randolph County, and there re- 
 mained for fifteen years. In 1876, he came to St. 
 Clau' County and located at Douglas, where he re- 
 mained for three years and then went further 
 south, but after a short residence came to the place 
 
 he now occupies, on section 15, Smithton Town- 
 ship, where he has a tine farm of two hundred and 
 twenty acres, one hundred and eighty acres of which 
 are in a high state of cultivation, and cm which he 
 raises corn principally'. 
 
 Mr. Carr was married in 1862 to Miss Elizabeth 
 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 Corn. In 
 1881, Mr. Cai'r was again married, this time to 
 Mrs. Redenhouse, whose maiden name was Ellen 
 AVoods. She has borne him three children, Rupert 
 L., Flora E. and Paulina, all bright, interesting 
 children. 
 
 ISIr. Carr belongs to Lodge No. 418, A. F. k A. 
 M., of Freel)urg, 111. Politically, he upholds the 
 principles of the Democratic party, by whom he 
 was eUcted to the office of Justice of the Peace 
 three 3'ears .ago, which oHice he still holds in 
 a manner entirely satisfactory to all parties con- 
 cerned. 
 
 •^^^[^•©^i^i^^^*- 
 
 I/. ENRY KNOBELOCH, a prosperous farmer 
 on section 27, Shiloh Valley Township, 
 was born 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 in Darmstadt, Germany, in 181 9, and was 
 a son of John W. and Mary (May) Knobeloch, 
 natives of Olmstadt, Germany. The grandfather 
 of our subject was born in 1777, and his grand- 
 moth'er in 1781. He was a fanner by occui)ation 
 in the Fatherland, and brought his family to the 
 United States in 1832. He at once set out for Il- 
 linois and purch.ased a farm in St. Clair County, 
 the identical farm now owned IVy his son. lie had 
 a large farm in Germany, wliich he sold before 
 emigrating to the New AV^orld. Thus provided 
 with several thousand dollars, he was enabled to 
 purchase about t'oui' hundred and twenty .acres of 
 fertile pri)pert.N-. He reared a family of four sons
 
 rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL, RECORD. 
 
 3i; 
 
 and one daugliter, all of whom have since passed 
 away, with tiie exception of our subject's f.ither. 
 They were .ill reared in the Protestant religion 
 and had fair school advantasres. Molm Knobeloch 
 died in 1H;15, and liis wife survived him until she 
 loti was called to the Better Liuid, in 18.")7. 
 
 The father of our subject received a i!:(.)od com- 
 mon-school education in the Old Country, ;uul 
 lived with his mother until his marriage, which oc- 
 curred when he was twenty-nine years of age. 
 The lady of his choice was Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Lawrence and Eve Leibrock. To Mr. and Mrs. 
 Knobeloch were born nine children: Margaret, 
 the wife of J. C. Koska; .Sophia, .Tulius, Ceorge, 
 Henry; Elizabeth, the wife of ,1. C. Hacket; Mol- 
 lie, now dece.'i>ed: Emma and Kudolpii, also de- 
 ceased. The father carried f>n tlie occupation of 
 farmini;- i>\\ the honu'stend with his brothers for 
 seventeen years, when his father's estate was di- 
 vided and he is now tiie owner of about sixteen 
 hundred and twenty acres of land. 
 
 Henry Knobelocli, whose name heads tiiis sketch, 
 passed his lioyhood days on the farm and grew to 
 manhood under the i)arental roof. His education 
 was received in the district schools and in the 
 town of I'icllcviMc. AVhen 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, 
 flerinany, where he was born in \H-2',\. He was 
 reared to city life and learned the stone-cutter's 
 trade. When twenty years of age, he enlisted in 
 the army and served there for a period of about 
 c>ne year, lie tlien left his Eatherland and cros.sed 
 the l)roatl Atlantic to the I'nitcd States, wIkm'c lie 
 remained about three years. lie then lunih' 
 a visit to 1m> native country, was there mar- 
 ried, and after a siiort time again sailed for 
 the New World. Arriving in this country with 
 his bride, lie went to St. Louis, and there 
 made his home. In IHilLhe entered the liiited 
 States army, in (dmpany V. Thirty-fourtii 
 Illinois Heginient. .\fter his discharge fioni the 
 service, he went to Maseoutah, where he ran a saw- 
 mill, and in addition carried on the labors of a 
 farm. He and his wife reared a family of ten 
 < hildroi], of whom the wife of our subject is the 
 
 fifth in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Knobeloch 
 have one daughter, Ciussie. 
 
 -Vfter the marriage of our subject, he continued 
 to live with his father on the home farm for two 
 years, and then removed to Maseoutah, where he 
 resided for about a year. .\t the expiration of 
 tliat time, he returned to his father's farm, where 
 lie has since made his home. He is a member of 
 the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and also 
 holds membership with the I). O. II. Politically, 
 he is a stanch advocate of Democracy. Though 
 comparatively a young 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 iiis liirtii. 
 
 X' MSON BAKU, of Bacr Bros., dealersin horses 
 and mules, is one of the enterprising busi- 
 ness men of the township where he lives. 
 He is a native of (lermany, having been 
 born in AVurtemberg, .\ugust 8, 1851. He was 
 reared and educated in his native land, where he 
 remained until he had reached the age of seventeen, 
 when ho crossed the ocean and came to this town in 
 1869, his brother ,Varon having preceded him. He 
 wiis engaged in the same busjiios. that of dealing 
 in horses, from the first. 
 
 The first partnersiiip which our subject formed 
 was tlial of Lowenstein and Baer Brothers,whicli did 
 business at the same place they now occupy. In 
 l.sH->. the name was changed to Baer Brothers, and 
 they have done a heavy business ever since. Their 
 stables and olHce are at High and Washington 
 Streets, Belleville, 111. Tiiey have a large brick 
 barn, 411x101) feel, with an ailditi(Mi in the rear of 
 one liundreil and fifty-two feet. They do a very 
 large business, handling from five to six hundred 
 mules and horses a month, lieing the exclusive 
 sellers and exchangers of hor.ses. 
 
 Mr. Baer was married in this town to Miss .Sadie 
 Sanger, who is a native of the place, having been
 
 318 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RfX'ORD. 
 
 born here February 6, 1865. The ceremony took 
 place November 4, 1885. They have three bright 
 intelligent children, Harry, Eugene and Ilerschel. 
 
 Mr. Haer is a member of the Schar Emcth 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 his charm- 
 ing wife are highly respected throughout the town- 
 ship, and resides in a fine brick home on Wash- 
 ington Street, which Mr. ISaer built. 
 
 Ih.^\ OSES M. STOOKEY. 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 Township Supervi- 
 sor, which position he has filled with credit to 
 himself and to the satisfaction of his cons'.ituents. 
 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 Stookeyanda brother of Elijah Stooke}' 
 (for whom see skctcii). Moses Stookey, Si-., married 
 Elizabeth Anderson, a native of the Keystone 
 State, who was born in 1805 and died sixt3'-three 
 years later, in 1868. They were the parents of 
 eleven children, but only three beside our sub- 
 ject are living. They are as follows: Elizabeth, 
 now Mrs. Wood; John D., who resides on a farm 
 adjoining that of our subject; and Dr. L. P., of 
 Belleville, whose sketch will be found on another 
 page of this volume. 
 
 In his bo3'hood,our subject received a common- 
 school education in his district, attending school 
 during the winter term and working on his father's 
 farm in the summer. He grew to a stalwart man- 
 haod,well-fitted to bear his part as an intelligentag- 
 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 ideas when presented are worthy of 
 due consideration. Besides his flue farm, he owus 
 
 forty acres in Smithton Township and fort3' acres 
 
 in Millstadt Township. 
 
 In 1862, Mr. Stookey married Miss Mary Adams, 
 wiiO lived to bless his home for twelve years, and 
 was then taken awaj' b^' the dread angel, Death, 
 February 27, 1874, leaving two children, Alonzo 
 and Barbara, who are unmarried and at home. Mr. 
 Stooke3' 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 1«.')(). 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. 
 
 Mr. Stookey is one of the representative men of 
 the township, in which he has been very promi- 
 nent, espeeiall3- in political matters. He upholds 
 the principles of Democracy with vigor and enthu- 
 siasm, and uses his influence in behalf of the party 
 of his choice. Alike devoted to public and private 
 interests, his career as citizen and farmer is one (if 
 which he and his ma3' well be proud. 
 
 =S24£^sit^: 
 
 ■^l-l^l 
 
 .■i^i ONRAD AULEHS, who represents Lenzburu' 
 (II Township on the Count3^ Board of Super- 
 
 y^(.' visors, also operates a fine 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. lb; is a thorough tiller of the soil, 
 having been reared to that occupation, and has 
 carried it on successfull3' for a number of 3'ears. 
 His propert\' 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 and Cliristina (Schultz) 
 Aiders, who were natives of Germany, the father 
 being born February 1, 1801, and the mother in 
 1807. William Aiders was a shoemaker by trade, 
 which occupation lie followed during the greater 
 part of his life. Me was married in liis native land, 
 soon after which event he came to America, in
 
 =.. ^ 
 
 RESIDENCE OF CONRAD AHLER5,5EC. 12 ,LENZBURG TP,5T. CLAIR C0.,1LL 
 
 RESIDENCE OF M.M.5T0OKEY, SEC.52 , ST. CLAI R TP ST. CLAIR CO., ILL.
 
 Of IHi 
 
 (luivf (.'mTY fit
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 o21 
 
 \x:V.i. iniikiiiir 111* liist location in Haltimore, wliei-e 
 lie resided for several years. Tlience lie went to 
 Pitl*I)urgii. Pa., later to St. Louis. Mo.. ;iiid finally 
 with liis family came to Dutcli Hill I'r.iiiic, this 
 county, wliere he engaged in fanning, lie was re- 
 garded witii a high degree of res|)ect by his neigh- 
 Ikiis and aciiuaintances. and was a man of energy 
 and prudence. 
 
 Oursiihject is the fourth in orderof birth among 
 five children who grew to mature years, three dy- 
 ing in infancy. Those first mentioned are: ('harles. 
 who is now deceased; Henry, Loni.sa, Conrad and 
 Fred. In religions affairs, the father was a mem- 
 lier <if the Lutheran Cliiirch, and |iolitically always 
 voted the straight Democratic ticket. 
 
 He whose name heads this sketch reinaineil mi 
 the home farm until after iiis marriage with Miss 
 M.uy lireadweiscr. whicli was solemnized in 18711. 
 .Mrs. -Milers is the daughter of William and Doro- 
 thea Hreadweiser, tlie former a carpenter by ti-ade. 
 She presides with dignity and etHciency over her 
 home, looking carefully to the welfare of the 
 hou.sehold. The two children born to herself and 
 husband are deceased. Mr. .Vhlcrs is a man of true 
 religious princi|)les, and belong-* to the Lutheran 
 Church. lie is one of the most public-spirited and 
 progressive men in his townsliip. wliicli he is serv- 
 ing in the capacity of Su|iervisor ,iii«l .lustiec of 
 the Peace. 
 
 i-^E*^* y 
 
 ^SSsi \i. .M.KXANDKb' S. ILVL.s TKAD. a mem- 
 ber of the dental linn of Halstead d- Woelk. 
 is justly regarded as one of the tiiorouglily 
 reliable and ellicienl masters of the den- 
 tal profession in Belleville, 111., and has won an 
 enviable reputation for the careful, skillful manner 
 in which he perforins all operations. The linn is 
 well provided with every new improved appliance 
 for making the extraction of teeth as ea.sy and pain- 
 les-san operation as possible, and they also preserve 
 the natural toelh and fill them. Their operating 
 room is equipped with the jalesl improved ojicrat- 
 
 ing chaii-s and with the best instruments known to 
 the profession. 
 
 Dr. Halstead has practiced his profession in 
 lU'lleviile.Ill.. since the year 188(5, and lias recently 
 taken his former student, Robert Woelk, into the 
 business with him. Mr, Woelk is very familiar 
 with the dental l)usiness, is highly respected in 
 social as well as professional circles, and isa^oung 
 man of sterling worth. 
 
 Dr. Halstead was born in Sliiloh \alley Town- 
 ship, this county, on the L'jth 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. Tlu' latter married Miss Eliza J. 
 Scott, of St. Louis. Mo., but a native of Qnincy, 
 HI. Her lather. Dr. William Scott, located in 
 Shiloh Valley, this i-ounty, in the year 1844. 
 After the death of her husband, which occurred 
 when our subject was but three months old, Mrs. 
 Halstead made her home with her father for many 
 years. She is now residing at Santa Barbara, C'al., 
 with a daughter, Josie A., wife of William Rainey, 
 formerly of Nashville, 111. Our subject was reared 
 principally in his native count)- and was educated 
 in MoKendree College, Lebanon, later teaching 
 school for a short time. He passed an examination 
 for cadelship 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 jjiacticed 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 inenlionetL He does 
 not practice medicine but has built up a large 
 practice in dentistry' and is one of tiie leading, act- 
 ive dentists of the da_v. What time he can spare 
 from his profession he devotes to horticulture, an<1, 
 as he owns one and a-half .acres on Sycamore Street, 
 the most of this is utilized in that occupation. In 
 connection, he also owiis a retail store for cut 
 fiowers and candies at No. 1202 Olive Street, St. 
 !>ouis. He owns considerable real esliite in the 
 county near the city, aliout f(uir hundred acres, or 
 one.fourth of an undivided sixteen hundred acres. 
 While v^siding in Mascoutah. he wfts engaged Ij)
 
 322 
 
 i'ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL EECORD. 
 
 general merchandising in addition to his pro- 
 fession. He is a member of both the Illinois and 
 Missouri State Dental Societies, and, socially, is 
 identified with the Knights of Honor. 
 
 Dr. Halstead selected his wife in the person of 
 Miss Kate Kunz, of Mascoutah, daughter of Charles 
 Kunz, one of tlie old business men of that place, 
 who was prominent as a miller, merciiant and dis- 
 tiller. This marriage occurred on the 20th of 
 April, 1879, and tiiree children have been born to 
 them, namel3': Dora, I.,ouisa and Charles Koester. 
 In all laudable enterprises, Dr. Halstead takes a 
 deep interest, and he and his admirable wife are 
 classed among the foiemost citizens. 
 
 [OHN JACOB EBKHHAKT owns a farm on 
 section 3, Caseyville Township. He was 
 born in Germany, his birth liaving occurred 
 in Wurtemberg, in 1821. He is a son of 
 Ludwich 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 land 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 balier in order to learn thattrade. 
 Tliis occupation he followed until coming to the 
 Ignited 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 worli in a woolen factory. Tiien 
 ijelieving that the West afforded better opportuni- 
 ties for advancement and for making a fortune, he 
 came to Illinois, settling in Coliinsville. 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 lie now lives. He resided on tliat 
 farm for many years, and then purchased ninety- 
 three acres iu Caseyville Township, this county, 
 on which he settled in 1886. His i)roperty has 
 greatly increased in value and has been brouglit 
 under a liigli stale of citlfiyatioii since coming 
 
 into his possession. To achieve this result he has 
 devoted all of his time and attention, and well 
 merits the reward of his labors. 
 
 In the year 18.51, i\Ir. Kberhart was married to 
 Miss Baibara Muchler, of Ma.ssachusetts. She is a 
 daugliter of Andrew and Catherine Muchler, of 
 that State. Mr. and Mrs. Eberhart have three liv- 
 ing children: Gottlieb, who married Elizabeth 
 Ambrosius, and has two children, Herman and 
 Theodore; Barbaand Mary. John died when young. 
 
 In politics, Mr. Eberhart is non-partisan, con- 
 sidering it always 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 the best interests 
 of the community and State. 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 worthy and hon- 
 ored members of the Lutheran Church. 
 
 ^>-^r-<m^- 
 
 fj of Caseyville Township, owns and operates 
 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 H.agerstown, 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 m.anhood on a farm, and re- 
 ceived liiit 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 years 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 com|)any 
 with his brother-in-law, Eliva Lankeste, purchased 
 about ojie hundred and sixty seres of laud on
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ^■2:i 
 
 favorable terms and long time. "When lie came to 
 the AVost. he was without means, hut through in- 
 dustry and ijood busfness investments .accumulated 
 about eight hundred acres of fine land. 
 
 On the -id of March. 1824. Mr. Begole wedded 
 Marv Terry, a daughter of George and Sarah 
 Terrv, of this county. To them were born a fam- 
 ily of twelve children, three of whom died when 
 voung. Those who grew to adult age were AVilliam 
 H., now deceased; Frank; .Sarah, the wife of (iideon 
 I.emen; .\ndrew, also deceased; Mary, who was the 
 wife of Levi Piggott, and has now departed this 
 life; .lames M., deceased; V. M.. our subject; Cyrus 
 S.; and Cynthia, who is the wife of Kdwin Lemen. 
 This family were all memlieis and supporters of 
 the Hai>tist Church, where they were highly es- 
 teemed. Politically, the father belonged to the 
 old Whig party, and later was a siii)porter of the 
 Republican i)arty. For eight years he was Justice 
 of the Peace, the duties of which position he trans- 
 acted with ability and wisdom. 
 
 At the age of twenty-three, our subject rented 
 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 constantl}' added l)y 
 study and good reading, and is now a well-in- 
 formed man, thoroughly interested in the great 
 issues of the day. After farming 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, lie has devoted 
 his entire time and care to the development and 
 improvement of this property, and his efTorl* have 
 been blessed with marked success. On every hand 
 is seen the evidence of the thrift and progressive 
 spirit of the owner. 
 
 On the 2d of ]\Iarch, 1887, Mr. I'.egole 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 F. and Mary F. Mr. and Mrs. IJegolc 
 are Haplist in religious faith, being members of the 
 Bethel Chapel. 
 
 In politics, Mr, Begole is a staiuli supporter of 
 the principles of the Uepublican party, to which 
 
 he gives his warm support. For over fifty years 
 he has lived in this county, ami is widely and 
 favorably known throughout this section. His in- 
 fluence is always cast on the side of right, and in 
 all local affairs lie 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 highly .as he deserves. 
 
 ^;r(;rsT n.vRriiKi.. m. a., i.i.. b. The 
 
 @//-i original of this lirief notice is the City 
 jf lii Attorney for Belleville, and one of the 
 [1^' funi of liarthel A- Farmer, lawyers. His 
 
 parents, Henry :in(l Anna (Bumb) Barthel, were 
 natives of (ierniany, 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 business, but his wife died in 
 1872. . 
 
 Our subject was born at P'reeburg, in thiscount}', 
 November 3, 186 Land 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 cfe Holder, of 
 this city. He then attended the law department 
 of the AV.ashington Cniversity in St. Louis, and 
 w.as graduated in the Class of "St! as LL. B. He 
 was admitted to the Bar in Missouri, in May, 1886, 
 and w.as admitted by examination to Mt. Vernon in 
 .\ugust, 1886. and is now permitted to practice in 
 the federal courts by virtue of his graduation. lie 
 located for jjractice in the city of Belleville with 
 .Tames M. Hay until 1888, when he went to Kansas 
 City, Kan., and remained there practicing for fif- 
 teen months. He then returned to this city, and 
 in 188;i he again went into (lartnersliip with .Mr. 
 Il.ay.and .-^o continued until September, 1891. when 
 lie formed a partncrsliip with .lames .A. Farmer, 
 and the linn ha'^ conlinncd very succes,sfully 
 ever since, 
 
 Mr, Barthel was cleclcd City .\tlorney April 7. 
 18'jl. foi' a term of two years, and ho still holds
 
 324 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 the oflSce, which he has filled to the satisfaction' of 
 the city. He was the Village Attorney of Freeburg 
 for several years, and was also the Secretary of tlie 
 Fair Association of Belleville. 
 
 Our snhiect, January 1."), 18i)0, was united in 
 marriage with Miss Angelina Keichert. of Freeburg, 
 who is the accomplished daughter of Joseph and 
 ]\Iaria Reichert, two of the old settlers of Free- 
 burg. Botii 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 city uf 
 Belleville. 
 
 (S[ lljlLLIAM A. DARROW, who owns and op- 
 \/\/// crates three hundred and fiftj'-four acres 
 ^^ of land on sections 27, 28, 22 and 15, 
 O'Fallon Township, was born Mardi 19, 1837. His 
 father, Charles B. Darrow, was born Septcrober 19, 
 1806, and the grandfather was born in Seneca 
 County, N. Y., in 1872. For a number of years, 
 he 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-tno years. 
 His wife was a native of Vermont and died on the 
 old liome farm in 185^). 
 
 Charles B. Darrow, the father of our subject, was 
 married in Randolph County, N. Y., Februar}^ 12, 
 182(5, 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 liim and died at tlie 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 
 lu'ar Oak Hill C'iiiirch, Of their seven children, 
 Jour are living: Williaiu, a painter of Decatur, 
 
 j 111.; Hiram, a painter and paper-hanger of Decatur; 
 Leonard, a gardener of O'Fallon; and Alonzo, a 
 tinsmith, wlio resides with his niotlier. Oeorge 
 Washington, Iwrii February 2fi, 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 Geoi'ge 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. Slie died in Diiquoin, 
 
 j in 1878, leaving eight children: Horace, who is 
 married and resides in Montana; Alonzo, who is 
 married and makes his home in Washington; 
 
 I Amanda, wife of Willard Thing, of Duquoin; 
 Ellen is living with Alonzo; Charles is married 
 and resides in Gaylord, Kan.; Virginia is the wife 
 of Eli 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 
 familj^, 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 Junctte, 
 at home. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was educated in the 
 common schools and remained on the home farm 
 until his marriage. He wedded Malvina, daughter 
 of Mary and William Simmons, their union being 
 celebrated near O'Fallon March 3, 1859. Tiiey 
 became the parents of eight children, as follows: 
 Elijah, born January 21, 1860, was married March 
 7, 1888, to Emma Carter, daughter of Harriman 
 Carter, of Chicago, and is engaged in farming. 
 George, born Jul\' 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.,boru October 20, 1867, died April 
 14, 1868. Fannie, born December 28, 1869, is at 
 home, Eva, born Januarys, 1873, died January 
 jy, }874, Lora Amanda, borii January- 4, 1875,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 325 
 
 and Joseph Aui;ii.-l. Ihuii Deecmhor 31, 1887. com- 
 plete tlie f.amily. 
 
 I'poii liis iiiani.ige. Mr. ]).itrow located upon 
 the farm of his father-in-law, where he lived until 
 1864. He then removed to the farm whicli has 
 since been his home. He now owns and operates 
 tliree hundred and fifty-four acres of highly im- 
 proved land and is recognized as one of the pro- 
 gressive and prominent farmers of this community. 
 In politics, he is a Prohibitionist. He li.as served 
 as Highway Commi.osioner and School Director, 
 and was Trustee of the schools of the township for 
 thirteen years. Since 1854, lie has been a member 
 of the Kaplist Church, and his upright life and 
 many excellencies of cliaracler liave won him the 
 high regard of all willi whom iie lias l)eeii brought 
 in contact. 
 
 l^+^i 
 
 HJ>I.\M 1'.. I;N<;i:I.MANN is a resident 
 of Eiigelniau Townsliip, where lie occu- 
 jiies a position as one of the best and most 
 successful fanners 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. Engelniann w.as the son of Theodore Engel- 
 mann, who was born in Winnweiler, Rhenish Ba- 
 varia, Germany, .luly l(i, 1808. Mr. Engelmann, 
 Sr.. was educated in the best universities of his 
 native land and studied for the Bar. In the 
 year 1833, in consequence of his iilliliatioiis with 
 a Revolutionary movement, he was forced to 
 leave his native country and sought a hoiiic 
 in America. The liist location o' this gentle- 
 man was in St. Clair County, where he had the 
 honor of being one of the earliest .settlers of this 
 county. After remaining here for s(>me 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 
 
 W 
 
 County .and located in Belleville, where he was 
 appointed Deputy Circuit Clerk, which position he 
 held until elected to the otlice of Circuit Clerk. 
 .\t the expiration of his term of office, he engaged 
 in the practice of his profession and continued to 
 reside in Belleville until 1860. when he removed 
 to Engelnian 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 .Tohanna Kribben, 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 Kircher, 
 who resides at Belleville: Emclia, deceased; Annie, 
 who lives at the old homestead, and our subject, 
 who is the eldest C)f the family. When Theodore 
 Engelmann came to this county he w.as 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 
 liarty. He was the son of Frederick Engelmann, 
 who came to this country from (iermany in 1833. 
 In his native land he held the position of Keeper 
 of the Forest. Frederick F^ngelmann w.as 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 Ix'.Hi. 
 
 Our subject. William iMigelmaiin, was horn in 
 Belleville, HI., where he was reared, and was edu- 
 cated in private schools. He makes his home on the 
 old homestead with his mother and sister. Here they 
 have an excellent farm of four hundred and twenty 
 aires of very line land, located in the township 
 that bears their name. On this faim is a large 
 residence built in the old Southern styU'. In po- 
 litical matters, our subject is a Democrat and ad- 
 vocates the jjrinciples of Free Trade. .So promi- 
 nent did lie become in politics, that at the organ- 
 ization of the township he was elected Townshi|) 
 Clerk, in 1881. and so creditablv and successfully
 
 326 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 
 
 (lid he fulfill his duties that the people felt that 
 they had the right man in the right place, so have 
 continued to elect him U> tlie same office ever 
 since. 
 
 ;RED JUSTUS, a general merchant of Mas- 
 f)^ coutah, has engaged in business in his line 
 for the past ten jears, 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 city. 
 
 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 countr3-. 
 They began their domestic life in St. Clair County, 
 upon the farm which has since been in the posses- 
 sion of the famil3'. 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, 
 187.5. 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 5th of December, 
 1854. 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 3-ears, he followed that 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 merchant of this 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 j'ear and a half, respectively. They lost one son, 
 Theodore, who died in 1890, at the age of seven 
 years. 
 
 Mr. Justus is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, to the support of which he contributes 
 liberally and is one of its faithful and active work- 
 ers. He is 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 Fellnw. 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, 188i), 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 promi)tness and 
 fidelity wliich win him the commendation of all. 
 
 ,OBKHT S. COULTER, editor of the Mar- 
 issa Messenger, was born in the village of Old 
 i4\\V\ Marissa, March 15,1866. As the eldest son 
 X^ 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 
 wa}- through the schools of Marissa, entered Ew- 
 iiig College, where Ik; spent four terras, ranking 
 during that time as a high-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 was commenced 
 under the supervision of Mr. J. W.Wells, wiio 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. 
 
 32; 
 
 he reniaiiicd une vt-ar. In 1887, he returned to 
 Marissii, and in company witli two others started 
 t!ie Marissa ^fpssel)(|e)■. Few men of liis j-ears have 
 succeeded in carrying on an enterprise so success- 
 fully from the start, as the present editor of the Mar- 
 issa Messenrier. 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. 
 Knter|)rise 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. ,\ prominent and ardent member of the 
 Baptist C hurch. Mr. Coulter exhibits the courage 
 of his convictions in his religious belief. Politically, 
 lie is a Republican. 
 
 The father of our subject. Dr. Arthur P. Coulter, 
 was born in Washington Countj-, III., February 
 24, 1836. He commenced his career at the age of 
 nineteen, as teacher iu 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 Jledical Institute of Cincinnati, 
 Ohio, in the year 18.59. After graduating, Dr. 
 Coulter practiced in his native count}- one year, 
 and in 18C0 removed to St. Clair County, 111., 
 where he has since lived, pr.acticing most of the 
 time at Marissa. He is a noted member of the Ill- 
 inois State P^clectic Medical Association, and also 
 of the United .States Eclectic Medical Association. 
 
 Dr. Coulter is a Mason of high degree, and 
 is also an adherent of the Republican party. He 
 is the father of ten living children, seven daugh- 
 ters and three sons. His esteemed wife was Miss 
 Phieba C. Jackson, .1 native of St. Clair County, 
 and daughter of .loel and Elsa (Mason) .lackson, 
 who were also the parent* of ten childien. 
 
 Dr. Coulter's parents were Roberts, and Isabella 
 Wiley. Robert S., grandfather of our subject, was 
 born in Brown County, Tenn., in September, 1809. 
 He was a farmer b}- occupation, and came with his 
 jiarents to Madison ('Diinty. 111., about 1«18. He 
 
 married at the early age of twenty, and to him 
 and his wife were born seven sons And four daugh- 
 ters. Politically, he w.as a Whig, and in religion 
 a Presbyterian. He died M.ay 15, 1852, his wife 
 surviving him until J.anuary 12, 1890. His father 
 was also Robert S. Coulter, a native of South 
 Carolina, who, at the age of twelve yeai-s, 
 carried a musket in the Revolutionary War. He 
 was of Irish i)arentage. a farmer by occupation, 
 and proud of tracing his family back to the house 
 of Stuart. 
 
 '^^ 
 
 "r^ ENIIAUI) YUCH is one of the oldest and 
 L>C^ most successful operators in coal in the 
 r/^ J Ij 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. He 
 has been a resident of St. Clair County, 111., since 
 he was six months old. He was born in Prussia, 
 (iermany-, 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 
 this 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 tliis vicinity 
 and was quite extensively engaged in that uccupa- 
 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; 
 .loseph, a resident of California; Benhard, the sub- 
 ject of this sketch, and Laura. .Mrs. Acker, of 
 Belleville. 
 
 Benhard Yoch was educated in the schools of 
 Belleville, and later he received instruction from 
 a private teacher in his own home, 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 con-
 
 :!2S 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 lu'ctiou with three brothers, until the former's 
 deatii,and during this time lie followed his calling 
 at Nashville, 111., Yocii Station and Clyde. The 
 firm was known as Yoch Bros, until 1886, at which 
 time the}- sold out to the Consolidated Coal Com- 
 pany, after which Benhaid Yoch became connected 
 with the Crescent Nail Company, but of recent years 
 lias again devoted liis attention to mining coal. He 
 remodeled a shaft on the Ohio & Mississippi Rail- 
 road, near Lebanon, which mine has a capacity of 
 fort}' car-loads of coal daily; but it is not running 
 to its full extent at the present time, as the mine 
 is being remodeled and new and improved machin- 
 erj- is being introduced. Mr. Yoch has long been 
 prominent in connection with the coal interests of 
 tliis section and has secured success as the conse- 
 ()uence of the superior quality of the coal produced 
 from his mines and the uniformly honorable and 
 correct methods which have ever characterized his 
 dealings with the trade. 
 
 He' iias been interested in the Y improved nail 
 for the past two 3'ears, which became an incorpor- 
 ated company with a capital stock of §25,000, of 
 which Mr. Yoch is President, Manager and Treas- 
 urer, and Lawrence j\Iuren Secretary. 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 b}' justice and fairness, and lie 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 statelj' brick resi- 
 dence at No. 301 South Illinois Street. He vras 
 married in this cit}- Februaiy 25, 1868, to Miss 
 Agnes Acker, by whom he has seven children : 
 l^aura, 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 that is entirely new, and he is the only one to 
 put his product on the market in this countiy. It 
 has all the good points of the wire nail with super- 
 
 ior holding power to a steel nail. This nail lias 
 already come into prominent notice and gives 
 every promise of being very extensively used 
 throughout this country. ]\Ir. Vocli and his family 
 attend St. Peter's Cathedral. 
 
 • =^#^M»'^"i^ii^#i 
 
 (^)ALENTINE WASEM. The prosperity of 
 St. Clair cannot be attributed entirely to 
 the efforts of Americans, for much has been 
 accomplished b}- those of foreign birth who iiave 
 sought a home in the Land of the Eree. (Germany 
 has contributed of its thrift, 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, ma>' be 
 mentioned Mr. Wasem, Postmaster of Fayetteville. 
 With reference to the parents of our subject, the 
 following may be noted: His father, ^'alentine 
 Wasem, Sr., was born near the River Rhine, Ger- 
 many, May 17, 1818, and was reared to manhood 
 in a village, although liis occu[)ation was from 
 youth that of farming. In his native land he was 
 married to Catherine HiipiK'rrich, and unto them 
 were born nine children, two of whom died in in- 
 fanc}'. The others were as follows: A^alentine, 
 the subject of this biographical sketch; George 
 P., Catherine, Philabena, August, Adam, and Isa- 
 bella, who died at the age of nine years. 
 
 Accoin))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 [nii- 
 chased near Fayetteville. On that place lie 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. Ilis 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 m Germany,
 
 
 c^i 
 
 ^/(J'J&V
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 331 
 
 :iii(l wa.-i six years old when be came to Ainei-ioa, 
 and here acquiied liis t-ducatiou. After emisria- 
 tinsr to this country, lie 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 (hristeua Karch. 
 Nine children liave been born to them, who are: 
 Isabella, Charles. .lulius V.. Edward, .\melia. Emma, 
 Josephine, Louisa and ^latilda. 
 
 During the Civil War, ]Mr. Wascm. who, al- 
 tlKJugh not a pative of this country, was neverthe- 
 less loyally devoted to the Union, enlisted in 
 1864 a.s a member of Company E, Fifty-ninth Illi- 
 nois Infantry, Oen. Thomas commanding. Among 
 the important eng.agement.s in which he participa- 
 ted may lie mentioned the battles of Resaca, Kene- 
 saw Mountain, .\tlanta and Nashville. At the ex- 
 piration of his term of service, he was mustered 
 out at lirownsville, Tex., in 1866, and w.as hont>r- 
 ably discharged in Springfield. 111. 
 
 After operating a rented farm for a few years. 
 Mr. Wasem removed to the village of Fayetleville. 
 where for .some time he was engaged as engineer 
 of the gristmill, and also oiierated a threshing-ma- 
 chine. In 188!t, 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 i)olitical opinions, he is a 
 Hepulilican, and socially, is identilied with ^las- 
 coutah Lodge No. 286, I. (). ( ). 1'.. mimI llecker 
 I'ost. (;. A. K., at Belleville. 
 
 ihM ADISON T. STOUKEY. Superintendent of 
 the City Water Works, has attained to a 
 place in the regard of the people second 
 perhaps to no other citizen of Belleville. 
 The story of his life proves that the successful 
 7nan is he who employs his powers with the great- 
 est industry and most perscvei-ance. 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 what is now St. Clair Township, 
 taking up a claim. He was one of the earliest 
 settlers, following his brother-in-law Abraham fly- 
 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 cominnnity and the owner of consider- 
 able land. He was the father of nine children, of 
 whom the only survivor is Elijah, father of the 
 subject of this sketch. He was born and reared 
 in St. Clair Township, and still lives within tuie- 
 half mile of his old home. lie 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, Upper Alton. Afterward he engaged in 
 farming, in which he met with success. His first 
 marriage united him with Miss America (iooding, 
 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 llliuoi>. 
 having served in various public capacities. For 
 six j'ears he was a member of the State Board of 
 .\gricidture, and in 1879-80 served as General 
 Superintendent of the State Fair, having charge of 
 the State Fair at Springtield, and the Fat Stock 
 Show at Chicago. He was a member of the first 
 Fat .Stock Show held in the Exposition Build- 
 ing in Chicago. He is President of the Belleville 
 A- Carondelet Railroad, which is now leased to the 
 Cairo Short Line. His fellow-citizens elected him 
 County Treasurer on the Democratic ticket and 
 re-elected him three times, his term of service ex- 
 tending from December. 1879, to December, 1886. 
 After retiring from that oftice, Mr. Stookey be- 
 came connected with the Water Works as Su[)erin-
 
 332 
 
 POUTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 tendent, in which position be has since served effi- 
 ciently. The Water Works were established in this 
 place in 1885, and now there are fourteen miles 
 of mains, three reservoirs and stand-pipes. The 
 water comes from Richland Creek and tributaries, 
 and the pumps have a capacit}' 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 cit^' business. 
 Socially, he is a member of the Independent Order 
 of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Ancient 
 Order of United Workmen. 
 
 
 y^IIILIP SKAER. The owner and occupant 
 of 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 j-ears. 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 tiiis county, and was married in 1849, 
 to Miss Elizabeth Moser, the daughter of Henry 
 INIoser, 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- 
 ville, this county, the same year. The}' had eight 
 
 children, all of whom are deceased but two, Mrs. 
 Skaer and her brother, who lives in Kans.as 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 to St. 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 j'ear 1861 
 that he purchased the farm on which he now re- 
 sides. At the commencement of our late Civil 
 War, Mv. Skaer was drafted in the army, and served 
 his country to the best of his ability. His union 
 with Miss Moser was blessed by eight children, six 
 of whom are living. The^' are Wesley, who 
 resides in this township; Peter; Mary, wife of 
 Louis Miller; li^meline, wife of Charles Miller; 
 Henrietta, who lias 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 nlaims 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 paity 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 Church, of which he is a
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 33.1 
 
 member ami lienity ^upjwrter. He is a man of in- 
 telligent and pr()gres:«ive ideas, a practical and 
 successful agriculturist, and one who in every de- 
 partment of life lias fuKilled the duties that he 
 before him in a creditable manner. The (pialities 
 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 wiiich to-day 
 lie is reaping tiie benefit, and enjoying the com- 
 mendation of all who have known him through 
 the vicissitudes of life. 
 
 Mrs. Skaer was a devoted wife and mother, a 
 kind neighbor, and a faithful friend. She assisted 
 largely in tiie growth of all her husband's enter- 
 prises, and by that patient skill which forms 
 so large a part of the feminine char.aeter, watched 
 over her family, and iusti-ucled them in the paths 
 of honesty and viitue. which never fail to shed a 
 radiance of hinmr on the urngeniturs of a race. 
 
 Jl OHN SAUTER, a retired business man, re- 
 sides in the cit\' of Mascoutah. this county. 
 I He was the son of t'onrad S. Sauter, who 
 ' w!is born in the Rheinpfalz, in Bavaria, 
 Germany, April t!, 18(l!t, 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 l)ore iiim 
 twelve children, two of whom grew to manhood, 
 .John and Conrad, the latter being scalded to 
 death in the mill at Lebanon, .\pril I, KSd;"), while 
 following the milling business. 
 
 Conrad Sauter came to America in 1 Ml."), arriving 
 in Belleville, III., .lune 4, of that year, and later 
 came to Mascoutah. which was at that time called 
 Meciianicsburg. He bought a farm about two 
 miles east of Mascoutah, and after farming here 
 three years, he moved into the city, where he en- 
 gaged in working at his trade for five 3'e.ars. 
 Then he bought a farm about one-half mile north 
 of the city, where he remained until 18.57, 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, 
 .lohn and Conrad. 
 
 The father of our subject, in 1864, took for his 
 second wife Mrs. Mary Melvin, an English ladj', 
 and continued to make his home in Lebanon, until 
 his death, February Id, 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 I, 18-J6, on the 
 old homestead in Lachen, by Xenstadt on the Hardt 
 (ierinany. lie received some education in his native 
 land, but upon coming to this county his oppor- 
 tunities for an education were limited; however, 
 l)cing 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 partnersiiip 
 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 comi)any with his family, Mr. Sauter 
 made a trip 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 
 also 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 AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 this county, with the exception of ei,ht3- acres, 
 which lies in Washington County, 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 induls^eut 
 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 C'luuch, and politically, ISIr. Sauter is a 
 stanch upholder of the Hepuhlican party. 
 
 i^l^:i^^i 
 
 ..., LEX. WOODS, M. D. Among the people of 
 WIL\\ St. Clair County, as well as the surround- 
 (i ing counties, the name of Dr. Woods is 
 almost a, household word. He was born 
 November 14, 1845, and traces his ancestry back 
 to his great-grandfather, .Tohn Walker, who was 
 horn in Nova Scotia and was there pressed into 
 the English service, coming with the British 
 soldiers to tiie 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 Eong Island, in which he participated. After 
 the war was over he I'emoved to Cleveland, in 
 which city his son John, the grandfather of the 
 subject of this sketch, was born. 
 
 John AVoods was reared to farm life, which occu- 
 pation he always followed, and about 1800 removed 
 to Illinois and was one of the first settlers of Turkey 
 Hill Piairie. 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 iau school, and was called 
 from life in 18,55, at the advanced age of eighty 
 years. Dr. Alex. Woods' father, John Woods, was 
 named after his lather 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 Glasgow that he was the 
 only man that killed an- Indian from their vicin- 
 ity. Dr. Alex. AVoods has in his possession the 
 frame of a pocket mirror that was taken from the 
 pocket of this Indian. January 5, 4833, our 
 subject's father was married to Miss Catherine 
 Carr, who was born on Turkey Hill Prairie Sep- 
 tember 23, 1812, after which he began farming on 
 Prairie du Long, but removed to near Belleville 
 in 1851, becoming the owner of two hundred and 
 twent}' acres of fertile prairie land four and a-half 
 miles south of the town. He greatly improved 
 his home place, l)ut 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 Countj', A'a., June 2, 1788, 
 where the grandfather, Joseph Carr, 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 f.all of 
 the same year they were comijelled 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 tlie remainder of his days. Henry Carr was 
 a soldier in the AVar 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 |)ioueer Baii- 
 tist minister of the country. 
 
 The brothers and sisters of Dr. Alex. AVoods are 
 as follows: James A., who was a farmer, enlisted in 
 Company E, Fifty-ninth Illinois Infantry, August 
 2, 1861, during the Civil AVar and served until 
 January, 1866. AVhile 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 A^' I) BIOGKAl'IIICAL RECORD. 
 
 335 
 
 (»n a farm lu'ar Belleville, but his early advant- j has conducted a drug store liere since April, 1888. 
 ages (or acquiring an education were limited. | He has lield eight liundred and seventy inquests 
 
 He was compelled to walk one and one-half miles, 
 had to cross a large creek on a foiit-log, and the 
 schoolhouse was a very primitive log structure, 
 where the most elementary of instruction was 
 given. 
 
 At the age of lifteen years. Dr. Wocids went to 
 St. Louis. Mo., and enlisted in the same regiment 
 as his brother, but about three days later his fatiier 
 came for him and took him home, where lie re- 
 mained about a year longer, when his patriotic 
 feelings could no longer be repressed, and in 
 .\ugu»t, 1862, he enlisted in Company II, One 
 Hundred and Seventeenth Illinois Infantry, and 
 was mustered in at Camp Butler. He was in the 
 engagements at (Juccn's Hill (Miss.), Ft.de Hussy 
 (I,a.). rie.asant Hill and Tupelo (Miss.), Nash- 
 ville. Ft. Blakely. and thirty-three skirmishes. He 
 was never otT duty nor in tlie hospital until the 
 day he was mustered out of service, .August R, 
 186.5, when he remained there for a few days only. 
 He held the rank of Corporal and was the young- 
 est man in his coini)any. 
 
 Upon his return home, he began attending Bry- 
 ant it Stratton's Commercial College of .St. Louis, 
 and after a short time spent on the farm he began 
 teaching school. November 2!i. 1866, he was mar- 
 ried to Miss Marv C. Mctiuire, a native of this 
 county and a daughter of Benjamin JIcGuire, a 
 Pennsylvanian by birth. After his inarri.age. Dr. 
 Woods farmed on eighty acres of land near Belle- 
 ville until 1870, when he sold out and located in 
 Freeburg, entering in the fail of that year the St. 
 Louis Medical College, from which he graduated 
 Mardi i:?. 187.3. with the degree of M. D. During 
 1872. he jiracticed in Fayetleville, but after his 
 graduation he located at Freeburg, where he was 
 also engaged in the drug business. From 1879 to 
 1881, he w.as located at Benton, Franklin County; 
 and from 1881 until he was elected County 
 Corimer in 1H81, he was in the drug business at 
 Freeliurg. He was elected to his iiresent oflice 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 vofps, He has been a 
 >-esi<lent of East St. Louis since January, 1888, and 
 
 since he has been in ottice and has successfully fol- 
 lowed u)) several clews in murder cases. 
 
 P'or three years he was Secretary of the .State Cor- 
 oners' Association; is Past Post-Surgeon of the 
 (irand .\rni\-, of Belleville; is a member of the 
 I'll ion \'eteran Le.ague, and is a niember of Lodge 
 No. 4 1 8, .\. F. it 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, 5Io., and now a student of medicine; 
 Alonzo B. is a clerk for Nelson Morris it 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 otlice in his county, and bringing a quiet dig- 
 nity to bear in the fulfillment of his duties, which 
 commanded the respect of all. 
 
 J 
 
 ^»^ III LI r lUKSTKIJ. 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. Ilis parents, John and 
 Catherine (Bearrach) Huester, were natives of 
 Cermany, the father being born in 1816, and the 
 mother in 181.">. .lohn Kuester w.as given a good 
 ediieatiim in his native land, where he in later life 
 owned and operated a linseed-oil factory. After 
 locating in the Cnited States, however, he turned 
 his attention to \Torking in a mill, which occupa- 
 tion he fujlowed for a number of years. By his
 
 336 
 
 PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 union with Miss Bearrach were born twelve chil- 
 dren, seven of whom died when young. Tliose 
 who grew to mature 3'ears were Louisa, Margaret 
 (deceased), Valentine, Martin and Philip. (Jur 
 subject's parents were both members of the Luth- 
 eran Church, beirg people of true religious prin- 
 ciples. The father, who was a true-blue Republi- 
 can in politics, died in 1892, when seventy-six 
 years of age, while his wife, who lived to the ad- 
 vanced age of seventy-three years, departed tliis 
 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 .ige of 
 fourteen years, our subject learned the trade of a 
 saddle and harness maker under ihe instruction 
 of Anton Kelirer, of New Athens, this county. 
 After remaining with him for three 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 
 j'ears, when he took up his abode in Lenzburg, 
 where he lias 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 Pvthias of Belleville. His name is 
 among the members of the Lutheran Church, in 
 which body he is an active worker. 
 
 E^^ 
 
 ARTMANN KOCH. Biographies of suc- 
 cessful, and especially of good, men are 
 most useful as incentives to others, teach- 
 ing noble thinking and energetic action 
 their own and the world's good. He who 
 gives others an example of industry, sobriety ftnil 
 consistent honesty of purpose in life, has a present 
 
 as well as a future influence upon the well-being 
 of ills community, for his life and 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 
 ])raise 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 1883, and is the son of .lustus 
 and Catherine (Schneider) Koch. His parents 
 were also born in tJie Fatherland, the father in 
 1811, and the mother in 1818. .lustus Koch re- 
 ceived his education in the common schools of his 
 native land, where in his 3'outh he learned the 
 tiade 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. Catherine Koch came to the United States 
 many years afterward and died at the home of her 
 son Ilartmann, in Darmstadt. 
 
 The early years of Ilartuiiinn Koch wore un- 
 eventfully passed in his native land, where he at- 
 tended the common schools and learned the trade 
 of a blacksmith with an uncle. In ]8.'')4, he left 
 the Fatherland, and, crossing 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 occu[)ation, 
 he is Ihe 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. Koch was 
 united in marriage with Miss Mary, (laughter 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 arc Mary, 
 Elizabeth, Amelia and Matheas, U\ his relig- 
 ious coiiiieclions, Mr. K(jc1i is ;i jni-Mnber of the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 
 
 :VM 
 
 Presbyterian Church, while his wife is a Catholic. 
 His political preferences have brought him into 
 sympathy with the Republican party, and he is one 
 of the pulilic-spirited and progressive members of 
 that party in the county. 
 
 Mr. Koch is a man who stands liigh in the 
 esteem of all who know him, and his honorable 
 life and uniform kindness of heart endear him to 
 his 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; 
 You can liear him swing his heavy 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 t.ask 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 lias taught; 
 Thus at the flaming forge of life 
 
 Our fortunes must be wrought. 
 Thus on its sounding anvil shaped 
 
 Each burning deed and thought. 
 
 <S^ MILK HKBIIAX. a pr(.si)erous farmer of 
 \f^, section 5, Shiloh ^'alley Township, i> a na- 
 /i — -^ tive of (Germany, his birth having occurred 
 in Coburg, in 1K17. He is a sou of Louis and Lou- 
 isa Rebhan, the fatiier's birtli 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. lie was an attorney-at-law, and occupied 
 a position in the otticial department of tiie coun- 
 try, lie was sent as a minister to Coburg, (Jer- 
 many, which position he occupied until his 
 death. When a young man ho left France, and 
 at that time spelled his name Rohu, By permis- 
 
 sion of the King, the spelling of the name was 
 changed to Rebhan. which liis descendants have 
 since adopted. He and his wife reared a family of 
 four children: Louis, deceased; Emile; .\delina 
 L.. now decease<l, who w.as the wife of (J.adloi) M\ild- 
 rop; and ,Iohn, 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, 
 lie then continued his studies and commenced the 
 reading of law. He next learned the trade of an 
 architect in the (iovernment department. In 181!l, 
 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: .lohn, dece.ased; Edward, who hiis since come 
 to the L'nited States; and Anna, also dece.ased. 
 After arriving in the New World, our subject first 
 settled at New Orleans, where he worked at his 
 trade for a perioil 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 county. He 
 also followed agricultural pursuits quite exten- 
 sively. At the breaking out of the late war, Mr. 
 Rebhan raised Coini>any 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 Shiloh, where 
 he has since resided. 
 
 In Belleville, Mr. Uebliaii w:is united in marriage 
 with Catherine .Miller, daughter of George Chris- 
 ti.in and Elizabeth ililler. To this worthy couple 
 four chiUlren have been born: George C., an at- 
 torney of Belleville, a sketch of whom will be 
 found on another page of this work; Edward; 
 Amelia, the wife of Louis Shmisour, who is now de- 
 ceased; and Louisa. 
 
 Our subject is a rrotesl.-mt and a member of 
 the Lutheran Church. Socially, ho is a member of 
 the Masonic order, and the Independent Order of 
 Odd F'ellows, but has his pass from each. He takes 
 an active part iii all local political affairs, and is a 
 supporter of the Republican party, He is a roan of
 
 338 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 good education, and well informed on all the lead- 
 ing questions of the (\ay. For over fort)' years 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 lias acquired a compe- 
 tence through years of industry and hard labor. 
 
 --^^^ 
 
 e 
 
 IIRISTIAN ET'l'LING. The subject of this 
 I sketch resides on survey 607, Prairie du 
 
 ^^J Long Township, St. Clair County, 111. His 
 father, Conrad Ettling, was born in II.ainl)urg, 
 Germany, in the year 180',), on the 21st of 
 Octolier. The early part of the latter's life was 
 spent in his native village, where he learned 
 and afterward plied tlie vocation of a stone- 
 m.asun. His wife was a Miss Caroline Iluck, a 
 native of the same place. In the year 18.'?7, Con- 
 rad Ettling emigrated with iiis faniil\- to the 
 United States, and on his arrival in this country 
 located at Detroit, where he lived Initashort time, 
 moving from there to St. Louis, where he worked 
 at his trade for several mouths, and then moved 
 to St. Clair County, 111. He rented a farm three 
 miles south of Belleville, and lived tliere about six 
 years, afterward renting several other places, on 
 which he spent about four years, when lie bought 
 wiiat was then known as the old Reding House 
 l)lace, on whieli he resided for over twenty-two 
 years. He had been in this country over thirty 
 years when he moved to Ereeburg, tins county, 
 wiiere lie still lives. His cash possessions on his ar- 
 rival in America consisted of *5, and his life is one 
 of the best exemplifications of thrift, industry, and 
 perseverance, the biographer can possibly depict. 
 In his family were si.x children. 
 
 Cliristian Ettling, with whose name we introduce 
 this sketch, was born in Hamburg, Germany, on 
 the 4th of December, IS:MI He w.as only one 
 year old when his parents came to America, and 
 Ids whole life has been spent on a farm. He re- 
 ceived a fair education in the common schools of 
 St. Clair County, svi>d upon arriving at inanhoptl'a 
 
 estate, received from bis father fifty acres of land 
 with whicii to start the life of a farmer, which he 
 had chosen as his life pursuit. 
 
 On the 29th of February, 1860, our subject mar- 
 ried Miss Catherine Moeser, daughter of Henry 
 Moeser, one of the picmeer 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, 
 wliere he stayed six months and then located on 
 the fifty acres which his father had given him, and 
 which was situated in Smitliton Township, .\fter 
 a period of eighteen years, Mr. Ettling sold the 
 last-mentioned farm, and liought the place 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, Mr. Ettling married 
 his second wife. Miss Catherine Bretsch, a daugh- 
 ter of Philip Bretsch, who was a resident of New 
 Athens Township. The first Mrs Ettling was the 
 mother of twelve children, 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 
 Montgomery County, and is the wife of .Tacob 
 Klein, a farmer; .l.acob, who lives in Monroe 
 County; Willie, a resident of Freeburg; (ieorge, 
 Katie, Lizzie, Christopher and Emma, wlio all live 
 at home. One of the saddest incidents in this 
 family's history was the drowning of one son, 
 Philip, a boy who gave most excellent promises 
 for future manhood. In addition to the children 
 above mentioned are: liertie, Hilda, Gustav, 
 Johnnie and Elsa. Three members of this family 
 died in infancy. 
 
 Mr. Ettling is the owner of one hundred :uid 
 thirty-eight and one-half acres of land, well im- 
 proved and in a good state of cultivation. He 
 raises wheat, corn and oats, but his principal crop 
 is wheat, lie is a well-known and active member 
 of the Lutheran Church, to which body he has 
 always given hearty support, ant] botl( ^le aiul liis
 
 / 
 
 crd o^no/i^^^ ^^ r\^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 .'Ml 
 
 wife iirc among the sincere workers and standi 
 inemher> of that organization. 
 
 Mr. l-".Uliiig's political syinpatliics extend to the 
 DeiiKiirntic party, and he is a linn believer in the 
 strength of its principles and the ellicaev of its 
 platform. He has held the ollice of 'I'nistee in his 
 townshii) for the past six years, and h.as served as 
 School Director for three terms. With an intelli- 
 gent conception of his duties as a citizen, a fec^ling 
 of good-will toward mankind, and a deep regard 
 for his own family, the sul)ject of this sketch en- 
 deavors to honoratily fulfill all the duties wliicli 
 devolve upon him, and in so doing lie has gained 
 the respect of all with whom he comes in contact. 
 
 -?s^?" 
 
 MOS THOMPSON, a well-known and 
 prominent citizen of Helleville, is now 
 retired from the active duties of life and 
 is enjoying the fruits of his early labors. 
 He was horn fifteen miles northeast of Portland, 
 Me., April 26, 1807, a son of Abel Thompson. 
 His grandfather, Ainos Thompson. Sr., was born 
 in 1749, and, with his biother .Tonathan, accom- 
 panied Col. Arnold and his army through tlie 
 wilderness from Maine to Quel)ec in the fall of 
 177.'), and participated in the battle of (Juebec, 
 where (ieii. Montgomery was killed and Col. Arn- 
 old wounded. 
 
 Aljel Thompson, the eldest child of Abel 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 
 JMigland in 1H12-1;!, he was a Lieutenant in a 
 military company, and was called into active ser- 
 vice in that war. He was a shii) carpenter, mill- 
 wright and I'armt-r. He married Mary Haynes in 
 17!tG, or 17il7. and had nine children, two of 
 whom dieci in infancy; the remaining seven were 
 Elizabeth, Hannah. Mehetal)el. .Vinos. ICleaiior. 
 Haynes and Abel. When he left .Maine for the 
 West, the two eldest children, Klizabeth and Han- 
 nah, did not accompany him, they having mar- 
 ried and settled in Maiiu'. In \x\:,, he drove 
 
 16 
 
 .across the country from Maine to Cincinnati, but 
 was unfortunate in having his horse stolen by 
 Imlians. ^^■hile absent on his trip to the Far 
 West, his mill w.as burned, and oir his return 
 East he determined to take advantage of the 
 larger opportunities which the Ear West afforded. 
 In the fall of 1816. he commenced his long jour- 
 ney Westward, and at the head of the Allegheny 
 River, built a Hat-boat, on which he floated down 
 to Cincinnati. Then he embarked on a keel-boat 
 for Kaskaskia, III. It was his intention to start a 
 mill six miles south of IJelleville, where lie located 
 with that object in view. 
 
 However, before hi-^ plans were completed, JMr. 
 Thompson was taken ill with malarial fever and 
 died September 17, 1«18. his wife's death oc- 
 curring two days before his own. Mehetabel 
 became the wife of Samuel l'liillii)s and died .'it 
 an advanced age. One of her sons, Daniel T. 
 Philips, resides in Cornelius, Ore., and another 
 in St. Clair County. J^leauor married .John 
 Alexander, of St. Clair County, and both are 
 deceased, her death occurring at the age of forty- 
 two years, .\liel married and became the father 
 of a large family of cbildreii and died at the age 
 of sixt3'-eight. 
 
 The memory of our subject carries him back 
 many years,an(l he well remembers the earthquake 
 of 181 1, although at that time lie was only four 
 years old. He also recalls the naval battle between 
 the "Boxer" and the "Enterprise"' in September, 
 1813, when he could hear the noise of the conflict, 
 although some fifteen miles distant. IJoth the 
 commanders, Boyle and Brocke, were killed in the 
 battle, and Mr. Thomp.son has since visited their 
 graves at Portland, Jle. Our subject visited 
 Maine in 1.^21), and after an absence of fiftj-three 
 ye.'irs again returned to Maine in 1882, and vis- 
 ited his aged sister Hannah, who was then living 
 at the age of eighty-six years, luit Is since de- 
 ceased. 
 
 Early oiplianeil by the death of his |)arents, 
 .\nios Thomiison found .i home with a neighbor 
 named Fowler, willi whom he remaiiied one year. 
 During the suiiiiner of the ensuing year, he 
 cooked for .Mr. I'ouler. who was at that time build- 
 ing .a mill. After se\ cral severe spells of sickness,
 
 342 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 he was bound as an apprentice to John Stuntz, a 
 tanner and furrier, whose father was one of the 
 Hessian soldieis sent here to fight for George III 
 of England, but who deserted in the first engage- 
 ment and joined the Americans and fought for 
 them during tlie American War. Mr. Stuntz 
 agreed to send the lad to school, a promise 
 which he faithfully kept. With this noble old 
 German our subject remained until he was twenty- 
 one years of age, and until he was twenty attended 
 the district schools during the winter months. He 
 then began learning the cariicnter'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 $50 for forty days through the 
 influence of a good friend, Edward Tate. The 
 loan of S50 which he made fell due on a Sunday, 
 and he promptly paid it that day, thus relieving to 
 some extent his obligation to his warm friend, Ed- 
 ward Tate; that was the first money borrowed for 
 which he had to give security, and since then he 
 ' has been enabled with only 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- 
 riiige, Mr. Thompson settled on his farm, and 
 here resided until about eight years after the 
 death of his wife, which occurred in 1852. While 
 living on the farm, he dealt largely 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 Alonzo and his son- 
 in-law, Mr. Harrison, our subject has purchased 
 l:ir"C tracts of land in Missouri, all uf 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 has 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 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson 
 were as follows: Alonzo, a real-estate agent of 
 Omaha. jS'eb.; Mary Eleanor, wife of T.Harrison, 
 of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Josephine (Mrs. J. 1). 
 Truett), who died in Indiana in 1882; Cyrus, a 
 manufacturer of Belleville; Eugene, who died at 
 the age of nine years; and diaries II., 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. 
 
 (^) BP]DFORD CASH. This pleasant gentle- 
 man is a member of of the First Christian 
 Church in this city, and is a business rep- 
 resentative of the firm of P>ans, Snider, Buel * 
 Co. The name of Cash is well known through- 
 out Virginia, and from that family came J.ames 
 Cash, the father of our subject, although his birth- 
 place was in Kentucky. He was reared on a farm 
 and then learned what was a very important 
 tcade — tanning; after he had learned how to 
 1)repare 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- 
 penter and stone mason, He conducted his tan-
 
 PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 343 
 
 nei y in Morgan County. Ky., and also engaged in 
 farming. He also gained a reputation as a liun- 
 ter. Ill l!^.')7. he concluded to remove his family 
 to AiMlr.aiii County. Mo., and this change was 
 made with wagons, the place selected for the new 
 liuiiie 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 tt) Centralia, Mo., and died there in 18()7. 
 The mother of our subject was Sally Cree, a Ken- 
 tuckian by birth. Her death occurred April 1. 
 1875, at the age of sixty-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 ^lorgan 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 country, and the " work school" 
 was the only one thought of. In this school he was 
 pretty thoroughly disciplined, as his father died 
 when he was sixteen years of age and he had to 
 think of taking care of himself, whidi has often 
 been a serious undertaking for those much older 
 in life and experience than a lad of sixteen. 
 However, he soon obtained work at herding cattle 
 at ^18 a mouth, and continued at this until he 
 came to St. I>ouis, in 1869. Here he found em- 
 ployment in the old North Missouri Yards driving 
 cattle, and there he remained until the completion 
 of the In ion Stock Yards, when he worked there 
 one year as hog accountant. In 1875, he came to 
 the National Stock Yards, and wiis employed there 
 for eighteen months, and then began to speculate 
 in hogs for himself, and did mncii in this line. 
 In 1887, he became hog salesman for the firm of 
 Hunter. Evans it Co. until the firm of Snider, 
 Evans it Co. wiUi formed, with which ((iiii)i;iiiy he 
 has been ever since. 
 
 Mr. Cash is a Democrat <if tlie strongest type, 
 and is highly regarded in his part}'. He is a 
 member in the National I'nion, and has been the 
 main organizer and piUar of the Christian Church 
 of this city, which he has supported willi lioth 
 purse and inlhience. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Cash took place in Si. 
 Louis, in 1874, with Mis-* Alice Sutherland, one of 
 the fair daughters of Kentucky, and two iliilijicii 
 
 have blessed this union. The eldest, Hugh Em- 
 met t. w.as removed by death, but Walter S. re- 
 mains. He will not be ashamed to read the record 
 of dilHeulties overcome by his father, for the trials 
 of early life very often form character and make 
 men what they are. Two of the brothers of >[r. 
 Cash took part in the Civil "War. 
 
 W,^ ENKY ( I..VV i:( KKKT. an enterprising 
 Irjll farmer and prominent member of the 
 Mi<^ Grange, living in Smithton Township, was 
 i^j born November 5, 1850, of (ierman-Amer- 
 ican parentage. He was the son of Michael Eck- 
 ert, who came to this country with his parents 
 when he was eleven years 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 Favetteville. 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, .\fter the death fif 
 his brother, he removed with his parents to Belle- 
 ville, 111., ill 1><75. After several years in that 
 city, he married ^lary L. Jliller. who was the 
 daughter of Michael Miller, one of the earliest 
 settlers of St. Clair County. Our subject lived 
 ill Belleville until 1879. when he removed to 
 Hichview Farm, situated on the Cairo Short l>ine, 
 just above Wilderman .Station. He has been a 
 farmer all his life, and has followed the business 
 intelligently, using the latest .agricultural devices, 
 and l)uying the best breeds of cattle, sheep and 
 poultry, lie has at this writing live 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 AValtcr V... Eugene A. and Alvin Otis. His 
 only daughter. .Vmelia, has passed away. 
 
 Mr. Eckert has two farms, one containing one 
 Imndieil and eighteen acres, and another twohun- 
 drcd and ten acres. The land where he lives is
 
 344 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 underlaid with coal, which 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 15,400. 
 He also has a large poultry house, built after the 
 latest models, which cost him $200. His land has 
 .all the latest improvements, and is well tiled 
 wiiere that was necessary. He firmly believes 
 that farming can be greatly improved bj- 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 merchant. 
 
 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 
 principles, and is truly one of the most enterpris- 
 ing farmers in tiie county, and has endeavored to 
 place agriculture 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. 
 
 lEORGE W. SHIPMAN, proprietor of the 
 , Western Keg Works, near the Louisville ifr 
 1 Nashville passenger depot, is one of tlie 
 successful men whose historj- forms the glory of 
 St. Clair County. One of the i)rominent features 
 of the business men of Belleville, 111., is their 
 energy and pusli. Mr. Shipman is no exception 
 in tliis respect, but affords a striking example of 
 the truth of the assertion. He is a man of excel- 
 lent business (lualifications and good habits, and a 
 citizen who h.as tiie highest regard of all who know 
 him. 
 
 ()nrsuliject was born near Si,. ( 'hiirsvillc, the 
 (MMinty seat of lielmont (Juil)ily, (J)iio, on the lOlh 
 
 of September, 1821, and is a son of AValter 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 schoolhouse 
 of pioneer days, but as the schoolhouse was two 
 miles distant from his home and in the woods, his 
 scholastic liaining was limited to about four 
 months in nil. However, he had a naturally 
 bright .and active mind, and by observation and 
 study later in life, he became (piite well posted on 
 all subjects of moment. 
 
 Our subject was only about eighteen years of 
 age when his father died, and he subsequently be- 
 gan learning the machinist's trade in Miirlin 's Ferry, 
 Ohio. He was the first man who ever put a 
 threshing-machine on wheels and threshed with it 
 in that position, and this created a demand for his 
 machines. He became a member of the firm of 
 Shipman, Bales (fr Co., and continued in this bus- 
 iness until 1860. At the breaking out of the war, 
 he enlisted in Coiupanv F, Fiftieth Ohio Infantry, 
 and was in the army of the Cumberland through 
 Kentucky and Tennessee. He served his countiy 
 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-Lwo 
 montlis. After returning from the war, he worked 
 at the machine business, and in 1869 established a 
 manufactory of nail kegs at Martin's Ferry, which 
 he conducted until 1871. From there he moved 
 to Port Clinton, Ohio, thence to Wood Countj-, 
 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 AVorks, with steam 
 power and all the improved m.achinery for the 
 manufacture of kegs. He built all his machines 
 l)ut two. His manuf.actory has a capacity of 
 twenty-five hundred kegs per day, and he employs 
 about sixty hands, making a pay roll of about 
 $1,200. This is one of the most flourishing insti- 
 tutions of the city, and is the principal keg fac- 
 tory, Mr. Shipman is thoroughly alive tu the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 347 
 
 business interests of this busy city, and his factory 
 retlec-te the highest credit upon his management. 
 
 On the 2(Uii of .liiiy, 1873, Mr. .Sliipman was 
 united in maiiiage to Miss Rebecca Ann IJrown, 
 of Coleiain Township. Belmont County, Ohio, and 
 she now presides t)ver his fine home at No. 522 D 
 Street, Belleville. Tliis is one of the loveliest 
 places in the city, and attracts the eye of all. Mr. 
 Sliipman 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. Sliipman 
 owns several lots and two houses in the city and 
 other real esUnte. Socially, he is a member of 
 Belmont City Lodge No. 221, I. O. O. P., at Mar- 
 tin's Ferry, Ohio, and the Grand Army. Mr. Ship- 
 man was Alderman of the First Ward for one 
 term. By his l!i.st union, he became tlie father of 
 one son, Jefferson Brown. 
 
 ^-^N^ 
 
 Ir^OBEHT CrNMNCillAJI. Ilisan uiidenia- 
 jLs^ hie truth that the life of any man is of great 
 * A\ benefit to the community in which he icsides, 
 ^ 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 iiolaud- 
 . able movement is allowed to fail for want of sup- 
 port on his part. At present he is serving .as 
 Alderman from the First Ward of East St. Louis, 
 and is disoiiarging the duties incumbent upon that 
 l)osition in a very satisfactory manner. He has 
 been a resident of East St. Louis since 186.5. and 
 has been with the AViggins Ferry Company since 
 1872. Throughout St. Clair County he is well 
 known, and i^ regnrded as one of its re|in'scnta- 
 tive men. 
 
 Like many of the prominent citizens of East St. 
 Louis, Jlr. Cunningham is of foreign birth. He was 
 born in County Loiilli, Ireland. March 17. 18-1."). 
 
 His father, John Cunningham, who was also born 
 in that county, 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 ail. 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. Patrick, the other brother, 
 is a machinist of Dublin. 
 
 Robert Cunningham was reared niid educated 
 in his native country'. When eighteen years of 
 age he decided to cross the oce.in to America, and 
 in July, 1863, he took p.assage at Liverpool witli 
 his uncle, Patrick Gorman. Thirteen days later 
 they landed in New York City, and went from 
 there to Toledo, Ohio, where our subject was en- 
 gaged in different occupations for two years. In 
 December, 1865, he removed further West, 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 IMississippi 
 River, on the steamer " Key Cit^-," of St. Paul, and 
 was thus engaged one year. Returning to East St. 
 Louis he was with the Vandalia Railroad for one 
 year, and subsequently w.as engaged in driving 
 transfer wagons for the St. Louis Transfer Coni- 
 l)niiy two years. 
 
 In 1872, Mr. Cunningham engaged with the 
 Wiggins Ferry Company as deckhand, and worked 
 his way u]) to foreman, which he has held since 
 187."). He is in charge of a set of men, and thor- 
 oughly understands his business. He is also (juite 
 exteiLsively engaged in the real-estate business in 
 this city. In 187(1, he was united in marriage 
 with Miss Mary Hoey, a native of Ireland, and nine 
 children have resulted from this union: IMaiy: 
 who is a teacher in the Douglas School; John, a 
 time-keeper for tlie Wiggins 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- 
 luini from what was tlien the Third (now the 
 First) Ward, and has tilled tliat position ever 
 since. He has served on different committees, and 
 is Chairman of the Railroad Committee. Mr. 
 Cunningham is an earnest advocate of the im- 
 provement and advancement of the city, has 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 1876 
 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 .lury. He is 
 a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Cliurch, and 
 contributes liberally to its support. 
 
 -^^- 
 
 Jl^ ON. GUSTAVITS KOERNER, ex-Lieutcn- 
 \l% ant-Governor of the State of Illinois, is a 
 'JS^ distinguished German-American writer and 
 (^; statesman, and was born at Fraukfort-on- 
 the-Main, Germany, November 20, 1809, in which 
 country his fatiier, Bernhard Koerner, was a book 
 publisher and a prominent citizen of Frankfort. 
 I'he latter was repeatedly elected to the Legislative 
 body of this free city, in which he became conspicu- 
 ous for liberalism. Gustavus attended the academy 
 (iivmnasium) of Frankfort and became a student 
 at .lena, 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 witii a warm and 
 sincere devotion to the cause of German liberty 
 and unity. In 1830, he pursued his studies at the 
 Universityof Munich, and with others was charged 
 while there with having resisted the police, and 
 was arrested and imprisoned for four months. 
 I'pcm being released and discharged by 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 i)lace the Govern- 
 ment on a Repuljlican basis met liis iiearty ap- 
 proval, as it did that of thousands of other young 
 professional men, and he became involved in the 
 uprising at Frankfort, April 3, 1838, and in the 
 conflict with the soldiers was wounded. Upon his 
 recovery, with tiie 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'rance, and from the city of Paris 
 went to Havre, where he found old friends in the 
 Englemann family about to embark for America. 
 He joined them and .lune 18, 1833, arrived in 
 New York City. In .Uily, lie reached Belleville, 
 St. Clair County, where lie settled and where he 
 continued to reside. He e:itered the law school at 
 Lexington, Ky., and in 1835 was admitted to the 
 Bar, and through his undeniable ability soon at- 
 tained a reputation that called him into many 
 cases of importance in the local and Supreme 
 Courts. In 1845, his reputation as a clear and log- 
 ical reasouer and a sound jurist received com- 
 mendable and honorable recognition, and he was 
 appointed by the Governor of the State to a posi- 
 tion on the Supreme Bench, and the next year was 
 elected to the same position by tlie Legislature. 
 He wore the judicial ermine with dignity, ability 
 and ease, and upon retirement from the Bench in 
 1849, when the office was made an elective one, he 
 bore with him the respect and good-will of all, and 
 the consciousness that lie 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 exhib- 
 ited thorough research and careful analysis, and 
 are j'et held in high esteem by the Bar of the 
 State. Being in accord with the De mocrat ic party, 
 he was elected to the Legislature by it in 1842, 
 and ten years later was elected to the honorable
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 349 
 
 :iih1 ri'.-<i)<)iisibU' position of Lieutenant-Governor 
 of the State, his majoiitv being very large. He 
 was the first German in the State to be so hon- 
 ored. As a presiding olHcer in the Senate, he was 
 distinguished for the correctness of his rulings, 
 and Ills thorough knowledge of parliamentary law. 
 In 1851, he took a decided stand against the ex- 
 tiMision 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 couise was 
 exceedingly unpopular, and he and many other 
 able men found themselves outside their party by 
 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 partj'. The active and positive 
 position he took on the Kansas-Nebraska ques- 
 tion brought him in sympathy and accord with 
 Abraham Lincoln, Lyman Trumbull, .John M. 
 Palmer, and all the great leaders of the progressive 
 thought of that da3',and together the}' constituted 
 the leaders through whose agency the Republican 
 part}' was formed and brought into organization 
 and power. Mr. Koerner became the acknowl- 
 edged leader of the^"party throughout Soutlioin 
 Illinois, 
 
 In 1858, 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^ov. lJoutwell,.Carl Schurz and Horace (iree- 
 lej'. In 1861, he was active in raising the Forty- 
 third Illinois In fantr}', 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 INIarcli, 
 1862, but his influence still continued to be fi'll 
 and he did much to induce the mass of (iernians to 
 remain loyal to the Government. In .lune, l^t('>2, 
 Lincoln again manifested his confidence in one 
 who had remained so loyally his friend. iukI .Mr. 
 Koerner was appointed Minister to Si)ain, which 
 position he Riled with disTTfi'gurshed ability for two 
 and a-half vears, when he resigned. He did much to 
 
 maintain a strict neutrality on the part of Spain, 
 and his services to his country were very valuable 
 and of a most satisfactory kind. 
 
 In 1868, he w.as Elector-at- Large for the Stale and 
 presided over the electoral college of Illinois, cast- 
 ing the electoral vote for (!rant. 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 (ireele^ was thecham- 
 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 18.33 he wrote 
 some valuable articles for a monthly magazine, 
 Das Ausland, published at Stuttgart, Germany, 
 correcting erroneous ideas of this country which 
 were entertained in Germany. He has contributed 
 many 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, (ieimaiay, reminiscences of 
 "Alls Spanien," and in 1880 "Das Deutsche Kle- 
 nieiit in den Vereinigten Staatcn von 1X18-1848," 
 a large and exhaustive work whicli was printed 
 III Cincinnati. 
 
 ,lune 15, 1836, he niiuiied Miss Sophia, (hiiigliler 
 of Frederick Theodore Kngelmaiin, late of St. 
 (lair County, and his union resulted in the biitli 
 of live .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 BIOGRArHICAL RECORD. 
 
 County and one who has been conspicuous for 
 
 half acentuiy in the political affairs of his adopted 
 fountr^v. 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 arc being spent in the bosom of an affec- 
 tionate family and in the circle of an extended 
 friendship. 
 
 ^^ 
 
 OHN S. CARSON. Prominent among the 
 
 shining lights of the legal profession stands 
 
 the subject of this brief sketch, who has 
 
 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 N.isliville, June 10, 
 1851, the son of Robert and Nancy C. (Mitchell) 
 Carson. The last-named persons were both na- 
 tives of Todd Count}', 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 subvirbs 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 Cliurch, South. 
 
 John Carson was educated at McKendree Col- 
 lege, Lebanon, 111. After graduating, he engaged 
 in the mercantile business at Nashville, but, fuel- 
 ing that his attainments fitted him for greater 
 things, he abandoned his occupation and removed 
 to IJelleville 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 Court at Mt. Vernon. Before 
 taking the examination, he was engaged for two 
 years in the real-estate business, but finally opened 
 
 his ofHce 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 188(); 
 he wiisalso elected a member of the City Council by 
 the Democratic party, to whom he owns allegiance. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Carson and Miss Mar}- J. 
 Eckei't, daughter of Leonard Eckert, of Monroe 
 Count}', occurred September 5, 1872, and there 
 have been four children added to their family 
 since then: H(il)ert L., .lessio, Frank Houston and 
 Joiin Edward. 
 
 Mr. Carson is one of the leading members of the 
 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. 
 
 ^i^lO 
 
 ri^,^ ANS SCHWARZ, editor and proprietor of 
 rfjVi the Tmjeblalt und ArbeUer Zeitumj at Helle- 
 /iv^ viile, was born .\pril 23, 1851, in Neustadt, 
 (^) near Nuremberg, in Bavaria. His educa- 
 tion w.as 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 paper in 
 'Germany, in which he gained a practical exper- 
 ience that has been of inestimnble value to liiin in 
 this country. 
 
 In the year 1883, Mr. Schwarz emigrated to the 
 tfnited States, coming West to St. Louis, where he 
 remained for one year. During tiie following year 
 he came to Belleville, of which city he has since 
 been a resident. In 1885, he established the ylj-6erter 
 Zeitung, which he first conducted as a weekly issue,
 
 &^i^i«^ 
 
 '(TUytx^ 
 
 ^^2^^ ec 
 
 (htnyi.^^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIHCAL RECORD. 
 
 353 
 
 but one year later added a daily paper, which has 
 since been under his personal supervision. The 
 weekly journal i-ont-ains eight jjages, 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 tlie citizens of Belleville and vi- 
 cinity. It is published in (4ernian, and is consid- 
 ered autliority by the people of thai nalii>nality "lid 
 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 flernian organ- 
 izations, among them being the Harugari, the 
 Arbeiter Untcrstuetzungs Verein, and the (ier- 
 man-.\merican Typographical Union No. 18, and 
 the Treulnmd. 
 
 V.\. FATIIKH CIIRISTOPIIKK KOKNK;. 
 who has been a well-known and public- 
 spirited resident of Kast .St. Louis since 
 V^@ .laiuiary 27, 18(!;i, is a man of education 
 and refinement, highly respected and esteemed, 
 not only by his congregation, but b\- all who 
 know liim, and he has ever manifested a deep in- 
 terest in the noble w^ork in which he is engaged. 
 He w.n-s born in Attendorn. Westphalia, Germany, 
 ()clol)er 6. 1842, a son of Christopher and grand- 
 son of Frank Koenig, the latter liaving been a 
 tiller of his native soil and a soldier in Honaparte's 
 armv. 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.')4. 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 
 bright, and in his latter j-ears he showed a remark- 
 ably vigorous constitution, for even at the age of 
 ninety-nine j-ears he did considerable work. 
 
 Christopher Koenig. the fatlier of the subject of 
 
 this sketch, was tlie owner of a smiill farm in Ger- 
 many, but the prospect* offered to men of enter- 
 prise and push in America were alluring, and in 
 1863 he came to this country with his wife and 
 two children, one son having preceded them 
 hither. They embarked on the sailing-vessel 
 "Tiiesco" at Bremen and landed in New York at 
 Ihc 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 
 Kast St. Louis. His wife, whose maiden name was 
 F.lizabeth Tillmann, was a daughter of I'cter Till- 
 iiuum. a school teacher of Germany, and died in 
 the year 1882. Father William was educated for the 
 priesthood in Germany, came to America m 186(1, 
 and died in Columbia, 111., where he was p.astor of 
 a cluiicli. in 1864; Elizabeth is the widow of Mr. 
 Goelz and resides in this city with F'ather Christo- 
 pher Koenig, her brother. Tlie 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. .\t the end of one year, lie entered St. 
 Francis Seminary of Milwaukee, Wis., where he re- 
 mained until 1868. He w.as then ordained by 
 Archbishop Hennis, receiving his first appointment 
 to East St. Louis on the 27th of January, 186[t. 
 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 Hinkcns. 
 
 In 1873, the erection of the i)resent beautiful 
 church was commenced and on Christmas morning 
 of the same year the first services were held. At the 
 .-ame time this commodious and hands<ime house 
 of worship was erected, the parochial residence was 
 also built, and in 1887 the parochial school build- 
 ings of St. HenrvV Church were established. Four 
 te.achers are kept constantly employed, and the 
 pupils number two hundred and sixty. The church 
 occupies one block on Broadw.ay, between Fifth 
 and Sixth Streets, the congregation of which now 
 numbers three hundred families, and when this is
 
 .•554 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 taken into consideration, together with the many 
 expensive impioveraents that have been made, it 
 indicates a praiseworthy spirit among the people 
 and earnest and persistent efforts on the part of the 
 pastor. St. Mary's Hospital on Missouri Avenue, 
 between Eighth and Ninth Streets, was erected in 
 1889, it being a two-story brick and basement 
 building 80x40 I'eet in dimensions. It was opened 
 in 1890 and is in charge of nine Sisters, who are in 
 everj' way fitted to care for those who maj' come 
 under their care. Father Koenig in a Democrat, is 
 a believer in America and Americans and advo- 
 cates their attendance at tlie polls. 
 
 Ir^EV. C. H. A. VAN der 8MISSEN. This 
 IWT prominent and mucli-esteemed minister of 
 (4V \V the Gospel is a native of Germany, and 
 was born in Predericksstadt, Sclileswig-Hol- 
 stein, December 4, 1851, and is a son of C. J. and 
 S. C. (van der Smissen) van der Smissen, the latter 
 being the second cousin of her husband. The fa- 
 ther was at fiist a book-binder, but in 1837 he be- 
 came a minister in the Mennonite Church and 
 continued in the active discharge of his ministerial 
 duties until 1890. He came to America in 1868, 
 .as Professor of Theolog}' in Wadsworth Mennonite 
 College, Medina County', Ohio, and was a man of 
 much more than ordinary ability, being educated 
 in some of the best colleges of his country. He 
 continued in the above-mentioned college until 
 1879, when he went to Ilayesville, Ohio, where our 
 subject had a charge. While a resident of the old 
 country, Mr. van der Smissen was considered one 
 of the finest preachers in the province, and was 
 noted for his eloquence, deep reasoning and true 
 piety. His death occurred on the 29tli of May, 
 1«9(), 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 Scliwacke,a school teacher in the Ft. Wayne, 
 Ind., schools, and thej' reside in that city; Ciilbert 
 
 Theodore died in infancy; Jacob Theophil died 
 on the 2d of February, 1850, when six years of 
 age; Helena Dorothea died January 22, 1850, at the 
 age of four years; Hillegonda, 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. He was educated in the 
 best schools of his native country, 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 ITniversitj' of Basle and remained 
 there two years, taking one 3'ear at Tubingen and 
 half a year at Halle, thus completing his theological 
 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 
 June, 1881, and in July of that year he took charge 
 of the Mennonite Church at Upper Milford, near 
 Zionsville, Lehigh Count}', Pa., where he remained 
 nine jears. He came to Summertield, St. Clair 
 Count}', III., as minister of the ]Mennonite Church 
 in 1890, and here he has continued since. He isan 
 earnest worker in the vhieyard of the Lord, and 
 much good has he accomplished liy his earnest 
 words and profound reasoning. 
 
 Mr. van der Smissen was married on the 12th of 
 October, 1881, to iliss Mary E. Knight, a native of 
 New Castle, Coshocton County, Oliio, born on the 
 19th of November, 1845, and the daughter of 
 George and Keziah Jane Knight. Her fatlier 
 was a farmer and tanner, and her childhood and 
 youth were spent, with tlie exception of a few 
 years, on a farm near New Castle. In this home, 
 around which cluster so many cherished memories 
 of happy days, she received her early training — a
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIUCAL RECORD. 
 
 training tiiat wus in evfiy way normal, laying a 
 broad foundation for iier later nncxceijtionable 
 fitness for the varied duties of life. Though con- 
 stitutionally weakened hy a severe attack of scarlet 
 fever when six years of age, she was always fond 
 of work, and her naturally skillful hands were early 
 trained in such work as sewing and utiior house- 
 liold duties, while at tlie same time her intellectual 
 and religious culture were with equal care provided 
 forhy her parents, who a[)preeiated the value of a 
 good educaliim fnunded in a knowledge and fear 
 of the Lord. At ;iii early age she became a meni- 
 Ihm' of the I'reshytcriaii Church, of which her f.Ttlicr 
 w.as an Elder. 
 
 Having improved all available school advantages 
 at home, Miss Knight afterward attended college 
 at Ilayesville, Ohio, and still later, having taught 
 .several terms in I'tica and Muskingum County, 
 she took a full course in the Steubenville Ladies' 
 Seminary, graduating from that institution with 
 honor in 1869. Being com|)elled to abandon her 
 Intention of becoming a missionary on account of 
 her liealth, 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. P)elden, was teaching; in 
 Morgantown, W. \a.; and in the public schools of 
 Coshocton, (Hiio. While teaching in the last 
 place, during the winter of 18«()-81, she became 
 .acquainted with her futiiic husband, who came 
 there as a te.acher of (iermaii. They were iiianieil 
 in October, 1881, Mr. van der .Smissen having in 
 the meantime accepted a call to the pastorate of 
 the Ljiper Milford congregation at Zionsville, Pa., 
 and entered upon his ministr)- there. Immediately 
 after their marri.age she was, at her request, received 
 as a member of the church f>f her husband, and 
 from that time until her death, which occurred at 
 Summerficid, III., on the 13th of February, 18!t2, 
 she was his devoted, faithful and ellicient helpmate 
 in his p.astoral labors. 
 
 While living at Zionsville, two ciiildren were 
 born to our subject and his wife, a son named Karl 
 Christian, and a daughter named Jennie Alida, upon 
 wliose lives tlie motlier's early influence will always 
 be felt. She was a kiviutr. faithful anil in everv 
 
 w.ay accomplished Christian wife and motlier, a 
 true helpmate to her^husband in Sunday-school, 
 Christian Endeavor Society, Ladies' Missionary 
 •Society and Young Girls' Mission Band. Her 
 memory will be blessed by Tuany and most b\- 
 those who knew ber best. 
 
 Mr. van der Smissen is a member of the Christian 
 Endeavor Society, served as Secretary in Pennsyl- 
 vania, and recently here. In politics, he adiliates 
 with the Republican party. He has a genealogical 
 tree extending l>ack to the year 1444. and a 
 family history printed in pamphlet form. He is a 
 man of line intellect, wonderful reasoning powers, 
 and one who lias won the esteem and respect of 
 ever}- one. He h.as a tine and complete library, 
 and is regarded as an able and eloquent preacher. 
 
 ^>-^^<m 
 
 ELIJAH CANNADY. .1. 1'. 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 lielleville. His 
 father, Stephen Cannady. came from lii> nathc 
 State of Tennessee when only ten years of age, 
 and liecame a farmer in Washington County, tiiis 
 State. In 1867, he moved to J.asper County, Mo., 
 and in 1868 he settled near Marionville, in Law- 
 rence County, Mo. He married Miss Tabitlia Hairy- 
 iiian in W.a.shington County, and nine children were 
 born to them. There are but three of this family liv- 
 ing: Charles, the Superintendent of School>: our 
 subject and Dongl.as. At the home in .Marionville. 
 Mo., the father, who had always uplield tin- prin- 
 ciples of the Democratic part3',and who was much 
 respected, passed away November 17, 1877; the 
 mother also ended her days there. 
 
 Our subject w'as educated first in the district 
 .schools, and later embraced the opportunity of at- 
 tending the Normal School at Normal. HI., after 
 which he liecame a teiicher,and for seventeen vears 
 was an efficient instructor. He w.as then still a 
 }-oung man, his l)irth having occurred August 7, 
 184i>, in Washington County, and he decided to 
 take u[i the study of law. For this purpose he en-
 
 356 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAnilCAL RECORD. 
 
 tered the office of Frank Perrin, of Mascoulah, 
 and in 1887 lie was adniit'ted to the practice of 
 his profession by exaraination at Mt. Vernon. 
 His first location was at Hutchinson, Ivan., where 
 he practiced four months, and then he came here, 
 where he was fuU^' occupied until his election 
 to the office of Justice of the Peace, January 2, 
 IH'.ll. He has engaged in some real-estate and in- 
 surance business matters, and owns property in 
 the city. He has a fine farm in AVashington 
 County of two hundred and twenty-six acres, and 
 both improved and unimproved city j^roperty. 
 
 ISIr. Cannady was married September 4, 1873, to 
 Miss Diana M. Sackett, a daughter of Henry and 
 Jane 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 nian\ friends in the city and 
 county. 
 
 L«^$.rH^()DORF J. KI^\FI"r, whose residence is 
 ;/(/^, located at No. 22!) High Street, Belleville, 
 V^/ 111., was born in Rhenish Bavaria, January 
 15, 1813, a son of Lewis Job Krafft, Vicar of the 
 parish of Alsenborn, in the Rheinpf'alz. The moth- 
 er's maiden name was Margareta Hilgard, and her 
 brother Theodore was a Judge of the Suiireme 
 Court. Theodore J. Krafft w.as 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 
 tlie age of eighteen years, having prior to that 
 time attended the Lyceum at Zweibrncken, 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 uncle 
 sent him and a cousin, Edward Hilgard, to the 
 I'liited States to find a location where the family 
 might settle. They stai'ted on their journey in May, 
 
 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 lUinoLs and 
 Missouri, and finallj' selected St. Clair Count}-, 111., 
 as the scene of their fntuie operations. At that 
 time there were a few scattered German settlers, 
 but no regular colon}-, but as they all liked the out- 
 look, they here located. They were afterward 
 joined b}- 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 year as the Englcmanns. 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. IVlean- 
 time, Theodore Krafft had selected a farm for the 
 Judge near Belleville, a portion f)f which is now 
 West Belleville. 
 
 l\Ir. Krafft engaged in general merchandising, 
 which Inisiness he continued until 1840, when the 
 great financial crash of that year swept his prop- 
 erty 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 af)0ut the age of 
 eighty-three years. He w-as 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 years thereafter was 
 busily employed in paying off the debts which his 
 house had contracted. 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 [n-acticing after two 
 years spent in the mercantile business. He served 
 as Justice of the Peace for twenty years, at the 
 .s.ime time continuing his law practice. Politi- 
 cally he is a liberal Republican, holding Democratic 
 ideas on the tariff question. During the war, when
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 357 
 
 tlie President called for men for the one iiundred 
 ila\s' ^tM■^■il•e. iiltliDUirh lu wns ovur sixty years of 
 ajje. lie enlisted to give younger men the example, 
 auTl the needed courage. lie was taken sick at 
 Camp Butler and returned home. Later on, he 
 rcjoiiifd his regiment, tlie One Hundred and Sev- 
 cntccntli Illinois, at AVhite Station, near Memjjhis, 
 Tcnn.. I)ut on acciniiit of his age was not mustered 
 into the service. 
 
 Mr. Krafft has .-ince conducted a law and insur- 
 ance business with good success, but lias liansfened 
 the heavy part of the work to the shoulders of his 
 sou. Walter Krafft. Our subject was married Octo- 
 ber. il, 1,h;}8, to Miss ]\Iaiy K. Mitchell, daughter 
 of Capt. James 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.; (Jeorge, a manufacturer and painter of 
 Belleville; and Louise, wife of I). II. Murray, a 
 grocer of Minneapolis, Minn. The daughter died 
 in California, August 5, 1891. F^dward Ililgard, 
 after si)ending five or six years in this country, 
 returned to (iermany, and there was called from 
 life. 
 
 ij^T^RA.NK W. AI5KKLE. The village of Fay- 
 ijp^g); etteville is indebted, to no small extent, for 
 Is 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 identihed with its varied interests, contrib- 
 uting his efforts to tlic promotion of its welfare 
 and doing all in his power to advance its material 
 gi\>wth. 
 
 As stated above, Mr. Aberle was born in Fay- 
 etteville, the date of his birth being January 18, 
 I860. He is the son of Marcus and Margaret 
 (Pfiffner) Abcile. tlic fatliera nali\(' of Wurtem- 
 berg, Germany, and llir mothei' born in Switzer- 
 
 land. Marcus Aberle sjient his bo3'hood 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 
 18i.s. 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 liiisiness, in 
 which he continued actively engaged until his 
 death, which occurred at Faj-etteville in \XS:]. In 
 his religion, he was a devoted member of the 
 Catholic Church, and was ever ready to contriii- 
 ute generousl.y of his means to forvj^ard the inter- 
 ests of his church. In his political atliliations, he 
 was a strong Republican and took an intelligent 
 interest in .affairs of national iinportancc. His 
 wife passed away in ISfi'.i, at the family hoiiie in 
 Fayetteville. 
 
 The [)atcrnal family consisted of six children, 
 as follows: Elizabeth, Frank, Amelia, Marcus, 
 Dena and Antone. The eldest daughter is the 
 wife of William Brueckner; Amelia, Dena and 
 Antone are deceased. Marcus is a resident of 
 Fayetteville. The subject of this sketch attended 
 the schools of Fayetteville in his boyhood, and the 
 education there gained has been of great a.ssist- 
 ance to him in his business transactions, as well 
 as in his social life. When twenty-one 3'ears 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 distiller, which he continued until he oiiened 
 his hotel in 1889. He still owns a farm of sixty- 
 six acres near Fayetteville, where he is interested 
 in raising fine horses, as well as in general farm- 
 ing. 
 
 Ill 1881, iSIr. Al)erle was united in marriage 
 with ^liss Mary, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth 
 (Laux) Fietsam. This estimable lady was liorn in 
 St. Clair County, 111., and is the motlicu- of two 
 children. Frank and Theodore, bright and intelli- 
 gent lads, ill whose training and education the 
 l)areiits take deep interest. The Catholic Church 
 is the religious home of the family, and Mr. and 
 Mrs. Aberle are among its most acti\e members.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Our subject is identified with the Catholic Knights 
 of Illinois, and is othovwise prominent in religious 
 enter])rises. Politically', lie is a Democrat, casting 
 ills ballot for the candidates of that party. 
 
 KNRY HRUEGEL. The gentleman whose 
 name appears at the head of this sketch is 
 one well known in the citj- of his residence, 
 as his father was in business tliere many 
 yeavs and he now holds the honorable position of 
 Mayor of the city. 
 
 lleniT Bruegel is Ihe son of Valentine Ihuegel. 
 who was born in Germany and came to America 
 about 1848 or 1849, and located first in Missouri, 
 after which lie came to Belleville, 111.; in 1856, he 
 located in Mascoutah and engaged in the manu- 
 facture of wagons. He was married in Missouri to 
 IVIiss Maria Hohmann, a resident of that State, who 
 was also a native of Germany, and from this 
 union came seven children, of whom our subject 
 was the third in order of birth. 
 
 Mr. Hruegel operated the w.agon business for a 
 long 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 mt)ther of our subject lived until five \'ear> 
 later. 
 
 The birth of our subject took place September 
 1 J, 18.57, in the city of Mascoutah. He was edu- 
 cated in the public .schools of this place and was a 
 bright pupil, being one who easily led others to 
 think .as he did. After his father thought his 
 education had gone on sutHcientl}', he took him 
 into liusiuess with himself and taught him the 
 principles of trade. When the father was removed 
 by death, the whole responsibility fell upon his 
 young shoulders. Every lad of his years could 
 not have discharged his duly to his mother .as did 
 this young man, but he felt the necessity, and 
 until the death of his lieloved mother he remained 
 her stay .and support. 
 
 After the death of his mother, which took place 
 in 1877, our subject went to St. Louis and re- 
 
 mained in business there for a year. He then 
 went West and traveled through Colorado for 
 about four years, when the old homesick feeling 
 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 b}' his charming wife, whom he 
 married in 1883. She was formerly Jliss Annie E. 
 Christ, daughter of Henry Christ, of St. Josepb, 
 ^lo., and her father still resides there. 3Hr. and 
 Mrs. Brugel have one little lad, Valentine Theo- 
 dore b}- name. 
 
 The Evangelical Church is the one in which ^Ir. 
 Bruegel finds a home, and in this connection he is 
 regarded with much respect. 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 satisf.action of his constit- 
 vients, 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- 
 l)Orts the platform of his party with pleasure and 
 is considered one of the burning lights of Repub- 
 licanism in Ma.scoutah. No local party measures 
 can be carried out witliout his aid, and he is the 
 first man to be consulted in all such niatteis. 
 
 GiEORGE EBERLEIN, a dealer in boots and 
 -, shoes, is one of the prominent business men 
 of Mascoutah, 111. His Inisiness is conducted 
 under the firm name of (ieorge Eberlein & Son, 
 the father of our sultject, who also bears the name 
 of George Eberlein, being the senior partner.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 359 
 
 They do an excellent business and their large and 
 constantly increasing trade is but the just reward 
 of their industrious efforts. 
 
 George Klierlein, Sr., is a native of Germany. 
 lie wa."! born in Hesse-Darmstadt on the 14th of 
 .January, 1827. was reared to manhood iu the land 
 of his l)irlh. 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- 
 tinuously since. lie began here by working as a 
 journeyman: in course of time lie became proprietor 
 of a shoj) of ills own, was successful in his under- 
 takings and his financial resources having increasc<l. 
 he opened the boot and shoe store in 1863. He 
 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 .Tolm Rausch, who 
 travels for the Pauly .Jail Building Company. 
 Mr. Eberlein is a supporter of the Evangelical 
 Church and is a prominent and intiuential citizen, 
 who takes an active part in all that pertains to the 
 welfare of the community and its upbuilding. 
 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 
 liusiness with his father. The present partnersliip 
 of P^berlein Ar Son 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 .J.acob 
 Mann, who resides near Mascoutah, and is one of 
 the early settlers of JSt. Clair County. Two chil- 
 dren grace the union of our subject and his wife. 
 Annie and Henry. The Kl)erleiii 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 tliat of l->berlein A- .Son. To the ex- 
 perience aiul maluic jiidgincnt of hi? father our 
 
 subject added the enterprise and progressive spirit 
 of a young man, and prosperity lias 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 by cour- 
 teous treatment and fair dealing have secured the 
 confidence and high regard of their many patrons, 
 ^[r. Eberlein, .Ir., is a member of the Independent 
 Order of Mutual Aid, and is also Financial Secre- 
 tary of the lodge. He belongs to tiie Fire Com- 
 pany and is at present a meniber of the Board of 
 Education. In politics, he is a supporter of 
 Kepublican principles but has never been a politi- 
 cian In till' >cnsc of oflicc-seeking. Ills high repu- 
 tation as a businessman is certainlv well deserved. 
 
 / *^*^-!' 
 
 FRIES was born across the se.as In 
 lesse-Darmstadt. (iermany, Feljruary 24, 
 1837, and was brought by his parents to 
 this country when but an infant six 
 months old. He was the sou of George Fries, who 
 .settled on Turkey Hill, where he remained until 
 1859. wlien he moved to New Athens. At Turkey 
 Hill our subject received what educational ad- 
 vantages the public schools of tiic towiislii|i af- 
 forded. 
 
 Adam Fries took for his wife Miss Margaret 
 Fries in IStil. and located on Turkey Hill, where 
 lie lived two years, when he moved on section 12, 
 Kngelman Township, and there still makt^s his 
 liome. The farm comprises one hundred and forty 
 broad acres of well-improved land, which yield 
 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 
 provided his farm with neat, substantial buildings, 
 all Indicating that he is a thrifty, careful iiian- 
 aizer and has a clear understanding of the best 
 methods of conducting his work. 
 
 By the union of our sul)ject and his estimable 
 wife three children have l)een horn, who are as 
 f<iliuws: Adam .1., who is ferNing hl> second term
 
 360 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 as Assessor of this township; Eliza, wlio is the wife 
 of John Bisclioff and lives in Mascoutali; and 
 Loviisa, wlio is yet undei' the parental roof. Mrs. 
 Fries was called from this life in 1878. Our sub- 
 ject married again, this union being with JNIiss Mary 
 Lischer, a worthy woman and a daughter of Peter 
 Lischer, who lived in- Mascoutali. Two children 
 were born to this couple to gladden their lives, 
 Anna and Johnny, both living at home. 3Ir. Fries 
 is a member of the Lutheran Church. Si)eially, 
 he is a member of the Farniers' Mutual Benefit 
 Association. Politically, he is a stanch Republi- 
 can, finding the breadth of the platform claimed 
 liy that part}' to agree with his views of equity 
 and freedom. He has served as .School Director 
 twelve years, and is an honored member of the 
 society in which he lives. 
 
 ]^+^l 
 
 m 
 
 \fl OHN BOHNEMEIER. One of the successful 
 and prosperous farmers of this ])ortion of 
 St. Clair County is tlie subject of this 
 sketch, who resides on his fine farm of one 
 hundred and thirty acres, located on section 23, 
 Sugar Loaf Township, St. Clair County, in tlie 
 State of Illinois. 
 
 The enterprising and thrifty father of our >ul)- 
 ject bore the name of Francis Bohnemeier, and was 
 born in AVest Bohrdhouse, in Germany, on the 
 (Jlh January, 1821, and there grew to stalwart 
 manhood. When he had reached the age of ma- 
 turity, he left tlie 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 the city and 
 followed teaming, which he continued for .some 
 three years longer, during which time he acquired 
 some property. He was united in matrimony to 
 Jliss Erfman. 
 
 After marriage, our subject made the city of St. 
 Louis his home for a space of .seven busy years and 
 tit the expiration of that time he 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. AVheii 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, 
 Geoi-ge, Fritz, an infant deceased, and our sub- 
 ject; but only the latter remains of the family; 
 his wife was taken away in April, 1892. lie is a 
 member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, as was 
 she, and both have long been highly regarded 
 members there. He has been so highly regarded 
 in this relation that for eleven years lie 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 [jlace April l.'i, 
 1856, in the city 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 an() attended the dis- 
 trict schools, and when old enough took his place 
 as a farmer and h.as continued in agricultural life 
 ever since. The marriage of our subject took 
 place I^ecember 12, 1878, to Miss Marj- 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 
 any pleasanter locatitm. The}- settled on the old 
 place where they have made their home ever since, 
 and plenty and contentment reign there. P'our 
 bright little children cluster around their fireside 
 and we give their names, feeling sure that a future 
 record will give them notices of their own, , as from 
 these jieaceful homes comes the hope of the coun- 
 trj'. BLary has .<een eleven years, John is at the age 
 of ten, William is six and Henry is ten months old. 
 
 Our subject is a grain I'armci- and cultivates one

 
 PORTRAIT AKl) KIOGRAPU'CAL RECORD. 
 
 363 
 
 liiiiidred and thirt_v acres of land. He has bis farm 
 in a line state of cultivation and raises good croi)s. 
 He has held the ottiee of School Director, and in 
 
 |i(ililirs prefers tlic doct rincx nf the l\e|iulilican 
 |iarty. His rclij;ious ciinncctidn is with the 
 Kvaniiciica! l.uUu'rau Church. 
 
 j?ALTKK .1. lilJODKRlt'K. The life of this 
 \\\A/// gentleman furnishes an example of what 
 a man with l)rains and l)usincss abilitj* 
 can accomplish by persistence, sagacity- and in- 
 dustry. His career, in its practical lesuUs. is an 
 encouragement to every struggling ^oung man 
 who has ambition and resolution and a genius for 
 hard work. The seed tiiat he h.as sown lias fallen 
 upon good ground and lias grown and brought 
 forth 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 firm of l.,ittle & Hroderick, he has 
 been actively and extensively engaged in the live- 
 stock business for more than fifteen years, or 
 almost since the opening of the \ati(iii;il Stock 
 Yards. 
 
 During that time, the liini lias established a re- 
 initation for ability and straightforward <-(iiiduct 
 in the commission business, which is admitted over 
 every section of the territory tributary to this 
 market. The firm has always realized and |)ut in 
 practice Ihe idea that the judgment reipiircd to 
 \alue the property cuiisigiu'd to a comiiiissioii 
 house comes only by experience, and rather than 
 delegate to other parties the power of selling tlieir 
 customer's st(jck. they have .-ilways attended to the 
 selling of all consignments to their hinise in per- 
 son. By so doing their customers have received 
 the best service which it is possible to lendei- at 
 any and all times since the establishment (if the 
 Ik. use. 
 
 ()ursubieet was born <in Prince ivlwaiil Island, 
 in the (iulf (if St. Lawrence, July ;i, 1817. ami is a 
 son of .lames and Ellen (C'ohillj r.roderiek. both 
 
 17 
 
 natives of Erin and born respectively in the 
 ('(uinties of Waterford and Wexford. The father 
 graduated from Trinity College, Dublin, as an M. I). 
 Availing himself of the free trade understanding 
 that existed between this country and Ireland, he 
 emigrated to America and located on Prince Ed- 
 ward Island, where he practiced his profession veiy 
 successfully for many years. He was the oldest 
 practicing i)hysician there, w.as also engaged in 
 farming, and there passed the rem.ainder of his 
 days, his death occurring in 1889, when eighty- 
 eight years of age. He was a postmaster there for 
 some time, was always a liberalist, and held inem- 
 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 horn 
 to this union, nine of whom grew to mature years 
 and eight of whom are now living. 
 
 AYalter .1. P.roderick, .seventli 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 3'ards. 
 In 1873, he located here and continued with his 
 tirm as book-keeper for two or three years, when 
 he was taken in as partner under tiie firm name of 
 Daeley, Miller A' Co., and became hog salesman. In 
 1883, the tirui dissolved jjartncrship, our subject 
 retiring, and he then started the firm of W. .1. 
 Hroderick A- Co.. live-stock commission merchants, 
 which eontiimed as such for two years, when the 
 present linn, Little A- Ilroderick, was established. 
 Mr. P.roderii'k w.as an organizer of the St. Louis 
 Stock Exchange and has been its Secretary since it 
 was organized in I88.j. 
 
 The pleasant home of our subject is located at 
 No. (;:i7 Ninth Street and is pre.«ided over by his 
 wife, formerly Mi.ss Annie E. Stephens. She re- 
 eei\c(l a good education in Halifax, and was mar- 
 ried to Mr. l?rodeiick in 1871) on Prince Edward 
 Island, of which she is a native. Six children 
 have been born to this union, viz.: Charles !•'.,
 
 364 
 
 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 Mary E., Josephine B., Walter M., David C. and 
 W. Morris. 
 
 Mr. Broderick is very prominent in political 
 affairs as a stanch Democrat and is deeply inter- 
 ested in the welfare of his part}-. He has been a 
 member of the Democratic County Committee for 
 eight j'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 city. 
 
 \|| OHN D. MOLLMANN, who is a manufac- 
 turer of and dealer in saddles, harness, etc., 
 was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 20th 
 ^^M' of December, 1833, and is a son of John 
 H. Mollmann, who bade 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 18.53. 
 
 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 tliat 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 
 18,57 witnessed his arrival in Mascoutah, where 
 he embarked in business for himself in his present 
 line, whicli he has followed continuously since with 
 good success. By his industrious and well-directed 
 efforts lie has built up a good business and is enjoy- 
 ing an excellent trade, to which he is well enti- 
 tled. 
 
 In 1861, Mr, Mollmann was united in marriage 
 to Miss Minnie Ilagist, a daughtei- of Andrew 
 Hagist, and by their union h,as been born a family 
 of nine children: Julia, the eldest, is the wife of 
 Pliilip Mann, a farmer; Ida is a teacher of recog- 
 nized ability in the public schools of Mascoutah; 
 II. K. is married and carries on a harness shop in 
 N'fiiedy, III.; Eliza is at home; F. W. is now man- 
 
 aging the harness shop owned by his father in St. 
 Libory, 111.; Minnie is a teacher; August is in his 
 father's employ; Otto is now learning the printer's 
 trade; and Julius, who completes the familv, is yet 
 attending school. 
 
 Mr. Mollmann is a member of the Masonic fra- 
 ternity, and has held all the offices and served as 
 Worshipful Master of Douglas Lodge No. 361, A. 
 F. it A. M. He is also a member of the Knights of 
 Honor, has filled 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 \\\- 
 lage Board of M.ascoutah. In politics he is a 
 stalwart Democrat, and an inflexible adherent of 
 the principles of that party. 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 h.as acquired 
 a handsome property and is numbered among the 
 substantial and valued citizens of the community 
 in which he makes his home. 
 
 ^j 'p^A 'RED DAAB, a prominent dealer in lime. 
 l^sy cement, fire-bricks and all kinds of build- 
 /1\ ^ ing material, except 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. 
 Thcv 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. 
 Tiiey 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 Schuehman; Lizzie, who married 
 William Bernhani, a former resident of New Al- 
 bans, 111. 
 
 ( »ur suliject continued his education in lielle- 
 villc. ;ind engaged .ns clerk in Columbia. 111. He 
 was onl\- Ion years olil when tlii' family came to
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 365 
 
 HcUeville. In 1870, he was engaged as agent of 
 tlie niilroart business of the Cairo Short Line 
 Railroad, where he remained until 1882, when he 
 went into business for himself. lie began at his 
 l)resenl location, at the corner of Illinois and 
 Seventh Strect>. and was the sucressor of Thomas 
 ('(.ftVv. 
 
 ^Ir. Daab was iiiarried. December 2<;. isils. to 
 Mi.ss Sophia Beck, a native of Columbia, JU., a 
 daughter of Christian and Sophia Heck, of German 
 birth. Four children have been given them and 
 their names are as follows: Sopliia. Hannah. Mary 
 and I.ubi. 
 
 Mr. Da.-ili lias been a meiiilicr of the Masonic or- 
 der and now resides at his |)lcasant home at the 
 corner of Illinois and Seventh Streets. 
 
 m>^<B 
 
 HRAM (iO()I)IN(;, (if the linn of (ioudiiig 
 l@7iUJi A' Stookey, inanuf^icturers of drain tile, 
 brick, tiower-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 
 tliev have three large kilns in operation. The ex- 
 tent uf 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. Tlu-y turn out tirsl-class articles 
 in every respect, for every care is taken in their 
 manufacture. and the burning and linishing are all 
 sNstematized and achieved with the greatest econ- 
 uiii\- of time and labor. Their aiticlesare uniivaled 
 for durability, finish and uiiifoiiii excellence, and 
 are ireiieral favorites with whoever handles them. 
 Every effort is made to give complete satisfaction 
 to patrons, and the firm is widely known in trade 
 circles for its enterprise and integrity. 
 
 Mr. (iooding was born near Millstadt, I II.. .laii- 
 uarv 28, 183(1, a .son of Robert (iooding, a pioneer 
 of IHKi from Fleming County. Ky. The giaiid- 
 fallicr, ( 'ornclius (Iooding, came hither in l.si."). 
 took up land .•iiid here made his hoinr lln' re- 
 
 mainder of his life. He was a man of remarkably 
 
 good judgment, and for some time held the ollicc 
 of .histice of the Pe.ace. Robert (Jooding was mar- 
 ried to 5Ii.ss Mary Jones, a native of Hoiu-bon 
 County. Ky.. their union taking place while in the 
 F)lue 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 Henry Gordon, of Campbell Hill, 
 III.; Margaret, wife of Charles Henekler, of Net- 
 tleton. Miss.; Abram, the subject of this sketch; 
 Robert, who was a Lieutenant in Company F, 
 Fifty-ninth Illinois Infantry, and was killed in 
 a battle in Tonnesseee December !(>. 18(1 1 ; and 
 America, wife of M. T. Stookej'. 
 
 Abram Gooding received .such education and 
 rearing as is usually given the farmer's boy, ami 
 remained with his father on the farm in St. Clair 
 County until about eighteen years of age. at which 
 time he left honic to .seek his fortune, and in 181!) 
 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 18.51, he came to Clinton County, 111., 
 where he settled down to the quiet, yet healthful 
 and independent, life of ;i fanner and stock-rai.ser, 
 purchasing his [iroperty with means he had gained. 
 The calling of the agriculturist occupied his time 
 and attentit)!! until 1873, when he spent one year 
 with his children in (Heenville, III., and in 1874 
 bciran dealing in stock in P>elleville, a calling for 
 which he was ciiiiiiciitly litted, owing to his long 
 residence on the farm. 
 
 Our subject was first m;irried to :\Ii.ss Maria An- 
 derson, who lived but liftceii mouths. His second 
 marriaiie was to Miss Maliiida Stookey, daughter of 
 Moses Stookey. and their union resulted in the 
 birth of six cliildreii: liayard (deceased); Leora, 
 wife of Charles Stookey; Amy (decea.sed); Almira, 
 :il home; Ada (deceased); .and Altliea in Chicago. 
 Mr. (iooding was married a third time, June 11, 
 l8s,"), this union being with Miss Minerva I'". Ivvman. 
 who was born in Stookey Township, live miles south-
 
 366 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 west of Belleville, June 3, 1846, a daughter of Isaac 
 and grand-dauijhter of Abraham Eyman, th« latter 
 having been one of the pioneers to this section, 
 whither he came in 1786. He entered six hun- 
 (hed and forty acres of land, for which he received 
 a patent from the Government, 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 Stookey Township, and on this land he 
 built a carding-milt. A jjart of the old family 
 residence still stands nnd is occupied by the fifth 
 generation of Eynians, 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-fasliioned family of twelve chil- 
 dren. He was married to Miss Evaline Lacy, a 
 daughter of Stephen I>ac3-, 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 Januar3' 24, 
 1858, his wife's death occurring .June 20, 1863. 
 They left a family of five children: Nancy M, 
 Minerva E. (Mrs. Gooding), Tlieo A., Walter, 
 and Isaac R. Mrs. Gooding is an earnest member 
 of the Baptist Church, and is a highly refined and 
 intelligent lady. The grandfather, Abraham Ey- 
 man, was a member of the first Legislature of the 
 Stale, and he and his family were members of tlic 
 Dunkard Church. 
 
 AHTIN BUG, a retired farmer, who for 
 many years has carried on a farm situated 
 '1! on section 16, Sjiiloh N'alley Township, 
 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 (Hug) Bug. lidtli 
 parents were natives of the same province. The 
 mother, who was born in 1803, was by birth a dis- 
 l;ii)t relative of her husband. He 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. Tlie latter emigrated to the United Stales 
 in 1842, and settled in Shiloh Valley Township. 
 The following year he sent for his family. He first 
 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 
 attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits. A 
 number 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 11, 18Si». 
 
 Our subject came with 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 farm.er by renting land on 
 section 16 of Shiloh Valley Township and lived 
 there for many years. In 1852, he was married to 
 Salomea Arbogast, daughter of Christopher and 
 Salomea Arbogast. To our subject and his worthy 
 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 
 Hess; Elizabeth, wife of George Siebert; Anna, wife 
 of Albert Pierce; Louisa and Charles. This family 
 have all had the advantages of a good education 
 and are thus fitted to encounter life's battles. 
 
 After leading an active life for many years, 
 Mr. Bug removed to the village of Shiloh, where 
 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 
 c(junty has made in the last lialf-century. His 
 right of franchise he uses in the 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, which he shows
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 367 
 
 bv his wise investments and marked advancement. 
 Me is one of the many loyal citizens whom Ger- 
 many has furnished to America, and is ever a 
 champion of the rights and progress of his adopted 
 land. 
 
 ^^ ICIIAEL FRIEDKKICK. The gentleman 
 ///^ 1 of whom this sketch is written is one of 
 the natives of the sunny land of France. 
 Many of his countrymen have found a 
 home in tliis land, and have been among the earliest 
 and bravest of the settlers of the State. 
 
 Michael Friederiek was horn April 8, 1839, in 
 Lorraine, France, and lived in tli.at province until 
 lie was five years old. In 1844, with his parents, 
 he came to this country, and with his brothers and 
 sisters he grew uj) here. The tii-st 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 pro[>er age, he w.is 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 tjiught at tliat time. 
 
 On the 2d of July. 18(>8. our subject was married 
 to Miss ilarie Biebel. who was the daughter v{ 
 Nicholas Biebel. a resident of Prairie du Long 
 Township. St. Clair County, where he was buried. 
 The marriage w.as followed by the j^oung couple 
 going to the home place of the husband, and there 
 the family all resided together until 1886. At 
 that time Mr. Friederiek moved into Mascoutah 
 and tried hotel-keeping for a time. He conducted 
 the P'ranklin House for four years, but at the end 
 of that time he returned to the farm, where he has 
 continued ever since. 
 
 The loss of his wife was a great attlidion to Mr. 
 Friederiek, which sad event took place .lanuary Iti, 
 1892. Eleven children, however, are left to com- 
 fort him in his declining vears. The oldest son, 
 Michael, lives in Belleville. 111.: Katie, became the 
 wife of Marion Batelmie, ami 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; William, at home; Mar- 
 garet, in Chicago; and Mary. Otho and Cecelia re- 
 side at home. 
 
 The farm of Mr. Friederiek consists of two hun- 
 (h-ed 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 always 
 large. His improvements are the ones all good 
 farmers make, and his receipts from his produce 
 are verj^ 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. Friederiek is a valued member of the Roman 
 Catholic Church ot jMascoutah, 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 neighlmrs re- 
 spect liim, 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. 
 Friederiek has seen the wonderful changes that 
 cultivation has made in the country. He has seen 
 many penple come and go, but his pleasant rela- 
 tionship has continued with all, as he is by nature 
 a man who easily makes and retains friends. 
 
 -r^^-r 
 
 ^^ 
 
 'JlJULIU!^ C. AM> or STAVE BOCC^UET com- 
 prise the Hrm of Bocquet Bros., dealers in 
 general merchandise, of Mascoutah. 111. 
 They are leading business men of the city, 
 and with pleasure we pre.«ent this record of their 
 lives to our readers. The gentlemen are sons of 
 Charles Bocquet, a native of Creuzn.ach, Germany. 
 He came to America in 1848, and, in the autnmn 
 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 }-ears. He was married in Mascoutah to 
 Miss Margaret Yung, daughter of Joiin Yung, 
 who immigrated to tliis country from T.einingen, 
 Germany, and settled in Mascoutah about the 
 year 1850. Mr. Bocquet long continued to en- 
 gage in the brewery business, but during the last 
 few years of his life lived retired. He died on the 
 12th of June, 1890. His wife still survives him. 
 
 In 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 
 Mascoutah; Philip, who is proprietor of a l)00t 
 and shoe store of this place; and Julius and Gus- 
 tave, who constitute the firm of Bocquet Bros. 
 
 Julius C. Bocquet was born in this city on the 
 16th of November, 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 live years 
 in the public schools of Mascoutah and for two 
 years in tlie 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 Mascoutah. 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 roof, his education being ac- 
 (luired in the public schools. He afterward learned 
 the printer's trade in the office of the Amekjer, 
 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 
 Mascoutah, entered tiie employ of George Reich- 
 ardt, a general merchant of this place, for whom 
 he clerked for about two years. In company with 
 liis brother, he then became proprietor of a store, 
 wliich is now filled with an excellent stock of goods. 
 They have a good trade and are doing a fine busi- 
 ness, which is constantl}' increasing. By fair deal- 
 ing and courteous treatment, they have secured a 
 lilicral patronage, which is certainly well deserved. 
 
 The members of the firm are wide-awake and en- 
 terprising young business men, sagacious and far- 
 sighted, industrious and persevering, and aie rap- 
 idh' winning success. 
 
 i@^tl^^^ 
 
 \I(_^^ENRY J. DECKER, proprietor of the Mas- 
 ifjV coutah Hotel of Mascoutah and a well- 
 1^)^ 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 Frankweiler and 
 was a blacksmith liy trade. 
 
 After completing his education, our subject 
 learned the trade of blacksmithing with his father 
 and then went to Geinsheim, where he woi-ked for 
 six months. Wiien a young man of twenty years, 
 he determined to try his fortune in America, and 
 embarked on a sailing-vessel in the latter port of 
 1844, landing at New Orleans on the 8th of Janu- 
 ary, 1845. Twelve days later, he reached St. 
 Louis, where he worked for one year at his trade 
 with his brother. In 1846, he came to Mascoutah 
 and again embarked in his chosen, occupation. 
 
 It was in 1851 that Mr. Decker was united in 
 maniage with Miss Mary Anna Brentzel, daughter 
 of Mathias Brentzel, a blacksmith of this city, with 
 wliom 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- 
 sliip was dissolved and Mr. Decker built a smithy 
 of his own on East Main Street in Belleville, 
 where he remained for about six weeks. During 
 that time, his father-in-law died, and Mrs. Brentzel 
 requested him to remove to Mascoutah and take 
 charge of the shop of her deceased husband, so in 
 1852 lie rented his shop in Belleville, and in July 
 of that year removed to Mascoutah. He then 
 worked at his trade from 1850 \intil 1863, when
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RFX'OKD. 
 
 369 
 
 he sold liis shop and bought the Mascontah Mouse, 
 contiiuiiiig- in thf hotel business ever since. In con- 
 nection with th<' hdlcl. he niso runs n livery st;ible 
 and saloon. 
 
 Unto i\Ir. 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 tiie grocejy busi- 
 ness in Chicago, and Ottilie completes the family. 
 
 In his political atliliations, 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- Mr. Decker is widely known throughout 
 the county, where for fort.y-six years he has made 
 his home He is now doing a good business and 
 has prospered. h!i\ing a liinidsonie competence. 
 
 
 \f^^ETEH SCllNEIDKK. An excellent ex- 
 
 JJ) ample of the sturdy enterprise, thrift}- 
 
 habits and persistent industry, characler- 
 
 I Ij istic of so ni.'iny of our fariiiei's, may be 
 found in the life of Mr. Seliiieider, wlio is now 
 living in Lenzburg Township. He owns nine 
 hundred acres of valuable land, who.se pos.session 
 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 jjcrtains thereto. 
 
 A native of (iermany, our subject was boiii in 
 Bavaria, .lauuarv 1', 1821, and was the son of Pi'ter 
 
 and Barbara (Kenipf) Schneider, also natives of 
 the Fatlierland„'^the former^ having been born in 
 1799, and the latter a couple of years later. Peter 
 SchneiderSr., 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 acresof (Tovernment land, which he cultivated 
 in the best possible manner. He was a member 
 of the Lutheran Church, and was always found 
 ready 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 the 
 Democratic party. 
 
 Of the six children born to .Mr. and ]\Irs. I'eter 
 Schneider all are deceased 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- 
 jiation of a fermer. 
 
 Young Schneider received 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 
 maturity. He was seventeen years of age when he 
 accompanied his parents on their emigration to 
 America, and in 1848 was married to Miss. lohanna, 
 daughter of Sebastian and Margaret Dressel. Mrs. 
 Schneider was carefully reared by Christian par- 
 ents and was well (pialilied to take upon heivself 
 the duties of wifehood when united to <uir subject. 
 She h.as been an eflicient aid to hini, not only 
 making his home cozy and attractive, but by prud- 
 ent management and good counsel assisting him 
 in the accumulation of (iroperty. Their happy 
 marriage has been blessed by the liirtli of nine
 
 .170 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 children, three of whom died young in years. 
 Those who grew to mature years were: Caroline, 
 who married Henry Kneeht, and left at her de- 
 cease one son; .lohanna, who is tlie wife of George 
 Perschbaclier; Henry, who married Miss Caupert; 
 Mary C, who married Henry Kneeht; Charles H., 
 who became the husband of Miss Arena Sehaller; 
 and Regina, who married Harmon Echert. 
 
 Our subject like his venerable father, is a libeial' 
 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 January 18. 1876, and was fol- 
 lowed to her last resting-place by numerous friends 
 and .acquaintances. 
 
 Mr. Schneider .alwiiys Lakes an interest in politi- 
 cal affairs, voting the str.aight Republican ticket. 
 He is intimately connected with the financial af- 
 fairs of the township and, indeed, of tlie county, 
 .and his opinions are considered valuable. He is a 
 man of 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 by dint of his 
 personal qualities is now one of the leading and 
 wealthy farmers of St. Clair C(>unt\-. 
 
 ICHOLAS E. AMMEL. The subject of 
 this sketch is one of the yonng, energetic 
 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 F'ebruary 18, 1858, ten 
 miles north of Belleville, near F.alling 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 brought 
 by his parents to America in 1833. They 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 that city for two weeks, and then 
 came to St. Clair County and settled four miles 
 north of Centreville on the C. cfe 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 father 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 AVaraey AVilliams. He worked at his 
 trade until 1856, when he bought a farm at Fall- 
 ing Springs, eleven miles from Belleville, .and 
 there engaged in agricultural pursuits for nine 
 years. He 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 inventor and patentee of a slide-road 
 grader and a wheel-road grader patented .Tuly 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 enjoyed the adv.antages of a common- 
 school education such .as a farmer lad usually ob- 
 tains. In order, however, to better qualif}' him- 
 self for life's work, he went to Milwaukee, Wis., 
 and there attended St. Francis College for seven 
 months. June 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 w.as 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 boiii to Mr. and 
 Mrs. Ammel, namel}': Alvina, born .\pril 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 present place of 
 residence ever since his marriage. The farm con- 
 sists of one hundred and twenty-five acres and is
 
 ■^'"^i^' 
 
 
 01 
 
 Ou
 
 ,,«.^«^
 
 PORTRAIT AND T.KMJRAPinCAL RECORD. 
 
 373 
 
 devoted to general fanning and stock-raising. Mr. 
 Ammel i.< a l)reeder of registered C'liester White 
 liou^s, anil at all times has some very fine stock on 
 his |ihn-e. In piililic affairs lie is interested and 
 well-informed, and lias been ealled liv iiis fellow- 
 citizens to nunierons positions of trust and le- 
 si)onsihility. .\mong the otlices which he has 
 tilled is tliat of Township Collector, to whicli lie 
 was first elected in 1886. He Is now serving liis 
 fourth term, having been re-elected in April, 
 1892. He is also School Trustee, to which office he 
 was elected in 189(1. He was chosen Director and 
 Secretary of St. Peter's Institute at Belleville. In 
 politics, he is a Democrat, and is as earnest in 
 that as in other relations of life. !lc and his fam- 
 ily belong to the Catholic Church. _ 
 
 
 ^^^^ IIARLKS UrXlvWlT/.. engaged in general 
 (If ., farming on section 3.'), O'Failon Township, 
 ^f^fJ is a worthy representative of an honored 
 pioneer family of the county. He w.as born on 
 the old homestead where he yet resides, .January 
 3, 1841. His father. Karl Runkwitz. was born 
 on the 27th of September. 1800, in Alteiiburg, 
 Duchv of Saxony, (Germany, and was a Ixiok- 
 binder by trade. In his native land, he was mar- 
 ried in 1828 to Dorothea Fredericka Drescher, 
 who was born February 21, 180fi. In the spring 
 of 1834, they sailed for America, landing at Balti- 
 more. With a party of their countrymen, they 
 went across the .\llegliaii3- Mountains to Wheeling, 
 Ohio, where the colony separated and Jlr. Runk- 
 witz and his wife made their way down the Ohio 
 River to St. Louis. They subsequently came to 
 this State, where Mr. Runkw'itz entered forty .acres 
 of land from the (Tovernment. 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. Tlie grandparents lioth 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 Frail Lummer, Who died near 
 O'Failon about 1872. She now makes her home 
 in Milwaukee, Wis. By their union were born 
 nine children, of whom four are yet living. (Jus- 
 tave died in infancy. Charlotte, born in Ger- 
 many in 1831, w!is married in 1847 to .lolin P. 
 Trautwcin, and they became the iiarcnts of four 
 children, as follows: Herman, who is married and is 
 a farmer of Missouri; Matilda, who died in 18()9: 
 Doi-olhea, who became the wife of William Weil, 
 of Shiloli Valley, and died in 1884, leaving three 
 children; and .Tulius. who is married and follows 
 farming in F'ranklin County. Mo. ^Ir. Trautwein 
 died in 18(il,and she was again married, this time to 
 .\ugust Lummer. and they have one child, Charles, 
 wlio is married and lives in Franklin County, Mo. 
 Tliekla, born in (Jermany in 1833, is the wife of 
 Ernst Gilauf, a farmer of F'ranklin County, AIo., 
 bv 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.; Lotla died 
 at the age of twenty-five years; Benjamin rlied at 
 the age of nine years; Louisa resides with licr 
 father; Ernst died in 1887; and Richard is at 
 home. The mother of this family died in October, 
 1891, in F'ranklin County, Mo,, at the age of fifty- 
 seren years. Richard, born March 27, 1838, mar- 
 ried Julianne .li^nich and resides on a farm in 
 O'Failon Township. They had five children: W- 
 vina, born in 1864, is married and has four chil- 
 dren; Emilia was born in 1866, is mai'ried and has 
 three children; William, born August .30, 1868; 
 .Tosephine, November 20, 1872; and Ida. .laiiuary 
 1 2. 1 874, are still at home with their mother. Rich- 
 ard Runkwitz died on the home farm in O'Failon 
 I'ownship. 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'Failon Township. In 1867, he married 
 ,\urclia Budnie, and unto them were born five 
 cliildren: 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,
 
 374 
 
 i'ORTRAlT AND BlOGRAl'HICAL RECORD. 
 
 who was born in 1845, in this county, and in May, 
 1862, became the wife of Otto Doeswetler. They 
 soon afterward removed to Wisconsin, where he is 
 engaged in business as a veterinary surgeon. They 
 liave twelve cliildren. 
 
 Herman Runkwitz was a soldier in the late war. 
 He enlisted in 1863, as a member of the Forty- 
 third Illinois Infautr}', and was in the service 
 until 1865, being stationed at Little Rock during 
 the greater part of the time. After leaving the 
 army, he took up his residence on the old home- 
 stead, where he and his brother Charles have since 
 engaged in farming. In connection with the heirs 
 of their brother Richard, thej' own one hundred 
 and twenty-six acres of land, which is under a 
 high state of cultivation and well improved. They 
 are enterprising and progressive farmers, widely 
 and favorably known in the community where 
 they iiave so long resided. Charles Runkwitz served 
 as Highway Commissioner for one term and Her- 
 man held the office of School Director for two 
 terms. 
 
 ^^,EORGE CROSBY, a prominent and highly- 
 11 __ esteemed farmer of O "Fallon Township, re- 
 '^^1! 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 cliarge of the Duke's plate. In 1844, 
 he crossed the Atlantic, landing in New York, 
 whence he made his wa}' to Nashville, Tenn., and 
 took charge of the establishment of ,Tohn Bell, 
 being overseer of the house and garden. His wife 
 liad charge of the education of Mr. Yeatman's fam- 
 ily 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, 
 wiiich 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 he was a mem- 
 
 ber of the Episcopal 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. Crosby was twice married. He 
 first wedded Mr.s. FaitJi AVood, 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 
 coUecLed by Commodore Perry on his trip around 
 the world, which cabinet is still in AVashington. 
 William Wood removed from Washington 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. Ilemi)- 
 hill, the owner of the Atlanta Constitution. She 
 died two years after her marriage in 1856. Mrs. 
 Crosb^y had by her second marri.ige two sons: 
 George and Thomas. 
 
 Thom.as Crosby died in Athens, Ga., in 1858. He 
 was born in Pontefract in 1836, and came with iiis 
 parents to this country in 1844. He removed from 
 Nashville, Tenn., to Alliens, 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 widovv, who 
 has been a second time married, is still living in 
 Athens, Ga. Tiie mother of our subject died in 
 Pontefract, England, in 1840, and Mr. Crosby 
 afterward married Mar^' Ann Hall, of Yorkshire. 
 
 We now take up tlie personal history of our 
 subject, George Crosby, who attended tiie common 
 schools of his native land until coming to America 
 with his parents. From New York he went to Cin- 
 cinnati, Ohio, where he learned the trade of a florist 
 in the employ of Jacob Hoffner, a wealth}- and 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 Wood, in the 
 furniture business, which he followed until 1854,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 375 
 
 wlion lie cnnie to tliis eoiiiilv to visit, his father, 
 wlu) h;i<l previously located in O'Kallon Township, 
 lie determined to make his home in this eommnn- 
 ity and has since been one of it'^ leading farniors 
 and nurserymen. 
 
 In 18(!1, Mr. C'roshy nuuried Anna, daughter of 
 John Rader. a farmer and 1 nd-owncr. He took 
 charge of the home farm and nursery, which he still 
 occupies and operates. Their union was blessed with 
 four children. Saraii Ann.!)orn i)i 1862, was mar- 
 ried in 18K(l to Edward K. Heblialin.who is interested 
 ill the Crtisby Nursery. They have three children: 
 Herllia Stella, eiglit years of .age; George Kmil. six 
 years old; and Klla Louisa, a maiden of four sum- 
 mers. Thomas died in .lauuary, 188.5, at tlic age 
 of twenty years. William Rader, born in March, 
 IHf!;'), is living on the home farm, and has gained a 
 national reputation .is a marksman and expert 
 sliot. In 1890. he won the Slate cliampiou- 
 ship of Colorado, Montana and Idaho, a diamond 
 medal, and in 1887 won the State chani|)ion 
 medal of Southern Illinois at E.ast St. Louis and 
 again at Mt. A'ernon. George Edward, born Jul}- 
 18, 187(1, is attending JMcKendree College at Leb- 
 anon, taking the regular course of study, and for 
 two years was a student at Xormal, 111. The 
 mother of this family died on the home farm in 
 1874, and her remains were interred in Oak Hill 
 Cemetery. 31r. Crosliy was again married, .Inly 
 i:!, hS.'^d. this time to Miss Elvira Kieliler, who w.as 
 born September 10, 1843, in O'Fallon Township. 
 They have a daughter, Mary Viola, who w.as born 
 April -28, 1881. 
 
 Since coming to this c()iiiit\, Mr. Crosb\- has re- 
 sided on the old homestead. His farm comprises 
 one hundred and seventy-nine acres of valuable 
 land, thirty -six of which are u.sed for nursery pur- 
 [loscs. He is well known as a nurseiy man and is 
 a practical and progressive farmer, whose thrift 
 and enterprise are indicated by the neat ai)pearance 
 of his place. In jwlitics he is a stalwart advocate of 
 I )(!mocratic principles, and has served as a delegate 
 to i,ie county and congres.sional con ventioji.s; in 
 1871, he w.as a member of the National Convention 
 which convened in Cincinnati, Ohio, and nomin- 
 ated Horace Greeley. .Socially, he is a member of 
 Lodge No. :<H',, A. F. A- A. .M., of O'Fallon, 
 
 and the Chapter of Lebanon, 111. For many years 
 he has made his home in this community, and is a 
 highly respected citizen whose many friends lK)ld 
 him in wnrm regard. 
 
 
 ^.SCAK F. r.KKillTFlELl), 1). I). S., a piomi- 
 
 iienl young professional man of Belleville, 
 was born in Pottsville, Pa., May 9, 18;)7, 
 and is the son of Charles and Carrie (Walther) 
 Itrightfield. His paternal grandfather, whose 
 name was also (liarles, was a native of (iermany, 
 and with his wife, who was born in England, be- 
 came one of the early settlere in Fayette (diiiily, 
 Pa., where Charles, Jr., w.as born in 1824. An up- 
 right, energetic man, he belonged to that worthy 
 class of pioneers to whom we are so greatly in- 
 debted. 
 
 Allliough employed at various places, Cliai les 
 Ihighttield, 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 litter. 
 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. 
 
 Thesubject of this sketch received the ludiinents 
 of his education in the grammar school at Ashland, 
 Pa., and subsequentl.y carried on his literary stud- 
 ies in various [ilaces. 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 w\as able in 
 the summer to study the sciences, especially' chem- 
 istry, to which he was partial. F'or a .short time he 
 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 Septeml>er. 1888. our subject went to Chi-
 
 376 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 cago and studied dentistr}- under Dr. E. J. Perry, 
 Professor in tjie Northwestern ITniversity at Evan- 
 ston, remaining with that gentleman for one year, 
 and afterward entering the Lake Forest University, 
 graduating from the dental department of that in- 
 stitution March 24, 189L 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, earlj- settlers of St. 
 Clair County, and widely known thi-oughout this 
 section of countrj-. Mrs. Brightfield was reared in 
 the belief of the German Lutheran Church, to 
 which she has since adhered. They have one child, 
 (Jscar F., .Jr., who was born 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 
 the Delta Sigma Delta of his college class. 
 
 irt_^^ARTMANN KOCII. Biographies of suc- 
 llf )f cessful, and especially of good, men are 
 /^^ most useful as incentives to others, teach- 
 [(^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 
 consistent honesty of purpose in life, h.as a present 
 as well as a future influence upon the well-being 
 of his community, for his life and character affects, 
 unconsciously tliongh it maj' be, the lives and 
 characters of others, and thus the influence is un- 
 ending until time itself shall cease. Too mucli 
 praise cannot, therefore, be given to those who by 
 their worthy lives are entitled to more than pa.ss- 
 ing mention. 
 
 The subject of this biographical review was 
 born in Germany in 183.S, 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 j'outli 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. Catherine Koch came to the United States 
 many years afterward and died at the home of her 
 son Hartmann, in Darmstadt. 
 
 Tlie early years of Hartmann Koch were un- 
 eventfully passed in his native land, where he at- 
 tended the common schools and learned the trade 
 of a blacksmith with an uncle. In 1854, he left 
 the Fatherland, and, crossing 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. Coining thence to the village of Darmstadt, 
 he opened a shop, where he has since been engaged 
 at his trade. In connection with this occupation, 
 he is the owner of three hundred and sixty acres 
 of valuable land, wiiereon he conducts farming 
 operations with skill and success. 
 
 At the age of twenty-five years, Mr. Koch 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. Koch is a member of the 
 Presbyteri.an Church, while his wife is a C.itholic. 
 His political preferences have brought him into 
 sympathy with the Republican party, and he is one 
 of the public-spirited and progressive members of ; 
 tliat party in the county. 
 
 Mr. Koch is a man who stands higli in Ihe 
 esteem of all who know him, and his honorable 
 life and uniform kindness of heart endear him to
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 377 
 
 Ills aciiuaintances. In writing of him, one is rc- 
 iriiiided of the picture drawn by the poet Long- 
 fellow, of the village hiacksmitii: 
 
 Week in, week out, from morn till night. 
 
 You can hear his bellows blow; 
 You c-an hear him swing his heavy sledge, 
 
 With measured beat and slow. 
 IJke 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, t^) thee, my worthy friend, 
 
 For the lesson thou has taught; 
 Thus at the (laming forge of life 
 
 Our fortunes must be wrought. 
 Thus on its sounding anvil shaped 
 
 Each burning deed and thought. 
 
 T^=^. .AHL .1. FINKK. The original of this notice 
 Itr carries on the largest and best-equipped 
 :h^^' confectionery establishment in the city. His 
 •irandfather, who was a merchant in Germany, was 
 the first of the family to come to America, and 
 here he followed the lucrative business of a black- 
 smith in the State of Maine. He finally located in 
 Melleville and there ended his life. Our subject's 
 father bore the name of Adolph, and was l)oin in 
 the Hartz Mountains, in Germany. He w.as but a 
 voung man when he reached America; he went at 
 once to Alton, 111., and there engaged as a clerk in 
 the Hopkin-Willow drug store. Later, he bought it 
 aud conducted it until 1873, when he came to 
 East St. Louis and started a drug store, becoming 
 so successful that he was enabled to liuild the 
 Finke Bkx-k in 1873. He was the owner of other 
 property, luit in 1881 he sold his store, although 
 he retained the ownership of the block, and re- 
 turned to Alton and resumed his drug business. 
 lie owns the block there and conducts a nourish- 
 ing drug business. The mother of our subject 
 
 was named Ernestine Bradflsh, and was born in 
 Saxony, (Germany, and was the daughter of Chris- 
 topher Bradflsh, also born in Saxony, who came to 
 America and settled in Alton and weiil 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, 111., August 27, 1864, and was reared in 
 Alton until his ninth year, 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 3'ears and then returned to St. Louis. He de- 
 cided to become a confectioner and served an 
 a|iprenticeship for about three years, after which 
 in 1886, he started in the business for himself. 
 He wont to AVichita, Kan., and opened a store for 
 sweets, and for three j-cars 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 E.ast St. Louis, and began what 
 has been a very successful venture since. He is 
 located on C'ollinsville 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 Republican in his political 
 opinions, and is regarded as a rising young man. 
 
 ATIIKR .lOlIN II.VHKINS, A. IJ. and A. 
 
 M., pastor of St. Mary's Church, at East 
 St. Louis, 111., i» a native of the green isle of 
 Erin, where he first saw the light of day Decem- 
 ber 1, 1862. His father, .John Ilarkins, was a ship 
 contractor in Ireland, but in 1864 came with his 
 familv to America and settled in Carlinville, Ma- 
 coupin County, 111., where he engaged in general 
 contracting, a calling he followed until his death,
 
 378 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 which occurred in 1887, at the age of fortj'-nine 
 years. Mis wife was Elizabeth Kelley, a daughter 
 of Patrick Kelley, a farmer who came to Carlin- 
 ville and died at that place at the age of eighty- 
 three years. Mrs. Harkins still resides in that 
 j)lace; she became the mother of seven children, and 
 with the excei)tion of their father's death there 
 has been no break in the family circle. 
 
 Father Harkins' first recollections are of Carliii- 
 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 1883, 
 graduating in .lane of that 3'ear from the classical 
 course with the highest honors of bis 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 Count}', 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 
 month spent there in rest he was sent to Mound 
 City, Pulaski Countj', 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 Count_y; Stone Fort, Saline County: and 
 Metropolis, Massac County. 
 
 September 13, 1889, he was aiipointed to St. 
 Mary's Church, East St. Louis, which congrega- 
 tion he organized on the 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 tiie erec- 
 tion of St. INIary's Cliurcii, the corner stone being 
 laid July 1, 1890, by Right Rev. J. Janssen, Bishop 
 of Belleville. It is a handsome brick edifice, and 
 the first services were held in it in .hmuary, l.S',»2. 
 It was erected at a cost of $35,000, and is a monu- 
 ment to the religious zeal of the members of that 
 church, as well as to the enterprise and earnestness 
 of leather Ilaikins. It now has an attendance of 
 two hundred and twenty-live families, and St. 
 
 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 
 ill manners, and by all who have had the pleasure 
 of liearing him preach he is considered an eloquent 
 and interesting speaker. 
 
 •^^• 
 
 «^*= 
 
 |I/_^ EK:\IAN VOLKENING. This gentleman 
 rpjj' is one of the leading business men of Lenz- 
 Jt)^ burg, where he is engaged in the drugbusi- 
 (1^) ness, carrying a full line of pure medi- 
 cines, together with a varietj' of fine toilet articles. 
 He has done much toward advancing the prosper- 
 ity of the village by embarking in this enterprise, 
 and b}' his unceasing application to business has 
 secured a competency, and his unwavering hon- 
 est}- and true nobility of character have won him 
 the high regard of his fellow-men. 
 
 Like many of the best citizens of St. Clair Count}-, 
 our subject was born across the waters in Prussia, 
 the year of his birth being 1829. He is a son of Lud- 
 wig and Louisa (Tieman) Yolkening, also natives 
 of the Fatherland, where the former was engaged 
 in the hotel business and also served as a soldier. 
 Our subject was the third in order of birth in the 
 parental family of five children, ;iud 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 tin' I'liited States, emigrated hither and 
 estalilished in the grocery brtsiness in the city of 
 New York, lie was there successfully engaged for 
 a period of thirteen years, and at the expiration 
 of that time came to Lenzburgand engaged in the 
 genei-al mercantile business in this village before it
 
 PORTRAIT AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 379 
 
 was platted. T^atei- in life, he turned his .ittcntion 
 to the drug business, which he has since continued 
 to foUow with marked success. 
 
 Mr. Volkening finds time in the midst of iiis 
 personal interest to bear an active part in tiie po- 
 litical affairs of liis neighl)orliood. and during elec- 
 tions votes a straight Democratic ticket. He is 
 also interested in educational matters and in all 
 movements whicii tend to the general welfare of 
 the village. Me is strictly honorable in his deal- 
 ings and is therefore kindly regarded by all with 
 whom he has to d*>. 
 
 While residing in New York City, he of whom 
 we write was married to Miss Helena L. Volken- 
 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: .lolianna. F'ritz, Helena and Henry. 
 
 ^p^EKIlARl) KNKWITZ. Aiiiung the early 
 |[ f—, 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 justly look with pride, than the Knewitz 
 family. Thej- have always been looked upon in 
 this community as people of correct habits and 
 sound principles and as progressive in their ideas. 
 
 Fifty-five years ago, (TCrhard Knewitz, then twen- 
 ty-seven years old, left his native land, (iermany, 
 to seek that better fortune whicli he felt assured 
 awaited him in the New World. He had received 
 a good education in the Fatherland, and his robust 
 constitution and line physic.il endowments had 
 cost him SIX years' service as a private in the Ger- 
 man army, which duty be filled with honor to 
 himself and bis country, being honorably exempted 
 after his apprenticeship until his country's needs 
 demanded her well-trained soldiers {•> light eai-iiest 
 battles. 
 
 Coming to America in 18.'5M, (ierliard Knewitz. 
 .Sr., owned as his worldly po.-sessions twent3--five 
 cents in money and a sonicwli.U scanty suppl\- of 
 
 clothes. This limited possession of earthly effects 
 compelled him to begin working by the day or 
 month. The true German thrift, economy, patience 
 and perseverance are well illustrated 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 *1. 25 per acre. To say that this honest 
 Gerro.an 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 died3X)ungin life; the others were Henry; 
 Gerhard, .Jr., of this sketch; and Barbara, who be- 
 came the wife of .Toseijb Ebner. We find the same 
 habit of accumulating practiced all along the years, 
 and the fortj' acres of land first purchased by Mr. 
 Knewitz, Sr., have been added to by four hundred 
 acres, until at the time of his death be 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 1855, Mi-s. Knewitz passed away, leaving a 
 void in the happj- household, and twentj'-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, w.as born in 
 1843 on Dutch Hill Prairie, St. Clair County. His 
 mother dying when he was twelve yeai-s old, and 
 he being the .second youngest of the family, it 
 would not have been strange had the boyish ten- 
 dency to elude study proliil)ited him from .acquir- 
 ing the knowledge and education which are ever 
 the foundation of success in life. .\n excellent stu- 
 dent, however, we find him qualifying himself for 
 broader fields b^- a tlioroiigb course in the common 
 schools of his township. After leaving school, he 
 followed the life of a fanner and remained with 
 his father on the old homestead. In 18(J(), he mar- 
 ried Miss Caroline Hager, a daughter of Peter 
 and Louisa Hager, and to them were born five
 
 380 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 children, namely: Frederick, Peter, Rosa, Barbara, 
 and Etta, deceased. 
 
 After the deatli of our subject's lirst wife, lie 
 again married, his second wife being Miss Eizabeth, 
 daugliter of Michel and Elizabeth (Oclshich) Xold. 
 This second union was blessed by four children, 
 three of whom are living: Otto, Gerhard, Jr., 
 and Louis. Mr. Knewitz and wife are working 
 members of the Lutheran Church, noted for their 
 charity and kind and unostentatious manner of 
 performing Christian and neighborly deeds. Mr. 
 Ivnewitz votes the straight Republican ticket, 
 and has officially represented his Township, as 
 well as filling the office of Trustee for two years. 
 He now owns five hundred and fift\' acres of as 
 fine land as can be seen in tliis part of the State. 
 
 ff7 EMUELTODD. The gentleman witli whose 
 I (^ name we introduce this sketcii has wit- 
 •I L^S^ nessed and materially assisted in the growth 
 and development of St. Clair Count\', and more 
 especially Prairie du Long Township. He belongs 
 to that class of pioneer residents to whom so large 
 a debt 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 privatif)n and hard- 
 ship, and opened the way for civilization through 
 the trackless praiiie. 
 
 The father of Lemuel Todd was Mr. .TohnTodd, 
 a native of Virginia, in which State he spent many 
 of Ills boyhood days. When quite a j'oung boy 
 he moved to North Carolina, and from there to 
 Tennessee. He was first married to Miss Allen, 
 of Tennessee, who bore him fourteen children, 
 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 ISIiss 
 Aurringtou, who died after giving birlli lo one 
 child. After residing in Tennessee for a num- 
 
 ber of years, Mr. Todd, Sr., removed to Johnson 
 County, 111., where he remained for eleven years, 
 leaving that location for Washington County, and 
 removing thence to St. Clair County, 111. Abt)Ut 
 the year 1836, he located at New Athens, in which 
 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 lielleville, from whom he obtained a divorce, 
 and then married Miss Nixon. In company with 
 his last-mentioned wife he removed to AVaterloo, 
 Monroe County, 111., where he lived until her 
 death, after which event he married Mrs. Hill. 
 From Waterloo he removed to a farm in New 
 Athens Township, wliere he remained until the 
 time of his death. 
 
 Mr. Lemuel Todd, the subject of this sketch, was 
 born January 3, 1826, in North Carolina. He came 
 with his father to St. Clair County, when very 
 young. At the age of nine years he was bound 
 out 1)3- his father to Archibald Hood, with whom 
 he remained for four 3'ears. The life of a bound 
 boy has man^' sad reminisciences 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 by 
 the month, after which he went to herding cattle. 
 
 At the age of twenty-two, Lemuel Todd married 
 Miss Plia^be Hill, who lived but a short time after 
 their union. She was a daughter of Jonathan 
 Hill, one of the early settlers of this county. Af- 
 ter his marriage, Mr. Todd located on the farm 
 where he now lives. The issue of his first wife 
 was one child. Nancy Jane, who died at the .age of 
 fourteen years. In 1883, he married his second 
 wife, who was Mrs. Mary Rittenhouse, a daughter 
 of ^lichael Noldd. She was liorn in German}', 
 and came to this country when she was twelve 
 years old, locating with her parents at Freeling, 
 where she remained until her marriage with Will- 
 iam T. Rittenhouse. She was the mother of two chil- 
 dren, one of whom died when ten months old. 
 
 The subject of our sketch now lives on a farm 
 (if one huiidrcil and t wenty-tlireo acres, all of which 
 is under lirsl-class culli\ation, and which he still
 
 Jh-Uvotii^ wfU^-^-^f^f—
 
 PORTRAIT AND lilOGKArHICAL RECORD. 
 
 383 
 
 iiianage.s and gives bis personal supervision. lie 
 is an authority on all matters pertaining to local 
 history, having watched the growth of this coni- 
 nuinity since 1837. lie often entertains his friends 
 with reminiscences of the time when he worked 
 near the >ite of iii> present home for the munifi- 
 cent sum of fS per month, and is amused at the 
 expressions of wonder that Hit over the faces of 
 Miiuc (if hi> vuvuig audiences, wlio breathlessly in- 
 (luire Ihiw he lived on it. Few men have the 
 al)ility to recount tlie leading incidents of their 
 life's history with the truth of detail which Mr. 
 Todd's bearers are ever alile U> 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 the office of Town Supervisor 
 for six years, and was afterward elected to the 
 office of School Director, in which cap.ncity he 
 served for a term of three years. Few men in 
 their declining years can look back over the vista 
 of rears and view a better record than the one en- 
 joNcd liy <iur ^ul)iect, who now, in the autumn of 
 his life, is calmly enjoying the fiuits of his arduous 
 labors, surrounded by the esteem of his fellow- 
 men and the sincere affection of those wiio express 
 their gratituile to him as a friend and counhclnr. 
 
 ^^HJH^P= 
 
 lUU'srrs ClIFXOT. The pmiiricty of 
 lire insurance is recognized liyail prudent 
 men, but the greatest olijcetion that is 
 generally made to old-lin« companies of 
 recognized solidity is that the insurance as fur- 
 nished by them is a dear investment, tlie premium 
 charges Iteing out of all ju>t proportion to the 
 amount necessary to ]).ay losses and expenses; and 
 an insurance contract combining safety with econ- 
 omy is something that has been much desired Ky 
 the iiiajorit}- of the insuring pulilic. 'I'o till thi,- 
 waiit the Uclleville St. Clair County I'arnicrs' M u- 
 tual Fire Insuijince Company was incorporate<l in 
 1S!S3 and lias since enjoyed a steady increase in 
 l)usiness. The company has earned tiie l'a\or 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 county. The 
 affairs of the company are in the hands of gentle- 
 men of prominent and substantial business stand- 
 ing, Augustus C'henot, the President, being a gentle- 
 man of superior executive ability and a popular 
 and progressive citizen. The company is noted 
 for the promptness and fairness with which ilad- 
 justs and pays losses, and is an excellent medium 
 for the procuring of safe and reliable insurance. 
 The main office is at IJelleville. 
 
 Augustus C'henot is a native of France, born in 
 Lorraine October 1, 1 828, and is a son of John ,1. 
 and Bar))ara (Fistuer) Chenot, both natives of that 
 country. John J. Chenot was an old soldier and 
 held the rank of Captain under Napoleon, lie 
 brought his family to the United States in 1830, 
 landing in New York, and after residing in differ- 
 ent States until 18 12, made a permanent settlement 
 in St. Clair County, 111., six miles north of Belle- 
 ville, where he was engaged in keeping a country 
 store, lie was always honorable and upright in 
 his dealings, was highly esteemed in the commu- 
 nity-, and was a man of true worth. Ills death oc- 
 curred in 1863. The mother had i)assed 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; Joseph, in Texas; Mrs. John De 
 Veaux; and Mrs. Hisho]), of Collinsville, 111. 
 
 The original of this notice received a college cd- " 
 \icatioii in St. Louis and was afterward busily en- 
 o:ii;ed in tlic store with Ilis father until his marriage 
 ,\piil 1 1. 1!S.")7. to Miss Elizabeth Boul, a sister of 
 lion. Niclnilns lioul, present Representative in the 
 Legislatinc. The roiiowing children were born 
 to them: Augii.-I;i. wife of .hilin Rink, of Belleville: 
 Alliert, \ViHi:nii. .lohii, ICdward, Benjamin, .'ind 
 F,i]ini;i. Mrs. Clunot died on the 3()th of August, 
 IssCi. After his marriage Mr. Chenot decided 
 that farming was the occupation to which he wished 
 lo devote his time and attention, and he has fol- 
 lowed that evi-r since, luit in connection therewith 
 has engaged in other <'ntcrprises. He is one of the 
 most substantial .•ind jironiiiicnl farmers of this
 
 384 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 country, owning one hundred and forty acres in 
 the home place, one liundred and ninety' in another 
 part of the county, a good farm in Madison Country, 
 and considerable city property. In superintending 
 his farm and in attending to the insurance busi- 
 ness our subject has his time fully 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 j'ears 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 AVesleyan College, at War- 
 rington, Mo. He was married in 1887, to Miss 
 Julia Stapf, by whom he has two children: Emmett 
 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 wliich he has 
 been engaged all his life. He is a member of the 
 Mascoutah Witchland Society. Politically, he is a 
 Democrat, and upholds the principles. of that party 
 on every occasion. 
 
 
 ^I[ ^ ENRY C. FUNK. Among the enterprising 
 
 \ljil young farmers of Freeburg Township, St. 
 /IV^'^ Clair County, is the one who resides on 
 [^^ section 11, and it is to his history tiiat the 
 attentipn of the reader is called. 
 
 Mr. Funk is the son of Henry Funk, who was 
 one of the early settlers of this very beautiful 
 county. A traveler through this section of coun- 
 try, as his eyes 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 present state of 
 perfection, nor does one to whom farming is a 
 mystery begin to realize the hard labor required 
 to keep this degree of cultivation u]). Truly, 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 f.Trin which he 
 is operating for his widowed mother. 
 
 Our subject was born on tlic place where he 
 iKiw resides, Decembei' fi, 1850. He received his 
 
 \T] AMES A. AVYLIE. An honorable position 
 among the agriculturists of Marissa Town- 
 ^-^ I ship is held by the gentleman above named, 
 ^f^f) who is the fortunate possessor of one hun- 
 dred and eighty acres of fine land on section 33. 
 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 liy a family of 
 enterprise and good judgment. 
 
 Our subject is the son of Alexander and Nancy 
 (Wilson) Wylie and was born in Kandoljih 
 County, this State, in 1854, within a few miles of 
 his present home. His father, who was born m 
 Scotland, came to the Ignited 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- 
 iiigand 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 
 purchase his present fine estate.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 385 
 
 Whj'ii reaching his majority. .Tame? Wylie and 
 ^lis^ Sarah ('.. daughter of .Tohn K. and Margaret 
 White, of this county, were united in niairiage. A 
 sketch of Mrs. Wylie "s parent*, wlio are prominent 
 residents of Marissa Townsliip. will be found on 
 another page in this volume. To our subject and 
 his wife were born a family of five children, two : 
 of whom died in infancy. Those living are .John | 
 AV.. Naucy A. and .Tames V. The wife and mother | 
 departed this life March 7, 1.H87. and her remains j 
 were followed to their last resting-place liy many 
 relatives and warm friends. 
 
 Mr. Wylie is an ardent Prohibitionist in his 
 political views and uses his influence in every pos- 
 sible way to advance party interests. 
 
 I^R. AI-PHONSO XAVIEK II.LINSKI. 
 ]j] This pioneer physician of the Mississippi 
 Bottom was born in the jjrovince of Ya]- 
 hejinia, Poland, in ls;i7. where his father, 
 Alexander Illinski, also a native of Poland, was a 
 land-owner and planter. He was a very promi- 
 nent man and passed his entire life in his native 
 country. His wife, .\nna, w.as also a native of 
 Poland. They were the parents of twelve chil- 
 dren, our subject being second in" order of birth. 
 Two of our subject's brothers were exiled to Si- 
 lieria and served their time in the mines. One is 
 thereat the pi-esent time, as is also one nephew. 
 
 The original of this notice was reared and edu- 
 cated iu the (iyninasiuni of Kremnitz, and pos- 
 sesses a strong constitution, great will power and 
 remarkalile endurance, or he could never have 
 stood the life he has le.ad as a physician, lie re- 
 mained in the (iymnasium for five years and re- 
 ceived a classical education. At this institution 
 the study nf the Latin, Greek, French. Hussian. 
 (lernian and INilisli languages, matliemalics and 
 the natural sciences w.as obligatory. Then sclioul 
 was maintained on the high-i)ressiire principle. 
 studies were crowded too rapidly one after another, 
 and youths were exijcctod to accomplish the work 
 of adnlt-s. Tlinse who possessed strong ciinstitu- 
 
 tions stood the ordeal, while others failed. Our 
 subject stood well in his cKasses. Prompted by 
 l)atriolism, at the !vge of fourteen years he 
 joined the insurgents' army .is a lancer, but was 
 pinmoted to be First Lieutenant before the close of 
 the Revolution. After the capture of Warsaw, the 
 command to which he was attached retreated to 
 Galicia, a part of Austria, for refuge, and he re- 
 mjiined there about a j-ear. In 1831, a peremp- 
 tory order was issued exiling all insurgents either 
 to Russia or France. Our subject naturally chose 
 the latter, but the order w.as in the meantime, 
 changed to America in place of France. 
 
 At the time of the issuance of this order, our 
 subject 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, Anthony Illinski, who was a leader 
 among the insurgent soldiers, and as such was 
 thought to merit greater punishment than simply 
 to lie 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 peoi)le. 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 
 disl)anded, than he joined the Turks again, be- 
 coming a (reneral in their arnu'. In the memor- 
 able charge of Balaklava, he. received a wound 
 from which he soon after died, in IbaC. 
 
 Dr. Alphonso X. Illinski came to America from 
 (ialicia. and landed ill the city of New York on 
 the 2«th of March, 1834. After traveling for a 
 year, he landed at Havana, the Queen City of the 
 Antilles, and there obtained employment in an 
 hnspital because he could speak so many different 
 lanauages. He there developed 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 
 later, when became to .St. Louis, Mo. He entered 
 Mel).. well's Medical College in 1840. and gradu-
 
 386 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ated from tliat institution two years later witii tlie ' 
 degree M. I). He then came immediately to St. 
 Clair Comity, 111., and has been in the active prac- j 
 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, lie made his professional rounds on 
 horseback with saddle-bags. He was obliged to 
 swim streams during tiie high watersof 1844, 18.58, 
 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. 
 .lenniugs, to whom lie 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 i)h3'sician 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 day. 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 while 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 them, viz.: 
 Anielka,Sealiand Alexus. The Doctor is a member 
 of the St. Clair Medical Society, and in politics, is 
 a stanch supporter of Democratic principles, having 
 lieen a delegate to county and State conventions. 
 
 i>-^^<m 
 
 -J— 
 
 '\l'OHN PHILIP FUESSEK is one of the 
 wealthiest and most prominent of the farni- 
 , ers of til is township. He is the owner of 
 
 ■^^ several fine farms and raises great crops of 
 the cereals, principally' wheat and corn, his resi- 
 dence being situated on section 28, Mascoutah 
 'J'dwnship, St. Clair County. 
 
 The father of our subject was George C. Fuesser, 
 who was a native of Byne in Haslach, Germany, 
 and was born February 2, 1825. He was reared and 
 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. Leitrocli, and our subject gave good satisfac- 
 tion in his work. In 1846, Mr. Fuesser married 
 Miss Mary Duiidor, the daughter of Andrew 
 Dundor, and our subject at this time bought a 
 farm in this township, where he remained about five 
 years. He tlien moved to Mascoutah, but did not 
 live there long, and returned to the farm, where 
 lie continued until 1860, when he moved back into 
 tiie town. Here he continued for a space of six 
 years wlien 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: 
 Georo-e Adam, who resides upon the home place; 
 John Philip, who is our subject; Anna, who lives 
 in Mascoutah; and Carl Adolph. who also lives at 
 the old home. 
 
 Our subject was born February 6, 18.53, 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 fiiie 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. 
 She is :i popular stenoyraplier. the only one in Mas- 
 coutah,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 387 
 
 Folitifally. Mr. Fuesser is a Republican, and takes 
 quite an interest in all that interests his chosen 
 partj-. He is well known tliroughout 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 arc fast leaving only a name be- 
 hind them, and this Rkioud desires to so preserve 
 their names and sketches of their lives, that future 
 generations may see who and what manner of men 
 were those who lirst conquered the wilderness, and 
 made the land the pleasant pl.ace it now is for their 
 descendants. 
 
 \f^EV. HENRY JOHN HAGt;N. In the life 
 IjW^ of the Chancellor of the Belleville IJiocese, 
 ^\ 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 bearingand fine physique, tall and diguifit'd, 
 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 admirabl3' qualify 
 him for the responsible position of Chancellor. 
 
 Father Hagen is still a young man, and this fact, 
 together with his unusual talents and the success 
 already achieved, gives his friends reason to hope 
 for a career of honor in future 3ears. He was born 
 in Germantown, Clinton County, 111., M.ay 21, 
 1861, and has always been a resident of this .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 they came to .\merica as chil- 
 dren with their respective families and were mar- 
 ried in (iermantown, Clinton County, III. The 
 father, who was a wagon-maker by trade, followed 
 that occu])ation in his native land, whence he emi- 
 grated to .America in his \()nnii nianlioiid. 
 
 In the village of Germantown, the subject of 
 this sketch received the rudiments of his education 
 in the par()chial 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 study 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- 
 mony 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. Heisa worthy adjunct 
 to so grand a man as Bishop Janssen. The finan- 
 cial matters of the diocese almost invariabl}- pass 
 through his hands, and, being thoroughly informed 
 in business affairs, he is successful in this, as in 
 other departments of his work. 
 
 jlf_-^ON. .JOHN THOMAS is descended from 
 f ji; Welsh ancestors, who came to America at 
 
 :A>^^ the beginning of the last century. His 
 (^) great-grandfather became the head of a 
 
 family of seven sons and three daughters; one of 
 
 his sons. (Jri tilth, became the father of eight sons
 
 388 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIO&RAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 and two daiigliters. (Jf this family was John 
 Thomas, the father of the subject of this sketch. 
 He was born in North Carolina, and was united in 
 marriage to Miss Jane Smith, a native of that 
 State, by whom ho became the fatlier of a large 
 family of children, only two of whom are living 
 at the present time. Hon. John Tiiomas was born 
 in Wythe County, A' a., January 11, 1800, and as 
 his father was a blacksmith and farmer of strait- 
 ened circumstances, at an early day he had to as- 
 sist in supporting the family. IJving in a slave 
 State, where wealthy planters owned most 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 rtiill 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 arc 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 extensively engaged in the manufacture 
 of horseshoe nails. Dr. William L. Smith, Mis. 
 Thomas' brother, wlio met his deatii liy drowning, 
 left considerable valuable property. 
 
 The early education of Hon. John Tiiomas, as 
 well as that of his brothers and sisters, would have 
 lieen sadly neglected had it not been for their ex- 
 cellent mother, who was a finely educated lady. 
 She taught all lier 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 youtli 
 imbibed 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 liis first year 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 connection with 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 
 prosperity would come to him who would invest 
 liberall3', or pl.ace his means in land, and that it 
 would be onl}' 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 l)ankrui)tcy. 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 1400 per acre. The history of his success 
 in the accumulation of a fortune is the history of 
 nearl.y 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 bitterlj 
 opposed the measure and did all in his power to 
 defeat the scheme. As a consequence a committee 
 was appointed to horsewhip him, but, having a 
 body-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 
 o-oing seventeen hundred majority. Lieut. -Gov. 
 Kinney, the Colonel's father-in-law, was the owner 
 of about a dozen slaves, resided about three miles 
 from 15elleville and was one of his 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. 
 
 he enlisted in the service, and raised a company- of 
 volunteers and started for Iowa. Later, he was 
 compelled to return home on account of his fam- 
 ily, but on some shirring remarks being made of 
 him by (iov. Reynolds, Ue cast aside personal con- 
 siderations and the next day started out to organ- 
 ize a company, of which he was made Captain. 
 The question then arose who should be Colonel, 
 and as Capt. Thomas' knowledge of military tac- 
 tics was well known, his numerous friends chose 
 him, although Gov. Reynolds was in favor of 
 Buckmaster holding the position. Col. Thomas 
 was elected by thirty majority, and with liis com- 
 mand inarched within fifteen miles of Black Hawk, 
 where they were joined by Capt. .Stillmau 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 
 bis 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- 
 though (iov. Reynolds had previously discharged 
 his men, the settlers asked for his protection and 
 Col. Thomas assisted in organizing a company, 
 and of this and three other comiianies. Col. Frye 
 was placed in command. At this time Col. 
 Thomas, notwithstanding his refusal, was elected 
 Lieutenant Colonel, and with his command, com- 
 prising three companies of Regulars, took up his 
 station at Kilroy's Grove. June 16, 1832, lie had 
 a brusli with the Indians and killed seven of them 
 and lo.st three men. 
 
 To a certain extent Mr. TIkhikis has been in pol- 
 itics for many years, but has never been an office- 
 seeker. He always freely expressed his views on mat- 
 tei-s of public interest, and his position upon ques- 
 tions of importance w.as known to he sound and the 
 result of honest conviction. In 1838, he w.as elected 
 to the Legislature as an independent candidate, 
 the Whigs and Democrats each 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 very important part in 
 inaiiv measures of interest, and did a ajreat deal 
 
 to mould public opinion in the early history of 
 the State. He constantlN- labored for the good of 
 his section, was utterly disinterested, and his many 
 I brilliant powers of mind, his soldierly and manly 
 conduct, and his kind heart, won him the warm 
 regard of such noted men .is Abraham Lincoln, 
 ' .John .1. Hardin and E. D. Baker. He was instru- 
 I mental, while a member of the Legislature, in estab- 
 I lishing the ferry at St. Louis, and although the fight 
 i w.as a long and bitter one, it eventually resulted 
 in favor of it* establishment. While in the Legis- 
 lature, he introduced a bill to fence in stock, leav- 
 ing fields open. In 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 
 part}^, 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 
 by a big majoritv. 
 
 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 fanning 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 i)resided as 
 Speaker of the House about two thirds of the time, 
 in which capacity he was very .able and po|)ular. 
 While \et a resident of ^'irginia, 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 w.as to be 
 free and ecpial in the eyes of the law. In 1862, 
 during the exciting times of the Rebellion, he 
 ' wielded a powerful influence in the Legislature, 
 and he was loyal and patriotic to the core. He 
 i favored every measure for the speedy- termination 
 I of the "irrepressible conflict" and the preservation 
 I of the I'nion. The four times that he has been a
 
 390 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 member of the Legislature have demonstrated in a 
 marked degree the higii estimation in which he is 
 held by the public. He is a truly able man and is 
 warmly in favor of tlie education of the masses, 
 and believes that tlierein lies the future hope and 
 perpetuation of the free institutions of America. 
 
 To his marriage with Miss Kinney ten children 
 have been bom, five sons and five daughters. The 
 mother of these children died in 18G8, and in Jan- 
 uary, 1875, lie married Magdalena Holdner, a 
 widow, and daughter of Jacob Von Eue, 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 nuinliness, and withal kind hearted, gener- 
 ous and true. A model American citizen, he is 
 also a model husband and father, and a loyal and 
 arenerous friend. 
 
 4^ 
 
 ~gy)g ' i 
 
 J:NRY VOSKAMP. a compendium of bio- 
 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 Tni- 
 ted States located in Johannisburgh, Washington 
 County, III., where he died at the advanced age 
 of ninety-nine \^ears. 
 
 Henry Voskamp's parents were Henry and Anna 
 (Remmers) Voskamp. Henr}' 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 
 his native land in regard to educational matters, 
 Henry, Sr., chose the vocation of forester as the one 
 in which he would seek a maintenance. He worked 
 in this line for several years and then concluded 
 that there were better opportunities for him in 
 America, so he invested a part of his savings for 
 the necessary transportation and embarked for the 
 United States. He immediately located in St. 
 Clair County after his arrival, and his first enter- 
 
 prise on this"side of the ocean was to buy p. small 
 stock and commence life as a peddler of small- 
 wares and general merchandise, taking for his 
 route that jiortion of the Slate near his new home. 
 He soon became known as an honest dealer, and 
 success crowned his efforts. 
 
 Henry Voskamp hrought with him not only tlie 
 money necessary to start in business but the 
 wealth he had inherited from his Dutch grand- 
 fathers, namely: thrift, 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 the 
 people for miles around knew they could obtain 
 every commodity they wanted. The success of this 
 store is but another milestone in his histoiy, show- 
 ing that fortune smiled on his efforts, and Henrv, 
 Sr., was known as one of the solid merchants of 
 Fayetteville for forty j-ears. He drifted, through 
 business transactions, into the hotel business, 
 but the life of a farmer had always been one of his 
 dreams, and, selling out the hotel, he undertook 
 the cultivation of three hundred r.cres of land 
 which he had acquired, and lived a life of retire- 
 ment from mercantile pursuits. His first wife, 
 Mary Lueka, having died, Mr. A'oskamp married 
 Miss Anna Remmers, and our subject is the 
 only living child of this 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 partj- when- 
 ever its standard was at issue. He died in the 
 year 1872, his wife surviving him seven j^ears. 
 
 Henry Voskamp, Jr., undertook the task of self- 
 support when he was twenty-one 3'ears of age. 
 His first business venture was in a general merchan- 
 dise store in Fayetteville, 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 f»jr the Neivs- Democrat and the Zeituiig, two 
 papers published in Belleville, III. In the year 
 1888, our subject married Miss Emma, daughter of 
 Rudolph and Anna (Hermann) Ileimberger. The 
 result of this union has been two children, namely, 
 Hermann and Anna. 
 
 Although now only thiily-four years old, Henry
 
 "OIS.
 
 fie
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 393 
 
 Noskump is recognized as one of tlie pioiniiient 
 citizens of his count}', and is a man calculated in 
 every respect to make for himself and family a 
 phice in the front ranks of 1-ayetteville society. 
 His political sympathies are witli tlie Democratic 
 parly, and lie has ever manifested a high degree 
 of puhlic spirit, interesting himself in every move- 
 ment which would tend to advance the interests 
 of his county. 
 
 Botli j\lr. and Mrs. ^'oskallll) 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- 
 tUience throughout the cumnninity and even be- 
 yond the vicinity of their home. 
 
 The heritage of sturdy ancestry has ever been 
 nn 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 citizens. 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 
 unto the tliird and fourth geneiati<m. 
 
 ♦^^^1§ "^ tl^^^^ 
 
 ^OlIN .lACor. UAYHILL is now the oldest 
 living settler of Engelman Township, and 
 one of the most honored pioneers of St. 
 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, 1H24, and for almost 
 seventy years he has witnes.sed the growth and 
 upbuilding of this county and aided in its devel- 
 opment. His father was born and reared in liote- 
 tourt County, ^'a., and was married in Alleghany 
 County to Sarah Dew, sister of Rev. John Dew, 
 who 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 War of 1812. He also engaged in 
 teaching school. It was in 1818 that he emigrated 
 to St. Clair County, 111., locating three miles east 
 of Belleville, on what is known as the .lohn Kvder 
 
 farm. A year later, he went to Engelman Town- 
 ship and liought land on sections 2 and 3. Atone 
 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 
 .lacob, and Virginia, widow of James Michell, a 
 resident of Marion, Kan. Charles died in 1882, 
 .•uid lietsy Ann died on the titli of April, 1841. 
 Mr. R.ayhill, father of this family, was a faithful 
 iiioinber, .active worker and liberal supporter of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he 
 was first a AVliig and afterward a Ue[)ublican. He 
 died on the 2d of October, 1807, at the advanced 
 age of seventy-nine years, and his wife departed 
 this life July 28, 1862. 
 
 We now take up tlie pcr.soiial liistory of dursub- 
 ject, who was educated in the subscription schools 
 of this county and grew to manhood upon the 
 heme farm. On the 7th of May, IS'ifi, he married 
 Miss Adeline, daughter of Pintcher and Elizabeth 
 Pitts, early settlers of this county. They began 
 their domestic life upon the farm which is now the 
 home of Mr. Rayhill, and unto them were born 
 four children, but three are now deceased. \\v- 
 ginia ^1., who became the wife of AVilliam H. Dug- 
 o-er, a farmer on section 3, Engelman Township, 
 died in 1888; George died in 1880, and Sarah 
 died m infancy. Charles Edward is still living 
 on the old homestead. He married Miss Bertha, 
 daughter of Jacob Eisenmayer, who came to Mas- 
 coutah in an early day. The daughter w.as reared 
 and educated in Mascoutah. I'nto Charles and 
 his wife have lieen born two children, AVallaceand 
 Edna. The mother died November 28, 186(), and 
 w.o-s 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 Township, of 
 which three hundred acres are under a high 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 
 "■ame were to be had in .aljiindance. Throughout
 
 394 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 his entire life, lie 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 by steamer back to New Or- 
 leans and thence came up the Mississippi to St. 
 lA>uis. He left San Francisco on tlie 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 stanch advocates of 
 its principles. He is a prominent and influential 
 citizen, widely and favorably known, and his ster- 
 ling worth and strict integrity' liave won him the 
 confidence and high regard of all with whom he 
 has been brought in contact. 
 
 _J 
 
 f 
 
 \T( OSEPH A. KURRUS. The old s.aying that 
 industry brings sure reward, as siu'cl}' as does 
 virtue, is proven in the life of the gentle- 
 _ 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. The buildings are all of 
 brick, and are made to accommodate the necessary 
 equipages and paraphernalia necessaiy for the car- 
 rying on of the largest business of the kind in this 
 city. 
 
 Our sulijoct's grandfather was in the wars of Na- 
 poleon, and had removed in 171)2 from Alsace, 
 France, to Baden, German j', 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 Mai-ch 13, 1840, in the city of Endingen, 
 which is a historic old fortified town of Baden, 
 with but three entrances. He received the rud- 
 iments of an edncation in the German schools 
 and made himself generally useful to his fa- 
 ther and also to his uncle in the grain business. 
 Wiien twent3- years of age, Joseph came hy way 
 of the sailing-vessel "William Frothiugham" 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 tiiially 
 rested at East St. Louis, April 19, 1861. The 
 young man did not wait for work to find him, but 
 began immediatel}' 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 
 Me^'er & Strotinan, and when the business war- 
 ranted it, built his present large establishment, 
 stocking it with everything in his line; he also 
 does embalming. 
 
 Mr. Kurrus is a large owner and dealer in leal 
 estate in the city. 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 brick 
 blocks, besides a f.arm in this county, and is a 
 stockholder and Director in the Glenn Manufactory 
 here. In November, 1865, our subject w.as united in 
 marriage with Miss Elizabeth Johaunes. She w.as of 
 German birth and passed her whole life in this place. 
 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, Klizabetli, Joseph A.. Charles. I>ena 
 and Frederiik. Mr. Kunus believes in the prin- 
 ciples of the Ueniocratie p.irlv. and gives liis vote 
 for llie candid-ites selected by it. lie is a member 
 (if St. llenr\"s Churcli, and is a man who stands 
 very liiuh in the linancial circles of tliis city. 
 
 i^Hi^ 
 
 'X^. 1'. KAAll, M. 1). There are some doctors 
 |L^ who diagnose cases and administer medi- 
 1* — ^ cines very much after the manner of a 
 priest administering extreme unction. Their pro- 
 ceedings are characterized by a solemnity liiat 
 makes the patient feel himself, even when his ail- 
 ment is not a serious one, almost within the grasp 
 of the Grim Destroyer. There are other physicians 
 who seem to look upon the patient !»s a machine, 
 the parts of which have in some way or other been 
 thrown out of gear, .and. losing sight of the fact 
 that the m.achine has sensibilities as well as func- 
 tions, they proceed with hammer and tongs to 
 remedy the difficulties complained of. Still an- 
 other class of physicians, recognizing the f.act that 
 there is something more than a barren ideality in 
 ministering to a miml dise.ased, or in other words, 
 that the mental condition of the patient lias in 
 many cases much to do with his physical condi- 
 tion, always leave their patients in that liappy 
 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 :is to make a placid condilidii <if 
 the mind impossible. 
 
 It is to the latter cla.ss of physicians that Dr. 
 Itiiab belongs. lie was born in Helleville, October 
 ■>i). lft;')"J, a son of Henry H.aab, the Superintendent 
 of Public Instruction for the State of Illinoi.«. 
 The latter was born .June 20, 1835, and fortun- 
 ately received his education in a gymnasium in 
 (iermany. "When seventeen years of age, he left 
 homo, friends and native land, to seek a home in 
 the New World, and in 1852 resided for some 
 time ill the city of Cincinnati, Ohio; the follow- 
 ing year he was in both St. Louis. Mo., and Belle- 
 
 ville, 111. He followed the calling of a te.icher in 
 these places, and so jiroficient was he that for many 
 years he held the position of Superintendent of 
 the city schools. In this capacity his fame as an 
 educator and disci])linarian went abroad, and in 
 1882 he w.as elected State Superintendent of 
 Public Instruction, and was re-elected to the posi- 
 tion in 18Vt(), during the interval being a resident 
 of Belleville. In him arc strikingly exemplified 
 those characteristics and principles which conduce 
 to the occupation of positions demanding the 
 display of great mental abilities, and which have 
 maic him distinguished as an educator and his 
 career a succession of honors. lie was married to 
 Miss Matilda Vf>n Lengerke, a native of Hanover, 
 Oermany, and their union resulted in the birth of 
 five children, three of whom are living: Dr. E. 
 P.: Lena, wife of Hugo Eyssell, of Kansas City, 
 Mo.: and Matilda. Ihc private secretary of her 
 father. 
 
 Dr. E. P. Kaab received his literary education in 
 the public schools of Belleville and in W.ashington 
 University, of St. Louis, ^lo., and later graduated 
 from the Philadelphia College of Pharm.acy. Fol- 
 lowing this he read medicine with Prof. A. W. 
 Miller, of the University of Pennsylvania, and at 
 the same time took lectures, graduating in the 
 Class of '81. For some time thereafter he was the 
 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. 
 He immediately came West and located at High- 
 land, 111., where he was successfully engaged in 
 the practice of his profession until February, 1885, 
 when he went to Europe for the advantages of 
 further study and prei)aration for his work. He 
 spent some time in Berlin, Vienna, Jlunich 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- 
 iiiaii language, lie then returned to his lionje in
 
 396 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 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 i)Ossessed of much native tact and a 
 broad knowledge of manlvind, 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 whethei- they want to live or die) 
 with whom every physician has more or less to do, 
 very much in tlie notion of living. There is a 
 sunshine in the presence of the man which pen- 
 etrates and dispels tlie gloom hanging about the 
 chronic sufferer, and there is a heartiness in his 
 greeting, coupled with a generous sympatliy, 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 bj- his professional brethren. 
 
 lie was marrried to Miss Minna Fleer, a daugh- 
 ter of .]. H. Fleer, a native of Herford, Germany, 
 their union taking place October 31, 1883. It has 
 resulted in the birth of tliree bright little children: 
 Else Charlotte, Henry Frank and Anita Emma. 
 Dr. Raab is a member of tlie Kniglits of Pythias, 
 tlie Illinois Jledical 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. ."^Ol South Iligli Street. 
 
 WjILLIAM WINKELMANN. The honest dis- 
 charge of every trust reposed in his hands, 
 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 Winkelmann long 
 since to be classed as one of the leading citizens of 
 this part of the State. All that he has achieved or 
 o-ained 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 2fith 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 nu)nths 
 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 Jefferson County, Mo. There he con- 
 tinued the same occupation. 
 
 At the end of six month, young Winkelmann 
 bought a wagon and team and hauled iron ore 
 from Pilot Knob and Iron Mountain to St. Cene- 
 vieve, a distance of twenty-five miles. .\t the 
 end of two years, he sold his wagon and traded 
 his horses for a saloon in Caledonia, Washington 
 County, Mo. On the 7tli of November, 1850, he
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 397 
 
 was married at Judge Pen- v man's; to Miss Elizabeth 
 Hangei'. an American lad.v, and tlie next day left 
 for the Prairie State, landing at Monroe City, 
 Monroe County. At that place he conducted a 
 successful saloon business for two yeai-s. and during 
 this time he became convinced that: 
 
 "Honor and shame from no conditions rise. 
 .\ct well your part, there all the honor lies." 
 
 While 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 ditticultics 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. ]}. I'nderwood, of Belleville, 
 to read law in his ottice .and in a week had read 
 "Blackstone" through. The following spring he 
 was admitted to the 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 he removed his case to the 
 'Supreme 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 
 brought him in from >!8.(IOO to^Ki.dOO per year. 
 He made large investments in landed property and 
 at the present time is the owner of twentj- 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(tO. 
 
 Alwaysa Democrat, ^Ir. Winkelmann frequently, 
 in heated campaigns, takes the stump, and his 
 speeches are noted for gc>od, 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. Asa 
 lawyer, he is well read, and .is 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 lime, being in a bad 
 humor, said to our subject: '-Mr. Winkelmann. you 
 give me more trouble than any other member of 
 the Bar." C^uick ,as a tlash came the ausner from 
 
 Mr. Winkelmann: "May it plcise the Court, I have 
 more business than any other memlter 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. Wiukelmann became the owner of 
 the Belleville fair grounds, and the purchase price 
 and improvements he has made on this have cost 
 him *40,000. 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 As.so- 
 ciation. Jlr. 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 thC daughter of 
 Maj. Wooters, of Monroe County. Her husband, 
 Isaac Shook, was a farmer near Belleville. One 
 sou. William, was born to our subject's first union. 
 He died in 188.5, when thirty-two veal's of age. 
 Mrs. Winkelmann is a member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church and is a woman of true culture 
 and refinement. Their plc.isant home is located 
 at Xo. 417 B Street. 
 
 APT. MILTOX M( KAKI.AM). 
 
 The 
 
 ill -, original of this notice is the pleasant and 
 ^^^^ acc-ommodating Superintendent of theM'ig- 
 gins Ferry Company under ('apt. Sackraann. He 
 has a thorough undei-standing of his business and 
 is one of the most ellicient men in the em|)loy of 
 this company. 
 
 The grandfather of our subject was a planter in 
 North Carolina, of Scotch descent, and the father 
 w!is born in the same SUito, where he turned to 
 .agricultural pursuits. When a young man. he 
 emigrated to Mi-ssouri and made a settlement at 
 Farmington, where he married and bought a farm 
 of one hundred and sixty acres, which he improved
 
 398 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 and operated until 1866, when he came to St. Louis. 
 Here lie lived retired until his death in 1873. 
 He was a quiet, easy-going man, and a Democrat 
 in politics, often serving in township otflces. He 
 was a member of the Presbyterian Church. The 
 mother of our subject was Amanda Frezclle, who 
 was born in North Carolina, and died at her home 
 in 1865. 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 Wav in the Confederate 
 army. 
 
 The original of this slietch was 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 the 
 farm until he was tired of its duties, and as there 
 was no school during the war, he learned little in 
 books in those disastrous years. In 1866, he came to 
 St. Louis and obtained employment with the Clii- 
 cago & Alton Railroad Transfer Company in Fast 
 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 Capt. Pernoe, and then for Capt. Trendley on 
 the same boat. He worked his way until he be- 
 came pilot on the old ''Simon C. Christy," and for 
 five or six years he remained as pilot, but in 18H0 
 he became Captain of the old "Springfield" and ran 
 it for four years. He then became Captain on the 
 tug "Samuel C. Chibb," and for throe years he ran 
 that noisy little boat and had charge of various 
 other boats until in 1890 he was made Assistant 
 Superintendent under Capt. H. Sackmaiin and this 
 important post, requiring a man of energy and ex- 
 perience, he has lield ever since. 
 
 Our subject was married in East St. l>ouis, in 
 1873, to Charlotte Miller, a native of Buffalo, 
 N. Y. They have five children living: Harvey, 
 Floyd, Lotta, Pearl and Freddie. Tlie Captain is 
 a member of the Knights of Honor and the Unifoi'in 
 Rank of the Knights of Honor, and in polities is a 
 Democrat, but lives too busy a life to care for otlioe. 
 He has clung to the faith of his ancestors and 
 attends the Presbyterian Churcli. 
 
 Capt. McFarland, like all the other captains in the 
 employ 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 
 peculiar spirit of friendliness about these good 
 captains which makes them pleasant men to meet, 
 and they all have long tales of -experiences which 
 never happen to men in other lines, which they tell 
 for the stranger's entertainment. Long live Capt. 
 McFarland. 
 
 ^ IfelLLIAM .1. MILLER. One of the finest 
 \/\j// f'**'''^* i'^ Smithton Township and the first 
 W^ i'l St. Clair County proper that was set- 
 tled, is the one upon which our subject 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. Tiie 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 (iovernment, 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, 188.!. 
 
 The mother of our subject was Christina Karls- 
 kind, daughter of Sebastian Karlskind, a farmer of 
 this county. Michael Miller had six children and 
 all arc living, as follows: Magdalena, wife of N. 
 J. Biebel, who lives in this county; Peter, who 
 also lives in this county; Josejih E. and D. F., who 
 live here; Mary, Mrs. Eckert; and W. .]. The 
 father, a wealthy man, was a great reader und 
 took an interest in all educational matters. 
 
 Our subject was born October 30, 1850, at the old
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 399 
 
 homestead, was reared on the farm and received 
 his ediK'ation in tlie district scliools, sup])lemented 
 with a course of instruction at the scliool of tiie 
 Christian Brotliers in St. Louis. In Noveml)er, 1876, 
 lie married Miss .lenn\' Terrell, daughter of Isaac 
 Terrell, a farmer of this county. and an old settler 
 from Kentucky, wlio came here with his parents in 
 the year 1829. Our sultject has had three children: 
 Cora, Wiiiner T. and Don K., all at home. He has 
 a fine farm of two hundred acres under cultiva- 
 tion, and also a mine of wealtii in his Percheron 
 and French Coach horses, his Short-horn cattle and 
 Berkshire liogs. All of these are registered, and 
 first premiums have been taken at St. Louis at 
 different times upon various animals of his breed- 
 ing, besides many other premiums at various otlier 
 fairs. Mr. Miller is preparing for a sale of blooded 
 stock to take place soon. 
 
 Oiu' subject is one of tiiose progressive farmers 
 who have 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 State, if liis example is 
 generally followed. He is a valued member of the 
 (irange, holding the otlicc of Treasurer, and be- 
 longs to the order of Ancient Free and Accepted 
 Masons. Mr. Jlilier and estimable wife have a 
 high standing in the neighborhood, and the suc- 
 cess which h.as crowned the efforts of our subject 
 has earned for him the good opinion of all. 
 
 m>^<^ 
 
 J^, NTH(JNY ISCH. Cashier of the Working- 
 Ol men's Banking Company, has held his po- 
 sition since December, 1885, and has 
 (^ proved himself the right man in the right 
 
 place. He was born at Centreville Station, III., 
 February 24, 18.56, his father, J. X. Iscli, being a 
 native of Alsace. France. His grandfather was a 
 soldier in Napoleon Bonaparte's army and nuidc 
 the march to Moscow, Hussia. .1. X. Iscli was left 
 an orphan at the age of eight years, but w.is reared 
 to a farm life in his native land; upon attain- 
 ing asuitable age, he cntcrcil ihi' French arniv and 
 
 saw seven years of cavalry service. After receiv- 
 ing his dLscharge, he began working at the shoe- 
 maker's trade, and in 1847, while still unmarried, 
 he came to St. Clair County, III., and located in 
 Birknor. where he worked at his trade and also 
 farmed. In 1852, he was married, and located at 
 Centreville .Station, i)urcliasing a farm of eighty 
 .acre.> four miles from the .Mississippi i{iver, which 
 he successfully tilled until his death in 1875, at 
 the age of sixty-four years. lie was well educated 
 and spoke with equal Huency French, German and 
 English. The maiden name of his wife was Eliza- 
 beth I'flfcr; she was born in Alsace, Fr.ince, her 
 parents having been born in Lorraine. Her father 
 was a farmer in his native land, but after coming 
 to America in 183(5 was a resident of Rirkner, III., 
 where he was called from life. Mrs. Isch died in 
 1874, at the age of fortj- years, having become the 
 mother of nine children, seven of whom grew to 
 maturity and si.x 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 isa 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 Bryant & 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. I^oiiis to sell 
 his i)roduce. Through liis efforts, the family was 
 kept together, but, when just .about to gi-aduate 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 
 tlic burden of the farm from his shoulders and 
 thus freed, he came to the city .is Assistant Cashier 
 in the Workingmen's Banking Company, but in 
 December of the same year he was made Cashier. 
 This establishment vv.as organized in 1870 with a 
 capital of ^50,000, which has since been increased 
 to 4! 1511,111)0. He is one of the largest stockholders 
 and also a Director. He is a stockholder in the
 
 400 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 First Mutual Loan Association, the Etna Building 
 A Loan Association and tlie Missouri Guarantee 
 Building & Loan Association. 
 
 Our subject was married in St. Mary's, Mo.. Du- 
 cember 29, 1890, to Miss Mary Kreilicli, who was 
 born in Belleville, II!., a daughter of Frank Krei- 
 licli, of Lorraine, France. Mr. Isch is a wide-awalie, 
 wiiole-souled j'oung business man, is shrewd and 
 practical, 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 
 Cenlreville Station, he served in the capacity of 
 Township Clerk one year. He belongs to St. Pat- 
 rick's Catholic Church. 
 
 ^^^ a means 
 
 D. VAN BLARCOM is a gentleman of 
 h experience in real estate, both as 
 of speculation and permanent in- 
 vestment. For soundness of judgment and keen 
 appreciation of liigh-grade real-estate values, he has 
 not his superior in the county; and, being promiit, 
 energetic and tlioroughly 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 his most regular 
 clients leading citizens in all walks of life. He was 
 born in Paterson, N. J., November 28, 1845, to the 
 Hon. J. V. R. Van Blarcom, also a native of Pat- 
 erson, through whom he traces his ancestry back 
 tliirteen generations to the first settlers of Hobo- 
 ken, N. J., who came from Holland in 1640. The 
 paternal grandfatiier, Braut Van Blarcom, was born 
 in New Jersey and was a land-owner and agricul- 
 turist of that State. Tlie fatlier of tlie subject of 
 this sketcii was a merchant, but later beoaiue 
 known tliroughoutthe State as a leading politici^m, 
 and for some time was a member of the Legisla- 
 ture of New Jersey, elected on the Democratic 
 ticket. He died in 1857, when just in the meridian 
 of his political career, at the age of thirty-nine 
 years. His wife was Eupliemia Dixon, wlio was 
 born m Paterson. N. J., a daughter of William 
 Dixon, wiiose grandfather was a member of a 
 
 wealthy family of Steelville, England. The mother 
 died in 1850, and three of her six cliildren survive 
 her: Gertrude,wife of J. D. Mercclis; J. C, Cashier 
 (if the National Bank of Commerce, of St. Louis; 
 and W. I)., the subject of this sketch. 
 
 \\. 1 ). Van Blarcom was reared in Paterson and 
 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 Jer- 
 sey and went to Trenton to enter tlie 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 1865, he 
 turned his footsteps Westward, and in October of 
 that year reached St. Louis, wlie're 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, and 
 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 Chicago fire. Mr. Van Blarcom then became 
 manager for several Eastern insurance companies, 
 and had the largest agency of anyone in St. Louis. 
 He was a Director in the Commercial Insurance 
 Company of St. f.ouis, 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 solicitation of a mining company in St. Louis, 
 and remained there as Suiierintendent and Busi- 
 ness Manager for three years. While there, he 
 learned to speak the Spanish langu.age and acquired 
 some interest in mining stock, which he worked
 
 -y
 
 ^^-^ 
 
 "kVl/
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 403 
 
 for some time and then sold out. He returned 
 North in 18811, and, after some thought, decided 
 1(1 l(i("iti' in East St. Louis, for lie liolieved that 
 thi' town iiad a brilliant- future liduie it, and has 
 been a resident of tiie jilaee since .January, 1890. 
 He lirst opened a real-estate ottice on liroadway, 
 hut in 181)1 located at the corner of Hro'idvvay and 
 Collinsville Avenue. He makes a specialty of hioji- 
 grade business and investment i)roperty and has 
 made more sales than any otiier real-estate .agent 
 in the city. He sold at one time seven hundred 
 acres of land near the stock-yards, which was the 
 largest single acreage sale made in the county, ami 
 which required the most com|>rehensive judgment 
 and finest tinancial ability. His sagacity, skill and 
 invariable success have made his name a mascot to 
 any real-estate enterprise. 
 
 Mr. A'an Hlarcom was married in 'I'ruy. N. Y., in 
 1869, to Miss Fannie Couant, a native of that city 
 and a daughter of A. .1. 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. ^'aM r>larc(ini was leared in SI. Louis and is 
 lincl\ educated. She has liornc her husband si. \ 
 children: W. l).,.Tr.; Howell, IJlanche. Carrie, Dixon 
 and Conant. Mr. Van Hlarcom is a Knight 
 Templar, A. F. & A. M; belongs to the order of 
 Elks, and, politically, is a Republican of the most 
 l)ron(uuic('d type. 
 
 w. 
 
 TiOHN SEIHKRT. one (if the ni.ist txtensivc 
 land-owners of .St. Clair County and .m 
 highly respected citizen, residing on sectinn 
 _ :\\. Shi loll \'alley 'ruwnshiii.cl:iim>( irrniany 
 as the land of his nativity. He wa- buin .M;irch 
 •_'7. I.sl'.l. .•iiid is a snn of ,Iohn .'MhI ( alhcrinc Sri- 
 bert. Ix.th <>!' whtini were n.'ilives nf ( )bnsl:i(lt . 
 (iernnmy. The father was rca reel in the cily.lml 
 was a farmer by occupation. When a ynunu man, 
 lie was married, and by the union were Ijopi Ihrce 
 
 Id 
 
 sons: Balth, George A. and .Tohn. The father 
 died when our subject w.as only about six years of 
 age. In religious belief, he was a Lutheran. His 
 widow afterward came to this country, cros.sing 
 the Atlantic in 18.S2, and at once located in St. 
 Clair County. HI., where she spent the remainder 
 of her life, dying in 1852. 
 
 Tiie subject of this sketch receivc^d l)ut 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 by purchasing two hun- 
 dred and eighty-eight acres of (iovernment land, a 
 wild and unim|iroved tract, upon which not a furi'ow 
 had been turned or an improvement made. Of his 
 success he may be truly jiroud. for it is evidence of an 
 industrious and enterprising life, characterized by 
 perseverance and good management. .\s his finan- 
 cial resources have increased, he has extended the 
 boundai'ies of his farm until it now comprises one 
 thousand acres of valuable land. 
 
 As a companion and helpmate on life's journey, 
 Mr. Seibert chose Miss Dorothea, daughter of Wen- 
 die and Anna Knobeloch. Ller father was a pio- 
 neer of Shiloh Valley, and one of the wealthy and 
 public-spirited citizens of the township. Ten 
 children gi-aced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Seibert, 
 seven of whom are yet living, as follows: Mary, 
 wife of Henry Fries; George, Charles; Augusta, 
 wife of Henry (Jauch; Bertha, wife of George 
 Kuestci-; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Hebler, .and 
 Otto. The mother of this family was called toher 
 final resl on the 28tli of .Sei)tember, 1891. Mr. 
 and .Mrs. .Si'llicrt had traveled life's journey to- 
 ii'elhcr for forty-ti\i' ye;irs as man and wife, shar- 
 ing with i-Mi'h other the joys and sorrows, adversi- 
 ties .'ind |Hosp(M ilii's of life. She was a faithful 
 coniji.Hi'ion and liclpm:ite to him. a devoted wife, 
 ■A lo\iiig niotliiT ;uid :i rlierished friend, whose loss 
 was dee|ily rcgictted Ihroughout the entire com- 
 ninnily. 
 
 In poliiicil sciiiiiiH'iil. Ml'. .Seibert isa Democrat. 
 He is also ;i si'lt'-iiKide man, whose possessions stand 
 MS a monument l(> his own labor. Overcoming the 
 olisiaclcs in his path, he has steadily nuMintcd the 
 laddc)' of success afpl h;is not oiih Mif^dc ,i guui]
 
 404 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 home for himself but has also given his children 
 good homes. He is a man of sterling worth and 
 integrity and has tlie respect and confidence of all 
 who know him. 
 
 •4 Wi 
 
 -^ 
 
 'Jl P^/ RANCIS MAULE, Vice-president and Sec- 
 m^; retary of tiie IMaulc and tlie National Coal 
 /MS ^ 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 tlie 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 lie has spent the greater part of 
 his life, he is well and favorably known as a 
 worthy representative of an honored family. 
 
 Elsewhere iu 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 
 count}'. About one-fourth of a mile west of the 
 Maule is the National Mine, which is located on 
 the line of the Belleville it Carondelet Railroad 
 and contains complete equipments for shaft min- 
 ing. Tlie yards and offices of the Maule Company' 
 are located at No. 17 Clark Avenue, St. Louis, and 
 there is a branch offlce at East St. Louis. The 
 financial position of the company is assured, and 
 in business circles they have attained i)ioniinence 
 and great infiueuce. 
 
 The parents of our subject were John and ]\Iai'- 
 garet (Archibald) Maule, natives of Scotland. The 
 mother died in August, 1870, Umving three children 
 beside our subject: Maggie, Mrs. John Doaii; Jean- 
 nette, who is the wife of Fairly Neilson; and Rob- 
 ert, who is Superintendent of the Maule Coal 
 Company. Francis, of this sketch, was born at 
 Casey villc. III., February 28, 1865, and passed his 
 childhood days in mingled play and study. His 
 education waS completed at the High School of 
 
 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 Maule, Coal Company in 1888, two years 
 after the mine was opened. From the time of its 
 inception, he has been identified with tliecompany, 
 and to his energy no little degree of its success is 
 to be attributed. The local affairs of the city of 
 Belleville and all enterprises of a public nature arc 
 sure of his deepest interest and unswerving devo- 
 tion, and, although by no means a partisan, he is 
 a stanch supporter of the Denioci'atic part}-. 
 
 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 Mr. 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 position 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 
 children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Maule, 
 who are Sarah, Elizabeth. Beatrice and John T. 
 
 
 ;h'®h 
 
 i^ ^» •" 
 
 ^I^^REDERICK KOEBERLIN. M. D. The sub- 
 \h=^ ject of the following sketch, the oldest phy- 
 /1\ sician of the town of Freeburg, was born 
 
 iu the village of (Iriesbach, in the province of 
 Bavaria, (ierinany. in 18:31, and there he remained 
 until the vear IST)!. His descent was through a 
 line of ministers on liotli 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 
 obtained his education at Augsburg, and came
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 405 
 
 to this eonntry in the year 1854, having received 
 liis inedicHl education in tlie best sciiools of Ger- 
 many. 
 
 After reachim: Americii. his tirsl Ideation was 
 J^ancaster, Oliio, where he remaine(J a few months 
 and llien went to Carrollton. Hi., forming a 
 partnerslii|) with an American i)iiysician. t)ur 
 subject soon decided to find a larjjer fieUi. so went 
 to .'^t. Louis, and as a preparation for future en- 
 larged usefulness, entered the medical college 
 tiiere in order to familiarize himself with the 
 American terms used in practice. Remaining 
 there until his object had been attained, he then 
 hx'ated in the town of Freeburg. This village 
 then bore the name of Irbany. Kver since that 
 time, 18.57. Dr. Koeberlin has been a successful 
 practitioner in this place, relieving pain, curing 
 disease and soothing dying beds with skill, devo- 
 tion and kindness. In the year 1860, our sub- 
 ject was married to Miss Rosa Ochs, daughter of 
 Rudolph Uchs, one of the early settlers in the 
 county, having come here in 18."?3 from ins liirtli- 
 place of Fr.ankfort-on-the-Main. in (Icrmany. His 
 wife died at an advanced age. 
 
 Our subject became the fatlier of ten children, l)ut 
 only three have been spared him, and they are: 
 Jlillie, Erwin and Fred. Erwin is a druggist in 
 St. Louis. Dr. Koeberlin is a member of tlie St. 
 Clair County Medical Society. !Uiil h;is liehl tlic 
 oHice of President in it; he is also ;i member of 
 tlie Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and has 
 held all of the offices of the lodge, having been 
 Worshipful Ma.ster of the Freelnirg lodge for over 
 ten yeai-s, also a charter member, and has always 
 taken an active interest in the work of the fra- 
 ternity. 
 
 Politically, our subject is a lulicxt r in the doc- 
 trines of the Republican party: was a nicinbiT of 
 the Board of Trustees of the city for a iiuinl>cr of 
 years, and for a <inarter of a century li;is held the 
 office of Trustee of Schools. Dr. Koeberlin ha.- a 
 very largo practice and probably knows more of 
 the inside life of llie ef)unty of St. (lair, than aii\ 
 other man in it. lie is beloved and respected, :in<l 
 his judgment is relied upon when less experienced 
 physicians quail before some terrible scourge of 
 disease, a.s they feel their helplcssnos 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 his realize that he makes a careful 
 study of each i)articular case, and that his best 
 efforts will be put forth in their behalf. Dr. 
 Koeberlin keeps abre.ast with the times in his pro- 
 fession, availing himself of all possible sources of 
 information in his beloved profession. 
 
 / A^*= 
 
 \17 P:0NARD TRAUBEL. One of the old set- 
 I (j^'i tiers and pleasant business men of East St. 
 J ^v-- Louis is the subject of our notice, who has 
 resided here since 18r)9 and has .seen many of the 
 wonderful changes that have taken place on both 
 sides of the mighty river. The father of our sub- 
 ject was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and 
 f(>llowx>d 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 birthplace 
 was in Wurtemberg, Germany. 
 
 .Mr. Traubel of this notice was the youngest of 
 four children and was liorn in Hesse-Darmstadt, 
 M.ay 29, 18:?9. He attended the excellent free 
 schools of his native place until his fourteenth 
 year, when he liegan the trade of a baker under 
 his father. Our subject, however, concluded to try 
 his fortune in the New AVorld, and accordingly 
 set sail for .\merica. landing in New Orleans, .Jan- 
 uary 8, 1857. after a stormy passage of fiftj'-four 
 (hiys. although regarded by him :is a pleasant trip, 
 lie remained and worked in thai eity at his 
 trade for sixteen months, but in the spring of 
 I S58 came up tlie ri ver and located at St. Louis, and 
 there worked aUmg until 1859, when, in the month 
 of August, became over and located in this place, 
 whieh WM> then ciilled Illinois Town, and had been 
 laid out ill IS 17. lie bought out .Mr. Weis, wlio.se 
 name is an old and familiar one here, and in the 
 spring of 1861 built on Broadway and located 
 there. eni;a£;ing in the bakery business which he
 
 406 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 continued for thirteen years. Our subject had the 
 largest bakerj- liere and sold bread all through the 
 surrounding countr}'. 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. Tlii-s is 30x100 
 feet and two stories in height. 
 
 In 1872, our subject had the misfortune to lose 
 his bakery by the Ore which destro3'ed many old 
 landmarks, notably the toll-gate on the St. Clair 
 Count.y 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. ISIr. 
 Traubel was married here, Octol)er 15, 1859, to 
 Miss Annsteu Delht, who was born in Kur-IIessen, 
 German}', and six children have come to gladden 
 their hearts. These are: Karl, Robert, Otto, Will- 
 iam, Laura, and Anna. Mr. Traubel is well-knovvn 
 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 tlie 
 Chapter for ten years. Our friend is a true-blue 
 Republican, and boldl}- expresses his opinions 
 without fear or favor. He has lived through some 
 very exiting times here, and could fill a volume 
 with interesting i-eniiniscences of his eventful ca- 
 reer. 
 
 ®- „ ^=1<. J, >-f^ ■■,, -gi 
 
 J. LINDLY. The gentleman whose honored 
 name appears at the opening of this sketch 
 is a representative of the men of energy, 
 ability and enterprise who have made St. 
 Clair County so prominent in the State. His name is 
 associated with the rise and progress of its agricul- 
 ture, as one who has made a success of tilling tlie 
 soil and of improving thi; stock of tlie county by 
 earef u 1 breed i n g. 
 
 Mr. Lindly was born in Madison County, on it 
 /'aiiii about suvej) miles jiofth yf LcLiauon, January 
 
 20. 1831, and was the son 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 farming, and also was a preacher in the 
 Baptist Church, traveling about in that relation, 
 administering to the people in KiMitucky 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 the year 
 1810, at the age of seventy-five. 
 
 Our subject is doubly well born, for his revered 
 mother, who still lives in lienutifu! old age, can 
 trace an unbroken liiu' liack to tlie Puritan band 
 that came over in the "Mayflower" 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 
 Uonterinan, and was born near Ilopkinsville, Ky., 
 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 east of Edwardsville and lived and died 
 at that place. Mrs. Lindly, Sr.. has two living 
 sisters: Mary, who is the widow of tlie lamented 
 Julius Barnsback, a merchant of Edwardsville, who 
 died about forty years ago; and Lucinda, who is 
 the widow of Ross Honk, 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 widciw now receives a pension. He 
 engaged in farming after marriage and attended 
 to his religious affairs in tlie Baptist connection 
 as carefully and as conscientiousl.v as he did every 
 other duty in his path of life. He believed in 
 tlie principles of the Reimblican party and was al- 
 ways ready to uphold them to the last, he dying 
 t)ctol)er 3, 1863. He iiad been twice married, 
 his first wife being taken away in the first year 
 p1' h(.'r married life. The children u( his sec»
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 407 
 
 ond marriiige were mimerous, and from ttieiu 
 have (Icspended some of the best families of 
 this section. William Madison lives near Tana, 
 III., and married Lizzie Ann (Sears; he became 
 the father of fourteen children, ten of whom are 
 still livinsr. Lucinda lives seven miles north of 
 Lebanon, in Madison County. She first married 
 John Van Iloozer, and h.ad two children, one of 
 whom died in tiie service of his country. His 
 name was Henry, and he belonged to the One 
 Hundred and Seventeenth Illinois Infantry. Tlic 
 other son, William, was also a memlter of tliat 
 regiment and is still living. Lucinda married 
 .Jefferson Bergen and ha- four living children; 
 Hannah lives at Alton, and married Aaron Van 
 Iloozer, wiio was a farmei- 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 
 \vas 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 
 1882. 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 nuplhor. Two chil- 
 dren died in infancy. 
 
 Our subject received a common-school education 
 and had the advantages of a two-years cour.se in 
 an academy. Removing to Lelwnon in l.SfK!, he 
 has devoted his life to carefully educating his 
 childien, to the improving of his farm and to the 
 raising of fine stock, ^h: Lindly was married in 
 18.53 to Miss Amanda Palmer, and four children 
 were the result of that \uiioii. 'I'licy arc as fol- 
 lows: Joseph >'.. married to Miss Alice Carson, is 
 a merchant living in Lebanon and the father of 
 one child; AFadison X. is a Deputy I'nited States 
 Marshal, located at Soutli 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 pa.ssing 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 Inited States 
 Senator at Springfield, III., 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 
 tinal 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 Cluirch. and has 
 two children. 
 
 .Mr. Lindly of our sketch was married a second 
 time, March 7, 1873. His choice was Ella H. 
 Pierson, a native of New York, who was born April 
 2!t, 184(5. Two children have been added to the 
 family by this uni(jn, namely: Cleda and Albert. 
 The sons of Mr. Lindly 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 
 School 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 at)pearance is that of a strong and 
 rugged fanner and stock-raiser, whose contented 
 face tells of the success that has crowned his labors. 
 
 ^^i^l-^i-i^li^^i 
 
 =^i, DOLPHI'S NORTH. Like in.any of the 
 reijresentative and much-esteemed citizens 
 1\ of St. Clair County, III., Mr. North is a 
 ^/ native of the Keystone State, born in Mc- 
 
 Alistcrville, Juniata County, November 14, 1834, 
 and his parents, .John and Jane 11. (Mc.\lister) 
 North, were natives of the same coimty, the father 
 born in I79it and the mother in 1801. The elder 
 Mr. North was a merchant for many years in McAlis- 
 tcrville, 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, lu [lolitics. he affiliated with
 
 i-ORTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 the Democratic party. His death occurred cm the 
 17th of March, 1872, and his life companion fol- 
 lowed him to the grave on the 14th of August, 
 1890, when eighty-nine years of age. The3' 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, 
 Thomas Elliott, Amelia Evans, Catherine, Adol- 
 phus, Samuel Evans, Edmund Doty, 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 Miss Serena M. Franltlin, of Lancaster, Pa., 
 and has a son and daughter. Thomas Elliott re- 
 sides in Carbondale, 111., and is a merchant, a mem- 
 ber of the firm of North, Campbell cV- 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 years of age. The paternal grandfather of 
 these children was one of tlie 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 liis teacher for 
 the most part. The arduous duties of the farm 
 occupied his attention until twenty-two years of 
 age. but at the age of seventeen he had begun learn- 
 in'' the blacksmith trade, and continued this in con- 
 nection with agricultural pursuits until the former 
 a^e. He tlien branched out for himself as travel- 
 in" 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 
 out of the war, he returned Lo 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 ciiildren have been born to this union: Alice, 
 who died in childliood; James Calvin, Minnie M., 
 Joliii Edwin, one who died in infancy,. Samuel Dal- 
 las, and Henry 1)., who also died in infancy. The 
 eldest child is single and at home; Minnie M. mar- 
 ried Louis Reinhardt, a merchant, and has one 
 child; John E., single, at liome; and Samuel D., 
 also at home. 
 
 Mrs. North, a lady oi iinicli retiiiement and cul- 
 ture, died in January, 188(1, when about forty-four 
 years of age. Mr. North's second marriage oc- 
 curred on tiie 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 tliree 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 
 tlie lodge. In liis religious views, he is a Presby- 
 terian. 
 
 \T^s HILLIP ADAM GALCH. Among the prom- 
 I ))) inent agriculturists wiio were born across 
 ! f^ the seas and who iiave brought to this 
 J \ 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 country they 
 located in New York City for the first winter. 
 
 Mr. Gauch and family tiicn removed to Nor- 
 wich, Conn., but that place did not seem enough 
 like home to induce them to remain, and they went 
 on to Allegheny Cit}', I'a., from there to Belle- 
 ville 111., and finally to .St. Louis, where the father
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 409 
 
 settled on land about three-quarters of a mile from 
 Douglas, and there remained for a year. At that 
 time he was looking for a place for a permanent 
 home and found it in the laud whicli our subject 
 now owns. Here the family moved and the father 
 finally died. He had a family of eight ehildien, 
 only four of them now living. 
 
 Our subject was about twelve years old wjien 
 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 Ueorge Brenner, an early set- 
 tler here. After their marriage, the young couple 
 made this their home, but on the loth of December, 
 1891, tlie wife died. Her birth occurred in Ger- 
 many in 1848, and she had lived in this country 
 since her ninth year. 
 
 The farm of our subjec t contains one hundred 
 acres of highly improved land, on which lie raises 
 both grain and stock. He carries on a sj'Stem of 
 general farming, which lie has learned the secret 
 of making very jirotitable. Mr. Gaucli is nicely 
 located, his brick house and neat barn and out- 
 buildings reflecting great credit upon his taste. 
 He raises a great many apples on this place and 
 never has any difficulty in disposing of them. Mr. 
 Gauch obtained a better education than many far- 
 mer bo3's and is a very intelligenl man. He is a 
 member of the Evangelical Church and is higiily 
 regarded m this connection. Politically, he is 
 and has alw.ays been a Republican, and is a man 
 who stands well with every class in his neiglil)or- 
 hood. 
 
 34.4.4.4.'^^^ 4,4.,;»,^C: 
 
 EUWAHU D. SIUCJKKY, Deputy Kecoriler 
 for St. Clair County, is a man who dis- 
 proves the statement that a prominent niiin 
 never has a prominent son, as both he and his 
 father have figured conspicuously in the history 
 of this county. The latter, Maj. Aaron Stookey, 
 son of Daniel Stookey was born September 21. 
 1808, and was educated iu 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 family of six 
 children : Albert, who died in the array, 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 youngest of 
 the family. The fatlier, Aaron, lived on the farm 
 taken up by his father, and our subject still owns 
 [lart 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 1«. 1X92, 
 when she too joined the unseen throng. 
 
 Edward, our subject, received his education in 
 the public schools of Belleville and at St. I.ouis 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 fanner of that section. Mrs. 
 Stookey was born September 18, 1857, and is a 
 graduate of St. .Joseph's Convent at Waterloo. Jlr. 
 and Mrs. Stookey are the happy parents of five 
 children, Albert, Mary, Chester, Elmer and Cle- 
 mentine, and are very prominent members of St.
 
 410 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Luke's Catholic Church. Mr. Stookey is identified 
 witli the C. K. of I.W. C.U., and is Trustee of 
 Schools for St. Clair and Belleville. Thus briefly- 
 have we endeavored to outline the life of one of 
 Belleville's most prominent and influential citi- 
 zens. 
 
 J"" OHN GRIFFIN resides on section 25, Free- 
 burg Township, where he has a fine farm 
 of two hundred and nineteen acres. His 
 ' prominence among the citizens of St. Clair 
 County is the result of his straightforward deal- 
 ings with all, as well as the enterprise he displays 
 in the management of his affairs. 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 GrifBn, 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 reared and educated in the district schools. 
 After the death of his father, which occurred when 
 he was a child, he was taken into the home of his 
 uncle, John GrifBn, after whom he was named. He 
 was heir to 1800 from the estate of his fatlier, and 
 upon receiving it, when he liecameof age, he went 
 to school during one winter in Mascoutah. He then 
 worked out for a year, and carefully economized 
 his earnings in order that he might establish a home 
 of his own. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Griffin united him witli 
 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 11,500, paying for the land as he 
 was able. A man of excellent judgment, he was 
 wise in his investments, and gained a competencj^ 
 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 Land 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. Cooleyand Etling. He then bought 
 from Blaney Pitts the place where he now lives, 
 and about tiiree 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 has had a family of five children, of 
 whom but one remains. The children of his first 
 union, C3'nthia and Edward (the lattera physician 
 of Jackson County), are both deceased. John, born 
 of his second marriage, is also deceased. Arthur is 
 the only son now living. 
 
 The farm of Mr. (Trillin shows 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. Politicall3', he 
 believes in the doctrines of free trade as held 
 by the Democratic party, and is never backward 
 in showing his faith in the tenets of that party. 
 He has taken a great interest in educational mat- 
 ters, has been called upon to assiune the im- 
 portant office of School Trustee, and has served 
 his district as School Director for nine years. Mr. 
 Griffin has been a very hard worker, and his fine 
 farm and comfortable buildings prove his industry. 
 He has made all of the improvements on the place, 
 there having been nothing here luit a liarn and an 
 old well when he came. 
 
 Sii[^l^;ic^sil 
 
 /p^EORGE and PETER KANZLEK. W^ell-di- 
 II 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 tr.ade has advanced by 
 rapid strides, until to-day they are enjoying per- 
 haps the largest trade in the city. It may natur- 
 allly be asked, what has contributed most to so 
 great a success? Everything connected with their 
 business and their manner of conducting it lias
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 A\^ 
 
 oiuli and all cdiitributefl to tliis result. Tlii-y 
 have their iiiiarlers at Nos. 327 and 329 North 
 liliDois Street, Belleville, where tliey cater to a 
 medium and fine trade, and are always abreast of 
 tlie times. They have a large double store and 
 carry a large line of staple and faiioy drygoods 
 and oroeerie^. 
 
 Peter Kanzler was horn in Delli'vilk', 111., on the 
 1st of February, 18.50. to the marriage of Charles 
 1-". and .loiiannah (Rudolph) Kanzler, natives of 
 CJermany. Tlic parents were reared in their na- 
 tive country, and were there married. After the 
 birth of two children, or in IMIS. they sailed 
 for America, and in the same year located in 
 I'.elleville. III. The father had followed the trade 
 of a slioemaker in his native country, and he con- 
 tinued this after reaching Belleville. lie went 
 still farther and opened a shoe store, which he 
 cairied on witii much success until his death, in 
 .lanuary, 1H(!!I. Like the majority of his coun- 
 trymen, he was industrious and ptrsevering, and 
 these characteristics brought him in substantial 
 results, lie left a widow and two sons, (ieorge 
 and Peter. 
 
 The education of the latter was received in the 
 schools of Belleville, and, as he had inhi'rited the 
 thrift and energy of his father, he began clerking 
 as soon as he left the schoolroom. He was first 
 witli .1. W. Koska, later with Burchard tV Drees, 
 tlien with West & Fuchs. and finally with II. 
 Deideshcinier, with whom he lemained for a 
 period of eight years. About this time, he had 
 accumulated considerable means and a strong de- 
 .-ire took possession of him to embark in business 
 for himself in the firm of Kohl, Lind A- Kanzler, 
 dealers in drygoods and groceries. This i)artncr- 
 ship lasted for three years and then our subject 
 f)pened a small grocery store for himself at his 
 [Mcsent location. This was in" 1879, an<l after 
 continuing this successfully for one year his 
 lirother George became a partner under the liiin 
 name of Peter Kanzler it Bro. 
 
 During the year 188.'), 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. 
 Tiiev have carried on business under that title 
 
 .>ince, 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. 
 
 ^Ir. 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 Mi-s. Kanzler are the parents of three in- 
 teresting little children: .lohanna C., Charles Fred- 
 erick and Arthur Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Kanzler 
 are members of St. Paul's Free Protestant Church. 
 
 j;_^ ARKY FR.VNCIS PARRY. The bu.-ine.-,s 
 r)j, in livestock of all kinds engages theatten- 
 iV^ tion of a number of prosperous firms, and 
 (^J the number of animals received at and 
 shipped from East St. Louis, III., makes uj) 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 AVest is the Camp- 
 bell Commission Company, of which Mr. Parry is 
 the efficient manager. The compan}- was incorpor- 
 ated with a paid-uj) capital stock of -^12.5, 000 and 
 does business with the I'nion Stock Yards of Chi- 
 cago, I II.; the National Stock Yards of East St. Louis, 
 III.; the Kansas City Stock Yards, of Kan.«as City, 
 ^lo.; the Union Stock Yards, of .South Omaha. Neb.; 
 an<l the Union Stock Yards, of Sioux Cil}', Iowa. 
 The gentlemen composing this firm meet with suc- 
 cess that is warranted by the fact that they possess 
 the reipiisite (lualifications for conducting the busi- 
 ness, their knowledge of live stock and their ac- 
 <iuaintance 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 liy enterprise supplemented by experi- 
 ence. 
 
 Mr. Parry was born at Chester Springs, Cliester 
 County, Pa.. .lanuary I, 1853, to Captain Joseph
 
 414 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Parry, who was also born in that country, in 1828, 
 at which place the grandfather was also horn. The 
 great-grandfather came to this country from AV^ales, 
 in company with several brothers and was a partici- 
 pant in the Revolutionary War, after which he set- 
 tled in Pennsylvania where he spent the remainder 
 of his daj-s. The grandfather was a farmer, and on 
 his place in Pennsylvania relics of the Revolution- 
 ary War could be found for manj- years after. His 
 land was situated near Paola Monument, which was 
 erected in remembrance of the bloody Paola mas- 
 sacre, and was the scene of several battles. He 
 reached the age of eight3'-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 religious 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 1854, he removed to Del- 
 aware and located at Smyrna, where he engaged in 
 milling and farming, in partnership with David J. 
 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 unexpectedly was a great 
 shock to his family. He obtained his title of Cap- 
 tain while a member of Company E, Fifth Delaware 
 Iiifantr}^, being commissioned by President Lincoln 
 through Secretary Stanton. In October, 1862, he 
 was honorably 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 
 pounds. His wife's people were Friends, or Quakers, 
 and were of English descent. She died in Dela- 
 ware in 1861, having become the mother of four 
 children, two of whom grew to maturity: John 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 death of his father he 
 began working for a brotlier 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 
 cit3-, 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 whicli 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- 
 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 countr}-. 
 
 Our subject is a stockhohler in the First Mutual 
 Building it Loan Association, and the Second Mu- 
 tual Building & Loan Association; he belongs to the 
 St. Louis Live Stock Exchange, of which he is Vice- 
 president, is active in upholding the present gov- 
 ernment of the city, and was one of the three com- 
 missioners appointed by Judge Hay to assess all 
 propert}- 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 
 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 
 stock, he inherited all the physical and intellectual 
 vigor of his ancestry, along with the prudence 
 and good judgment which have always distin- 
 guished that sect, and has always been quick to 
 perceive and grasp at an opportunity for profitable 
 investment. His code of morals is of the Quaker
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 415 
 
 type, impelling him always to a just consideialion 
 of the rights of all with whom he is brought into 
 contact, and to a conscientious observance of nil the 
 proprieties of life. Thus he has won niHuy friend- 
 ships, which n\-o\\ stronger with more inliinatf ac- 
 quaintance. 
 
 ^Ir. Parry is erecting for himself 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 Mattic 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 187li, 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 Last St. 
 Louis he is considered a decided acquisition. 
 
 •^^ J- DANIKL. The Blue Grass .State has 
 /^^ given to Illinois many estimable citizens, 
 \^^ but 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 
 Kvans-.Snider-Buel Co., large commercial men with 
 a capital stock of *200,000. He w.as born in 
 Winchester, Clark County, on the 24th of July, 
 1848. to the union of Willis and Sarah C (.lack- 
 son) Daniel, who were natives of Kentucky. 'Flic 
 paternal grandfather was a \'irginian by birth, liut 
 an early setllei- 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 tirst 
 
 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 w.as next to the younge.sl in 
 order of birth of the children born to the first 
 union, was reared in Kentucky until eight j-ears of 
 .ige, when he came with his mother by boat to St. 
 Louis, in 185(5. They went b}- 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 1 870, when twenty-two yeai-s 
 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 ponj* for a 
 year. Afterward, he was employed b}' the Irons 
 Casting Company, w.is with them for six years and 
 the last year he w.as foreman in the cattle yards. 
 
 In 1877 he came to the National Slock Yards, 
 wa- in the employ of the company for three years, 
 l>ut has been familiar with the stock yards since 
 \xl\. In 1880 he became a partner with Little, 
 Jarvis i^' Co., acting as cattle stockman, and con- 
 tinued with them about four yeai-s, 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 
 nourishing 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 Nu. yM\ North Kighth 
 Street. 
 
 The marriage of our suliject to Miss Mary .M. 
 Yates occurred in St. Loui^ in 1877, and three 
 children have been given them: James H.. deceased; 
 Thomas .Teflferson. Jr., and Flato Willis. Mrs. Dan- 
 iel, who was born in Missouri, w.as reared in St. 
 Louis. In April, 1890, Mr. Daniel w;is elected a 
 member of the School Hoard and holds that position 
 1 at the present time. In April of the following vear, 
 I he was elected Alderman from the Sixth Ward. 
 He is at present Chairman of the Water Committee 
 and has held many positions of trust in the city.
 
 410 
 
 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 county and State conventions. Socially-, 
 he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is 
 interested in all religious enterprises, is Deacon in 
 the Christian Cliuroli and assisted in building the 
 church. 
 
 EDWARD .7. SCOTT. The agreeable and 
 popular Clerk of the Circuit Coiu-t of St. 
 ' Clair Count}-, 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, Joseph, of Scotch-Irish descent, was a ver}^ 
 old pioneer, who took up land when the present 
 State was yet a Territorj^, 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 da^'s 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 Count}', 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 liere 
 until the time of his death, about six years later, 
 at the age of seventy-seven years. The family 
 consisted of two sons, our subject and James M., 
 now of Ihintsville, Mo., who was a member of 
 the Jlethodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 Our subject enjoyed the advantage of an edu- 
 cation at Shuitleff College, in Upper Alton, and at 
 McKendree College. His career began on a river 
 steamboat, wliere 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, IMissouri; thence back to Ten- 
 nessee; then to Mobile, Ala.; and finally reached 
 home in 180;'). Entering the struggle a private, 
 for meritorious conduct he was promoted to be 
 (Orderly-Sergeant. 
 
 After his return, Mr. Scott engaged in farming 
 for a year, and then went to Duquoin, 111., to carry 
 on a business in hay, when, one year having 
 passed, he was .appointed a clerk in the Census 
 De])artment in Washington City, becoming later 
 a clerk in the Land Office. Our subject then re- 
 retiu'ned to the farm for two j-ears, after which 
 he wiis elected to the i)osition he now holds. The 
 old home farm, which his grandfather obtained 
 from the Government, is his, and it is a pliice of 
 interest as being one of the oldest in the county. 
 The title has never been out of the Scott family. 
 The marriage of Mr. Scott took place January 17, 
 1860, with Miss Mary E. Wilderman, a daughter 
 of Francis Wilderman, one of the old settlers. 
 One cliild is the result of this 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 pleas- 
 ant and entertaining wife are memliers of tlie best 
 circle's of society in Belleville. 
 
 -^^ 
 
 PAVIl) I). MILLER. Sixty-two years of resi- 
 ) dence on a farm must create an affection for 
 ^ 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 onl}' a short time, when 
 he came to this pl.ace and soon married Miss Sallie 
 Carr, who was the daughter of Henry Carr. They 
 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 
 
 417 
 
 veiy successful farniei-. at one time owniiio- two 
 large tracts of land in this county. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was horn where he 
 now lives December 11. 182'.'. lie was reared and 
 educated here and grew up to understand the busi- 
 ness which has occupied his life. He was married 
 in 18o() to Miss .Sallie Burnett who was the daugh- 
 ter of Alexander liurnett, a farmer on Township 2, 
 where Mrs Miller was reared. Two children were 
 born to Mr and Mrs Miller: Andrew O., who mar- 
 ried Miss Ella S. Smith and lives with our subject, 
 and James, who married Miss Lizzie Smith and 
 lives near. 
 
 The farm of Mr MiHer contains otic huudrcd 
 and eighty-two acres, all well improved, and upon 
 which great harvests of grain are raised. JL-. 
 Miller is a member of the Farmers' IMutal Henefit 
 Association, and politically is a strong Democrat. 
 Ha has held tiie otiice of School Director, and hiis 
 given such good satisfaction that he has served for 
 twenty-seven years b\- election. He has taken a 
 vevy active part in the conventions of his political 
 party in the county and in 18!I0 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 townshi)) com- 
 mittees. In his lf)ng residence here he has .seen 
 many improvements. 
 
 rDWAHl) V. BRH:s.\CnEK is a gentleman 
 who has held the in 
 
 |lw ^^'''^' ''='^ '"''•' f^'"^ important oftice of School 
 '1' — ^ Director for twelve years and is one of the 
 prominent and influential farmers of his locality. 
 He is of (lerman 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 when- his son 
 Edward now resides. 
 
 The mother of our subject, Christina Koath, 
 came to the United States about four years later 
 Uiau he who was destined to be her husband. luuU« 
 
 ing in New Orleans, from which pl.ace she made 
 her way to St. Clair County and married JL. Brie- 
 sacher the same year. These two carried on farm- 
 ing on the little farm they had l)ought. and heie 
 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 .lune 5, 
 183(i,is a farmer residing in Smithton Township, 
 just across from the St. Clair Tow-nship line. He 
 married Caroline \'ollnier 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 .luly 15. 18.50. is now a traveling-man 
 with seven living children; his wife is deceased. 
 Catherine is the widow of Frederick I'eters and 
 resides in Stookey Town-shij), 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 railmad man : 
 they have no family: and our subject. 
 
 Edward F. was reared on the home farm, where 
 he was born February 8, 18.54, 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 
 ."il.and cTfevotes him.-^elf to the pursuit of general 
 f.nniing with great success. 
 
 ttur subject, on the 12th of A|>ril. lf<.S(i. led to 
 tlie altar Miss Elizabeth .Seifert, a native of .St. 
 Clair Township, who was born just south of Belle- 
 ville. Her father, George, died in August, 187.5, 
 but her mother is still living, residing southwest of 
 Belleville. Five children have blessed their happy 
 union, namely: .hilia, who was called away ere her 
 linv lips could frame the nanic^ of licr parents; 
 Amanda, nine years of age; .Adolph. sc\en years 
 of age; Richard, five years of age. and b;iliy Theo- 
 dore. ju!t two years old. 
 
 Mr. Briesacher is independent iu politics, always 
 follows his own convictions, regardless of party 
 liues, He is a cousisleul member of the EvuugeU
 
 418 
 
 POUTRAIT AND BIOGKArilKAL RECORD. 
 
 ical Church, in which bod^' he exerts a large 
 amount of influence. He and his wife are people 
 who are widely respected and universally liked 
 and esteemed bv the entire communitv. 
 
 Ql.^i^l 
 
 IlkA AUTIN W. SCIIAEFER is State Attor- 
 ney for St. Clair County, having been 
 elected to that office in November, 1888, 
 '*' for a four-years term of service, and he 
 
 tills the position in a manner which reflects credit 
 upon himself and to the satisfaction of the people. 
 ]\Ir. Schaefer was born at the village of Troy, in 
 ^Madison Count}-, 111., on the 20th of March, 1857, 
 being the son of Jacob and Margaret (Noll) 
 Sciiaefer, natives of Cxermany, who came to Amer- 
 ica and settled in St. Louis, where the father pur- 
 sued his trade of tailor. In 1852, they removed 
 to ISIadison County, and remained there, the fa- 
 tlier pursuing his trade, until 1858, when they set- 
 tled in Lebanon, this county, where both parents 
 still reside, enjoying the evening of their useful 
 lives at peace with their neighbors and consistent 
 members of the Lutheran Church. 
 
 Martin received a better primary education than 
 falls to the lot of many boys, being educated at 
 McKendree College, at Lebanon, from which he 
 was graduated in the Class of '76, and which con- 
 ferred 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 
 ill the Class of '79. being admitted to the Bar in 
 Mav <if the same year. While pursuing his course 
 of law, he was leaching in this county, thus earn- 
 ing sufficient money to cany on his studies. In 
 1880, he entered into partnership in the banking 
 business with the Hon. Henry Seiter and .himes 
 D. Baker in Lebanon, which continued until the 
 fall of 1«81, when he eime to Belleville, and in 
 April, 1H83, was elected City Attorney, holding 
 that office for three terms of two years each, and 
 continuing in it until elected to his present position 
 in 1888. In the fall of 1882, he formed a part- 
 nership in law with William II. Sn3der, Jr., son 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 
 W^eigel 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 Otlio, all bright, intelligent, and very inter- 
 esting children. Mr. Schaefer is"a prominent mem- 
 ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
 and is Orand 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 bi'ight future for the studious 
 and painstaking young lawyer. 
 
 -^1= 
 
 ,^\ HARLES REMBE, M. D., who is engaged 
 (If _ in the practice of the medical profession in 
 ^^^' Mascoutah, was born in Ilesse-Cassel, CJer- 
 man}', in the year 1856, and is the third in a fam- 
 ily of five children, fmir of whom are yet living. 
 The father was for some years an officer under 
 the Prussian (iovernment. He died in his native 
 land in 1881; his widow, who makes her home in 
 Germany, still survives. 
 
 The Doctor spent his carl}- 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 America, .and in 
 the year 1872 crossed the broad Atlantic. He 
 at once went t,o Martinsville, Mo., thence to St. 
 Louis, Mo., and liegaii the study of medicine in 
 the Missouri Medical College, from which institu- 
 tion he was graduated in 1878. His preceptor was 
 Dr. H. Staudinger, of Marthasville, Mo. After his 
 graduation, lie removed to Fayetteville, St. Clair
 
 PORTRAIT AND TJIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 
 
 419 
 
 County, opened an office and began the practice 
 of his chosen profession, which he followed at that 
 place continuously from 1878 until November. 
 1890. On the ■22d of that month he came to ifas- 
 coutah, where he has since resided. 
 
 Dr. Heml)e was married in 1884, the lady of his 
 choice being Miss Lannie Alta Hogshead, daugh- 
 ter of Andrew Hogshead, a resident farmer of 
 W.ashington County. 111. Hy their union have 
 been l)orn two interesting children, both sons, 
 Kdward Albert and Boyd, 'riu- Doctor and his 
 wife are well-known people of tliis oomnuuiity al- 
 though they are numbered among the later ar- 
 rivals, and during their short residence here they 
 have won many friends. 
 
 Dr. Rembe holds membership with the .St. Clair 
 County Medical Society. He practices in the regu- 
 lar school of medicine and receives a liberal pat- 
 ronage, to which he is justly entitled bj- his skill 
 and ability. His office is located at his residence, 
 on the corner of Jlill and Chestnut Streets. In 
 his social relations, the Doctor is a Mason and a 
 Knight of Honor, and takes (piite an active part 
 in both lodges. Those who know him esteem him 
 highly for his sterling worth and among iiis pro- 
 fessional brethren he ranks high. 
 
 'il? V.MAN 1'. STOOKKY. M. D. The subject 
 III (^ of the following sketch is one of the lead- 
 | l^--^, iug physicians and surgeons of Helleville. a 
 grandson of Daniel Stookey (of whom sec sketch) 
 and son t>f Moses Stooke3-. Th? latter was born in 
 A'irginia in IT'.IVI, and when one year old came with 
 his parents to Belleville and was here educated and 
 Ljrew to 111.1 turity. He was a farmer by occiii)a- 
 tioii and lived in wh.it is now St. Clair Township 
 until the time of his death. He married Miss 
 Elizabeth .\iiderson, who was liorn in Wilkes Barre. 
 Pa., ill \x*^'i and came West witli her piueiils 
 about IHllSor IHld. settling in tliis (.■oiinty. The 
 marriage took place June 17. 1824. and they reared 
 a family of eleven children, our subject being the 
 youngest. They were .Saiiuul, 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; Eliz.abeth, now Mrs. Woods of 
 this county, tlie only remaining daughter; Bar- 
 bara (Mrs. Wilson), who died some years ago; J. 
 D., a farmer in St. Clair Township; Malinda (Mrs. 
 Gooding), now dead; M. M., a farmer and member 
 of the County Committee of St. Clair Township; 
 William, deceased; Emma (Mrs. Green), dead. 
 Tiie mother of this family w^as a pious woman, being 
 for many years a member of the Baptist Churcii. 
 
 Our subject was educated in the common .schools 
 of Belleville, and, displaying studious habits, w.as 
 sent to Shurtleflf College in Upper Alton. He 
 taught school for one term and then read medi- 
 cine, mainly by himself, so determined w.as he 
 to become a physician. He received some assist- 
 ance from Dr. Perry man and then attended lec- 
 tures at the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, 
 graduating in the Ci.assof '72, and at once located 
 here for practice, where he has continued in it 
 ever since. Appreciative jjrofessional brethren 
 have made him President of the St. Clair Medical 
 Society, and he is a member of the Southern Illi- 
 nois Medical Society. .V very large number of 
 enthusiastic admirers not only depend upon his 
 i skill as a physician, but also cherisli him as a close 
 and dear friend. 
 
 The marriage of Dr. Stookey took place October 
 I 22, 1867, with Miss Louise Brumbaugh, the daugh- 
 ter of Simon K. Brumbaugh, who died July It, 
 1892, in Blair County, Pa., having been born in 
 18()() in Ilagerstown, Md. On Sei)tember 27, 1891, 
 111' celebrated his golden wedding. Mrs. Stook- 
 ey was born October 2C,, 181.'). in Woodbury, 
 Bedford County. Pa. Tlieic have lieeii five chil- 
 dien n<lded to the household of Dr. and Mrs. 
 Stookev, three of whom arc living: Lyman B.. 
 .\dele and Byron I.. 1'. Nctlif .May and Bayard 
 are dead. Dr. Stooki \ i-- ;! man of prominence in 
 the Masonic fraternity, a nieinber of Lodge No. 27 
 and Past Grand of the Pride of the West Lodge, _ 
 I. O. (). F., being ime of its charter members. The 
 Doctor belongs to the Baptist denomination, but 
 Mrs. Stookey was reared a Lutheran, both being 
 valued members in their respective churches. The 
 Stookev residence is at No. Hi South High Street,
 
 420 
 
 POETKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 and the office, with drug store attached, at No. 14. 
 The family are highly connected in tliis neiglibor- 
 hood, and are most affectionately regarded in tlie 
 comnmnity. 
 
 ^.^^^^^ 
 
 AMU EL CLARK is a prominent and 
 representative farmer of St. Clair Countyi 
 now making his home on section 23,Shiloh 
 ^'alley Townsliip. He was born September 
 25, 1823, in Robinson County, Teun, and is a son 
 of Charles and Elizabeth D. (Miller) Clark. The 
 former was born near Richmond, Chesterfield 
 Count}', Va., and liis wife was a native of tiiesame 
 State, her birlh having occurred in Lancaster 
 County. The paternal grandfatlier of our subject, 
 .Tesse Clark, was also born in the Old Dominion. 
 The father grew to manhood on a farm, and, con- 
 sidering that schools at that early day were vei'v 
 scarce and poorly conducted, the education wliich 
 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 AVar 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 (|uite 
 young, but he was not content to settle down 
 to agricultural pursuits, therefore for a great 
 many years he engaged in teaching school. AVhen 
 about twenty years of age he was married, his wife 
 being but seventeen. He removed to Tennessee, 
 Init all of his children, with the exception of our 
 subject and one sister, were born in \'irgini:i. Ills 
 family consisted of eight children, all of whom 
 lived to reach their majority: Jesse M. has now 
 passed away; Mildred, deceased, w.as the \\\{v of 
 Rev. I.arkin Crulclier; Julia, the wife of .lames 
 Park, is also deceased; Elizabeth, who married 
 William C'ox, has since passed away; Charles M.; 
 Rhoda, deceased, was the wife of William Madox: 
 Samuel, the subject of this sketch; and Mtiria .1., 
 who is the wife of Bernard Strumberg. 
 
 On goitig to Tennessee. Charles Clark mach' ;i 
 seltltiueut in thu wildtnii.'ss juhI thure cleared niid 
 
 developed a farm. In 1830, with the younger 
 members of iiis family, lie removed to Illinois, set- 
 tling first in St. Clair County, where he took up 
 forty acres of land. There lie resided for .some 
 years, and then located in Madison County, where 
 he cultivated a farm until the time of his deatii in 
 1843. He was a member of the Baptist Church and 
 was liighly esteemed for his noble life and Christian 
 character. Polilically, he was an advocate of the 
 Democracy. 
 
 Fntil the deatli 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 h.as become 
 
 ■ an Intelligent and well-informed man through his 
 own study, reading and observation. Eor some 
 years he carried on the home farm for his mother, 
 
 I who relied on him to attend to lier 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., wiiere for two years and a half he mined 
 quite successfully. He then returned by way of 
 
 j the Isthmus of Panama, landing at New Orleans. 
 From San Francisco he look passage in a sailing- 
 vessel and was sixty days on the bosom of the Pa- 
 cific. He tiien returned to Illinois, coining up the 
 
 j Mississippi River, and purchased the farm where he 
 now lives with the earnings of Ins Western trip. 
 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. .\ll of this is 
 well improved and valuable property. 
 
 In llie year is."r2. Mr. Clark was married to 
 Sarah ]-;ilen lienderliglit, a daughter of William 
 and Lucy lienderliglit. 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 seveial years he has been engaged in 
 mining in tlic Rocky .Mountains. After the deatli 
 of liis liist wife, our subject was again married, 
 So|ihionia Merrill being the lady of hisehoice. She 
 is a daughter of Sylyesterand Susan (Variier) Mer- 
 rill. To our worthy subject and his wife the fol- 
 lowing (--liiUlren nei'e burn; S\lve»tei' M.;Susaji E.,
 
 Jaul^a^
 
 rORTRAIT AND BI«OGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 423 
 
 who i.-i the wife of Thomas Kerr; Samuel D.; Alfred 
 S.; Catherine E.; Jesse Frcderiek and Anna M. Mr. 
 (lark Is a member of the Baptist Church at Oak 
 Hill, and takes an active interest in its work. He 
 i.- a snpporterof the Republican party, whose cause 
 he does all in his power to forward. He is well 
 known throu^diout this county and section, where 
 he 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 growtli of the State and county, in whose 
 development he has very materially assisted. 
 
 ^— ^^ 
 
 HS. DOHA CANGE. The n)ost imperisha- 
 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 affe( 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. 
 
 Taul Cange was born in Natchez, Miss., Febru- 
 .Try 27, 1837. and was the son of French parents. 
 His mother, whose maiden name was Margaret 
 I'riiiout, came to America about 1833, and is still 
 living. The first wife of Mr. Cange bore the 
 maiden name of Louisa INIarniella, and died about 
 twenty-five years ago, leaving the following chil- 
 dren: I'aul, Louis and .loseph. Paul, wiio is a 
 farmer, married Miss Lina Hrickler, and tiiey have 
 four children; Louis is unmarried, and lives near 
 Oalvoston, Te.\.; and .loscpli, who married Lizzie 
 Kamsager, is engaged in .agricultural pursuits at 
 Wetaug, Pulaski County, this State. 
 
 The second wife of Mr. Cange lion; the maiden 
 name of Louisa Chivorou. and died in .hdy, 1873, 
 leaving;' the following children; Charles, whose 
 homo is in St. Clair County; Victor, residing in 
 I'ul.aski County; Edward and Frank, who live with 
 their grandmother near Hellexille; and August, 
 also a resident of St. Clair County. 
 
 20 
 
 The subject of this biographical notice was born 
 February 11, 1858, the daughter of Edward and 
 Minnie Twele. She was brought to America by 
 her parents when only eight years old, and came 
 to IJelleville 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 infanc.y. The others are at 
 home with their mother and are .Alinnie, William, 
 Jule, Adolphand Louisa. 
 
 The death of IMr. Cange, which occurred August 
 14, 1891, was the result of a sad accident. He w.as 
 run over b^- 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 line 
 farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which is 
 embellished with a substantial set of farm build- 
 ings, and contains all the improvements necessary 
 to modern agriculture. In the fall of 181)2, Mrs. 
 Cange moved to Belleville, where she now resides, 
 the farm having been sold and the money divided 
 among the 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. 
 
 •#- 
 
 Ir^EV. HENRY MEYER. The divine command, 
 \]\i^ "(Jo. ye into all the world and preach the 
 iii * (iospel 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 18(53 ho has never swerved from the 
 p:itli pointed out to him. lie is now the pastor of 
 St. I'ctcr's Evtingelical ( liurch in East St, Louis. 
 'J'hc f.-ither of our subject was Christian Meyer,
 
 424 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 who was born in Ovenstedt, near Minden, Ger- 
 many, where he harl a farm which he left to come 
 to the new, free country over the ocean. In 
 li<54, he accomplished this, but lived only a short 
 time to enjoj' his new surroundings, as he died in 
 tlie same year, a consistent member of the Lutheran 
 Cliurch. The mother of our subject, Louisa Meyer, 
 was born in the same place as was her husband and 
 bore the same family name, althougli no relation 
 to him. She died in 18.J4, in Ft. W.ayne, leaving 
 nine children. 
 
 Mr. Meyer, our subject, received a good educa- 
 tion in the excellent Cermaii schools and was fif- 
 teen when he came to America, making the trip 
 by way of Bremen, where he took a sailing-vessel 
 the "Wieland," bound for New York. After a pass- 
 age of thirt}' 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 necessary for him to put his 
 .■shoulder to the wheel in earnest. Me kept tlie 
 children on the farm for some years, stilling' his 
 desire to study for the ministry. However, in 
 1857, he was able to attend Concordia College, at 
 Ft. Wayne, and in 1861, he graduated from tliere, 
 after which he went to Concordia College at .St. 
 Louis, graduated from that well-known seat of 
 learning in 1863, and was ordained tiiat fall as a 
 minister in tlie Lutheran Church. He entered on a 
 |)astoiate at Hermansburg, in St. Louis County, and 
 later at Litciifield, 111., where he remained for about 
 three years. He was enabled to build a church 
 tiiere and was the organizer of the first congrega- 
 tion and was the first pastor. 
 
 1 11 1871, he came to East St. Louis, and took 
 charge of the membership here, which only in- 
 cluded about thirty families. Tins mission had 
 been started in 186.") by Rev. Mr. Burfiend. The 
 first services were iield in the old building now used 
 for a parochial school. In 1889, the present edi- 
 fice, called St. Peter's, was erected, and is a large 
 brick building on Eighth Street. The congrega- 
 tion lias now increased to over one hundred fami- 
 lies and tlie school has eighty pupils. The rever- 
 end gentleman has done a noble work here and re- 
 (■I'iyes the love and gratitude of Iiis flock. 
 
 .Mr. Meyer was iiiarric(1 in St. j.ouis ('ount\' ti> 
 
 Miss Mary Faulsticb, who was a native of St. Louis 
 County, and niirt children have been born to 
 them. Frederick is a clerk in East St. Louis; 
 Louisa, Dora, Minnie, Annie, Mary, F^mma and 
 Adela are at home: Matilda is deceased. The 
 gentleman of this notice is a truly good man and 
 lias the confidence of the citizens, irresjiective of 
 church affiliations; he is also a scholarly man and 
 has a veiy fine library, containing some rare books, 
 one of which is a Bible published in 1686. Mr. 
 Meyer is very pleasant and affalile and his knowl- 
 edge of German literature is wonderful. 
 
 ENIIY R. WHITE. The subject of this 
 sketch, residing on section 1, iMillstadt 
 Township, St. Clair Count}-, 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 Washing- 
 ton County and there our subject grew to manhood, 
 surrounded by 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 tliis 
 event our subject bought a farm in Washington 
 County, between Richview and Ashley, remaining 
 there nine years, when he sold that to come to his 
 present place of residence. Mv. 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. 
 Mr. and Mrs. White 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 cultivntion and Mr, White can look
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 425 
 
 at it with pride and take pleasure in the improve- 
 ments, all of them made by himself, only twenty- 
 five acres having been cleared wlien he came upon 
 the place. Kor Mr. AVhite liiere 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 lie 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 no ambition in that direction. 
 
 The Methodist Episcop.al Church is the religious 
 denomination to which our subject belongs and 
 with him his two daughters join, lu this body 
 they arc regarded as very highly respected 
 members and are truly good jicople. In his long 
 life in this county, Mr. White has seen many 
 changes, and remembers well when the flourishing 
 city of Hellcville was little more than an Indian 
 village. Seventy-five 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 i|uifi, 
 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 whicli 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 di.ssemblcd. 
 b\it has always appeared before the world in iiis true 
 character, honest in conviction, true to duty, faith- 
 ful in the right. 
 
 ^I^ rcil .M.VfKKY WILSON, .Iu>ticc of the 
 ]|')\j Peace and Police .Justice of East St. Louis, 
 '%y^ 111., was born in Rockbridge County, ^■a., 
 i\§)) fourteen miles from the noted Natural 
 Bridge, on the 25tli of August, 18.")2. His father, 
 Hugh, and his grandfather, William, were also 
 born there, and both were extensive planters. 'I'lic 
 latter died in 186:5, at tlie age of eighty-seven 
 
 years, his wife having been a member of the cele- 
 brated Mackey family of Virginia. Hugh WiW)n, 
 Sr.,soId his Virginia plantation in 18.58, and lo- 
 cated in Miami County, C)hio, where he became the 
 owner of a tract of land comprising three hundred 
 and twenty acres, which at the time of his death 
 in 1 882, at the age of sixty-eight years, was a finely 
 cultivated and valuable farm. He was a Democrat 
 tiiroughout life, and for many years was an elder 
 in tlie Presbyterian Church. His wife, ]Marv A. 
 Hobisou, was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a 
 daughter of .Io.seph Robison, a native of the Isle 
 of Erin, his birth occurring near Londonderry. 
 After a short residence in Nova Scotia, the latter re- 
 moved to Rockbridge County, Va., where he be- 
 came a wealthy planter. He also owned 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 
 ne\er afterward heard from, it is supito.sed that he 
 was murdered and robbed. He had been a soldier 
 in the War of 1812. In religious views he was a 
 Presbyterian, 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 .Tohn, 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 Rockliridge County, 
 A'a., to make his home with his I'licle Robert, and 
 there, after a lime, eng.aged in teaching school, 
 making a specialty of ])enmanship and book-keep- 
 ing, which he taught in different colleges of 
 Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. 
 He w!is very successful in this line of work, but 
 finally became a book-keeper for Wolworth k 
 Cowell, of Columbus, Ivy., the largest manufac- 
 turers of \\\\\\^ handles and stocks in the world. 
 He remained there five years. luit the schofil fa- 
 , cilities were very poor, anil as lie wished to give
 
 t26 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Ills children good educational advantages, he re- 
 moved from there, and in 1887 became a resident 
 of East St. Louis, 111. AVhile in Kentucky, he or- 
 ganized 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 
 did considerable painting and decorating, which 
 he found a ^jrofitable business. 
 
 lie continued to pursue this calling until No- 
 vemlicr 16, 18',)0, when he was burned out, after 
 which he turned his attention to the real-estate 
 business, in partnership with James K. Ewing, the 
 lirni being known as Ewing & Wilson, and until 
 elected to the position of Justice of the Peace, 
 A|)ril 5, 181U. he was a successful real-estate, loan 
 and insurance agent. His office 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 ilay on the docket. He is a 
 Democrat politically, is a Presbyterian in his re- 
 ligious views, and socially belongs to the Inde- 
 pendent 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: 
 Charles, Leah and Hariy. 
 
 =^S» 
 
 ^^ 
 
 ]t OSEPH HYACINTH GERMAIN. The sub- 
 ject of the following lines resides on the 
 northeast (juarter of section 9, Smithton 
 Township. His father, Hyacinth Germain, 
 was a native of Lorraine, France, horn April 11), 
 1819, and emigrated to America in 18.32, settling 
 near French Village, in St. Clair County, where he 
 bought land. Here he was married, August 22, 
 1843, to Miss Anna Maria, the daughter of Philip 
 Gundlach, one of the early settlers of this county, 
 who came here in 1812. After his marriage, he 
 liicated on section 10. Smilhtoji Township, where 
 )ir lionght two hundred acfps 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 
 the county at that time. 
 
 Hyacinth 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 Elizabeth Scheer, 
 who died in Missouri in 1888; Mary S., Maiy 
 Magdalena, Rosa, Katherine Agnes, and Jacob, 
 all of whom died at home; and Anna Margaretta, 
 who died at Colorado Springs, Colo., April 17, 
 1892. 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 nuich 
 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 was liorn No- 
 vember IG, 1852, on the old home place on section 
 10, Smithton Township, where he w.as reared. His 
 education was acquired at St. Joseph's College and 
 the Christian Brothers' School at St. Louis, and 
 at Vincent College, in Westmoreland 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 m the spring all returned home. 
 
 September 10, 1878, our subject married Miss 
 INIary Helena Mueller, who w.as the daughter of 
 Joseph D. Blueller, a prominent farmer in this 
 township. After marriage our subject located on 
 the pl.ace 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. 
 (iermain w.as bereaved by the death of liis wife, 
 Octobev 22, 1891, and she was buried at Wal-
 
 0«^ 
 
 01 o- 
 
 V\»''' 
 
 N^''* 
 
 ,NA^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIHCAL RECORD. 
 
 429 
 
 nut Hill Cemetery, near Belleyille. She was a nicm- 
 l>or of tlio Roman Catholie Clnircli and is veniem- 
 licicil Cor her lu'lpfulness in ovei'V j^uod ciiusc in 
 lu'i- cliincli and neighborliood. 
 
 In liis religious convictions, Mr. (ierniain is a 
 Cathdlic and is highly esteemed for his true Chris- 
 tian life, lie is a Democrat in belief, and has served 
 as Selidiil Director, being a m.an well known and 
 res|i('cled in llie community, lie is the owner of 
 one hundred :ind fifty-four acres of well-ini|iro\ed 
 land, and in addition to general farniinii' is also 
 su(cessfnll\- engaged as a stock-raiser. 
 
 \1l-^ \'(i\l MILLS. In choosing a pursuit in 
 ITjVi life, taste, mental gifts, opportunity and 
 l^\^ disposition to labor should be considered, 
 (^! as every young man who has any anilii- 
 tion to tiecome a respectable and useful citizen 
 desires to succeed therein. Tlie business oppor- 
 tunities in this country are great and arc open to 
 all. whether iiati\-e or foreign Ixirn, and all a 
 voung man re(iuires is to determine what his nat- 
 ural gifts, taste and capacity will .•uable him to 
 successfully grasp and prepare himsi'lf for and 
 when thus determined, industriously peiseveie 
 in his vocation, observing courteous and honor- 
 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 Cuinberl.-uiil, 
 in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, there was liorn on 
 the Cth of .Vpiil, is:^.'), a lioy who grew up to 
 sturdy manhood, ambitious t.o excel in th<' pni-- 
 suit of his (hone. This was Hugh Mills. His 
 father, Hon. .lonathan Mills, was a native of West- 
 moreland County, Pa. The grandfather, Thomas 
 Mills, was also a native of the Ke3stone State, 
 where he followed agricultural juirsuits until ISM, 
 when the natural advantaged of what was then 
 considered the Far West tempted him to nnive to 
 the Uuckeye State. He made the tiip by team 
 and wagon, settled in Tuscarawas ( oiiiity, and, 
 entering land, passed the remainder of his days iu 
 
 improving it. He was a soldier in the War of 
 1812, and inherited the sturdy, energetic eluaracter 
 of his Welsh ancestors. 
 
 lion. Jonathan Mills was reared amid rude 
 pioneer scenes iu Ohio, and. when old enough, 
 began working ou the Ohio Canal. Later, he began 
 following the i)ursuit to which he had been reared, 
 farming, and in addition was actively engaged 
 in stock-dealing. He w.as interested in the building 
 of the br.anch of the Ft. Wayne Hailro.'id, the first iu 
 the county, and shipped produce over It. He >vas 
 the largest stock-dealer in the county during the 
 war, and handled an immcnsi' amount of stock. 
 He was a very prominent lior-seman in the county 
 and had some very fine animals, owning the first 
 trotting horses in the county. In IS.'jG and IS;")? 
 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 1 «(')!». He was a local preacher in the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, and w.as very active 
 in all good work. Mis 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 the War of 1S12, andwas 
 present at the surrender of Hull at Detroit. He 
 was a brother of Gen. Downing, and of Scotch 
 descent. The grandfather was a farmer and dis- 
 tiller in his native country, and died there when 
 eighty-seven years of age. The mother of our 
 subject now resides in N'ew Cumberland, Ohio. 
 Of the nine children born to this union, seven are 
 living at the jiresent tiiin'. Two brothers served 
 in the Civil War. 
 
 Hugh Mills, the eldest of these children, passed 
 his boyhood and youth on the farm .and his edu- 
 cation was confined to the common .schools, taught 
 in the log sehoolhouse w-ith 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 horses, cattle and hogs. lie 
 remained under the [)arental 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, he 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., purchased a farm in Clay County, and 
 branched'out as a dealer in stock. 
 
 In the fall of 1861, filled witii a patriotic desire 
 to aid his countr^^, he enlisted and raised part of a 
 companj- — about twenty-five men — for the Sixth 
 Cavalry, but was rejected. He subsequently en- 
 listed, but wa.s again rejected on account of phys- 
 ical disability, but in the same year he was author- 
 ized by Dick Yates to raise a company. 
 
 After his war experience, Mr. Mills added to his 
 farm until he owned four hundred and eighty 
 acres of nicely improved land adjoining Clay City. 
 In 1880, he came to St. Louis, Mo., to engage in 
 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 
 tliis 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 b^y 
 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 the 
 firm, Mr. Mills has 7net with wonderful success. 
 
 Our subject resides at No. 716 Summit Avenue 
 and has one of the finest houses in the city. He 
 also owns a farm, and is eng.aged in breeding 
 standard-bred horses, Mambrino, Hambletonian 
 and Blue Bull, owning "Dexey," a pacer with a 
 record of 2:22^-. He was the owner of tlie Hist 
 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 Association, and is 
 prominent in all good work. lie was married in 
 Dunkirk. Hardin County, Ohio, in l^oG, 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 tlie 
 National Stock Yards; Emma, at home; Charles, 
 in the Kansas Cit}' Stock Yards, a hog salesman; 
 and Mary, at liome. Mr. Mills is a Chosen Friend 
 in the order of Masons, and in politics is a stanch 
 supporter of the principles of the Republican 
 party. 
 
 NTON SEHLINGER. The gentleman 
 whose name heads this biography is the 
 President of tlie Sehlinger Grain Company, 
 incorporated, with a paid-up capital stock 
 of 115,000. His son Tony is the Secretary and 
 Treasurer. Mr. Sehlinger was born in Baden, Ger- 
 many, Februaiy 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) Seiilinger, and settled 
 in Belleville, following the same occupation, that 
 of butcher, as his fatlier and grandfather before 
 him. The father died June 6, I860, leaving three 
 boys, Anton, Augustus and Charles, the two latter 
 now being in Louisville, Ky. 
 
 Our subject went into the country tliree 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 mariied 
 January 23, 1866, to Miss Louisa Faust, daughter 
 of Nicliolas Faust, of this city, and still contimud 
 at Mascoutah, finally becoming a partner. The 
 uncle died in 1878, but Anton contimu-d in the 
 business until 1883. 
 
 In 1887, he came to this pl.aee and established a 
 grain business with F. Enkelke, tiie firm being 
 Sehlinger tk Co. They dealt heavily in grain and 
 Hour and soon our subject bought out the entire 
 business, consisting of warehouse and elevator,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 431 
 
 with a capacity- of fifty tliousaiifl bushels; also the 
 residence and grounds surrounding it. Since tiiat 
 time he has greatly remodeled and improved tlic 
 property. He owns ."JOOxlSO feet on Sontii Abend 
 Street, from So. 800 to No. 812, and a whole 
 l)l(>ck on Kast Eightli Street. His house does 
 an iuimense business, being connected with the 
 Cairo Short Line by switches, and doing the 
 heaviest grain trade in this vicinity, sliipping all 
 through tiie country. In addition to tliis busi- 
 ness, the firm has a dour and feed store opposite 
 the market on North Illinois Street, where they 
 do a large wholesale and retail business. I Ic 
 is tlie father of six children: Tony, Mary C. 
 Lena .1., Anna L., George M. and Edward. The 
 family are members of St. Peter's Catiiolic Church 
 and enjoy the society of a large circle of friends. 
 Mr. Sehlinger's fellow-citizens persisted in elect- 
 ing him to the ottice 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 lime. 
 
 m>^~<m= 
 
 JAMES L. PERHYMAX. M. D. In tracing 
 the sjenealos'v of the PcnvuKin faniilv. wc 
 find tliat its members were originally fnuii 
 England, and that the first branches that 
 took root on American soil were three brothers, 
 James, John and David, who came here witli Lord 
 Calvert, brother to ]>ord ISaltimore, in Kio'i. and 
 formed a colony in Maryland. One became sec- 
 retary to Lord Calvert, another was a member of 
 the first Colonial Parlia i.ent, and the third be- 
 came prominent in the frontier Indian wars. The 
 great-grandfallier of our subject held an ai]point- 
 ment under the King of England which refiuired his 
 residence in the colony further South, in fact, m 
 the Carolinas, he being something of an executive 
 otKcer and military protector. 
 
 James S., grandfather of our subject, was liorn 
 in Carolina and reared to martial life. During 
 tlie Revolutionary War, he was witli the Colonists, 
 and reached the rank of Colonel under Oen. 
 Wayne. He participated in the liattles of Sara- 
 
 toga, Germantown, Brandywine and Yorktown. 
 After the war, he settled in Claiborne County, 
 Tenn., and married Jliss Nancy Coudra^', becom- 
 ing the father of a large family. His son, Charles 
 Mattison, fatlier of our subject, was born there in 
 180t), and there made his home until 1-832, when 
 he came to Illinois, settling near Lebanon, St. 
 Clair County. Later, he moved to Jefferson City, 
 Mo., where lie died in I8,51. He was a man of 
 superior mental attainments, being far ahead of 
 the majority of men in his choice and use of lan- 
 gii.age. The great ability to talk or write well is 
 cliaiacteristic of the Perryman family, and iii!in\ 
 of its members have attained distinction as oialdis. 
 
 Charles ^I. I'errymau was married in Tennessee 
 in 1829, to Miss Louisa J. Collingsworth, 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. Perrj'man, tlie eld- 
 est and only survivor of four sous, was born 
 Aitril 11, 1831. His brother Erederick died in his 
 lifleenth 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 tliirty-two years of age. 
 Tlic two brothers last named left children, most 
 of whom found a comfortable and pleasant home 
 with Dr. and Mrs. Perryman, and aie now grown 
 up and settled in life. 
 
 Dr. Perryman. the original of this notice, en- 
 tered McKendree College when in his sixteenth 
 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 
 oflice of Drs. W. W. and J. A. Roman at Belleville, 
 where he remained for some time. Later, he took 
 two full courses in the ^lis.souri State I'niveisity, 
 at St. Louis, being graduated with the degree of 
 .M. D. After pr.acticing for a short lime, he en- 
 tered and w.as graduated from the .St. Louis JMed- 
 ical College, and then took a course of surgical 
 lectures in JetTcrson Medical College, in Phila- 
 delphia, and also in the College of I'iiysicians 
 and Sursjeons in New York Citv.
 
 432 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Our subject intended to become a Professor in 
 the Universit}' of Missouri, but his father's death 
 disarranged his plans, as it threw the entire care 
 of tlie famil.y upon him. He took charge of tlie 
 family and educated his ))rothers in medicine until 
 the}^ became self-supporting. Tlie Doctor is a 
 ph3'sician of established reputation, and has 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, lie affiliates with the Republican party, but 
 has never cared to hold office. He often takes the 
 stump during heated political campaigns and, as 
 he has the family gift of oratory, he is warmly 
 welcomed everywhere. 
 
 On the 20th of April, 185;"), Dr. Perrymaii mar- 
 ried Miss Virginia Bradsby, daughter of Richard 
 Bradsby, an old settler of Kentuckj^, whose fa- 
 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 Bradsb}' came to Illi- 
 nois in 1804, expecting to go to Missouri, but not 
 being able to cross the river, settled in tins 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 
 has been marked by success. He is one of the 
 substantial men of the county, has a very elegant 
 home in this city, and is surrounded by all the 
 comforts of life. He has been in active practice 
 for over forty j-ears and gives his attention prin- 
 ci|)ally to diseases of women, nervous diseases and 
 surgery'. No physician in the county has a better 
 record in his profession than he. 
 
 The Doctor speculates in lands and mines in 
 Colorado, and owns much good farming land in 
 Missouri and Illinois. lie has an adojited daugh- 
 
 ter, Anna Mary Schaedel Perryman, who is now 
 seven years of age, and he has reared nine 
 nephews and nieces, never having had any chil- 
 dren of his own. The Doctor is a member of tlie 
 Catholic Church, but his wife holds inemliershiii 
 in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 i^mm^^^wmm 
 
 /^EORGE J. IMUSKOPF, one of the rising 
 jlj (— , young farmers of St. Clair Township, is a 
 ^^1 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, 18fi6, 
 being the youngest of three children born to.Tohn 
 and Catherine (Probst) Muskopf. 
 
 The father of .Tohn Muskopf, IIenrj',died March 
 3, 188;?, aged eighty-five, and his wife, Charlotte 
 Muskopf, died March 2, 1882, aged seventy-six. 
 These estimable peoiile came from (Tcrmany 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 Saxtou, Millstadt Township. His wife, 
 Catherine, however, died about sixteen years ago 
 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 
 heavenlj' home October 16, 1867. Both these 
 good people breathed their last in Millstadt Town- 
 ship. They had three children: Catherine, who 
 died in infancy; .lohn, who died at the age of 
 seven; and George .J., our subject. 
 
 George .1. Muskopf was reared on his father's 
 farm in Millstadt Township, and received a com- 
 mon-school education, as do almost all of the 
 farmer boys of this generation. While yet a young 
 man he started to support himself, working on 
 farms in various i)laces 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 childhood, our sub-
 
 jf^i ' r A^*^* ' '-100* ' "'■ 
 
 yL^ 
 
 O/y^^ 
 
 ^^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 435 
 
 ject bouglit the farm wliei'e ho now resides, in St. 
 Clair Townsliip, two years ago. It is a fine tract 
 of eighty acres, known as the .\ngust place, wiiere 
 was l)Orn Mrs. Elizaltelii Bornman. the oldest liv- 
 ing i)crson 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, whert- they reside, enjoying the respect 
 and confidence of all their neiglibors. 
 
 ^Ir. JIuskopf was united in marriage to Miss 
 Sophia Miller, daughter of Peter and Mary ^lillex, 
 who are still living, residing aljout one and one- 
 quarter miles north of Floraville. Tlie cere- 
 mony took place April 1. 1888. in Floraville, 
 Millstadt Township. Mr. and Mrs. Muskopf have 
 two children: Otto, aged three yeai-s, and John 
 Edwin, nearlj' two. Our subject is indepen- 
 dent in politics, always voting for the best roan 
 in his estimation for an office, regardless of 
 party lines. Ilis high sense of honor and gen- 
 eral fitness foi any 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 fill at various times most of the 
 offices that lie within the gift of the people of the 
 township. Mr. Muskopf and his wife are consist- 
 ent members of the Evangelical Church. 
 
 r ♦^•S-^ 
 
 \I?()IIX RA^'K. Xo l)etter representative of 
 honest, upright manhood can be found than 
 the above-named gentleman, an infiuential 
 ) citizen of Favetteville. 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, both 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 be was old enough to be of service, was 
 placed b}- his father in a woolen mill, where he 
 
 learned the trade of a weaver. He was quite 
 young when he married Catherine Kocher, and 
 they became the parents of eight children, tlu-ee of 
 wlioin were born in France and five in .Vmerica. 
 The onl\ surviving members of the family arc 
 .lolin. and ^lary, now the wife of John Neice. 
 
 David Rank, accompanied bj' his wife and three 
 children, emigrated to this country in the year 
 1846, and settled at Belleville, 111., where lie 
 worked for eight years as a brick-maker. .\ few 
 hundred dollars was the extent of his iiKuieved 
 possessions, but after obtaining the work which 
 seemed to him most lucrative in the vicinity where 
 he located, his true thrifty nature asserted itself, 
 and in 18.51 he moved to Fayetteville and bought 
 vill.age proi)erty. 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 185."). A man of up- 
 right principles and strong personal characteris- 
 tics, he w.as 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 iier 
 amiable and womanh^ qualities. 
 
 The gentleman with whose name we opened 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 Cen. Sherman, went to the 
 front. Among the one hundred and ten battles in 
 which he participated were those of Ft. Donelson, 
 Sliiloh and Corinth. He was captured at Resaca 
 .and placed in Andersonville prison, where he re- 
 mained twelve months. From Andersonville lie 
 was taken to Cliarlestown,Ft. Lawrence and Wil- 
 mington, and finally transferred to the I'nion 
 r.anks. He received many wounds during the cam- 
 paign, one being a gun-shot in the face, received 
 at Ft. Donelson, and he was shot in the left side
 
 436 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 and face at Shiloh. At Resaca lie was wounded 
 in tlie head, and also received a wound in his leg, 
 which resulted in his capture by the eueni}-. After 
 serving the cause of the Union nobly, he was mus- 
 tered out at Springfield, 111., April 12, 1865. 
 
 After returning home from the war, John Rank 
 married Miss .Johanna Waeltz, a daughter of Will- 
 iam and Barbara (Dressel) Waeltz. To them were 
 born ten children, six of whom are yet living: 
 Kmma, wife of Martus Aberle; INIary, John, 
 Adolph, Edward and Johanna. After his mar- 
 riage, our subject immediately commenced life as 
 u 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 his system, and he became a con- 
 firmed invalid. His indefatigable courage during 
 his many encounters with the enemy won 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 toanysol- 
 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 east his 
 first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln for his 
 second term. 
 
 KNRY BOEMKU. The intelligent gentle- 
 man whose sketch it becomes our pleasure 
 to place before the public is a teacher in the 
 ^^ graded school of Millstadt, 111. He has a 
 very |)lcasant home in this city, which he built in 
 1888, and there he lives in comfort, surrounded by 
 his books and music and attended In' his charm- 
 ing wife. 
 
 IVIr. Boemer of this notice is the son of Casper 
 Boemer, and his birth occurred January 31, 1859, 
 at tlie old homestead, 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 3'ears 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 his 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 extensively 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 geographj', 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 Wilkins, 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 time 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 couple 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 lie lias 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 has had all of the overseeing of
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 437 
 
 the work on tlie Society's building to look after. 
 He lias taken a great interest in all the musical or- 
 ganizations of the city anil has heen leader of tlie 
 band. 
 
 The Demoeratie party has a strong adherent in 
 Mr. Hoenier and his vote and influence are given 
 for that part\-. lie 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 lie combines i)leasurc and 
 business and travels for the IMervin School Supply 
 Company of St. Louis. At the last meeting of the 
 IJoard of .Supervisoi-s in October, 1892, he was ap- 
 pointed by that body .lustice of the Peace for 
 .Millsladl 'rownship. 
 
 \^^^ 
 
 y^;ILLIAM H. PHILLIPS. Here and there 
 among the fertile farms of the Prairie 
 „ ,, State maj" be found quiet, retiring people 
 of both sexes who have kept out of the vexing 
 whirl of life and have 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 the SOtli of December, 1832. 
 His father was Henjamin Phillips, a native of 
 Orange County, N. C, born in 1703. The father 
 removed into Tennessee when young, and was 
 reared there until the opening of the War 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 (iovernment near Freeburg, and located on 
 section 7, which had been entered by George 
 Wilderraan, and here lived until the time of his 
 death. His wife was .Sallie Wildeinian, daughter 
 of George Wilderman, one of the early settlers of 
 the county, who bore him the following childion, 
 of whom six are still living, as follows: Klizabeth, 
 Kmelinc, Sarah, .lane, Eliza and our subject. 
 Those who hav(- i)assed out of this life were Maria, 
 Nancy. ^Minerva. Patience and \'iii;iiiia. This sol- 
 
 dier of 1812 was a valued member of the Baptist 
 Church, and had served several years as .lustice of 
 the Peace. 
 
 Our .-ubject lii>t 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 hundred and forty 
 acres of land in a good state of cultivation, but 
 Mr. Phillips does not farm himself. He makes his 
 home with his sister Sarah .Tane, who w.as born 
 on the old place. Mr. Phillips is a Democrat, and 
 so votes when he goes to the polls. He h:is lived 
 so quietly that the great questions that prcxhico 
 so much angry discussion the country over do 
 not disturb him in his quiet retreat. Our subject 
 has never married, yet in his single estate has 
 doubtless enjoyed life fully as much as many who 
 have become benedicts, (ientle and unobtrusive, 
 Mr. Phillips accords to every man the right to 
 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 upright, and that no 
 wrong or oi>pression was ever perpetrated In- him. 
 Such may be truthfully written and .sai'd of kind- 
 hearted William II. Phillips. 
 
 ■jir^RANCIS .\. WILDKR.MAX. In every lo- 
 hr{§) calily reside tho.se who have successfully 
 'Ai, '" accomplished their life work and have 
 earned a .season of rest while the work is resigned 
 to younger and more eager hands. This is 'the 
 case with the suliject of the present sketch, who is 
 a retired farmer living on section 7, Freeburo 
 Township, St. Clair County, and is a son of Doi- 
 sey Wilderman, a native of Baltimore, Md., who 
 was born there February 11. 17!I2, the son of 
 .Joseph and Patience Wilderman. 
 
 The |)aternal grandparents lived first near Bal- 
 timore, Baltimore County, Md.; afterward in 
 Pennsylvani;i. ami then decided to remove farther
 
 438 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 AVest. 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 
 Joseph Wilderman entered land on section 7, and 
 there he made his home until he died. He was a 
 soldier in the Black Hawk War. The name of his 
 wife was Patience Loury, and they were the parents 
 of eleven children. John started with the family 
 but left them at Petersburg, went South, and was 
 never heard from afterward. George, Levi, Frank, 
 William, Henry, James, Dorse3', Betsey, Michael 
 and Sarah were the remaining children. 
 
 Dorsey Wilderman, the father of our sub- 
 ject, was married to Miss Phoebe Carr. daugh- 
 ter of Joseph Carr, a prominent farmer of this 
 county and an early settler, having come here in 
 1790. After his marriage Dorsey Wilderman lo- 
 cated on the place where our subject now lives, 
 and remained until the time of his decease. He 
 left eight children: Priseilla, 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, 111. Dorse}' 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. AVLld- 
 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 manying 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 our subiect contiinied to live 
 
 on this place, and here his four children have been 
 born. They are: Flora, 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 (iasoline 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, bvit his sons operate the 
 farm and raise grain principally. 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 any section, and make it to take high 
 rank anion"' the eonimunitios of this great State. 
 
 l^'OHN R, LYONS. Among the residents of 
 St. Clair County who have prosecuted their 
 life work successfully and are now enjoy- 
 ing the fruits of their prudence and energ}' 
 surrounded with comforts, is the gentleman above 
 named, who is now occup3'ing a pleasant home in 
 Marissa and has a sufficient income to aff(jrd him- 
 self and family a maintenance during the remain- 
 der of their lives. He was born near Winnsborough, 
 Fairfield County, 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 Jan- 
 uaiy, 1805, located in the above-named State, 
 where they followed farming. When leaving 
 their native home, they weie accompanied by two 
 children, one of whom died while en route to the 
 United States.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 439 
 
 Jn 18:33. Mr. ami Mrs. .lames Lyons came with 
 tlu'ir family and few woiltUy effei-ts to tliis coun- 
 ty, locatinjr on public land in Marissa, within a 
 few miles of where our sultject is at present resid- 
 ing. Tliey reared a family of four sons and three 
 daughters, four of whom are still living and occu- 
 pying good positions in life. The father, who was 
 a devoted member of the Reformed Presbyterian 
 Church, died in September, 1866, while liis good 
 wife, who was also a member of that denomina- 
 tion, preceded him to the better land by a num- 
 ber of yeai-s, her death occurring in 1852. 
 
 When reaching his twenty-tirst year, .lohu II. 
 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 Lyons commenced at the bottom of the 
 ladder, and so successful h.is he been in hi* social 
 calling that for a number of years he has lived re- 
 tired, able to indulge in luxuries and recreations 
 suited to his yeai-s and tastes. He owns five hun- 
 dred acres of land, the records showing him to be 
 one of the heaviest tax-payei-s m the township. 
 The entire amount luis been accumulated by energ}' 
 and persevenince. united with economy and good 
 liusiness qualifications, and the youth wlio may 
 peruse this sketcli could do no better than emu- 
 late his examjile. 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- 
 isiied, and the verdict of all who have known him 
 will be, "He has done what he could."' 
 
 The marriage of our subject witli Jliss Mary, 
 daughter of William and Nancy McKey, w.os sol- 
 emnized -lanuary I'J, 1843. Her parentj- 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, 188."), 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 meml)er of the Reformed Pre.-byterian 
 Church, and was alwa\s found to be acti\e in 
 every good work. 
 
 In the spring of 18'J2, our subject visited his 
 old home in South Carolina, whicli w.is his first 
 trip to the old place since ISo3, Jt was very hard 
 
 for him to realize that he had spent his boyhood 
 days there, the familiar faces having p.assed away 
 and the scenes ch.anged, until it seemed to him more 
 like stepping into another world. Mr. Lyons is 
 the oldest settler now living in Marissa, and al- 
 thougli 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 (I., entered, the I'nion army when nineteen 
 \ears 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 
 Rei)ublican party, but he is now laboring ardently 
 for Prohibition, standing high in the councils of 
 that political party. He is an houest, intelligent 
 man, has true hisli wit, and is a favorite with all. 
 
 =^^ ••• ^i^)^ •?• •-'•^ 
 
 -^ 
 
 \\r—7// SLIKPEIJ. Tilt' juliject vf this notice is 
 jlp^fe engaged in the saloon business in the 
 /1!> 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. J-ouis, residing there until his death, 
 in 1888. Three of this family of six children are 
 living, namely-: our subject, Christina, and Meiia, 
 who now lives in California. The birth of our 
 subject took place June Id, 1831, on the old home 
 place in Mis.souri, and there 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 1<S60, 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 year^. 
 He then bought a farm three-fourths of a mile 
 from West Belleville, removed to it and lived 
 there for a i)eriod of nine years. He then 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 Pollen, Mary, Louisa, 
 AVillie and Ida. Willie is opei-ating his fatiier's 
 farm, and the girls are all married but Ida. Those 
 who died were: Robert, at the age of thirty-one; 
 Louisa, who died at the age of four; and one who 
 died an infant. 
 
 Our subject belongs to the Lutheran Church, 
 and is very liberal and good-hearted. After he 
 left the farm he came to New Athens and engaged 
 in his present business. Mr. Slieper lost his wife 
 April 12, 1892, which has been a great grief to 
 him, but his children are all doing well, which is a 
 source of comfort to him. To these our subject 
 dis|)layed a generous spirit when starting them 
 out ill life. He is a very intelligent and much- 
 traveled man, having passed many years steam- 
 l)oatiiig on the ]Mississi|)pi River, and having made 
 trips all over the I'nited States. 
 
 ^^EORGE B. GEL WICKS, a retired coal op- 
 Ill' erator, is one of the leading and most pop- 
 V^!^( ular citizens of Belleville, having come to 
 this beautiful little city in 1850. Although 
 called awa}' from its confines by the voice of duty 
 in 18t)2, he returned to this place when his term 
 of enlistipent 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 prosperity and made 
 tlie fortune he now enjoys. 
 
 Mr. Gelwicks is the son of George and Mary 
 Ann (Stephenson) Gelwicks. The father, George 
 Gelwicks, was born in llagerstown, Md., where he 
 engaged in coacli-making and blacksmithing, but 
 came to Illinois soon after his marriage witli Miss 
 Mary Stephenson, of Baltimore, making the re- 
 moval about 1838. After arriving in Illinois lie 
 settled in Calhoun County and engaged in schuol- 
 teaching. In addition to liis efforts in an educa- 
 
 tional line, he owned and operated a farm, where 
 his death occurred in 1849. Mr. Gelwicks left a 
 family of five children and a faithful and loving 
 wife to mourn his loss. The latter is still living 
 and now makes her home in St. Louis. 
 
 Our subject came to Belleville in 1850, mak- 
 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 sujiport and entered a 
 printing oflicc, where he remained until Jul}- 4, 
 1862, when, prompted b^- a sense of patiiotic duty, 
 he enlisted in Company F, Seventieth Illinois In- 
 fantry. The regiment was sent to Camp Butler, 
 Springfield, 111., where our subject was detailed to 
 exchange prisoners at A'icksburg in that same 
 year. In October, 1862, he received an lionor- 
 able discharge, his term of enlistment having ex- 
 pired, and he returned home. 
 
 At first Mv. Gelwicks resumed his former occu- 
 pation, remaining in the olHce of the Belleville 
 Advocate for about six years, but about that time 
 liis attention was called to mining, and he resolved 
 to invest liis spare capital in a mine. Accordingly, 
 he purchased a mine on the Mascoutah Road, 
 which he operated for seventeen years. One of 
 tlie shafts was sixty feet deep, and the vein struck 
 was six feet through. This so encouraged Mr. 
 Gelwicks tliat he cleared off ten acres and gave 
 active employment to twelve men. As was onlj- 
 natural, our subject made a hirge amount of 
 money from tiiis mine, and wlien he felt that it 
 was being exhausted he disposed of his stock. 
 Mr. Gelwicks lias lieen 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 liis 
 tiire. 
 
 Mr. (U'lwicks was married to Miss May Cecelia 
 IMajors, born in Belleville, daugiiter of John P. 
 iNIajors, and thirteen children were born to 
 them, of whom but six are now living, namely: 
 Marv C., Olivia. Gertrude. Laura, Nora and Rich- 
 ard. Our subject is :i member of iiiQ Ancient
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 441 
 
 Order of United Workmen and Iron Hall. In him 
 Uie Methodist Church has one of her stanchest 
 menibeis, and lie and his estimable wife aio im- 
 jiortant factors in that body. Through tlie Build- 
 ing Association Mr. (Jehvicks bought and b\iilt a 
 neat little homo in 188.5. situated at No. 1010 
 Mascoutah .\venue. .Mr. (u-hvicks may well be 
 regarded as one of the representative men of 
 Helleville. where so many years of his life have 
 been s|)ont. 
 
 ^^^ ONRAD KII.IAN, a pi'ominent and pros- 
 Ill r PC'"*'"'' fni'iner living <m section 4, Smith- 
 \~^ tiiM Township, the suljject of the present 
 sketch, is the son of John Kilian, who was born 
 in (lermany in 1804, married Barbara Reinliart 
 there, and emigrated to this country in 1844, 
 locating first in St. Clair County, five miles north 
 from nelleville, 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 .ind ten .acres of fine grain land and meadows 
 comprise his proiierty, which he li.as gradually paid 
 for, altiiough poor when he began. He has 
 had six cliildreii, of whom four are living, as fol- 
 lows: Katherine Sutter, who lives in St. Louis; 
 Annie F^lizabeth Vollralh, who lives in Kdwards- 
 villc; .Jacob, who resides in Smithton Township; 
 and oui' subject. 
 
 The birth of Mr. Kilian of this notice took place 
 August 18. 1832, in (u-rinany. he being twelve years 
 old when his father brought him to this coiintrv. 
 Between that time and the time that his father 
 bought the farm, Conrad largely assisted him in 
 eveiy way possible, and it was principally tlirou;i:li 
 his efforts that the place was bought and paid 
 for. In course of time, our subject married 
 Mary F. Ripley, the daughter of William and 
 Elizabeth Ripley, her father being a prominent 
 farmer and early settler of this countv, but a 
 native of \'irgini;i. .Mrs, ( cmiail Kilian was burn 
 
 and reared on the old Ripley homestead, and edu- 
 cated in this county, .\ftor 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 Wve children, as follows: Kllen. wife 
 of Henry Marsha, lives near Springfield, III.; Eliza- 
 beth .Vnn, wife of Heniy Moeser, of Smithton 
 Township; John E., living at home with his 
 father; Sarah W, living at home; and Mary, who 
 also remains under her father's roof. 
 
 There are one hundred and thirty acres of good 
 land in 'Slv. Kilian 's farm, and it is well im- 
 proved and well cultivated, fifteen acres being in 
 timber. t)ur subject holds religious connection 
 with the Methodist Episcopal Church and there 
 his family also worship. Politically a Repub- 
 lican, Mr. Kilian always voles that ticket, and has 
 held the responsible ofticcs of School Trustee and 
 School Director for twenty years, to him lieing 
 due the excellent school organization of his dis- 
 trict. 
 
 --*- 
 
 =^=^>-^^<i 
 
 ■5— 
 
 "^OHN T. WARD. The birthplace of the sub- 
 ject of our sketch was Turke}- Hill, St. Clair 
 County, 111., the date of his birth being 
 _ October 28, 1830. He was the son of hon- 
 orable parents, his father being John W,Hrd, a na- 
 tive of South Carolina, born in 1796, and his 
 mother Mary Hill, born in 1801 in I'ennsylvania. 
 In the year ISOfi, 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 
 n wild, unsettled, uncultivated state and the In- 
 dians well- very numerous and troublesome. 
 
 The father of our subject was a lad of ten years 
 when he reached this State. He grew uj) like a giant, 
 .•ind seemed to thrive on the hardships of that 
 time, taking part in the I ndian wars on the Missis- 
 sippi, and doing his share in subduing the savages. 
 His corn wiu* raised in a field where the citj^ 
 of Belleville now stands. He remained near Tur- 
 key Hill until 183G, when he removed to P.elleville 
 and lived in that city for eighteen years, and then
 
 442 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RFX'ORD. 
 
 came to the place on which our subject now re- 
 sides, bej'ond the western limit of llic city. Ills 
 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 tlie Ohio River by boat and tlien 
 walived the distance between that stream and 
 St. Clair County. 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 
 in 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, 1883. 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 be- 
 ing Mary Jane Kirkpatrick, one child resulting 
 from this union. His second wife was Elinor 
 Wilderman a cousin of Judge A. S. Wilderman, of 
 Belleville; there arc three children by this marriage. 
 
 Our subject was reared in Belleville until ho was 
 about fifteen years of age. From 1845 to 1848, 
 he attended McKendree College at Lebanon, 111., 
 and after he left there he engaged as a clerk for 
 one .year, but at the expiration of tiiat time he 
 went back to the farm. This he found both pleas- 
 ant and profitable and lie has made it the business 
 of his hfe. The marriage of Mr. Ward took place 
 IMay 1, 1841), to Miss Lucy Ash, the estimable 
 daughter of Christopher 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: 
 William Edgar, who is a lawj-er, 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 lecoiitly 
 married to Miss Philopena Bauer, lives on a farm; 
 Pjlla, Kate, Fannie Beatrice and Mary Louisa are at 
 home. The first wife of Mr. Ward died and he 
 married her sister Catherine in March, 1878. 
 
 Mr. Ward has been a successful horse-breeder and 
 
 has confined himself to Hanibletonian stock, being 
 one of the first in this section to recognize the fact 
 that imported stock was the best investment. Both 
 I offices of Highway Commissioner and School Direc- 
 tor have been filled by him to the satisfaction of 
 tlic communitj'. Our subject is a believer in the 
 doctrines of the Republican party and has voted 
 that ticket for many years. In his religious con- 
 victions, he follows the teachings of Jolin Wes- 
 ley. Mr. Ward has lived in his present liouse 
 for thirty-three years and his first home, built 
 forty-three years ago, is now occupied by one of 
 his sons. 
 
 >--^#^Mi'^i"i^ll^€ 
 
 ■jfjOIIN liERrELOTII. Tlie suliject of this 
 short sketch is a farmer residing on section 
 18, Siiiilhton Township, in St. Clair County. 
 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. AVhen he first came to this country, he 
 located in Smithton Township, where he bought 
 land and where his son now lives. Onl^' two of 
 his children, Adam and our subject, arc now living. 
 He owned one hundred and twenty acres of land 
 which he had earned himself, and died in 1870 
 after a life of honest toil; his wife is still living. 
 
 Our subject was born on the 1(5 th 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 
 Germ.an lads do, often putting to shame the Amer- 
 ican 3'outh. He was married to Miss Ida Weinel, 
 the daughter of George Weinel and was born in 
 St. Clair Township. Her father was bom in Ger- 
 many and came to tliis county first settling in 
 St. Louis, wlience he came to St. Clair County. 
 He had the following children, of whom only one 
 beside the wife of our subject is living: Ida, Fred- 
 erick, George, Katherine, Lcna,Wilheliiiina, Louisa, 
 Magdnlena and Henry. Frederick is a farmer liv- 
 ing in Kansas. George ^Veillcl was a member of 
 the Lulherai) Cliurch when a young msn, but later

 
 ey/fyyi^tJ-'^-^'<^, cJ ly 
 
 UL^?/ 
 
 inyiTld^ 
 
 (n^i'^J^i^-^'-Oiy^
 
 .x>^^^ 
 
 
 ,i^
 
 PORTRAIT AND lUOORAl'UlCAL RECORD. 
 
 417 
 
 in life joined llie Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 Henry ;ind Fioflorick were both in thi> Civil War 
 and till' r<iiinci- died tlu're. The ni<itlii'i- <if Mrs. 
 Hcrlololh was Caliicrine Skaor wlio was horn and 
 niaiiicd in (iiTniaiiy. 
 
 After iiis liappy marriage our subject located on 
 the place where he now lives, and lias faithfully 
 and industriously followed his business as fariim' 
 ever since, lie built his present comfortable resi- 
 dence in 1XX4. He cultivates fifty acres of his own 
 and twenty beloufring to his mother. He raises grain 
 and is ver\ successful. He has a pleasant and in- 
 telligent family of six children: .\my, Magdalene, 
 Ida. .lohn, Albert and ^^^•lller. In his political 
 preference, Mr. Berteloth is ;i Kepublii^an and votes 
 with that party. His church cdiinection is with 
 the good people ulio follow the rules laid down by 
 .lohn AVesley. This family is pleasant and hos[)i- 
 table and there is no place in which the worthy 
 stranger lindsa warmer welcome tiiau al the board 
 of tliis large-hearted German citizen. 
 
 j^.ETKR M. ROMKISKR. .Men are to be 
 idged by achievement, aiul it is always 
 safe to accept residls .-is a proof of the 
 possessions of the powers and capaliilities 
 which lead up to them. Of successes in the busi- 
 ness world which have Iteen earned by tiie exercise 
 of sound judgment, thorough l)usiness tact and 
 indomitable energy, there is no more eminent e\- 
 ami)le in this .section of the country than I'eter 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 aiiMia of 
 busine.ss, and the high commercial character, the 
 discriminating judgment, the eye that .sees and the 
 executive ability that is enabled to improve op- 
 portunities, are attributes which are jiossesscd by 
 Mr. Romeiser in a marked degree. 
 
 Our subject was born in Steinau. Electorate of 
 Hesse, Oermany, November 11. 1X12, but left Ids 
 native land when less than lifleeu years of age, and 
 
 21 
 
 in August, 1857, urossed the ocean in a sailing-ves- 
 sel. After a voyage of ninety days from Bremen, 
 lie arrived at New Orleans In the latter part of 
 November. From there he jouriuivcd by steamer 
 to St. Louis, after whieh he went to Waterloo, 111., 
 where he clerked in .-i general store until the out- 
 break of the Civil War. In .lune. KStU, he en- 
 listed at Belleville as a private in Company V. 
 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 cam|)aign, and later was in the siege of 
 Corinth, Miss., during which time the battle of 
 Farminglon, Miss., was fought. During the sum- 
 mer and fall of the same year, he w.as with his regi- 
 ment at Nashville, Tenn., and on the ;50th and 31st 
 of December, 1«()2, he was in the famous battle of 
 Murfreesboro, where his regiment was almost an- 
 nihilated. After that battle he w.as appointed one 
 of the color-bearers of his regiment, and went 
 through the Tullahoma campaign, and Was in the 
 battle of Chickamaug.'i, where he was wounded, 
 and where he would have fallen into the hands of 
 the enemy had not his regiment commander 
 helped him otf the field. He remained in the field 
 hospital until shortly before the battle of Mission- 
 ar,y 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. IKii.). Mr. Romeiser 
 reeeixed the following letter from the command- 
 ing officer of his regiment, which he cherishes as a 
 proud memento of the war for the rnion: 
 Ilfad Qitarlers 22d III. Inf. 
 
 Chaltniwfiga, Tenn., Xoc. 27. '03. 
 Si'i-ijl. lioiwizer. Com. F. 
 
 Sir: — 1 2»'enent you ivith a Serr/eant'.s aarrant in 
 Inkcn of my admfrution of your courcu/e and i/ood con- 
 diii-t in the battles of Chivkamawja and Cliattanoo/./a 
 foin/hl on the lOlh A- -JOth of Seplemlier and 25th 
 of jVoi:., ISO,')'. I Iruxt you will live tij carry our 
 banner as brarely us yni bare hcn'tofore done until 
 this Rebellion is cruslnil. 
 
 F. Sirann-ick. 
 
 Lt. Col. Com'dy liey.
 
 448 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 After the battle of Missionary 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.a.s in tlie battle of Resaca. In June, 1864, the 
 term of the enlistment of the regiment liad ex- 
 pired, and Mr. Romeiser returned with it to Spring- 
 field, 111., where he was honorably discharged on 
 tlie 7th of July. In the fall of that year he en- 
 tered a store at Columbia, 111., where he clerked 
 until October. 1865, when he entered a commercial 
 college at St. Louis, Mo., and took a course in that 
 institution. In the spring of 1866, he accepted a 
 position as salesman in a M^holesale 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 time's of 
 l)cril, and in 1869 he returned to the United States, 
 and taking Greeley's advice to J'oung men to "go 
 West," in March of that year 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- 
 |iany, which Mr. Romeiser joined, and with which he 
 served during the summer and fall of 1869. In 
 Ihe spring of 1870 he went back to his claim and 
 commenced farming, which occupation he con- 
 tinued with indifferent success until the spring of 
 1873, when he rented his land and went to St. 
 Louis. 
 
 In June, 1873, Mr. Romeiser came to Belleville 
 and accepted a situation with George A. Bradford, 
 then a prominent clothier, with whom he remained 
 until 1878. In August of that year he rented a 
 small store, which then occupied a portion of the 
 site of the present store building, and bj' Septem- 
 ber he was 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- 
 Icii'd the store. I'.oth Mr, Geil and Mr. Gros.sart 
 
 proved themselves excellent business men. As a 
 partial acknowledgment of their faithfulness and 
 ability they were made participants in the business 
 when it was merged into a stock eompanj', in Feb- 
 ruary, 1892, with a fully paid-up capital of *50,- 
 000. Mr. Romeiser became President; Emil Geil, 
 Vice-president; and Charles A. Grossart, Secre- 
 tary. 
 
 Taking into consideration the very conserva- 
 tiye character of Belleville, the growth of the busi- 
 ness has been phenomenal. 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 [jresent 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 customei's, and the 
 second floor was changed into a salesroom, and now 
 these two verj' large rooms are actually insufflcient 
 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 made the lai'ge establishment 
 over which he presides a recognized synonym for 
 all that is popular, progressive and honest. His 
 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 Ilecker Post of 
 the (rrand 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 18th of May, 1876, Mr. Romeiser married 
 Elise Hilgard, and the}' 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 
 bujldinu', ('(intaining ten rooms, improvcil with all
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 449 
 
 modern conveniences, and cost * 1 0,000. Every- 
 thing in liis house and about the grounds shows 
 that he possesses excellent taste and is a man of 
 refinement and culture. His husy 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 furni lies one of the 
 most notable examples of success in the commcrcifll 
 history of the place, and advancement has come to 
 no one more worthy, or who has earned it more 
 fairlv than he. 
 
 'i=™^^+^l 
 
 oris (JKANER, the gentleman to whom 
 the attention of the reader is called in this 
 short sketch, holds the important position 
 of County .Surveyor for St. Clair Connt3', having 
 been first elected to that office in November, 1877, 
 and so creditably- has he discharged the duties of 
 his position that he has be'en 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 lx)uise (Guentz) Graner, natives of Hesse- 
 Cassel and Leipsic, .Saxony, respectively. 
 
 The father, George, was born in (ierniany, 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 surve3-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. lie 
 held the position of United States Assessor utider 
 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 g.ive i)ri- 
 vate inst:-uction 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 IMIS. 
 She bore her husband but one child, oiii- miK- 
 ject. IJy a former marriage she had one son. 
 Henry (iuenl/.. ;i .Iu<liceof the Peace in Belleville. 
 
 Her death occurred in 1880, and her loss was 
 deeply felt by her affectionate son Louis. 
 
 Ixjuis 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 survo^'or, 
 and his first work was done on the Cairo Short 
 Line as Assistant Surve^-fjr. So satisfactory was 
 it that he was given charge of the survey for the 
 Illinois it St. Louis Railroad from ]>elleville to St. 
 Liiuis. Much additional railroad labor, as well as 
 practical surveying throughout the town and 
 county, 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 
 lie found at all times, when the cares of his business 
 do not compel him to be absent, in the midst of 
 his wife and cliildicn. 
 
 ' • » ^{ 
 
 lACOB S( inVAi:(;EL. The gentleman 
 whose life it isoui- [trivilege to present to 
 our readers, is one of the enterprising young 
 farmers of .Smithton Township, St. Clair 
 County. He is of f;erman descent, his father, 
 Charles Schwaegol. having been burn in Ger- 
 many, but came to America in 1H45, locating 
 in Millstadt Township, where he made his home 
 aixl h.-is since resided. He worked perseveringly 
 and faithfully, and i> now enjoying the fruit« of 
 
 Wi
 
 450 
 
 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 that industry, being regarded as one of the sub- 
 stantial men of the township, as well as one of the 
 wealthiest. 
 
 It is this townshii) that can claim llie honor of 
 being the liirthplace of our subject, for here, on 
 ^larcli 14, 18(50, 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 he 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 (Iless) Munier, natives of France, 
 and to this union have been born three bright, 
 interesting children: Joseph, Adolph and Otto. 
 
 In 1885 our subject located on his present farm 
 on section ;)(), Smithton Township, St. Clair 
 County, where lie has a line property, upon which 
 is raised chiefly grain. Mr. Schwaegel is a be- 
 liever in the doctrines and teachings of the Roman 
 Catholic Church. In political matters he is a fol- 
 lower of the ininciples enunciated by Thomas 
 Jefferson, upholding the doctrines of Democracy 
 in everv 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 respect and esteem b}' their hosts of 
 friends. 
 
 I ACOB KILIAN. The subject of this short 
 sketch resides on section 8, Smithton Town- 
 
 Jl shii), St. Clair County. The father of this 
 / gentleman was John Kilian, who w.as born 
 and reared in Ilesse-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 where 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 
 north of Belleville, but this location not being 
 ,-Mli>rMctory, he rciioved to the farm south of 
 
 Belleville, which has been his home ever since. 
 Only four of his famil}' of six children remain, as 
 follows: Elizabeth, the wife of Y. Vollrath, living 
 at Edwardsville, III.; Katherine, the widow of 
 John Sutter, living in St. Louis; Conrad and 
 Jacob, living at home. Two children died in 
 infancy. 
 
 The birth of our subject occurred January 7, 
 1838, near Ilesse-Cassel, Germany, and about seven 
 years of his life had been passed when his father 
 emigrated to this country. Jacob was educated 
 in the 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 bj- manying 
 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 wealtly 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 the finest places in the district. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Kilian have five children, who have grown up to 
 be comforts to their parents. They are Emma, 
 wife of Heniy Sensel, living in St. Louis; Waller. ' 
 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 Summer- 
 field, which is in a good state of cultivation. 
 Both he and his 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 every way 
 in his power. Before cU>siiig this brief sketcli of 
 a veiy pioniincnt man in his district, we may
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 4.')1 
 
 mention that his landed possessions amount to 
 five hundrod and four acres of the finest Illinois 
 soil. The two hundred and fourteen acres wiiicli 
 lie owns near Trenton are as good land as there is 
 in that vicinity, and are occupied hy his son Walter. 
 This family is well and favoral)ly known in this 
 locality, its members being; honest, hard-working 
 and CJod-fearing peoi)le. 
 
 itn^ r. Hr,l.Mr.KK(iER. TIic name with uhlch 
 iNf "'*■ ''*'^'^ this biography needs no inlroduc- 
 Ji\V tion,the owner l)eing well known in public 
 ^' and private life as a citizen of high repute 
 in Fayetteville, St. Clair County. Mr. Ileiniberger 
 was born in Mascoutah, this county, in the year 
 1838. his parents being Gustav us .and Mary (La- 
 fontaine) Ileiniberger. Mr. Ileimberger, Sr., w.as 
 born near the banks of the Rhine, at a place called 
 Si)eyer. Bavaria, Germany, in 1HU9: the mother of 
 our subject was born in Cirlsrulie, Germany, 
 August 29. 1818, and died NOvember i:?. 1877. 
 
 Our subject's father was educated in the world- 
 famed college of Heidelberg, Germany, and after 
 finishing his collegiate course adopted the pro- 
 fession of attorney. He was a man of distindive 
 traits, and soon after entering his jirofe.ssional 
 career became identified with a political f.iction 
 which at tliat time was obnoxious to the (Jerman 
 (iovernment, and had to fiee his native land. He 
 reached America in 1833. and located near Belle- 
 ville, 111. Here he dropped his profession and Ix- 
 came an hotel-keeper at Mascoutah. When the 
 Mexican War broke out, Mr. Ileiniberger, .Sr., who 
 was then in the South, enlisted in the Tliird 
 Louisiana Regiment at New Orleans. He was se- 
 verely wounded at Tampico, and lost the use of 
 his left arm. Being a very highly educated 
 man and master of seven langu.ages, he was 
 appointed Spanish interpreter for (Jen. Shields 
 during the remainder of tlie war. In 1819, after 
 the close of the Mexican .War, he went to Cali- 
 fornia and was eng.aged in mining, but not being 
 successful in this line, he departed from California 
 
 and located at Guatemala. Central .\nierica. where 
 he was engaged in trading and boating. From 
 this last-mentioned place we trace him to >'alpa- 
 laiso, Chile, and from V.alparaiso to Brazil, where 
 he w^as engaged as a forem.an in a di.amond mine 
 for several years. His next location was Culw, 
 where he was known as a tob.icco exporter. From 
 Culia he went to New Orleans, but left that city 
 in 18,5.5 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 
 linancial success. He was a well-known newspaper 
 correspondent for many leading newspapers dur- 
 ing his travels, and was a man of marked natural 
 ability. He departed this life on the old Hilgard 
 farm, near Belleville, in the year 1857. The 
 mother of our subject w.as one who was very 
 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 emiiloyment from his grand- 
 father, who then owned a drug-store at Mascoutah. 
 His next position w.as that of a clerk in a general 
 merchandise store at Belleville, and from there he 
 went to learn the trade of a watch m.aker. 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, 
 lie remained at this last work Imt a short time 
 and returned again to Belleville, where lie took a 
 position as clerk in a store. 
 
 In 1861, our subject enlisted in Companies K 
 and F, Ninth Illinois Infantry, under Grant .and 
 Sherman, During the war, he took [lart in sixty- 
 three eng.agements, the most important of which 
 were Ft. Donelson, rittsburg 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 honor of 
 beinir color-bearer for his regiment three years
 
 452 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 and never received a wound or was taken pris- 
 oner. He received liis discharge fiom 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 botli in the Ger- 
 man and P^nglisli branches. He is a stanch Re- 
 publican, and is a member of Hecker Post No. 443, 
 (4. 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 tlie 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 n man 
 of more tlian ordinary intelligence and ability. 
 
 r^ 
 
 =^ 
 
 'OSEPII EDWIN MILLER. One of the 
 best, most intelligent and scientific fanners 
 of St. Clair Township is the gentleman 
 ' whose sketch is now under consideration. 
 His home farm comprises one hundred and sev- 
 enty-two acres of tine 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 tlie Old Guard, the reply of whose Sergeant, 
 
 Cambronne, at Waterloo, "The Old Guard dies 
 but never surrenders," has gone the rounds of tlie 
 world. 
 
 Our subject was born .lune 8, 1842, two miles 
 east of Belleville. His fatlier, 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 Cliristena Karlskind, born 
 in Langdorf, Lorraine, also tlien in France, Sep- 
 tember 12, 1813. She 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 
 only survivor. Her fatlier, 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 the 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 the 
 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 tlicm. 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, John 
 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, whore 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 si.K chil- 
 dren were the fruits of this union: Lena, wife 
 of N. J. Bieljel (see sketch); Peter, who lives 
 on Turkey Hill, two miles east of Belleville, mar- 
 ried Barbara Pairol, has two children and is a 
 farmer. The other brothers and sisters are, D. F., 
 who lives three miles east of Belleville; William 
 J., of Turkey Hill; and Mary, Mrs. Henry Eckart.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 453 
 
 Our subjeet was tlie the tliird child of tlie fam- 
 il.\-, 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 Si. Louis, for three jears, or until lie 
 was eighteen ; he then attended a commercial school 
 in Belleville, returned to the farm, and in 1866 
 took a pleasure trip to California, remaining aw.iy 
 one year. The marriage of our subject took place 
 June 9, 1870, with Miss Eva C. Amrael, daughter 
 of Martin and Frances .\mmel, 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 .losephine Glad, daugh- 
 ter of Eugene and Catherine Glad. Six children 
 have come into the household since that time, and 
 they are known by the following prett\- names: 
 Ida Eva, Angenctte, Lena, J. Edwin, Albert Eu- 
 gene and Lee Warren. 
 
 yir. Miller has for years been very 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 Holstein cattle, of which he now has 
 one hundred head on his place. In additi(jii to 
 his home pl.ice, 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 Crand 
 Jury and on the grand and petit juries of the 
 county, has filled the office of Township Super- 
 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 h.as served as Director of the St. 
 Clair County Fair, is President of the St. Clair 
 County Fanners' 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- 
 ([uenl and valued contributor to the best stock 
 and agricultural journals of the day, and is a 
 graceful and convincing writer. 
 
 The personal appearance of our subject empha- 
 sizes Ills known charactei', hi* thougiilfiil counten- 
 
 ance and deliberate manner telling of ment.al ac- 
 quirements. He is a Democrat in his 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 ide.as of what should con- 
 stitute the political life of a republic. 
 
 
 ^OHN S. WILDEHMAN. The sul)ject of 
 this sketch resides on section lH, Freeburg 
 Townshii), St. Clair County, 1 11. 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- 
 sylvania, 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 Josei)h Wil- 
 derman. 
 
 Joseph AVildcrman lived and died on the place 
 which he had entered from the Government, 
 lie left the following children: George, Lovina, 
 A'irginia, Nancy, Edward, IMay, 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. Joseph 
 Wilderman w:us asuccessful 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 w.as reared. He was married in 1857, to Miss 
 Christy Ann Hill, daughter of Joseph 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 wi\.s reared in Smith- 
 ton Township. 
 
 After his marriage, Mr. Wilderman. of tiiis 
 sketch, first located in Siiiithtoii Township on sec-
 
 454 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 tion 14, where he lived for twelve years, when he 
 removed, in the I'nll of 1870, to where he has 
 resided ever since. Our subject has had but 
 one child, Josepli, who married Miss Matilda, 
 daughter of Jacob Gauch, of Smithton Township, 
 wlio lives on the farm with his father. Tliere are 
 two hundred and eiglity acres, two hundred of 
 which are where he now lives. lie has all the 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. He has 
 been one of the Trustees of the School Board and 
 has long been one of tlie Directors of the district 
 school. Mr. Wilderman belongs to a well-known 
 and representative family in tiie county and one 
 of whom tlie people invariably l)ear good testi- 
 raonj-. 
 
 "ill' OIIN HENRY P.ESTE. Tliis successful far- 
 mer resides on section 26, Freeburg Town- 
 ship. He was born in the province of West- 
 
 phalia, Germany, August 16, 1823, and 
 
 there was reared to manhood. In 1852, he came 
 to th(i United States and located in Fayetteville, 
 111., where he worked two years in a sawmill and 
 about one year on a farm. His marriage occurred 
 in 1854, when he wedded Miss Mary Rose, whose 
 parents were born in Germany. In 1859, he bouglit 
 the farm where he now lives. 
 
 Wlien Mr. Beste reached Fayetteville, his means 
 were so low that, to use his own expression, he "did 
 not own a copper cent." He realized that much 
 hard work was necessary, but by the exercise of 
 economy and lionest 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 
 through his own arduous toil. He lias been a liard- 
 
 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, he put up a temporary house, 
 which he replaced in 1875 with the neat and com- 
 fortable frame dwelling that now stands on the 
 place. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Beste are the parents of five chil- 
 dren, all of, whom have been spared to them. 
 Mary married Christopher Etling; John Henry 
 married Mary Miller; Louisa and Emma live at 
 home; and Louis Edward assists his father. The 
 family attends St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church at Freeburg, of which Mr. Beste is one of 
 the charter ineint)ers. and in which he is now a 
 Trustee and a very prominent member. He has 
 been a very liberal supporter of the church and 
 has taken a deep interest in all public enterprises 
 for the good of the neighborhood. For 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, 
 Emma, 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 [loor and dis- 
 tressed find in him a cheerful helper, to whom no 
 appeal is made in vain. 
 
 m>-^^<B 
 
 ii7 GUIS MILLER. It is to one of the most 
 ll (^ prosperous and inlluential fanners of Smitli- 
 l IL^ ton Townshi)) tliat we call the attention of 
 our readers in this brief sketch. Our subject is the 
 son of Louis Miller, a native of Germany, wlio 
 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
 
 RESIDENCE Cr L0UI5 M 1 LLER ^ 5EC. 30., S.'VliTHTON T?., ST. CLAl R CO. J LL. 
 
 RtSiOEiiC' or .JLihK ri::iH\ 3Z5 7 L , CEC. 2G., f"RE£Hu HO TP^ST.Cl/.
 
 VN*'
 
 KjRtrait and biographical record. 
 
 A-,: 
 
 year removed to a farm of eiglity acres which liis 
 father purchased for him. He married Christina 
 I'dech and tliey became the parents of Bve chil- 
 dren, all of whom are still living. They are: Kath- 
 erine.wifeof Fred Heomer, of Millstadt Township; 
 our subject and his twin brother, Philip, the latter 
 of whom lives in Millstadt Township; .lacob, living 
 on the old farm, and Christina, who also lives at 
 home with her mother. The father of this family 
 died August 13, 1889. He had been a consistent 
 member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church for 
 many years and w.as highly esteemed. .Vt the 
 time of his death he ownej 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, 18.')2. on 
 the old home place in Jlillstadt Township, and 
 here he and his twin brother. Phiiip. were educated 
 in both English and German. The brother still lives 
 in the township where they were born and reared, 
 but our subject has his fine farm of one hundred 
 and twenty-seven acres on section ."50, Smith ton 
 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. ililler has been twice married. His first 
 wife, who.se maiden name wa.s Margaret Hertel, 
 died in the year 1878, one year after their marriage. 
 His second wife was 5Iiss Louisa, daughter of Jos- 
 eph and Anna B. (Coeh) Veile. The marriage 
 ceremony was celebrated in 187'J,.and they are the 
 parents of si.'c children, namely: Matilda, aged 
 twelve yeai-s; 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. 
 
 Joseph A'eile, father of Mrs. ^Miller, was born in 
 (Germany November 2, 1831. After emigrating 
 to this country, he settled in St. Clair County, 
 where he became prominent in p\iblic affairs. For 
 fire 3-ears, 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 Representative. At the time of 
 
 his death, which occurred September 21, 1892, he 
 was Postmaster at Millstadt. 
 
 Mr. Miller is one of the prominent members of 
 tlio 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. 
 
 -2<SA^i®^;S-j: 
 
 g-^n^?fe 
 
 ^^ J. LISCIlKi;. one <if the leading citizens 
 (l( „, of Mascoutah, was born near Red 15ud, 
 ^^^' Randolph County, 111., on the 15th of Feb- 
 ruary, ISiir). 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- 
 enilier. 1872. At that time he turned his attention 
 to newspaper work, and entered the employ of 
 Fred Dilg. who was publishing the ^Lascoutah -Ih- 
 zeiger, and carrying on a job printing office and who 
 was also Postmaster. Mr. Lischer learned the print- 
 ing trade and also officiated as Deputy Postmaster. 
 He helped publish the M.ascoutah Anzekjer. the 
 German weekly newspa|)er, which was established 
 by Mr. Dilg in 187(!. 
 
 Mr. Lischer continued in the cm|)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 AVolz, 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 untd December, 1890. At that 
 time he returned to his first love, the printing 
 office, securing employment with John AVinkler, 
 who in the meantime liad obtained control of the 
 .4«2f('g'e)\ where he remained until M.ay 1,1891, when 
 he bought out Mr. Winkler. He is now the sole 
 owner and editfir 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 lias secured a 
 liberal patronage, which it well merits. Mr. Lis- 
 cher is a young man of good business ability, well 
 informed, and has the high regard and confidence 
 of the entire conimunitv. 
 
 
 U'S 
 
 ilLLIAM ORTGIER. This successful man- 
 ifacturer 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 the county. 
 
 The father of our 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 part of the city. 
 Here he began farming and continued it until he 
 died in 1859. lie 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. The mother 
 of our subject was Annie Brenning, born in 
 Hanover, Germany, who came with her sisters 
 to St. Louis when but eight years of age. Slie 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 lie was sent to AVarrenton, 
 Mo., and attended college there for more than two 
 years, lie returned to the farm and was married 
 in East St. Louis in 1875 to Miss Rosa Allen, who 
 was born in. Collinsville, 111. He continued farm- 
 ing on the home 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 his share of the farm to others that he may 
 give his undivided attention to his manufactorj^, 
 Onr 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, Eorrest, and an infant. 
 Mr. Ortgier is a Democrat in his political convic- 
 tions and has held the otlice 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. 
 
 I^H^H^l 
 
 lERNIlARD HARTMANX is prominently 
 identified with the commercial life of Belle- 
 I'lfM)!!) ville, being now President of the Star 
 Brewery Companj^, 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 ii45,()00. 
 Bernhard Ilartmann 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 Mr. Ilartmann went to
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 459 
 
 Amsterdam, Holland, and clerked in a dry-goods 
 sU)ie there for eight years. In 1864, he came to 
 the I'nited Stales, locating in Belleville, 111., and 
 in ISGo started a grocery store in partnership with 
 his brother, continuing here until IXli, when he 
 and his brother formed a partnership in the Star 
 Hrewery, under the firm name of Hartmann Bros. 
 In 1881, Mr. Hartmann became sole owner, and 
 continued the buMuess 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 $-200,00(t, and has an air-line 
 railway south, extending to the plant of the stock 
 house. This 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 
 hundred thousand bushels of malt and fifty thou- 
 sand pounds of hops are used nnniially. 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, .is bookkeeper; and Mr. Kmil Seigel 
 is also on the staff. The cap.icity is one hun- 
 dred and fifty thousand bu.shels of corn, rye 
 and malt, making seven hundred and fifty thou- 
 sand gallons of spirits, with internal revenue of 
 *()75,OO0 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 are em- 
 l)loved. Mr. Hartmann is also one-third owner 
 of the Belleville Steel, Iron and Nail Works, the 
 l)lant of which cost *85.0()0. He is a Director in 
 the Sucker State Drill Company, and is a Director 
 in the Belleville Saving Bank. 
 
 On the 4th of March, 18t)7. Mr. Hartmann was 
 married to Mrs. Anna Berg, of Belleville, and their 
 union has l>een 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 day. and three 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 gre.at 
 energy and business s.agacity have largely con- 
 tributed to the success of the city in this branch 
 of trade. His liquoi-s 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 
 rej)utation. 
 
 EV. WILLI.\M H. TOMUXS. The schol- 
 arly man whose life record we now at- 
 tempt to place before the public is the ef- 
 ficient and well-beloved pastor of the St. 
 Mary's Mission at East St. Louis, HI. 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 j-ears ago to America with his family 
 and located in the-rich valley of Dut<>liess County, 
 N. Y., where he died. 
 
 The father of our subject was also named Will- 
 iam and was born in Gloucesteisiiire, England. I'n- 
 til eighteen years of age he remained in his native 
 country, then came to America, and soon bought a 
 farm at Tomkins Cove, in Rockland County. X. V., 
 and started in the business of gardening and fruit- 
 growing. He has become a well-known horticul- 
 turist, is very much respected in his neigliboihood, 
 and lives in comfort on his beautiful farm. He is 
 a member of the Episcopal Church. The mother of 
 oursubject was .lane Armstrong. born in the county 
 of Tyrone, in the North of Ireland, the daughter of 
 Robert Armstrong, a farmer in the Xorth of Ire- 
 land, who came to the United States and located 
 in Rockland County, N. Y., and became a farmer. 
 His ancestors were of English blood and he w.as a 
 member of the Church of England until coming 
 to America, when he became an active member of
 
 460 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 the Protestant Methodist faith and was a local 
 preacher. Our subject was the eldest in a famil}' 
 of five children and was born at Fishkill Landing 
 ii) Dutcliess County, N. Y., .lanuary 28, 1848. He 
 was reared at Tomkiiis Cove, which is on Ihe Hud- 
 son, forty miles above New York Citj'. 
 
 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 Seminary in New York 
 City and graduated from that institution in 1876. 
 Our subject was then made Deacon b}' Bishop Pot- 
 ter, and given charge 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 the pastor and the parish 
 which assisted him. 
 
 Mr. Tomlins was made a priest in ,lune, 1877, 
 and was the beloved rector of this ch.arge until 
 1879. At Ihis time, at the request of Bishop 
 Seymour, he came to the diocese of Springfield, 
 111., and was pl.aced in charge of the missionary 
 work at Mattoon; and here, 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, 
 lie accepted a call to St. Paul's Cliurch at Rantoul, 
 Champaign County, HI., and remained there three 
 3ears,when he resigned to become rector of St. Paul's 
 Church at Albion, Edwards Count}', 111. His pas- 
 torate there w.as of three years' duration and then 
 he w.as appointed priest in charge of St. Mary's 
 Mission at East St. Louis, in September, 1886. 
 
 When Mr. Tomlins took charge here, he knew 
 he liad undertaken a herculean ta.sk. The town 
 had the name of being "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 Bishop. It is a 
 fine mission house and consists of a residence for 
 the 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 principall}' 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 first number appeared in 1887, and 
 it now has a circulation of about one thousand 
 copies. Mr. Tomlins' life is devoted to his work. 
 A service is held every day in the year and five 
 services on Sunday. He gives religious instruc- 
 tion in the school every day, besides teaching 
 Latin. Mr. Tomlins h.as a great assistant in his 
 life work in the person of his estimable wife, whom 
 he married in Mattoon, III., 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 Tlieron. Cleorge 
 Osmond and Florence Irene. 
 
 Mr. Tomlins holds honored membersliip with 
 the Free and Accepted Masons and is also a mem- 
 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, h.as ministered so successfully in his 
 Master's work because he h.as gone where most 
 needed. He has not sought the highest pl.aces, 
 and his past must be to him a pleasant retrospect,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 461 
 
 revealing to his e^'es.the changes wrought through 
 his labors in behalf of the great head of the church. 
 .Tesus Christ. 
 
 \t_^ ON. CUKIST LISCIIEH. one uf the promi- 
 |f)J) nent citizens of Mascoulah and an honored 
 .!^^' pioneer of the county, lias long been iden- 
 (^ titled witii the liistory of this eomuuinity. 
 llis father, Conrad Lisclier, was born in Weiugar- 
 ten. Germany, and came to this country in 1835, 
 making his first location in Siiiloli A'alley upon 
 the Henson farm, wliere he remained a year. He 
 then removed to the Morclock farm, where 
 he spent alwut a year and afterward went to St. 
 l.ouis, where he died of the cholera in July, 1849 
 his remains being there interred. He left a wife 
 and two sons. The brother of our subject, Henry 
 Li-scher, is now President of a bank and editor of 
 a paper of Davenport, Iowa. In I8.i3, Mrs. Lis- 
 cher came with her children to M.aseoutah, where 
 lier death occurred in 1867. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was educated in the 
 schools of St.l.ouis and learned the trade of a confec- 
 tioner, but not finding it congenial 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 wa-s 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 tiie call of 
 President Lincoln for seventy-live thousand troops 
 and joined Company E, Ninth Illinois Infantry, 
 serving as Orderly-.Sergeant. Afte'r l^is lirst term 
 had expired he re-enlisted a.» a member of Company 
 1$, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Illinois Regi- 
 ment, serving as First Lieutenant. He was a faith- 
 ful and valiant soldier, always found at liis post 
 of duty. 
 
 In the year 1862, Mr. Lischer was married to 
 Miss Mary Balsz, of St. Louis. I'nto them were 
 born four children, three sons and a d.augh- 
 ter, all of whom are yet living, namely: John 
 
 IL, Adeline. Louis and George William. 'I'lio 
 mother of this family died in 1868. Mr. I.is- 
 cher afterward married again, his second union be- 
 with Caroline Freand, who after the death of her 
 father was reared by her gnuidmother. Unto them 
 have been born five children: Charles, Robert, 
 Ueno, Amelia and Peter, all of whom are living. 
 
 Mr. Lischer takes considerable interest in civic 
 societies. He is a member of the Masonic frater- 
 nity, the Odd Fellows' and the Knights of 
 Honor and has (lUedall theotlices in these various 
 organizations. In politics he is a supporter of the 
 Democracy and was the fli'St Mayor of JIascoutah 
 after the organization of the city. He has filled 
 the olHce for three terms with credit to him.self 
 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 Rjard, 
 proving his friendship to the cause of education 
 by his efficient service in the interests of the 
 schools. He h.as ever borne his part in the up- 
 building and development of the county's best in- 
 terests and is a prominent and influential citizen, 
 highly respected throughout the community, where 
 lie has a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 
 
 m 
 
 W OSI AH P. HILL. Emerson says".\ll history is 
 only biography," and we find this especially 
 exemplified in the community in which Jo- 
 _ siah 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, 
 I'rairie du Long Township. He was here born May 
 12. 1828, on the farm which Ins father entered 
 friiiii the Government, and he holds a patent for 
 land signed by four of the Presidents of the United 
 States. 
 
 In this county Mr. Hill received his education 
 in a log schoolhouse, common to the early da^'S. 
 Hard-working and industrious, it was not his priv- 
 ilege to enjoy the sports to which the boys of the 
 present generation are accustomed. When ready 
 to establish a home of his own, he was united in
 
 462 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RPXORD. 
 
 marriage with Miss Jane, daughter of Nathaniel 
 Smith, who came to St. Clair County as early as 
 1810. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hill have been born 
 seven children, one of whom died in infancy. 
 Nathaniel S. is a telegraph operatoi' at Pontine, 
 JU.; Robert M. lives at AVellington, Kan.; .lohn 
 manages an elevator for the Crown Milling Com- 
 pany, at Freeburg; Walter M. clerks in a store at 
 Webster, Mo.; Mary Jane is the wife of J. H. Jones, 
 and lives in Pontiac; and Clara A., who married 
 J. P. Holconib, 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 KJ, 
 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 
 IMonroe County when a boy. 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 
 Thomas 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 the Board 
 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 Townsliip, and lias 
 been a witness to its rapid progress during all the 
 years of his residence here, aiding as far as pos- 
 sible to promote its welfare. 
 
 The grandparents of our subject were Jonathan 
 and Ruth (Majjle) Hill, the former born in New 
 Jersey, of English parentagf . In early manhood 
 
 he moved to Erie Count3-, 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, Mrs. 
 Thomas AVright; 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. AVith her children, 
 she removed in 1808 to Illinois, and settled on 
 Turkey Hill, St. Clair County. Here she was obliged 
 to undergo the hardships common to a new country, 
 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 Wayne 
 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 (!ov. 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 ISIethodist 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 bj- 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, III.; Jane Ann, 
 wife of Charles Wilderman; and Mary Angeline, 
 wlio 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, whose death occurred when sixteen; 
 David A., wlm was killed in the Mexican
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 463 
 
 War in 1847; Ileury, who died about 1880; Jona- 
 tlia)i, wliose death occurred in Springfield, Mo., 
 in Februar;/, 1890; and .si.\ who died before 
 reacliing maturity. C'rawfor() A. and Peter arc 
 both pensioners of tlie Civil War. .\ sister of our 
 subject's father, wliile living in Hrie County. Pa., 
 at about the .age of tiiree years was carried off by a 
 pantiierand partially devoured. A very extended 
 search w:i.s made at the time by the entire ncigh- 
 boriiood. but tiiey failed to find the missing child. 
 A distant neighl)or dreamed of the occurrence, and 
 also of tiie 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 manui<cript 
 dating Kick to the beginning of tlie nineteenth 
 ccMlur\-. 
 
 ellAHLESCiHOSSMANN. Among the manv 
 fine farms which attract the stranger's eye 
 in this |)art of St. Clair County, the 
 one belonging to the subject of our sketcii de- 
 serves especial mention. Tiie ownerof this pleas- 
 ant piece of ground is Charles Grossmann, who 
 is of CJerman birth and extraction. The father 
 of this gentleman, also named Charles, came to 
 this country in 1832, having been born in Ilesse- 
 Darmsladt, (Jermany, in the latter jiart of tlie 
 eighteenth century, and was rcaied in that coun- 
 tr}- to a life of toil. 
 
 The father of our subject married ISIiss Klizabeth 
 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 lie 
 had ever found for himself. Hence, in 18.'52, he 
 took the good wife and the live children, Louis. 
 Margaret, Barbara, George and our subject, and 
 sailed away far over the sea to America — so lunic 
 ago has this land been the hope of the ])oor and op- 
 pressed in other clinu's. After arriving here, one 
 more child, Eleanor, was added to thefainilv. Not 
 at all dismayed at so many little hungry mouths 
 tu feed. Mr. (irus-mann lui'l his worthv wife set 
 
 to work. They made their way to St. Clair County 
 immediately and entered land of the Government 
 where his son now lives. Mere the father be- 
 gan improvements and worked aw.ay until he 
 owned a fine farm and his children were all com- 
 fortably off. Mr. Grossmann had ^50 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 
 
 1 SIkS. 
 
 Our suliject w.as born in Hesse-Darmstadt, in 
 (icrmany, June .'?. 1832, and wa-s about two weeks 
 old when he began his travels. His memory of 
 the long ocean journey is natur.ally not a very 
 distinct one, l)ut 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 3'ellow grain, or the rustling corn, 
 he can, in memory, see the primeval forest or the 
 burned stumps of the beginning of civilization. 
 His educaticm was neces.sarily 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 subject took place in I8,5.i, 
 when he was united to Miss Ivatharinc Kellv, who 
 was a native of Hesse-Darmstadt also. She lived 
 but eight years, and by 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 Yeille and lives in 
 this township. Katharine died at the age of three 
 years. The second marriage of ]\Ir. (irossmann 
 took place in this county, when he was united to 
 Jliss Katharine Ilartman, who was a native of 
 Penn.svlvania. By that marriage there were two 
 cliildren: .ALary, who is the wife of (iustav Kttling. 
 who conduct* the hotel at Floraville; and Jacob, 
 who remains at home. 
 
 .\fter the demise of the second Jlrs. (Jrossmann, 
 our subject felt his loneliness, and it w.as not until 
 he found the pr(>senl good woman to occupy Iiis 
 liome llial he grew happy ag.Tin. Ills present wife
 
 464 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGKArilJCAL RFXORD 
 
 was Mrs. Margaret Stahl, dauglitei-ofrhilip Jockel, 
 who was bom in Ilesse-Darmstadt, the old home 
 of her liusband, and came here in 1854. This 
 marriage took place Deceuibfr <j, 1875, and two 
 children have resulted from tliis union, William 
 Frederick and -John' H., who are at home. The 
 farm of Mr. Grossmauu 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 famil}' of Mr. Grossmauu are members of the 
 Evangelical Church, and give it their endorsement 
 and support. He is also a member of the George- 
 town Treubund, and he has held the office of 
 Deputy Master of the lodge. Politically, Mr. 
 Grossmann is a Republican and believes that a 
 proper following of the principles of that party 
 will lead the country into the greatest prosperity. 
 
 IhM ICIIAEL lIARR(:)Li:),.Su|)eriutendeutof the 
 East St. Louis Electric Street Railroad Com- 
 pany, tills his responsible position in a man- 
 ner that reflects credit upon himself and 
 the company. He is a native of the Emerald 
 Isle, born in County Limerick on the '2Sth 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 many generations had been 
 farmers, and tilled the soil with fair success dur- 
 ing his days. He married Miss Kate JjOng, who 
 was also a native of County Limerick, and their 
 union was blessed by the birth of eiglit children, 
 all of whom arc 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 was the third 
 in order of birth of the above-mentioned children, 
 was reared on a farm adjoining the town of New- 
 
 castle West, and was trained to the duties of the 
 farm at an early age. He attended school in his 
 native country, secured a good, practical educa- 
 tion, and in 188.3 crossed over to this side of the 
 Atlantic, leaving Queenstown in the spring of that 
 year. After reaching New York City, 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 3ears, and was there when the electric 
 cars thst came into use. Being thoroughly con- 
 versant witli 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 railway. 
 
 Our subject was the first superintendent ap- 
 jjoiuted 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 with 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 politics is a stalwart 
 Deniocrat. In all public enterprises he takes a 
 leading part, and he is recognized by all as a first- 
 ■ class citizen. 
 
 eHARLES ;\IAUER. One of the most suc- 
 cessful men in the hardware line in East St. 
 Louis is tiie original of this .sketch, who 
 was born at Freeport, 111., March 28, 1853, and 
 was the son of C. F. Mauer, born in Ihe Province 
 of Saxony, Germany, where he followed the trade 
 of a baker. The father married there and came to 
 America in 1848, going to Freeport, where he re- 
 mained until about 1856; then he went to Bloora- 
 ingtoii, HI., and began his trade, but died there in 
 186.'i. Tlie mother of Cinr subject was Elizabeth 
 Lederman, born in (iermany, who, after the death 
 of her husliaiiil, look tlu' family to I'ekin, where she 
 iiDW resides.
 
 
 'Ayn. 
 
 ' u
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECOlJb 
 
 467 
 
 Our siihject was the second youngest in a family 
 (if live chiklrcu, and was reared in the towns of 
 Telvin and Hlooniington until 1«70. There he re- 
 ceived a good coninion-scliool education, and 
 wiieu eleven years of age was put to learn the 
 trade of a tinsmith, hut at sixteen he decided to 
 lieeome a miller and worked at this for two years; 
 subsequently, in the fall of 187", coming to St. 
 l.ouis, he immediately found employment. In the 
 spring of 1871, he crossed the Mississippi and 
 went into the emi)loy of C. llauss, of Kast St. 
 l.ouis, with whom he remained until 1878. 
 
 Mr. .Mauer then started in business for himself 
 un C'oliinsville Avenue with a stock of hardware 
 and tinware, and liere he has been in business since, 
 and has been so successful that in 1883 he built 
 the brick block he now occupies. It is 30x1(10 
 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 >.'a- 
 tional Hank, a man of wealth, owning valuable 
 real estate,and m 1892 laid out the Charles ^Mauer 
 Addition to East St. Louis. Mr. Mauer was mar- 
 ried in St. Louis County, Mo., to Miss A. II. 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 
 thecomnuinitv. 
 
 J' I OII.N MAILK. This gentleman is President 
 I of the Manic Coal Company at ISelleville. 
 I ' wliich was incorporated with a ca|(ilal stuck 
 ,^_/' of *10,00() and has the following ollicers: 
 •lohn Maule, President; Frank Maule. Vice-pres- 
 ident and Treasurer; and Robert Maule. Suiierin- 
 tendenl and Manager. He also lu-longs to the 
 National Coal Company, which has a capital stock 
 of * 1(1,000 and the same oflicers. 
 
 John Maule was born in Claekmannanshire. .hui- 
 
 22 
 
 nary 5, 1837, and passed his childhood yeai-s in 
 Stirlingshire, Scotland. His parents, Alexander 
 :in(I Margaret (Hall) Maule, died when he was very 
 yciuiig, and he w.as, therefore, obliged to be self- 
 supporting from an early age. He came to the 
 United States in \H:)l, and began working in a coal 
 mine live miles from St. Louis, Mo., where he con- 
 tinned for twelve years. In 18G3, he went to 
 Casey ville, on the Ohio >t Mississippi Hailroad, and 
 opening up a mine began operating for himself. 
 After remaining there seven years, lie sold the mine 
 and sunk another on the Vaudalia Railroad, which 
 he named the Abbey !Mines. He became a large oper- 
 ator, emjiloying one hundred and twenty-five men 
 and shipping twenty-five carloads of coal every day. 
 He had the first large mine there, and was yery 
 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. 
 
 Ill 1868, Mr. Maule came to Belleville and opened 
 a mine on the Pittsburg Road, mainly for the local 
 m.ukel. After exhausting the coal supply there, 
 he sunk a mine on the Helleville it Carondelet 
 Hailroad, in 1886. This is known as the INIanlc 
 Mine and has a slope entrance, with all running 
 machinery. He h.as an annual lease of one hundred 
 and ten acres, and furnishes coal for the largest 
 furn.aees of P.ellevillc. He supi)lies the railroad 
 from the Helleville 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 *7;'),00(), altliough it is capitalized at *1 00.000. 
 The National ^liiie is about one-fourth of a mile 
 west of the Maule. and is a shaft on the Helleville 
 iV Carondelet Railroad, with complete equipments 
 for shaft mining. The Maule mine is operated by 
 eoiii()re.ssed air and runs a railroad to all parts, 
 hauling fifteen hundred feet with a cable wire. 
 The company has ollicesand yards 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 Helleville. 
 
 The career of Mr. ^faule has in many respects 
 been a remarkable one, .-ind furnishes an illustra- 
 tion of the power of industiy. Without friends,
 
 468 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 and without even five cents in Lis 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 
 does not include his fine brick residence at No. 1 15 
 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 August, 1870, 
 leaving four children, as follows: Maggie, wife of 
 John Doan, of St. Louis; Jeannette, wife of Fairly 
 Nelison, of St. Louis; Francis and Robert. After- 
 ward, Mr. Maule married Sarah Waadless, of 
 Casey ville. 111. Tiiey have six children: Elizabeth, 
 wife of George Roth of this city; William,. Alex- 
 ander, James, Eugene and Arthur. They 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 exannile 
 where honest, thrifty industry has ol)t.iined its 
 deserved reward. 
 
 ^p^EORGE SCHROEDER. The subject of the 
 III _^ present ijotice is an enterprising .young man, 
 '^^1 located at No. iM9 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, 
 June 2(1. 18()6, and his father was Edward Schroe- 
 der, a native of Germany, who came to America 
 when a young man and located in St. Louis, 
 starting the business which the son carries on. Two 
 l)artners were first connected with liim. but ulti- 
 mately he bought them out and conducted the 
 l)nsiness 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 
 jvist St, Louis, becoming tlir originator of llic sod.n 
 
 and mineral water business in this place. Starting 
 from the bottom, he worked himself right up by 
 that perseverance which belongs to his race. The 
 worthy father died in July, 1887, in the fifty-third 
 j'ear of his age. 
 
 Tiie mother of oiu- subject was Mary Keinders. 
 born in Germany, the daughter of Prof. August 
 Reinders, who was a te.acher in his European home, 
 but who led a retired life after coming to East St. 
 Louis. Her husband die<l in this city, but she still 
 lives here and is a member of the Catholic Church. 
 Our 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 I'niversity foi three years. 
 From a boy 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 
 firm name of E. Schroeder & Co. Mr. Schroeder 
 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 Wei.ss beer. The plant has steam 
 power and is in every waj- 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 city. One little one has come to brighten 
 his home, a daughter, Viola. Mr. Schroeder is a 
 Democrat in his political opinions, and is possessed 
 of a laudable ambition to make a success of his life 
 in all that goes to make up a worthy manhood. 
 
 -^ 
 
 vr^K MANUEL WEBB is the son of Henry and 
 |U) Louisa (Spiecer) Webb, who were both born 
 iL^ in the village of Barley Hill, Staffordshire, 
 England. The birlii of Emanuel Webb occurred 
 in Caseyville. Ky., on the 8th 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- 
 nioil .-i-liools. .'\s iiis parents were yi-ry poor lie was
 
 POUTRAIT AM) I'.K K ;i{Al'Il'( AL KMX'OKI). 
 
 469 
 
 obliged in eail}' life to commence to work at hard la- 
 bor, and as tliey lived in a mining district, he there- 
 fore commenced working in the coal mines, which 
 occnpatioii he followed during bis slay in Kng- 
 land. Ill lf<l<i. he set sail upon tlie broad Atlantic 
 for America and after landing in the United SUitcs 
 went lirsl to Pennsylvania, wiierc he remained for 
 a time and afterward removed to Kentucky. lie 
 w:is engaged in coal mining all liis life, and after 
 staying for some time in the liisl-n;iinpd State, re- 
 moved to Illinois, where hi' worked in the coal 
 minis of different parts of the State, lie was mar- 
 ried in Pennsylvania, to Miss Spiecer, and unto 
 them were born seven children, two of w^honi sur- 
 vive: Elizabeth, the wife of .1. V. Humstead, and 
 our subject. His death occurred about the year 
 1 854, and his wife was again married this lime to 
 Peter lirown. She lived until Christmas Day of 
 1891, when she passed awav at the age of sixty-nine 
 years. 
 
 Kmaniiel WClili li\f(l under the parental ro<jf 
 until he had grown to inanliuud. In ISi;.'). he 
 started in the coal mines and f<ir ten years labored 
 there. He purchased a farm of twenty-four acres 
 in 187.') with the means which, by strict economy 
 and frugality, he liad carefully saved from his 
 wages. He has carried on the business of farming 
 for many years with good success. In 1881, he 
 entered the general merchandising business with 
 P. (iaven, and has since been very successful. 
 
 On the 17th of November, 187(1, Mr. Webb was 
 united in marriage to Miss Mary I.. Muilberger, a 
 daughter of Louis and Louisa Muilberger. Mrs. 
 AVebb departed this life on the 27th of .luly. 1871. 
 Our subject was again married, in 187."). .Miss Sarah 
 Mfiwe, who was a daughter of William and Lucy 
 Mowe, becoming his wife. Tv .Mr. and Mrs. Webb 
 have been born live children: ld;i 1?.. .Vlbcrt. I'.iiiily 
 L., William E. and Henry t'. 
 
 Mr. Webb has always been a friend ti> edneation 
 and is a lirm believer in the ellicacy of good 
 schools and the best of teachers. He has given his 
 children the best educational advantages, and has 
 served ns School Treasiu'er of the township since 
 1887. Socially, he is a member of Caseyville 
 T,odge No. 42t!, I. O. O. ]•".. and in ISC") became a 
 member of Lf>dge No. 43, of t'ollin>\ ille. I'oliti- 
 
 cally, he is an advocate of the Democratic party. 
 He is truly a self-made man, liaving risen from the 
 lowest rounds of life, financially considered, to his 
 present measure of success and prosperity. lie has 
 always fulfilled the duties of citizenship in a faith- 
 ful manner and is a loyal citizen of this com- 
 munity. For many years, he has been a respected 
 and highly-esteemed resident of this eounty, an<l 
 by his integrity and geiiiid frieniliiness has made 
 a host (if friends. 
 
 ^ii-^-1^11^^%^ 
 
 ■^ ICHOLAS S'rxVl'B, who owns and operates 
 two hundred and lifty acres of land on sec- 
 l,Jli, tion 35, Shiloh Valley Township, is a na- 
 tive of France. He was born in .Msace in 1840, 
 and is a son of Stephen and Mary (Stuner) Staub, 
 wild were also nati\es of the same locality, the 
 former born in 181:!, and the latter in 1817. The 
 paternal grai'dpaients of our subject were John 
 and Emma (Weaver) Staub, farming people of 
 Franee. Under the (larental roof the father of our 
 subject grew to manhood, and on attaining his 
 majority he married Miss .Stuner, then eighteen 
 years of age. Her parents were Nicholasand Mary 
 (De Hush) Stuner. In the Staub family were eight 
 children, Nicholas being the eldest. August is the 
 second in order of birth; .Stephen and Daniel are 
 both deceased; Hosa is the wife of Peter Young; 
 and .lacob, .John and Peter complete the family. 
 It was in 18.tO that Stejihen Staub came to Amer- 
 ica, lie left his f:imily in tlii> Fatherland until 
 the following year, wlien, liaving made prepara- 
 tions for a home, he was joined by his wife and 
 children. He tirst rented land, as he was in lim- 
 ited circuir. stances, but afterward purchased a farm, 
 upon which he resided for twelve years. In the 
 autumn of 18(>3, 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 li\ing in Mascoutah 
 Township. He was a meriilier of the Catholic 
 Cliuieh. 
 
 With his p:ireiit.s, Nicholas Sl;iiib came to Amer-
 
 470 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 iea. In the spring of 1863, he sought a home in 
 1^1. Clair County, and during the succeeding sum- 
 int'i- worlced by the month as a farm hand. It was 
 through his influence that the family came to this 
 county. His boyhood days were quietly passed in 
 the usual manner of farmer lads and he 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 Count}', 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 and Irvin. The 
 family circle 3'et 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 rei)resentative farmer who, 
 by his good management, enterprise and persever- 
 ance, has overcome the obstacles in his path and 
 gained a comfortable competence. Mis 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 
 jjarty. 
 
 IIKISTIAN G. RUEMMLER. In order to 
 attain success in business, it is required of 
 a man that he possess sound discietion, 
 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 through 
 Ilie exercise of these traits of character. At the 
 present time, Mr. Kiiciiimie)- is proprietor of a 
 
 hotel in the village of Darmstadt, and in addition 
 is doing efficient service as Postmaster. 
 
 The birthplace of our subject is in St. L(ju is 
 Mo., and the year of his birth 1853. He is the son 
 of Alexander and Dora 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 attended the common and private schools 
 of St. Louis and remained with his father until he 
 attained his majority. When fourteen years old 
 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, subsecjuent to which he learned the trade 
 of a painter and followed that occupation for thir- 
 teen years. Afterward he embarked in his present 
 business, in which, as already stated, he has met 
 with excellent success. 
 
 The lady who June 12, 1876, became the wife 
 of Mr. Ruemmler was known in maidenhood as 
 Elizabeth Reuss, and was one of two daughters 
 born to William and Cornelis (Scheckdanz) Reuss, 
 her sister being Augusta, wife of George Erh. 
 When she was ver}' young she was orplianed by 
 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 INIr. 
 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 enterprising 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 Company Addition, 
 and lots 13, 14, 15. IC and 17 in (Jeoige l\ Roth- 
 meier's Addition. He is (luite prominent among 
 the Rcjjublicans of the community, and beside 
 the position of Postmaster which he 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 IJencficial 
 Association, was Secuvtarv of the Heailiiig Society
 
 'nt 
 Of 
 
 ILLINOIS.
 
 ^n^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 •173 
 
 for four }-ears, and the Eatliney Loan Association 
 of St. Louis. Ill liis religious preference, he is at- 
 taclied to tlie doctrinesof the Liitlieran CIumn li mihI 
 a faitliful member of tlie denomination. 
 
 *-^^l 
 
 ^^ HAHLKS TIlOMl'SON .lONKS is one of 
 (11^' the prominent and influential men of East 
 ^^^ 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 Stociv Yards, an enterprise 
 in which iiiucli pride is felt l)y every resi- 
 dent, and discharges the duties of that posiliou 
 in an able and satisfactorj' manner. 
 
 Mr. Jones w.as born .at Dover Plains, Dutchess 
 County, N. Y., on the 7th of November, ISoO, is 
 of Welsh descent and belongs to an old and prom- 
 inent Eastern family. Ilis father, Jarvis .Tones, 
 was also a native of Dutchess County, N. Y., and 
 the grandfather was a farmer in that county all 
 his life, lie served in the War of 1812. Like his 
 father, Jarvis Jones became a prominent agricul- 
 turist, but in connection therewith he was engaged 
 in the dairy business until 1873, when he ^old out 
 and entered the employ of the New York Condensed 
 IMilk Company, the largest enterprise of the kind in 
 the world. His son-in-law was superintendent of all 
 the factories, six in nuinher, and he himself be- 
 came general foreman. He resided in the Empire 
 Stale until his death, in 1H7(;. He was a worlliy 
 and consistent member of the ^Icthodist Church, 
 and in politics was alliliated with the Hepubticaii 
 l)arty. 
 
 Tiie molliei of <iur subjct-t liore the iiiaidcn 
 name of Julia 'Pliompstin. and was born in 
 Xew York State. Her fatlier. Jai\ i> 'riifiiiipsoii. 
 was also a native of New York and <>( Scotdi de- 
 scent. He was engaged in fanning and the dairy 
 business quite extensively, having over oik; hun- 
 dred cows. ^Irs. Jones is now seventy years of 
 age and makes her home in .New York. Tlie 
 three daughters and two sons horn to tliis union 
 were as follows: (Jilhert. who was killed on llic 
 
 New York & Harlem Railroad when twenty 
 six 3-ears of age; Jennie (JNIrs. Bishop), of Was- 
 saic. X. Y'.; Alice (Mrs. Hermans), of Carpenter- 
 ville. 111.; and Ida, who resides in Wassaic, X. 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 advant.agcs, 
 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 Alban}', N. Y., and there learned the carpen- 
 ter's trade. It was arranged that his wages should 
 be Hfty cents a day, but when pay day came he 
 received 11.50 per day for his services, and at 
 the end of a year he was receiving 13. 
 
 After remaining in Albany for one year, Mr. 
 Jones was sent to East Buffalo by his emjiloyers, 
 who were organizers of the stock yards in East St. 
 Louis. He was to build an addition to their 
 yard in East Buffalo, and he there remained for 
 one j-ear. Returning to Albany, he remained 
 there until June, 1871, when he was sent by his 
 companj^ to East St. Louis. He had charge of 
 the carpenter work .and laid out the yards and at- 
 tended to other necessar3' matters. In tiie fall of 
 1873, the yards were opened and he then became 
 superintendent of the hog department, serving 
 in that capacity for two years. After that he was 
 general foreman until 1877, when he became su- 
 perintendent of the entire yards. Since then these 
 3-ards have increased in importance and are now 
 the third in size in the world. About one iiun- 
 dred and twenty-five men are emjiloyed during 
 the entirevear and an immense amount of work is 
 done. 
 
 Mr. Jones owns considerable real estate in the 
 city, including an attractive and pleasant residence 
 at Xo. 900 Pennsylvania Avenue. He is a stock- 
 holder and Director in the East St. Louis Street 
 Car Company and is a member of the Second 
 Mutual Building & Loan Association. He has 
 been emjjloyed longer in the stock .yards than 
 any other man and is jiopnlar with all. On the 
 23d of September, 1874, .Miss Patience Smith, a 
 native of Chicago, HI., became his wife. Her fa-
 
 474 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ther was killed in the array. Four children have 
 been born to this union: Clyde, Jessie A., Earl T. 
 and Reine C. Mr. .Tones is a Royal 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. 
 
 N^^ ATHAN S. ROBERTSON is a native of this 
 I ])) county and resides on section 3, Prairie du 
 |1\^ Lona: 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, grandfather of Nathan S., 
 was born in Pennsj'lvania, and came to this county 
 in a very early day, where he bore his share in re- 
 deeming the Ir.nd from its wild state. Joel Rob- 
 ertson was reared and educated iu this county, 
 and when he attained to manhood engaged in 
 farming pursuits, coming in 1847 to the 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, daugh- 
 ter of Michael Smith, the latter also an early set- 
 tler of the county. The result of this 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.'), and lie followed her 
 on August 28th of the same year, leaving a void 
 in the community which was deeply felt, not only 
 by the church in which he had been so prominent, 
 bvil in the social and business circles, where he had 
 been an example of rectitude and probity. 
 
 July 20, 1835, was the natal day of our subject, 
 and he was born about four miles south of Mill- 
 stadt, in this county, and there he spent his child- 
 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 
 Robert Higgins, occurred August 24, 185G. She 
 
 was also a native of Prairie du Long Township, 
 and since their marriage they have remained here. 
 Of their four children, three are still living, James 
 O. having died at the age of two years. Those 
 living are, Charles C, who is married and resides 
 on his father's place; Cynthia A., the wife of 
 Thomas Mc<4uyre, who makes her home iu Ben- 
 ton, Franklin Cniuity. 111.; and Clara ().. who lives 
 at home. 
 
 Of the one Inmdred and seventy-nine acres 
 owned by Mr. Robertson, one hundred and fifteen 
 are finel}' improved and kept in the highest state 
 of cultivation, and are devoted mostly to the 
 growing of cereals, wheat and corn being the prin- 
 cipal crops. ^Ir. Robertson is a member of the 
 Baptist Church, as are also his wife and daughter, 
 Cynthia. Socially, he is a member of the Farmers' 
 Mutual Benefit Association, and of Lodge No. 4 18, 
 F. & A. M., at Freeburg, in which latter he has 
 served as Steward. In i^olitical 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 
 position of School Director, and has also served as 
 Trustee of the township, in both of which offices 
 he has fulfilled ail that was expected of him by 
 his friends and neighbors, and has proved himself 
 worthy of all trust reposed in him. 
 
 "^NDREW STOLBERG. St. Clair County 
 ( Wiu\ \ abounds in a fine class of farmers, who have 
 IS given to this part of the State an excellent 
 reputation, and have been of liel|i in 
 building up its commercial and agricultural inter- 
 ests. The subject of this sketch resides on section 
 ll,Srnithton Township, and is the son of .John 
 M. Stolberg, who was born in Germany and came 
 to this country with his parents when a lioy. They 
 made their first settlement in Bellevilli'. 111., where 
 they engaged in farming, and near wliieli place 
 John M. Stolberg married Elizabeth CraiiMM, who 
 was the daughter of a farmer.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 47; 
 
 .IdIui M. StulliiMi;- li;i(l Icii oliildrt-ii. seven of 
 wlidiii arc still living-. Aflcr his ni.avnagc, lie 
 lived on his father's place for ten \-ears and then 
 l)Ought the farm which has descended to onr sub- 
 ject. This consists of two hundred and twenty- 
 five .acres, on whidi .John M. put the most of the 
 improvements. He and liis wife are both living 
 in Belleville, retired from .active labor, .tohn M. 
 .Stolberg understood agriculture and made a great 
 deal of money upon the property, and also upon 
 two farms which lie owns in Mis.souri. Altogether 
 he owns over seven hundred acres of land. 
 
 The liirUi of uur subject took pl.ace in IJelle- 
 ville, 111., ill IHUI, but he was reared upon the 
 farm and lias lived upon it ever since coming to 
 it. His marriage occurred in the fall of 18«!t, 
 with Miss Annie Heberer, who was the daughter 
 of Henry Heberer, an early settler of this county. 
 One beautiful little daugliter, Hilda, has come to 
 bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stolberg. 
 
 Our subject grows much grain, but has also 
 raised some fine hogs and has a fine herd of Gal- 
 loway cattle. He is now farming three hundred 
 acres of land for his father. Politically, Mr. .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 the county as a successful 
 agriculturist, and there is no doubt but that Mr. 
 Stolberg, .Ir., will keep u]) the enviable reputation 
 of his .sire. 
 
 ^^ 
 
 elTART.ES ECKERT, (me of the nun who 
 liave 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 2'). .Millsladl 
 Township, in St. ("lair County. 
 
 Nicholas Eckert, the father of our subject, was 
 born in Hesse-Darmstiidt in Germany, in the year 
 1805 and there he lived and carried on a successful 
 trade as shoemaker. He w.as one of the early .set- 
 tlers fioni his coimtrN- wImi caine 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 lie p.as-sed 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 .biliii Knlblleisli, and 
 the subject of these lines. 
 
 Our subject was born February 8, 1848, on the 
 place which h.as been his Inqipy home for so many 
 years. He was reared here, attending the district 
 schools in winter, and w\as 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 llenneke, who had come to America in 1852. 
 
 .'Vfter this important event, Mr. and Mrs. Eckert 
 set up their household goods on the pl.ace where 
 they have lived ever since, never having had occa- 
 sion to m.ake any of those changes which break uji 
 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 5'oung 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 
 h.as adopted all of the latest methods in the culti- 
 vation of it, the yield of grain, particularly wheat, 
 is wonderful. He h.as good and substantial build- 
 ings, a fine residence and barns, and all that he 
 requires to be liapjiy and contented. He has made 
 tlie most of the improvements on this place himself, 
 and takes a pride in seeing what he has accoiii- 
 ])lislied. 
 
 Ill his political views, our subject is a stanch He- 
 publican, devoted to the success of that party both 
 in local and National affairs, and ever anxious to 
 cast his ballot for the candidates selectee] by that 
 party. 
 
 Socially, .Mr. I'',ckci-t is a valued and :uti\'e mem-
 
 476 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 
 
 ber of Millstadt Lodge No. 567 I.O. O. F., and also 
 belongs to the Millstadt Treubund. He believes 
 these orders do much good in various waysand liis 
 presence is always welcome among his brethren. 
 
 In his church relations our subject has long been 
 a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and 
 lie has always been a liberal supporter of Gospel 
 work. He is a good man and one whose departure 
 from Ixis accustomed places in [tublic or private life 
 would be sadly felt. 
 
 ENRY KNEWITZ. We take i)leasure in 
 representing within this 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 
 community. Henry Knewitz was born on the farm 
 where he now lives in the year 1841, the vson 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 exceedingly 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 the tactics of war for six j'ears. After 
 leaving the army he returned to his parents, with 
 the idea of settling near them and pursuing the 
 even tenor of his waj' as his father had done before 
 him. 
 
 One of the truest s.a3'ings handed down to us 
 b\' a most illustrious man of letters is that, " Man 
 l)roi)oses 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 
 Falherland and sailed for the United States in 
 
 1838. He settled in Lenzburg, St. Clair County, and 
 ver}- soon after his arrival in this country bought 
 a forty-acre tract of land, on which he built a 
 house, and devoted his attention to agriculture 
 and stock-raising. Industry, thrift, patience, per- 
 severance, and econom.y all go a long way toward 
 making the hill of fortune easy to climb, and, being 
 possessor of these desirable characteristics, Gerhard 
 Knewitz carved his way along 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 1831) Gerhard 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 infancy, the others 
 being: Henry, subject of our sketch; Gerhard; 
 Barbara, who is deceased; and Mary, also deceased. 
 Mrs. Knewitz died in 18.0.5, 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 deiiarted this life in 
 18C1. 
 
 ( lerliard Knewitz had earned a competence as 
 one of the early settlers in this township, and to the 
 honorable acts of his life was added tlie 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 adliei-ed 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 what future 3'ears are 
 likely to develop as the man's characteristics. 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 
 sehoolhouse, 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
 
 RtSiDENCt: OF PETER MILLER, S EC. S ,FREEBU RG TR.ST. CLAIR CO., I LL 
 
 RESIDENCE OF HENRY KNEWITZ , SCC.16 ,LENZBURG TP,,ST. CLAIRCO.JLL.
 
 VJ»*^^ 
 
 
 .^-< 
 
 ^^.^«v.\HO\^ 
 
 ov 
 
 \wv^'
 
 PORTRAIT AND P.10(;RA1'IIICA1. RKCORD. 
 
 470 
 
 he was twenty-three years old, his bride being 
 Miss Wilhelinina Baer, a daiiffhter of Jacob and 
 Wilhelmina (Kiililman) Baer. To tliis union were 
 born four eliildrun, two of whom died in infancy, 
 tlie others being Mrs. II. Williams and Josephine 
 M. Henry Knewitz and wife are well-known 
 members of the Lutlieran Church, which body 
 has enjoyed the support of himself, his father 
 and grandfather, lie 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 olficiated as .'^cllool Treasurer several 
 times. He is to-day the po.ssessor 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 
 homestead, and ranks among the citizens of this 
 .community whom the younger generation may 
 safely ad()|)t ns examples. 
 
 -^ ^^- 
 
 l^ETER :MILLER. This successful farmer re- 
 I Jl! sides on section 6, Freeburg Township. 
 ! f^ where he has over two hundred acres of fer- 
 ) \ 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 north of Belleville. He was 
 hut a small l>oy when his father moved to Smitlilon 
 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'cter Miller 
 to Miss Barbara I'oirot, who was born in Lorraine, 
 France, and was fourteen years old when she came 
 to this country. Her father, Xavicr Poirot, fol- 
 lowed the trade of a shoem.aker in the Old Country, 
 liut after emigrating to America engaged in agri- 
 cultural iiursuits, and still lives, having reached 
 the advanced age of eighty -six years. After mar- 
 ri.age oiu' subject located where he now lives, on 
 Turkev 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 Mis.s llermena Sliehl and 
 lives on his father's farm, and .Stella, who is at 
 home. 
 
 The farm belonging to Mr. Miller contains two 
 hundred and forty -eight acres, all of which is un- 
 der a liigii state of cultivation. He carries on gen- 
 eral farmnig and stock-raising, and devotes much 
 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 Associ.ation, 
 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 ofhcc of Master 
 in the Subordinate Lfidge and in Pomona (Grange 
 of St. Clair County. Politically, he is a strong 
 Democrat, .and an energetic supporter of i)arty 
 measures. He is often called upon to make speeches 
 in the campaigns, and his elocpience, keen discern- 
 ment and familiarity with the Democratic princi- 
 ples are used for the adv.ancemenl and to secure 
 the success of his ))arty. 
 
 ^^ IIARLES PROBST, of whom we write, tlie 
 [[! _ owner of the fine farm located on section 
 \i^ :V1 of MillstadtTownshi]), St. Clair County, 
 is the son of .John Christian Probst, who was l)orn in 
 Saxonv, Oermany. in ISdis. and was reared there 
 and came to this coiiiilry in IH.'il. lie lauded in 
 the great city of Haltinnire, Md., and came from 
 there in w.agons to the fertile lands of St. Clair 
 County. III., rumors of which had reached liiiii in 
 his little home in (iermany. 
 
 The father located in MillsLadt, on laiul 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
 
 480 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGBAPMCAL RECORD. 
 
 township, expcMienced all the trials of pioneer life. 
 Ilis wife, Miss Philopeua Weyngardt, was also 
 born in German\" and had come to this coun- 
 tr\- with lier parents at an earlj' day. Those 
 were the days of large families and to Mr. 
 and Mrs. John Christian Probst were born thirteen 
 children, live of whom are j'et living, namely: 
 William, Fred, Andrew, our subject and Charlotte. 
 This hard-M'orking man died about the year 1883, 
 his wife preceding him ten years. 
 
 The birth of our subject look place September. 
 13, 1842, on the old homestead, his present resi- [ 
 dence, a place of comfort and happiness for all its \ 
 dwellers. He was reared here and went to school 
 witli 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 
 aiid mother attended the district schools. The 
 marriage of Mr. Probst to Miss Margai-etta Kess- 
 linger was solemnized in 1865, and by her devotion 
 and helpfulness she has shown what a good wife 
 can do for her husband. She is a native of this 
 county and was the daughter of George 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 REconi), when we tell of 
 his army 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 with most interesting 
 i-eading. Participating in many bloody battles, 
 Mr. Probst proved himself a man of great pei-sonal 
 courage, finally receiving wounds from the effects 
 of which he will never recover. A grateful Gov- 
 ernment bestowed upon him a pension, which he 
 has drawn since being mustered out in 1865. Mr. 
 Probst is a highly-esteemed member of Millstadt 
 Post No. 684, (i. 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: .lohn, living in St. Louis; Charles, 
 
 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 principles 
 of the Republican party. His family belong to the 
 P>angelical Lutheran Church of Floraville and 
 lead lives which reflect credit on that connection. 
 
 ERMAX SPITZXASS. The gentleman 
 whose honored name api)ears at the heading 
 of this sketch is another of the brave sons 
 of this country with whom Germany- has 
 furnished us. Mr. Spitznass was the sou of AVilliam 
 Spitznass, a native of Prussia, where he was 
 reared .and married. The lad^' whom he married 
 was Miss Johanna Kelch, with whom he came to 
 this country about 1852, locating at Turkey Ilill, 
 where he bought land, .ind here it is that our 
 subject still resides, on the old home plai'C. 
 The father lived here until 1872, when he removed 
 to Belleville, living there for five ye.ars, 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 C4erman army. He and his wife 
 were the happy 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 t(i their 
 respective communities. Otto, taken away liy 
 death, was deeply mourned by all. 
 
 Our subject, as w.as before stated, is a native of
 
 PORTRAIT AND niOORArillCAL RECORD. 
 
 481 
 
 Germany, having been born in Prussia, October 
 
 18, 1842, and was only eleven years of age wlien 
 the family made their advent into this country of 
 freedom, and he grew to manhood in the plni'O 
 where lie still lives. In the year 1861, he nobly 
 responded to the call of his country and entered tiie 
 Forty-third Regiment of Illinois Infantry, serving 
 three years, and taking |)art in the battle of Shiluh. 
 as well as numerous minor one,s, in all of wliich lie 
 gave evidence of great personal courage as well as 
 of unswerving attachment to the country of his 
 adoption. I'pon his return from the war, our sulv 
 ject married .Miss Rachel Funk, who died five years 
 afterward, and later he married her sister Mary. IJy 
 his first wife Jlr. Spitznass had one child, and 
 nine were added to his family as the fruits of his 
 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 .--i.xty-nine acres, all in a fine state 
 of cultivation, on wiiich are carried on general farm- 
 ing and stock-raising. The farm is on section i!, 
 Freeburg Township, .St. Clair County. Here our 
 subject has spent his life, having a record as an 
 lionest, 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 atTairs iif his party. 
 
 f®)lNCKNr(i. .lOllNSON. Thi.- farmer and 
 
 ¥ intelligent gentleman living on a fine farm 
 of one hundred acres of fertile Illinois soil, 
 was born Sei>tcmber 2.'5, 18."37, one-half mile south- 
 west of his present home, upon what is known ,'is 
 the ••Phillips Farm." 
 
 The father of our sulijcct. Hardy .lolinson. was 
 liorn near New Heme, N. C., and his mother, 
 whose maiden name was Mary Smith, was a 
 native of Columl)ia, Maury County, Tenii. The 
 paternal grandfather was an old sailor, who was 
 in the navy during the Revolutionary War, and 
 died at Aberdeen, Miss., at the advanced age of 
 
 ninety-nine yeai-s. His wife was very oU\ when 
 she passed away. The mother's parents were \h- 
 ginians, who emigrated from Mrginia to Kentucky 
 at an early day. Hardy .Johnson and his wife 
 came to Illinois in 1831. They had started for 
 Urownsville, Mo., but in passing through Franklin 
 County, 111., were so pleased that the^- remained 
 there three years. They came to .St. Clair County 
 in 1H.'54. and settled on the place wliere our subject 
 was l)orn. 
 
 The father of \iiKCnt .Tohnson died March •2(1, 
 187(), at the age of eighty-one. He held nootticcs 
 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 County, Tenn., and they 
 lived near Columbia for seveial \-ears after mar- 
 iage. They were the parents of the following 
 children: Louisa, who married for her second hus- 
 band J. D. Franklin, a farmer living in Woodford 
 County, 111. She had two children by her first mar- 
 riage. Flziradied in February 1891, aged sixty-two 
 years, the wife of William Harris, of Nashville, 111., 
 and left seven children: .Mark died at the home of 
 our subject in 188 J, at the age of fifty years; William 
 R. was about nineteen when death claimed him: 
 Mary, wife of Joseph Whiteside, died in Logan 
 County, III., and IVIargaret, widow of L. I). L'oli- 
 erts, who was a mechanic, but devoted himself to 
 farming during his later j-ears. She Inis 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 I>elle- 
 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 >^i\\ of October, 1862. She was the daughter 
 of Uisdon A. and Ann (Middlekoflf) Moore. Her 
 father lives in Shiloh Valley Townshi]), about two 
 miles east, and is an old settler and iiromineut citi- 
 zen. Mr, .lohnson lost his wife in 1870 and she left 
 one child, Mary, who married M. O. Wilderman, and 
 had one daughter. 
 
 Our subject married a second time, May 20, 1873,
 
 482 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 this union Ijeing with Miss Pinelda C. Breese, of 
 Irvington 111., daughter of John and Etheinda 
 (Rieff) Bi-eese,both deceased. Her fatiier made Illi- 
 nois his home in 1849. Farming has been the 
 life business of Mr. Johnson, and his work has 
 brought him happiness and success. Like his 
 father, he has been a Democrat all his life and 
 peaceably upholds tiie principles of the party when- 
 ever called upon. Our subject is now serving the 
 township as Highway Commissioner. Mr. Johnson 
 is a fine looking man and his quiet, thoughtful 
 countenance tells of reserved mental strength. 
 His neighbors esteem him highly and liis friends 
 are greatly attached to him. 
 
 '■ r ^_ 
 
 „t Lebanon is fortunate in having as its 
 (A: \\\ pastor a gentleman of such large resources 
 \^ and unquestioned ability as Father (iillen. 
 Among the people of the community in general, as 
 well as the parishioners, he is very popular, and his 
 geniality 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 the State. 
 
 Father Gillen was born in Ileisterburg, Februarj- 
 23,1861. His parents, .John and Frances (Gross) 
 Gillen, natives of Germany, emigrated to America 
 in 187.') 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 place and afterward en- 
 teied St. Joseph's College at Cleveland, Ohio, 
 where he remained five years. His literary 
 studies were subsequently pursued at Teutopolis, 
 111., where he improved his excellent educational 
 advantages to their fullest extent. 
 
 On the completion of his studies at Teutopolis, 
 our subject took a philosophical course of two 
 years at Montreal, Canada, and afterward went to 
 
 Europe, commencing the studj- 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 
 the pastorate of St. Joseph's Church at Lebanon, 
 where he has ever since resided. This parish has 
 been established about twenty-five years 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 Gillen is a very popular priest. A man 
 of education 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 raising 
 the money necessary for the erection of the new 
 church and has been rewarded with success. Mod- 
 est and unassuming, he has labored not for his 
 own temporal advancement but for the highest 
 spiritual welfare of his parishoners and it is not 
 strange therefore that he is esteemed liy each one 
 .as a personal frioiul. 
 
 ^f ARON STOOKEY. Among the men who 
 iMO| iiave filled public positions in St. Clair 
 
 III 1\ County, the gentleman above named holds 
 {^J a prominent place as one who thoroughly 
 
 understands the business in which he has been en- 
 gaged, and fulfills his contracts in a reli.ible 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 him as a 
 skillful manager of affairs. 
 
 The parents of the above-named gentleman were 
 Simon and Hannah (tiooding) Stookey, whose 
 family consisted of seven children, 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 jNIarshall W. Weii-;
 
 PORTRAIT AN!) inCGKAl'llIC AL KKCORD. 
 
 483 
 
 James M. and Melissa J., deceased, the latter of 
 wlioiii was tlie wife of Fcrdiiiand Hinckley. 
 
 Simon Slookfv, Uic father of our sulijci-t. came 
 to St. Clair County with his parent.-i in the year 
 I.S02 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 couutr\' arrested the attention of 
 Daniel Stookey, the grandfather of our subject, 
 and he and his wife, l?arbara (Whetstone) Stookey, 
 concluded to remain in this part of the State. 
 Grandfather Stookey was the American represen- 
 tative of an old and respected (ierinan family, 
 part of whom were earlv 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 line farming land and w:»s known as one 
 of the finest raisers of stock in this 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. 
 lie 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 ottice he was 
 stricken with an illness that proved fatal and de- 
 parted this life in the year following. He w.as 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 laboi-s, and 
 was known as one of the liest-posted and intelli- 
 gent men of the community. 
 
 Aaron Stookey, with whose name we introduce 
 this article, lived with his parents until the year 
 18.")"2, when he was united in marriage to JIiss 
 Mary .1. Holcomb. daughter af .lohn W. and Kliza- 
 beth (Cioodner) Holcomb. He (irst Ijcgan life as a 
 farmer, which he followed a number of yeai-s, then 
 engaged in the livery business in Helleville. which 
 cntcri)rise he conducted successfully for a period 
 
 of ten yeare. lie also gained an excellent reputa- 
 tion !us a judge of stock, and his opinion in all 
 mattei-s relative to the same was relied on by many 
 and older heads. A clear head, excellent thinking 
 powers, and the ainlity to discriminate are among 
 his other manly attributes, and he isone of the most 
 successful men of his ycai-s in St. Clair County. 
 The sterling ([ualities of the grandparents have 
 certainl\- descended to this representative of the 
 .stookey family. He has been honored with nian3' 
 jH)litical oflices in the township, and has at different 
 times filled the positions of Supervisor and Assessor 
 creditably tohiinself and satisfactorily to those who 
 placed him in office. 
 
 5Ii\ Stookey is a firm disciple of the Ke|iulilican 
 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 alw.ays 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 him, and in so doing he 
 gains the respect of all who come in contact with 
 him. 
 
 # 
 
 W AMI> W- McCri.l.oriill, Tassenger and 
 I Freight Agent of the Air Line of the 
 Louisville, Evansville it St. Louis Railroad 
 at Helleville, 111., is one of the most 
 trustworthy and capable oflicials 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 
 inesent position since March, 18112. but the 
 town tif Helleville has claimed him as a resi- 
 dent since 18.52, at which time he w.as nine 
 yeai-s of age. He was born in Troy, Lincoln 
 County, Mo., September 4, 1843, to (ieorge and 
 Louisa (Pepper) McCullough, the former of whom 
 died at Florisant, St. Louis County, Mo. He was 
 a native of the Keystone State, but of Scotch de-
 
 484 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 scent, and inherited many of tlie attributes for 
 vvliicL the "canny Scot" is noted. He was married 
 to Miss PeiJper in the Pelican State, but lier na- 
 tive State was A'irginia, where slie belonged to one 
 of the F. F. A"s. George ]McCuHough was a [ihy- 
 sician ami surgeon of considerable note in the 
 early days of iMissouri and liis patronage extended 
 over a wide strip of territory. He pursued his 
 noble calling with much ability, until the hand of 
 death cut short his career, after which his widow 
 with her family came to Belleville, in whicli city 
 they took up their permanent abode in 18.')2. Her 
 family consisted of one son and one daughter: 
 James AV., and Louisa, 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' Academj', of 
 St. Louis, Mo., for two years, and, unlike many 
 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 Hlinois Infan- 
 try, in which he rose to be Sergeant-Major 
 His war record was a clean and honorable 
 one, and during his short career as one of tlie 
 "boys in blue" he was noted for his faithful dis- 
 charge of every duty and for his upright and 
 soldierly conduct. I'pon 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 ]5elleville, on the 
 Cairo Short Line, which was the only radroad 
 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, 18!)0, and renioving widi his family to 
 St. Louis. 
 
 In that city he engaged in Xhe commission busi- 
 ness for one year, and, .-ifter clerking a short time, 
 he accepted the posjlion of Agent oi) Hie Ivoiijs- 
 
 ville, Evansville & St. Louis Railroad, at Belleville, 
 which is one of the most important ortices, outside 
 the terminal offices, on the road. He lias six men 
 under him, and manages Iheiu wilii a degree of 
 abilty that is eminently satisfactory to the otlicials 
 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 daj', alive to the 
 interests of the section in which he resides, and is 
 generous and whole-souled in the use of his means 
 in behalf of enterprises that commend themselves 
 to his excellent judgment. 
 
 Air. McCuUough is a member of several secret 
 organizations, among which may be mentioned the 
 Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Knights 
 of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. 
 He was married in Springfield, Hi., December 2.5, 
 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 follov/s: 
 Mary Estella; George; .1. 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 has assisted many a young 
 man to gain a foothold on the ladder of success. 
 
 ^Tr^.EV. R. D. WOODLEY, the popular pastor 
 |1^ of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of 
 <4i\v Belleville, III., is a man keen in perception, 
 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 jjarlors, lecture-room, dressing- 
 room and pastor's study below. This was erected 
 in 1848. Adjoining it on tlie west is the parson- 
 age, a good two-.--tory lirick building, and both arc 
 in good condition. 
 
 Our subject was lioni in Coluinbia, N. C, May 
 21, ISIS, and is a son of Daniel and Mary 
 (Wyiuif) Woodlcy, natives also of INorUi Caro-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL KKCORD. 
 
 •185 
 
 lina. The father was born on a farm in that State, 
 
 ;iii(l (Ml this SMiiif f:iiiii p;issc(I his ciitiic life. His 
 t'alhor hull also icsiiled oil lli;il furni. IJi.licrl 
 Wviiiic. tin" maternal graiulfalher of our sutiji'ct. 
 was a iradinj; North Carolina iiolititian and a 
 yery prominent Democrat. Daniel Woodlev was 
 born in 1799, and died in 1881. His wife p.issed 
 away in 18(>2. IJotli were prominent members of 
 the Baptist Clinreli, and most exemplary and 
 worthy citizens. 
 
 Hev. K. D. Woodley. the onl\ ehiid burn to his 
 parent*;, secured a good practical education in his 
 native State, and subsecpiently linished at Pough- 
 kecpsie, N. Y. Later, he was engaged in cultivat- 
 ing the soil, and in connection branched out as an 
 educator, wielding the ferule with much success in 
 his native State. When about eighteen years of 
 age, he began to be interested in theological 
 studies, 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 (rrove. Ark., Osce- 
 ola, Ark., and Powhatan, being then tran.sferred to 
 Montana and stationed at Stevensville and ^lis- 
 soula. 
 
 In 188i), lie w'as transferred to the Southern Illi- 
 nois Conference and was stationed at Harrisburg, 
 Saline County, where he remained two very suc- 
 cessful years. After this he was in Nashville, 
 Washington County, for three years, and from 
 there came to Belleville, where he is now com- 
 raeneing his third year in this church. He has a 
 membership of two hundred and twenty-Qve, and 
 by far the largest Protestant congregation in the 
 city. Tiie church has been unusually prosperous 
 under his pastorate, and over one hundred and 
 twenty-live 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 (iosiiel, .Mr. Woodlev has. 
 combined with logical reasoning powers, a fair 
 share of (luliiit eloquence and im press iven ess. .\ 
 man of most i)ositive convictions, he never hes- 
 itates' to attjick what he knows to be evil, however 
 strongly it may be enti'encluMl in popular favor or 
 in whate>er guise it is foisted upon his attention. 
 
 Broadly 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 intellectualitv, he has that thoroughly 
 practical knowledge of the affairs of ever3--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 aiul synii)athetic. he is warmly 
 esteemed by all. 
 
 Mr. Woodley was married to Miss Mary Tate, of 
 Harrisburg, 111., on the 8th of September, 1886. 
 and this union has resulted in the birth of three 
 interesting children, as follows: . Mamie, Robert 
 John and Ralph Daniel. He has al.so a daughter, 
 Maggie, b^' his first wife, whose maiden name was 
 Nannie Rankin; the present Mrs. Woodley is the 
 daughter of John and Sarah Tate. Socially, .Mr. 
 Woodley is a member of Washington Lodge No. 
 .■);). A. F. ct A. M.. and also a member of the Inde- 
 pendent Older of (iood Templars. 
 
 -(,,; DAM PFEIFFER. It is a ple.asure to the 
 §/l1Ii biographer to head this sketch with the 
 name of the man who is in every sen.se 
 1^ worthy of the distinction afforded liy 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 community. 
 
 Adam Pfeiffer is the son of Andrew P. Pfeiffer. 
 who was born in ( Jermany. 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 cariienter in his native land. lie emigrated to 
 America about the year 18;32, and located at St. 
 Louis, where he worked at his trade for ten years. 
 During the latter part of his residence in St. Louis, 
 lie was known as the keeper of a private boarding
 
 486 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 house. After the expiration of the time luen- 
 tioned, he left St. Louis, and located at High Prai- 
 rie, Sniithtoii Township, where he boiiglit a farm 
 and lived for about forty years. His next busi- 
 ness enterprise was to trade his farm for a house 
 and saloon iu Belleville. His family consisted of 
 seven children, two of whom died in childhood, 
 and five of whom are living. 
 
 Tiie subject of this sketcli, Adam Pfeiffer, was 
 lnuu on High Prairie, Smith ton 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 Smithton, 
 where he was employed in a flouring mill. On the 
 3d of December, 1863, he married Miss Catherine 
 Forcade, daughter of Mr. Louis Forcade of Prairie 
 du Long Township. For two years succeeding his 
 marriage, he resided in Prairie du Long Township, 
 after which he removed to his father's farm iu 
 Prairie du Long, and from there went to High 
 I'rairie, where be remained for nine years. His 
 family consisted of seven children, two of whom 
 Theressa and Maggie, died in childliood. 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 thirty-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 through- 
 out the country as a very successful raiser of this 
 comnioditj\ 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. 
 
 Our subject is a stanch Kepulilican, 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 office 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 inspnes a warm interest in all 
 with whom he comes in CDUtrct. He is a man of 
 
 genial and kindly disposition, one whose friend- 
 sliii) 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 American citizen in the fullest sense of the 
 term. 
 
 m>-^¥r<m 
 
 "jr^KED B. MERRILLS. The original of the 
 \f-^} present sketch is one of those pleasant and 
 ik^ energetic gentlemen of whom it is safe to 
 predict success. Mr. INIerrills opened a law ollice 
 in Belleville in 1889, and has been for some time 
 with the law firm of Koerner AKoerner. He was born 
 August 20, 1864, iu this county, and was the son 
 of Fred and Catherine (Bayakin) Merrills. The 
 father was also born in this county, 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 tiiles 
 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. 1885, wlien he was removed by death, leaving 
 three children and his faithful n-ife to mourn his 
 loss. The children are Alfred, living in Jackson 
 County; Catherine, the wife of Theodore Ashlock, 
 of this county; 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 grandfatlier of our sub- 
 ject, came unaccompanied to Illinois in the year 
 1812, being a clock-peddler by occupation. He 
 liad worked his way from his native State, 
 Connecticut, and, upon reaching the new couniiy, 
 took np Government lands, which he lield to his 
 death, passing them 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- 
 fatlier marrifd Susan A'anicr, of A'irginia. At 
 Olio time lir licid tlie ollicc of Siiiieriiitciident 
 of Schools, al aiiollici'.luslicc of llic l'eace,aiid was
 
 tlHPAKV 
 
 OMVfK^
 
 
 '^ni' 
 
 (!u,i!A-J^C^t^^i/^j <2^ 

 
 PORTKMT AND lUOflHAPIllCAL KECOHD. 
 
 489 
 
 a prominent man in all local afifaii"s. When made 
 Assessor, it was for the whole county. Tliis well- 
 known man passed away in 18.')2. 
 
 The subject of this sketoii obtained liis educa- 
 tiiin at C'arbondale. in this State, and at tlie Normal 
 rniversity there, lie then went into tlie office of 
 Dill iVr Scliaefer, and w:ls admitted by tlie 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 \'irginia liadgley, tiie daughter of 
 S. P. liadgley, of this county. 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 
 rei)resenlalive of it establisiicd the lii-st Baptist 
 Church in the State. 
 
 ^^ IIAKI.KS (iUlI-l'KN h.is >pent his entire life 
 ll^ ^, niton the farm which is still his home. It 
 
 \^' is located on section 14, Shiloh Valley 
 Township. He was born in 1845, of the union of 
 Joseph and Sallie A. (Collins) (iriffen. llisfatiier 
 was born in Clinton, Dutchess County, N. Y., in 
 1 71)6, and was one of the four sons of Jacob Griffen. 
 The mother of our subject was born in (Meenville, 
 Orecne County. N. Y., December 1. 1805, and was 
 one of twelve children. 
 
 Joseph (Jriffen went to .\lliany County, N. V., 
 with his imrents when tpiile young. He attended 
 the common schools, b\it wa.'^ mostly educated Ijy 
 extensive reading. At the age of nineteen, he went 
 to Western New York, secured a horse, fitted out a 
 wagon and on his own responsibility began ped- 
 dling, continuing as far West as the Mississippi 
 Uiver. A few years afterward he came down the 
 Ohio River by boat, and located in Handolpli 
 County, 111. This was in 1817. While on the 
 river he mot his first wife, Mrs. Mary (Foulke?) 
 
 23 
 
 Shepherd, daughter of Christopher and Margaret 
 Fonlkes. She was the widow of Thomas H. Shepherd 
 :in(I iiad one child by her first husband. 
 
 I'nto Mr. and Mrs. (xriffen were born eight clul- 
 dren, but only three grew t<i manhood and woman- 
 hood: Joseph, now deceased; Sarah A. and Maria. 
 The brother tirst married Maggie Sliaw and after- 
 ward wedded Anna R. Murdough, by whom he had 
 six children: Alice, deceased; Cora A.. Henry H., 
 Maggie B., Walter and Charles 11. Sarah A. became 
 the wife of James H. Alexander and they had three 
 children: Joseph II., Edgar H. and Ottie F. 
 Maria became the wife of (ieorge Lemeu,and unto 
 them was born a son, George C. Her second hus- 
 band was Benjamin Hentchler,and they became the 
 parents of three children: Chester L., Charles E. 
 and Albert G. Her third husband is W. D. Howard, 
 and unto them were born four rliildren: Mary, 
 Joseph, Carrie and Leroy. 
 
 After a few years spent in Randoli)h County, 
 Mr. Ciriffen, the father of our subject, removed to 
 St. Clair County, locating tirst 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 nativesof 
 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; .\lletta. 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 
 Oclohcr. l.sTl.in the faith of the Baptist Cliurcli. 
 In politic.-, lie was first a Whig and afterward a 
 Hepublican. He served as Justice of the Pe.ace 
 several ,\ ears and w.as a prominent and inlluential 
 citizen, highly respected in the community. His 
 wife, who was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, died in April, 1876. 
 
 Our subject remanied on the home farm with his 
 parents until their deaths. He attended the com- 
 mon schools and completed his education in the 
 Commercial School of .M. Louis. He entered upon 
 111? business career by taking charge of his father's
 
 490 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 farm. As a companion on life's journey he chose 
 Miss Martha, daughter of .James and Julia (Clark) 
 Park. Their union was celebrated in 1873. The 
 lady is a native of this county, and her i)arents 
 were born in Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. 
 Tlie Clark family is of Scotch descent. Unto Mr.' 
 and Mrs. Griffen have been born four children: 
 Cyril A., Myrtle A., Joseph B. and Charles L. C. 
 
 Mr. Onffen 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 wideac(iuaintance 
 throughout the county, and is held in the highest 
 regard bvall with whom business or social relations 
 liave brought him in contact. His example is well 
 worthy of emulation, and with pleasure we present 
 to our readers this record of his well-spent life. 
 
 ^j<^EOK(;i-: F. UlTTER. This gentleman is a 
 [|| - — native of the village of St. Libory, .St. Clair 
 
 Ai^jijl 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 ((ilassmeier) 
 Rutter. 
 
 Henry Kutter was born in Austinbrook, Prussia, 
 in the year 1817. He received a common-school 
 education in accordance with the strict laws of his 
 native country, but his parents being poor they 
 could give him but limited educational advan- 
 tages, and he l[;iil 'o lic'gin very early in life to 
 assume the re?|».>nsibili!i('s of liis own lixclihood. 
 
 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 ]iroi)erty, and his first purchase in the real-es- 
 tate line was the homestead which his son now oc- 
 cupies. Through industry and thrift he was soon 
 able to o|>en a store for general merchandise, and, 
 although having onl^' small capital, iiis persever- 
 ance and strong business ability have aided the 
 success with which his name is coupled in the com- 
 munity. He was quite successful from the begin- 
 ning of his mercantile career and was soon able to 
 enlarge his 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 already assured success. To this union 
 were born the following children: Louisa, wife of 
 Fritz Lager; Katie, wife of Henry AVessel; Bernard, 
 partner of the subject of our sketch; Mary, wife 
 of Nicholas Mayer; Anna, wife of Theodore 
 Poehuann; Gertrude, and George F., whose bio- 
 graphy 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 jjolitics, and 
 an ardent follower of the Roman Catholic relig- 
 ion. His ability and integrity were thoroughl3' 
 appreci.ited 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, which he 
 held for several years, to his own credit and the 
 satisfaction of the communit\-. ^Mr. Rutter, Sr., 
 died in the year 1880, on tlie 10th day of August, 
 and was mourned in the community where he had 
 passed the greater portion of his life as a wortiiy 
 citizen, a kind and genertms father and husband, 
 and a man who had always enjoyed the respect of 
 all with whom he came in contact. His estimable 
 wife suivives him and makes hei' home with her 
 son, llic snlijccl, of this sketch, where her kind,
 
 PORTRAIT AND lUOGKAPHICAL HECORD. 
 
 491 
 
 womanly sympathies are souglit by all the com- 
 
 uiunity in which she has dwelt so long, and l<> 
 whom she ii.-is l)ecome dear. 
 
 (ieorgo 1"". Kiittci, witli whose name we coni- 
 nient-c this .sket<.li, finislied liis education in the 
 Iniversity of St. Louis, and after completing iii."' 
 loui'se tiiei'c entered into the mercantile life. His 
 ahilitv was such that the year in which he attained 
 hi.- majority foun<i him tlie possessor of a hus- 
 iness all iiis own. Inheriting the amhition, in- 
 dustry, thrift, anil aliilily of his father, he lias gone 
 steadil\- forward, aeiiuiring not only the eonli- 
 dence of his patrons, liut tlie esteem of tlie com- 
 munity in wliieh he has grown from Ijoyliood to 
 manliood. 
 
 Following in the footsteps of his father, he is 
 one of the prominent meml)ers of the Koman 
 Catholic Churcii, to which hody he gives liberal 
 support, and is known a.s a strong exponent of its 
 teaciiings. He is also a member of the Catholic 
 Knight*; of Ireland, a Konian Catholic order. 
 
 Politically, he is a Democrat, and takes an ac- 
 tive pari in all inniiicii)ai elections, .as well as the 
 Presidential campaigns, standing loyally by liis 
 jiarty, and aiding its nominees to the best possible 
 interests of tiie countiT. Young, popular, ambi- 
 tious and deserving, lliis son of an exemplary 
 father lias achieved a great deal in life, and we 
 trust there is a future before liim which will be 
 adeiiuatc to his aliilities ;ind highest ambitions. 
 
 b<? ■>[! 
 
 f'v ETEU FRIES, tme of tiie prominent farm- 
 I ))/ ers of Engelman Township, St. Clair 
 County. III., resides on section i;?. Ilcic 
 Mr. Fries owns a beautiful farm nf (Hic 
 hundred and twenty acres, which he lias put in a 
 tine state of cultivation. The subject of this 
 sketch is a native of the county in which he re- 
 sides, and his lurtliday occurred .lanuary 31, iH13, 
 he being the son of (ieorge and Filizabeth Fries, 
 lie was reared in his native eouiity, and received 
 liis educatifni in the public scliools of his district. 
 The latter were conducted in a very creditable 
 
 manner, and the teachers were generally those who 
 
 had attended some higher school of learning, 
 hence the opportunities for.acquiring an education 
 were inueli better than those enjoyed by his par- 
 ents, and our subject was not slow in embr.acing 
 all tlie advantflges offered him. 
 
 At the age of twenty-four years, our subject lic- 
 gaii to think of founding a home for himself. To 
 this end he selected IMiss 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 
 e\ent, which took |)liice in 1H(!;>, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Fries looked about them for a ple.asant location 
 for their future residence. The village of Turkey 
 Hill seemed to ijre.sent all the requirements neces- 
 sary for the enjoyment of country life, and he re- 
 mained there until 1867. Atthat time Mr. Fries 
 decided to iiurchase a farm of his own, and he 
 selected his present place, located in Engelinan 
 Township, and here he and his family have resided 
 ever since. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Fries have three living I'liildren. 
 one of whom li.as left the parental roof for a home 
 of her own. This is F^liza, who became the wife 
 of Adam Larch, an engineer of New Baden. The 
 two other daughters, .Susan and ICinma, remain at 
 home. The beautiful farm of our subject consists 
 of one hundred and twenty acres of well-inii)roved 
 land, on which are found fences, neat outbuild- 
 ings and big l)arns, all in good condition, and a 
 tine orchard, where are to be found a choice variety 
 of apples. Mr. I'ries understands all kinds of 
 farming, l)iit has discovered that grain is his most 
 prolitjible crop, 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 notalile housewife, Mrs. Fries, who man- 
 aged the eslablisliinent 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 the.se many years, she having 
 passed away in lH7i),. leaving her husband and 
 three children to mourn her lo.ss. Her memory is 
 still leiideily cherished by her husband, who has 
 never filled her place, but is content willi the niiii- 
 istrations <,if his two good daughters,
 
 492 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Mr. Fries is a strong advocate of the principles 
 of the Republican party. He is also much inter- 
 ested in the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. 
 Our subject is a devoted member of tWe New 
 Merapliis Lutheran Church. He has always been 
 iin industrious man, and now reaps tlie reward of 
 his laljors. 
 
 
 yii' OHN W. GRISWOLD. The prominent gen- 
 I tleman whose name opens this sketch is an 
 ,^:^\ i ex-county official of Montgomery County. 
 ^5^/' and a successful real-estate man, who now is 
 the 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 lie resides, and is the owner 
 of three fine farms in Montgomery County. 
 
 The grandfather of our subject was born in 
 Vermont, and in 1824 moved with liis family to 
 Greene County, 111., and they were the pioneer 
 settlers there. Tliis assertion may not mean much 
 to the casual reader of tiiis Recori), hut there are 
 many among the older generation who will have 
 no trouble in calling up memories of tlic long 
 journey by team; of tlie storm and accidents by 
 tlie way; sometimes of the little graves which wei-e 
 watered by tears and then left alone on the wide 
 prairie; of tlie unbroken forests, from which must 
 come house and home; of the want of the merest 
 conveniences of life; and of the dreadful home- 
 sickness which attacked the ))ravcst at times. 
 
 The father of our suliject was Ambrose Gris- 
 wold, a native of V^ermont, who was only four 
 years old when he was brought to Greene County, 
 where he followed a farmer's life until in 1857, 
 when he located in Montgomerj' County, in Nasli- 
 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 raised the best 
 thorough-bred horses in the State and made a great 
 success. In time, he liought iiiore Iniid and now 
 owns live farms, iiicludiiig in all imc thuiisand 
 acres. His residence is in Liti.'hfield, where he 
 
 is much esteemed as a prominent member of 
 the Baptist Chui-ch. The political opinions of 
 .Mr. Ambrose (iriswold are in accordance with 
 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 w.as born in Kane, 
 Greene County, 111., April 9, 1853. He has one 
 sister, who is now Mrs. Jones and lives near Litch- 
 field, and one brother, who resides in Taconia, 
 AVashington. Our sul)ject was reared on the 
 farm, was early taught to work, and lived the 
 usual life of the fanner lad; going to the dis- 
 trict school in winter for a short time and working 
 in the summer at the plowing and sowingof grain, 
 the planting of corn, the hay-making, and all the 
 other agricultural labor, which is pleasanter to read 
 about in after years tlian to push forward in youth. 
 Our subject earl}- 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 very suc- 
 cessful in his raising of them. He became one of 
 the largest stock-men in the county of Mont- 
 gomery. 
 
 About this time Mr. (4risvvold started in the 
 livery business in Litchfield and kept at this for 
 five 3ears. In 1880, he was made Deputy Sheriff 
 under L. G. Fath for two years, and then under 
 W. A. Pyle, for four years. In 1886, he was 
 elected to the office of Sheriff b}- a fourteen 
 hundred and fifty-six majority, which was the 
 largest majority ever polled for any county 
 office. He remained at Hillsboro to fill his term 
 of office, hut 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 ninety votes 
 Republican, i>ut Mr. Griswold was elected by a 
 majority of fifty-four vtites. He is Chairman of 
 the Police ('ominittee and that makes him Chief 
 of Police. He is also on other committees. In
 
 ,u\NO\S.
 
 cr 
 
 JOHN PERRY.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 'in; 
 
 December, 18!)(), he came to llast St. Louis and 
 hesan to deal in real estate, ami llie tirin of Mc- 
 Lean \- (iriswold was foruie<l on Hroadway 
 and there the business is at present carried on. lie 
 is the agent fen- the Safety Homestead Building 
 and Loan Association, and is a valued member of 
 the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and 
 the religions membership of his family is with 
 the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Mr. (iriswold is tf>o fine a gentleman not to be 
 a family man, and lii.s marriage to one of the 
 maidens of Litchfield took i)lace February 2:L 
 1.H7M. Tiie young lady's name was Miss Gertrude 
 IJrokaw. Hes.sie, Mamie and Ross are the names 
 of the three children of the happy household. ]\lr. 
 (iriswold is a stanch and out-spoken Democrat, 
 and has rejjresented the citizens in the State Con- 
 vention. The family is one of ])romincnce in this 
 section, and is among the most respected in the 
 count V. 
 
 'lYi OIIN I'KURV, a retired broom mauiifacluicr 
 and fornierl\- one of the enterprising busi- 
 ness men of Uelleville, occupies a comfort- 
 able residence at No. 601 K.ast C Street. A 
 brief sketch of his eventful life will iindoubtedly 
 be of interest to his many friends in the county-. 
 He is the son of William and I'luebe (Sprinkle) 
 Perry, natives respectively of New York .'inrl 
 Pennsylvania. The father was a member of the 
 Thirtieth New York Regiment during the War of 
 ] H 1 2, where ho served with bravery. About 1 829. 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 mairicd Mjiy 1), 
 1829, and three children resulted from this union: 
 .lohn, of this sketch; Hannah, Airs. Oliver, of Silver 
 Lake, Kan.; and Mary, wife of Henry MeCullough. 
 Our subject was born in Monroe ('ounty, 111., near 
 the village of AVaterloo, April 11, 1830, and when 
 six years old w.as orphaned by the death of his 
 father. He received his educitlon in the schools 
 
 of Monioe County, where he grew to manhood. 
 During the war with Mexico, he enlisted as a 
 member of C^jmpany (t, Sixth Illinois Regiment, 
 which he joined in .Inly, 1847. at the age of .seven- 
 teen. During his service, he marched over the 
 sandy couutr\- from \era Cruz to Mexico and back 
 again, and the exposure so injured his eyes 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 .(acksonville, 111., where he 
 pursued his studies and also learned the trade of 
 broom-maker. 
 
 F"or a time, Mr. Perry followed his calling at 
 Waterloo. 111., whence he lemoved to Monroe (it v, 
 ten miles distant. In September, 18(!1, he came to 
 Belleville and engaged in the same business until 
 ab<iut 187.T, when he retired from active labors. A 
 man of untiring industry, he did not allow his 
 blindness tofuuiish him with an excuse for idle- 
 ness, but worked steadily at his trade until he was 
 able not onlv 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 W'av. and is in receipt 
 of a pension for his services. 
 
 In August, 1860, Mr. Perry and Miss Nancy 
 Harri.son were united in marriage, and for thirty 
 years thej' have resided in the pleasant home at 
 Belleville which thej' now occupy. Mrs. Perry 
 was born in St. Clair County, February 2.0, 1824, 
 the daughter of George and Rhoda ((Juick) Harri- 
 son, natives of Pennsylvania. She is a descendant 
 of Thomas (^uick. who emigrated from Holland to 
 America in 1733, and settled in Penn.sylvania. Her 
 gr.andfather, Isaac (Juick, w.as a distiller and a 
 stock-broker, (ieorge Harrison came to Illinois at 
 ;in early day and engaged in farming operations 
 untd his death in 1833; his wife .survived him for 
 thirty years. They were the jiarents of ten chil- 
 dren, of whom four now survive, namely: F]liza- 
 beth. who resides in Colorado; Lucretia, wife of 
 Jesse Davis, of W^ashington, Cal.; Mary, Mrs. 
 Henry Dagner Randolph, and Mrs. Perry, who was 
 the fifth in order of birth. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Perry took into their home her 
 nephew l)a\id S., the orpli;iii son of Isaac Harrison,
 
 491! 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 nnd tliev gave him the same affectionate care and 
 training they would have bestowed upon a child 
 of their own. He remained with them until he 
 was seventeen years old, and is now successfully 
 following the carpenter's trade m 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 U|)right. kind-hearted and thoughtful 
 people. 
 
 ENRY ROEWE. Eew men fill a greater 
 want in the city than Mr. Koewe, who 
 deals in flour and feed, and has a well-con- 
 ducted establishment. In tlour a saving 
 can be effected by buying from him, for he buys 
 by the car-load, and can therefore aft'ord to make a 
 reduction from what is usually charged by the 
 small retail stores. He pays close attention to his 
 business and has a good, steady trade, which is well 
 merited, for he has always 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 Gel•man3^ 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 Laving been earnest and 
 worthy members of the Catholic Church. To their 
 union seven children were born, five sons and two 
 daughters, five members of whieii family are still 
 living. One son was in the Holstein-Danish War 
 of 1848. 
 
 Henry Roewe 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 twentj' years of age, princi- 
 pally in Oldenburg. At the above-mentioned age, he 
 enlisted in the German army, in the Fifth Company, 
 Seventh Regiment, and served during l«(53-()4; 
 
 during the fourteen months that he was in the ser- 
 vice his time was ])rincipally 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 Cit_v, 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 
 lather 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 groceiy store and the 
 coal yard of Dunk Bros., but in 1869 began deal- 
 ing in flour and feed on his own responsibility, be- 
 ing associated with a Jlr. Kemper, on CoUinsville 
 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 
 year, Mr. Roewe began doing business at his pres- 
 ent stand at the corner of Fonrtii Street and Broad- 
 way' and has done well. The house is built of 
 stone and brick and has a frontage of fifty feet 
 and a depth of one hundred feel. 
 
 Mr. Roewe lias identified iiimself with tlie 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 tlie 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 hiis, 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 horn: Lizette, who is in a convent; 
 Caroline, who is a clerk in a dry-goods store;
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOOKAl'UR Al. RIXORD. 
 
 I!t7 
 
 lleiiiv. .li-.: lleriii:iii.('o(eli:i.C'liristine, August and 
 .losephiiie. They have also reared an adopted son, 
 Tlieodore Wiesinan. Mr. Roewe was one Of tlie 
 liuildintr committee of St. Henry's Cluircli, is now 
 a Trustee, and for many years past he bas been 
 .Judge of Kleetions. He is a wide-awake man of 
 liusiness, but is strictly lionorable in every respect, 
 .a.s Ids thriving business would indicate. He ;>nd 
 his faniilv are members of the Catliolic Churcli. 
 
 •^^^I@^@l^^^^ 
 
 ,,.. I'fU'ST LENZ is a progressive German of 
 ytJll Belleville and is the President and sole 
 \\\\^ owner of the Rogers Foundry ct Stove 
 Company, which was incorporated with a 
 capital stock of ^7r),(tOO. These works cover nearly 
 three acres, about one-half of which is under roof, 
 or the whole front of six hundred and twenty-four 
 feet, and are in close proximity to the Louisville i^.- 
 Nashville Railroad, which aflfords fine shipping 
 facilities. Stoves arc manufactured exclusively 
 and are exceptionally well made and perfect, as 
 this line of industrial activity has reached some- 
 ttiing closely akin to perfection. Employment is 
 given to one hundred and fifty skilled workmen, 
 and ill few branches of trade has the march of 
 progress wrought such a veritable revolution. This 
 house has made an iminense amount of street-car 
 cable for St. Louis, Kansa.s City and Denver, and 
 is thoroughly prepared to continue its manufac- 
 ture whenever it receives contracts. The works 
 arc lighted up by electricity, and if occasion de- 
 mauds it work is conducted successfully at iiit>lit 
 .as well as in the daytime. 
 
 Mr. Lenz first became con nected with this 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,(IOO. 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 to other parties, the power being 
 furnished by plant. He is \' ice-president of the 
 
 Brosious Belleville Oil Company, whicli was estab- 
 lished in 18ofi with a capital stock of sSO.OOO, 
 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. Mr. Lenz is a gentleman of push 
 and enterprise, thoroughly conversant with the 
 wants of the trade and popular alike with his 
 |iatrons and trade competitors. No Western com- 
 pany has been more fortunate in establishing and 
 maintaining a high reputation, both as to the 
 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 !iis is an ideal 
 country home, well removed from the din and 
 bustle of city life. Mr. Lenz was liorn near Cologne, 
 Prussia, July 17, 1827, but is a remarkably well 
 preserved man for his years and looks much 
 younger than he really' is. He is a son of Arnold 
 and Maria Lenz, and prior to their removal to 
 .\inerica in 1832, lie 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 vvas a useful and progressive citizen 
 and was hcmored and respected alike by his ac- 
 (|uaiiitances and family. 
 
 The boyhood days of August Leiiz werespcnf in 
 folk)wing the plow on the old homestead, but he 
 afterward became an employe in the firm of 1". 
 Dings k Co. on Main Street, St. Louis, with which 
 he remained from 1849 to 1872, becoming a mem- 
 lier of the firm in later years which was known as 
 Ziock k 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 has conducted his affairs 
 in an energetic and praiseworthy nianiu'i-. He is
 
 498 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPPnCAL RECORD. 
 
 the sole manager of the Rogers Foundrv- & Stove 
 Company, and has developed a flourishing trade, 
 tliat has penetrated into many States of the Union 
 and lias assumed proportions of flattering magni- 
 tude. The low scale of prices renders every cus- 
 tomer a permanent one, and Mr. Lenzis to he con- 
 gratulated upon the large measure of success 
 aeliieved in his undertaking. 
 
 Mr. Lenz was united in marriage with Miss 
 Amelia Halbach, of St. Louis, ou the 21st of Sep- 
 tember, 1851, and by her is the father 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 he is not only industrious and enter- 
 prising but he is also pul)lic-si)irited and loyal, an 
 American at he.art, although of foreign birth. 
 
 ^] OSEPH C. BURR. Probably no man in St. 
 Clair County has a higlier 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 which was actuated Iiy 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 tiie 
 rich men of his county. In politics, he is a Repub- 
 lican, a stanch adherent of the ])rinciples of his 
 
 party, and keenly interested in all that pertains 
 tliereto. 
 
 Chauncey S. and Parmclia (Yoeinan) Burr, the 
 parents of our subject, were both born in the city 
 of Hartford, Conn., the father in the year 1802, 
 and the motiier 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 \va_y, or as tiie people 
 of his district termed the enterprise, he commenced 
 as a book peddler. After six years of traveling 
 with various wares, Mr. Burr, Sr.. settled for a 
 short time in Hartford, Conn., where he married. 
 To him and his estimable wife were born eight 
 children: August and .Julian C, deceased; Josepli 
 C; Adeline and Emeline, twins; .Julia P., Sophronia, 
 and Montgomery, 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 Lili- 
 ingworth,and .lulia V., now deceased, was the wife 
 of Kale}' Rawls. 
 
 After emigating to ]llinuis,Mr. I'.urr, Sr., located 
 in Randolph County where lie 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 was a great student 
 of the political history of our country, and, being 
 the possessor of a good memory, was authority 
 among his neighbors and friends for information 
 referring to matters of the nation and (Govern- 
 ment. 
 
 After removing to St. Clair County, Cliauncey 
 Burr established himself as a thorough farmer and 
 stock-raiser. In politics, he was first a WJiig and 
 in his later years his sympathies and support were 
 given to the Republican party. He held the office 
 of Justice of the Peace in his township creditably 
 to himself and acceptably to the community. The 
 demise of his wife in 1871 was one of tlie saddest 
 features of his prosperous career. For some yeai-s 
 previous to his death, wliidi (iccuned in 1877, he 
 retired f rem active life, and his son, our subject.
 
 
 .*-5i^^WS-5? *" 
 
 RESIDENCE OF JOSEPH C. BU RR ,5ec.27, LENZBURG TP,ST. CLAIR CO., ILL 
 
 
 
 '-^'rtC", ; ^-. j*^ ^^=-— '' r-^^, .: " ' ' --'-- ' '^ - ^ \-v?. ,, Y 
 
 r .M-.'f^^-^ tm 
 
 L 
 
 -'^-^yi^'-Cv-V- 
 
 RESIDENCE OF GEORGE P. LI EBIG, 5EC.12 ,ENGLEMAN TR,ST.CLA1R CO., ILL.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 501 
 
 assumed all the care and resjwnsibilitv of his fa- 
 tlier's husiness. 
 
 So much (if the character is forcshaihiwcd in the 
 history of one's ancestors, that it will luvl lie amiss 
 to record the fact lliat liiis lirniich of the Ihirr 
 family can trace their descent to one of the earliest 
 New Kiirjland families, their ancestors cominij to 
 the I'nited States in the ".Maytlower,"' wiiich landed 
 at Plymoutii Hock. Aaron Hurr was a scion of the 
 same family and the snhject of our sketcli, Joseph 
 C. liurr, is a lineal descendant of this distinguished 
 Revolutionary character. 
 
 \\y his economy and industry, .loseph ('. lUirr is 
 niiw the owner of one of the most attractive 
 homes in this coiint\', both in its external sur- 
 roundings and in tlie liome life under its roof, 
 lie is a man of broad intelligence and progreseive 
 ideas, a practical and successful agriculturist and 
 one who in every dei)artnient of life fulfills the 
 duties tliat lie before hiin in a creditable manner, 
 lie lias never married, his home being presided 
 over liy his sister, a lady of housewifely skill 
 and many estimable traits of character. His 
 life has exhibited the qualities of sturdy man- 
 hood, winch are certainly the heritage of estimalilc 
 ancestors as well as tlie development of surround- 
 ings, and laudable amliition. 
 
 EOlitii-: P. I.IKP.K;, who owns a nne farm 
 ^ of three hundred and seventy-two acres on 
 \ section 12, Engelnian Townsliip, was liorn 
 on tlie .")tli of December, 18.3(), in IJaltimore, Md., 
 and is of German descent. His father, Valentine 
 Liel)ig, was a native of Darmst^ndt, Germany, and 
 emigrated to America in 183(i. He spent about a 
 year in lialtimore, Md., and tiien removed with 
 liis family to .St. I-onis, where he resided for a 
 year and a half. W hen he (•■•ime to this eoiinlrv 
 he was married and had tliree children. On loca- 
 ting in St. Clair County, he took up his residence 
 in what is now Freebnrg Township, wliere he pur- 
 chased forty acres of land. This he sold on re- 
 moving to Kngelman Township. In 18-17, he pur- 
 
 chased the farm <ni which our subject now resides, 
 and made it his home until 1864, when he removed 
 to Mascoulah. and there resided until his death 
 in ISTCi. His wife, who Ikh-c the maiden name of 
 Klizalieth Sciiuchmanii, is also deceased. They 
 were highly respected citizens, widely and favor- 
 alily known in this community. Their family 
 numbered eight children, seven of whom are yet 
 living. 
 
 AVe now take up the personal history of our siili- 
 ject, who has spent almost his entire life in this 
 county, lie was reared tf) manhood under the 
 paiiutal roof, and in the summer months worked 
 upon a tarni, while in the winter season he at- 
 teiuh'd the common schools, where he acquired his 
 education. He remained at home until his niai- 
 ri.age, which w.as celebrated on the 23d of April. 
 186.'}, Miss Margaret Weaver becoming his wife. 
 She is a daughtei' of Frederick AVeaver, who came 
 to America when sixteen years of age, and lesided 
 in Clinton County. 111., where Mrs. I.u'big 
 was born and where she spent her maidi'ii- 
 hood (lays. The young couple began their domes- 
 tic life upon his father's farm on section i;!. Kn- 
 gelman Township, wliere they spent about a year 
 and a half, when, in the autumn of I8(i4. they re- 
 moved to the farm which has since lieen their 
 place of residence. 
 
 The home of Mr. and Mrs. Eiebig jms been 
 blessed by the presence of ten children, nine of 
 whom are 3'et living, Fred having died at the .age 
 of six months and eight days; Henry V. is married, 
 and resides on section 13, Kngelman Township; 
 Philip aids his father in the cultivation of the 
 home farm; Lizzie is now the wife of .lohn Prown, 
 a telegraph operatfu- on the Ohio iVr Mississippi 
 Railroad at Baden, 111.; Kmnuu.hilm, Mary, Oeorge, 
 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 the improvement~s upon the farm stand as 
 monuments to his thrift and enler|)rise. Socially,
 
 r,i)-2 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Mr. Liebig is a IMason. and lias always taken an ac- 
 tive interest in the work of tliat fraternity. lie is 
 also an active member of the Farmers' Mutual 
 Benefit .Association, and was the first Vice-presi- 
 dent of the first society started in this township. 
 In politics, he is a Democrat, and has been honored 
 Avith the offices of School Director, School Trustee 
 and Highway Commissioner, which he filled for 
 five years. Perseverance and enterprise are among 
 his chief characteristics, and by good management 
 and excellent business ability lie has won success in 
 his life work. 
 
 €>-^^<^ 
 
 ellARLES P. FLEISCHBKIX. Any citizen 
 * 
 of Belleville would speak of the subject of 
 our sketch as one of the most respected and 
 jirominent of her many fine men. He deals 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) 
 ileisclibeih. Jacob Fleischbein was born in 
 Rhenish Bavaria and there 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 there but a short time and 
 then came to Belleville and established the tii'st 
 brewery in this vicinity, it being located near the 
 corner of Illinois and First Streets. Here he con- 
 tinued until 1855 and built up a large trade. He 
 died in 1856, leaving a widow and seven children. 
 They are: Catiierine, widow of John Wilding; Rosa, 
 widow of ]M. Ellernian,of Chicago; Louise, wife of 
 Charles Becker, of this city; Fred II.; Theodore O., 
 who is Deputy County Clerk; and the subject of 
 til is writing. 
 
 The latter was educated in this city and for a 
 time was engaged in railroad work. In 1861, he 
 liecame one of Uncle Sam's defenders and joined 
 Company D, Ninth Illinois Infantrj'. He was taken 
 sick at Cairo and bi-ought to Belleville, where he 
 remained until his recovery, when in 1S62 he re- 
 
 enlistcd and with Company F, Seventh Illinois In- 
 fantry', was sent to guard prisoners at Camp Butler 
 in Alton, and was also employed in taking prison- 
 ers 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 the Western Brewery Company. 
 In 1884 he first established his 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 manj^ years, and for fourteen has been a 
 member 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 Grand Army 
 of the Republic. 
 
 Oursubject was married to Miss Joanna Mabry, of 
 this city, June 26, 1864. They have four daughters, 
 as follows: INIay, wife of Joseph Ammerman, of Leb- 
 anon; Sarah, wife of Edgar Sager, of Lebanon; 
 Alma and Luella. 
 
 REDEHICK EDWARD RICHTER, who is 
 now living a retired life in IMascoutali, 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 Ger- 
 many, he was born on the 4th of October, 1825, 
 and when about five years of age removed to 
 Hesse-Darmstadt, where he acquired Iiis education, 
 lie 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 a l)rf>ther, 
 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 purchased forty acres of land 
 and a ten-acre timl)er tract. The brother, Louis,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinC'AT. HF.CORD. 
 
 503 
 
 now resides iiortli of tlic city. The sister is tlie 
 widow of Arlarii Stock and makes Iter liomc in 
 Mascoiitali. 
 
 On coming to tliis county, Mr. Hiciiter of tliis 
 sketch worked in the fields for a-half dollar \wv 
 day. At that time the farm produce was sent to 
 market at St. Louis, and durina; the Mexican War 
 they s^oi only about sixteen cents per bushel for 
 oats. Our subject shared in the hardships and 
 trials of pioneer life and is fiuiiiliar with the 
 history of the county from that early day. lb- 
 was first married to Miss Mary Blum, and unto them 
 were born three children: Louis, who resides on 
 liis father's farm: Charles, who also carries on 
 .igricultural pursuits; .ind (ieorge, who operates 
 a part of his father's land. The mother of this 
 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; l^hilip, is now living in 
 Mascoutah Township; Mary is the wife of Ernest 
 R. llagist, a Inisiness man of this place; Lizzie is 
 the wife of Fred .lustus, who is engaged in general 
 merchandising in Mascout.ah; and Matilda Cather- 
 ine, now the wife of John Mann. ;i resident farmer 
 of Clinton County, 111. 
 
 Mr. Richter resided on the old home.stead until 
 186.5, when ho removed to a farm six mile.** north- 
 east of Mascoutah, there making his home for a 
 period of twelve years. On the expiration of that 
 time, he bought a farm near the old homestead, to 
 which be removed, eng.aging in the cultivation 
 and improvement of his land until about a year 
 ago, when, in the latter jiart of .\iigust, 1891, he re- 
 moved to the city and h.v since lived a. retired 
 life. He now owns five hundred and ninety-.seven 
 .acres of valuable laniL all of which is under a high 
 state of cultivation, with the exception of his 
 timber tracts. This yields to him an excellent in- 
 come. 
 
 Mr. Richter is a nienil)er of the Presbyterian 
 Church, is Presi<lent of its Hoard of Trustees, Ins 
 always been an active worker in the church, and is 
 one of its liberal supporters. In politics, he is a 
 
 Rejinblican. and for fire 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 h.is been a busy and useful 
 one. He came to this country empty-handed, but 
 depending on his own resources, he has steadily 
 worked his way upward, overcoming all the ditti- 
 ciilties and obstacles in his path, and making his 
 way gradually to a position of wealth and af- 
 llncneo. lie is now enjoying a well-earned lest. 
 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 upbuilding. 
 
 F. MKIKLMANN. •nii> 
 
 'ntlcni.-iii IS 
 
 [\ one of the rising merchants of Darmstadt, 
 .St. Clair County. His first .ac(|uaiiitaiice 
 with this mundane sphere began in St. 
 Louis. Mo., in the year 1861. He is a descendant of 
 an old respected (Jerman familj% and came to his 
 ])resent locatif)n when he was twenty-three years 
 old, settling here .and entering into mercantile life 
 with suflicient vim and energ}- to found a business 
 
 i of which he is to-day the successful proprietor. 
 Rev. .lolin H. Metelmann. father of our subject. 
 was born in Mecklenburg. (Jermauy. in IMI. 
 He was a prominent man in the part of the comiliy 
 where he lived, .and was called on to reiiresent liis 
 district in Congress. Honest, firm and unyielding 
 in his views, the dark days of the revolution ne- 
 cessitiited his leaving bis native land and fieeing 
 to the shores of this new and more Democratic 
 country. .Jcjlin H. Metelmann was a very highly 
 educated man, he having been a student at the 
 noted schools of Sweeriu and Ludwiglust. His 
 political career ended with his exile from hisnative 
 land, and after .settling in the Cnitcd States he 
 adopted the ministry as his'choseit profession and 
 
 I 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 his church. His most successful pastoi ate was that 
 (>{ the Lutheran Cliurch, at Highland, 111., where 
 lie preached the Gospel for thirteen successive years, 
 organizing a church, and building up a community 
 which to-da}' bears evidence of his ability as a 
 scholar, and as the pastor of a people who ajjpre- 
 ciated his efforts in their behalf and recognized in 
 him a help and counselor to the community. 
 
 Our subject's father was married in his native 
 land to Miss Elizabeth Hanke, and to them were 
 born five children, only one of whom survives, 
 namel}- Mrs. Mar^- Bush, wife of .Jacob Bush, who 
 is Master JSIachinist in the siiops of the Chicago, 
 Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company at Keokuk, 
 Iowa. His first wife dying in Germany, Rev. Mr. 
 Melelmsinn was again married, this time to Emma 
 Karlsburg, daughter of Carl and Elizabetli (Ratul- 
 fia) Karlsburg, and to them were born five children, 
 tliree of whom are yet 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. Mctelmann beg.in the career for which 
 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 w.ay. 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. Metelmaun, 
 as he looks back over the years and views in 
 memory his small starting point. 
 
 The niarriiige of Mr. Metelmaun took place in 
 1.SH4. his wife Ijeing Miss Margaret Schaeferle, 
 daughter of George and Anna (Keim) Schaeferle, 
 and one of seven children. Mr. Mctelmann has by 
 liis own work and perseverance made a place among 
 the solid business firms in this community, and if the 
 prosperity of coming years increases in proportion 
 to that of the years he has already passed in busi- 
 ness, St. Clair County will have good cause to be 
 proud of this enterprising merchant. He now car- 
 
 ries a full line of merchandise, which as standing 
 stock will invoice in the neighborhood of !!i6,000 
 or I^TiOOO. Having achieved so much, and being 
 able to enjoy always the confidence and respect of 
 his neighbors and patrons, Mr. Mctelmann will un- 
 doubtedly soon reach the goal of his iiigliest am- 
 bition. 
 
 /-RANK GUNDLACH. The original of the 
 following sketch is a member of the firm of 
 Gundlacii, 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 60x16(1 feet. 
 
 The father of our sul)ject was Philip (Jundlach, 
 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 
 grocer}' business; he finally returned to farming in 
 Carlyle, Clinton County, III. 
 
 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; E<1- 
 ward, and F^lla. Our subject was educated in tlie 
 public schools of this city, after which lie 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. (Jundiach went into the undertak- 
 ing and furniture business in Carlyle, and carried 
 that on for three years, and then came to Belle- 
 ville to enter this firm. It w.as first started as 
 Gundlach & Gauch, and continued successfully un- 
 til March 23, 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. 
 They deal in all kinds of metallic and rosewood cas-
 
 ^ 
 
 /-<L 

 
 PORTKAIT AND BlOGKAl'lIICAL RPX'ORD. 
 
 507 
 
 kets, patent and walnut coffins, and also in all kinds 
 
 of tiimmins^s, shrouds, etc. In the livery business, 
 tliey have twenty-live horses, besides veliieles of all 
 kinds — landiius, eiirriages, w:it;ons, hearses and 
 everythinjj thai tlieir extensive business requires. 
 'I'he head of the lirm is a ])raetical einbalmer, liav- 
 mg received instructions in common and arterial 
 eml)alming under Sullivan, and can take entire 
 cliarge of bodies, giving tlie best of satisfaction, and 
 preserving the lieloved features often absolutely 
 lifelike. Our subject was married Jlay 1, 188',l, to 
 Jliss Pauline Ganz. the daughter of .lolin Ganz, of 
 C'arlyle, 111. .She was born in Belleville, Jlarcli 
 23. 18.51). and removed to C'arlyle in 186(1. Mr. 
 Ciundlach h.as made a success of his business by 
 close attention to it. lie began without means, 
 but now is one of tlie wealthy biisines.-- men of 
 Belleville. 
 
 ^!^il-^"i^if^#!#;i^^ 
 
 ]l EKMAN SUKMNICIIT. The Hne farm that 
 
 injijresses the traveler .so favorably on sec- 
 tion 11, New Athens Township, belongs to 
 the gentleman whose name opens this 
 sketch. Tlie father of our subject was Frederick 
 Suemnicht, a Prussian by birth, who was born in 
 1818, and married in his native country. He came 
 to America in ISoK. and located in the State of 
 AVisconsiu, where he engaged in farming and re- 
 mained until 18,')!t. At that time he came to St. 
 Clair County. 111., .'uid located (ni Turkey Hill, 
 where others of his nationality had settled. 
 
 After remaining there for three years, Mr. Sueni- 
 niclit went to Ingham Township, St. Clair County, 
 ■•uid there lesided until 18(!7, when he icnioved to 
 this place. His death occurred lieii^ in IST-'i. lie 
 left a family of four childii'M. three of whom are 
 yet living, namely: Guslaviis. who lives in New 
 Athens, this count\ : Louisa, who Is the wife of 
 Dr. Saltemberger. a physician at Millstadt. III.: and 
 our subject. Born l'"cliiunry "in, LSI I, in Prus>in. 
 (iermany, lleniiaii Sueiniiicht w;is eleven years old 
 when he acco'iipanied his father to this county. 
 His marriage took place in tUe year 1873, to 
 
 Miss Lisette Saltemberger, of this county. Af- 
 ter this important event he located on the i)laee 
 where he has lived ever since, lie has seen hon- 
 orable service in the army, and was a member of 
 Company B, Ninth Illinois Infantry. In October, 
 lS(;-2. he was uinstered out of the army on account 
 of wounds received at the battle of Shiloh. He 
 w;is in the thickest of that terrible fight, and also 
 took [>Avi in the battle of Ft. Donelson, and for 
 bravery there he was promoted to be a Coiporal. 
 On that bloody ground hiscoiiipany left a lieuten- 
 ant and several corporals. 
 
 Five children were born to Mv. and Mrs. Suem- 
 nicht, namely: Mar}', 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- 
 inent in their eommunity. 
 
 One hundred and sixty acres of land, all well 
 improved and cultivated, comprise the homestead 
 where Mr. Suenmicht 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- 
 provements. In politics, he atliliated with the Re- 
 publican jiarty until 1872. and since then has sup- 
 ported the piinciples of Democracy. 
 
 !^', F,0R(;K P.. M.C. ROtiKRS. The Kxcelsior 
 11 (— -, p'oundry Company, which was incor()orated 
 ^^Jj! .lanuarv 1. 1892, witii a capital stock of 
 "sKl.OdO, lias for its officers E. P.Rogers, Presi- 
 dent, and George I>. MeC. Rogers, Secretary and 
 rrea>nr<T. This enterprise was establislu'd on the 
 Is] of .laiuiary, 1891, under the firm name of Rog- 
 ers I'.ros.. at Thii'd South and Spring Streets, cov- 
 erini;- one-fourth of a block. They have one 
 furnace, and melt abtnit live tons per day, iiianii- 
 facturing country hollowwaie and general cast- 
 ings. They give employment to a force of about 
 thirty men, three-fourtUs of wUom are skilled
 
 508 
 
 PORTRAIT A'ST) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 
 
 workmen, thus making a pay roll of from $1,200 
 to 11,300 per month. The work turned out by 
 this founrlry is always flrst-elass, and enjoys a 
 reputation for the superiority of its materials and 
 excellence of workmanship. This high standard is 
 obtained b}' close supervision over all the details 
 of manufacture. 
 
 (ieorge IS. McC. Rogers first saw tlie 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, hoiu in .Inly, 
 1834, and the latter of Dayton, Ohio, burn in 
 1 S'M. The elder Mr. 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 foundryman. 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 Fiirchild, and 
 after his marriage began working at the foundry 
 business in both Cincinnati and Hamilton. In 
 March, 1876, he came to Belleville, III., and here 
 established the first foundry in the city. This 
 subseciuently 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 tlie city, and is thoroughly alive to all en- 
 terprises of moment. He has held the office of 
 Alderman, and has filled other positions of trust. 
 His wife is still living. To their union were born 
 six cluldren, wlio are as follows: Eddy, Presi- 
 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 
 United Workmen, and the Knights of Pythias. 
 
 Eddy Hogeis was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on 
 the 27th of May, 1860, and secured good educa- 
 tional advantages in Indianapolis and C'incinnjili. 
 Later, lie learne<l iirn.'Unenta; plastering and decora- 
 
 ting, and then the moulding and foundry busi- 
 ness with his father and an uncle at Erie, Pa. He 
 was Superintendent of the Rogers' Foundry 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 tlie 
 same business in St. Louis. He was married to 
 Miss Lillie Bauman, daughter of G. F. Baumaii, of 
 Belleville, in the year 1881, December 15, and two 
 children liave blessed this union, Harry Eddy and 
 Frnnk 1'.. Mr. Rogers is a memljer of the Masonic 
 fraternity, and an attendant and supporter of the 
 Presbyteiian Ciiurch. 
 
 (ieorge B. .McC. Rogers was educated in Cincin- 
 nati and Indianapolis, and attended the Bryant and 
 Stratton Business College at St. Louis. Later, he 
 entered the found.ry and learned the whole busi- 
 ness by serving his time. Afterward, he entered 
 the office as Secretary, and continued to fill lliat po- 
 sition until they sold out. Tlien, with his lirotlier, 
 he cstai)lished the business here. He isa member of 
 the Presbyterian 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, (leorgianna 
 Rentcliler. Mr. Rogers, like his brother, shows a 
 decided liking for secret organizations, and is a 
 jNIason and a Knight of Pythias. 
 
 -^ 
 
 OAPT. FREDERICK DILG. Tlie subject of 
 , this sketch resides in the city of Ma.scoutah, 
 ^_ ' St. Clair County, 111. He is the son of 
 -lolin Nicholas Dilg, who was born in the same 
 |)lace tliat afterward became the birthplace of his 
 son, Bolanden, in (Germany, and was an inhabi- 
 tant of that place when his marriage with Miss 
 Catherine Ilowenstein was solemnized. Her birtli 
 occurred at this place June 24. 1806, and after she 
 liad iH'conic tlie happy nmtlier of four children 
 slie agreed with her hiisluinil th;it America would 
 be the best phu-e in wliich Miev could make their
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 
 
 509 
 
 home and give their offspring a proper start in 
 life. Therefore, in 1845, the father, mother and 
 four children made the lonf? journey, and finally 
 reached tlii.s county, and here located one and 
 one-half miles south of Mascoutah, where the 
 family lived until 1852, when they moved into 
 Mascoutah and the father went into the manufac- 
 ture of liriiU. lie h.'id liccn a carpenter in Ger- 
 manv. IhU nnw fullouid the luick-making trade 
 until 18ti2,aud in I.^TU lie mkivimI to New York. 
 
 All three of his >ous were luavc soldiers during 
 the Civil War. (leorgc riiiii|i 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 otticers during the war. 
 Nicholas died in 1809. Katlieriiu^ is the wife of 
 John Arndt, of this city. 
 
 Our subject was born February 3, 1810, in Bo- 
 landen, German^-, and was five years old when 
 he came to this country. He grew to manhood 
 here in Mascoutah and was educated in the schools 
 of this place. In 1856, he w.as apprenticed to learn 
 the drug business in Belleville, 111., where he re- 
 mained until 185;t. 
 
 On the 1st of .lune, 18G(t, a paper was started 
 in Mascoutah called the Neica-Lf'tlcr, on which 
 our subject set the first type. At the close of 
 lliat year the Ken: s- Letter 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 I), Ninth Illi- 
 nois Infantiy, the regiment known to history as the 
 '•Bloody Ninth."' He leniained n p;irt of this 
 regiment until the close of the war, an<l wa> nni>- 
 tered out of the service .Inly Hi. 18(i5. This regi- 
 ment was in one hundred and ten battles, and 
 some of the most bloody struggles of the war. 
 
 Our subject was with Shei'man on his march to 
 the sea and up through the Carolin.as, and was in 
 the triumphal pai'ade in Washington on Pennsyl- 
 vania ,\ venue at the close of the long season of 
 strife. The regiment was i-e-eniisted in 18G2, 
 
 and did both infantry and cavalry duty. Our 
 
 subject was appointed Corporal at Cairo. 111., and 
 was promoted again at Paducah, Ky., to the raidv 
 of Sergeant, and while the siege of Atlanta was 
 going on he was made First Lieutenant, lie wa> 
 close to the spot where the brave McPherson was 
 killed. The Captain of his company was killed 
 in the swainps of .Soutli Carolina in February, 
 1 8(55, and he w.as then promoted to the rank of 
 Captain, remaining with that rank until llie 
 close of the war. lie was in tiie battles of Ft. 
 Donelson, Sliiloli, the siege and battle of Corinth. 
 and the battle of .Ulanta, and also in front of 
 Savannah, (in. 
 
 No doubt one of the proudest nionients in the 
 life of this hero was when he was shown a mark 
 of ap|)rcciation and affection in Louisville, Ky., 
 .Inne 27, 1865. As a token of the high regard 
 in which he was held, the members of Capt. Uilg'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 hand down to future gcncia- 
 tions. 
 
 Immediately after peace had .settled over the 
 land again, Capt. Dilg came home and opened 
 a book and stationery store in Mascoutah in 
 August. 1865, and followed it until .June 1, 
 18611, when he w.as appointed I'ostmaster of the 
 town. .\t this time he connected a job print- 
 ing office with his business, and in 1876 he es- 
 tablished the Ma.scoutah Anzeiger. This paper he 
 soil] out in .lune, 1889, but it is still conducted 
 iiv olhei' parties, who also run the store, lie was 
 Postmaster from 1869 until the Cleveland admin- 
 istration, and was re-appointed in Max. 1889, 
 uniler the Harrison administration. 
 
 Till' marriage of Ca|)l. Dilg took place in .June, 
 1868, when he wedded Miss So[)hia Hauser, the 
 daughter of Frederick Hau.scr, of .St. Louis, and 
 eight children have been added to the family, of 
 whom seven are still living, viz< Eugene, who is 
 attending college at Jacksonville, III.; Lilli L., 
 Theodore, Fred, Rosamond, Pearl and Elma. .\1- 
 fre<l died In 187.S. 
 
 Our snlijecl is a [lopular nu'uiliei- of the Knighls
 
 510 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of Honor, and is also Senior Post Commander of 
 Mascoiitah Post No. 682, G. A. R. Politicall}', 
 Capt. Dilg is a strong Republican and ver3' fear- 
 lessly speaks his mind. Socially, he 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 puhlic man, and in the town 
 of their residence none are more highly regarded. 
 
 **^=^*i^;@'@e'i| 
 
 '![_ ENRY AVAGNEH. Numerous instances 
 
 rj] might be cited of men in St. Clair County 
 i^^^ who, by dint of persevering application 
 
 (j^; and energj^ have risen from a position of 
 |)overty 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 born, reared and passed his entire life in (Tcr- 
 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, Henry Wagner, was reared on the home 
 farm, and early in life gained a thorough knowl- 
 edge of agricultural pursuits, which he followed 
 during the most of his active life. By trade la- 
 was a linen-weaver, but never devoted much time 
 to that occupation. .He never left. his native land, 
 but there closed his e^yes to the scenes of earth in 
 
 1843, when in the prime of his useful and honor- 
 able life. His marriage, which united liiin with 
 Jliss Anna M. Kern, resulted in the birth of ten 
 children, two sons and eight daughters, of whom 
 
 Henry and two sisters are now the only sui\iving 
 nicmbers. 
 
 Jioru iu Germany iu is3u, Henry Wagner vvas 
 
 there reared to a sturd.y manhood, receiving his 
 education in the excellent schools of that country. 
 In his youth he learned the trade of a shoemaker, 
 but after coming to the United States did not 
 actively engage in that occupation. Having re- 
 solved to seek a home m America, where better 
 advantages were offered to the poor, he emigrated 
 hither in 1854, at the age of eighteen years, and 
 came 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 the 
 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 Townsliii), and upon the i)lace he 
 has erected the necessery buildings and made first- 
 class improvements. 
 
 The lady, who on March 6, 1860, became the 
 wife of Mr. Wagner, 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 years 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 Itecome the parents 
 of two children. Michael being the only one now 
 living. 
 
 The Lutheran Church finds in Mr. Wagner a 
 devoted and consistent member, and all religious 
 enterprises receive his hearty sui)i)oit. 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 liini to various positions of trust and 
 honor, and he has alw.ays served with credit to 
 himself and to the s.atisfaction of all concerned. 
 For six years he filled the jjosition of Highway 
 Coniinissioncr ,ind for eighteen j^ears served as 
 School Director in his district. The respect .ac- 
 corded liiin by his children, in whose esteem and 
 affection lie enjoys the solace given after years of 
 toil for their welfare, and the couUdeiice which he
 
 
 yoj^AA^^-4ij^
 
 PORTRAIT AND ]510GRAPinCAL RECORD. 
 
 513 
 
 inspires in all with whom he comes in contact, all 
 prove that St. Clair County lias in him a citizen 
 of wliom it may be justly snid tliiit he is a credit 
 to the conununitv in whicli hi' lives. 
 
 /^. IIAKI.KS KAKMl'KR. a i)<>i>ul:ir and ener- 
 /ll'^ getic citizen of Millstadl Township, was 
 ^^ born in Monroe County. 111., in ISoC. In 
 the county of his birth lie was reared to mature 
 years witliin the iionie of his parents, Frederick 
 and Katharine (.Schroeder) Kaemper. In the dis- 
 trict .schools the fundamental principle.^ of his 
 education were accjuired, and afterward he pursued 
 his studies at the Central Wesleyan College, at 
 AVarrenton. Mo., where he applied himself with 
 great diligence to the acipiiremcnt of knowledge. 
 At the age of twenty-one years, Mr. Kaemper 
 removed from Monroe County to St. Clair County 
 and settled uiion the place which is still his home. 
 Mc has never married, but makes his home with 
 his mother. His landed possessions consist of three 
 tine farms in Monroe County, which he rents, and 
 which are among the most valuable estates of that 
 countv. .V man of broad intelligence and general 
 information, he is always interested in the issues, 
 both national and local, before the people of to-day, 
 and is identified with many progressive measures 
 on behalf of his coinmuiiitv. 
 
 The father of our subject, Frederick Kaemper, 
 was born in Prussia. (Jcrmany. m 18-24. Of his 
 earlv life wi' ku<iw little, but his iiarents must have 
 lieen wise and kincl: (Jtherwise, their son wouhl not 
 have displayed the traits of character which render 
 his memory dear tohissurvivingrelatives. In lnt.'i. 
 having reached the age of twenty years, he emi- 
 grated to .\merica, 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. 
 
 AI>oul ten years after cinigraling to America, 
 
 24 
 
 Frederick Kaemper married Miss Katharine Schroe- 
 der. Her father, Renke Scbroeder, was horn 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 
 Sehaefer, who died in 1872, leaving eight children, 
 five of whom are now living, viz.: Henry, Charles 
 ('.. (ieorge and Fred, who live in Franklin County, 
 and Philip, who resides in St. Clair County. 
 Charles F. Kaemper, who died in 1884, was a na- 
 tive of Germany, and for many years resided 
 in section 31. Millstadt Township. Hy 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. 
 
 /VvA .VRV ANN S( HMI.SSEIR. The name th.il 
 /// \l opens this sketch is that of one of the 
 / J wealthiest ladies in the State. She occu- 
 ' pies tnie of the finest and largest resi- 
 
 dences in Sdulhern Illinois outside of a city, and 
 is suiiounded li.\ I'veiy comfort that money can 
 procure. The home place contains six hundred 
 and ttu acics of land, and the mansion is sur- 
 louniled by extensive and beautiful grounds. 
 
 .Mrs. Sehmisseur is a native of Lorraine, Fiance, 
 having been born in thai country in 1820, but 
 cauie to .Vmerica with hi'r iiaients when she was 
 only ten years v\d, so is essentially an American. 
 The family landed in New Orleans and settled in 
 French \illage near East St. Louis, where the father 
 and mother dicit. When our subject was twenty
 
 514 
 
 PORTRAIT 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 that of his mother. 
 
 In 1853, Mrs. Louis married John N. Schmis- 
 seur, who was born in Toulon, France, in 1814, 
 and who died in 1863. By tiiis husband :Mrs. 
 Sclimisseur became the happy mother of four 
 children, three sotis and one daughter: The 
 eldest resides with his beloved mother on the 
 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 
 O'Fallon. 
 
 Mrs. Schmisseur is a very wealthy person, own- 
 ing eighteen hundred acres of fine land, worth 
 1100 an aero. Although possessing so much prop- 
 erty, she is a very modest and pleasant lady and 
 never fails to respond to any and all demands 
 npon 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 many tine traits of chaiacter. 
 
 m>^^<i 
 
 \fi ULIUS KNOBELOCH, who is engaged in 
 I agricultui-al pursuits on section 19. Shiloh 
 ,-.h Valley Township, was born in 1855, on 
 ^)j the old homestead in this county, 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 this sketch acquired his early 
 education in the common schools and it was sup- 
 plemented by study in the Belleville schools. He 
 also was a student in a German scliool in >Ias- 
 coutah. This well prepared him for the duties of 
 life and he is a successful business man. His fa- 
 lluT \Yas well-to-do, and so lie veniained at liome un- 
 
 der the parental roof until 1881, when he removed 
 to the farm where lie 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. (Perschbacher) Haege, 
 the former a native of Bavaria, and the latter of 
 Darmstadt, Germany. The father was born Sept- 
 ember 24, 1824, and the date of the mother's birth 
 was August 19, 1831. INIr. llaege 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 a smithy, and engaged 
 in his chosen occupation for many 3ears. 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. Ills wife 
 still survives him and yet makes her home in 
 Kansas. They reared a family of live children: 
 Philip; Lizzie, the honored wifi' of our subject; 
 Anna, wife of August C. Meckfessel; .lacob H. and 
 William B. 
 
 15y the union of Mr. and Mrs. Knobeloch has 
 been 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. 
 
 Mr. 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 
 i keeps abreast with the times and is always willing 
 to investigate any new plan that will save labor 
 and produce 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 till 
 tlie office, regardless of party 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 
 niciiiberof the Farmers' Mutual lienetil ,\ssocialioii
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 515 
 
 and a valued citizen of the community, one whose 
 sterling worth nnd intciirity Imvc won him the 
 liigh esteem nf mU with wIkiiii lie iiiis been brouglit 
 in cont.'icl. 
 
 .3.4.4.4.- 
 4.4.4.4.? 
 
 ^jE()R(;K p. LIKNESCH.a prominent and in- 
 ^^- Hucntial farmer who resides on section (!. 
 Shiluli \'alley Townsliip. where he owns a 
 fine I'aiiii. is a native of Germany. Tlie dale of 
 liisi ijirth was 1818, and the place was Hanover. 
 He is a son of Herman P. and (Jertrude (Stienman) 
 Lienesch. Oiii subject was tiie only child, and his 
 mother died when he was about six montlis old. 
 He is the descendant of a very wealthy and historic 
 German family. In their native land, they were 
 farmers by occupation and owned a large estate, 
 which is still known as the Lienesch Place. Herman 
 P. Lienesch was a son of John Garhart Lienesch, a 
 descendant of Michael Lienesch, the third of that 
 name. Since the Reformation of Martin Luther, the 
 family has been Lnthbran and stanch defenders of 
 that faith. 'I"hc i)ld mansion of Lienesch was de- 
 stroyed by lire when our subject was a lad of 
 twelve years, and in its Hanies perished most of the 
 valuable papers, some of which dated back several 
 centuries. The fallier of our subject was a second 
 time married, the lady of his choice being Jlar- 
 garet Pahlmann, of another old (German family. 
 Hv this marriage one son was born, who now occu- 
 pies the old homestead, which wa^ given him by 
 his geneious elder brother. 
 
 George P. Lienesch grew to manhood on the old 
 estate and received a fine education. His primary 
 studies were ])Virsued in the Catholic .schools near 
 his home, and his classical education was receiveil 
 in the kingdom of Hanover, where he became a 
 imjlicient 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 .something of the New 
 "World. .-Accordingly, that year he took passage in 
 a sailing-vessel and was seventy days upon the 
 bosom of tlie broail .\tlantic. During the voyage. 
 
 they suffered many hardships and perils, a descrip- 
 tion of which is given in a very interesting manner 
 by oui subject, lie landed in New Orleans on 
 New Year's Day, 183i), and remained in that city 
 but a short time. Wishing to see the sights 
 of the Crescent City, 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 
 way to St. Louis, coming upthe Mississipi)i by bf)at. 
 lie hail 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, ho 
 hired out to a farmer, receiving ^10 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 ^10 an acre, near 
 the farm where he now lives. Later, he received 
 considerable money on the settlement of his father's 
 estate in tiermany, 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 .loliii and Anna (Lyon) 
 Messenger. Her father was a surveyor and made 
 the first map of Illinois. Her maternal grandfather 
 was atone time (Jovernor of Arkansas and a noted 
 Congressman. Mr. and Mrs. Lienesch were blessed 
 with three daughters: Augusta, now deceased, who 
 married Charles Hoffman; Anna fiertrude; and 
 Reliecca L.. wife of .lames Huckstep. After the 
 dentil of his first wife, he was married to Miss 
 .M.Liy A., daughter of Col. .lohn and Isabella (Kin- 
 ney) Thomas, of Helleville, a sketch of whom ap- 
 pears elsewhere in this volume. 
 
 To our subject and his wife have been born 
 tour children: .loliii T.; George W.; Belle, the wife 
 of Herman Cleibeeker; and .Jessie Fremont, wife 
 of Hal|ih Pierce. The mother of the.se children 
 « ;is 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 
 home of his youth and the Paris Exposition of 
 lf*(>7. In sjiiteof the voyage and change of scene, 
 the wife failed rapidly and soon passed away. In
 
 516 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 1872, Mr. Lienescli married Mary C, daughter of 
 Kernard and Clara (Walker) Cieibecker. By this 
 union has been born one son, Walter H. 
 
 In his political affiliations, Mr. Lienescli is an 
 advocate of the Republican party, of whose prin- 
 ciples he is a loyal defender. lie is a member of 
 tlie Lutheran Church, as were his ancestors for 
 many generations. For over half a century, Mr. 
 Lienescli 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 Germany a gun. with 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, lie 
 is a man of breadth of mind and wide information 
 .ind general knowledge, and seldom errs in his 
 judgment of people or affairs. 
 
 \i=tRANK LEAKE is the Cashier of the Bank 
 \f^^] of Mascoutah, located in Mascoutah, 111. 
 It}, ~ This bank was organized in October, 1891, 
 by the well-known banker, J. N. Hagins, oC the 
 Columbia National Bank, of Chicago, who is also 
 proprietor of a bank in St. Anne, 111., and another 
 at Gillespie, 111. The Bank of M.ascoutah 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 ti re- 
 proof and burglar-pioof safe, manufactured by the 
 Mosler Safe Company, and this is enclosed in 
 a strong, well-built, fire-proof \;uiit. The safe 
 and vault are according to the latest improved 
 manufacture, and the patrons of the bank can feel 
 perfectly safe in making deposits therein. Al- 
 though the bank has been in oiwration only about 
 ;i year, it has done a consjdeinble ;niiouut uf busi- 
 
 ness, exceeding the expectations of the owner, to 
 whom the management has been very satisfactory. 
 
 i\Ir. 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 man 3' 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 by 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 years 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 liiin in the position 
 he now fills. He is ever true to his 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 marri.age, which occurred in Hart- 
 ford, Wis., September 11, 1888, to Miss Agnes 
 Sclioenke, daughter of Henry and Albertiena 
 (Schwe) Sclioenke. 
 
 E-^-i-^1 
 
 ALPH B. TAKLTON. Nowhere within the 
 limits of St. Clair County can be found a man 
 '^V of more energy, uprightness .and integrity 
 \0) than Ralph B. Tarlton, who wjis born in 
 Callaway County, Mo., opposite Jefferson City, on 
 the Missouri River, May 25, 1844. His i)arents, M. 
 H. and Mary E. (Locke) Tarlton, were native Keu- 
 tuckians, the father born in Bourbon County. The 
 elder Mr. Tarlton was a planter in his native State 
 until 1843, when he removed to Missouri, bought a 
 plantation near the Missouri River, in Callaway 
 County, and becanii' one of (he most |jronii-

 
 ^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPfflC'AL RI-X'ORD. 
 
 .-.19 
 
 nent planters. Tbe war damaged him financially, 
 but lie made his home there until his death, 
 in 1878, wlien 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 Church. Her fa- 
 tiier. John Locke, was a farmer of the Blue Grass 
 State. Tlieir children were in the order of 
 their births as follows: Ben, decea.sed; Cloydc. 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 majority of farmer boys, our subject 
 received his educalion in the common district 
 schools, where he swung his youthful limbs from 
 the slab Ijenclies in the log schoolhouse of that 
 day. When sixteen years of age, he entered Fay- 
 ette College, remained there about a Near and a 
 half and then, on account of the breaking out of 
 the war, he returned home and took charge of a 
 part of his fatlicr's farm. He 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. Ho went west to Kansas, hunted buffaloes, 
 and was in Dodge City when it was fii-st started. Re- 
 turning to .lefferson City, he remained there a few 
 weeks and, in 1873, 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 i^- White, but later was 
 in the employ of Nick Moody, a commission mer- 
 chant doing business under the firm name of 
 Moody, Ray A Co, Still later, he was with Daw- 
 son j: Underwood. He was then a partner of 
 the firm of .lackman, Hickman A- Co. until tliey 
 broke up, after which he was in business with Mct- 
 calf, Moore A- Co., remaining with them until the 
 firm title was changed to .loseph .Metcalf iV Co. In 
 January, 1875, the present partnership of Tarlton. 
 Moody and Co., general commission merchants, 
 was formed. ()ur subject has charge of the hog 
 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 unusually 
 bright and intelligent. Mr. Tarltf.n is a member 
 <if the Clio.sen Friends, and. in i)olitics. is a Dem- 
 crat. 
 
 ^^li^"i^li^ 
 
 \f|' WEHRLE A- SON. the oldest and most 
 prominent jewelers of Belleville, are the 
 ^— , i subjecUs of this sketch. Joseph Wehrle was 
 '^)' 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 
 jcaine to Canton, Ohio. He remained there three 
 vears and then removed to St. Louis, from which 
 city he came to Belleville, and at first worked for 
 others at his trade. In 1849, he cstabli.shed him- 
 self in business, and has continued thus engaged 
 for forty-three years. He had in 1853, 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 I860. 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 w.as married to 
 Miss Fredrika Kessler. of this city, who was born 
 in Baden, .September 25, 1831. He took his fani- 
 ilv to Germany, and remained there from 1871 to 
 1872. Two of the four children born to his mar- 
 riage still survive, namely: Fred 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, 186(1. He 
 was educated in Belleville, and when his schooling 
 was completed, he learned his trade with his fa- 
 ther, after which he entered a finishing school at 
 New York, where he remained for one year. Upon
 
 5-20 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 his reluin be formed a partnership with his father, 
 June 18, 1883. He was married to Miss Louisa 
 firieser, of this city, at St. Louis, November 10, 
 1886, and thej- are the parents of two children, 
 Lerov and Frederick. 
 
 ♦^•S-^* 
 
 r 
 
 GERHARDT II. KEMPER. One of the most 
 , prominent of the German-American citizens 
 ^^_^ of East St. Louis and one who has done 
 much for the advancement of this portion of the 
 city, is the gentleman whose biography it now be- 
 comes our duty 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 Directors 
 of the First National Bank; also a member and 
 Director of the Clearmout Land 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 army and took imit 
 in the march to Russia; subsequently following 
 his son to America, he lived quietly here until his 
 death, in New Melle, Mo. Frank Kemper, tiie 
 father of our subject, came to America in 1837. 
 Having received a good education in his native 
 country, he engaged in .St. Louis as a clerk for a 
 short time and then, on account of failing health, 
 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. When the dread 
 disease, cholera, swept over the land in 1852, he 
 was one of its victims, five members of his family 
 dyino- in two days. The mother of our subject was 
 Clara Mary Kuhlman, who was born in Germany. 
 After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Kem- 
 per married Mr.- Bredenkamp, and at her death 
 left a familv of six cliildren liy her first marriage 
 
 and two by the last union to mourn her loss. 
 Our subject was reared on tlio farm and attended 
 the public and parochial schools, where he received 
 a good common-school education. AVhen he was 
 only eighteen years old lie enlisted in Krakel's 
 Battalion Home Garrison Missouri Militia, and 
 served seven months, until discharged. Eighty 
 days later he enlisted again under Colonel Baile^-'s 
 State militia of fighting bushwackers, and contin- 
 ued with them for three months. Cfiming 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 lemaiiied until 1867, 
 when he came to East St. Louis. At this time our 
 subject was twenty-four years c)ld, having been 
 born January 28, 1843, at his father's home in 
 New ISIelle, Mo., and had had many experiences for 
 one of his years. He later entered the service of 
 Henschen Krite & 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 flour and feed. 
 In 1883 Mr. Kemper bought his partner's interest 
 and kept on alone for six months, when he took 
 in liis half-brother, and made the firm G. II. Kem- 
 per * 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 has now fift}' feet front witli sixty- 
 five feet depth and is on a lot two hundred 
 and forty feet deep. Mr. Kemper built a handsome 
 residence on Fourth Street and owns two other 
 houses. Tiie important position he occupies in the 
 commercial life of the city we mentioned in our 
 opening paragraph, and liis iiifiuence is widely 
 felt. 
 
 Mr. Kemper was married in St. Louis May II. 
 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 
 thiscouple, Matilda, Annieand 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
 
 rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 521 
 
 reduced to tlie present grade. His services have 
 been required on tlie Ways and Means Committee 
 of the City (iovernment, and he lias been three 
 times elerted as an Alderman. Our subject is as 
 prominent in the Lutheran Church, of which he is 
 .Hu honored member, as he is in public life. He w.is 
 one of the building committee when the large 
 cliurch of his denomination, St. Peter's, was built 
 :ind he is still its Treasurer. Mr. Kemper is a firm 
 believer in Republican principles, and warmly sup- 
 port? tliat party, and has been frequently called 
 upon to serve on botli 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. 
 
 "i^^RED S. WECKLER. Among the many 
 Ifetgj residents of Darmstadt, St. Clair County, 
 Ji 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 tif a bookbinder, whicli vocation he 
 followed with sucees-s in his native country. 
 
 At the age of twenty-two years, Peter Weckler 
 became interested in the subject of emigration, 
 and chose America .a-s the Mecca of his future 
 hopes and fimd anticipations, lie arrived in this 
 country in the year 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 fii-st employment was olHained 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 
 small tract of land in Ohio, and after retaining it 
 for some time he accepted an offer at an increase 
 of liis 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 sta^' in Penii-sylvania. Mr. Weckler 
 married Miss Barbara Keller, a daughter of Adam 
 Keller, and to him were born ten children, 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 and 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 alwa\-s manifested the 
 real public spirit toward his fellow-men. 
 
 The son of so illustrious a fatlier is of necessity 
 the recipient of a goodlj- heritage. Fred S. Weckler, 
 endowed with 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 
 Count}-, 111., where he taught school for sixteen 
 years and also for one year in Fayette County. III. 
 
 In the }-ear 1875, Mr. Weckler married Miss 
 .■\nna T\venhafel, daughter of Bern hard au'l 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 II., Lizzie; Appolonia and (Uistave, both 
 deceased; Hattie, Florence and .Julia. Mrs. (Twen- 
 hafel) Weckler departed this life in March, 1890,
 
 522 
 
 yOETRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 while still in the prime of life. She was a woman 
 wiiose goodness was felt and appreciated throus;h- 
 ont the community. 
 
 Our subject has alwa3's 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 Cliurch, a 
 member of the Ancient, Free & 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 ottice 
 he now holds, as well as being Justice of the Peace, 
 which latter position he has held three terms. In 
 the year 1880, he was Census Enumerator of the 
 township, and has been Notary Public for twentj' 
 years. 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 industry, ability 
 and perseverance achieved the position of an af- 
 fluent and respected citizen. November 8, 1892, 
 In- vv:\> elected to the State Lesislature. 
 
 --^^S 
 
 1^^ 
 
 OTTO F. SCHOTT, who resides on section 4, 
 Shiloh 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 December, 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, 
 1804, 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 Schott emigrated 
 to this countiT, and in 1834 located upon the 
 farm which is now the home of our 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 shown by the fact that in a Republican 
 township he was elected Treasurer of the schools 
 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 one 
 year. 
 
 This worthy gentleman was called to his final 
 rest .\pril 4, 1870, and his wife died on the "iOth 
 of June, 1850. Their children were Charles R.. 
 who was born in Germany; Otto F.; Anna, wife 
 of Jacob Speis; and Adolphus. The father 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 liis 
 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. Ilis 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- 
 ria<re to Miss Mary, daughter of Frederick and 
 Matilda (Skratsch) Claser. Their union has been 
 blessed with three children, two of whom are yet 
 living, Matilda and Vina, both yet under the pa- 
 rental roof. The family is one of prominence in 
 the community and its members rank liigh in 
 social circles. 
 
 Throughout his entire life, Mr. Schott has fol- 
 lowed farming and now owns and operates sixtj-- 
 two acres of highly improved land, one of the 
 valuable farms of the community. Enterprise and 
 industry are numbered among his chief character- 
 istics, and have won him the success which is to- 
 day his. In political sentiment, Mr. Schott is a 
 Democrat, and is now the efficient Supervisor of 
 his township, having been elected to the office in 
 1892. For about twenty years he has served as 
 School Director, and the cause of education finds
 
 RE5.D:;:cEGr erust dressel, SEC.I^ ,LENZBURG TP, ST. CLAIR C0.,ILL 
 
 RESIDENCE L»E 0. F. SCHOTT , SEC.4, 5HIL0H VALLEY TR, 51 CLA<R CO., |LL.
 
 PORTRAIT AND I'.IOCRAI'II'C AL RIX'ORD. 
 
 in bim a warm friend. He takes an active inter- 
 est in all that pertains to the welfare of the coiu- 
 muiiity wheie his entire life has been passed. His 
 straightfuiward and upright dealings have won 
 him universal confidence, and with pleasure wc 
 present to oui' readers this record of his life. 
 
 •ip^ RNKST DRKSSKL. Thai portion of St. 
 |lW{ Clair Co«nt_v famillaih' known as " Duioh 
 J - — ^ Hill Prairie " contains among other enter- 
 prising residents the gentleman whose name is 
 above given and who is one of its early settlers. 
 Although not a native of America, he is loyal to 
 the country of his adoi)tion, ami unswervingly de- 
 voted to the interests of Lenzburg Township, 
 where he has resided for many years. In character 
 unimiie.aehable, in generosity and benevolence un- 
 tiring, he is well wortiiy the prominent position 
 he occupies among the people. 
 
 The many friends of Mr. Diessel will be inter- 
 ested in learning something concerning his parent- 
 age and history. lie was born in the Province of 
 Saxony, tiermany, July 2(), 1826, and is the son of 
 Sebastian and Margaret (Dressel) Dressel. Like 
 liim.self, his |)arents were natives of Saxony, his 
 father having been born in 1789, and his mother in 
 1795. Sebastian Dressel was reared in a village, 
 and received a good education in the common 
 .schools. In his boyhood, he learned the trade of 
 a blacksmith, which he followed for a livelihood in 
 his native country, but after emigrating to the 
 I iiiled, States he turned his 'attention to agricul- 
 ture. 
 
 I'pon coming to America. Mr. I)iessel,Sr., landed 
 at New Orleans, wlience he proceeded to Illinois 
 and located in St. Clair County. Here he entered 
 eighty acres of (Government land on Dutch Hill 
 Prairie, 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 
 wilh all the comforts of life. He died in 1842, and 
 Ills wife in 18t>8. Their marri.age was blessed by 
 tlif tiirth of six children, two of whom now sur- 
 vive. 
 
 Prior to e ill igra ting 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 decea.se, 
 when he took charge of the farm. His marriage, 
 which occurred in April, 18-15, united him with 
 Mi.-^s Dora Hagaman, who was born in .Iinie, 1825, 
 and died November 25, 1879. Six children were 
 lioi n to this union, one of whom died in infancy. 
 Carolina and Mary (twins), born February 3, 1851, 
 died when young; Paulina was born Septembei- 
 14. 185:5, and died March C,, 1881; Ilemy and 
 Kiiima (twins) were born .lune 11, 1855. 
 
 Mr. Dressel is a man of much strength of char- 
 acter, and of a kind and loving disposition, who, 
 althougii he h.as seen much trouble in his life, has 
 always borne it cheerfully, and is never disi)osed 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 has always been a de- 
 voted husband and indulgent father. In his jjoli- 
 tical belief, he is a Republican, and lakes great in- 
 terest in local and national affairs. 
 
 VKOROK SKMMKl.ROTll, the proiirietor 
 
 and able publisher of the Belleviller Poat^ 
 b(jtli daily and weekly, is a man of intelli- 
 gence, push and enterprise, eminently fitted to 
 discharge the duties incumbent upon his present 
 position. Ill a community where those of German 
 birth and (Jerman parentage are not only influen- 
 tial on account of numbers, but from the fact that 
 the}' are among the wealthiest and most intelligent 
 of our people, the newspaper published in their in- 
 terests must of necessity be a strong one. The
 
 ,v2(; 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Bellevillef Post, is one of the most sensible of 
 the press productions of the West, and its circu- 
 lation extends over a large territor}-. Mr. Seni- 
 nielroth was born in Kurhessen, Germany, JMarch 
 24, 1840, and in tiie 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 tj'pe-setter until he 
 enlisted in the Union army, January 27, 1865, 
 serving until the war closed in Companj' H, One 
 Hundred and Forty -ninth Illinois Infantry, in the 
 State of Georgia. When liis term of enlistment 
 expired, at the end of one 3'ear, lie returned home, 
 and soon after resumed his position of foreman 
 of the Belleviller Zeitung, but during the same 
 year he purchased a one-half interest in a paper 
 called the Slerns cles Westens (English translation, 
 .Star of the West), in 1866, but after a short time 
 purchased the entire plant and published the paper 
 as a daily until 1872, when he sold out, but re- 
 tained the position of Inisiiiess manager for two 
 years. 
 
 In 1874, he bouglit a one-half interest in the 
 Belleviller Zeiluvg, and with this paper he was 
 connected until 1886, when he sold liis inter- 
 est and bought a one-half interest in his present 
 paper, and has since been its able manager. His 
 partner is Gen. William C.Kueffner, and their busi- 
 ness connection has continued very harmoniously 
 and prolitably 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 tlie 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 Hliuois. 
 The progressive ideas of the proprietors are re- 
 flected in every part of the paper and its man- 
 agement, and in every way it is a credit to tlie 
 town. 
 
 Socially, Mr. .Semmelroth is a member of St- 
 
 Clair Lodge No. 24, A. F. & A. M.; Lodge 
 No. .S38, I. O. (). F.; Lodge No. 138, A. O. 
 U. W.; the Druids; the Liederkranz Singing 
 Society; the Kronthal Liedertafel. and the Ger- 
 mania Liederkranz Turnverein. Mr. Semmelroth 
 was married to JNIiss Minnie Decke, of Belleville, 
 who was born in Germany Julj' 26, 1845, their 
 union taking place September 15, 1866. Their 
 children are as follows: Anna, Dora, Lulu, Her- 
 man, Emma, August, Clara and Frieda. Jost 
 Heinrich Semnielrotii, 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 Germany 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. 
 
 =^>-))^<i 
 
 ^ OHN N. HACKER, a prominent and highly 
 res|)ected citizen, is a son of Alexander and 
 Cluistena 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, whicli pur- 
 suit absorbed most of his active j-ears. Ho set- 
 tled in St. Clair County iinmediatel}' 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 
 Weilraenster, a daughter 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.,
 
 PORTRArr AN!) TMGGKAPIIICAI. RFX'ORD. 
 
 August ii. 18.")1; Ileiin 11.. .laim.irv 1. 1?<.)3: Mar- 
 garet. Octolier .!, l!^.')7: .loliii N.. Fcbiuaiy 12, 
 18fil: Ko.sina R.. .luly 1. 1M(>8: Mary, .September 8. 
 18fi8:aiul .lohn F., March 18, 1871. Coonrod. horn 
 Xovemlier 27, 1855; Aflam, March 11. 18()5. .•lud 
 Auna C, January 25, 1874, are dcceaserl. 
 
 Inaustryand economy, coupled with native abil- 
 ity and thrift, developed Alexander Hacker into 
 the possessor of three farms in Marissa Township, 
 his first ])urehase being a tract of eighty acres, 
 lioth 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 ago of fifty-one years. 
 .Mr. Hacker w.is a strong exponent of Republican 
 principles, and clung closely to the i)nrty he emu- 
 lated until the lime of his death, wliicli occurred 
 in 1>*75. 
 
 .lohn \. Hacker, the subject of our sketch, was 
 lioru in St. Clair County in 18G1. He received his 
 education at the Hellcville High School. Tiie cir- 
 cumstances surrounding him were such that at the 
 death of his father the stern requirements of ex- 
 istence threw him upon his own resources and 
 compelled hira, 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. 
 
 I'pon reaching his majority, Mr. Hacker mar- 
 ried .Miss Mary Sander, July 25, 1882. She was 
 the daughter of Henry and Catherine (Masninnn) 
 Sander, and w.as born December .'?1, 1860. She 
 bore him three children, respectively: JIarv Kmma, 
 born April 5. 1883; John X., November 23, 1884; 
 and Anna C. L., January 25, 1888. The mother 
 of these children died September 27, 1888. 
 
 Three years after the deatli of his first wife. Mr. 
 Hacker married Jliss lilizabeth Knervice, daughter 
 of I'hillip and Elizabeth (llarman) Knervice. She 
 w,as born March 19, 18G1. Two children were the 
 result of this second marriage; Theodore P., born 
 February 12, 1891; and Dorothea M., May 6, 1892. 
 .\lthougli trained in a Republican element, upon 
 deciding the question of the political party for 
 himself, Mr. Hacker espou.sed 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 parent*, with regard to religious 
 
 beliefs, and hasalwny.- adhered to the precepts and 
 teachings of the Lulheran Church, and holds mem- 
 bership at Maris.>ia. 
 
 The sketch would be imperfect did we not refer 
 to the kindly feeling for his fellow-men displayed 
 by Mr. Hacker as a member of a C^erman secret 
 order which benefits the sick, and as an esteemed 
 member of the same ;\Ir. Hacker is held in high 
 reunrd \i\ all who know liini. 
 
 II KKK 1. LIXEHAX, Manager of liie Western 
 Union Telegrapli Com]j.any, National Slock 
 Yards, F^ast St. Louis, was liorii in Mobile, 
 Ala., Janu.ary 14, 1859. His father, who was 
 born near (iueenstown, Ireland, emigrated to this 
 country when quite young, and in 185G w:is mar- 
 ried at Mobile to Mi.ss 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 Hose 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 horror and uselessness, yet he 
 responded to the initial call for volunteers, became 
 a member and afterward F'irst Lieutenant of the 
 Battle Guards, a company organized and equipped 
 by Airs. 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 bombardment of 
 VI. Gaines, which is in Mobile Hay, .August 7. 1864. 
 As he was the first man killed in what was then 
 termed the defense of Mobile, the surviving women
 
 '.28 
 
 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 who hold organized the Battle Guards eai'ly 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, together with the fact that her 
 home and the homes of her friends were filled with 
 desolation, distress and death, influenced her to 
 remove to East St. Louis, where she had relatives 
 who had escaped the awful results of the war. 
 Dui'ing the summer of 1866 she came to this city 
 accompanied by .Tere I. and two younger chil- 
 dren, and here siie afterward made her home. 
 
 At the age of ten years our subject, through the 
 influence of friends, secured the position of office 
 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 that 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 l)uilding of 
 the National Stock Yards at East St. Louis. He 
 remained in that position until the stock yards 
 were finished and fi^irmally opened for business in 
 the autumn of 1872, when he entered the employ 
 of the Western Union Telegraph Com])any 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 3'ear, he accepted a position in the pi-in- 
 cipal office of tiie Western Union Company at St. 
 Louis, and afterward worked as. telegraph opera- 
 tor in all the large cities of the AVest until 1881, 
 when he returned to his old home. 
 
 During tiie year above mentioned, Mr. Linelian 
 was united in marriage with Miss P^liza Walsh, of 
 East St. Louis, whom he had known from childhood. 
 Three children have been born to them, two of 
 whom they 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 3ears. 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 February 1, 1886, at which time Mr. 
 Parr}' 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. LouisLyceura, a 
 local dramatic organization. He displa_yed 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 elHcient, he is deservedlj- popular with the 
 commission men who do business at the stock yards, 
 and, in fact, with all who know him. "his ac- 
 quaintances are his friends." 
 
 In his religious belief, Mr. Linehan is a Roman 
 Catholic. 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 public 
 trust, but invariabl}' declines, and it is .said of him 
 that he makes efforts to further the interests of 
 other good men in political affairs, ratlier 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 
 earl}' age of ten, his educational advantages were 
 VBry circumscribed and limited, and he attended 
 about one year altogether durinu his career, that
 
 PORTRAIT AXI) BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 
 
 529 
 
 being between the ages of eight and ten. What 
 knowledge he possesses is practical, and was ac- 
 quired by self-study and contact with his mental 
 iiuperiors. the association with which clas.« he has I 
 always eagerly sought. He is a man of ability and ' 
 broad knowledge, and has done some reportorial 
 work on the Kast St. Louis Daily Journal a.nA 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. iSOC Haugh .\ venue, where he is sur- 
 roun<led with all the cosnforts of life. .Sanguine 
 in temperament, refined in nature, merry in dis- 
 position and reserved in manners, he is deservedly 
 l)opular. and the prominent position which he oc- 
 cupies has been reached by the force of his ability. 
 inletfrit\- and industry. 
 
 LBKHT L. IvKKCllI.KH. No reference to 
 l^LJi Kast ."^t. Louis of a statistical nature, even 
 II of the most mlinitesinial chariicter, would 
 be complete withtiut passing reference at 
 least to the National Stock Yards, and the part 
 they play in the world's economy, .\mong those 
 prominently identihed with this vast enterprise is 
 Albert 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 w.ay. 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 positions, being at present 
 a member of the School Board at East St. Louis, 
 and also a meinlier of the Library Board. 
 
 .Mr. Keechler was boin in the Buckeye State, 
 in Columbus, on the l.'ith of March, 1858, 
 and comes of sturdy Cicniiau stock, 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, 
 attjiined his growth partly in East St. Louis, and 
 partly in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended the city 
 schools of the latter place, and in June, 187:?, 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-m.aster of the cattle department, and 
 continued as such until 1881, when he went to 
 work for Irons, Cassidy, Scruggs A' Cassidy as yard- 
 man in the cattle department. After this he was 
 made cattle salesman, and on the 1st of .\pril, 1890, 
 he was taken in as partner, under the firm name of 
 Cassidy Bros, it Co., and has been cattle salesman 
 since. lie has charge of the sale of Te.xas cattle, 
 and does an immense business, there having been 
 one hundrerl and sisty->ix tliousand cattle sold by 
 them last year. 
 
 Mr. Keechler owns considerable real esUite in the 
 city, and is a member of the Eirst 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 Blooraington, 111., and the 
 dauahler 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. Elizalwth 
 llake. still resides in East St. Louis. They were 
 the parents of live children, three of whom are liv-
 
 530 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ing. Mrs. Keechler was educated in East St. Louis, 
 and is a lady of superior attainments. In 1888. 
 our subject was elected School Director, and in 
 such a capable manner did he fill that position, 
 tiiat he was re-elected in 1891 without opposition. 
 lie 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 the 
 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 tlie spring of 1891, he was appointed by 
 INIayor Stephens as Director of the Library Board. 
 
 =§^+^[ 
 
 II/U^, r<;il W. HARRISON. In the year 1848, 
 III ))■ '^"" mechanics, John Cox and Cyrus Rob- 
 /^jj^ erts, located in Belleville, 111., and with in- 
 (^) telligence and industry and a perception 
 of the wants of the wheat-raisers in the matter cf 
 a machine to save their grain, the farmers at that 
 time trampling out their wheat with horses, 
 they commenced building a machine of the 
 vibrator class. Tiie}' secured a number of pat- 
 ents on their machine, which was then called 
 the Cox ct Roberts Thresher, but later changed to 
 the Belleville Vibrator. Mr. F. M. Middlecroff, 
 a farmer and practical mechanic, and our sub- 
 ject, Mr. Harrison, after being in the employ of 
 Cox and Roberts several years, purchased Mr. 
 Cox's interest in the business in 1855. At tiiis 
 time the business had grown from eight to ten 
 machines built the first j'ear to over one hundred. 
 Mr. Roberts sold his interest to Mr. Buchanan in 
 1857, and since then Mr. Harrison and iMr. 
 Buchanan have been together, perfecting and im- 
 
 proving this style of machine. The}- 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 C^yrus Thompson and Hugh 
 W. Harrison as associates of the old members of the 
 firm and under the corporate name of the Harrison 
 M.achine Works. As others claimed the invention 
 of filename, the Belleville Vibrator, to distinguish 
 a different machine, Messrs Harrison called theirs 
 the Belleville Separator. It lias since been suggested, 
 owing to its merit in saving the largest percent- 
 age of grain, that it be called the Belleville (jrain 
 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 gre.at demand for the 
 "Belleville" in all parts of the country, must and do 
 impress the threshers and farmers and heli) them in 
 deciding where to get reliable threshing raacliineiy. 
 They guarantee and assure the threshers and grain- 
 raisers a machine that will save the grain. 
 
 The threshing-machines they build are not experi- 
 ments. In the season of 1880 inanj' new-style thresh- 
 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 im 
 instance failed to give entire satisfaction. The 
 Belleville is built by experienced men, well e<lu- 
 cated in the requirements of this class of woik, 
 with long years of experience, and ample facilities 
 for testing ever}- 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 
 P^ast or West llian this for making good thresh- 
 ing engines. These engines have proved all and 
 more than the manufacturers expected of them, in 
 having inoie power, consuming less fuel, requiring 
 less water, using steam more economically, and be- 
 iug more durable and more easily managed. The 
 extension of thisciigiiK? and thresliei' trndp t<> var-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BKKiRAlMIICAL RECORD. 
 
 531 
 
 ious parts of the country is a noticeable feature, 
 speaking much in favor of the uiachinery. They 
 sell threslier outfits in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, 
 Kansas, Nebraska, Indiana. Ohio, Kentucky, Ten- 
 nessee, Louisiana. Tex.as, Montana, Dakota. Color- 
 ado and ^lexico. In this age of steam and tele- 
 gr.nph, when knowledge is quicklj- and widely 
 disseminated, the l)est is souglit and will be had. 
 
 The Harrison Machine Works are located on the 
 Cairo Short F.ine Railroad in Helleville, 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 bv the addition of large shops, 
 and the purchase of new lathes and tools, they have 
 increased their c,ii)acity twenty-five to fifty per 
 cent. It is a pride to the locality to know that 
 such an establishment h.as grown up in the Mississ- 
 ip]ii Valley in the face of the sternest competi- 
 tion, and througli the energy and pluck of men born 
 and reared in St. Clair County, III. While there 
 are 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 tr.action 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 
 ;*peciality and I>usiness is making threshing nia- 
 chiner\-. 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 esisiest and cheapest way. 
 
 Hugh W. Harrison. .Secretary of the Harrison 
 Macliine Works, is a native of Illinois, born in 
 Belleville .\pril 2(;, 18;')3, and is a son of Thomas 
 O. and Kliza .1. (Calbrealh) Harrison. His grand- 
 father, .lames Harrison, with his great-grandfather, 
 Thomas Harrison, were among the earliest pioneers 
 of St. Clair County. Tlioin.as O. Harrison, father 
 of our suject. was educated in Belleville and at 
 McKendree College. Lebanon. 111. When a young 
 man he entered the mill with his father and there 
 
 learned the business tboroughlj'. Later, with his 
 brother, C. (i. 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, wtiich 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 io Hast- 
 ings, ^linn., where they built flouring mills and 
 operated them until the death of Thom.as ()., which 
 occurred in 18(51. C. G. Harrison then sold out 
 and went to Los Angeles, Cal. Thomas O. Harri- 
 son had married in Belleville. III.. Miss Calbrealh, 
 daughter of Hugh Calbreath, of Shiloh A'alley and 
 one of the pioneers of that place. To Mr. 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. AV., F. L., T. O., 
 and Olive, who is now the wife of K. I-". \\'aiigli, 
 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 m.achinist, boiler-maker and moulder, becoming 
 familiar with all department*. 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 I'arthcnia 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 gr«at appreciation of secret organ izatioris in 
 general by becoming a member of the .\neient Free 
 iV- -Vccepted M.asons. Knights of Pythias, Knights 
 of Honor, Associated Order of Tnited Workmen, 
 Modern Woodmen of America, and is a Knight 
 Templar in the first-mentioned order. Mr. Harri- 
 .-ion gives almost his entire attention to the ma- 
 chine manufacturing business, and the present 
 ottic.ers of the Harrison Machine Works are Will-
 
 532 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 iam C. Buchanan, President; Lee Harrison, Mce- 
 president; Cyrus Tliompson, Treasurer; and Ilugli 
 W. Harrison, Secretary. Tlie works cover about 
 ten acres and give employment to about two 
 hundred and (ifty men tlie year round. The cap- 
 ital stock IS $300,00(1. 
 
 \t AME.S AMO.S WILLOUGHBV is Postmaster 
 of Belleville, 11!., and associate proprietor 
 with Mr. Thomas of the Advocate. In an 
 
 early day there arrived in America the 
 
 AVilloughby family, representatives of the Eng- 
 lish race, which has contributed so much to the 
 tlirift, industry and prosperity of this country; 
 and one of their direct descendants was William 
 K. Willoughby, 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 cireunistances could mould, 
 became thoroughly Americanized. They settled on 
 the American Bottom, in St. Clair County, near 
 CoUinsville, where William AVilloughby was called 
 from life. 
 
 AVilliani E. \\illoughby was lirst married to Miss 
 I'enu, who died without issue, and on the 1st of 
 .lanuary, 1852, was united to Miss Mary Moore, 
 tlieir union proving a very hapi\y one. She is the 
 second daugiiter 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 1811 or 1815. Tlirough 
 the ardent devotion of her father to educational 
 interests, she iind all tiie advantages in that line that 
 the unorganized subscription method of that day 
 afforded — in chance empty cabins, on slab seats, 
 with neither backs nor desks, with the light ])eep- 
 ing through a single row of glass, 8x10 inches in 
 size, sashed in l)y the removal of as much log on 
 either side of the humble edifice, where usually 
 the "rule of three" was the goal of ambiticui. 
 Aftur his marriage, William E, \\'illoughli\ lo- 
 
 cated on a farm on Looking Glass Prairie, north 
 of SuninierBeld, where he actively and success- 
 fully iHirsued the avocation he had been reared 
 I to — agriculture and stock-raising. As a re»ult 
 ! of Ins marriage vow, his family was enlarged by 
 I the birth of four children, of whom James Amos 
 1 was the second in order of birth; he first saw 
 I 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 
 i agricultural life. By studious ai)plication he mas- 
 I tered the common English branches; after which 
 he entered McKendree College, and in the Class of 
 i '74 was graduated in the scientific department 
 with tiie 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, III. 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 arena 
 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 eHici- 
 ently for four years. Upon again making the 
 race, in 1884, he was defeated by two hundred 
 and eighty-two votes, as the county had a Denid- 
 cratic majority of seventeen hundred votes. In 
 1885, soon after the expiratitm of his t)tticial du- 
 ties, in connection with Mr. Thomas, he began 
 publishing the Belleville ^kh'ocatc, the. leading Re- 
 publican paper of the county, .and is still pursuing 
 that calling, stimulated to action through the in- 
 spiration of a strong, ardent and unwavering faith 
 in the .assumed fact that Hepublican i»olitics will 
 best ser\e public interest, lie is an honest man, 
 Iruc lo his Clin victidiis, and en j.iys, regardless of 
 politiral theory, the esteem and ciuilldence ut his
 
 ,.N-^^^'^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL HIXUKD 
 
 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 11. Ih;)(>, cntiriiiu- upon the duties of 
 his office Ajiril 1. The pust:il receipts for the 
 year ending A|)ril 1, l!S!)2, were *1 2,000. The 
 city has a free delivery, with seven carriers, and 
 two men are constantly re(Hiircd in the otticc. 
 Samuel Stookey heing Deputy. 
 
 Although not a nieniluM- nf any cluucli. Mr. 
 ^VillllUirhlly is n l)elicver in and lean,'* Iciwanl the 
 Methodist doctrine. Realizing the fact that it 
 is not good to li\»e alone, on the lltli of No- 
 vember, 1886, he was united in marriage witli 
 Aliss Lizzie V. Hughes, daughter of ex-SherilT and 
 Postmaster James Hughes (deceased). Socially, 
 Mr. Willuughliy is a member of the Ancient, Free 
 it Accepted Masons. The AcIvovaU' is an ably con- 
 ducted paper and has a circulation vf eighteen 
 hundred. His father is still living at Lebanon, 
 and is highly honored throughout that section as 
 an upright, useful ami loyal citi/cn. The mother 
 !.-• deceased. 
 
 /^ •i'^E'H 
 
 I KWIS y\. .lOHNSON. Wo know lliat the 
 I! ifiS' poor we have alwa\s witii iis. and the gcii- 
 j ^--*^ tleman whose name opens this sketch has 
 iiad the sorrows of this pre[)onderating class 
 brought more clo.-iely to his notice than have the 
 majority of people. He who becomes Overseer of 
 the Poor in any district must unite in himself 
 many qualitications. among wliicli sliould lie great 
 kindness of heart with great Hrmness of will. 
 These desirable characteristics Mr. .lohnson pos- 
 sesses, and is therefore well liUcd for the dilficult 
 position which he imlds. 
 
 The grandfather of our subject, Moses .Tohnson, 
 was a very early settler in Orleans {'ounty, N. Y., 
 where he brfiught his family in 1811. He became 
 a farmer in that fei-tile section and there he re- 
 mained until the death of his wife, when he 
 removed to the Far West, and there died. The 
 
 25 
 
 father of our subject was born in eastern New 
 York, and bore the name of L^-man. He was 
 reared in Rochester and there married. lie car- 
 ried on farming until 1850. when he located in 
 Rochester and became connected with the police 
 and detective department, and was one of the most 
 valuable oiticers in the Government employ dur- 
 ing the war, causing desolation to the bounty 
 jumpeis. The mother of our subject, Charlotte 
 Drew, was lioin in Oneida County, N. Y., and 
 passed away in I8i;i. She was the daughter of an 
 early settler in Oneida County who followed the 
 trade of basket-making. 
 
 Our subject w.as the third 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 .lohnson was born in l{ochestcr, 
 N. Y., .lune l.'i, 1837, and was reared in his native 
 city, where he attended the public schools. In 
 |85() he went to Saginaw City, Mich., and ran an 
 engine for one season. During the following vear 
 he became second engineer on the steamer ■' James 
 Raymond," and towed the Boating palace with 
 Spaulding it Reger's circus from Hennepin, 111., 
 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 w-ith four horses. In 185i» he 
 went to Orleans, Ind., and became connected with 
 a linn dealing in lightning-rods, but in the winter 
 of 18()0 he worked in a sawmill at that place. 
 
 The marriage of our subject took place May Iti, 
 11S(>1, in Orleans, to Miss Jennie R. Hamilton, who 
 was born in ((range County, Ind. .\boul that 
 liiiic the call came for defenders of the country, 
 and .Mr. .lohnson was among the first to respond, 
 lie enlisted .Inly 10, ISCl. in Company (J. 
 I wcnty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and helped to 
 raise the company- for the three months' service. 
 When the call came for three years, he again 
 bravely wi-iit forth to meet the uncertainties of a 
 soldier's life. He was mustered in as Sergeant in 
 a company at N'incennes under ex-Gov. Ilovey, 
 and was sent to Missouri in the Armv of the
 
 536 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 West. There they were engaged in the pursuit of 
 Price Jiiid 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 AYhite River, Champion 
 Hill, Black River, the siege of Vicksburg, then on 
 to .lackson and Xew 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. AVhen 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 brakem.an, but later 
 became fireman, and afterward was engineer from 
 Vincennes to Seymour, Ind., until 1869, when he 
 took a position on the A'andalia 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 the load 
 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 CoUinsville 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 the committee on the equalization of 
 public proi)erty, and in tiie spiing of 1892 was ap- 
 pointed Overseer of the Poor by the Mayor and 
 Council. In the McDowell Post No. 507, G. A. 
 I}., lie is a prominent member and was the first 
 Coinmander. He belongs to Eureka Lodge No. 
 
 81, K. P.; Ratlibone 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. R. 
 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 the Republi- 
 can State and count)' conventions. 
 
 -r^^- 
 
 ■r^-= 
 
 »S^/NDKEW B. SMILEY, a retired farmer, 
 living in a beautiful home on the corner 
 of South Jackson and Sixth Streets, was 
 (^ born in this county December 8, 1846. 
 
 His parents, Mathew A. and Mary C. (Christy) 
 Smiley, were natives of Kentucky and Ohio, re- 
 spectively, the former coming to this State when 
 about thirt\' 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 Wesleyan University at Bloomington, 111. 
 Upon his return, he engaged in farming with his 
 mother until her death, whicii occurred July 27, 
 1889. Mr. Smile3' has one brother, Samuel C., 
 and a half-brother and sister, Joseph Porter and 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Begole, on his mother's side; and 
 two half-brothers and two half-sisters on his fa- 
 ther's side, namely: James A.; AVilliam G.; Martha, 
 Mrs. John Duggcr; 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 !arms for himself, 
 one of one hundred and sixl}' and the other of 
 one hundred and eighty acres, in O'Fallon Town- 
 ship. Later, Mr. Smdey purchased land and built 
 a beautiful two-story, pressed brick residence, of 
 modern design, 25x63 feet, finished in hard wood 
 and healed with tiie liot-waler svsteni through-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 537 
 
 out. It is one of the most modern houses in con- 
 strui'tioii in tlip town :ind is fini.sjied inside and 
 out in iIk' lii'sl anil most coiiipU'te manner |)<)s- 
 siblc. 
 
 Mr. .Smiley was niarn'ed Dccemlier 17. lt<72, to 
 Mi.ss Susan (■'•. Bowler, of tiie same township. 
 She is a daughter of the soil, and her father, 
 Benjamin F. Bowler, was one of the earl.v settlers. 
 Mr. and Jlrs. .Smiley have one son, Frank B.. now 
 attending tlie Missouri Military Academy, in 
 Jlexico. Mr. Smiley is. politically speaking, a 
 Democrat, hut prefers to use his influence in a 
 quiet, private way, feeling that more good can 
 be accomplished in this way than in office. lie is 
 an active and popular member of St. Clair Lodge 
 Xo. 24, A. F. A! A. M. Mr. Smiley and his esti- 
 mable wife are charming people, whom it is a 
 pleasure to meet, and they enjoy the respect and 
 esteem of the hosts of friends they have made for 
 them.selves. not only in the city of Belleville, but 
 wherever tlie\- have l)een. 
 
 li^^^ 
 
 ;:OSKlMI KElCIlKirr. riie sketch whicli we 
 now place liefore tiie public concerns the 
 President of the Reichert Milling Company 
 at Freeburg, .St. Claii- County. III. He is 
 the son of .Io.«eph Keidiert. wlio was liorii. reared 
 and married in (iermany. For many years he had 
 cherished Ihougiits of the land across the ocean, to 
 which .so many of his countrymen had gone and 
 obtained homes, and wlicii his family had been 
 increased to the numliei- of i-ighi beside himself 
 and wife, he decided to make the long journey. 
 The biograiiher has often thought of the courage 
 that a course of llii.- kind must have demanded. 
 Many of our (ierman citizens had never before 
 left the shadow of the home tiees before they set 
 out (ni that voyage into the strange country, 
 where the language was unknown to them, and the 
 customs of the i)eo|)le totally strange. However, 
 this record gives little space for moralizing. .SntHce 
 that the father of our subject was one of the 
 honseholders who left his (ierman lioiin- ami 
 
 with his familj- set sail for America. They 
 arrived in New Orleans May i?(l, 1847, thence 
 m.ide their way up the Mississippi River, and finally 
 settled in St. Clair County jwhere they 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 .Tuly. 186'.). His birth oc- 
 cuned .lanuary 24, 171U. The aged motherof our 
 subject was born December 11. 179!), in Bargn, a 
 village of Baden, in Germany, and died in 1882. 
 
 After the .arrival of the family in this county, 
 the subject of our sketch, who was then a sturdy 
 boy, offered his services to a neighboring farmerat 
 a salary of *() a month and was accepted. Joseph 
 was at first awkward with the cradle, which was 
 given hini with which to cut the wheat, for this 
 rapid and convenient agricultural implement was 
 totiilly unknown to liim. But he watched the 
 others and by the second day was able to keep up 
 with th(! n.en who were receiving regular harvest- 
 ing wages. The lad was not offered more paj-. 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 coojier, remaining there about two 3'ears. 
 
 .Mr. Heichert then returned to his home and on 
 the 28th of October. 18o0, he wits united in matri- 
 mony with Miss Maria Rautli. F'rom this union 
 there have been eleven children, eight of whom arc 
 still living: Louisa, wife of Henry .Sentli; Mary, 
 wife of .Toll n Curan. of Belleville; George, living 
 at Freeburg, and the Vice-president and manager 
 of the Heichert Milling Company; Catherine, wife 
 of Charles Becker, a coal operator of Freeburg; 
 William. Secretary and Treasurer of the milling 
 eompaiiy: Kiniiia, wife of .John Reiter, of Krci- 
 biirg; Lena, wife of August Barthel, of Belleville; 
 and Ida, living at home. 
 
 For four years succeeding his marriage, our sub- 
 ject followe<l his trade of cooper and with it com- 
 bined farniing. but in 1854 lie opened a cooper 
 shoi) in Freeburg. In 18.57, he had become so well 
 and favorably known that he was elected Con- 
 stable of the Fayetlcville precinct, which office 
 he held until 1MC2. when he resigned and went 
 iiilii the inilliniJ biisiiu'ss. Mr. Reichert was obljijed
 
 538 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 to go deeply in debt for the mill property, but 
 this action laid the foundation for that success 
 which has crowned the efforts of his life. Fitted 
 by nature for this particular business, all has gone 
 well with him. 
 
 During the Civil War. our subject watched 
 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 he 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 Ave 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 |)leased with the value of 
 American institutions. One of the pleasant memo- 
 ries of his life will ever be his attendance upon tiie 
 golden wedding of his parents at the home of his 
 brother, Octciber 1, 18(38. There were gathered 
 together on that occasion eight children, thirty- 
 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 
 Mud Creek. Altogether, it was an occasion of 
 much good cheer and a source of rejoicing to the 
 father and mother. 
 
 Politically, Mr. Reichert has always lieen a Dem- 
 ocrat and active in the ranks of his party. This 
 pirty, recognizing his worth and desiring his 
 services, have twice nominiUod him as Uepresentu- 
 
 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 
 emergency. 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 part of the conntv. 
 
 ^IpTT'RKDKHICK TKACTMANX. who owns a 
 ||— j(g^ large farm on section 9, Caseyville Town- 
 .Ji ship, is a native of our sister Republic, 
 
 France. He was born in 18.38, in Alsace, and is a 
 son of Philip and Caroline (Uueckel) 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 3'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 harnes.s- 
 maker. After mastering that trade, he followed 
 the same occupation in his native country, and for 
 two years after his arrival in the United States. In 
 1858, liidding adieu to his friends and tlie 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. 
 
 Ill St. Clair Cuunty, .Mr. Trauliiiauu was united 
 in matrimony to Dorothe Deck, daughter of Philip 
 and Dorothe (Koehloeflfer) Deck. The cereiimny 
 was ]jerl'ornR'd in 1859. By llii* marriage, six
 
 LIBRAHY 
 
 01 THE
 
 ^^.tr^^-T-z-e^
 
 PORTRAIT AND ISlOdUAPIIKAL RECORD. 
 
 r.4i 
 
 children were born who are still living and two 
 who died in infancy. Tliose who survive are: 
 Fred, who married Louisa Haldus; Emma, who is 
 the wife of Henry Stolherg; Louisa, who 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. Trautmann's family are 
 Protestants. l\)litically, he is a supporter of the 
 Republican [larty and takes an active interest in 
 its welfare, lie served as Supeivisor of Roads in 
 his township for one year, to the satisfaction of 
 his fellow-eiti/.ens. His large farms are models of 
 thrift and bespeak the care and industry of their 
 owner. He has a pleasant home which issurrounded 
 by substantial farm buildings. He has always been 
 a faithful and industrious agriculturist, and has 
 devoted his time almost exdusivel^y to his business 
 affairs. Py a simple and unassuming life, he has 
 won many friends who esteem him highly for his 
 sterlinor character and worth. 
 
 *\fOHN MEMES. Men who live in our daily 
 sight and from an humble position work out 
 ^.^ , a truly noble character, are the most valuable 
 l^^/ teachers. The life of Mr. Niemes is full of 
 lessons of self-helj) and self-respect, and shows the 
 efflcac3' of these characteristics in gaining for a 
 man an honorable comi)etence and solid reputation. 
 He is a membei' of the lirm of Xiemes & Reimann, 
 contractors and builders, of East St. Louis, and is 
 one of the most entcrprisinir business men of the 
 city. 
 
 The father of our subject, Henry Neimes, was a 
 native of Germany, and in that country carried 
 on business as a contractor and builder. I pon 
 emigrating to America he located iuTivoli. Dutch- 
 ess County, N. Y., and there engaged in the same 
 employment. He was accidentally killed Iiy fall- 
 ing from a building. In religious matters, he w.'is 
 a member of the Lutheran Church, which he 
 assisted in every way within his power. The 
 principles of the Democratic party alwa\'s received 
 
 his active support. The mother of our subject, 
 Barbara liCdig, was horn 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: 
 .lohn, the subject of this notice; and William, 
 a brave soldier in the Civil War, who now resides 
 in Turner's Falls, M.ass. 
 
 .lolin Niemes was born in Pavaria, near Kirchcim, 
 (rcrmany, June 15, 183H. His childhood was 
 spent in his native country until he was eleven 
 years of age, when he accompanied his parents to 
 America. No doubt the voyage 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 bo^'s attended the public schools 
 of Tivoli, and .so quick and intelligent w.as .John 
 that in six months he could speak the English 
 language. His father was a practical man, and, 
 when John was sixteen years old, he took the boy 
 under au apprenticeship to himself, and taught 
 him brick-liiying. 
 
 In the summer of 18y7, our subject came West 
 to Chicago, and worked at his trade there until he 
 went to Watertown, AVis., where he remained until 
 the spring of 1858. From that place he removed 
 to St. I^ouis, where he was married January .'51, 
 18(51, to Miss Theresa Heacker, who was born in 
 Germany and reared in I^ouisville, Ky. In 1H62, 
 he located permanently in East St. Louis, and 
 began building and contracting, and working in 
 stone and brick. He erected the lleims Prewery 
 the Franklin and Webster Schools, and the Peatty 
 .•ind Adelle Plocks, the largest in the city. He 
 also built the East St. Louis Water Works, and the 
 retaining wall on Proadway and Collinsville 
 Avenue. At times he has employed as man\ as 
 one hundred and fifty men. 
 
 In 1883, Mr. Niemes formed a partnership 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 Pank. He has been honored 
 by his fellow-citizens by being called upon to act 
 as Alderman for three terms, and has served ac-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ceptalily on man.y different committees. He is a 
 Royal Avch Mason and Knight Templar, and is 
 identified with the Kniglits of Honor. In his 
 political faith, Mr. Xieines is a stanch Republican, 
 and has been a delegate to the State and county 
 conventions. He has a very fine lesidence at No. 
 ;127 North Seventh Street, which is one of the 
 most attractive homes of the city. lie and his 
 wife are the parents of five children: Frank .l.,wiio 
 IS in business with his father; John H., Cxeorge, 
 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. 
 
 -~5- 
 
 ^^m>^^<m 
 
 BRAHAM GRIFFEN owns a farm on sec- 
 tion 15, Shiloli Vallej' Township. He was 
 •' born in Albany County, N. Y., on the 1st 
 of May, 1843, and is a son of Jacob and 
 Jane A. (Peers) Griffen. His father was born in 
 Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1805, and his wife was 
 also born in the Empire State, on the 4th of June, 
 1810. The paternal grandfather of our subject 
 was Jacob Griffen. The father was the youngest 
 of four sons, Joseph, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, 
 who all received good, common-school educations. 
 Jacob came to Illinois in 1843 with his famil3-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 forty acres, 
 which he received from his brother Joseph. He 
 operated that land quite successfully, but for many 
 years previous to his death, in 1850, was in very 
 I)Oor health. The death of his wife occurred in 
 18811. In their family wereeightchildren: Peers; 
 Joseph; Emeline, who married Edwin Alexander 
 and lias 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 Seven- 
 teenth Illinois Infantry, and died during the war 
 of lung troulilc. 
 
 Abraham Griffen, who was the youngest of his 
 father's family, lived with his mother upon the 
 home farm until her death. Since that time he 
 has been in partnershi|) with his brother Joseph, 
 and has engaged (piite extensively in agricult\iral 
 pursuits and stock-raising. They carry on the old 
 homestead place and have added to that tract one 
 hundred and twenty acres, iniiking one hundred 
 and sixty acios. The fai-m is higiily cultivated 
 and shows on every hand the attention and thrifti- 
 ness of its owners. (_)n the place is a substantial 
 residence, barns and other necessary farm build- 
 ings. By the careful management of Mr. Griffen. 
 it has steadily increased in value, and is now con- 
 sidered one of the best farms of the townshiii. 
 
 Our subject's father was a AVhig in politics, and 
 his sou is a stanch sui)p(]rter of the Republican 
 principles and part\. Mr. (iriffen takes a leading 
 part in local affairs and his influence is devoted to 
 the advan(e of the best interests of the community 
 in which he resides. He has made many friends 
 during his long residence in this couTity. who es- 
 teem him highly for his worth and uiu-ight char- 
 acter. 
 
 
 y,.y rtiUST TIEMANN is one of the old and 
 (!3/4!l| honored residents of the city of Belleville, 
 il for here he has resided since 1850. He en- 
 joys the reputation of lieing not only a 
 substantial and progressive citizen, but a thor- 
 oughly- posted man in all iiublic 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 from 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
 
 PORTll-UT A:ND BIOGUArilJCAL KKCORD. 
 
 543 
 
 much jiiclgineiit in looking after liis sisters and 
 brother and in securing eniploynient tliat wouM 
 bring him tlie means of livelihood. 
 
 Our subject learned tlie cabinet-maker's trade. 
 at which he worked for four years, but upon cri|)- 
 liling his arm he had to seek otlier employment, 
 when he embarked in the hotel and saloon business, 
 lie built the Tiemann House in 1800 at the corner 
 of .Main and Mascoutah .Streets, a large three-story 
 brick building, in which he is still conducting a 
 successful business. His establishment is noted foi 
 home-like appointments, its excellent table service 
 and its reasonable prices. Mr. Tiemann makes an 
 admirable host, for he is not only 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 l)usiness transactions 
 and has the unbounded satisfaction of knowing 
 that he has never wionged anyone or taken what 
 was not rightfully hi'*. 
 
 Mr. Tiemann is a prominent member of the 
 .Sucker .State Drill Works, is one of its largest stock- 
 holders, and for some time was President of the 
 same. Although he has filled the position of Al- 
 tlerman and has always manifested considerable 
 interest in political matters, both local and n.t- 
 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 raarri.age to Miss Au- 
 gusta Henschel, of Helleville, but who was born in 
 Auswalde, near Berlin, (Germany, and cthu' to 
 America in her j-outh. Her union witli Mr. Tie- 
 mann resulted in the birth of eight cliildren: 
 Bertha, the wife of AVilliam B. Huff, of Hellevillo: 
 Lizzie, wife of John Brosious; Augusta, wife of 
 Fred Sattler: Ida, wife of ('. II. Lennig: Pauline, 
 wife of Adolph Knobeloch; Kmily, Lena, and Louis 
 E., who is the third of this family in order of 
 birth. 
 
 Louis K. Tiemann was Ijorn in Highland, 111., 
 November 12, 185',), and was fortunate enough 
 to receive the greater part of his scholastic educa- 
 tion in the Morgan Park Military Academy, of 
 Chicago, 111., after which he obtained a practic.il 
 
 education through bard experience in the every- 
 day affairs of life. Following his school days, he 
 was in tlie wholesale grocery business in St. Louis 
 until his father was disabled, when he returned to 
 Melleville, in 1882, and at the present time is the 
 etfieient and succe.-^sful 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 
 resort and are patronized by the elite of the city. 
 Mr.Tiem.ann, Jr.,is a stockholder of the Williams' 
 Lirery Stable, which is a well-patronized establish- 
 ment, owing to the fact that it is supiilied with 
 excellent vehicles of all description, and good 
 horses that arc properly cared for and are always 
 read}' 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 Xorinaii. 
 
 HILIP M. OrXDL.VCII. Among the man- 
 , m nfacturing corporations of Belleville whose 
 capital, energy and enterprise have been 
 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. Gundlach 
 for the manufacture of grain drills. .Mthongh 
 small in its inception, it has rapidly exjianded to 
 Us 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. Gundlach was born in the 
 Dukedom of Nassau, the village of Niederhaeg-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 stadt, near Frankfort-on-tlie-Main, Prussia. His 
 parents were Pliilip and Susie (Scliitz) Gundlaeli, 
 natives of the same i)laee as himself. The father, 
 whose occupation was that of a farmer, was in 
 Gen. Blucher's army at the famous battle of 
 Waterloo. To him is diie the credit for the intro- 
 duction of the process of burning briclvS by coal. 
 
 On coming to America in 1842, Mr. Gundlach, 
 Sr., located three miles east of lielleville, where 
 lie 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 
 eiiildren, of whom Philip M. was the youngest, 
 the others being: John and J.acob, wiio reside 
 upon the old homestead; Maiy, the widow of Ily- 
 cinta Germain; and Kate, whose husband was the 
 late .John Biebel. Thev all reside in or near the 
 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 lime was princi- 
 pallv devoted to agricultural puisuils. His mar- 
 riage occurred May 17, 1855, 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 employed in 
 the factory and are sturdy, self-reliant yoking 
 men. 
 
 In 1858, Mr. Gundlach began to manufacture 
 grain drills, on which he secured letters patent. 
 The commencement of the enterprise 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 
 thev 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 vear usually average .5!80,()00. 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 h^v sixty acres of fine land 
 north of the city limits, where the plant is lo- 
 cated. 
 
 l^+^l 
 
 "if/ .VMES DliJCN, who for nearly three-score 
 years has lived in this county, owns a farm 
 on section 15, Stookey Township, lie was 
 born on the same farm where he now lives, 
 in 1833, and was a son of Peter and Susan Dunn. 
 His father was born in the city of New York in 
 181)8, but his wife was of a very old pioneer 
 family (^f Illinois, and wasboin in St. Clair County 
 a few jears later than her husband. The father 
 lost his parents when he w.as 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 daugh- 
 ter of John and Krsilla Teeter. They had a family 
 of four children, as follows: Adeline, wife of John 
 Boul; ^lary A., wife of Walter Gown; Maria, now 
 deceased, formerly the wife of Matthew Stookey; 
 and James, our subject. After coming to Illinois, 
 iSIr. Dunn entered a tr.act 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 inopcrty. 
 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 country in the early 
 [larl of the present century. 
 
 Mr. Dunn, whose name heads this sketch, was 
 united in marriage in 1857 with Martha Pulse, 
 who is a daughter of Louis and Jane Pulse. To 
 our worthy subject and his wife were liorn eight
 
 
 %.^*'^ 
 ^h^ 
 
 y
 
 w'* 
 
 NNIV*^"^
 
 POklliAir AND IJKKiUAl'lllCAL RPX'ORD. 
 
 54 7 
 
 t-hildrcn, four of wliom died in infancy. Those sar- 
 viving aie Maria, the wife of Kdwaid fiump; .lane; 
 Susan, wife of Fred Murker; and Madii^on. Tlie 
 motiier of tliese t-iiildren departed this life in I87(), 
 mourned by a large circle of friends. 
 
 Like his father before liim.Mr. Dunn is a stanch 
 Democrat. He is a member of the Baptist Church, 
 to which he gives his loyal 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 w.as begun by renting his father's farm, and 
 after the death of his father he came into pos.«e>s- 
 ion of a large portion of the estate, and by toil and 
 perseverance has added to the original tract until 
 he now po.ssesses three hundred and eighty-one 
 acres of as fine land .as can be found in the county. 
 ])uring his long years' residence in this locality, he 
 has won the respect and esteen» of many friends 
 and acquaintances. 
 
 ^^€#^^ii•^^•|^i■ 
 
 ^^ HAUl.KS IIAI'SS. A leading and popular 
 (ti 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 Missouri Ave- 
 nue.<. Mr. Hauss was born in (ierniany, at Baden 
 on the Rhine, in which section his father, Charles 
 Hauss, was also born. When the Revolution of 
 1818 opened, he left that country with his wife 
 and two sons and came lo America, settling at 
 Louisville, Ky. 
 
 Ch.arles Hau.ss was the eldest of this family and 
 was reared in Louisville, in the |)ublic 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 w.as in the employ of 
 the Ohio lir Mississippi Railroad Company. In 
 
 1866, he opened a tin and hardware store, under 
 the firm name of Schaub tt Hauss, but in 1868 he 
 sold out to Mr. Schaub, and embarked in the same 
 business on Missouri Avenue. In 1885, he built 
 his i)resent business block, whicli is oOxUd feet, 
 made of pressed brick, two stories and a basement 
 in height. He occupies one of the stores himself. 
 an(i the other is used as the Postotlice. Ho is a 
 stockholder and Director in the Building and Loan 
 .■Vs.>*ociation, and in 1890 formed a stock company 
 known as the Hauss Stove cV Hardware Co., of 
 which he became President. C. V. Hauss. Vice-pres- 
 ident, and William H. Hauss. Secretary. The cap- 
 ital stock is*ir),00(). 
 
 Tinware of an excellent quality i> manufactured, 
 and a large stock of all articles in his line of trade 
 is kept constantly on li;iud. Mr. Hauss was mar- 
 ried here in 186.5 to Miss Anna C. Hecker. who 
 was born in W'ashlenaw County, Mich., and died in 
 1889, having become the mother of three children: 
 C. F. and William 11.. 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 Ward. 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 commnnitv. 
 
 y^' HARLES KARCII, a well-to-do and ener- 
 !| , getic farmer residing on section .'^1. Engel- 
 ^^' man Township, w.as born on the 2d vf 
 June, 1843, on what is now the Stopli farm, in 
 F'reeburg 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 18:53, Ernest Karch emigrated to Amer- 
 ica, locating first on Dutch Hill, and after his
 
 PORTRAIT AND BlOORArillCAL RECORD. 
 
 inaniage lie took up his residence near Mascoutali, 
 in what is now Freebiirg Township. However, lie 
 lived tlieru but a sliort time when, in 1850, he re- 
 moved to a farm (ni section 31, Engelman Town- 
 ship, the same upon which our subject now re- 
 sides. Tliere lie made his home until 1854, >\hen 
 he removed to Fa_yetteville, where he resided until 
 1858. Mis death occurred on the 30th of January 
 of that 3'ear. His wife still survives him and has 
 now reached an advanced age. Only two of their 
 children are now living: Charles of this sketch, 
 and Gustave E., who is engaged in mercantile 
 business in Colorado. 
 
 Our subject was educated in the public schools, 
 and was earl.y inured to the labors of the farm, bo- 
 ginning work in the fields as soon as he was old 
 enough to handle a jilow. 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-sis^ 
 acres of land,of vvhicli two hundred and thirty-six 
 acres are under a high state of cultivation, yielding 
 a ready return for tiie care and labor bestowed 
 upon it by the owner. Wiieat is his principal crop. 
 He has made all the improvements upon the place 
 and the farm is complete in all its appointments, 
 supplied with all modern conveniences and ever}'- 
 tliing pertaining to a model farm of the nineteenth 
 century. 
 
 On the 17th of October, 18G7, Mr. Karch was 
 mariied to Miss Mary Heberer, 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 famil}' of three chil- 
 dren: Gustave. who is now twenty-four years of 
 age; Laura, a young lady of twenty-one sum- 
 mers, and Charles, a j'outh of seventeen, who is 
 now a student in the State Normal University of 
 Normal, 111. 
 
 Socially, Mr. Karch is a member of the Knights 
 of Honor of Mascontah, and in his political atlili- 
 ations is a stalwart Republican, warmly- advocating 
 the principles of that party. He has held the olHce 
 of School Treasurer continuously since 1880, a fact 
 indicating his personal popularity and the con- 
 fidence reposed in him. He was also Supervisor of 
 
 the township for one term and has been School 
 
 I Director in his district. His entire life has been 
 
 I spent in this county,witli the exception of a short 
 
 I 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 whom he has been brf)us3;ht in contact. 
 
 •fe^ 
 
 =^ 
 
 'KM AURICE F. TJSSJER. A potent influence 
 in all matters jjertaining to the welfare of 
 East St. Louis and vicinity is wielded by 
 the Weekly Hei-ald, a. favorite paper among 
 the cj^ks^is of St. Clair County. The editor, Mr. 
 Tis^ijerj'^Js a fWf'cible and pleasing writer, and pre- 
 sents hews 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 Christinas Day, 1853. His fa- 
 ther, Francis, was a native of the canton of A'alais, 
 Switzerland, and his mother, whose maiden name 
 was Mary Tormaz, was ^Iso 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 No. 1443 
 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-
 
 I'ORrRAIT AND BIOGKAPIIICAL RECORD. 
 
 .'.i;i 
 
 iiig 18(i5-(!7, ho wms a sliidcMit ;il tlie Christian 
 Brotiiei!-' Colleop, later alteiideil St. Vincent (Ol- 
 les^e at Caiie fiirardeau. Mo., for liueo \ears, and. 
 lastly, entered St. ^'ineent's Seniin.<irv, German- 
 town, Pa., where he cninpleted tlie eonrse of study, 
 and graduated in IsTl with the degree of Bach- 
 elor of Art.-!. It will thus he seen that he was af- 
 forded splendid educational opportunities, and to 
 say that ho availed himself to the utmost of his 
 advantages is hut to state what actually occurred. 
 .Some years after graduating, the degree of Master 
 of Arts was conferred upon liini. 
 
 Returning to St. I.ouis at the close of his col- 
 lege life. ^Ir. Tissicr embarked in commercial pur- 
 suits, and from the first success rewarded his 
 efforts. In 1875,116 commenced in the grocery 
 busine.s.s on the Island, and wsis thus engaged for a 
 few years, his fair dealing and uprightness in busi- 
 ness transactnjus winning for him a large trade, as 
 well as a high place in the regard of those win mi 
 he met. The M.ayor of East St. l.ouis in 1877 ,ip- 
 pointed him City Clerk, in which place he < tlici- 
 ated to the satisfaction ot ;dl. In 1877, he was 
 also appointed Notary rnbiic by (lov. CuUom. 
 and has since held that position. .Since the in- 
 ception of the Kiii<t St. Louis Herald in 1878, he 
 has had charge of its editorial department, as well 
 as of the general oversight of it* business manage- 
 ment. ItvS job ottice is now one of the best 
 eijuipped in the county, and contains cvervlhing 
 nece.s.sar\' for flret-class work in that line. In ad- 
 dition to his editorial duties, Mr. Ti.ssier is serving 
 as Justice of the Peace, to which office he was 
 elected in 1888. At that time his election wa> 
 contested, but he brought suit and fought the 
 case in the Sui)reme Coiut, the result being a de- 
 cision in his favor. 
 
 At East St. Louis, .\ugust 18, 1875, Mr. Tissier 
 wa-s married to Mi.ss Catherine Meyers, who was 
 born in Carondelet, St. I-ouis County, her parents 
 being August Meyei-s and Mary (Annette) Mey- 
 ers. Of the marriage there liave been born, as 
 Mr. Tissier says, "one boy for every day in 
 the week and one girl for Sunday." They are 
 Louis, Marv, 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 
 .\merica ami of Illinois. .Successful in his busi- 
 ness pursuits, .Mr. Ti.ssier has become the owner of 
 some real estate, and has gained that which is bel- 
 ter still — the esteem of his fellow-citizens. 
 
 1/,^ ERMANN OTTEX. The subject of thi- 
 [r j: sketch spends the days of his niatining 
 ^^^'' manhood beneath the same roof under 
 
 (^^) which he was born. His i^arents were Her- 
 mann and Anna (Wincklcr) Often, both natives 
 of Hanover. (Jennany. The father of Hermann' 
 Ottcii. Sr.. was Hermann Henry Ottcn. a native nf 
 (icrinany. in whic'h country he iiursucd the trade 
 of wagon-maker and reniaiiicd until the time of 
 his death. 
 
 Hermann Otten, .Sr., father of (uir subject, re- 
 ceived a good common-school education in Ins 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 stud}^, natural (luickness 
 and ability, he was recognized at the age of six- 
 teen as one who had thorough I}' m.istered the 
 trade to which he had devoted himself as a means 
 of livelihood. His natural ambition and laudable 
 industry perceived in the [jossibilities of his Eathei-- 
 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 W(uld 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 the 
 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 l)eing Miss 
 Anna Wincklcr. also a native of Hanover, born 
 there about the year 1820. The resultsof this mar-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 liage wei-e seven cliildren, namely: Rosa, deceased; 
 Hermann, the subject of this sketch; William; 
 Elizabeth, wife of Bainard Stumpier; Anna, wife of 
 Barnai-d Lohmann; Mary, deceased; and Joseph. 
 Three years after his marriage, Mr. Otteu, Sr., 
 moved with his family to St. Clair County and set- 
 tled at St. Libor^f, 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 Grist 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. 
 
 In 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 liherallj' liestowed. His po- 
 litical sympathies were witii the Republican party, 
 and his support was counted on at all elections by 
 the representatives of that body in St. Clair 
 Count>-. He departed this life in the year 1874, 
 being then fifty-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-meu. 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 
 writing, was born March 16, 1857, and is nowcarrj'- 
 ing on business in the house within whose walls he 
 Hrst saw the light. He received a good common- 
 school education and profited by the educational 
 opportunities afforded him in tiie township in 
 which he was raised. 
 
 In the year 1880, at the age of twenty-three 
 years, he married Miss Katie Shoemakei-, 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) Sliller, and to them were born seven chil- 
 dren, only one of whom is now living, their daugii- 
 ter Jlary. 
 
 Hermann Otten, Jr., commenced life in the year 
 1880 on a farm, and aftei' 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 I'espected by 
 all who know him. In polities he is a Republican, 
 and both he and his wife are active members in 
 the Roman Catholic Church. He is also a mem- 
 ber of the Catholic Knights of Ireland, a Catholic 
 order of Illinois. Our subject has held the office 
 of Collector of the township and is n(jw Townshi|) 
 Clerk. 
 
 "if ACOB GAUCH. The subject of this mem- 
 orial sketcii has passed away from the scenes 
 of life, but this record shows that a man of 
 his Christian character is not forgotten. 
 Jacob Gauch was born on the 11th 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 tlie 
 7th of January, 184;), to Miss Anna Maria Skaer, 
 the amiable daughter of Jacob Skaer, who w.as boi'n 
 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, whicli 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. Mary 
 died at the age of two years; J.acob lives in Belle-
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 Of ^HE 
 lINiVfRSlTY Uf (LIINOIS.
 
 Or 
 
 O^/KZ/riy
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOiiRAPHICAL Rl-XORD. 
 
 .553 
 
 ville and is engaged in the livery and undertak- 
 ing business; Henry lives at Rentchler Station 
 and IS a farmer; Louisa died at tlie age of twcntv- 
 four years; Edwaid lives on a fnnn in Monroe 
 Countj-; .Toliu William died at the age of eleven 
 months; Sophia Helena married diaries Gross, who 
 lives at Waterloo, III.; Kmma Lena married Henry 
 Press, who lives in St. Louis; Matilda married 
 .loseph Wilderman. who lives in Freeburg, and 
 Philip Adam and Eliza Johanna at iiome. Annie 
 Mary died at the age of eleven years. 
 
 Mrs. (Taueh. the 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 w.as a successful farmer, she has every- 
 thing verv comfortable around her. .lacob Gauch 
 and family were all members of the Lutheran 
 Church at Freeburg, of which Mr. (iauch 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 good 
 man. 
 
 I^^TEPIIAN \ Alll.KA.MI'. Mayor of Fsxy- 
 ^^^ etteville, deserves worthy mention as be- 
 \£^' "^-^ *""^ '^^ ''"^ most useful members of his 
 community. He is a native of Prussia, 
 and was born .Inly II. 1839. His parents, Theo- 
 dore and Anna (Borgmann) A'ahlkamp. were born 
 near the same place as our subject, the father's 
 birth occurring in 179'2. and the mother's in 18(io. 
 Theodore \'ahlkamp received his earlv training 
 on a farm situated on the out.-kirts of a Prussian 
 village. He received the education of his earlv 
 boyhood in the common schools of his native vil- 
 lage, and aftervvaid was a pupil in a Hiijii School 
 of the province. At tlie age of twenty-two lie 
 turned his atteiition to ilie trade of a stonemason, 
 .and became so proficient iii this, his chosen line of 
 work, that lie soon added tlie business of con- 
 tractor and builder. 
 
 Native energy, enterprise and true business 
 ability brought Theodore \ahlkamp success in 
 his native land, and at the age of tweutv-eia:ht 
 
 years he had amassed a competence sufHcient to 
 
 qualify him in assuming the responsibilities of 
 the head of a family. He and his wife became 
 tlie parents of eleven children, three of whom 
 died in early childhood, and eight grew to ma- 
 turity. 'I'hey are resjiectively: Henry; Chris- 
 tina, wife of Albert Donewald; Gertrude, who 
 is the wife of ISIatthew Diekampcr; Bernard; 
 Fred, deceased; Stephan. the subject of our 
 sketch: George; and Mary, wife of F. Erhard. 
 Theodore ^'ahlkamp amas.sed 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 
 A'alilkamp located in .St. Clair County, III., and 
 soon became convinced of its great possibilities as 
 a farming country. His first investment was one 
 of several thousand dollars, with which he l)ouglit 
 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 l:)ecame 
 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 
 fellowtnen. He was a communicant in the Catlio- 
 lic (luircli. in which body his assistance could al- 
 wa\s he reliecl on. His political sympathies were 
 enlisted on tin- side of Democr.acy, and he w'as 
 ever ready to do all in his power to promote lli(( 
 interests of his party. He dei)arted this life in 
 18.')it, his wife surviving him twenty years. 
 
 The subject of this sketch. Stephan Vahlkamp, 
 assumed the responsibilities of his own support at 
 the age of twenty-one years. He had been reared 
 on a farm aad therefore tiiiin'(l to good account 
 the intelligence gleaned under his father's surveil- 
 lance by entering the arena of the working world 
 as a f:irmer. Shortly after establishing himself, 
 he married Elizabeth Rank, daughter of David 
 and Katherine (Kocher) Rank. The result of their 
 union was eleven children, live of whom are ytii
 
 554 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 living, i]amel.y: Theodore; Ida, wife of Bernard 
 Dressier; Sophia, who married Hermann Dressier; 
 Ilenrj- and Jolin. In the year 1889, Mrs. Elizabeth 
 Valillvamp, a lady of most, excellent and endear- 
 ing finalities, passed away. Some time after lier 
 demise Mr. A'alilliamp married Miss Angelica 
 Oeier, a daiigliter of Anton and Anna (Tcier. 
 
 The business life of Mr. "N'ahlkamp 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 early manhood, and tniiied liis atten- 
 tion to farming and stock-raising. He is now tlie 
 owner of five hundred acres of fine farming land, 
 and proves his ability as a slock-raiscr by the line 
 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 
 jiarty virtues has won for hirii the admiration of 
 the community. He has l)een Mayor of Eayette- 
 ville for many 3'ears, 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 
 of esteem with which he is regarded b\' his fellow- 
 citizens. His religions support is given to the 
 Catholic C'hurch, of which body he is a member in 
 good standing, and one whose faith in its teach- 
 ings governs his daily life. 
 
 ylLIJAM SO]/)M()N SCOTT, a well-known 
 and representative farmer residing on 
 „ „ section 32, O'Fallon Township, was boni 
 on the old homestead in this county, December H, 
 183(). His grandfather, John Scott, was born in 
 Maryland and reared in Washington County, Pa., 
 whence he removed to Licking, Ky. He there 
 married Miss AVilson, and in IT'.tT removed to 
 Kaskaskia, liandolph County. 111. He afterwai<l 
 settled in the American Bottoms in the western i)ait 
 of Monroe County. His first wife having died, he 
 was married, in 171I8, to I'ollv Kiukade, 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 (4arretson, daughter of James 
 (iarretson, 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 Henry 
 Harrison Scott, he bought four hundred and 
 eighty acres of land in Bidge Prairie, in 1828, 
 and was there eng.aged 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 dissolution of that partj', when he became a 
 Democrat. He held membership with the Bethel 
 Baptist Church for many years. His death oc- 
 cuired September 1. 1877. when about seventy- 
 nine years of age. His wife was born February 
 16. 1806, in the same locality as lier 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. Thej' 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; M&vy 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. Hanna; Augusta is 
 the wife of Albeit 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 SO, 18.31, died in .Iniiuary. 1842. 
 .b)hn C, who is now living a retired life in Jack- 
 son\ ille, HI., was born .\pril 24, 18;i4, and married 
 Miss Headle, liy whom he has four childien who sur- 
 vive: Julian W., his eldest child, is a [jhysician of 
 \'enice. 111.: Ralph is ;i druygisl of Jacksonville;
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 .555 
 
 Blanche and Benjamin arc living in the same 
 city. AVilliam is the next 30uiigcr of tlie Sctitt 
 family. James Wilson, born December 7. 1.^4(1, 
 married Miss Sarah Wetherell, of Lebanon, 111., 
 .niid nsides in the West. They have one danghter, 
 I-cla, the wife of Fred Schwartz, of Cincinnati, 
 Ohio. Micha Ann, born JIarch 10, 1843, became 
 the wife of E. F. Waite, of Bond County, and 
 died at her home in O'Fallon Township, October 
 20. 187o. leaving one child. Olive Scott, who is 
 now living with her father in Texas. 
 
 As before stated, William Solomon Scott was 
 born ou the old homestead which his father took 
 |K)ssession of in 1828. His education was acquired 
 in (he subscription schools, but he afterward at- 
 loiided Shurtleff College, of Upper Alton. Subse- 
 iiucntly, he was a student in I'ppcr Alton and 
 at .lones' Commercial College, of SI. 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, 18r)8, he 
 removed to the Stites farm, whicli he operated 
 for about fifteen years. 
 
 On the 1st of Xovcniber. 18')7, Mr. Scott was 
 married to Mary K. Kader, daughter of John 
 Kader, who died in Lebanon. The lady was born 
 May 29, 1838, in Monroe Count}-, and came to 
 St. Clair County in 1842, when only about four 
 years of age. She had four sisters and a brother, 
 but only two of the sisters are now living: Mrs. 
 .Fohn IF. Cook, of r>ebanon. and Mrs. Richard 
 Marshall, who resides near Golden City, Mo. 
 t'nto Ml', and Mrs. .Scott have been horn five chil- 
 ilicii: l'",mina. liorn November 12, 1S,')8: Lyman 
 L., January 211. IHiU: Kdilh C., November 30, 
 1869; Ruth Rader. December 29, 1875; and Ben- 
 jamin (i., .lanuary 15, IK81. The family circle 
 yet remains unbroken ami the children are still 
 under the parental louf. 
 
 Mr. Scott has led ;i luisy and useful life, yet 
 has found time to serve his fellow-townsmen in 
 several otflcial positions. He was Highway Com- 
 missioner for two years, for two years was Town- 
 ship Suiiervisor, and at this writing is I'lesident 
 of the Board of Kdncalion of O'Fallon. He has 
 long been a f:iitliful uiciiilirr of the .MissionarN' 
 
 Baptist Church, of Oak Hill, and in politics 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 t« the welfare of the com- 
 munity, ani1 well deserves icpresentalion in this 
 volume. 
 
 -^- 
 
 HOF. 1-KFOKRICK MOFSFK'. rhi> 
 
 ■nth 
 
 man is one of the prominent men of Fiec- 
 burg, and occupies the responsible position 
 \ of Principal of the Public Schools. He is 
 the son of Henry !Moeser. who was born in (Jer- 
 iTiany 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, Smithtoii 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, 18()."). 
 
 Henry INIoeser first married Catherine Weber 
 and they had a family of four children: Elizabeth, 
 the wife of Philip Skaer, of Twelve Mile Prairie; 
 Oeorge, who lives in Wellington, K'ui.; Catherine, 
 Mrs. Charles Ktling, now deceased; and ^Margaret, 
 d(>ccascd. Mr. Moeser married for his .second wife 
 .Airs. Christine Long, »w Stephens. Six children 
 were born of this marriage, live of whom are now 
 living: Henry, who lives in Smithton X'illage: 
 William, who resides on the old homestead, one 
 :ind one-half miles west of Srnilhton; Mary, the 
 wife of William Press, li\es on a farm three-fourths 
 of a mile e.ast of .Smithton: our subject; and 
 Philip, who is ])racticing medicine in New Athens. 
 Sophia rlicd when young. Onr subject was the 
 next to the voungesl of the family. The father 
 st.arted out in life with no means, but at the time 
 of his diMlii lie h;id ;icipiircd ciinsidi'r.-ililc properly.
 
 556 
 
 PORTRAIT AlSiD 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 homesttad in 
 Smithton Township, September 13, 1857, and there 
 lie 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. I^ater, he entered Mc- 
 Kendree College, at Lebanon, 111., from which ho 
 was graduated in 1882 with the degree of liacli- 
 elor of Science. During that time, Mr. Moeser had 
 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 School 
 at Valparaiso, hid., and at the expiration of his 
 second j'ear he took a course in elocution with 
 Prof . Brownley, at Carbondale, 1 11. He then re- 
 entered McKendrec College and was graduated 
 from there in 1882, as above stated. In the au- 
 tumn of that year, 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 subject married Miss 
 Melissa J., daughter of William Smith, a prominent 
 farmer of Smithton Townshiji, who has since moved 
 to Perry County, four miles west of Tamaroa, 
 where he still lives. After his marriage, Mv. 
 Moeser located in Belleville, where he continued 
 his law studies with Wildermann & Hamill. In 
 the fall of 1884, he accepted the position of I'rin- 
 ci|)al of the Smithton school. He 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, and 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 identilied with the Knii;hts of Pythias and is 
 Secretary of Lodge No. Ht, A. F. ik A. M., at Free- 
 
 burg. It is the wish of his friends that he may live 
 long to instruct the youth of the county, and enjo^' 
 the fruits of the faithful labors of past years. He 
 and his family are important factors in the social 
 life of Freebura;. 
 
 L^^HOMAS KNOEBEL, Pii. G. This popular 
 
 i'r/^-^ pharmacist, as well as intelligent gentle- 
 l(i(§i))), ' '^ '^ 
 
 ^\^y man, conducts a flourishing business at No. 
 
 209 Collinsville Avenue, East St. Louis. Born at 
 Belleville August 30, 1859,the ninth of the ten chil- 
 dren of Carl Kuoebel, he spent his boyhood days at 
 that place, graduating rrom the Belleville High 
 School in 1876. Accepting a position with .Vdolph 
 Finke, of East St. Louis, as drug apprentice, he 
 shortly after entered the St. Louis College of 
 Pharmac\', graduating in the spring of 1880 with 
 honorable mention. 
 
 Realizing the value of the microscope in phar- 
 macy, Mr. Knoebel again entered the St. Louis 
 College of Pharmacy, taking a special course in 
 microscopj'. In 1881, he bought the drug stock 
 and fixtures from his former employer, and in 
 1888 purchased propert^^ 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 nil things |>ertaining to the upbuilding of 
 pharmacy as a profession. He took a prominent 
 part in securing the Pharmacy Law in Illinois, and 
 has also been identified with the Illinois Pharma- 
 ceutical Association, having served in it in various 
 capacities as both an officer and member. He is 
 also a member of the American Pharmaceutical 
 Association and the St. Louis Club of Micro- 
 scopists, and is one of the active, conscientious 
 and progressive young pharmacists of the AVest. 
 He enjoys literary work and fre(]uently contributes 
 to the local piess. 
 
 As a citizen of East St. Louis, Mr. Knoebel has 
 ever had unbounded faith in its future and is a 
 strong supporter of all measures to further its 
 advanceinenl. In proof of this is (.-ited the fact that
 
 ^an 
 
 ^
 
 PORTRAIT AKD BKJGRAPIIKAL RECORD. 
 
 559 
 
 his was the Brst building on Collinsville Avenue 
 raised to the new jrrade established. Fublie-spir- 
 iteii, deliberate and generous, his name has been 
 and ever will be closely allied with the best interest.-. 
 of the new Ea.sl St. Louis. jNIr. Knoebel was married 
 .March 20, 18«.'5. to Miss Minnie I). Kslani.-ui. of 
 Belleville, 111. 
 
 fll.LlAM WAKl.TZ is a nolewortli.v farmer 
 Wv// '^"^ citizen, wlio by indefatigable industry, 
 'y^ perseverance and good common sense 
 raised himself from poverty to affluence, and is to- 
 day one of the wealthy men of his community. 
 His pleasant home is on section 8, Fayetteville 
 Township. Our subject was born in Hesse-Darm- 
 stadt, Oermany, June 27, 1821. His father, Conrad 
 Waellz, was also a native of that province, where 
 he married Miss Margaret Metzler and worked at 
 the shoemaker's trade. 
 
 In 1833, Conrad Waeltz came to America with 
 his wife and seven children, five boys and two 
 girls, and located on Turke}' Hill, where he resided 
 until his death in 1836. The mother remained a 
 widow three years, when she married Henry Funk. 
 Ikith are now deceased. 
 
 William Waeltz served a two-years a|)preiitice- 
 shipin 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 successive years. While here, 
 our subject, realizing that it was not well for man 
 to live alone, took for his life companion Mis.s 
 Barbara, daughter of Mr. Dressel, who was formerly 
 a blacksmith but in later years turned his attention 
 to farming, and passed 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 engaged in the milling business two and a- 
 half years, when his mill burned down. Then lie 
 located west of the city and cairied on fanning 
 
 26 
 
 until 1874, when he removed toFreeburg and re- 
 tired from business. During his residence here in 
 IHHO. his wife died, leaving a family of three ehil- 
 dien: Regina, wife of Volentine Ileil, lives near 
 Marissa, this countv; Lena, the wife of George Erb, 
 resides on a [lorlion of the home farm; and Hannah, 
 wife of .lohn Rank, who was cripjiled in the late 
 war and is supported by his pension, lives in Fay- 
 etteville. 
 
 After residing in Freeburg for seven years, 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. II. f^.,born April 
 2,1883; and William, March 29, 1888. For two 
 years after his second marriage he made his home 
 in Fa3'etteville, and then located upon his |>resent 
 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 man.iger and understands the 
 best method of conducting his work. 
 
 In his religious connections, ^Ir. 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 .ludge of Elections for the p.ast twenty- 
 five years. In 1892, he cast his thirteenth vote for 
 President, and during the years that have inter- 
 vened he has hist no opportunity of promoting 
 the interest.-' of his chosen party. He is a meml>er 
 of Freelnirg Lodge No. 418, F. & A. M., .and has 
 served as its Treasurer. 
 
 LEXANDEH WILDV, a prosperous and 
 representative agriculturist of St. Clair 
 County, and for many years a leading 
 business man of Lenzburg Township, 
 was born in 18o-l, within a few miles of hi.s present 
 hfimestead, and is universally respected in the 
 Meighl)orhood where he has spent his useful and 
 busy life. His parents were .John and Jscojieiia
 
 560 
 
 POETRAIT AND BIOGEAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Wildy. John Wildy was born upon the old farai, 
 in 1827, and was the son of Samuel and Susan 
 (Stinson) Wildj. Samuel Wildy, the paternal 
 yrand father of our subject, was born in Switzer- 
 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. 
 
 John Wild}' had but few educational advantages 
 and earl\' engaged in tlie active work of life. His 
 father had bequeathed to him about two hundred 
 and fifty acres of land, and in 1853 he married 
 Jacopena Trauij, a daughter of Jacob and Maggie 
 ( Farber) Traup, all natives of Wurtemberg, Ger- 
 many. The mother of our subject was born in the 
 Fatherland in 1832, .and her father was born in the 
 year 1800, her mother in 1797. Jacob Traup was 
 a shoemaker 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. 
 This worthy man and excellent citizen died in 
 185f!, and his good wife passed away in 1853. 
 The motiier of our subject was one of two daugh- 
 ters, her sister, Mary, being tlie wife of John P>au- 
 ersachs. 
 
 Alexander AVildy, our subject, is one of nine 
 children, one of whom died in infancy. The 
 family' of brothers and sisters are Alexander; 
 .\lbert, who married Carrie Bueger; John, who 
 married Lizzie Schneider; Mary, Amelia, Calvin J., 
 Herman P. and Frank R. Our subject remained 
 with his mother after the death of his father until 
 lie had attained manhood, and com])leted his edu- 
 cation in Warrenton College of Missouri, being 
 Mien well fitted for the battle of life. Devoting 
 most of his efforts to agricultural pursuits, he has 
 also handled successfully general merchandise, 
 running a store in Lenzburg with his brother, Mohn. 
 
 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 
 liirthplace of their children. Mrs. Wildy is a na- 
 tive of St. Clair County, and li.as a large circle of 
 friends in her lifetim home. Four children have 
 been born uiili.i our suliiiM-i and his estimable wife, 
 
 i\ 
 
 namely: 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 arc valued members of the 
 German Methodist Episcopal Church, and are ever 
 ready to aid in its social and benevolent work. 
 Mr. Wildj^ is a Prohibitionist, 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 neishhdrs. 
 
 -^^ 
 
 ,ETER STAUDER. Belleville has its full 
 quota of vigorous, enterprising, thorough- 
 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, 111., on tlie 2(1 
 of March, 1837, Mr. Stauder inherits his thrift 
 and energy from his Teutonic ancestors, his par- 
 ents, .John and Magdalena (Klonich) Stauder, 
 being natives of Germany. 
 
 The father was 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, 111., was married 
 in Belleville to ISIiss Klonich, and then began 
 working at the stonemason's and brickl.ayerV 
 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 many resi- 
 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 Josej^i, of St. Louis. 
 
 The grandfather of our subject, Adam Stauder, 
 also came to the I'nited States and bought a farm
 
 PORTRAJT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 561 
 
 on Rich Prairie. On this he erected a chapel of 
 
 the Catholic Church, this beiiis; the first in this 
 section, and it was erected even before any in Belle- 
 ville. There was also :i Catholic cemetery on his 
 place and many were buried there before the 
 cemetery w.is laid out in the city. A Catholic 
 priest, Father Meier, wa;; here at that time. In 
 1844 tiie church was moved to Belleville during 
 tlie time of higli water. The grandfather followed 
 tiie occupation of a farmer and was one of the 
 prominent early German Catholics here. Before 
 the county farm w.as built he had charge of the 
 ct)unty poor, the first one under iiis cliarge being 
 Blind Frit/.. 
 
 The scliolastii- training of our sul)jcct was re- 
 ceived from Father Donne, and at an early age 
 he commenced learning liis father's trade. After 
 reaching man's estate, lie married Miss Catherine 
 Schmidt, a native of Germany and the daughter 
 of Anton .Schmidt. 'I'liis union tool< place on tlu' 
 M of M.ay.l8r)il,aii(l directly afterward Mr. Stauder 
 began contracting and doing bridiand stone work, 
 lie has erected many good buildings — the Rench- 
 ler Building in 186."!, many fine bricl< buildings, 
 and many city residences and stores. The City 
 Hospital was erected by him. the Orphan .\sylura, 
 St. Libori Church, New Athens Catholic Church, 
 Catholic Church in Bartclso (III.), Fulton Lutheran 
 Church. Baptist Church of Belleville. and St. Luke's 
 Church. During busy seasons he usually works 
 about twenty men in all. Besides a fine h)t in 
 Belleville Mr. Stauder owns a fine lot, 80x70 feet, 
 on .Second Street, opposite the Imspital. where he 
 lia> a line laige building. 
 
 Our subject li.as made his liouic at licllevillp 
 ever since 188:i. and owns real estate interests in 
 the St. Clair .\ddition. where he is now bmlding. 
 He had liorn to liis niai-riage eleven cliildi-en, six 
 of whom ••uf MOW living. \iz: Maiy. wife of 
 Charles Kbhie: Christian: .Joseph, wlio luanicd 
 Mi.ss Pauline Koch; Anna. Adilia and IVler 
 Michael. >h-. Stauder is a member of St. Peter's 
 Church and is active in all good woiks. He is a 
 member of the Catholic Knights of .\merica and 
 Catholic Knights of Illinois. Me was .Vlderman 
 of the Fourth Ward for four years, and is a mem- 
 ber of the Bankers' Insurance Company. 
 
 Mrs. Slander's father, Anton Schmidt, was born 
 in Prussia, Germany, in 181'?, and was there mar- 
 ried to Miss Elizabeth Keizer. He came to Amer- 
 ica and settled in Belleville in 18r)2, where he was a 
 successful farmer. Mrs. Stauder was born in Ger- 
 man v on the 24tli of Mav, ]H'MK 
 
 IV, ICIIARl) W.\.\(;EI.1N. The original of 
 this sketch is the Cashier of the Belleville 
 Savings Bank and has held the position 
 
 '^ since 1882, having entered the bank April 
 1, 186.5. iis 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, I8(>0, with a subscribed cap- 
 ital stock of ^156,000, of which twenty per cent, was 
 paid. The bank remained where it was opened 
 until 186;'), when the present bank was built. The 
 (irst 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 ?i 100,000, represents the stock. In 
 181)1 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 w.as born in Shiloh A'alley, in tliis 
 couuly. .lanuary 27. 184,5, and was the son of 
 llniio Waiiiiclin. wlio came early to this county 
 fVoni (iciuianv. in 18.'3:3. when only sixteen years 
 old. lie uiarried .Miss Bertha .Schubert, of Shiloh. 
 wlio .'dso came from Germany. After the birth of 
 oui subject the family came to Belleville, where 
 the father engaged in merchandising and after- 
 ward in milling in Lebanon. He later served as 
 ( olonel of the Twelfth Missouri Infantry until the 
 close of the war, when he received the commission 
 of Brigadier-tJeneral and then was made Postmaster 
 of this city for eight years, and also served as 
 .\ldei-nian. His death occurred in February, 1882, 
 at the age of sixty-four years, he leaving a wife and 
 seven cliildren to mourn his death. The children
 
 562 
 
 PORTRAIT AND 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 the HerakJ 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 Fort3'- 
 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 
 his 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., wiio is prac- 
 ticing medicine in tiiis city; Ernest E., pa3master 
 at the Belleville Steel Works; Olive, Wanda, Fred- 
 rick, Louis and Hettie May. Mr. A\''angelin is a 
 member of the Grand Army of the Rei)ul)lic, the 
 Liederkranz, and is ver}' highly regarded by his 
 emijloyers. 
 
 /p^EORGE HENTZEL, a prosperous and ex- 
 lll — , tensive fanner and for more than a lialf- 
 
 \iJ^! century a resident of St. Clair Countv. 111., 
 was one of the pioneer agriculturists of Dutch 
 llill Pr:iiiie. and well known to all the coninuinity 
 ill aii<l ab(jul ]>enzburg Township, where he is 
 highly respected as an energetic, industrious and 
 upright citizen. Our subject was born in Germany 
 m the year 1832. His parents, Jacob and Mary 
 Ilentzcl, were also natives of the Fatherland, and 
 were reared and educated and married in the home 
 of their childhood. Wlien little ones clustered 
 about them, t\\ey talked of emigrating to the land 
 lii'vond the ocean, wliere there would l>e greater 
 (iji])()rtuuilies fur their sons and duughtei-s. 
 
 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 
 iiad but little capital did not fear to try his for- 
 tunes in America. In 1836, when our subject was 
 a little boy 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 
 Hentzel first brought iiis famil}' to St. Louis, where 
 he found employment working out b\' the day. 
 Both the fatiier and mother desired to settle upon 
 a farm with their family, and an opportunity of- 
 fering itself, they 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 
 price a good farm, which has increased ten-fold in 
 value. Mr. Jacob Hentzel 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, 
 George Hentzel began to be self-supporting when 
 eleven years old. Working steadil}' 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 Elizalieth 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 
 .losephine. The brothers an<l sisters are in their 
 various liomes well known and are useful, honest 
 and industrious citizens, respected by all who know 
 them. Mr. and Mrs. Hentzel are lifelong members 
 of tlie Lutheran Ciiurch, and have ever aided in 
 the support and good work of that religious or- 
 ganization. Politically, our subject is a strong 
 Republican, and a tirm believer in the principles of 
 the party. Beginning life without influential 
 frieiuls or capital, the energy, courage and persev-
 
 ,,V' 

 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 060 
 
 erance of Mr. Hentzel have been rewarded with 
 financial prosperity, and his fine farm of six hun- 
 dred and fifty acres, all under excellent ciiltivation, 
 gives evidence of his i^ood management, thrift and 
 natural ability. 
 
 «!^i^'l^^l 
 
 ^I'OIIX A. DAY, proprietor of the Day Uncle 
 Company at Belleville, the largest and most 
 prominent brick manufactory in .St. Clair 
 County, was born in .St. Louis February 
 2.5, 1855. His father. Ignatius A. Day, emigrated 
 from Germany to America and .settled in 8t. Louis 
 in 1841). 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 
 Berncastcl, on the Moselle. Mr. Day engaged in 
 the tobacco business on Second Street and was a 
 liromincnt citizen of St. Louis. In 1866, accom- 
 l)anied 1)V his family, he returned to Gei'many and 
 remained in Trier until his death,, lanuai-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 onl}- one of these who re- 
 turned to America and established a home. 'I'he 
 others are: Mrs. Edward Lintz, who resides in 
 Dusseldorf, Germany; Mrs. Angelica Sieben, of 
 Aix la Chapelle; Anna B. and F'erdinand Joseph, 
 who make their home in Trier. 
 
 .lohn A. Day attended .school in (iermany from 
 the time he was eleven 3^ears of age until he was 
 nineteen, when he was graduated from the .school 
 at Trier. Afterward he w.as employed as clerk for 
 three years in the wholesale drug business at .Vnt- 
 werp. In 187',t,he returned to the United States and 
 spent three years in Davenport, Iowa, in theemiiloy 
 of Nicholas Kuhnen, wholesale tobacconist. He 
 next spent three years in St. Louis in the employ of 
 Meyer Bros, it 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 $35,000, 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 uianufac- 
 lure. 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 iin[)rove- 
 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 & 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. 
 
 
 r^^- 
 
 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. Louis. 
 His 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 countiy his father is a successful, 
 merchant tailor. The latter was in the Rebellion
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of 1848 in Schleswig-Holslein. His wife, formerly t 
 Miss Anna M. Fainkaiiff, dit-d in 1889. Nine 
 sous were born of this union, tliree of wliom are 
 living: N. J.,a traveling salesman of Minneapolis; 
 Leon, a business man of Si. Louis; 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 tweuty-one 
 years of age. After traveling for some time he 
 entered the German army, becoming a member 
 of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, Eleventh Army 
 Corps, of Hesse-Darmstadt, serving until honor- 
 ably 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 stay. The voyage from Brem- 
 en to New York occupied eight days, and the 
 steamer iu which he sailed, "Pomerania," sunk on 
 its way back to the Old Country. After a short 
 residence in Philadelphia, he went to Ann Arbor, 
 Mich., where he worked at his trade for two years, 
 but on the 6th 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 being located at No. 310 
 Broadway. 
 
 His business necessitates the employment of 
 eii^ht 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 alwaj^s. Among his permanent customers 
 are many of East 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 bj' 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 liimself to he 
 an enterprising citizen. 
 
 He was married in Belleville in December, 18.53. 
 to Miss Rose E. Lenz, who was born in St. Louis, 
 a daughter of Augu.st Lenz, a pioneer citizen of 
 the former pljicc. 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. 
 
 
 (*[ if: R. PADFIEI.D is a representative of one 
 \/\li "^ *'^® °^^^ families of the State, for to this 
 \^^ region his father came in 1811 with Gen. 
 Hopkins, and with him participated in the Indian 
 wars of this section. W. R. Padfield was born at 
 Union Grove, within two and a-half miles of his 
 present residence, September 30, 1821, a son of 
 Thomas and Temperance (Hill) Padfield, whose 
 union was celebrated on the 10th of August, 
 1820. The father was born in the State of Mary- 
 land, in 1775, but when he was about two years of 
 age his parents removed to the vicinity of IIop- 
 kinsville, Ky., where he was educated and grew to 
 manhood. In 1815, he and his father came to St. 
 Clair County and located on a farm near Union 
 (ti-ovc, where the grandfather operated a Hour 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 was one of the first 
 in this section of the country, and was i)atronize(l 
 by the settlers for many miles around. He ,always 
 enjoyed excellent health and lived to the advanced 
 age of ninety-eight years, dying in 1873. His wife 
 was called from life February 20, 18G3, at the age 
 of sixty-three years. They were the parents of 
 four children, of whom W. R. Padfield, the subject
 
 PORTRAIT AND IJIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of this sketch, was the eldest. The other members 
 were Isaac, who died .it tlie ago of nineteen years, 
 .lames, who died iMay 21, 1890, when about sixty- 
 one years of age, having l)een an honest and pros- 
 perous farmer of Crawford County, Kan. He was 
 married to Miss Adeline :Moore, a daughter of 
 Robert and Nancy (Abernathy) Moore. The 
 youngest, member of tiie paternal family is Julia, 
 tlie widow of Dr. E. P. Bland, formerly of Mas- 
 criutah. III., who is now residing in Moninoiitli, 
 Crawford County, Kan. 
 
 W. R. Pad-field, whose name heads this sketch, 
 resided on a farm in the vicinit^^ of Union Grove 
 until lie was fifty-eight years of age, during whicli 
 time he received the benefits of the common 
 schools near his rural home, after which he became 
 a resident of liis present place of abode. He is a 
 man who possesses the instincts and training of a 
 true gentleman, which he manifests in his daily 
 walk through life, and these attributes, in connec- 
 tion with his geneious and kindly disposition, 
 have won him a liost of friends, to whom he is 
 loyal and true. He was first married in June, 1853. 
 but 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, 
 wlio were born in JIaryland and Virginia, respec- 
 tively. In the year 1862, he took for his second 
 wife Miss Eva Kline, their marriage being cele- 
 brated on the 'i'id of November, but this wife also 
 left him a widower, her death occurring April 18, 
 1871. .March 18, 1875, his third marriage was cel- 
 ebrated. Miss Elizabeth Kline becoming his wife. 
 He is the f.athcr 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 himself to 
 be thrifty, juactical 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 Pe.-vce and has adjusted his neigh- 
 bors' difficulties with the utmost fairness. He has 
 been a member of the Ancient Free A- Accepted 
 
 Masons for the past forty years and belongs to 
 Summerficld Lodge No. 342, in which he has held 
 all the offices except AVorthy Master. Although a 
 Republican in national politics, he is independent 
 in local affairs. 
 
 W_^^ENRY IIOl-T. It may well be the pride 
 |r^ of our subject that he has reclaimed a 
 i\^ fruitful tract of land from its natural 
 (^ condition, transforming it into a finely- 
 improved and highly-cultivated farm, one of the 
 best in Fayetleville 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 
 ill 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 Fayetleville, where he is 
 passing his declining years quietly and retired 
 from active life. 
 
 The father of our subject, George Menkie, was 
 born in Germany and there reared to the occupa- 
 tion of a farmer, which he followed throughout 
 liis 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 jjossession of valuable 
 l)roperty is involved. During the latter part of his 
 life, the father of our subject crossed the Atlantic 
 to llie United States, where he died in the home 
 of his daughter. 
 
 The parental family comprised the folloxving 
 seven children: Henry, our subject, who was born 
 in Hanover, Germ.any, in 1828; Clemans, deceased; 
 Mary, who is married; Barney, deceased; G. Henry, 
 a resident of W.ashington County, III.; Caroline, 
 wife of Barney Laike, and Christena, who became 
 the wife of Theodore .\mbers. In the common 
 schools of Germany, Henry Hoff gained a good 
 education, and upon the removal of the family
 
 568 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 to the United States in the ^ear 1853, accompanied 
 them hither and settled in St. Clair County near 
 the village of Fayetteville. Farming had engaged 
 his attention in the Fatherland, and upon locating 
 here he purchased about one thousand acres of 
 land in Fayette ville Township, to tiie cultivation 
 of which he gave his entire time during the years 
 that followed. He has prospered so well that he 
 lias not only been enabled to aid his children 
 financially by giving them large tracts of land, but 
 he still has sufflcient to enable him to live in com- 
 fort. 
 
 When twentj--one years of age, Mr. Hoff was 
 united in marri.age to Miss Anna, daughter of 
 Theodore and Adeline (Britmann) Diekcr. 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. Frank fitted himself for the profession 
 of a teacher,wliich he follows in Randolph County, 
 this State. In his religious connections, Mr. Hoff 
 is identified with the Catholic Church. Politically, 
 he is Arm in his adherence to the principles of ihe 
 Republican party. 
 
 '^ 
 
 ^1- 
 
 (■i IkILLIAM PREDIGER. St. Clair County is 
 \/\Jl/ i^^^^y 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, 
 Lenzbuig Township, and is one of its most pro- 
 pressive and enlightened farmers. His estate, 
 whicli 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) Frediger, 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, Mo., 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 their 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 systematic 
 course of reading, and kept himself well posted 
 with regard to what was going on in the world. 
 He was thrown upon his own resources at the 
 early age o£ 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 his twenty-first year, he was married to 
 Nancy, a daughter of James and Margaret Mc- 
 Kahev, who bore him a family of eleven children, 
 eigiit of whom are yet living. The elder Mr. 
 Prediger was a Democrat in politics, and, as a 
 good citizen should lie, was earnestly interested in 
 all that pertained to his township and county. 
 His career was begun as a poor boy, but by energy 
 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-flve years, and now makes her 
 home in Marissa. 
 
 William Prediger, of this sketch, obtained a 
 o-ood 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 7 , LENZBURG TP ST. CLAIRCO. ,ILL 
 
 RESIDENCE OF FRED R H El N , SEC -^ ,SM ITHTON TP.ST. CLAl R CO.,1 LL .
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAI. RKCORD. 
 
 as to win the confidence of his fellow-citizens. 
 Ills political convictions are identical with the 
 principles pronuilgaled by the Democratic party, 
 to which lie gives lieai'ly support. 
 
 *^^l 
 
 ll^N^ 
 
 on the youthful manager, who despite Uis being 
 only twenty-two years old, could instruct many 
 an older fai'nier in the art of cultivatintr the soil 
 to the best advantage. Mr. Rhein follows general 
 fanning on his place and is one of the most enter- 
 |)rising young men of the township. 
 
 P' RED UIIKIN. As his name indicates, tliis 
 gentleman is of German descent, and the 
 . success that his family has attained is oniy 
 
 another example of what industry and per.sever- 
 ance can accomplish upon American soil. lie is a 
 prosperf)us farmer of .'^mithton Township, and his 
 estate is among the finest in the county. 
 
 Our subject's father bore the same name a.'* him- 
 self and was horn in IJavaria, Oermany. When a 
 small child he came to this country with his par- 
 ents, who made their first settlement in St. Louis, 
 but being dissatisfied with that citv they removed 
 from there to St. (lair County. There they set- 
 tled and tliei'c the grandpai-ents of our subject 
 died. 
 
 Fred Rhein, Sr.. took unto himself a helpmate in 
 the person of Miss Charlotte Neneninger, also a na- 
 tive of the Fatherland. An enterprising and suc- 
 cessful fanner, he owned at the time of his death 
 a large amount of iiroperty, 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 their mother. The 
 one deceased is Louts, and those living are: Adam 
 and Maggie (twins); Pha'be, Anna, George and our 
 subject. The father was a consistent Christian, and 
 his death was mourned not only by his family, 
 but by those with whom he ha<l been ccninected, 
 both religiously and socially. The mother still 
 resides on the old homestead with her son. our 
 subject, and is highly esteemed by all who know 
 her. 
 
 Fred Rhein, .Ir., is a native of this township and 
 county, having been born in the year 1870 on 
 the old homestead. He operates the farm of 
 two hundred and thirty .acres left by his father. 
 This is one of the best-improved estates in the 
 county, and its fine appearance reflects great credit 
 
 T. CL.VRK, a well-known citizen of St. Clair 
 County, is the present manager of the 
 store owned by D. Rentchler, of Rentchler 
 'Ij A'illage. 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 ill 1!SII7. and tlie latter born in Ca\ iiga 
 County. N. Y.. in LSI,'). The boyhood days of the 
 father were spent among the hills of his native 
 county, and his education for his profession was 
 acquired in the (ieneva Medical Institute, <if Xew 
 York. He hail previously removed to ('ayug;i 
 County, X. Y., and had served as guard in the 
 Auburn State Prison for a few year.s. .\fter being 
 graduated in medicine, he began practice in the 
 village of King's Ferry, X. Y., where he prosecuted 
 his profession for ovt^r half a century. Having 
 then reached an advanced age, and the arduous 
 duties of a [)r.actitioner resting heavily upon him, 
 he entered a drug-store and is still engaged in 
 that business. His wife was a daughter r)f Wynes 
 and Annie (Lyons) I'almer, both of whom were 
 natives of Connecticut but were of English descent. 
 The Clark family traces its ancestry back to three 
 brothers who came from P-ngland to this country 
 ill Coloni;il days and were noted men in resisting 
 the persecutions of the English Government. 
 
 When but fifteen years of age,ou]- subject began 
 life for himself by 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 Xew York Infantry under (ieu. Jliles. 
 He participated in several important battles, in-
 
 572 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 eluding- the engagements at Colfax, Culpepei', 
 Peach Orchard and Harper's P>rry. At the last- 
 named place he was captured, and after being pa- 
 roled returned to his home. 
 
 Mr. Clark then engaged in teaching school, 
 which profession he followed for a short time, when 
 he took up the stud^- of medicine with his father. 
 He afterward attended the same medical school in 
 whicli his father was a student, but did not gradu- 
 ate. It was in 1871 that he came West, making 
 Ins first location in Iowa City, Iowa, where he en- 
 gaged in practice for two years, when, his health 
 failing him, he changed his occupation and in 1873 
 went upon the road as a tr.'iveling salesman, being 
 thus employed for a year. About this time, in 
 1874, he was married, in Alton, 111., to Miss Adelia, 
 daughter of L. W. and Eliza Moore. Their luiion 
 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 j'ear 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 County. In 1871). he became 
 manager of the store of Mr. Kenlehler, and has 
 since had charge of the same. Faithful to the in- 
 terests of his employer, he has his entire 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. 
 
 — ^-^+^e 
 
 ^<5^K0Rr;E SCHAUB. In few branches of 
 III ^ — trade has the march of progress wrought 
 ^^4! *"*''' ^ veritable revolution as in the stove 
 and agricultural implement 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 those lines is that of fTCOrge Schaub, which has 
 been in successful operation for many years. Mr. 
 Schaub was born in Germany, fifteen miles from 
 Hesse-Cassel, March 4,18.82, to Wilhelm 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 he followed in early 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 
 eightj'-three years. 
 
 (Tcorge 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 coiipersmith 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 1853 he left Bremen in a 
 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 
 factoiy 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- 
 cinity began gardening, making a trip to St. Louis 
 everj' day for the purpose of selling his produce. 
 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 proprietoi- of the 
 establishment and began gradually to add har<l- 
 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
 
 r.;HTHAlT AND BKXiHAl'llK'AL KECORD. 
 
 ;;? 
 
 has a double store .^OxKKi feet \vitli linsenieiit. and 
 two ov three .stories hiuii. lie owns -jonie real es- 
 tate in the eitv and lias Imill a niiinlier of houses. 
 He became a nieniber of the (irst and second build- 
 ing and loan associations of the city, and is a stock- 
 holder in the Workingmen's Hank. He hel|ied to 
 incorporate the city in ISfio. 
 
 Socially, ^fr. Schaub is a iiiember of the Aiieienl. 
 Free and Accepted Masons of Belleville; the 
 Knights of Honor, and t!ie Knights and Ladies of 
 Honor, and in his political views is a stanch ad- 
 herent of the Hepublican i)arty. He an<I his fam- 
 ily worship ill the Lutheran Church. He was 
 married in IHC;! to >n.ss Klizabeth >Hlt, born near 
 Columbia, 111., by whom he has four children: 
 Kmma, Mrs. Jordan, of K.ist .St. Louis; Bertha. Mrs. 
 (ieorge Schroader, of East St. Lf)nis; .\iina and 
 J.illie at home. Afr. Schauli is a gentleman of pusli 
 and enterpri.se, thoroughly conversant with the 
 wants of the trade, and ()opul;u- :iliUe with his 
 patrons and trade competitors. 
 
 DAM fiLNTZ. Humanity has always de- 
 manded stimulants, and it is fairly ar- 
 gued that those engaged in offering a 
 [(^ mild, wholesome form, to take the pl.ace of 
 
 the fiery exhilarants of positive injury, should be 
 encouraged and regarded as public benefactors. 
 .\s a forcible illustration of this conclusion, they 
 point to the (Jermans, 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 
 than are embraced in our Teutonic population. 
 One of the most important industries that center 
 in Belleville is the manufacture of lager beer, em- 
 ploying, a.s it does, a large amount of capital, and 
 giving employment, directly and indirectly, to 
 more people than is done by any other one in- 
 terest. 
 
 .\dam (iintz,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 Rhcinpfal/.,(;erniany, on the Kith of July, IH.'iO, 
 and was there educated until si.xteen years of age. 
 Ill ISfif) he came to the United States and made 
 his w.ay directiv to Belleville, where he entered the 
 employ of a brewing company there, the firm being 
 New A- (Jiiitz. the latter no relative of his. He 
 learned all departments of the business, and soon 
 licc.'iMic a practical brewer. In 187.'! the above 
 iiiciiiioned Hrm sold out to four nien.,\dam (iintz, 
 .lohn Kloes, William Brandenberger and X'alentine 
 Sleeg. and >[r. Ointz was placed in charge of the 
 business, conducting the same and being ba<'kcil 
 by the other uentlcnicn until 1881. 
 
 Having made a liiiaiicial success of the venture, 
 -Mr. (unlz purchased the entire plant, and has 
 since conducted it most successfully. He has made 
 a great many improvements in the plant, erected 
 new buildings at an immense cost, and has given 
 eraplo3ment to a large number of men and lioys. 
 Mr. (iintz takes a foremost i)lace 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 quality of the 
 product, and the large territory covered by the 
 sales. The demand for this beer is wonderful 
 and this is not oiil,\' for local consumption, but 
 also foi- shipment. Car-loads are shipped daily 
 to all points of the compass. The beer is a 
 healthy and nutritive family lievcrage, made 
 from the choicest materials .and free from salicylic 
 acid or other deleterious preservatives. The ili- 
 mensions of the establishment are marvelous, and 
 the plant is located in West Belleville. Our sub- 
 ject'slarge brick residence stands in close proximity. 
 
 Mr. (iintz is one of the substantial men of the 
 county, and has made all his propcrt}' 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 
 im[)ortant enterprise for the advancement and de- 
 velopment of the cit3'. He inherits all the thrift 
 and energy of his German ancestors, and has suc- 
 ceeded where others would have failed. In pf)li- 
 tics he is a strong supporter of Democratic princi-
 
 574 
 
 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 pies. On the 9tli of IVoveinber, 1871, he was mar- 
 ried to Miss Rosa Gintz, daughter of Peter Gintz, 
 who had formerly operated the brewery. Her 
 parents are both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gintz 
 are the parents of throe children: Walter, Fred- 
 crick and Katie. 
 
 (y^HILlP H. SOPP. The subject of the pres- 
 ent too brief sketch holds tlie prominent 
 and responsible position of Principal of the 
 school of F^ast Carondelet, Sugar Loaf 
 Township, St. Clair County. Our subject was horn 
 in Waterloo, Monroe County, 111., October23, 1860, 
 was reared in that pleasant little village and was 
 sent to the schools of that place. Always devoted 
 to books, he was not satisfied with the educational 
 advantages of those places of instruction, but 
 went to St. Louis and there took a course in the 
 Ames School, where he completed certain liranches 
 according to the curriculum, but Mr. Sopp is too 
 good and experienced an educator to consider an 
 education as ever really finished. 
 
 After being graduated from this place, our sub- 
 ject took charge of the Deer Hill School, which is 
 located five miles west of Waterloo, .and was so 
 pleased with the position and gave such great 
 satisfaction to his patrons, that his residence there 
 stretched out over a space of four years. He was 
 then 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 P^ast Carondelet, while his manage- 
 ment has had the very best results. The tenth 
 term is now fairly under way, and Mr. Sopp bids 
 fair to remain with this community for ten years 
 to come. 
 
 An interesting event in the life of oui siih- 
 ject,vvliicli made the year 1883 memorable, was his 
 marriage to the daughter of Henry Tebbenhoff, 
 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 
 has 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 highly 
 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 
 which 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 ottice of Collector and is a very active 
 worker in all that tends to advance the interests 
 of the place in which he finds a home. He ha.- 
 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 
 it may be only a question of years before Mr. 
 Sopp takes one of the foremost places in the edu- 
 cational departments of the county. His present 
 school contains eighty pupils and is managed in 
 two rooms. The religious denomination to which 
 Mr. Sopp and his excellent wife belong is the 
 Evangelical Lutheran, and there they hold places 
 of esteem and respect. 
 
 ^>^^<^^-J- 
 
 ^»^ RASTUS AL 
 iWj known and 
 11^ — ^ Louisville A 
 
 ALLEN THOMAS, the widely 
 successful car-tracer for the 
 Ji — ^ Louisville A Nashville Railroad, is one of 
 the highly valued employes 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, fought brave 
 ly inthe War of the Revolution and made a record 
 of which his descendants may well be proud. Lewis
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Thomas, the son of the Revolutionary hero and 
 the father of Erastus Allen Thomas, was a native 
 of Fen ns.vl van ia, and served in the War of 1812 
 as a captain. He was stationed at Morristown and 
 foucrht in llie battle of the Windmill. 
 
 Our siibjet-t hasa pair of horse-pistols and holders 
 used in the struggles of 1776 and in the War of 
 1812. These valuable relies have also been used 
 ill hiuiiing moose and elk. Lewis Thomas mar- 
 ried in Pennsylvania at eighteen years of age. He 
 went to .St. Lawrence County and took up land on 
 the banks of the St. I>awrencc River. Clearing 
 the land liimself, he built him a house, and^full of 
 amliition and energy, became one of the most pros- 
 (lerous of the pioneer farmers of those early days. 
 A Presbyterian in faith and a Republican in poli- 
 tics, Lewis Thomas commanded tlie esteem and 
 confidence of al! who knew him, regardless of the 
 religion or iiolitics of his friends and acquaint- 
 ances; and when he passed away in 187.5 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; siie was a native of Penn- 
 sylvania and the mother of ten childien, nine of 
 whom were sous. Siie died before her husband, 
 after sharing his ))ioneer experience in the 
 da\'s of their youth. Following the example of 
 his courageous ancestors. Lewis Tiiomas. a iirotiier 
 of our subject, named in honor of his father, 
 enlisted in tiie year 186(1. in the New York Vol- 
 unteer Infantry, and as a dauntless color-bearer, 
 was killed at (Jcttysliurgli. Erastus .\llen, raised 
 u|)on tlie banks of the St. Lawrence, attended the 
 common schools of liis neighborhood, and was 
 never from home until he went into the army at 
 nineteen years of age. when, running away, lie en- 
 listed in tile United States Regulal•^. His parents 
 both had a horror of tlie regular army life, and his 
 father brought him home again, promising that he 
 might enlist in the New York Volunteers, wliich 
 he did, jt)iiiiiig the One Hundred and .Sixth New 
 York Hegiment, Company B. He was mustered 
 in at Ogdensburg in August. 1862, and sent South, 
 camping at Jlartinsbiirgh, where the regiment re- 
 niaiued until the spring of 1863, about the time 
 his brother was killed at Gettysburgh. 
 
 Our subject participated in the battles of Fair- 
 mount, and Wade Hampton, and although suffering 
 l>rivations and in constant peril, also had amusing 
 experiences, .\fter a time the regiment returned 
 to Martinsburgli, and, a battle taking place, were 
 forced to retreat to Harper's Ferr}-, where they 
 joined the .\rmy of the Potomac. Next came tlie 
 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 tlie 
 close of the war. At Culpei>er Court House, ho 
 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 w.as mustered out at .\lexandria, ^'a.. in 
 •Inly, 1865. and although he was rejoiced that the 
 horrors of civil war were ended, he left the active 
 service in behalf of his country with regret. Re- 
 turning to the home of his parents, he remained 
 with them one year, and Februaiy 23, 1866, 
 was united in marriage with Miss Dettie E. Wliit- 
 nej', a native of Hammond, St. Lawrence County. 
 This estimable lady was the daughter of Samuel 
 Whitnej-, horn in Massachusetts in 1790, and a 
 successful farmer anfl early settler of St. Lawrence 
 County. His wife, Elizabeth White Whitney, w.as 
 a native of Southern New York. 
 
 After the marriage of our subject he operated a 
 farm one year, and then came to Detroit, and en- 
 gaged in a bakery and ran it successfully seven 
 yeai-s. In 1874, Mr. Thomas removed to Chicago, 
 and there found employment as a photographic 
 artist for three years. In 1877, he returned to 
 Morristown and settled upon the old homestead, 
 where he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits 
 for five years and lK)uglit 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 railwaj- depot until 188.5; 
 he then became clerk for the Liuiisville & Nash- 
 ville local freight depot, and .<oon received the 
 position of car-tracer for the Short Line, holding 
 this work for four years, when the Louisville A 
 Nashville Railroad brought Lim back here, where
 
 576 
 
 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 requires 
 judgment, energy and natural ability in tiieiiand- 
 ling of its work. 
 
 Mr. Thomas has been prospered and has 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 
 .\venuc and Twelfth Street, costing $10,000. Our 
 subject is a member of Pride of the Valley Lodge 
 No. 435, 1. O. O. F., of which he is Past Noble, and of 
 National Union No. 563. 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 are the parents of one child, a daugh- 
 ter, Mabel F. Politically, our subject is a strong- 
 Republican and an ardent defender of the princi- 
 ples of the good old party, and is always interested 
 in the local and National issues of the day. 
 
 /p^UTSTAVLS F. HILGAKD, civil engineer 
 ij (=; and surveyor. Among the accomplished 
 '^C^^l and representative civil engineers of the 
 State of Illinois may be mentioned Gustavus 
 F. Milgard, whose place of business is at No. 
 30.") South .Jackson Street, Belleville, III. He has 
 had a long and valuable experience in his profes- 
 sion, and is well qualified for 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, lie luis made an evin- 
 able record as a practical, skillful and experienced 
 engineer, and has, filled some vciy responsible 
 positions in a very able manner. 
 
 He vvas born on a farm three and n-half miles 
 east of Belleville, .lune 17, l!:l35,ason of Theodore 
 Hilgard, .Jr., and Emma (lleimberger) Hilgard, 
 who settled on a farm in St. Clair County in July, 
 1832. The former was horn near the Hhine l{iver 
 in GerniMn\-, and nftei- (•(iniiiig to Aiiu'ricn resided 
 
 on a farm the remainder of his life. He became 
 the father of four sons and four daughters, all of 
 whom reside in Belleville: Anna, wife of K. 
 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 po[)ular clothier of Belle- 
 ville, and Gustavus F. 
 
 The latter assisted his fatlier on the farm until 
 he was seventeen years of age, at which time he 
 began studying surveying with G. F. Graiier, 
 father of the present County Survejor; soon after 
 which, in 1854, he took a position in the City 
 Engineer's ottiee in Si. J^ouis, under II. Reiser. 
 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 iii the Class of '58. The instructors 
 at that lime 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 
 Surveyor over his old instructor, G. I''. Graner, 
 and filled the office with marked ability until 1876 
 (with the e.xception of two terms), making twelve 
 3'ears of actu.al 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 * 120.000 on it, it was aliaii- 
 doned. 
 
 He is a well-known coal-mine surveyor, and no 
 personal career among the man^y honorable records 
 of the county can be pointed out with greater 
 pride than his. On the KUh of October, 1862, he 
 was united in marriage to iliss Alvina Gle.aser, and 
 by her he is the fathei' of the following children : 
 Eugene F.. who was born .Vugust 3. 1863. has 
 been in the r:iilrnad service siiici' he w,as sixteen 
 years old, and is now head clerk in the freight and 
 passenger de|)iit of the St. Louis Shoi't I^ine; Edgar 
 E., who was born October 30, 1865, died .\ugust 
 11, 1867 ; Walter was born .lune 7, 1868, and died 
 .lulv ^t, 18S.-). Mrs. Hilgard is a daiio-htor of Fred-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 577 
 
 erlek and JIatilda (Gratch) Gleaser, who came to 
 Anieiica from Germany about 1835. The father 
 was a farmer, and died in 1890 in his seventieth 
 year, his wife having been called from life in 188;"). 
 They were tlie parents of the following-named 
 children : Marie, wife of Otto Schott, a farmer 
 residing near Shiloh ; Alviiia, .Mi-s. llilgard ; 
 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 dry-goods merchant of Belleville. 
 
 ■{.-__.}.:;;=^ 
 
 .,, ,^ILL1.\M ll.GRUFF, the popular ex-Alder- 
 man from the Fifth Ward, a successful and 
 
 MiiiHU I I'uiii Liiuriiiii >* aril, a siicctfSMin aim 
 ^ ^ extensive grocer and dealer in produce and 
 feed, has been an energetic and prosperous citizen 
 of Fkst St. Louis, 111., for the past score of j-ears, 
 and is widely known as a progressive and enter- 
 prising man. Born in the Province of Osnabruck, 
 Hanover, Germany, May 2, 18;')(), our subject is 
 the descendant of an excellent German family, 
 who had been 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, 
 w.as the owner of a small farm in the Fatherland 
 .and p.atiently cultivated the soil; he also served 
 with ability as an oflicial of the town, and 
 held the various responsible |)ositions of School 
 Director, Church Trustee, and President of the Dis- 
 trict Assembly, there being in Hanover seven Pni- 
 viucial .\ssemblies which have the right of pailici- 
 pating in the prf>vincial legislation. 
 
 The mother of our subject was Mary SicdhoM, 
 the daughter of a German soldier, who was killed 
 during a campaign. Mrs. Mary (Siedhoff) Grupe 
 was the mother of ten childi'en, of whom William 
 H. is the fourth of the family of brothers and sis- 
 ters now living, lie was raised upon his father's 
 I'arm. and allemicd both private and common 
 
 schools in his native land, and at sixteen years 
 of age entered the gymnasium near his home and 
 studied the cl.assics, pursuing the course in an ex- 
 cellent (iovernment institution for one year, when 
 he decided to emigrate to America. In the fall 
 of IS'iii, Mr (irupe, 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 F^mpire City came dircii 
 .to St. Louis, where he received from a lirothcr 
 immediate employment in a grocery house. At 
 the expiration of one year, our subject entered 
 the .Tones 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 LSTiI. 
 
 During the fall of this latter year, Mr ( irupe 
 came to E.ast St. Louis, and w.as engaged by I'". 
 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 F^ast St. Louis and bought an interest 
 with Mr. Hinze in the grocery business, the firm 
 then being (irupe ct Hinze. One year later, our 
 subject became by |)urcliase 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 Hour, soon as- 
 sumed larger proportions, and is now one of the 
 most prosperous in the city. ( )ur subject was 
 married in 1884 to Miss .Viinic Hinze, a most es- 
 timable l:i(ly, widely known and liiglil,v respected 
 III ]-',;isl St. Louis, which is her birthpl.acc. 
 
 Mr. and IMrs. (iiupc have been blessed with the 
 birth of a son. .Vrtliiir. a promising lad, intelligent 
 Mild manly. Mr. Grupe is a 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, and in 181MI, was 
 elect(!d one of the City F'atheis, and as the repre- 
 sentative Alderman from the F'iftli Ward, exe- 
 cuted the wishes of his constituents ellioiently and in 
 the disch;ujj;e of his various oflicial duties iviideied
 
 578 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 excellent service to the Citj- Government, and dis- 
 played a marked abilil}- on important committees. 
 Mr Griipe is a Knight of Pythias and is a member 
 of the Modern Woodmen National Union. lie is 
 a valued member of the Lutheran Church in St. 
 Louis, and is ever ready to aid in worthy social, 
 benevolent or religious enterprises. In both pri- 
 vate and business life our subject is esteemed as a 
 man of honor and integrity, and commands the 
 confidence of a host of friends. 
 
 /^Pfl C. JOHNSON, freight and passenger agent 
 [l[ i~ of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad at 
 ^k^ Belleville, III., to which position he was 
 appointed May 1, 1880, was born in Shelby County, 
 Ind., near Shelbyville. He is a son of Nathan and 
 Sarah (Angleton) Johnson, and the grandson of 
 ISenjamin Johnson, the latter being of (iermaa de- 
 scent and a native of Pennsylvania. Benjamin 
 was a jHOueer of Indiana, where lie married Miss 
 Anna French, and made their home in Shelby 
 Count}- until 1865, when they removed to Richland 
 and resided there up to the time of their death. 
 
 The mother of our subject was of Scotch-Irish 
 descent, her ancestors coming over to America 
 from Scotland. She was born in Crittenden County, 
 Ky., April 28, 1838, and died in Richland in the 
 year 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 Ki«liland County, where he has filled the 
 ottices of Justice of the 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. ('., our sub- 
 ject; JohnS.; Ella, wife of James Jeffries, of IIous- 
 tonville, Ky., and an infant which died soou after 
 its mother. 
 
 Our subject received his scholastic training in 
 countr}' schools and at the OIney 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 Opdyke three years, he was 
 transferred, in December, J 877, to Morton's (Jap, 
 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 agenc3' 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- 
 (]uires his entire lime to execute the «ork of his 
 agency. 
 
 The first wife of Mr. Johnson bore tlie 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. Ilurd, 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 Januar}' 24, 1881, 
 three children being the fruit of this union, namely : 
 Leah B., Allan W., and Helen Martha. Our sub- 
 ject is a member of the Ancient Order of United 
 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 bod v. 
 
 ^I^^ICIIOLAS BOISMENUE, of East Caronde- 
 let. Sugar Loaf Township, St. Clair County, 
 
 'ii^- 111., son of Joseph Boismenue, was born 
 January 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. Cluii- County, and died at Prairie du 
 Point in October, 1844. The mother, who died in 
 1806, bore lier husband six children, onl}' two of 
 whom are living, our subject, and Miirgarei, Mrs. 
 T(niranjo. who lives at St. Louis.
 
 rOKTKAIT AXD lilOGKArHIC'AL HIXORD. 
 
 581 
 
 The ancestoi's of our subject were French-Cana- 
 dians, while those of liis wife were French. He 
 was married in I8()7 to Miss Elizabeth, daughter 
 of Charles Cimuny, born in l^orraine, this province 
 at that tiuie beino; a part of France but now be- 
 longing to Ctonnany. Mr. Ciinony loft Lorraine 
 to make a home in this country. To Mr. and Mrs. 
 Hoismenue have been horn six children, as follows: 
 Julia Mary, who is at home; .lessc, 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 has conducted up to the present time. Although 
 he takes no |)ronouneed part in educational mat- 
 ters, Mr. Boisraenuc feels a keen interest in schools 
 and has manifested that interest by giving his chil- 
 dren a good common-school training. He is de- 
 cidedly of the opinion that that |)arent 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 po.si- 
 tion that he was re-elected again and again, hold- 
 ing the office for four continuous years. Keeping 
 to the faith of his fathers our subject has his mem- 
 bership in the Koman Catholic Church. 
 
 ()SK1'I1 !■. SMITH. 
 
 Til. 
 
 ■■iilijc<-l of the 
 
 T 
 
 11 present sketch is a pros|)eroiis farmer and 
 ^f=^\\ dairyman, living on section 19, Freebui-g 
 ^^f/ To-, iisliip. The grandfather of our .suliject, 
 John Sinilli, was a native of Lincoln County, Me., 
 and brought his family to Ohio in I 8 1(!, and in I.HIH 
 or 1819 he moved to tlii> county .'ind settled near 
 (ieorgelown. The l:uid here w;is uniinprove<l, l)ut 
 he cultivated the soil and developed a fine farm. 
 He died here in I.S'il, while in the .'let of carrying 
 w-ater, during ii great scaicily of that necessity. 
 He was the first adult who died in what was then 
 Bielilaud Precinct but is now JSinitlion T<j"lislii|'' 
 
 27 
 
 Tlie marriage of John Smith took place in the 
 
 State of his liiilh, and at his death he left live 
 sons ami four daughters. Benjaniin .1., the last 
 survivor among the sons, died September i;i, 1><9I, 
 at the age of ninety 3-ears. The only surviving 
 daughter is Sarah, the wife of W. W. Johnson, who 
 lives in Monroe County. The father of our sub- 
 ject was born in Lincoln County, ^le., November 
 27, 1814, and when four years old was brought to 
 this county, where he grew to manhood. January 
 Il'>. 1840, he married Miss Mary McCnlley, 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 rep- 
 resented in the State Legislature. Six children 
 were born to the parents of our subject: John J., 
 who died December 20, 1874; Ru.ssell B., whose 
 death occurred October 16, 1889: Sarah, the wife 
 of (ieorge H. Tate, whose biography will be found 
 on another page of this volume; Clarinda J., wife 
 of T. O. llolcomb, of Piatt County, and Mar\-, 
 who is the wife of .loscph ('rawfor(L of Indian.Tpo- 
 lis, Ind. 
 
 The subject of this sketch is the eldest of the 
 children and was born near Georgetown, March ;5, 
 1811. 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. .\t 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. He 
 looked about for a suitable location and finally 
 settled upon a t'ai in near Freeburgand in 18()9 be- 
 gan tlie life of an agriciiltuiist. He was suecc-s- 
 fu! ill lii> work and in 187;^ [nirchased the farm 
 where he has remained ever since. The soil of his 
 hind is good, the grazing fine, and the markets are 
 conveniently located. 
 
 On the 91 h of September. I.S(;9, Mr. Sinjih iii;iirie(l 
 Miss l-'JIen IC. .\danis, who was born near Fieebiirg. 
 and died there November 1, 1H7.'5. 'I'hey had one 
 .sou, Edwin, wl|0 preceded his mother in death. 
 On the 4lh of January, 187G, .Mr. Sn^ith married
 
 582 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Miss Ruth M. Chesney, an amiable j'oung lady, 
 Ibe daughter of a resident of St. Clair Count}-, 
 where she was born October 1, 1856. By this 
 marriage five children were added to the family, 
 but death took the eldest, Delphia Eloise, when 
 less tiian a year old. Gleun Rollin was born April 
 8, 1878; Vinta Blanche, April 12, 1880; Robert J., 
 May 27, 1882, and J.ee Russell, June 22, 1891. 
 
 Mr. Smith is a very important member of the 
 Turkej' 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 KSecretary of the county organization 
 at the present time. Politically, he is a Democrat, 
 believing that the principles of that party will 
 best advance the interests of the nation. He is a 
 member of the Democratic Central Committee and 
 has long been an active worker. 
 
 The farm belonging to Jlr. Smith is well im- 
 proved, and he has found it profitable to connect tlie 
 dairy business with that of agriculture. He breeds 
 Jersey 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 Dau\y Association 
 of Southern Illinois and also for St. Clair County. 
 In addition to liis dairy business, Mr. Smith is suc- 
 cessfully engaged in raising Bronze turkeys and 
 Plymouth Rock fowls. Socially, Mr. Smith and liis 
 wife are esteemed for their hospitality, and tiiG 
 pleasant farm where they reside is the home of peace 
 and plenty. 
 
 a^DOLPH K'NOHELOCH, who resides on 
 l@Oi section 2',t, Shiloh Valley Township, is one 
 
 11 li of the most prominent and proiiusing 
 ^ young farmers of the county. His life 
 
 record, which we feel assured will prove of interest 
 to many of our readers, is as follows: He was 
 
 born on the Pith of October, 1861, on the farm 
 which is now his home. His father. <Teorge A. 
 Knobeloch, was a native of Darmstadt, (Termanj'i 
 who was born m 1814, and with his parents, John 
 W. and Mary (May) Knobeloch, came to the United 
 States in 1832. His education was acquired in the 
 common schools of his 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 wife bore the maiden name of Cathe- 
 rine Haege. Mr. Knobeloch from the time of his 
 marriage lived with his brother Thomas, who 
 owned the farm on which our subject now resides. 
 He was a highh' 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 live 
 children, Adolph 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, Germany, and came to America 
 with the parents of our subject. In 1846, he was 
 united in marriage with Anna M. Haege, daughter 
 of Philip H. 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 sui)plemen ted 
 bv 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 was joined in wedlock 
 with Miss Pauline Tiemann, the accomplished
 
 PORTRAIT A>"!) I'.KKlHAriUC AI, RKCORD. 
 
 583 
 
 daughter of August and Augusta (Heiiscbel) Tie- 
 niaiin. Her parents were I)Otli natives of Germany, 
 and are nuniliered anions; tlie honored pioneer 
 settlers of St. Clair (oinity. Tlicv had a family 
 of seven dausjhters ;uid one son. Mrs. Knobelocli 
 is a lady of culture and rctineinent, who presides 
 with sjrace over her hospitahle home. In the sub- 
 ject of this sketch we see one of tlie wide-awake 
 and progressive young farniers of the county, who 
 is widely and favoraMy known in the community. 
 Those wild have known him from boyhood are 
 numbered amonir his best friends, a fact which in- 
 dicates his well-spent and upright life. 
 
 i^Hf-^^- 
 
 DOI.l'll STKIN. 'I"hi- prominent citizen 
 of Kayetteville w;is horn in Hanover, 
 (iermany, December 2f!. \^AV. His par- 
 ents, Rudoljih and Dorothy (Meiyer) 
 Stein, were likewise natives of Germany, the 
 former horn in l,S(l7. and the latter in 180!). Dur- 
 ing the early part nf his life, the father followed 
 his trade, that of a brick mason, but subsecjuently 
 he was proprietor of an hold. He always re- 
 mained in his nati\(' larid, where his death oc- 
 curred in 1><.')7. when in life's iirime. His wife sur- 
 vived him a few ytMrs. her decease occurring in 
 18()(). Ill their rcliiiiuus connections, they were 
 acti\e members of the l.iithcian Church and reared 
 their children in that faith. 
 
 The family of which our siihji'ct is a mcnilici- 
 consisted of nine children. I'our of whom died in 
 childhood. Of the others the following is recorded: 
 Caroline married Louis Hickenlxug: Louis chose 
 as his wife Miss Maggie He.ssings: Henry marriet] 
 Miss Mary Nienaver; Sophi.a is the wife of (ail 
 Wilsnsmeyer; and .\dolpli. mii subject, completes 
 the family circle. .\t ;lic age of fourteen, the last- 
 named commenced to work on a laiiii. but some 
 time afterward was apprenticed to If.Miii the trade 
 of a shoemaker, which he folhiwcd until he em- 
 igrated to the United St;iles. 
 
 When Mr. Stein lirst came to this coiimry. he 
 located near Darmstadt, in St. Clair County, 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 Kayetteville and has since been occupied in this 
 w.'iy. The lady who became his wife in 1877 was 
 foiiiicrly Mrs. .Mary Wrueckner, and at the time of 
 her marriage was the widow of Lemuel Crossman 
 by whom she had one daughter, Matilda, now the 
 wife of (jeorge Drasser. Mr. and Mrs. Stein are the 
 jiarents of four children, namely: .\rthur, Iva, 
 Adolph, .Ir., and Celia, deceased. 
 
 In his religious views, Mr. Stein is a piominenl 
 member of the Evangelical Protestant Church, in 
 Kayetteville, of which he is Secretary and has been 
 for thirteen years. In his political alliliations, he is a 
 Republican, and has served in positions of import- 
 ance and trust in the village. At present he is 
 tilling the olflce of Treasurer of the village. Our 
 subject has worked from the bottom of the ladder 
 u|) and is a worthy example, as he has risen from 
 a poor boy to be a highly respected citizen with a 
 good competence. 
 
 lli{ISTlAN MIETZE. The dental profes- 
 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 
 shnit lime, he li:is won for himself a place among 
 the most t;iU'iitc(l ])iofessional 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 coiiiiiiunity is ever a matter of 
 iliteiest. 
 
 A native of (iermany, which has contributed to 
 this country .so many of its ablest and most suc- 
 cessful citizens, .Air. Muetze was born in Marburg, 
 Hesse-Nassau, .lannary 17, 18(ii(, and is a son of 
 Teter and Loui.sa Muetze, natives of the Kather- 
 land, who passed their entire lives in that country. 
 In the ex<'elh'nt common schools of Marburg our 
 subject received his education, being a graduate
 
 584 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of the schools there. After completing the course 
 of study, he resolved to come to America and seek 
 a home in the "Land of the free." 
 
 Prior to emigrating, Mr. Muetze studied Eng- 
 lisli for four 3-ears, 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- 
 jjloyed for several years. Subsequently lie entered 
 the office of Dr. Henry Muetze, his brother, at St. 
 Louis, and later took a course of lectures at tlie 
 dental department of Washington University in 
 that city. After studying for two terms, he was 
 graduated in tiie Class of '92, with the degree of 
 Doctor of Dental Surgery. In February aftei- 
 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 AVest Main Street, where iiis office is located. 
 A frank and genial conversationalist, devoted to 
 his profession, but equally alive to all matters of 
 public moment, he is lield high in the regard of 
 the citizens of Belleville and the surrounding 
 country. 
 
 ?ATHER .JAMES M. GOUGH is the pastor 
 of St. Luke's Catholic Church at the cor- 
 ner of Church and C Streets, Belleville, 
 111., which church was separated from St. Peter's 
 Cathedral in January, 1883, which at that time 
 embraced the English-siJeaking Catholics, nuinlier- 
 ing about seventy families. The first services were 
 held in the hall of the St. Agnes Orphan Asylum 
 until the fire at the Convent .January 5, 1885, 
 when they began holding services in the present 
 edifice, which, in tlie meantime, was in course of 
 construction. This church is of Gothic architec- 
 ture, is beautiful in ajipearance, is svibstantially 
 Imill of brick and is 100 j( 4^ feet in dimensions, 
 [t lins a seating can;ic|ty pf ,sj\' liuiidrt'd, 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 top large but, in fact,will soon prove too small 
 
 I to accommodate the congregation. At different 
 
 j times there has been spent over 140,000 on this 
 church, but it is a model of beauty and convenience, 
 
 i and does credit to the pastor and flock, illustrating, 
 as it does, 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 
 
 I 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 
 
 I since he has taken charge of his present congre- 
 gation. He was born in Providence, R. I., May 
 19, 1851, a son of Michael and Ann (Gough) 
 Goush, both of whom were from the North of 
 
 : Ireland, but were not related in any way, so far as 
 known. Tlie. 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 cVr 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. Joseph's College, at Teutopolis, 111., and later 
 pursued his studies for six years iu the Grand 
 Seminary of Montreal, Canada (Sulpician Semi- 
 nary), during which time he took a very thorough 
 course in theology and philosoph}' for the pur- 
 pose of entering the priesthood, his kindly nature 
 instinctively turning to that broad and noble field 
 for his life work. 
 
 He was ordained hy Archbishop Edward Fabre 
 at the above mentioned seminar}', which is the 
 largest in America, and received the degree of S. 
 T, R, for the diocese of ^'t"-"!; being assignerl
 
 ^fi^ 
 
 r. ''
 
 PORTRAIT AND BKKiRAPinCAL RECORD. 
 
 587 
 
 to Belleville by Rt. Rev. Peler Joseph Baltes, 
 before the division of tiie diocese. The church 
 at Belleville has been iiis first and only charge 
 and he has been a resident of tiiis town since 
 the lillh of January, 1H8;?. lie was the first 
 pastor of the church and is the oldest priest in 
 point of residence in the city, lie 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. lie 
 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 l)enevolent, generous 
 and kindly disposition and those who seek his aid 
 or counsel are given sound advice and substantial 
 assistance. 
 
 i>^r<m^- 
 
 [L-^. ON. MICHAEL REIS. The subject of this 
 Ir jl) notice is the .senior member of the firm of 
 :^^ M. it II. Reis, old and prominent lumber 
 (^ dealers of Belleville. lie is a well-known 
 business man. having l>een iiere for thirty year.*. 
 Born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, November 2.5, 
 1831, he is the son of ^'alentine and Catherine 
 (Freihaut) Reis, who emigrated to the United 
 States, landing at New Orleans in July. 1846, and 
 proceeding thence to .St. Louis. Our subject was 
 educated in the public schools of his native coun- 
 try, and after he arrived in (St. Louis lie entered 
 the shoe shop which liis fatlier had cstabli-^hed there, 
 and learned the trade. 
 
 At that time an uncle of oursubject, 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 Hanses. In 1866, he 
 and his brother Henry opened a yard under the 
 firm name of M. & H. Reis, and have since con- 
 
 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. Heinrick*. our sul)jectis the oldest 
 lumberman in the city. 
 
 Mr. Reis has been Alderman for the Third Ward 
 for two terms. He was JIayor for two terms, dur- 
 ing which time the cedar block pavement was put 
 HI, 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 Knight* of 
 America, of which he is now President. In St. 
 Peter's Benevolent Society he has held the office of 
 President fourte<-ii of the twenty years it has l)een 
 in existence. 
 
 May 13, 18.')6, Mr. Reis was married to ]\Iiss Ap- 
 polonia Eberle, of St. Louis, a native of German v, 
 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. 
 
 TT^OBERT X Mr CRACKEN, M. D.,a success- 
 V^ ful and prosperous physician and surgeon 
 § \V residing in Fayetteville Township, St. 
 ^ 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 (Illinski) 
 McCrackeu, both natives of E.ast St. Louis. The 
 father w.as 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 [jiac- 
 tice of the i)rofession, but, preferring other pursuits, 
 never became an attorney. He was married when 
 quite young but had no children by his first wife, 
 who did not survive her marriage many ^ears.
 
 ')8M 
 
 i'ORTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 The mother of our subject, who was united in 
 marriage with her husband some time after liis 
 first wife's death, was a daughter of l^r. A. X. 
 lUinski, who practiced medicine successfully in 
 St. Louis for over fifty 3'ears. The mother of Mrs. 
 Cora (lUinski) McCracken was in girlhood Miss 
 Ophelia Lebur, and by her first marriage she be- 
 came the widow of Dr. Butler; she afterward 
 married Dr. Illinski and now survives him. The 
 maternal grandmother of our subject is an attract- 
 ive lady, possessing a large circle of friends, tried 
 and true. Dr. MeC'r.acken was one of three chil- 
 dren born unto his father and mother, and is now 
 the only child living. (Jne died in infancy, and 
 Nicholas, 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-oflf 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 
 his wife, wlio is yet living in Cahokia, afterward 
 married C. AV. Droit, and by this union had two 
 daughters, Pauline and Camille. Dr. McCracken 
 is the grandson of Robert and Arthouts (Jarrot) 
 McCracken, who were very early pioneers of Ca- 
 hokia, where the grandfather ran a distillery. 
 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 
 Brothers' School at St. Louis for throe years. He 
 st\idied at Jeradon one _year and was at .Tesenett 
 one .year, and also attended school at Valparaiso, 
 lnd.,and received a term of instruction in Foster's 
 Academy, a commercial school in St. Louis. 
 
 Later, Dr. McCracken studied medicine at St. 
 Louis Medical College, from which he w.as 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 ])emocrat. 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- 
 hood and vicinity and is proving an important 
 factor in the upbuilding and advancement of 
 ])romnu'nt enterprises of tlie day. 
 
 ^T' OHN K I K F K K . If by success in life we 
 mean securing a comfortable home and the 
 means for a good support, then is our sub- 
 
 ject one of the successful men of St. Clair 
 
 C()unty. He owns and occujnes 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 
 (iermany, December 211, 1826, and is the son of 
 Lenzburg and Mary (Wolerick) Kiefer, also natives 
 of the German Empire. 
 
 The father of our subject wiis a tailor liy trade, 
 whicii occupation he followed his entire life. He 
 was a son of Christopher Kiefer, and in religious 
 affairs was a devoted member of the Lutheran 
 Church. 'l"o 'Sir. and Mrs. Lenzburg Kiefer wei'e 
 liorn three children, of whom our subject is the 
 second in the family. The others were Christo- 
 pher, and I'hiiapena, who is now deceased. 
 
 The gentleman of whom we write began life on 
 his own account at the early iige of fourteen years, 
 at which time he engaged to work in n brewery, 
 where he was employed for four years. Later, he 
 hired out as a farm hand, and remained in his 
 native country tintil 18.J.S, at which time he set 
 sail for American shores, landing in New York 
 City with but #4 in money. Being very industri- 
 ous and ambitious fo gain a competence fur him-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 ")80 
 
 self, he iiDmediately found work on a railroad and 
 
 was thus engaged for two niontlis. At the expi- 
 ration of that lime he came U< lU'llfviilc, this 
 county. and aided in tlie construction of the |)lanlv 
 road from Helh'ville to Freeburg. Fin;iliy. how- 
 ever, renting land, he cultivated the soil Cor twelve 
 years. Ilis industry resulted in making him the 
 possessor of as well-inii)roved a farm as ma\' be 
 found in this vicinity, which he purchased in 
 188;"). Mr. Kiefer is a keen, wide-awake man who 
 has gained much information by actual experience 
 and b}' observaticm, and takes a liigh rank among 
 his fellow-agriculturists. 
 
 The lady to whom our subject was married in 
 1833 was Miss .lacobicn, daughter of Philip and 
 Rosa Sharfer Kepler. To them have been born 
 the following six children: Elizabeth, Otto, John, 
 Margaret, jNIary and Edith. Both he and his good 
 wife are membeis of the Lutheran Church, and 
 their names arc associated with ever^- good work. 
 He takes great interest in polities, 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 neighbois. 
 
 flL^ EXRY BAHTIIEI,. One of the prominent 
 [ijl) nien of this city is named in the opening 
 4i^ vi tins notice. He was born in the village 
 ([£)) of I.angenselbold. in Central (Jermany, 
 .-Vugust 28, 1827. Ilis parents were William and 
 Catherine Barthel, who emigrated from tlie Father- 
 land to America, and landed in New Orleans. 
 They made their way to Belleville, where many 
 (ieimans had preceded them and they were sure 
 of hearing the familiar tongue. They looked 
 about for a new home, and found it about a mile 
 and one-half east of Freedom, Prairie du Long 
 Township, but they lived but a short time to en- 
 joy the pleasures of the new country they had un- 
 dergone so much to reach. William Harthel died 
 in 1841, and his wife onlv survived him one vear. 
 
 Henry, the subject of our sketch, was thus loft 
 an orpiian, and he went to St. Louis, and was there 
 apprenticed to the trade of harness and saddle 
 making. At the age of nineteen yeai-s he was en- 
 g.aged by the Quartermaster's Department of the 
 (iovernment service, and was sent to Santa Fe. N. 
 M., in 1841). 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 (Jen. Price in com- 
 mand at Santa Fe with but few men, and now and 
 llicn our subject was enabled to break the monotony 
 of his work with a round of guard duty. Here he re- 
 mained for five years, 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 L(Hig, where, in company witii Hon. William 
 R. Morrison, he attended a school taught b\- 
 MathewDonohoo. 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 
 lii.s career as Justice of the PoaciR, 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 
 otiice he held for twenty-four years, and his life in 
 Ilis oHicial 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 Country in 1876. During 
 his long term of oflice. 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 countv 
 into townships, in conjunction with the Hons. T. 
 H. Portal and Joscpii B. Messick. and was Chair- 
 man of that commission. 
 
 In politics, Mr. Barthel lia> always been a con-
 
 590 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 sistent Democrat, although his first Presidential 
 ballot was east for Gen. Scott. This vote, he says, 
 was so cast because he was acquainted witli Scott, 
 and not with Pierce. In business affairs Mr. Bar- 
 thel has always been energetic. lie opened the 
 first saddlery establishment in Freeburg in 1854, 
 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 January 14, 1859. lie 
 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. 
 
 ENJAMIN J. WEST. The original of this 
 sketch is one of the oldest residents of 
 
 mil; Belleville, having come here with his par- 
 •euts in 1818. He was the son of Tilghman 
 H. and Mary (Mitchell) 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 11. 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 what 
 he did. It cost him a great deal to live up to his 
 convictions and he made many sacrifices and en- 
 dured many hardships at first. The father of 
 Tilghman H. West was Benjamin, who died in 
 1820, at the nsje of ninety-one years, and his wife, 
 
 who was Elizabeth (Hilliary) West, died at the age 
 of ninety-six, in 1824. Their family- were Wash- 
 ington, Henry, Valinda and Elizabeth. 
 
 The marriage of Tilghman H. West took place 
 in Fincastle, V.n., and to him were born fen 
 children: Nancy, wife of Richard Randall; Sarah, 
 wife of William P. McKee; 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. Mitcliell; 
 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 $2, 13 and 
 $5 an .acre, and improved it, and there made his 
 home until the death of his beloved wife. Hisown 
 death occurred Jul}- 7, 1851. He had been a life- 
 long member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 was alwaj'S opposed to human slavery, and w.as a 
 strong Whig. 
 
 Benjamin J. West was horn at Fincastle, Va., 
 August 23, 1812, and with his parents came here 
 in 1818, just being able to remember the journej' 
 of six weeks when they camped out every night. 
 It was a new and bitter experience, ,as they had al- 
 ways been in comfortable circumstances. Our sub- 
 ject remembers seeing many Indians, of whom 
 he w.as 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. When he was 
 seventeen j-ears 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 by manning his eldest daugh- 
 ter. He continued here until 1885, having been con- 
 tinuousl}' 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 w.as a success- 
 ful merchant and also carried on a large farm, 
 giving especial attention to fruits, but now he is 
 living retired, spending his summers and falls in 
 Minnesota, where he finds tlie climate agrees with 
 him. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. West occurred in .Tune,
 
 '^z:^^^,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BUKiKAlMlICAL RECORD. 
 
 -.03 
 
 1836, to Miss Louisa Mitchell, who was born at 
 Liberty, Vn., Febniaiy 21. 1«I7. She wns the 
 daiigliter of .l.imosr Milclii'll, who was among' tlie 
 first men to settle in Belleville. The two living 
 eliildren of Mr. and Afrs. West are Benjamin .1.. 
 now of Minneapolis, and Robert ('.. of tlilseily. 
 Mr. West h.Ts never been a iiolitieian. Me beeanu- 
 a meinlier of the Methodist Kpiscopal (liureh in 
 18.32, and has been President of its Board uf 
 Trustees for tliirty years. There are many thriv- 
 ing fiorman farmers of this county who obtained 
 their start by Mr. West's good .Tihiee and helping 
 hand. 
 
 UILLLVM BRANDENHlKaER. This prom- 
 inent citizen of Belleville is a native of 
 
 *J^^ I'russia, born at Kreulznach - ^JLindel 
 April 17th, 1828. His parents, Andrew and Kath- 
 rina Biandenburger, were upright and substan- 
 tial residents of their native land. In 1849, 
 Wdliam Hrandenburger, with his wife, whose 
 maiden name was Christina JIavzi, and their two 
 children, came to America in search of a home and 
 at once located at Belleville, at which time they 
 had only enough money to commence house-keep- 
 ing witii 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 [jrojiheey of the success in store for him, but 
 with characteristic energy and i)er.severance he at 
 once set about finding work, securing a position 
 in a distillery, where he was employed half the 
 day and half the night. His spare moments were 
 spent in doing various odd jobs, for which he re- 
 ceived some slight remunerations. 
 
 After this work had continued 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- 
 eluded that there was monej' in the business. By 
 
 dint of much economy, he managed to purchase 
 two .acres f)f land, by making a small payment, and 
 at once began to sink a well, mainly by his own 
 exertions. He was confident IIi.mI the coal vein 
 was there and that his labors would be rewarded. 
 The coal vein was successfully reached and an in- 
 ciinie w.as soon realized. He got out a few wagon 
 loads each day, and it being l)efoie .any railroad 
 had reached the field, hauled it ;iway by ox- 
 te.ams to SI. Louis, Lebanon and such jjlaccs as 
 as would atToid a market for what little was mined. 
 A railroad was l)uilt soon after this and a market 
 was at once opened for all the coal that could lie 
 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 Lindclland 
 other St. Louis hotels, and for vaiious important 
 manuf.actories that began to spring up when it 
 was found that coal could be so aasily obtained. 
 
 By giving strict attention to business, living 
 economically, and, more particularly, meeting every 
 obligation, either with his miners' wages orhis 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 
 mone}' 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 shovv or parade, as do maiiv 
 whose finances have been unexpectedly increased, 
 but kept on in his own unostentatious way. 
 
 Some live years since Mr Brandenburger sohl 
 his coal shafts and business, including about two 
 hundred and fifty acres of coal land, tot!ie Consol- 
 idated Comiiany, and since then has lived a less 
 •active life and is enjoying his well-earned 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 cit}- of West
 
 nu 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Hellevilk, near where he resides in a handsome 
 and commodious bricii dwelling. Probably no 
 other man in this section has done so much to 
 develop the natural resources of tlie immense coal 
 fields underlying his section of the State, furnished 
 so many men with emijloyment or added so largely 
 to the material wealth of Belleville as Mr. Branden- 
 burger. Tlie lesson learned from his life is a val- 
 uable one and should be heeded by the young 
 men of to-day who start out with no capital but a 
 pair of willing hands. 
 
 Mr. Brandenburger 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- 
 ficult to make progress, but he deteimincd to keep 
 his family together and they all worked in har- 
 mony and were accordingly of great assistance to 
 each other. 
 
 Mr. Brandenburger'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 well as the 
 surrounding counties, and counts as his friends 
 all with whom he has had business relations, which 
 speaks in an eloquent manner as to his upright 
 business methods. He is a Republican politically; 
 in religion, he is an honored member of the 
 Free Protestant C^hurch. 
 
 ANIEL HENTC'IILKK, a prominent farmer 
 residing on section 33, Shiloh Valley 
 Township, iSt. Clair County, was born in 
 .lacksonville, Morgan County, 111. De- 
 cember Iti, 1837, was the date of his birth. His 
 parents were .lacob and Elizabeth (Baker) IJentch- 
 ler. The father of our subject was a native of the 
 Keystone State, and was born in Union Countj' in 
 in the year 1799, being reared to manhood on a 
 farm. He was a son of John Keutchler, 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 Germany in 
 the eighteenth century. In the possession of our 
 subject is an old chest whicli they brought to this 
 country. At that 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, 111., and a few years later located 
 in this county, where he purchased eight hundred 
 acres of land, giving $12 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 James Ilobbs. 
 The father of this family was a member of the 
 Lutheran Church and in that faith brought up his 
 children. Politically, 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 his father's fnrm 
 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 18G1, he entered the Business College of Pitts- 
 burgh, Pa., and received a thorough preparation 
 for business life. In 18(51, he ^vent into the agri-
 
 PORTRAIT AND lUOCIJAl'IITfAL KFX'ORD. 
 
 r.<);i 
 
 cultural implement and iiKu-hinc business at Bellc- 
 ville, where he was ioi-ated until 1878. In tiiat 
 occupation, lie was I'ewarded by great success, but 
 was obliged to return to the farm, where his and 
 his mother's intcrest-s demanded his sole attention, 
 In addition to his farm, which he has greatly im- 
 proved and which on every hand shows the care 
 and attention of the owner, he for several years 
 ran a store at a point known as Hen tehler Station. 
 About twenty years ago, he lea.^ed the coal on his 
 laud, but as the lease was dropped after a few 
 years he ha.s operated the bank himself during, 
 most of this time. He 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 stanch sup|)orter of the Republican 
 party and its princii)les. 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 
 pari in all local and cdufational affairs. 
 
 i^+^i 
 
 '|l|OHN SCn.'VLLER. A position of influence 
 || among the (ierman-American citizens of .St. 
 f^Jiy Clair County is held by the gentleman 
 Ij^/y whose name introduces this sketch, and 
 who is numbered among the wealthiest residents 
 of Lenzbiirg Townsliip. The large property of 
 which he is owner, amounting to seven hunilred 
 acres, ha,s been gained through 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 parent-s of our subject, Philip and Elizabeth 
 (Ucntzel) Schaller. were born in (Germany, in 
 1805, and were married in the land of their birth. 
 They became the patents of five children, three of 
 whom died when young, the only surviving mem- 
 ber of the family beside our subject being Lena, 
 the wife of Peter Dicliman. During his youth 
 Philip Schaller followed farming pursuits and was 
 quite successful in that occupation in his native 
 
 comitry. However, in his earlj' manhood, he 
 learned the trade of a slioemaker. at which he was 
 oceuiiied during the greater part of his life, al- 
 though he also engaged in agriculture to some ex- 
 tent after emigrating to this country. 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 III- 
 inoi> 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 
 sutHcient money to enable him to i)urchase a small 
 farm iu Dutch Hill Prairie. Thereafter, farming 
 operations engaged his attention, and his time was 
 devoted to farming on his pl.nce, which he brought 
 to a good state of cultivation. In his political 
 views, he was an adherent of the He])ublican i)arty, 
 the principles of which he always stanclily up- 
 held by his ballot and intluence. 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 (Jcrniany, the subjcclof this biogra- 
 l)hical notice was born iu 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 complete and thorough, and by 
 subsequent reading he has become a well-informed 
 man. He remained under the jjarental roof, aid- 
 ing his father in the farm work, until his mar- 
 riage, which occurred A|)ril 19, 18(!3. The lady 
 who then became his wife w.as Alwine, daughter of 
 August and Reiiidn Kunze. natives of Prussia, 
 where she was born. 
 
 Seven children have been born to Mr. .Schaller 
 and liis excellent wife, of whom we record the fol- 
 lowing: Anna is the wife of Charles Skeer; Kl- 
 vina married Charles Schneider; Philip, William, 
 Katie and Lena remain at home and are bright, 
 intelligent young people, of whom their parents
 
 r)96 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 are justly proud. The religious home of the fam- 
 il}- is in the Lutheran Church, of which they are 
 active members, and their influence is ever given 
 toward those measures which are calculated to 
 promote the interests of the community, along 
 moral, religious and educational lines. In his 
 political preference, Mr. Schaller is a Republican 
 of no uncertain tone, and 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 right, and eyer fore- 
 most in good works. 
 
 ^i****^!! 
 
 
 y ILL! AM A. McCASLAND, a successful 
 dealer in real estate, located in East St. 
 *J^^ Louis is wide!}' 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 years of 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 Pemberton, 
 born and raised in Oldham County, K\\ 
 
 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, constantly 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 liack the advance of (ien. 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 
 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 enemy's bullets. 
 The officer of the day had left twenty men on 
 picket duty until the forces were all over and the 
 bridge was burned. It was fully one hour before 
 Gen. Scliofield knew of the deadly peril of the 
 faithful and courageous pickets, who were at last 
 relieved from their post of duty by the officers de- 
 tailed for that purpose by the General. Immedi- 
 ately following the battle of Nashville, Mr. Me 
 Casland, honorabl\' 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 inarches, skirmishes and battles, in which 
 our subject fearlesslj' eng.iged, and no soldier of 
 those troublous times can furnish a more honorable 
 record of faithful and devoted service in behalf 
 of National existence. 
 
 In 1869, Mr. McCasland bought a (me hundred 
 and sixty acre farm in Morgan County. 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 AVaverly 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, the location being one of the 
 finest sites in the city. 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 ac 
 cords to all visitors the kindly courtesy and 
 prompt attention which their business demands. 
 
 Mr. McCasland was, in 1879, deeply stricken by a 
 succession of crushing bereavements. He had a
 
 PORTRAIT AND BlOGRArHICAL RECORD. 
 
 599 
 
 devoted wife, and their bearth and home were 
 blessed by the birth of nine children: Sarah Jane 
 died at nineteen j-ears of age; Josepliiue died at 
 three years of age; Rosa M. passed away when 
 fourteen years old; Anna L. died at six \'ears of 
 age; Gracie H.and Ida live in Waverly. 111.; Edith 
 died when six years old; Henry passed away 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 malady. 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. MeCasland 
 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. 
 
 (-i^^HOMAS II. WHITE, Aice-presideut of the 
 '(/^\. Micliigan lieef and Provision Company, of 
 Vsi^ Detroit. .Mich., stock-dealer at tli.e National 
 Yards, also representative of Swift it Co., of Chi- 
 cago, and Alderman of the Sexeiith Ward of East 
 St. Louis, is one of the most popular and well- 
 known residents of the city. He is a native of 
 the Empire State, bnrii at Heekmaii, in Dutchess 
 County, on tlie 1st of •Inly, 1819, and is a son of 
 Leonard '1'. Wiiite, who was also a native of New 
 York State, as was the grandfather, Isiiac White. 
 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 Coiint3-, where his death oc- 
 curred when ninety-two years of age. Ills wife, 
 whose maiden name was Mary Doty, and who was 
 of English descent, died when ninety-three years 
 of age, 
 
 The father of our subject became familiar with 
 agricultural pursuits when a small toy, and it was 
 but natural that when reaching mature 3'ears 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 185(1. 
 Eight children were born to their union, seven of 
 whom grew to mature A-eais 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 age. 
 At that age his school days were i)ractically ended, 
 but being possessed of a naturally bright mind, 
 and being a man of observation, lie becimie well 
 posted. 
 
 In 1858, Ur. White went to Dover, N. Y., to 
 live with his uncle, William A. White, with whom 
 he remained two years, and then returned to 
 Heekman 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 forsonie time. Later, 
 he went to Amenia, Dutchess County, and worked 
 in a grain-cradle factory for George Morgan, the 
 greatest cradle nianufactui'er of his day. Erom 
 there he removed to IJeekman, remained there for 
 one year, and in 1867 went to Albany to assist in 
 building the West Albany Yards for Allcrton. 
 Dutcher A- Moore, the organizers of llic Xalioiuil 
 Yards hero. After finishing the yards he went to 
 Huffalo, N. Y., reopened the yards after the tire, 
 and became builder and Superintendent. He was 
 in charge of a set of men as foreman during this 
 time, and when the y,ards were completed he re- 
 turned to Albany, and remained thereuntil 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 th(< 
 .sewers. He was actively engaged in this for two 
 years, when the yards were opened for use, 
 
 At that time, Mr. White assumed charge of the
 
 600 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 cattle department as Yardinaster, filled this posi- 
 tion for about three years, and then resigned it to 
 engage in the cattle business for iiimself. He em- 
 barked in buying and selling for himself, but later 
 became connected with Swift & Co. as a representa- 
 tive and buys all their calves for them, amounting 
 to over forty thousand last year. He also represents 
 the Michigan Reef and Provision Company, of 
 Detroit, buys all their stock, and still buys on his 
 own .account. He h.as been the largest individual 
 stock buyer in this city. His otfice is in the Exchange 
 Building, and he buys largely on orders. He 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 stockholder 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 w.as 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 Cliairman of the Streets, Alleys and 
 Bridge Committees since 1889. He has always been 
 in favor of the new reform government, and is a 
 "true-blue" Republican in a Democratic ward. 
 Soci.ally. he is a member of the Masonic fraternity 
 and tiie Owls, as well as of other orders. 
 
 ^>-^^<m^-<- 
 
 ,4p^ AMUEL B. MALlNEE,an enterprising and 
 ^^^^ progressive citizen arid valued member of 
 l^^J) 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 mocliaiiic, commands one of the largest 
 jjakuicb ever paid in this line of work. Mr. 31a- 
 
 linee is a native of Kentucky, and was born 
 May 26, 185.5, in Newport. His father, J. W. Ma- 
 linee, born in Ohio, removed in adult life to 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. ^lalinee 
 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 Malinces are of English descent, and the 
 mother of our subject, Elizabeth (Simpson) Ma- 
 linee, was born in England. Grandfather Simp- 
 son was a man of leisure, and possessed means 
 which enabled him to travel extensively. He 
 and his wife died and tiieir 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; 
 Ruth (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 iniblic schools, and 
 when at the tender age of nine years he entered 
 the iron mills, he .availed himself of the night 
 schools, apd, ambitiously gleaning all the book 
 learning within his reach, made progress in the 
 practical knowledge of his trade, and swiftly 
 climbed ui)ward to a higher position and increased 
 salary. 
 
 After the 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 sis boss roller in New York, Philadel- 
 phia, Paterson, Pittsburgh, and finally settled in 
 Louisville. Ky. In 1870, Mr. .Alalinee came to St. 
 Louis and was employed in the Laclede Iron 
 Works, remaining for nearly a half-score of years 
 a valued eini)loye of these mills. In 18Sn, lie en- 
 cased as head roller in East SI. Lmiis niid re- 
 mained in the Tuilur \Vorks about three years;
 
 PORTRAIT AXD WOGRAPHJCAL RECORD. 
 
 601 
 
 then accepted the position of head roller in the 
 steel works in Ketleville. In 1864, our subject re- 
 turned once more to tlie Tudor Works, and has ] 
 rern.sined here as head roller ever since. For 
 twenty years lie has held the position of head 
 roller, and stands at the top round of his profes- 
 sion, and, c'oniiiining with his native ability a long 
 and |)raolicMl experience, is unrivaled in the 
 knowledge and expert handling of his work. 
 
 Years of well-pai<l employment have rewarded 
 our subject with a substantial competence, and 
 he owns valuable property on Bond Avenue, on 
 which he has erected two very handsome houses, 
 Xos. 612 and 614. ^Ir. Malinee and his family 
 reside in No. 612. Samuel B. JIalinee and Miss 
 Sarah Iloupt were married in New Albany, lud., 
 in 1871. Mrs. Malinee is a native of Alleghany 
 County, Pa., and is a daughter of .lolin Houpt. 
 born in .Somerset, Pa., a saddler by trade, and 
 afterward a foreman in Penn.sylvanla, who after 
 retiring from .active business removed to Indiana, 
 where he died. His wife, .Sarah (.lohnson) Houpt. 
 was also a native of the Quaker State, and was the 
 j-oungest in a family of ten children. .She also 
 died in her Indiana home. 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: Flora K., 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 Br)ard of the city, and, an ardent advo- 
 cate of educational advancement, has by his intel- 
 ligent ability amply demonstrated his special Ill- 
 ness for the responsible position which he now 
 holds. He is also connected by membership with 
 the Ancient Order of I'niled Workmen .and also 
 attiliales with the Pride of the \'alley Lodge. Grand 
 Encampment, I. O. O. F. .Mr. Malinee is an of- 
 ficial of the .\malgamation of Iron and Steel 
 "Workers" As.sociation, 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 
 and benevolent. Our subject is in polities an lu- ^ 
 
 dependent, giving his vote to the man he thinks 
 l)est adapted to suitably discharge tlie duties of 
 public ollice with energetic efliciency. and as a 
 true .\merican citizen is himself ever foremost in 
 the promotion of hx-ai progress and reform. 
 
 11^ ENRV W. VOEI.KKR. a valued and intlii- 
 ir)|^ ential member of the Board of .School Trus- 
 ^^)^ tees of East St. Louis and the popular and 
 (^) able representative of the widely known 
 and reliable .1. S. Merrill Drug Company, of St. 
 Louis, has spent his entire life amtmg the associa- 
 tions of childhood, having been born May 1, 18.59, 
 on the old lioniestead upon the Belleville Turn- 
 pike, now a part of East .St. Louis. His father. 
 Michael A'oelker. 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 iii the I iiited .States and located in St. 
 Louis. He first went into business in French- 
 town, but before 1844 settled in Popstown and 
 opened the DrovcrV 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 wlio knew bini. He 
 was an excellent business man iiiid an upright 
 and worthy citizen. In political aftiliutions he 
 wa.-- a Republican, and was a member of the Luth- 
 eran Chureh. His wife, Veronika Kaiser, was born 
 ill Switzerland. Canton .\argau, and came to St. 
 Louis with her i)aients when very 3"oung. She 
 survived her husband twelve years, passing peace- 
 fully away in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. -Michael Voelker 
 were the j)areiits of five children, four of whom 
 are yet living; Anna, Mrs. Benson, resides in 
 San Francisco; Theodore is engaged on the Van- 
 d.alia Railroad and lives in Terre Haute; Edward 
 was killed in an accident on the \'andalia Rail- 
 road; and Lizzie, Mrs. (ialloway, is in Kansas. 
 
 Our subject was educated in the |)ublie schools 
 of East St. Louis, and at thirteen years of age 
 began clerking in a grocery store, reuiaiuiug
 
 602 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAl'HICAL RECORD. 
 
 seven ye<ars with Richard Roe. In the year 1879, 
 Mr. Voelker started a gi'oeery house on St. Claii 
 Avenue, near the stock yards. He ran the store 
 about one j-ear in partnersliip, the linn being 
 Voelker & Poller; the partnership was then dis- 
 solved, our subject afterward engaging in the 
 same business with his brother Theodore, tlie 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 the 
 cigar business, but since 188(5 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 tine residence on 
 the site of the old homestead, an attractive location. 
 No. 816 Ninth Street. lie 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, IMo., and a daughter 
 of John ri. Daniel, born and reared in Kentucky. 
 Her paternal grandfather, Willis Daniel, was a 
 native of Virginia. John II. Daniel was a farmer 
 and stock-raiser of Boone County, Mo., and served 
 bravely in the Confederate army. In 1872, he 
 entered into the stock business in St. Louis, and 
 afterward engaged successfully in the sariie busi- 
 ness in East St. Louis, but finally returned to Stur- 
 geon, and resides tliere among a host of old-time 
 friends and acquaintances. His wife, Mrs. Ollie 
 (Hulett) Daniel, was born in Boone County and 
 was the daughter of Harrison Hulett, born in Ken- 
 tuck}', but an old settler in Missouri. Mrs. Voelker 
 is the eldest in a family of eight children, six sons 
 and two daughters. The happ^- home of Mr. 
 "\oelkei- and his estimable wife has been bright- 
 ened by the ))resencc of tlieir dauglitcr. Eaiinio 
 Fern. 
 
 In 1892, our subject was elected U> the position 
 of School Trustee, and has with efficient ability 
 discharged the duties of the office, his excellent 
 judgment and interest in educational advance- 
 ment aiding materially in the wise disposition of 
 numerous Importaiit matters connected with the 
 instrucliou of Iho^'Ouug. Fiaternally, Mr. N'oelker 
 
 is a Knight of Pythias and a Knight of Honor, 
 and is a member of the Ancient Order of ITnited 
 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 alile in all the 
 duties of life, our subject is highly respected and 
 commands the esteem and confidence of all who 
 know him. 
 
 \]l^^ ENRY MOESER. The subject of this short 
 [f)V sketch resides in the village of Smithton, 
 (IW^ St. Clair County, where he holds the iin- 
 (^) 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 famil}' devolved ui)on him. He 
 remained on the old place until he was married, 
 which event took place March 2, 1876, to Miss 
 Elizalieth Becker, who was the daughter of Peter 
 and Elizabeth Becker, who lived west of Belleville, 
 in this county. 
 
 After his marriage, Mr. Moe.ser first located ou 
 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:^ he was niaiiicd to Miss Lizzie Kilian, 
 on tlie l.'ith of Jlarch. She wa> the daughter of 
 Conrad Kilian, of this township. Mr. Moeser con- 
 tinued to live there until the fall of 1883, wiieu 
 he sold his farm and moved to the place which is 
 now his homo, lie was the father of two children 
 by his first wife, but neither of tlieni js jiow liv- 
 ing, Ho has had one child by this niRvriago, MH' 
 inie Frances, who is iiow seven ^ears pid,

 
 h-^o^ ^^l'^yJ 
 
 Ujji^^U^^ 
 
 3
 
 PORTRAIT AjS'D biographical RECORD. 
 
 605 
 
 Mr. Moeser has forty acres of land near Smitli- 
 lon, and does some farniinjj;. lie buys and sells 
 liorses, and does a great deal of successful trading. 
 The faiiiil\- are members of the Evangelical Lu- 
 theran t'lnuch, and to this denomination Mr. Moe- 
 ser gives of his means, and in it his family is 
 highly regarded. lie is a member of the Treu- 
 bund here in Smithton. and he has been the Treas- 
 urer of his lodge. In his ijolitical views, Mr. Moe- 
 sfi- is ail ardent Democrat, and he has been very 
 lircimiiioiit in all local matters. He has lilled the 
 office of Constable so acceptably that he has kept 
 his place for four years. Mr. Moeser has a beauti- 
 ful home, and his famil\- and self are among the 
 prominent social people of the pleasant little vil- 
 laije of Smithton. 
 
 --=^#i#^ll-^i"i^ll^^ 
 
 -^,.1 DOLPII M. SCHEEI., >[. 1)., A. B.. a suc- 
 ''W i ''^^■'^f"' •*'"' leading physician of Belleville. 
 1; was born in tins city .lannary l.s, 1851, 
 and is the son of .John and Elizabeth (En- 
 gelmann) Sclieel, natives of Rhenish Bavaria, of 
 whom further mention is made in the sketch of 
 .lohn Scheel, presented clsewheie in this volume. 
 In their native country they weie highl\- respected 
 as industrious and energeli<- people, and these 
 traits of character aided them in their efforts to 
 establish a home in the I'mted States. 
 
 The literary education of our subject was com- 
 menced in the public schools of Belleville and was 
 completed at Washington I'niversity. at St. Louis, 
 from which institution he was graduated in the 
 Class of '72, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, 
 His education (inished, he went to Euiope and en- 
 tered the (ierman Medical I'liiversitv. in which 
 he received his degree after a course of four years' 
 study, graduating in 187(i, During his aksence 
 abroad he had the advantage of being in the large 
 hospitals at Munich .■iiid Berlin, where his profes- 
 sional knowledge was greatly broadened and his 
 skill increased by |)raetice in intricate cases. 
 
 Returning to the L'nited States, Dr. Scheel 
 opened an office at Belleville for the practice of 
 28 
 
 his profession, and at once established a large pi-ac- 
 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 c<mfidence 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 he is I'res- 
 ident; Fellow of the American .\cadcmy 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 I I, 1877, Dr. Scheel was united in mar- 
 riage witli 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 Minnie. 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. 
 Although his attention is engros.sed by his profes- 
 sional labors. Dr. Scheel finds time to be helpful to 
 the community in which he resides. He isastock- 
 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 wherever 
 known. 
 
 1/ irilEl; BKOWN. Ill the twilight of his 
 lionoicd :ind useful existence, Mr. Brown 
 
 is living (piietly, surrounded by .all the 
 
 comforts of life, at his pleasant home in Lebanon 
 Townshijj. He has now almost reached his foui- 
 .score years, having been born .lauuary 21, 1811. 
 Ilis father, Luther Brown. Sr,, traced his anccstr\ 
 to IIoIImimI ;in(l w:is lioiii in New Hampshire about 
 1771. His mother was of Scotch descent and bore 
 the maiden name of .\nuie Burke, 
 
 In l.sKi, the parents of our suliject removed to 
 .Monroe County, N, Y„ where the father f<)llowed 
 hii trade of carpenter and h<nise-ioiiur. an<l .'Usd
 
 606 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 managed a small farm. In his political sym- 
 pathies, he was a Whig and religiousl}' was in later 
 life identified with the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. His death occurred in New York State 
 when he had attained tlie advanced age of eighty- 
 six }'ears. Tiie wife and mother passed away when 
 forty-six years old. Our subject was reared on the 
 iiome farm, and the education wiiich he received 
 in the common schools was supplemented by a 
 course of study at the academy in (xaines, Orleans 
 County, N. Y., wliere lie was a student for three 
 montlis. 
 
 The first wife of our subject, with whom he was 
 united in marriage in November, 1836, was Miss 
 Antoinette, daughter of .Jacob and Sarah (Cum- 
 niings) Moore. She died February 18, 1856, leav- 
 ing three children, Sarah, Mary and Alice. Sarah 
 married Marcus Moore, of Portland, Ore., and they 
 have three sons; Mary, who is unmarried, lives with 
 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 lady whose devotion blesses his declin- 
 ing years. Her parents were .Jera and Mary Bald- 
 win, t.lie former a native of Connecticut, and 
 the latter of Dutchess County, N. Y. Of the chil- 
 dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown, we note the 
 following: George, who lives in Arkansas City, 
 Kan., is engaged in tlie real-estate and loan busi- 
 ness at that place. He married Ivy V/ise, of Leb- 
 anon, and tliey liave four children. Carrie is tlie 
 widow of Dr. ,1. W. Iloyt, formerl3- a successful 
 physician of Kansas City, Mo., and they have one 
 child, a daughter. Cl)arles,a lawyer liy profession, 
 is n member of a legal firm in Winfleld, Kan., ;nid 
 i.s in partnership with liis brother George at Ar- 
 kansas City. 
 
 IMr. Brown arrived in Lebanon, 111.. .Iiiue l(i, 
 1840, and located at Trenton, Clinton County, 
 where he bought land and eng.aged in farming for 
 fourteen years. He then removed to liis present 
 lioine, wliere he lives retired from active business. 
 For the past twenty years, he has rented his place. 
 He has always been deeply interested in educa- 
 tional affairs and lias aided in promoting the wel- 
 fare of McKendree College in 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 
 Republican, but now casts his ballot for Prohibi- 
 tion. While residing in New York, he united witli 
 the Methodist Church, of which he has been a 
 member for fifty-seven years, and he lias served as 
 Class-leader and in other positions in that denom- 
 ination. 
 
 \ ^S=^ - 
 
 ANIEL C. IIEELY, 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 (Randle- 
 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 junior and was born seven 
 miles southwest of Belleville, her parents being of 
 German descent. 
 
 The famil}' of which our subject is a member 
 comprises five children, four of whom lived to ma- 
 turity, namely: Theodore T., AViliiam C, and Jo- 
 seph A., who died respectively in 1887, 1859 and 
 1863; and Daniel C, of this sketch. The last-named 
 received a coninion-school education in the schools 
 of tiie neighborhood, and in his early manhood 
 enlisted in 1864 as a member of Company B, 
 Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantrj-, which was incor- 
 porated in the Sixteenth Corps, Division of the 
 (iulf. Our subject took an active part in the bat- 
 ik's of Ft. Blakely and Spanish Fort, and was 
 present at the surrender of Mobile, where he was 
 wounded by a shell 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. 
 
 After being honorably discharged from the army, 
 our subject returned home and commenced to read 
 iiu^dicine under Dr. Perrvmaii, Jvuler, he went
 
 PORTRAIT A>"D lilOGRAPHlCAL RECORD. 
 
 607 
 
 into the office of Dr. B. A. Barrett, of St. Louis, 
 with whom he remained for tliree years. He also 
 took two courses of lectures in the St. Louis Med- 
 iciil College, from which he was graduatetl in tlie 
 spring of 1869. He opened an office for tlie pr.actice 
 of ills profession at (icrniantown, 111., where he re- 
 mained for five years, and afterward practiced at 
 Trenton for seven years. Returning tiience lo 
 IJellevilie. he followed his profession here for four 
 years, and afterward resided in (iermantown for 
 the same length of time. .Since 18H1) he has i)rac- 
 ticed his profession continuously in Bellex ille. 
 where lie is well and favorably known. 
 
 Dr. Heely .served as Coroner for Clinton County 
 twelve years, and now iioldsthe position of Piiysi- 
 lian for St. Clair County, uliicli includes the Ireat- 
 nicnl of the poor at the eounly liosiiital. tlic 
 county farm and tho.se in Hellevilie and vicinity. 
 This, together with his regular practice, occupies 
 liis entire attention and affords him little leisure 
 time. Politically, he is a Democrat. Among the 
 organizations with which he is idenlilied are the 
 St. Clair County Medical Society; Illinois Medical 
 Society; St. Clair Lodge No. 24, F. A- A. M., 
 Chapter No. 106, Belleville Council; Independent 
 Order of Odd Kellows; Ancient Order of Initcd 
 Workmen, and the Knights of Honoi-. in some of 
 whitli 111' is Kxaminer. 
 
 Tlie marriage of Di-. I leely, .January 2. l^i7o. uni- 
 ted liim with Miss Sue L. l^uick. of High Prairie, 
 and they are the parents of six children, namely: 
 Oliver. I.. Minnie .M.. Susan. Piird. I.ewisnnd Ivlwin. 
 
 |Tr^()Hi:UT LAW. October .!. IK.=)4. is the day 
 |1^^ on which this gentleman first saw the light. 
 •-!> Y Ili'^ I)irth occurred in Washington ('ounl\-. 
 111., about three miles from his present 
 abode. Ilisparent.s were .lolin and .lennie (Craig) 
 Law. The grandfather of Robert Law was .Joshua 
 Law. and his grandmother was Margaret (Barbei) 
 Law. bolli natives of Scotland. The father of 
 Joshua Law w.is the Uev. -John L;iw. of Scotland. 
 
 IX man well remembered in the Scottish kirk of 
 
 which be was pastor. 
 
 .John Law, the fathei- of oiu- subject, was born 
 in Landon Parish. .Scotland, in the year 1H24. 
 His mother died when he was very young, 
 thus making his knowledge of her maternal care 
 limited. Ills father gave him a good education 
 in the common schools of liis native coiintr\-, 
 and be was ble.ssed with the ability and inclination 
 to turn his knowledge to good account. His father 
 thought there were better prospects for him and 
 his son in tlie Western Hemisphere, and therefore 
 emigialed 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 lo hire out l)y the month. He had located in 
 Washingtcm County, which at that time w.as an 
 unbroken [)rairie. 
 
 After working by the month for a few years, 
 .lohn Law entered eighty acres of (Jovernment 
 land, and by his economy and industry made a 
 good home for his family- and accumulated much 
 personal i)roperty beside. Washington County 
 has been blessed with representative men, those 
 who. thrown upon their own resources early in 
 life, have displayed the metal that was in them; 
 and to such sterling characters this country is in- 
 debted for its phenomenal growth and prosperitv. 
 .Vmong this class of .Vmerica's adopted sons we 
 rank .John L;iw. a man of sterling worth and one 
 who during the whole course of his career de- 
 man deil the respect of his fellow-men. He was 
 strictly a farmer and always one of the most in- 
 dustrious of his cl!is.s. In 18.il he married, and 
 the fruits of this marriage were live children, two 
 of whom died when very young; Joshua and 
 .I.aines grew lo manhood, but Robert, the subject 
 of this sketch, is the only one now living. 
 
 .loliii Law w;is a man of n^cognized ability not 
 only in the accumulation ,,( |)ioperty, but in 
 moil' pulilie cap.acities. and as a [trominent man in 
 his neighborhood was called upon to serve his 
 fellow-men in several ways. He held many local 
 olHces creditably to himself and satisfactorilv to 
 those who honored him with a public trust. In 
 addition to his business and social qualities, which 
 won the esteem of his fellow-men. Mr. Law was a
 
 608 
 
 PORTRAIT AND WOGRArHICAL RECORD. 
 
 useful and strong supporter of the United Pres- 
 byterian Cluireli. He was strong in iiis 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 onl3" 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 William. Inheriting the good name 
 of an exceptional father, Robert Law represents, 
 as a native of AVashington County, one of its 
 pioneer and ever to be respected families, and he 
 has the satisfaction of knowing that his family 
 has performed no unimportant part in the growth 
 and development of this section of the State. He 
 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 against want in his 
 declining years. 
 
 e^+^i 
 
 APT. >HKE WALSIL the energetic and pop- 
 ular Chief of Police and Fire Department, 
 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 farmer, who' in 1845 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 
 winch city his excellent wife, Ellen (Holden) 
 Walsli died. This estimable lady, a native of Ire- 
 l.ind, was the mother of three sons and three 
 daughters, two of whom, Mrs. Murphy and IMrs. 
 Riciiardson, reside in East St. Louis. Our subject 
 came with iiis parents to America when but five 
 \cnrs old. and was educated in St. Louis. 
 
 Upon the outbreak of the Civil Wai- he bravely 
 enlisted in Company C, Sixteenth Indiana Infantry, 
 and participated in many of the i)roniinent 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 employments, 
 and held the offices of Constable and Marshal. In 
 1887, our subject received his appointment as 
 Chief of Police of East St. Louis, and immediately 
 re-organized the Police Department, and has 
 brought it u|) 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 alter two years 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 conHagration has 
 been materially lessened. 
 
 In 18(!5, 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 Compan}', but is now in business in 
 East St. Louis. Jessie, who isnow]\Irs. 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 the city. 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 enjoy the confidence 
 and esteem of a large circle of friends. Our sub- 
 ject is a strong Democrat, and is always deeply 
 interested in both local ;um1 n:iti<-iiiul affairs. A
 
 Of THE 
 
 iNivfRSiTY Of "
 
 ^.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 
 
 genial man of superior executive abilitj', he has 
 won his way upward and is now one of the lead- 
 ing men and prominent factors in tlie enterprises of 
 East St. Louis. 
 
 "ifiOIIX R.BERTELSMANN. The hospitable 
 owner of tlie finely-inii)roved farm on sec- 
 tion 2, Smithton Township, has made his 
 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 bougiit land here 
 and engaged in farming. He married Clara Beul- 
 raan, wiiose. father, a farmer b}' occupation, emi- 
 grated hither from Germany, but died after being 
 here but a sliort 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 liis death. He had a family of five 
 children, all of whom grew to maturit}': our sub- 
 ject; Mary, who married Nicholas Boul; Gertrude; 
 Annie, the wife of Frank A. I^ouis; 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 liis religious connections. 
 lie belonged to the Catholic Ciiurch. 
 
 Born March 18, 1845, in St. Clair County, oiu 
 subject was here reared, and received a common- 
 school education. Beneath the ])arental roof, lie 
 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 w.-u; born at the 
 old Karlskind homestead .January 27, 1854. Her 
 father, Henry Lewis, a native of France, came to 
 this country when a young man, and here married 
 Miss Marj' Ann Karlskind, youngest daughter 
 of Sebastian Karlskind. Both 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. J., is four years old. 
 
 After his marriage, Sir. 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 year 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 witii those 
 of the Democratic party, and is regarded in the 
 neighborhood as a man of the finest business 
 ahilitv and inlegritv. 
 
 SILAS P. CHAPIN. proprietor and editor of 
 the daily and weekly Signal, was born at 
 Somerville, Butler County, Ohio, on the 
 Gth of June, 1855, and is a son of Daniel 
 0. 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, w.as born in 
 New England and was a shoemaker by trade. 
 When seventeen years of age, he came to the 
 Kuckeye State, making the trip overland, and lo- 
 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 W.ayne County, Ind., and died 
 tlierc when lacking six months of being one hun- 
 dred years old. 
 
 Daniel O. Chapin was reared in Sidney, Ohio, 
 and after re.aching 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
 
 B12 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 one of the pioneers of Milford Township, tilling 
 the soil until he retired. The father of Mrs. 
 Chapin, Perry 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 his death. 
 Mrs. Chapin passed away in 1882. She was the 
 mother of fifteen children, ten of whom grew to 
 mature 3'ears. 
 
 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 he attended the Nor- 
 mal, at Lebanon, Ohio, for two years. Later, he 
 took up the study of theology, and in 1876 came 
 to Salem, 111., to join the South Illinois Methodist 
 P]piscopal Conference. He preached at Salem for 
 three years, Xcnia two years, St. Elmo one year, 
 Altamont two years, Farina one year, and in the 
 fall of 1886 he came to East St. Louis, 111., and was 
 pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church for three 
 years. During this time, the old church was torn 
 down, and, with 120 in the treasury, Mr. Chapin 
 began building a new church. This structure is 
 now one of the finest churches in the (tity. 
 
 In 1889, Mr. Chapin retired from the ministry 
 to enter the journalistic field, and was engaged on 
 reportorial work for the St. Louis Post-DispaHi. 
 His spare moments were closel}- devoted to a study 
 of law, and he was graduated as a student of law at 
 McKendree College, after which he engaged in 
 its practice, and in a short time his ability 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 count}'. As an orator, he has no su- 
 perior in the county. lie is a Royal Arch JIason, 
 
 a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
 lows, the Knights of Honor, Knights of Pythias, 
 Modern Woodmen, and other 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 the daughter of IMaj. L. 
 M. Johnson, Supervisor of the city of East St. 
 Louis. 
 
 -^>^^-<m= 
 
 fl|_, ON. ALONZO S. WILDERMAN. Through- 
 W}i' t>ut this portion of Illinois there is perhaps 
 /^^ no resident of St. Claii- County better or 
 fj^ more favorably known than the gentleman 
 witli 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, Randf)lph, St. Clair and Washing- 
 ton. To this responsible position he brings talents 
 of an unusuall^y high order, and the judicial bent 
 of his mind renders his labors highly successful, 
 his decisions impartial and just. 
 
 Judge VVilderman is a descendant of one of the 
 oldest families of St. Clair County, and tr.ices his 
 ancestry to German^'. (ieorge W., the great- 
 grandfather of our subject, was a native of Wash- 
 ington County, Md., and in 1805 settled in the 
 Territory of Indiana (now Illinois), the place of 
 settlement being now known asFreeburg, St. Clair 
 County. Here he remained until his death, which 
 took place a few years later. His son, Dorsey, 
 was born in Washington County, Md., in 1793, 
 and was twelve years old wlien he accompanied 
 the other members of the family to the West. In 
 1812, he married Miss Plio?be Cair. who w.as born 
 in Virginia in 17!tO. Her father, Josepii Carr. was 
 likewise Ixun in the Old Dominion, his birth 
 occurring March 21, 1752. He served as a soldier 
 in the Revolutionary 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 grandfatiier of our sub- 
 ject, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was 
 connected with the military department on the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 fil.S 
 
 frontiers during the Indian Wars. He died in 
 
 thi.«i county in 1857. Micliael .T. Wilderman, the 
 father of our subject, was liorn in tliis county 
 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 born in Guilford County, Is. C, March 
 21, 1818. She was the daughter of Greene R. and 
 Rebecca Patterson, wlio were of Scotch descent, 
 members of tlieir families being among the early 
 settlers of North Carolina. Mr. Patterson came 
 to Illinois in 1818, and settled at High Prairie. 
 Mr. and Mrs Wilderman became the parent* of 
 seven children. The wife and motlier depailed 
 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 tlie neighbor- 
 hood. However, liis advantages were meagre in 
 comparison with those enjoyed by the children of 
 the.se days. Possessing an inquiring mind and a 
 love for reading, he made the most of every op- 
 portunity whicli presented itself, and at maturity 
 his mind was well stored witli valuable informa- 
 tion. 
 
 In 18t)4, having resolved toenterupou the study 
 of law, he entered tlie 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 18()8, he formed a part- 
 nership with his prece])tor, which continued for 
 four years, when it was dissolved. He then en- 
 tered into partnership with James M. Ilamill, a 
 connection which continued until June 15, 1891, 
 a period of nineteen years lacking twenty days. 
 In 1876, our subject was nominated and elected 
 to represent St. Clair ('ounty in the Thirtieth 
 General Assembly of the State. While a member 
 of that body, he sustained his reputation .as a care- 
 ful and prudent conservator of public interests, 
 and his service as a member of the JudiciHr3- Com- 
 mittee was ethcient and satisfactory. 
 
 September 15, 1871, Judge Wilderman mar- 
 ried Miss Amanda, daughter of James Affleck (of 
 wliom 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 been his labors 
 in every position he has been called upon to fill. 
 
 \f^ETER J. ROSS. An excellent farm located on 
 Jl) section 27, in Freeburg Township, is owned 
 1 ?^ by the gentleman who.se name opens this 
 1 i article. The father of our subject was John 
 Ross, who was born and reared in Brandan, Hesse- 
 Darmstadt,Germany,and was there married to Katli- 
 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 family of 
 seven children, three of whom are now living: 
 Katherine Schneider, who lives in New Athens 
 Township; Jlary 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 3'ears 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. Ro.ss have eight children, 
 as follows: Emma Frances, who is the widow of 
 Samuel Shook; Edmund, wiio married Sophia Din- 
 telman, and lives in St. Clair County: Philip lives 
 at Turkej- Hill, and after the death of his wife, 
 Catherine Mueller, married Clara Barthel; John
 
 (!l 
 
 PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPIOCAL RECORD. 
 
 Gottlieb Louis, wlio is at home; Laura Elizabeth 
 is the wife of Charles Goetz, and lives in Belle- 
 ville; Caroline Catherine Georgina, Carl, and Louise 
 Emma Ross, are all at home. 
 
 Mr. Ross has a fine farm of two hundred and 
 twenty-nine acres of land, of which there are 
 about one hundred and fifty improved and in 
 a good state of cultivation. He is a good farmer, 
 and Ills 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, Fortj'-thiid 
 Illinois Regiment, and was mustered out of the 
 service in July, 186.5. The familj' and its con- 
 nections are much respected in this neighborhood. 
 
 y 
 
 OMINICK DEKUMjOne of the mostproni- 
 '■ inent general farmers of St. Clair Town- 
 ship, is a native of this county, where lie 
 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 nearBirkner 
 Station, where he followed farming until his death 
 in 185,i, 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 the 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 by his family and friends. 
 Mrs. Dekum was married a second time, her hus- 
 
 liaiid being Nicholas Sontag, by whom she had 
 four children, as follows: Louis, who died wiien 
 a child of lliree years; Emily, who resides on the 
 old farm; Edward, a carpenter, residing in Belle- 
 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, and her 
 loss was deei)lv felt throuuhout the entire commu- 
 nity. 
 
 Dominick Dekum was born February 7, 18.')1. 
 near Centcrville Station, St. Clair County. III. 
 lie was reared at Birkner Station, and was 
 twenty-si.K years of .age when he left the home 
 that sheltered him for so many years to found a 
 household of his own. At Belleville, April 17, 
 1877, he married Miss Louis Schmisseur, the sister 
 of Frank Schmisseur (see his sketch), and the 
 l)leasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Dekum adjoins the 
 farm of Mr. Schmisseur on the east. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Dekum have no children. They are well-known 
 throughout St. Clair Township, and their hospita- 
 ble dispositions render a visit to their home an 
 event alw.ays to be remembered with pleasure. 
 
 Mr. Dekum carries on general farming and has 
 l>een very successful in agricultural pursuits. He 
 has never desired office, but li.as been content to 
 use his inlluence in a quiet way, upholding the 
 principles of the Democratic party in a loyal man- 
 ner. In religious matters, ho and his wife are 
 members of the Catholic Church 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. 
 
 ^^^^^i#^il-^"i^if^i#i^ 
 
 REDRICK VOGEL, Sk. The Gernian-Amer- 
 
 > ican citizens form a veiT impoilant ele- 
 _ ment in the population of St. Clair County, 
 
 Avliere they are known as law-abiding and progres- 
 sive men, devoted to the interests of their adopted
 
 
 RcJlDLMCrOF DOMINICK DL KUM , SECT., ST. CLAI R TP, ST. CLAI R CO., ILL. 
 
 ~liiiS/SiiS%SClli.-3SSz,»%:.. 
 
 REaiDLNCE or FRIEDRICH VO GEL, SEC. 3A.^ 5T00KEY TR, 57. CLAIR CO., ILL.
 
 '?:t^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BKXiRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 fir 
 
 home. One of the mimber is the subject of this 
 sketch, wlio is :i siicc-essfiil farmer, owning and 
 operating a well-improved tract of land on section 
 34, Stookey Township. The farm is one of the 
 best in the county, the improvements first class, 
 and the soil under good cultivation. 
 
 The parent-s of our subject were, like liiiuself. 
 natives of Germany, and were by name Conrad 
 and Christina A' ogel, the father horn in 179fi. and 
 the mother in ITOo. The former was reared in 
 a German village, where he learned the trade of a 
 tinner, and was thus occupied until he came In 
 .\merica in 1833, accompanied by his family. \v- 
 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 children by cholera, which was raging in the 
 citj' at that time. 
 
 Coming to St. Clair County, Conrad Vogel pur- 
 chased a farm of eighty 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 many years, 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. They wei"e 
 the parents of three children, but the only sur- 
 vivor is Fredrick, wlui was born in Germany in 
 1827. 
 
 At the age of six years, nur subject accompanied 
 his parents to the United States, and grew to man- 
 hood in this county, the progress of which he has 
 witnessed, and .assisted in for many vears. When 
 ready to establish a home of his own, he was mar- 
 ried in 1849. to Miss .lolianna, daughter of .John 
 Philip and Mary Wirth. and unto tliem have been 
 born nine children, four of whom died in infanc\. 
 The following is noted of the surviving members 
 of 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 Henjamin 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 raai-riage, Mr. Vogel rented his father's 
 
 farm, where he has since resided, and which be- 
 came his iM'operty upon the death of his father. 
 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 |)articularly interested in political mat- 
 ters, i)referring the quiet enjoyment of domestic 
 life to public affairs. He nevertheless votes the 
 Hei)Mblican ticket, and upholds its principles with 
 fidelity. 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. 
 
 •?#" 
 
 ^jS^rSTAV ,]. SCHEVE. Among the promi- 
 'II ^— - uent and well-established business men of 
 Xsi^' Mascoutah, stands the name of (iustav J. 
 Seheve. who has been eng.aged in the real-estate 
 business in this city since 1879. This business im- 
 mediately took a very important hold upon the 
 oommunity. for in the very nature of things it was 
 impossible that a man of such caliber, as Mr. .Seheve 
 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 Lnited States, and can always 
 (piote premiums at lowest rates. 
 
 In 1878, our subject was commissioned Notary 
 Public, which office he is still filling. .Vbout live 
 years .ago he branched out into the banking business, 
 which line of his business has been steadily increas- 
 ing, and he is now havingan office and bank vault 
 constructed, which, if completed, will be an orna- 
 ment to the city, and one of the safest and best 
 arranged, etiuipped with all modern improvements, 
 including safe deposit boxes, etc., and, judging 
 from the well-merited confidence placed in him l)v 
 the people of Mascoutah, he will soon enjoy one 
 of the best patronages of a country bank. 
 
 Mr. .Seheve was liorn in Mascoutah on the 18th
 
 (!18 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of Seplenibei-, 184(i, and is a son of Julius and 
 Amelia (Lang) Scheve, natives of Germany, tlie 
 father born in Heidelberg, and the mother in 
 Soulhern Prussia. In 1833, the former braved 
 >.'eptune's tender mercies and crossed to America, 
 landing in New Orleans. Me came with a com- 
 pany of j'oung men, and settled in Shiloh Valley, 
 St. Clair County, 111., being one of the founders 
 of Lateiner Settlement, so named on account of 
 the number of students located there. Mr. .Scheve 
 remained there until 1836, when he returned to 
 his native country to settle up his affairs there. 
 While there, in 1839, he was married to Jliss Lang, 
 and in 1840 he returned to his adopted country. 
 He and his wife settled near Edwardsville, where 
 he bought land and w.as actively engaged in tilling 
 the soil. In 1844, he came to INLiscoutah, St. Clair 
 County, 111., and was engaged in merchandising, 
 being one of the earliest merchants. This business 
 he continued until 1863, wlien he sold out and re- 
 tired from the active duties of life. His death oc- 
 curred on the 6th of .luly, 1884, at the age of 
 about sixty-nine years. The mother passed awaj' 
 on the IGtli of October, 1873, when about sixty- 
 four years of age. Both died in Mascoutah. The 
 father was Postmaster under l^incolu, and held 
 that position until about 1868. He was Township 
 School Treasurer from 18.56 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 
 (iustav J. Alvina was born in Germany, married 
 Mr. J. P. Postel, and is the mother of five children. 
 She is now a resident of M.ascoutah. 111. Cliarles 
 was born in Jfadison 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 M.ascoutah. 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, HI., 
 
 married Miss Sophia .Scheurer, and for man}' yeart. 
 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 quite severely wounded 
 at Shiloh. 
 
 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 English 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 having 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. the 
 latter embarked in his present business, real estate 
 and insurance, in which he h.as met with flattering 
 success. From 1879 to 1886, he was Justice of the 
 Peace. In polities, he is a firm Republican. Mr. 
 Scheve was married on the 10th of September, 
 1877, to Mi.ss Emma Dauber, daughter of Louis 
 D. and Elizabeth (Merck) Dauber, and a native of 
 Ma.scoutah. 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 lodoe for ten vears. 
 
 l@^:s:i^i*..^s^ 
 
 OHN KNOBELOCH,of Shiloh Valley Town- 
 ship, where he resides on a farm situated 
 on section "26, was born in 1839, on the 
 ^JI^/ same farm where he now lives. He is a 
 son of John and Elizabeth (Hardy) Knobeloch. 
 The father was born in Darmstadt, (ierraany, in 
 1809, and his wife in Switzerland in l.SIl. Mr. 
 Knobeloch grew to manhood in \\\f< native coun- 
 try, and after reaching m.anhood, learned the trade 
 of a glazier. Believing that better opportunities 
 were afforded to vouni; men of onerov and Indus-
 
 PORTRAIT ASD BIOGRAl'IUCAL RECORD. 
 
 GI9 
 
 try in the New \\'oil(l, he accordingl}' set snil for 
 the United States in 1832. He loc.ited in St. Clair 
 County. III., and then sent for his parents. Me 
 returned to Baltimore, wiiere he met them on 
 their arrival, and brought them to Illinois, where 
 they n)ade a settlement on the farm adjoininsj 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 .icres in St. Clair County, and 
 later, two hundred acres in Washington County. 
 
 A few years after lauding in America, .Tohn 
 Knobeloch. .Jr., married Elizabeth Hardy, and to 
 them were born four children: .lohn, our subject: 
 Mary, the wife of Louis Parrottet: Harmon, now de- 
 ceased; and Elizabeth, who died in her eighteenth 
 3ear. The father was reared a Protestant and was 
 a member of the Lutheran Church. Politically, 
 he was a Republican. 
 
 Our subject passed his boyhood on his father's 
 farm, engaged in the usual pursuits of a farmer lad. 
 and received such limited education as could l>e ob- 
 tained in the early district schools. In 186!t, he 
 married Mary Preiser, daughter of Christopher 
 and Mary Preiser, who were both born in Ger- 
 many. Mrs. Knobeioch was a native of St. 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 Mary 
 A'ollmer. and by this union has liecn born <nie 
 child, John L. 
 
 After his marriage, our subject carried on a farm 
 for two yeai-s in com))auy with his brt>ther-in-law. 
 He then settled on his present farm, which he re- 
 ceived from his father 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 
 >uccessful 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 century and where he was among 
 the early residents. He h.is taken an active part 
 
 in ever3-thing which has developed and iraprove«l 
 this section of the State, and in consequence is 
 widely and favorably known. Like his father, he 
 c.ast<! his vote for the nominees of the Kepiiblicau 
 party. His comfortable and hospitable home is 
 ever open to his many friends, among whom he is 
 very popular as a man of wide reading and general 
 research. 
 
 RED IIEL.MS. Among the prosperous far- 
 ■ mei-s on the lands which are called coal 
 lands in St. Clair County, in.iy be named 
 the subject of our sketch, who lives on survey 382, 
 claim 3oU, Smithton Township. He was the son 
 of Henry Helms, who w.is a native of fiermany, 
 where he was married to Dorothea Bruns, the 
 daughter of Conrad Bruns, a farmer and distiller 
 of (Germany. Henry Helms, the father of our sul>- 
 ject, came to this country with considerable money 
 and settled at Turkey Hill in this county, where 
 he bought land in March. 18,53. He died five 
 years later and left a family of five children, four 
 of whom are living now. They are Mary, Au- 
 gusta, our subject and Nanc}'. The mother of our 
 subject is still living at the old homestead in this 
 county, at the .ige of eighty-three years. 
 
 Mr. Helms of this notice was born in 1843, in 
 Hanover, (ierm.any, and he was ten years old when 
 he came to this countrv. 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 !Melis.sa .Shook and she w.as th<' daughter of 
 Samuel Shook, a farmer of this county. .After his 
 marriage, he took his wife to the old home, remain- 
 ing there until 186U, 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 Free- 
 burg Township. He li.as a beautiful home on his 
 place, which he built in 1877, and the large and 
 commodious barn was built in 187G. He engages in
 
 r>2n 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 general fanning and stock-i-aising. Mr. Helms has 
 had eight children, of whom seven are now living, 
 and they are George H., who is on his father's 
 farm; Edward S., Herman L., Mary Ann, Maggie, 
 Walter and .Tnlius are at tlie home with their fa- 
 ther. 
 
 Our subject is a ver^' active member of the 
 (4range and has held several prominent offices in 
 it. He was one of the charter members of 
 Turkey Hill Grange Xo. i;57(i. 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 enjojs 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 he has never 
 operated it himself, preferring to lease it. 
 
 i^-f^e 
 
 RS. AMANDA M. FARLANl). One of 
 the best-known residents of St. Clair 
 Township is the ladj' whose name opens 
 this sketch. She was born September 14, 
 1820, and has long been an honored resident here, 
 and there are sorrowful events in her life which 
 have made her more prominent in the neighbor- 
 hood than are man}' 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 
 bear 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. 
 She was born in Ridge Prairie, St. Clair County, 
 where her marriage was solemnized at her father's 
 residence in 1836, and about five years later her hus- 
 band felt the call to declare the Gospel and began 
 preaching. His woik w.as principally in those 
 
 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 his church, and as he considered it a patriot's 
 dut}', went into the army for the defense of his 
 counti-}'. He enlisted in Company I, of the One 
 Hundred and Seventeentli 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 might 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 
 fifty-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, she 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 the 
 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 the 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 1855, and married Lucy Bigole. He is an 
 electrician and resides in Warrensburg, Mo., and 
 has an interesting family of four children. Sam- 
 uel was born in 1857, and lives at LaCynge, Kan., 
 where he is a farmer. He married Sarah Bouler, 
 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 oneoliild; their home 
 is in Pueblo, Colo. David and Wallace, twins, 
 were born April 10, 1862. 
 
 Mr. McFarland politically was a Repultlican, 
 and his loyalty was so intense that he could not 
 restrain himself from trying to defend his couu-
 
 tlHKA«y 
 
 "'"f^S'ly W ,u,N0J&

 
 PORTRAIT AMD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 623 
 
 try. His sorrowing widow sympathized with him 
 nnd even now feels that the saeriflees that she has 
 made were riglit. and that only by sacrifices was 
 the Union |)reserved. She is one of the large 
 land-owners of this section, having two hundred 
 and forty acres on section 1, and one of the largest 
 and most conifort.able residences in the county. 
 She moved into lliis home in 1860, and here dis- 
 penses hospitality to her family and friends; in 
 the latter she can count tlie whole neighbor- 
 hood. 
 
 
 ^^^ HARLKS K. DAKK, M. 1). The city of 
 fl( ^ Belleville is not behind other places of 
 \^ 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 tiie gentleman whose name intro- 
 duces this sketch. He is a representative of the 
 homeopathic school and has a large and lucrative 
 practice in the community. 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 C.'istleton University, in Vermont, 
 then the leading medical .school of the East, and 
 commenced the practice of his profession in New 
 York .State, where lie continued for ten years. 
 In 1845, he hecanic a c<iii\ert to homeopathy, 
 which lie 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 professofthi)) in a I'liiladelphia col- 
 lege, but was unable to .accept. Religiously, he 
 was a member of tlie Baptist 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 iMary Manuel, who was l)()rn in 
 England. They became the parents of li\c cliil- 
 dren, as follows: Theresa .\., who is the wife of Dr. 
 F. W. Skiles, a retired physician, formerly of Brook- 
 lyn, N. Y., Init now of Suffolk, \'a.: .lulia E.. 
 the wife of E. P. Castorline, wiio is a resident of 
 San Franciscoand an extensive miner of California; 
 Mary E., who married Frank Eaton, a merchant 
 of De 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 
 niary 17. ISill. His wife still survives him and 
 finds a congenial home 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. .J. P. Dake, of Nashville. Tcnn., who is 
 at the head of the hoineopathic 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 medicine 
 under the direction of his father and Dr. Skiles, 
 his brother-in-law. Latei-, he entered the (College 
 of Physicians and Surgeons at New York City, 
 from which he was graduated in 187.'i. .\fter 
 spending some months in visiting hospitals, etc., 
 he came to lielleville in December. 187.3, and 
 opened ;ui ollice for the practice of his profession. 
 He was honored 1)\ a call to fill the Chair of 
 Cheinislry in the Homeopathic College at St. Louis, 
 but his practice had already assumed dimensions 
 that seemed to him to preclude accepfjince. 
 
 In his medical views. Dr. Dake is very lilieral 
 :ui(I docs not feel bound down to Mn\- school, 
 citlici- in theory or practice, although he is con- 
 sidcic(l ;i homeopatliist. From the nature of the 
 clini.'itc 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
 
 624 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 in the hospitals of Now 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 lie 
 takes a deep interest in literary matters in gen- 
 eral. His office is in his residence on the corner 
 of High and Fifth Streets. 
 
 The home life of Dr. Dake affords a pleasant 
 relaxation from his professional duties. The lady 
 whom he married September 12, 1872, was Miss 
 Kugcnia Swyer, born in Belleville October 2, 18.55. 
 Her father, David Swj'er, was one of the older 
 residents of this city, where he died in 1884. The 
 Doctor and his wife have two children. May T. 
 and Eugenia Grace. In national affairs. Dr. Dake 
 li.as 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 ills dutv as a citizen. 
 
 w 
 
 AC'OB EKIES, who is engaged in general 
 farming and stock-raising on section ,31 
 Engelman Township, was born on the 22d 
 of September, 1853, about three miles west 
 of Mascoutah. His father, John Fries, one of the 
 early settlers of the county, is now a resident of Mas- 
 coutah. Of the family three sous are living: our suli- 
 ject; Dr. William A., a practicing physician of St. 
 Louis; and Dr. .lohn A., a dentist of the same city. 
 When our subject was about ten years of age his 
 parents removed to the farm where he now resides. 
 Theie he 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 the 
 winter season, while in tlie summer months he 
 worked in the fields. He remained at home until 
 his marriage, which wiis celebrated on the 21st of 
 February, 1879, Miss Elizabeth Freivogel becfun- 
 ing his wife. Her father, Christian Frievogel, was 
 vuti of llif pioneer seltlers .>f 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, O.scar and Edmund; Hilda 
 and Emma are still with their parents. 
 
 After his marriage, Mr. Fries located upon his 
 farm in Freeburg Township, where he resided 
 for a period of eight years, lie then removed 
 to the farm which is now his home, and lias 
 resided thereon continuously since. He owns 
 one hundred and forty-six acres of valuable land 
 in Freeburg and Fugleman Townships all well im- 
 proved and under a high state of cultivation. 
 He raises wheat, corn and potatoes and is also en- 
 gaged 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 
 labors. 
 
 Mr. Fries holds membership with the Indepen- 
 dent Order of Mutual Aid of Mascoutah. In jiol- 
 itics he is a Republican but is not strictly partisan, 
 holding himself free to support the man whom he 
 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 h,as long made his home holds him in 
 hiffii esteem. 
 
 — «- 
 
 ^>-^^<l 
 
 llp^ERDlNAND WILDGRUBE, a prosperous 
 :1r^l "■"'^ energetic agriculturist of St. Clair 
 1 ~ County. III., for the past twenty-four years 
 ;iii(l widch known .as an excellent citizen, indus- 
 trious and upright in clunacter, now resides upon 
 a valuable farm located upon section !), Marissa 
 Townsliip. Our subject w.as liorn in Frussia, in 
 1837. His p:iieiits, (it)dfrey and P^lizabeth (Keaii) 
 Wildyrulif, wei(! also natives of Pnissia, ;iiid al-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL Rp:CORD. 
 
 625 
 
 though in moderate circumstances, gave to their 
 children all the advantages they could afford, and 
 wisely trained them in the. habits of industry, 
 which later became tlieir capital in life. 
 
 Beginning the strugsjle of existence in boyhood, 
 Mr, AVildgrube grew up self leliant, manly and 
 enci'getic, and was well littcd to make his own 
 way in the world. In 18(>(S, he finally deter- 
 mined to emigrate to America, where he firmly be- 
 lieved there were greater oi)portunities for the ad- 
 vancement of a young and resolute man. Cross- 
 ing the broad ocean, he w.a.s safely landed upon 
 our shores, and journeying to Illinois, was soon at 
 home in .St. Clair County, arriving in this portion 
 of the countr}' .lul^- 26, 1868, Separated from his 
 parents and the associations of his youthful d.iys, 
 lie entered into tlie marriage relation, founding 
 for himself a home and family in his adopted land. 
 His highly-esteemed wife w.as Miss Wilhelmina 
 H.ashman, a native of Prussia, Oermany. who came 
 to the I'nited States many years ago. 
 
 Possessing no capital to invest in property or 
 business, the first few years of (uir subject's resi- 
 dence in America, he wa> oliliucd to work out b\" 
 the day, week, month or year, (living 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 iielpmate indeed, 
 and together they have :iccuiiiulated some good 
 property, and now own a line t'uiiii of one hun- 
 dred and eighty acres, all under a high state of 
 improvement. Patiently cnllivaling the soil of 
 the homestead year after year, Mr. Wildgrube 
 annually reaps a harvest, whose abundant returns 
 is the reward of inti'lli^cnl aiul persistent effort. 
 The pleasant Iiomic of Mr. and .Mrs. Wildgrube 
 has been bles.-icd by tlir inc.-fiice of five luiglit 
 and intelligent children, who aic enjoying the ex- 
 cellent educational advantages of their neigh- 
 borhood, and who will receive from their parents* 
 the training which will m;ike of them useful and 
 law-abiding citizens, woilliy of all respect and 
 honor. 
 
 Mr. and .Mrs. Wildgrube are meiiibers 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 affiliation, 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. 
 Mv. Wildi.M'ul)e takes an active interest in the 
 local and National management of affairs, and al- 
 ways may be found upon the side of right and 
 justice. Honorable and upright in all his business 
 dealings, a true friend and kind neighbor, our sub- 
 ject has a large circle of warm friends. 
 
 AVID C. MARSH, a prominent and success- 
 \]j ful business man and enterprising Alder- 
 ^J^ man from the Second Ward of the city 
 of Last St. Louis, is one of the most ener- 
 getic and progressive citizens of .St, Clair County, 
 111., and is widely known and highly esteemed for 
 his excellent (lualities of head and heart. Our 
 subject was born in Fallston, Beaver County, Pa., 
 May 2. 1828. His father, David C. Marsh, was 
 born in Cattaraugus Country, N. Y,, in 171*7, 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 diflferenl 
 enter|)rise>. •.iiid at one time owned a ^rist and 
 s:iw mill. He was a man of :ibility, and early in 
 life started for the Far West with his family and 
 a two-horse wagon, lint circumstances induced him 
 to return to Pittsburgh. The mother of our sub- 
 ject was Calispa Carpenter, who w.as born in Mass- 
 Mcbusetls in 1797, and was of (Jerman descent, 
 llcr 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 
 McKeesporl, near Pittsburgh, in .Vjjril, 1883, 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. 
 
 Davni C, Marsh was one of a famil}' of seven
 
 626 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 children, four sons and three daughters, six of 
 whom lived to adult age. John died in McKees- 
 jiort, and had served in the army as Drum Major, 
 remaining in the First Artillery of Pennsylvania 
 until the close of the war. Laura J. is Mrs. Mil- 
 ler, of McKeesport, Pa.; Mary A. Haas is a wealths- 
 widow and extensive ranch-owner, living in Tu- 
 lare County, Cal.; (ieorge died when young; Eliza, 
 Mrs. Maj. Barclay, resides in .lohnstown; Theo- 
 dore is located upon a ranch in Tulare County, 
 Cal. The latter served in the late Civil War, en- 
 listing in the Sixty-jccond Pennsylvania Infantr}', 
 and ;vas under the command of Gen. Black. Con- 
 stantlj- exposed to danger, he was Hnally wounded 
 in tiie right 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 Ave or six trips in the spring, working in 
 the mills at other times. In 1853, he came to St. 
 Louis and worked in the Schoate, Homson & Vajley 
 Rolling Mills, and was there occupying 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. jMr. Marsh is the oldest iron worker in the 
 mills, and is a highly-valued employe. Our sub- 
 ject was married in Crawford County, Mo., in 
 1867, to Miss Fannie Cavenah, who was born in 
 Hermann, Mo. Her parents were early settlers of 
 that State and highly respected. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Marsh are the parents of three living children: 
 David S. is the City Oil Inspector; James T. died 
 at the age of twenty-four ^-ears; John is a book- 
 kcei)er at the stock yards, and William A, is em- 
 ployed in the Tudor Mills, 
 
 While in St. Louis, Mr. Marsh served six years 
 on the Mulanphy Board of Philanthrophy. In 
 1887, our subject was elected Alderman from the 
 First Ward, 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 ditiiculties .and disposed of matters 
 of interest to the general public. Earnest, ener- 
 getic and public-spirited, he has 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. F. & A. M., St. Louis, Past Master of Belle- 
 fontaine Chapter. R. A. M., St. Louis; ex-Excellent 
 King of Tanered Commandery No. 50, K. T., Belle- 
 ville; and is also a member of Olive Branch Lodge, 
 K. of H., 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 hi-' liest efforts in behalf 
 of progress and reform. 
 
 lOBERT H. HAMILTON. In all the broad 
 expanse of the Prairie State there is no 
 county which affords sustenance to a 
 greater number of agriculturists than this, 
 whose productive soil, commercial facilities and 
 advanced development m.ake it pre-eminentls" the 
 farmer's home. One of its comfortable and attrac- 
 tive abodes is that of the subject t)f this notice, 
 who occupies a good estate, comprising one hun- 
 dred and eighty-three acres pleasantly located on 
 section 28, Marissa Township. 
 
 John and Sai-ah (Elder) Ilauiilton, the [larents 
 of our subject, were natives of South Carolina, 
 where also the grandparents. Robert and Margaret 
 (Ross) Hamilton, were born, ami were of Scotch-
 
 IIBRARY 
 i)f THE 
 
 >n ILUNOIS.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 629 
 
 Irish descent. As the means for obtaining an edu- 
 cation were very limited in an early day in North 
 Carolina, the father of our suhjoot attended such 
 schools as the locality affurd('(l. which were very 
 pool. He was reared to farni i)ursuils, and when 
 starting out in life for himself vv.as married in his 
 native State, and in 1831 came to Sparta, Randolpli 
 County, this Slate, where he made his home for 
 two 3ears and then became idenlitied 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 (lov- 
 ernment added to it from time to time until at his 
 death he owned nearly four hundi'ed broad and 
 valuable acres, which he devel()i)ed 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- 
 raiser and had on liis place many head of fine 
 animals. He departed this life in ISTli. having 
 been preceded to the better land by his wife, who 
 died in 1K7(I. In politics, he was a stanch Demo- 
 crat for many years hut attaciied himself to the 
 Hei)ulilican party some years prior to his death. 
 His i)i-inciples were above reproach, and in him the 
 United Presbyterian Church found one of its most 
 sincere and upright membei-s. 
 
 Robert H. Hamilton wasl)orn in Chester Counts . 
 S. C., in 182t>, and liis 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 .\., daugh- 
 ter of Moses and Lucy (Henderson) Thompson, who 
 were early i)ioneers of this county l)ut were liorn 
 in South Carolina. Moses Thompson followed the 
 occupations of a blaeksniith and faiiiiei' and suc- 
 ceeded fairly well in worldly affairs, lie was ji son 
 of .\rehibald and Mary (Meliride) Thom|)son, who. 
 like him, were born in South Carolina. of Irish pai-- 
 cnts, and came to Illinois in the eai-ly part of the 
 nineteenth century. 
 
 Immediately after his marriage, our subject lo- 
 cated upon his ])ie.sent farm and now occupies the 
 front rank among the progressive and prosperous 
 agriculturists of Maris.sa Township. By his union 
 with Miss Thomiison have l)een born seven chil- 
 dren, viz.: .Saiah .)., the wife of Kolieit .McCriglit: 
 
 29 
 
 Lucy E., the wife of James White; John T.; Mary 
 II.. ^Irs. John Church; Robert S., Martin M. and 
 .Viina Myrtle. .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 prosjjcrity 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 
 alfiliation is with the Prohibition party and in re- 
 ligious affairs he is an active member of the I'nited 
 Presbvterian Church. 
 
 ilt-^ ENHV t. WII.I.1.\.MS. The leading liv- 
 lljii er3-manof Belleville is the gentleman whose 
 ^4W^ name heads this sketch. He was born hero 
 ^ March 25, 1814, his father, \<>lney L. Will- 
 iams, having come to Belleville in 18.'i7. 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 liusiness had grown to very extensive propor- 
 tions. 
 
 The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
 of .Martlia Penn, and is a sister of Joseph I'enn.of 
 whom M'c biography. She resides at Lincoln. 
 l.ouMU County. 111. Of her eight children, only 
 two. •Ill' now livitia. our subject ami Lewis 5Iar- 
 shall. of this eily. 
 
 Henry C. was educated in Belleville, and there 
 learned the trade of a carriage-maker with hisfathei-, 
 and followed that occupation for some time. When 
 twenty-one years old, he started out for himself, 
 ;ind soon afterward built a block two stories high, 
 sitxKin feel. One-half of the building is used as 
 ■•1 eMiriai;:e man iifMctoi y. while the other is utilized 
 as a livery, the latter having been added m 1870. 
 lie continued in the carriage business until 189(1 
 when he sold to the Belleville Carriage Works, 
 and now iri\es his whole attention lo the liverv.
 
 630 
 
 POUTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 
 
 He has fine accommodations for feeding a great 
 many horses, and keeps a hack line and man_y 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, .ill neatly laid out. 
 
 Mr. Williams may justly be proud of the suc- 
 cess which has rewarded his efforts, for it is the re- 
 sult of his unaided exertions and has been brought 
 about by keen business discrimination and un- 
 Haggiug energy. In addition to the business 
 above mentioned, he has a second livery stable 
 which he 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. 
 
 \1[^^ ENKY B. & JOHN B. STEINERT. The rich- 
 [[jV est heritage of American youth is the exam- 
 1^1^ pie of their country's brain and brawn 
 'v(^ wiought into lives of perfect harmony, 
 splendid fealty and tireless industry. The annals of 
 such lives are briefly told in the history of Henry B. 
 and John B. Sleinert. They are classed among the 
 prominent newspaper men of St. Clair County, and 
 are editors and proprietors of the East St. Louis Ga- 
 xcltp and the Inland Farmer, bright, newsy and 
 instructive papers with ti wide circulaliuii and ex- 
 
 tended influence. Their crisp and trenchant edi- 
 torials are alwa3's read with interest and are influ- 
 ential in moulding the pulilic 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, Germanj'. 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 hrother-in-law, 
 John B.Bowman, at one time Mayor of the city. 
 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 
 !iiid iK'iicvolent 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; 
 Henry B. and John B., our subjects; and Ed F., 
 whose home is in Kansas City. 
 
 Henry B. Steinert was born in East St. Louis on 
 the 12th of July, 1864, and remained in this city 
 until six years of age, when his father died and he 
 went to New Athens, where his uncle, Nicholas 
 Steinert, a prominent f.armer, 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 ce.ased 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 1«H(;, 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 Oazette for one year. After 
 this he was in the real-estate business again and 
 was thus engaged until Ji^imary, 1892, when he
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RIX'ORD. 
 
 fi3I 
 
 formed a partnership and purchased the Gaxettp. 
 Tlie Gazcttfi was edited in 186') by John H. Bowman, 
 is the oldest paper now in existence in the county, 
 and the official organ of the county. It is a six- 
 column quarto. Democratic in its tone and devoted 
 to the hest interests of the county. In 5Iay, 1H92, 
 Mr. Steinert purchased the Inland Farmpr from 
 A. H. Ogle and edits it. This paijcr was started in 
 1876 and is devoted to the interests of the farm- 
 ing cominunily. U receives contributions from 
 the ablest men an<l is a five-column (juarto, pub- 
 lished semi-monthly. The press is supplied with 
 all the newest and latest improvement* and he has 
 !i large job patronage. Mr. Steinert owns consid- 
 erable real estate and is one of the foremost men 
 of St. Clair County. He evinced his iJieferencc for 
 secret organizations by becoming a member of the 
 Knights of Pythias and the I ndciHiident Order of 
 Odd Fellows, (Golden Rule. 
 
 .John H. .Steinert was born in Iv.isl St. Louis, on 
 the 10th of October, 18(56, and was reared by his 
 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 there was 
 employed in the Missouri iV Pacific Railroad ma- 
 chine shop for one year. In 1887, he went to 
 Omaha, Neb., as insiiucUir of mechanics in the 
 deaf and dumb schools for two years. In the 
 year 1885), he went to Elgin, 111., and taught 
 manual training, drawing, etc, in Klgin Academy, 
 and in 1890 went to New York City, where he at- 
 tended a college for the training of teachers for 
 nearly two years. In .lanuarv, 18!)2, the partner- 
 ship was formed on the (irtzeW-. 
 
 ^5^E()HGK W. (ilTllHlK. ;. history of whose 
 fl[ ,_-, life is herewith presented to our readers, has 
 \>^^j passed frf>in the scenes of earthly joys and 
 sorrows to his tlnal resting place. He was a pro- 
 gressive fariiiec ip iiarissa Township and rose to a 
 
 position in agricultural affairs which many might 
 envv. He was respected by all who knew him and 
 such was his integrity th.at his pnmiisc was as good 
 as his bond. His valuable estate of two hundred 
 and fifty-Hve acres, which is located on section 
 '^•2, is carried on by his widow, who manages atTairs 
 on a paying Ijasis. 
 
 Our subject was born January 1."). lf<ll. in this 
 county, and was the son of Jose|)li and i:iizabelli 
 (Boyd) Guthrie, of Irish and German descent. His 
 father, also a native of Illinois, was born in Ran- 
 dolph County and made his advent into this section 
 in 188."). 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 (iuthrie followed the combined 
 occupations of shoe-maker, school-teacher and f.ar- 
 mer and departed this life in 1848, while his good 
 wife, who survived him a numlier f>f years, died in 
 1866. 
 
 The original of this sketch was one of a family 
 of five children, only two of whom arc living. He 
 was the recipient of a common-school education, 
 and when turning his attention to farming, mani- 
 fested such a lively interest iu 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 .\delia Johnson, and 
 to them was born a son..Ioliii. who is a resident of 
 St. Louis. Mo. 
 
 The lady whom our subject chose as his-second 
 wife was Miss Rebecca McClintock, who was bom 
 ill County Antrim. Ireland, in 1840. She w.as the 
 (hmglitiM of David and Anna ((irear) .McClintock, 
 also nativo of the aliove county in Ireland, where 
 they were mairied. The mother of Mrs. Guthrie 
 was the daughter of James and Mary (Wil.son) 
 Grear. Hy her marriage with Mr. AlcClintock 
 she leaied a family of two children: Robert and 
 Mrs. (iuthrie. When but four yeais of age, the Lat- 
 ter was brought to America by her parents, who 
 located in Handolpli County, this State, where they 
 spent the remainder of their lives. They were 
 members in good standing tif the Presbyterian 
 Church, and were respected thiouyhoiil the sur» 
 rounding couwlrv.
 
 632 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Mr. Guthrie of this sketch was always greatlj^ 
 interested in school affairs, and liis children one 
 and all received excellent instruction, David being 
 an attendant of the State Normal of Illinois. Tiie 
 otiier members of the faniil}- bore the respective 
 names of Josepli, who died when two j'ears of age; 
 Elizabeth, the wife of John K. White, 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. (Tuthrie in social matters was a member in 
 liigh standing of the Independent Order of Odd 
 Fellows and at all times and in all places showed 
 himself to be a loyal citizen and was well regarded 
 l)y l\is fellow-townsmen, and in his death, which 
 occurred February 12, 1888, the county lost one of 
 its most honored residents. 
 
 '■ r f^tl 
 
 DATRICK FLANNP:RY, a valued member of 
 ) the Board of Election Commissioners, and 
 f - since 1865 one of the able, energetic and 
 r\ leading citizens of East St. Louis, has be(!n 
 prominently connected witli various important 
 enterprises of this portion of tiie Slate, and is 
 widely known as a public-spirited and very 
 lirogressive man. Om- 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 Flannerj' 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 
 Imbe. 
 
 The mother of our sulijcct was Margaret (Roach) 
 Flaiineiy, born in Ireland, and there died in the 
 year 1889, leaving five children to mouin her loss: 
 :\Iary, Mrs. Nebol, died in East St. Louis in 1891; 
 Martin resides in E:ist St. Louis; John is a farmer 
 in Ireland; Patrick.our subject; and James cultivates 
 the soil of "Old Erin." Mr. Patrick Flannery was 
 raised u|)ou .-i faiin, niiil rcceivei) the benelil 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 emplo\^ment in the rolling mills of Allen 
 & Filley. working as a puddler, manufacturing 
 iron rails, and continuing there for ten years. 
 
 In time he was ))romoted to be foreman of a fur- 
 nace. In 1871 and 1872, he worked in St. Louis 
 and South St. Louis, where 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 City, Seventh Ward. 
 
 Mr. Flannery was married in East St. Louis, in 
 1876, to Miss Mary Wright, a native of Tennessee. 
 The happj' 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 Maiy. 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 integrit}-, and 
 has iieen twice re-appointed since, now serving his 
 third term. Under the administration of liie 
 Board, of which he has been a continuous member, 
 the election law lias been faithfully and impar- 
 tially enforced, and the public .satisfaction has 
 been unbounded, much credit having been justly 
 awarded Mr. Flannery, whose excellent judgHient 
 and executive abilitj' are well known. 
 
 Our subject is a valued member of St. Mary's 
 Catholic Church, and is ever ready to assist in all 
 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 |o numerous Stale
 
 LIBRARY
 
 -■,v-^ ^'j'-w*;** 4-S!^»'KTi,sS««'<^>; 
 
 AX
 
 PORTRAIT AND BlUCiRAl'lUL AL RFX'ORD. 
 
 (i;?:. 
 
 and county conventions, and is a member of the 
 County Democratic Committee. Financially .suc- 
 cessful in lii.'s business, our subject lias been an 
 important factor in tlie 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 .Vmcrican citizen. 
 
 ,F_^^UGH L. PL(^H, agent for the East St. Louis 
 Jji] A' Caron'delet Railroad at E.tst Caroudelet, 
 S^y' is one of the prominent citizens of St. Clair 
 ^^ County. His years of service with one 
 corporation testify as to his ability and the esteem 
 in which he is held by his emplo^-ers, while the 
 record of liis life proves better than any words of 
 the biographer can do the probity and upright- 
 ness which have characterized his every action. 
 
 .Some mention, although brief, is due the father 
 of our subject, Peter I'ugh. He was born in Fair- 
 view. Hancock County, Va.. in September, 1828, 
 and traced his ancestry to (Jermany and .Scotland, 
 where his forefathers were people of influence and 
 high standing. He married Miss Susanna Scott, who 
 was born in Hancock County, \'a., July 4, 1828. 
 I'nto them were born six children, five of whom 
 are still living: l>ouisa, Mrs. Albert Nance, resides 
 in Denver, Colo., and during the late campaign 
 (1892) was the candidate of tlic People's party of 
 Colorado for the otlice of State Treasurer; Lulu is 
 the wife of Louis Perrin, and makes her home in 
 East St. Louis; Seely Edsall and Ermon reside in 
 East Carondelet, and are both engaged as en- 
 gineers. 
 
 In 1859, Peter Piigh came to lllinoi> and located 
 in Bardolph, McDonough County, where he en- 
 gaged in tlie milling business fora few years. Thence 
 he removed to Fulton County, III., in I8(i3, and 
 followed the same occupation in thai county for 
 seven 3'ears. He came to E.ast Carondeletin IbiTf), 
 with the intention of taking charge of a mill; but 
 circumstances compelled him to change his plans, 
 and he became watchman of an iron furnace, which 
 
 position he held until the time of his death, a 
 period of about eight years. He passed from eartli 
 in Seiitcmber, 1891; his wife survives him and oc- 
 cupies a comfortable home in East Carondelet. 
 Peter Pugh was one of those men who live in the 
 memory of others long after they have been called 
 from the scenes of lime, and his connection with 
 the Presbyterian Church was of such a helpful na- 
 ture that his name will be preserved in its annals. 
 
 Morn in Fairview, Hancock County. \'a., .Jan- 
 uary 24, 1804, 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 
 his school days were ended he spent four years in 
 learning the trade of a machinist and engineer at 
 15ardolph. Later, he entered a- railroad oflice at 
 Table Grove, 111., where he was taught the details 
 of the business. Since 1872 he has followed this 
 occupation exclusivelj', with the exception of the 
 vears included between 1878 and 1882, when he 
 was engineer of the furnace at East Carondelet. 
 
 .Vpril 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 
 18.")7. .Mr. and Mrs. Pugh are the parents of three 
 children living: Pearl, who is nine j-ears old; Edna, 
 .aged eight; and Irene F., who is five months .old. 
 Hazel died at the age of thirteen months. .Socially, 
 Jlr. Pugh is identilied with the N. D. Morse Lodge 
 No. 346, F. k A. M., at Concord, III. In politics, 
 he gives his ballot and influence to the support of 
 the Democratic parly, and has been called upon to 
 occupy several important positions. He is now 
 serving as Justice of the 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 
 tlie village of E.ost Carondelet. 
 
 «^^HE()l)()RE lllM.MERT, a prosperous and 
 y«^!^ energetic agriculturist, and well-known 
 V^^ and highly respected citizen, cultivates a 
 fine farm of two hundred and twenty acres, near 
 Fayetleville, St. Clair County, III., where he has
 
 fi36 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 
 
 been located for more than two-score years. Our 
 subject was born in the year 1827, in Hanover, 
 Germany, and is the son of Benjamin and Eliza- 
 beth (Lamppe) llummert. This 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 litted 
 them to make their own way in life. 
 
 The fatlier 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 
 1818. 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 tiie 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 benefit 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 annually rewarded by a bounteous har- 
 vest. Our subject has been twice married. He first 
 married Miss Mary Gudiwin, in Fayetteville, wlio 
 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, Elizabetli, 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 oiliers less fortunate than themselves. 
 INIr. Hummert is a Democrat, and while never an 
 office-seeker is interested in the outcome of local 
 and National issues. An honest, hard-working and 
 upright citizen, our subject is highly respected by 
 the entire community among wlumi he has so long 
 resided. 
 
 sETP:R GODIN, Si;., of Prairie du Point, Sugar 
 I) Loaf Townstiip, St. Clair County, 111., was 
 
 born in the village wliere he now lives, and 
 \ is the son of Peter Godin, born in the same 
 village in about tlie year 1791, the grandfather of 
 our subject having been one of the very first resi- 
 dents of that count\'. The latter was probably 
 born also in Prairie du Point. Peter (iodin, the 
 father of oursubject, 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 were 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, 18.'15, 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, lie was 
 married there to Philesta Palmier, daugliter of E. 
 Palmier, of the same place. Returning to Prairie du 
 Point, where his wife died, he was again married, 
 this time to Virginia AUary, daughter of ,1. B. 
 Allary, an old settler of the village. Tliis 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. 
 
 fi37 
 
 living at Falling Springs; Edmund, employed in 
 a grocery at St. Louis; Isaac, living at home, and 
 .Icnny, who is also at home. Tlie three wlio are 
 dead passed away in infancy. 
 
 The business in which our subject is at present 
 engaged is the retail liquor business, in addition 
 to which lie 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 j<ud the other at Ful- 
 ler's Springs, and owns likewise a beautiful 
 place loc.ited 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. (iodin was received in 
 the Roman Catholic Churdi, with which body he 
 retsiins his membership. t)ur subject manifests 
 much interest in politics, taking an active ))art in 
 all elections, his influence being directed to the 
 success of the Democratic ticket. His fellow-citi- 
 zens have elected him Highway Commissioner of 
 the township, a position he yet retains, and he 
 holds the ortice 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. 
 
 ■■^S^'^S- 
 
 eHARLES FDl'LKS. a very early pit)iieer of 
 St. Clair County, but now residing with a 
 daughter in St. Louis, was born in Mon- 
 mouth County. X. .1., in 1808. He is a son of 
 Christopher and Margaret Foulks, and it is worthy 
 of note that one of his i)aients w.as born in (ier- 
 manj- three weeks before the grandparents left 
 that country and the other was born in the United 
 .States three weeks after the grandparents arrived 
 m this country. In Pennsylvania the parents of 
 our subject were reared to maturity, but soon after 
 their marriage they removed to Monmouth County, 
 >'. J., where the father was engaged in a tobacco 
 
 factor}- 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, lieing in partnership with a 
 brother. 
 
 .Vbout that time the attention of Christopher 
 Foulks was turiied 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 ottlce 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. 
 
 .Vfter 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 tlie largest tob.acco- 
 factory in the Inited States. The father of our 
 subject was one of eight brothers, three of whom 
 came to Illinois, two being ministei-s 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 w.as married first to Emily, 
 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, .\fter his 
 liist 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 Helleville. 
 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. Foulk? erected an 
 hotel at Freeburg, which he managed for three
 
 (;3« 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 years, but which, however, did not prove a fi- 
 nancinl success. He then i-emoved to BellcYiile 
 and purchased property amounting to $8,000. In 
 1887 he went to St. Louis, where he malies 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 tiie progress of 
 St. Clair County from the time when it was the 
 home principally of Indians, until now it ranlis 
 among the best counties of Illinois, and much of 
 its prosperity may justly Iw attriliuted to his 
 efforts. 
 
 *^^ 
 
 ^^ 
 
 Clair County, 111., was born in Ilolstein, 
 Germany, in the year 1854. He is a son of 
 ^, C. L. and Helena (Peters) Jargstorff, 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. Early deter- 
 mining upon the vocation of a teacher, he was ed- 
 ucated with that object in view, and after leaving 
 Ills Alma Mater was tor many years 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. 
 Now, 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 tlie two children born to her, lie 
 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, lie having been a 
 General in the army of that empire. In the 3'ear 
 1813, he went to Holstein, married and settled 
 there upon a large tract of land. 
 
 The subject of this sketch received a very care- 
 ful and thorough education in private schools. 
 
 and Kiel University, and for several years attended 
 a college near liis home in German}', fitting him- 
 self for tlic profession of a teaclier. Turning 
 ' his face A\^estward, he emigrated to tlie I'nited 
 States in tlie year 1881, locating at Cape (Gir- 
 ardeau, wlicre lie prepared himself for the min- 
 istry of tlie Lutheran Church. He then went 
 to Belleville, III., in June, 1882, and was ordained 
 a minister in St. I'aul's Church, taking work im- 
 mediately afterward 111 St. Jacob's. Madison 
 j County, 111., where he remained five years. Then 
 i 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 (Schiem) Pahmeyer, the latter 
 dying when she was very young. Onr subject is 
 a member of Marissa Lodge No. 654, I. O. O. F. 
 Politics is a pleasing study to him, his faith in the 
 Democratic party being so strong that he has ad- 
 vocated its measures from the stump, and it is 
 i stated that at one time he thought seriously of 
 i stepping out i>f the ministry into the arena of 
 j jiolitics. 
 
 Vf? (.)ITS RIIEIN, living on section I, Smithton 
 ll (@, Township, St. Clair County, III., is the 
 J^^ son of Fred Rhein, who was born in Ba- 
 varia, (Germany, where he was reared and married 
 to Katharine Lipbert, coming to this country in 
 18.S9. He first located in St. Louis, from which 
 city he removed to Belleville, and afterward to 
 Smithton Township, where he bought prairie land 
 at $4 an acre and improved it himself. At the 
 time of his death, in 1884, he was tlie owner of 
 seventy-one acres. There were but two children 
 by the marriage of the parents of our subject, 
 namely, 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 this county, where he was reared
 
 LIBRARY 
 Of THE 
 iTV Of (LIINOIS.
 
 1 
 
 '•if*!- 
 
 (^^ylKA UZe^c/m^:^^'^>'>'^>^
 
 Portrait and bk.okai'hkaj. rkcord. 
 
 (Ml 
 
 to nianhuod, received liis schooling and was mar- 
 ried ill 187.'), to Miss Louisa (iouch, daughter of 
 Mary Gouch. After two years of married life, 
 Mrs. Rhein died. .luly 28, 1877, leaving one child. 
 Otto, now decea?e<l. Miss Klizabetli Scliwinn 1h>- 
 came his second wife, February I, 1879; she is 
 the daughter of I'eter .Sclnvinn, an early settler of 
 St. Clair Township, this county, where he still 
 lives and where Mr*. Rhein was reared and edu- 
 cated. The latter has borne her husband nine chil- 
 dren, seven of whom are living, namely: Margaret 
 C, Stella L., Adolph V.. Hilda M.. Adcll ( ).. 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, breeding 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 verv 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 Church, in 
 which body he holds membership. Educational 
 matters always interest lii'in and he is a Director 
 of .Schools in his district. 
 
 ETER REIM.VNN, of the firm of Xiemesit 
 Reimann, contractors and builders, is one 
 ^ of the successful business men of East .St. 
 Louis, and is a very pleasant gentleman 
 in all the relations of life. He is of German birth 
 and lineage, an<l possesses the thrifty- traits of 
 character noticeable among people of that nation. 
 His grandfather, I'eter Reimann, was a native of 
 German^-, and in that country engaged as a farmer 
 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 Church, 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 I"ry. the 
 daughter of a (ierman farmer who was frozen to 
 death in the French army. She resides in (Ter- 
 maiiy. 
 
 Our suliject is the eldest of nine children born 
 to his iiaieiits, four of whom are yet living. The 
 |ilaie of his nativity was Mandel, by Greutznaugh. 
 and he remained there until he had reached his 
 eighteenth year. He attended the common schools 
 of his |)rovince 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 da3-s, reached 
 New York. In the fall of 1867, he came to East 
 St. Louis. He followed his trade at various i)laces, 
 in St. Louis. Mattoon. 111., Venice. III., and Moberly, 
 Mo., and in 1872 he took the contract from H. 
 Watson to build the Ronnd House in De.Soto, Mo. 
 
 In 188.3, ;\Ir. Reimann formed a partnership with 
 .lohn Niemes. and at the same time 0|)ened the 
 Falling Sjirings stone quarry, of thirty-five acres, 
 located on a branch of the East St. ]x)uis it Car- 
 ondelet Railroad. This is by far the largest quarry 
 in Southern Illinois, and the firm takes contracts 
 for great quantities of line stone. They have done 
 .some very fine work, the Webster, Franklin and 
 Lincoln .Schools being samples, and others being the 
 Ileinis Brewery, the water- works, the principal 
 business blocks of the city, the I'nion 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 liesides his residence at No. 
 :V27 Ninth .Street. 
 
 Mr. Reimann was married in 1871. to .Aliss Katie 
 Hermann, who was born in Belleville, aiul 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, .Mi-. 
 Reimann w.as 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-.Schwer, Germany.
 
 U2 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Our s\ib.iect belongs to the Independent Order 
 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 jNIason, 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. 
 
 EDWARD C. SCHUETZ. Both in his busi- 
 ness success and the position he occupies in 
 ) the community, Mr. Schuetz is an example 
 
 of what a man can accomplish, providing he pos- 
 sesses energy, pluck, good judgment and lionesty 
 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 he 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 War 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 Army of the 
 
 j Missouri, and made the final report. At the close 
 
 1 of the war he was under Gen. Pope. 
 
 { For some time after the close of the war Mr. 
 
 i Schuetz was engaged as book-keeper in a large 
 lumber business at F^ast St. Louis; subsequently, he 
 was with a sawmill company in the same place and 
 still later was Deputy County Assessor under 
 George W. Sierber. Afterward he served as Dep- 
 uty Sheriff for some time and then entered 
 the employ of the F'ourth National Bank of 
 St. Louis as head book-keeper, which position 
 he is still occupying. Fie 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 Grand Army of the Republic as a mem- 
 ber of Frank P. Blair Post. Mrs. Schuetz is de- 
 ceased. 
 
 Our subject attended the public schools of this 
 cit3' until 1879. Since early boyhood he has been 
 familiar with office work, having been emploj'ed 
 in various railroad offices in the city. In his so- 
 cial connections he is a member of the Knights of 
 Pythias, National Union. In political affiliations 
 he is a stanch Republican and has served !»s dele- 
 egate to county and State conventions. 
 
 \|^)ATHEK PATRICK J. O'HALLORAN, 
 IL^N Pastor of St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 
 '/ll East St. Louis, is a native of Ireland, and 
 
 came to .\mcrica 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 .lacksonville. He
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPtnCAL RECORD. 
 
 (H3 
 
 was at various places, some of them being Win- 
 chester, Bunker Hill, and Cairo, where he remained 
 five years, and in 1873, on December 1, he came to 
 East St. Louis and since then lias been the Father 
 of St. Patriclv's Church. It was the first Catholic 
 Church built iri the city and was completed in 
 1862. having been founded by Father ,1. .1. Bremen. 
 Our suliject has been very active in church work 
 liere and established the LorcUa Convent, and the 
 St. Patrick's Paroelii.Tl School, which is the largest 
 in the city. Tin' 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()0. It is finely furnished and has ,sll 
 modern improvements. In 1890, his congregatidii 
 was so large that part of it started the .St. Mar.\ 's 
 Church, butyet 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 Hilicrnians; the Catliohe Knights 
 of America and the Knights of Illinois; Father 
 Mathews' Total Abstinence Society; the Society 
 of the Sacred Heart and the Hosary. He is loved 
 and looked up to by all his families and is a 
 devout worker in the (luiicli of Rome, con- 
 scieiUiou>ly living up to wliat lie believes to be 
 riffht. 
 
 m>^^<^ 
 
 "^ OHN C. HAMILTON. That our subject was 
 one of the shrewdest and most intelligent 
 agriculturists of St. Clair County is shown 
 liy the success which has crowned his efforts, 
 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 
 financial ability, and by the judicious investment 
 of his money has ac(iuired 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 h.as characterized his efforts. His 
 Iiigh standing among his fellow-men is equally 
 satisfactory i)roof of his wf)rth as a neighbor and 
 citizen. 
 
 A native of South Carolina, our subject was 
 Iiorn in Chester County, January 26, 1829. and is 
 :i >on of .lohn and Sarah (Elder) Hamilton, the 
 former of whom was born in the above-named 
 county in 179 1. The paternal grandparents of 
 our subject, Robert and Martha (Ro.ss) Hamilton, 
 were natives of Ireland, emigrating to America 
 from County Antrim in 1792. soon after their 
 niarriagc. 
 
 I'he father of our subject was reared in his nativ(> 
 county, where he was engaged as a cotton planter 
 until coming to Illinois in 1831. Locating in Ran- 
 clol|)li County, he remained there for three years, 
 wlii-n lie took up his abode in St. Clair County, 
 nc:ir where our subject makes his home. His mar- 
 riage with Miss Elder was solemnized May 1. 1S17, 
 and of their union were born three .sons and four 
 daughters, all of whom are living, with one exce))- 
 tion. They were members of the I'nited Presby- 
 terian CInireh. and departed this life in 1876 and 
 1!S7I. respectixely. On the outbreak of tlic War of 
 1812, the father of our subject enlisted in his fa- 
 ther's stead, and returned home from the conlliet 
 unharmed. In politics, his early years wercsjient in 
 support of the Democratic party, but during the 
 latter part of his life he voted the Republican 
 ticket. 
 
 .lohn C. Hamilton, of this .sketch, remained with 
 his [larents until their death, and since attaining 
 his majority has managed the farm with uiHpialified 
 success. He brings to the consideration of all sub- 
 jects presented to his mind the shrewd and cautiou.s 
 judgment that characterized his agricultural career, 
 and though having been engaged all liis life as i\ 
 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 part of the 
 cfiunty. 
 
 In 18;")7, 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 way, 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
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 the fouiity. A (luiet, unassuming man, he is an in- 
 fluence for nuicli good in tiie community where 
 the greater part of his Hfe has been passed, and his 
 every deed and act are guided by tlie highest prin- 
 ciples of trutli, integrity and morality. He is a 
 firm lieliever in the political doctrines of the Re- 
 publican party, and tlierefore casts his vole witli 
 that element. 
 
 (|]_^ ENRY (lUENTZ. This gentleman holds 
 \l))fj the important position of Justice of the 
 '^j^ Peace, was City Register of Belleville for 
 (^) eiglit successive years, and i,s 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 liis native land. Coming 
 to America with his mother August 1, 1847, he 
 finished his course of study in Sliiloh Valley 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 tiie mercan- 
 tile establishment of Edward Tittmann, the largest 
 business at that time in Belleville, and remained 
 with him until his failure in 1857, when he was 
 retained as chief clerk by the assignee until the 
 business was entirely finished. He then purchased 
 the Tittmann vine^'ard and farm in the immediate 
 vicinity of Belleville, which he operated for ten 
 years, until 1868, when he removed to the city of 
 Belleville, and was appointed to the office of City 
 Kegister in 1861), filling that office for eight suc- 
 cessive years. He was elected Justice of the Peace 
 in 1873, and still continues to fill tiiat oflflcetothe 
 satisfaction of all parties. He is the oldest Justice 
 continuing in office, lie 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 ii. single blessedness 
 
 until August 12, 1862, when he took a wife unto 
 himself in the person of Mary Eimer, the accom- 
 plished daughter of Simon Eimer, a prominent and 
 leading citizen of Belleville. This happy union 
 has been blessed with ninechildren, namely: Louisa; 
 Mary, wife of Otto A. Krebs; Emma, Henry, Jo- 
 hanna, Eugenia, Helena, Josie and Camilla, all of 
 wliom are a credit to their parents. Henry now 
 has a position with the Simmons Hardware Co., in 
 St. Louis, Mo. 
 
 Mr. Guentz is a prominent member of the 
 Knights of Pythias, Ancient Order of United Work- 
 men, and Knights of Honor. He and his interest- 
 ing farail}' 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. 
 
 ='+'{"{"i-'S^^ •{••H"!'F 
 
 IIARLES O. McCASLAND. Among the 
 young and active business men of East St. 
 Louis is this gentleman, who is a native of 
 the Prairie IState and one of the most prosperous 
 real-estate dealers in the city where he 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 near Murrayville, 
 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 3'ears, or in 1884, he came to 
 this count}' 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 w.as married in St. Louis, in Oc- 
 tober, 1891,10 Miss Nettie, a daughter of David
 
 PORTRAIT A>'D BIOGRAPHICAL KPXORD 
 
 645 
 
 Lusk, now of East St. Louis. Mrs. McCaslaad was 
 Itoru in Ced.->r Rapids, lowa.and by her uniou with 
 our subject has become the inothci- of one child, 
 wlio bears the name of Julia K. Our subject stands 
 among the worthy and eulerprisinu; men of the 
 community, in wliich ho is respected by all wlio 
 know iiim. In his politics, he is an adherent of the 
 Democracv. 
 
 '^T OHN P. .UKN(iKR is the grandson of Jacob 
 l|] and Dorcas Juenger. both natives of Oer- 
 ^-j|l many. His father was John Mitchell Juen- 
 (^// gcr, and his mother Anna M. (Kahler) Juen- 
 ger. John JI. Juenger served eleven years in the 
 German army, and after obtaining his disciiarge, 
 lie occupied iiimself at the shoemaker's bench, which 
 trade he had most tiuiroughly learned. At the 
 age of twenty-nine years he emigrated with his 
 family to the United Stales. There were four 
 children in the Juenger family, namely: George; 
 John P.. the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, 
 wife of Julius (iairliart: :ii\d Catlu'rine, wife of 
 Michael Keifhier. 
 
 .lohn M. Juenger located in Darmstadt, !St. Clair 
 County, HI., in the year 18.'^8. Here he purchased 
 land and made a pleasant home and he and 
 each member of the family soon made themselves 
 respected in the neiglilH)rhood in which they re- 
 sided. Patience and perseverance bring their re- 
 ward in due time, and Mr. .lucnger by industry 
 and thrift was able to accumulate sufficient of this 
 Avorld's riches to e.ase his mind with regard to the 
 necessities of old age. He, however, did not enj(>_\ 
 the allotted three-score years and ten, as his death 
 occurred in the year 187'2, 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 |)ossessor of. His 
 intelligent and capable wife, who had bravely 
 stood by his side in storm and sunshine, and in 
 every respect had done her share to accumulate and 
 make the most of his resources and maintain the 
 reputation of the family, diecl in 1891, 
 
 In Germany, the land of his parents and grand- 
 parents, John P. Juenger was born. He w.as ten 
 years old when his parents brought him to the 
 Tnited States. He received the ordinary schooling 
 given to boys of his station and [josition In life, 
 and he remained under the paternal roof until his 
 marriage to Miss Elizabeth Laudenschger, which 
 occurred in the year 18.56. his bride being aLso 
 a native of (Germany. This union was blessed 
 by sis children: Conrad, who married Miss Anna 
 Sinister; Dorcas; Catherine, wife of John Steinha- 
 mer: .\ugnsta. Margaret, wife of (ieorge Eckert: 
 and Sophia. 
 
 With genuine (ierinau thrift and prudence, Mr. 
 Juenger began to save, and he furnished a fair ex- 
 ample of what a man may become by adhering 
 lo the rules of economy and industry. Com- 
 mencing life as a poor man, he has 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-day the possessor of two hundred 
 and forty acres of choice St. Clair County land, as 
 well as other i>ossessioni, all of which are the 
 achieTcment of his own personal efforts. 
 
 Politically. Jlr. 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 liberally. He is a i)ub- 
 lic-spirited man and in favor of everything that 
 will improve the county and elevate society. His 
 lidelity to the stanch principles of his (ierman 
 ancestors, and his well-spent life as a citizen have 
 contributed to the high regard in which he is held 
 in his communitv. 
 
 P.WTI) >HUPI1V is a progressive, wide-awake 
 ) and intelligent tiller of the soil of Lebanon 
 Township, St. Clair County. 111., where he 
 owns a magnificent farm of three hundred and 
 ttn acres, of which he has been the owner since
 
 646 
 
 f*ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 1868. What he has accumulated is the result of 
 hard work, untiring industry and good manage- i 
 ment, and he deserves much credit for the admir- ! 
 able wa\' in which he has surmounted the many 
 difliculties that have strewn his pathway through 
 life. He began the battle of life for himself as a 
 renter, but in 1861 bought one hundred and fiftj-- 
 two .acres north of his present farm, exchanging it 
 for the latter seven years later and paying a differ- 
 ence of #10,(100 in casii. He was born in County 
 Cork, Ireland, March 22, 1833, a son of Thomas 
 and Abbie (Leahy) Murphy, witli whom he came 
 to America in 1849, landing at New Orleans. B^-om 
 that place they came to St. Louis, and there the 
 mother died the following June of cholera, her 
 husliand's death of the same dread disease 
 occurring in September following. Their family 
 consisted of live children: Ann, who died in 1860, 
 became the wife of Mr. Foley, who is also de- 
 ceased; David, the subject of this sketch; Dennis 
 became a soldier in the Union army, and is sup- 
 posed to have been killed at Pittsburgh Landing, 
 although no autiientic news of his death was ever 
 received; Ellen is a resident of St. Louis; and 
 Mar}' died in girlhood in St. Louis. 
 
 David Murphy w.as a resident of Shiloli N' alley 
 Township of this county 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. 
 lie removed to Lebanon Township in 1861 and 
 bought the 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 crannj' 
 of his farm is exceptionally neat and well kept, 
 showing that a man of intelligent and enlight- 
 ened views is at the helm. On tlie 20th of March, 
 18.t9, he was married to Miss Martiia \'erlinda 
 Moore, a daughter of Rev. William and Margaret 
 (Alexander) Moore, and in due course of time the 
 following children gatliered about their hearth- 
 stone; Margaret, who liecame the wife of .loliii 
 Midgley, who is an employe of the St. i>ouis 
 liridge Company, is the mother of one child, Ethel, 
 an infant; Kdith is at home with her parents; Al- 
 bert died in infimcy; Ellen t.nd William are at 
 
 home. Mr. Murphy has always been interested in 
 school and educational matters, and his children 
 have received the advantages of the common 
 schools in the vicinity of their liome. 
 
 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 
 day. 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 capacity 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. Jloore, of Shiloh Valley 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 lier family has recently been prepared, 
 which covers nearly one hundred pages. 
 
 I^Sil^-i^il^^i 
 
 <^ S;ILLL\M L. JONES, editor and proprietor 
 \rJr *^'^ ^^^ Lebanon Journal, belongs to one of 
 ^1^ the representative and honored pioneer 
 families of St. Clair County, where his entire life 
 has been passed. He was here born .lune 7. 18.59, 
 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 V. Jones. i)iu'chased the 
 plant of the Lebanon Journal, at.whicli time our 
 subject embarked in the printing biisiness, and 
 soon became a practical printer ,as well as success- 
 ful manager of a country newspaper. 
 
 in 1882, Mv. .lones became a niemlier of the 
 Southern Illinois Press Association, in which he 
 soon attained such prominence as would be ex- 
 pected from a man of his unquestioned ability- and 
 talent. In 1KS7. be joined the Illinois j'ress As- 
 sociation, and has since attended all the meetings 
 of that organization, serving .-is delegate to the 
 couveutiou uf the National EditujisJ AssociatioH
 
 PORTRAIT AND I!I()OUAIMIICAT> RECORD. 
 
 fi4; 
 
 at Detroit in 1889; Boston, 1890; St. Paul, 1891; 
 and San Francisco in 1892. Ilis service as Presi- 
 dent of tiie Sontiiern Illinois Press Association, to 
 which position he was elected in IHill. has re- 
 sulted in the advancement of the iiitoii'sis of that 
 society to a marked extent. 
 
 For more than eleven years Jlr. .lones has 
 been the capable and etlicieut editor of the Leb- 
 anon Journal, one of tlio 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 has also traveled extensively elsewhere. He 
 is corres|)ondent of tlic Illinois State Natural His- 
 tory Society, and liolds other positions of rcs[ioii- 
 sibilil\ and honor. 
 
 •f^^- 
 
 =-^> 
 
 RICHARD W. ROPIKQUKT, an attorney -at- 
 law, of Belleville, 111., born in that city 
 March 23, 186(),is a son of Frederick K. and 
 " Anna (Wangelin) Roi)iequct, the latter a 
 sister of Richard Wangelin. The father of our 
 subject w.as born on the Rhine, Bavaria, December 
 16, 1835, his father being an attorney of ample 
 means, who died in 1847. Frederick K. Ro|>iequet 
 received a classical education in the Oerman lan- 
 guage, and was educated as an engineer. He emi- 
 grated to the Initcd States in lHo2, landing at 
 New York and proceeding tf) Belleville, where he 
 found employnient a> clerk in a general inerchan- 
 dise store. In tlic following year, he was ap- 
 pointed assistant engineer, and aided in the con- 
 struction of the Alton, Tene Haute A- St. Louis 
 Railroad. Study of law next engrossed lii> Mtlen- 
 tion. but wiicn George C. Hart was elected Sheriff 
 he was made a Deputy under that ollicer, and in 
 1864 was himself elected ShcritT. .\fter his term 
 of oflice expired, he engaged in the manuf.-icture 
 of agricultural implements until 1876. The books 
 of abstracts of Si. (lair County were completed by 
 him in 1877. Two years later, in 1879, he was 
 elected City Tieasurer and re-elected .Sheritf in 
 1880, In the year 1»C8, 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 W.ashington University, St. Louis, 
 after which he read law with Charles W. Thomas, 
 and was admitted to pr.actice by examination in' 
 .August, 1886, receiving his license when but 
 twenty-one years old. Taking an office in Belle- 
 ville at once and ajjplying himself diligently, he 
 has built u)) 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 
 .'Vcademy 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. 
 
 R. C. F. WILllKI.M.l. a talented and snc- 
 jj cessfiil physician and surgeon of East St. 
 Louis. 111., is .'i native of the State and 
 was born on Elkhorn Prairie, near Nash- 
 \ille, Washington County. His father. Dr. Charles 
 \\ illielnij. was well known throughout Southern 
 Illinois, and ranked high in his profession. He 
 was liorn in the duchy of Nassau, in (ierniany, of 
 which (Ini-hy Ilis father, the p;)tern;d grandfather 
 of our subject, w.as (lovernor. Dr. Charles Wil- 
 helmj was a graduate of the L'niversity of Heidel- 
 berg, and attended the University of Munich. He 
 passed peacefull\- away at the age of seventy-si.x 
 years, a man universally respected and lunioied. 
 A wife and live children and a host of friends 
 mourned his death. At the time of the Revolu- 
 tion of 1848 in (jenuany, Ue had taken au active
 
 648 
 
 i'ORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 part and was obliged afterward to seek refuge in 
 America. He spent his first year in tliis 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 AVaterloo. 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 tlie 
 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 with the degree of M. D. in 
 188(1. For the five succeeding years. Dr. C. F. 
 Williehnj practiced medicine with his father, and 
 at the expiration of this time removed to East St- 
 Louis, where he enjoys one of the most extended 
 and lucrative fields of practice in the city. His 
 office, Mo. 13 IS'orth 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 County 
 Hospital Physician for East St. Louis. He is the 
 local examiner of the Ancient Order of United 
 Workmen, and is also tlieJMedical 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 
 ISIonroe County Medical Association. Dr. Wilhelmj 
 is in political affiliations a stalwart Rei)ublican,and 
 has held the responsible position of County Com- 
 missioner, discharging the duties of the office with 
 honor and ability. He is deeply interested in the 
 management of both local and national affairs and 
 ever readj' to assist in all progressive movements 
 and enterprises of merit, and is widely known as an 
 earnest and public-siiirited citizen. Upright in 
 character and dcvotccl Id \h:' relief of suffering 
 
 humanity, 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-wishers. 
 
 " ■ r ^ ^1 
 
 !M^ 
 
 IHLll' H. POSTEL, a practical and suc- 
 '' cessful miller, has ac(piired his knowledge 
 of the business by the most studious and 
 -eaiching habits, and has grown gray in 
 solving the 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 11th of 
 .Tuly, 1818, at Hassloch, Rheinpfalz, to George and 
 Maria Kathrina ((iiamlich) Postel, who were bom, 
 reared and spent their lives in (Germany. 
 
 In his youth Philip H. Postel was possessed of 
 a laudable ambition to make fame and fortune 
 for himself, and with this end in view he came to 
 America in 184 1, embarking for this country at 
 a French seaport, Havre, on the 9th of May, and 
 landing at New York City on the 22d of .lune. 
 After a short residence in the metropolis of this 
 country, 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 
 river to St. Louis, Mo., the journey occupying 
 three weeks. He came to IMascoutah as a visitor 
 to the Eisenmayer family, and only expected to 
 spend a few years in this country, but liy the 
 20tli of November, 1841, he became identified in 
 business with Conrad and Philip H. Eisenmayer, 
 who were at that time operating a grist and saw 
 mill. ISLascoutah comprised only eleven houses 
 at tliat time, ami the mill of wiiicli these gentle- 
 men were the proi>rietors was tlie first one ever 
 erected in ^Liscoutali Township. 
 
 A short time after their connection was formed, 
 the firm purchased a watermill in Monroe County, 
 ab(uit four miles from Red Bud, a project which 
 uiiforluiuilel,\ proved a failure, ami Uie mill was
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 649 
 
 sold in 1846. Mr. Postel has been associated 
 witli five paitntM-s, two of them nl two different 
 times, hut at the present tiini' has no associates 
 excepting his three sons. Their plant consists of 
 tiiree fine mills, and the business was incorpor- 
 ated in 188fi with Philip II. Postel, Sr., as Presi- 
 dent; P. II. Postel, Jr., Vice-president; (4eorge 
 Postel, Treasurer; and Julius Postel, Secretary. 
 
 Among the brands of flour manufactured are 
 the "Elegant," "Patent," "Kxtra," "A," "Mas- 
 coutali Star," and others. The mills have a ca- 
 pacit}' of one thousand bai-rels 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, arc 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. 'I'he wonderful success to which Mr. 
 Postel has attained may be attributed to the fact 
 that he makes the finest Hour in the market, sus- 
 tains the uniformity of his brands, and ofTers 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 liis hirlh Mr. I'ostel received, as 
 was customary in lii-^ country, only a common- 
 school education, but in a com|)ulsory public 
 school. As his instructors were intelligent and 
 thoroughly understood their duties, he made fair 
 progress in his studies. In tliis country, after 
 working eighteen hours a day. he found time to 
 attend night school one hour of the remaining 
 six, where he took les.sons in English in order to 
 master to a certain degree the intricacies of this 
 language. He was one of four children. Kva 
 Catherine and .\ndrew both died of cliolerM: .•uid 
 Anna Margaret, who died in the p;uent;d home 
 at Germania at the age of seveuty-foui- years. 
 
 On the 4th of September, 1812, Philip H. Postel 
 was united in marriage with >Iiss Anna Maiin 
 Eisenmayer, a daughter of Philip II. and .Viina 
 Elizabeth(Haas)Eisenmayer, of Hassloch,(iermany, 
 and sister of C!onrad Kisenmayer, his partnei'. She 
 was born in Germany and came to America with 
 her brother Conrad in 18l(i. Of the children 
 born to Mr. and ill's. Postel two died in infancy 
 
 80 
 
 and seven are now living, viz: Elizabeth, who is 
 still at home; Maria E., wife of Carl Schwalb, who is 
 residing in Denver, Colo.; Philip H., .Ir.. also at 
 home; (ieorge, who married Miss D(ua .lansen, of 
 (Juincy; .Vnna, wife of .lohn Fackt, of Mas- 
 coutah; Louisa, wife of Boyd Cornick. M. D.. of 
 Knickerbocker, (ireen County, Tex.; and Julius, 
 who married Anialia, 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 Ifad 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 h.as served in the 
 capacity of Trustee of the Illinois State University 
 when said office was still an appointive one. He 
 is a member of the Methodist Episcopal CInu-ch 
 and has "kept the faith" since 1841. being at 
 present Superintendent of the _ Sund.ay-school, 
 which office he ha held for over'thirty years. 
 
 S' EV. IlKNKY KDti.AK FULLER has been 
 
 following a calling that is the noblest to 
 
 \\\ which a man can devote his life, and in the 
 
 vi© capacity 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 recfuired patience, persistence and grace, but 
 he is possessed (rf all these commendable qualities, 
 and during the six years that he has been a resi- 
 dent of Belleville his work hfis been truly noble 
 and he has laid his foundations carefully and well 
 He is an eloquent pulpit orator, Lis seinions sbotv
 
 650 
 
 POKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 much painstaking thoiight, 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. lie was born at Lake Geneva, Wis.,' 
 March 12, 1852, a son of L. W. and Huldah Ann 
 (Ingham) Fuller, both of whom were born in the 
 Empire State. By occupation the fatlier is a 
 tiller of the soil, having his home in Lake 
 Geneva, Wis. lie isiif English descent and traces 
 his ancestry back in direct liiie U> the sixteenth 
 century. 
 
 In the town of his birth Rev. Henry E. Fuller 
 received his education and for some time was an 
 attendant at Lake Geneva Seminary, and the 
 Whitewater 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 B. 
 A. Succeeding this, he began his theological stud- 
 ies in the Baptist Theological University of JMor- 
 aan 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 sui)plied a 
 pulpit at Lake Geneva, .after which he was pastor 
 of a chnrcli at Walnut, 111., for two years. He 
 was ordained on the (ith of December, 1881, by a 
 council composed of eighteen members, represent- 
 ing eleven churches. While taking his theological 
 course, he preached for sev.^,, months at Amboy, 
 
 .\b 
 
 .\fter graduating;- n, fn'St charge of Rev. Mr. 
 Fuller was | .^^j^,, ,,] ,v,wa.where he remained from 
 1884 to U,p iiij.uring which time thirty-seven 
 accessions wei*-niade to thechurcli. From Marion 
 he came to Belleville, 111., in response to an urgent 
 call, and liere his services in the vineyard of his 
 M.aster have been attended with tlatlering success. 
 Since locating here a parsonage lias been erected at 
 a cost of §3,200. sixty-one accessions have been 
 made to the cliurc'li, and a Normal Class of twenty- 
 live members has been in existence for the past 
 four years, the members of which, in this manner, 
 tit themselves for church work. .\ Young Peo- 
 ple's Society of Clirislian Endeavor has been or- 
 ganized with twenly-Hve 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 M. W^. Weir, who, be- 
 sides being one of Ihe very best lawyers in the 
 city, finds time to be a most excellent Church 
 Clerk and Treasurer. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Fuller attends National, State and Dis- 
 trict Associations, Ministers' Institutes, etc. He is 
 active in the Alton District Association, and was 
 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 [loem. which we take the liberty of inserting: 
 
 SADRA. 
 
 I All iinafT'i'^'y scene intended to represent a .seeker for tlir 
 tinilli. who. after meeting the representatives of various faiths. 
 liiially recognizes the Cliristian faith as superior to all others.l 
 
 () welcome muse, come down from starry height, 
 Awake the power that sleeps, and bid the light 
 To stream thro' clouds that gather, energize 
 Some dormant gift, and may the spirit rise 
 To sing in lofty and exultant strain 
 Of Him who doth excel! 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 steei) 
 .\nd ever quiet shores attract the eye. 
 The sails of many sliips 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 soutliern base, 
 .\inid ambrosial fragrance, is a place 
 Delightsome. There, behold a maiden fan- 
 Did wander to a spot sequestered, where 
 Gushed forth from rocky bed a limpid stream, 
 .\nd there in shady bower reclined to dream 
 or 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.
 
 POHTRAIT AND UKKiHAPH'CAL RECORD. 
 
 651 
 
 These questions rising in her mind left naught 
 
 Hut sadness, and in tears siie vainly sought 
 
 'I'll find some liigher power to satisfy 
 
 'i'he soul's demand, when, lo, liefore her eye 
 
 Approaching near, in lovely r<)l)e arrayed, 
 
 A form most radiant 'mid tlie forest sliade; 
 
 Her Ijeauty thrilled, hut mihl witli grace she hade 
 
 All fear be gone, and said, "Why art thou so sad: 
 
 A messenger I c<mie, and now invoke 
 
 \<>ur earnest soul." In tender words she spoke. 
 
 •■ Heneath proud Ilimahiya's snowy crest 
 
 There is a land by sacred stoiy blest. 
 
 Of him who lived to dissipate the night 
 
 ( )f ignorance, and give all Asia light. 
 
 "Tis good Siddartlia. who has struggled on 
 
 And mounted liiglier and liigher and has won 
 
 The great Nirvana. Come and follow me, 
 
 For him we worship. llap|iy you shall be." 
 
 Beyond the sloping hill was Huddha's shrine, 
 
 And thither did they wend their way. AVhcre vine 
 
 En wreathed the sturdy tree, and verdure green 
 
 And bowers fair and varied flowers were seen. 
 
 The temple stood. The priests drew near and 
 
 throngs 
 ( )f humble worshippers with sacred songs 
 I'pon their lips, and while they gathered round 
 To worship. Sadra heard the solemn sound 
 Of tinkling bells, and now before the shrine 
 Of Ihiddlia monks and al)bi>tsfall in line. 
 And poiies and bisljo|)s .solemn homage pay 
 To him who brouijht to .Vsia light — the way 
 To virtue and to happiness; and all 
 The ardent worshippers of Uuddlia fall 
 rpon their knees, an<l now pervades the air 
 The voice of supi)lication and of |)rayer. 
 But soon the sound of many voices die 
 Away, and eagerly they list, with eye 
 rpon the priest, who tells them how to live 
 And lie like goo<l Siddarlha, and lo give 
 Their lives to deeds of cliarity. and gain 
 By deeds of merit frecMlom from all jiain 
 And consciousness, or else a blessed state 
 Oblivious, or alisorption in the great 
 Nirvana. But the service fails lo wear 
 Away the look of sadness and of care 
 Among the eager listeners. No word. 
 No song, no prayer, no language they have heard 
 Has shown how guilt and sin are washed away. 
 This life is dreary, no eternal day 
 .Shines biight before Ihcm. Doubling more and 
 
 more. 
 The humble Sadra, pondering o'er and o'er 
 The message, strayed again. Where lifted high 
 The giant trees their lofty branches, nigh 
 A running brooklet in the welcome sliaih-, 
 "Mid nature in its loveliest form arrayeil. 
 She sal oblivious of the passing day, 
 
 And thought of nature's God, who could array 
 
 With myriad graceful forms and colors clear 
 This world of life and beaut\ . Drawing near, 
 The daikness stole upon her. 'I'hen she stood 
 .Vnd slnnldered, conscious of the solitude 
 .\round liei'. Lo, a figure lank and lean 
 Appro.aches. From her strange and glK)stly mien 
 She would have tied. But when shes|)oke in tone 
 So mild and clear, and made her message known. 
 'I'lie timid Sadia listened. She addressed 
 Her thus: "If e\er more thou wouldst be blest. 
 I tell thee of the sunny land where flow 
 The Indus and the Oanges. and where grow 
 The choicest fruits and tro])ic plants, and where. 
 Embedded 'neatli the soil, are treasures rare; 
 Where mind has soared and victory has crowned 
 Their lofty seareli, and truth eternal's found — 
 With Vedic hymns and pra3-ers 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 iny haggard face 
 With many a bruise and scar. Thine outward 
 
 grace 
 Is guilt and evil, nought lienealh the stars 
 Is good but spirit. Now with ugly scars 
 I i)r.ay thee m.ay thy form so true and fair 
 Be bruised. .Seek .some forest where 
 The prickly thorn is growing, and amid 
 Its many uol\- branches I now bid 
 Thee thrust thyself, for thou shalt 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 heal 
 And cold combine to rack thy frame, then pore 
 For many a day through all the A'edic lore. 
 Come follow me and I will show thee how 
 We sacrifice to \'ishnu, how to liow 
 Before those forms inscribed upon the stone — 
 Of men with elephantine heads, and grown 
 From human shape re|)lilian heads 
 .\iid grisly monsters." Sadra trembles. drca<|s 
 The horrid visage, looks about, and when 
 Thick dnikness throws its mantle o'er her, then 
 With ipiickest speed she 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 
 .V ray of light upon her burdened soul; 
 .Vnd while she longed the mystery to unroll. 
 She poinU'ied thus: " There is rme flod who 
 
 made 
 
 Id. With wondrous wisdom was each 
 
 The world, 
 blade 
 Of grass an. 
 Uis might. 
 
 flower formed. The heavens show 
 But does He see nie. 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 ray 
 
 (K light still lingered. Hope revived. She sought 
 
 To hear the voice of nature, and, while naught 
 
 Responded, she did love to wander where 
 
 Tlie beauteous forms around her did declare 
 
 The wisdom of the great C^reator. Near 
 
 The sound of falling waters, where appear 
 
 The ripples of the stream on rocky lied. 
 
 Where come to view the caves and lofty head 
 
 Of jutting cliffs, the seething foam and spray 
 
 From falling cataract, did Sadra stray. 
 
 The snow-white pop|)y and the craggy ledge 
 
 And creeping ivy vines, and liy the edge 
 
 (_)f running streams the tufts of moss, and 'rcniiid 
 
 The foot of liills 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. Must she ford the stream 
 
 And seek the woody shelter? Can it be 
 
 That from this beauteous Eden she musi tlee? 
 
 Again she looks. A giant form draws near. 
 
 With armor flashing in the sunliiiht. Fear 
 
 Now tries the nerve of Sadra, 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 tla-own his sword aside 
 
 And scimitar. " The deep and flowing tide 
 
 1 pray thee do not cross," he said and smiled. 
 
 With pleasing words, he spoke in accents mild — 
 
 •' Two camel marches from the great Red Sea. 
 
 'Mid wild Arabian hills, idolatry 
 
 is banished evermore. 'Tis Mecca l)y 
 
 The Mount of Liglit, where intersecting ways 
 
 Bring pilgrims from afar, who love and praise 
 
 The liallowed spot. Witliin its wall there stands 
 
 The sawed mosque, whose solemn form demands 
 
 Our reverence. Enclosed by colonnade 
 
 They see the holy Ka'ba that was made 
 
 By proi)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. 0'ersi)read with black limeade 
 From hoary Egypt's c'ity. and o'erlaid 
 With band adorned with golden letters, wrought 
 With skill from sacred Kt)ran, where is taught 
 The w.ay lo heaven: the holy place we 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 snppliants hear. 
 
 In reverence now they gather and with ear 
 
 Attentive listen to the message. Light to all 
 
 Who seek a heaven above, where bright 
 
 Robed angels sing and chant their p»ans, came 
 
 From lips of Islam's follower, whose aim 
 
 It was a brighter, holier light to shed — 
 
 Not everlasting chaos for the dead. 
 
 There is no god but God; the Islam faith 
 
 Brings life and light and heaven, all others death. 
 
 All others let them be accursed. The priest 
 
 Continues, says the crescent has released 
 
 From death the millions who accepted, said 
 
 If all would bow and worship, then the dread 
 
 That Hlled 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 weight 
 Of sin be gone, and love me, or am 1 
 A slave and God a tyrant? " No reply. 
 The winning smile has disappeared, and now 
 With voice stentorian, vengeance on his brow. 
 He added, " Holy Just One, most divine. 
 Has ordered this, the crescent, Islam's sign. 
 To be a mark of fealty. May it be thine 
 Forever, wilt thou not? Then we combine 
 With mortal weapons." Then with rapid move 
 He grasped his sword and scimitar to prove 
 Her loyalty, and spoke: "A conquering host. 
 We'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 rocky bed 
 Whereon he stood a clump of clay, and said 
 " So may it ever be lo one and all, 
 To every race who live upon this ball 
 Who foilow not the crescent." Human tongue 
 Can ne'er describe her tenor. Fear had wrung 
 Her nerves, and horrid death was near her. Yield 
 She could not. "rioil." she cried, "come nigh and 
 
 wield 
 Some power U) set me free!" But list, a cry 
 That rent the air! 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 friend, and bade her fear no harm. 
 ■'Well might you quail before that vilest foe,"
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOaRAPHlCAL RIX'ORD. 
 
 (55:? 
 
 He said, " but my protecting Aegis, lo 
 
 I give you, 'tis tlie crucifix, the sign 
 
 Of Calvary. Redeiuplioii will be Lliint^ 
 
 If tliou accept." IJiit Sadia, 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 friglitened .Sadra to their palace home. 
 With lender voice tiie Sisters bade iier come 
 And seek rejiose. — The morning breaks; the day 
 lias 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 wouid'st know the only fount of light, 
 Far off by ancient Tiber's flowing stream 
 .•\mid the seven hills, where once did gleam 
 The flickering, glimmering light of pagan lore, 
 And heathen emperors ruled fiom shore to shore, 
 The Kternal City stands. The reverend head 
 Of all the cinirchly power, designed to shed 
 The light of truth o'er all the world, resides 
 Within its gates and sits enthroned, presides 
 As the annointed one with mystic key 
 To open heaven's doors and grant the tree 
 Of life to all who worship and adoie 
 The holy faith. Come kneel and bow before 
 His chosen priest, the 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 jjower di\ ine. 
 And died and rose." A loving parting word. 
 And Sadra hastened, pondeiing what she heard. 
 Nor pope, nor jiriest, nor city, nc>r the power 
 Of cinirchly lule were valued in theliour 
 Of meditation, but the One who died 
 Upon the cross, and .as she thought she sighed 
 And breathed a pr.ayer — " 15c merciful to mel" 
 Time moved with rapid pace, and speedily 
 Were changes wrought. And now a guest refined 
 .\pproaches where beneath the bough reclined 
 The gentle .Sadra. Gracefully he speaks. 
 And softly does she answer, while he seeks 
 To win her favor. 'Xeath that spreading tree, 
 Where vi<jlet,s bloomed and sweet anemone. 
 Where gentle zephyrs fanned her golden locks. 
 Near by the jutting cliff of tlinty rocks, 
 'Mid lovely foliage with its fragrance sweet. 
 The}- 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 thought 
 To wander in tiie dark. 1 long have sought 
 To know the truth. We live where mj-ths abound — 
 
 There is no faith in ail the world 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, Yedas, Bible. Man 
 
 Should never be enslaved to fables. Turn 
 
 Your thoughts from pi-odigies and wonders. J.,earn 
 
 The world of f.-icts, 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 tlinisy ground on which their teachings stand 
 
 Has broken down. No longer the}- command 
 
 Respect from thougiitful men. The inighl\- acts 
 
 Of men of science, dealing in a world of facts. 
 
 Demand our homage." With triumphant air 
 
 He ce.ased. A pause ensued, and .Sadra fair 
 
 Did softly question thus: "What then is truer ' 
 
 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 winningly 
 
 Awaits a glance responsive; vain his arti 
 
 .\nd with a parting word and heavy 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 faitli, 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 
 
 Believers in the spirit world, who f.aiu 
 
 Would seek adherents, and agnostics small 
 
 .\nd great. Confucius' followers, and all 
 
 Who follow .\braham. 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 w-elcome. Thus the stranger spoke. 
 "If thou wouldst know the only easy yoke 
 -Vllied with freedom, hear the joyful sound 
 Of Zion's song to all the world around. 
 .Vnd know the one true light, the guiding sUir. 
 There is a chain of lakes that stretches far 
 Within a niiglily 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
 
 054 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 
 
 And learn of Him wlio was a sacrifice 
 
 For all wlio 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 glor}' dotii excel. 
 
 He speaks to you, 'Come unto Me and I 
 
 Will give you rest. God sent Me here to die 
 
 That you maj' live." " Thus holdh' spoke the one 
 
 Who came with joyful news. No sooner done. 
 
 Than Sadra, anchored in the truth, did find 
 
 Her burden gone. Now all the light combined 
 
 Of Asia, Islam, and their boasted lore 
 
 I3id sink away invisible before 
 
 The brighter lustre of that glorious cross, 
 
 And all their words of wisdom seemed but dross 
 
 Beside the Christian iiope and Christ who brings 
 
 Redemption. Listen, while tlie stranger sings 
 
 The Gospel songsl There comes the piercing cry, 
 
 "What shall I do.' Can hearts of crimson dye 
 
 Be cleansed.'^" They hear, they live, the chorus 
 
 song 
 They join, and praise the St>n. Amid tlie tlirong 
 Is heard the clash of arms, the voice of war 
 To meet b^' 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 the 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 iiath risen, shines 
 His glory forth, and all tlie heathen shrines 
 Will quickly crumble 'neath His heavenly r.ays. 
 And all shall join His holy name to praise." 
 
 Rev. Fuller has made a specialty of tlie 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 productions in 
 public. He also edited the Volants, 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 years 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 
 
 s_vinpathies, intelligent and tactful in her honestj', 
 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 1 1, 
 1892. Socially, Rev. Mr. Fuller is a member of the 
 Knights of Pvthia,s. 
 
 ^>-^^<m^- 
 
 ENRY BERTELSMANN, who resides on sec- 
 tion 4, Smithton Township, St. Clair 
 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 
 removed to St. Clair Coimty. 111., and rented a 
 farm, which he cultivated. ^\'lliU■ living at St. 
 Louis, he married Miss Maria Hamm, who bore 
 him five children. Tiring of paying rent-money, 
 and having saved up something, he looked out 
 for a tract that would bu suitable for a [lermanent 
 home, and finally purelia.sed the faim upon which 
 he now lives. This consists of one hundred acres 
 of good land, all of it well improved in conse- 
 (pienee of industry and careful attention to all 
 the details of the farm, (iood 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 cominodi- 
 ! ous barn and outhouses for his stock. The ))rinci- 
 pal crops rai.sed upon the farm are potatoes, corn, 
 wheat, etc. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. licrtelsmann to Miss Hamm 
 h.as 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 
 whom are living. Mary, the second child, is the 
 widow of Frank Lachemeyer. J. 11., the third 
 child, lives in Smithton Township. Henry, the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 <!a5 
 
 fourth, lives on the Cenlreville road. 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 1ms 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 inducuce. During 
 the late war, he was drafted into the army, but he 
 could not tind it convenient to go, so he hired a 
 substitute, to whom he i)aid the sum of ^l.OiiO. 
 
 /^ IIARLKS II. SACEH, of Lebanon Town.ship, 
 (l( St. Clair County, 111., w.as born November 
 
 ^^'^ .'). 183«. at Lancaster, Fairfield County, 
 Ohio. His father was born near Hamburg, Ger- 
 many, .lune 12. 1800, and died July 1. 1877; hi^ 
 mother, born in Virginia in 180.3. 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; .lane, single, died at about the age of 
 thirtv-five; Eliza, single, livingal Lebanon; M.S., 
 manager of Washington Stamping Works, resid- 
 ing at W.ashington C. II., Ohio, married to Miss 
 Letta McMaster; Irene, dying in childhood, at 
 Oakland, Ohio; Frances, living in Arkansas City, 
 Kan., married to .1. 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, .ind eng.aged in the hardware and 
 tinsmith business at his present location, his father 
 being associated with iiim. Choice was made of 
 this business because Charles had learned the trade 
 of a tinsmith in Ohio. He was married, March 3, 
 
 18.t9, 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: Eniil, living at 
 St. Louis, employed in the retail department of 
 the Simmons Hardware Company for the past 
 eight years, also owning a hardware business in 
 charge of his brother. James R., at Xos. 410() 
 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; .Tames 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 bj' their father, our subject. Emil, 
 after receiving a common-school course, enjoyed 
 Ihe advantages offered by McKcndree College for 
 one term, and a militarv 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 mailers is universally recognized. 
 
 t, ETER PREDIGER, a successful general 
 ]); agriculturist and well-known energetic 
 and representative citizen, residing in 
 Lenzburg Township, St. Clair Cmuity, Ill.i 
 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 1856. He is
 
 1)56 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 the son of Peter and Nancy (McKahey) Prediger, 
 both natives of Germany, wliere 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 twenty-one years, 
 Peter Prediger, Sr., married the mother of our 
 subject, who was the daughter of James and Nancy 
 McKahey, and a most estimable lady, 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 the age of nine years. 
 Very 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 tlie neighboring schools. 
 Tlioroughly trained in the duties of agriculture, 
 Peter Prediger, Jr., was well fitted to care for him- 
 self and to make a comfortable iiome for a wife 
 when, in 1880, he was married to JVIiss Elizabeth 
 Metzzler, a daughter of Adam and Maiy 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 advant.ages 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 otJice, 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. Prediger does liis 
 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 interests of the State. For tiie past 
 thirty years, our subject has been identified with 
 the history f)f his neighborhood and vicinity, and 
 is highly legarded by the entire community, 
 among whom he has passed his life from infancy 
 to adult age. 
 
 X. J . > [ 
 
 ON. JOSEPH B. MESSICK, a leading attor- 
 ney-at-law, located in East St. Louis, and 
 widely known as Judge Messick, is one of 
 ■_f; 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 
 has held various positions of trust and honor, and 
 has been intimately associated of late with 
 National and local politic-:. 
 
 Our subject was Ijorn in Macoupin County. 111., 
 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 State Joseph Mes- 
 sick, Sr., was born in 1814. Grandfather Messick 
 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, Sr., while yet a single man, 
 went to Galena, where he remained aliout five 
 years, when he removed to Sangamon County, 
 afterwards making his home in Macoupin County. 
 He was acquainted with Abraham IJncoln, and, 
 like him, in early life assisted in splitting rails. 
 In 1840 he returned tc> Kentucky, but soon again 
 made himself a home upon eighty acres of land in 
 Macoupin County, where he built a little lude log 
 house of one room, and settled down to the pioneer
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 experience of tbose earl}' davs. Knergetic and 
 ambitious, lie achieved success, and became an ex- 
 tensive land-owner of hundreds of valuable acres, 
 but in unlucky investments of slock lost much of 
 his properly. In the year 1876, he removed lo 
 Crawford County, Kan., near Girard, and bought 
 a fine farm, which he cultivated until his ciealh, 
 in February. 1891. At one time he was a Whig, 
 but later became an ardent Republican. Jii relig- 
 ious atliliation he was, when a young man, a Bap- 
 tist, but at the lime of his demise was a member of 
 the Methodist Kpiscopal Churcli. 
 
 The mother of our subject, .Sarah K. (Kittenger) 
 Messick, was born in Kentucky, and wa.s a daughter 
 of Martin Kittenger. born in Pennsylvania, but an 
 early settler and slaveholder of Kentucky. Mrs. 
 Sarah Messick passedaway March .'$, 1861. .ludgc 
 Messick was one of a family of ume children, four 
 of whom are now living. The eldest brother, 
 Daniel W., enlisted in 1861, at the fii-st tap 
 of the drum, in the Seventh Illinois Infantry, 
 and at the expiration of three months re-en listed 
 in the Thirty -second Illinois, soon receiving the de- 
 .served promotion of Orderly Sergeant. This brave, 
 yonng and patriotic soldier was shot and killed in 
 a skirmish at Pittsburgh Landing. March 1.1862. 
 lie 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. 
 
 James V. Messick enlisted in 1864 in the 
 One Hundred and Thirty-third Illinois Infantry, 
 serving until the fall of 1864, when he was 
 mustered out. He is now located at Carlinville. 
 Joseph B.. <mr 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 ShurtlelT 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 Shurtleflf College and well im- 
 ))roved 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 summei-s upon the home farm and 
 also studying law under Gen. Reukail. 
 
 Later Judge Messick was admitted to the Bar at 
 C:ulinville,and taught school until 1872, when he 
 went to East Si. Louis and opened a law ofticc. 
 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 etticiency, and in 1875, at the close of 
 his term of office, again resumed the practice of his 
 profession. In 1881. .ludge 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 w.as re-elected in 1884, remaining in 
 office until 1886. As a member of the Legislature 
 he was faithful lo 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 I'nited .States Senate. 
 
 July 1, 1884, our subject formed a part- 
 nership with a leading attorney, the firm being 
 Messick ik Rhoads. The well-known office of the 
 firm is located at No. 320 Jlissouri 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 Snrah P. 
 Woods, who was born in DesMoinesand isa daugh- 
 ter of James A.Woods, a con tractor of East .St. Louis. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Messick have one child, a son, J. B., 
 Jr. Richard O. <lied 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 lo 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
 
 (i58 
 
 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRArmCAL RECORD. 
 
 coiiventioii at jNIinueapolisi. Judge Messick enjoys 
 the distinction of being a popular man witli botli 
 Democrats and Republicans. Ever genial, courte- 
 ous, affable, benevolent and sympathetic by nature, 
 his ready 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 brilliant social 
 gatherings. 
 
 I>^ RS. CATHERINE HARDY, of Lenzburg 
 /// lli To^^'iship. f>t. Clair County, 111., was born 
 jj \s in Germany in 1819, and is the daughter 
 -'■> of Peter and Catherine (Sun) Makendoler, 
 
 both 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 tiie 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. 
 Mv. Makendoler never succeeded in gathering his 
 family together again, as he died in a few j'ears, 
 and before he secured a position that would war- 
 rant such a step. 
 
 Our subject, the eldest of the children, made 
 her home for three j'ears with .lacob Margie. 
 No advantages of schooling were afforded her, 
 vet 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, slie 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, Jacob 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. Hardy 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. Onr subject, 
 as was 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 1«82. when he 
 was seventy years of age. 
 
 ICHOLAS GERMAIN, an industrious 
 farmer and respected citizen, living upon a 
 
 i;^ nicely improved tract of eighty acres on 
 section 9, Smithton 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 from 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 in the (Ger- 
 man as well as the English language. 
 
 In the year 1874, Mr. Germain was married to 
 IMiss Elizabeth Meister, daughter of Jacob Meister, 
 of Belleville, the offspring of the marriage being- 
 ten children, all living, as follows: Kosa, Elnora. 
 Edward John, Robert D., Albert 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. 
 
 (\:,i) 
 
 which he devotes to tlie growing of grain and the 
 raising of stock. Hi- takes decided interest in cat- 
 tle, and can sliow to visitors some ver_v line Hol- 
 stein cows tliat have grown up under tiis eye. 
 whose superior condition is largely due to hi>i in- 
 telligent care. .\n »pt 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 home and of the retlcction that comes with ma- 
 ture years. Towards the Roman Catholic Church, in 
 whose membciship he is enrolled, he holds senti- 
 ments of attachment and allegiance. While he 
 does not take a busy or prominent part in politics. 
 Mr. Germain always manifests lively interest in the 
 success of the Democratic parly, the ticket of 
 which he alwavs votes. 
 
 :^^f, 
 
 ' OUN lir.lNZKLMAN. a practical mechanic 
 who is ac(iuainted with all the details of his 
 business, is a member of the firm of Hein- 
 _ zelman Bros., leading carnage manufacturers 
 of Belleville. III., kx^ted at the corner of B and 
 Jackson .Streets. The factory is a two and three 
 .story building. l.iOxla.') 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 wareiooni. The house does a jobbing 
 trade through .Southern Illinois, .and givesemploy- 
 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, .lohn and William, had 
 prepared themselves for the important step by 
 learning the trade in a carriage factory at Si. 
 Louis. 
 
 C)ur subject was born at C incinnati, Oliiu. Apiil 
 
 16, 1841, his parents being John A. and Catharine 
 (Ileiserman) Heinzelman, who came to the United 
 States in 1835 from Stuttgart, f^ernian\ , 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 years 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, who had been a.<sociated 
 with him since the beginning of the business, as- 
 sumed entire control, under the firm name of 
 Heinzelman Bros. Ciiadually trade increased until 
 larger quarters were required, and in IJ^TI the 
 present building was erected. 
 
 The subject of our sketch was married (Jctober 
 16, 1867, -to .Aliss Kmeline Middlecoff, born eight 
 miles iiul of St. Louis, the daughter of Frank 
 Middleeoff. Three children have been born to this 
 couple, namely: Sophia. Oudelette and Arthur. 
 ^Ir. Heinzelman is very prominent in local Masonic 
 circles, having held leading positions in St. Clair 
 Lodge. Belleville Chapter, Belleville Council and 
 Tancred Commanderv. He is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, holding the office of 
 Trustee in that body. The ple.asant home of Mr. 
 and Mrs. Heinzelman is located at No. 216 .Fackson 
 Street. Belleville. 
 
 6E0R(;E C. LEMEX. The subject of 'hJLs 
 - sketch resides on a well-ciiltivated faru' "'^ 
 section 29, Freeburg Township, .St. Clair 
 County, III. Heis one of tho fortunate gentlenuii 
 who (jrobably can trace his famil.\ hjick four gen- 
 erations. Frei|uently in the hurry and tui-moil of 
 life the reconls of a family get lost and a direct 
 line cannot \k' traced. In Mr. Lemen's family 
 this has not been the case. His father was (ieorge 
 C. Lemen, who was the son of John T., who w:is 
 born in the northern part of St. Ciair County, and 
 he w.as a son of Robert Lemen, who was the son of 
 .lames Lemen, who came to this .State from Virsr'":a
 
 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 more numerous tlian white men. 
 
 John T. Lemen was married to Patience E. 
 Wilderraan, the daughter of George AVilderman, 
 who was one of the settlers of tlie county and 
 who came here in 1806. He liad 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, the 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 birtli 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 tiie pupils at 
 the district school — one of those who could have 
 sat for the portrait of the "Barefoot Boy," immor- 
 talized by tlie 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 (5, 1883, he 
 was united in marriage to Miss Laura J. Agnew, 
 wlio was the daughter of A. F. Agnew, who was a 
 farmer in Monroe County, near Columbia. Her 
 mother died when siie was small and she made lier 
 home with Mrs. Isaac Shook, now Mrs. William 
 Winkleman, of Belleville. 
 
 After marriage, our subject In-ouglit 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 much fine 
 stock. His principal crop is wheat, altliough he 
 grows other grains. He has full-blooded Jersey 
 • ;vs and takes an interest in fine stock. 
 
 TvTb lovely cliildren fill 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 Bepublican, and believes in the 
 wisdom of the party's methods looking toward a 
 protective tariff, and casts his vote and influence 
 witli that party. 
 
 Mr. Lemen made himself felt in tiie affairs of 
 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, liospitalit.y reigns, and assisted by 
 his amiable wife Mr. Lemen is always glad to see 
 his friends and entertain them with his best. • 
 
 ♦^^ ^ l@^ 11 ^ ^^ 
 
 OHN WESLEY HYPES. There are certain 
 chaiacters 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 tlius isolated from 
 tlie clang and clatter of the ordinary routine f)f 
 life. 
 
 John Wesley Hypes 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 Hows in his veins. Mr. Hypes' par- 
 ents were married in Virginia, and there followed 
 farming until 1811, when the family moved to 
 Dayton, 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: Nancj-, Joseph, 
 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 
 States Nav}' in 1835, and has never been heard 
 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. Hypes removed to Ivcbanon in 1836, and 
 was first engaged in business as a saddle-maker 
 and later enlarged his interests and added to it 
 harness-makinsr. He was thus employed until 1876. 
 at which time he retired from the active conduct 
 of the business. Novemlier 1.5, 1849, our subject 
 was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann ^Murray, 
 a daughter of Daniel and Rachel (Horner") Mur- 
 ray. Ixith of whom were natives of Haltimore, Md. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Ilypes have been faithful and con- 
 genial companions for nearly half a century, and 
 now reside together in their pleasant home. They 
 have been the parents of two children: Henry 
 Murrav. who died in infancy; and Eliza Maria, 
 who married .1. C. Keet, and lives in Springfield. 
 Mo. She is tlie mother of four children: Florence 
 Elizabeth, Hertrani, Harry and Belle. 
 
 Throughout his career, Mr. Hypes has been char- 
 acterized by modesty, and although he lias by no 
 means been indifferent to the political phases 
 through which his country has passed, he has do- 
 sired to be only a looker-on farther than in cast- 
 ing his ballot. Originally a Whig, on the form.-\- 
 tion 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- 
 ists. 
 
 ^>^^<^ 
 
 \|'OHN KHIKS, prominent in agricultural. 
 church and political circles, is an enterpris- 
 ing man who does his share in forwarding 
 _ ever_v 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 biography of (Jeorge 
 Fries in another part of this volume. 
 
 .loll n Fries was born Seiiteinber 2ft. I.h-Io. on 
 Turkey Hill, in what is now Freeburg Townshii*. 
 where he resided with his father until the time of 
 his marriage and received his early education. 
 He now makes his home on .section 1-2, Engelniaii 
 Township, where he owns one hundred and sixty 
 acres of rich farming land, six acres of which were 
 cut off by the railroail, and twenty-five acres of 
 good timber laud. Our subject Las always beeu 
 
 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 (^ermany in an 
 earlv d.ay, and also followed the occupation of a 
 fanner. 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 .1., Elizabeth M. and Emilie. 
 
 He of whom we write has never been an otlice- 
 sceker, but has been honored by his fellow-citizens 
 with the olHee of School Trustee for the length of 
 six vears. He is a conscientious member of the 
 Lutheran Church atMascoutah, in which he holds 
 the office of Trustee. Socially, he is connected 
 with the Farmers' Mutual Henefit Association, and 
 politically is a stanch adv(X-ate of tiie Republican 
 part^-. 
 
 EORtiE MIXIK. The farming community 
 ,^^ of Bond County has received a recent val. 
 liable addition in this gentleman, who in 
 1«92 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. 
 .\ practical, energetic and persevering farmer, he 
 ii.-<es modern methods of .agriculture and the latest 
 improved machinery, and his recently-purchased 
 estate already gives indications of his skill and 
 judgment. 
 
 The provinceof Lorraine, then (.iwncd by France, 
 but secured by Germany in the Franco-Prussian 
 War, was the native place of our subject, and Aug- 
 ust 21, 1844. the date of his birth. His father, 
 Paul Muiiie, was born in that province in 1800, 
 and there grew to manhood, choosing as his wife 
 a lady who wus likewise boru iu Lorraiue. lu
 
 662 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 
 
 1853. the family emigrated to the United States. 
 and, after landing at New Orleans, came by boat 
 11)) the Mississii:)i)i River to St. Louis, whence tiiey 
 proceeded to Illinois, and settled upon a farm in 
 St. Clair Township, St. Clair County. Tliere the 
 father remained engaged in agricultural occupa- 
 tions until his death, whicli occurred April 17, 
 1866; his wife survived until 1881, passing away 
 March 25 of that year. 
 
 The following is recorded of tlic brothers and 
 sisters of our subject: Magdalena married George 
 Buchler and resided in St. Clair 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; 
 .losepli married Christina Germain, and is a well- 
 to-do farmer residing in St. Clair Township; Mary 
 Ann; George, the youngest child, was reared on 
 his father's farm in St. Clair Township, and in his 
 youth was a student in the common schools, later 
 attending the Catholic schools in Belleville. 
 
 Tiie estimablelady who, on Ajnil 10, 1866, became 
 the wife of Mr. Munie, was boin April 17, 1848, 
 and bore the maiden name of Adeline 'I'ribout. 
 Slie 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 .">, l.ssi, ;U the age of 
 seventy-five. The motiier lives on the old liome- 
 stead two miles north of Belleville, and is in full 
 possession of her mental faculties, notwithstanding 
 her advanced age of seventv-eight. Eleven chil- 
 dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Munie, who 
 are named George,!., Magdalena, Katherina, Rosa, 
 Louis, Emily, .lohn, .Arthur, Victor, Lawrence and 
 Edniond. Katherina died at the age of eighteen 
 years; Rosa, when six; Louis at four, and Emily in 
 infancy. The others reside under llie i)arentnl 
 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 Township, and 
 for several months engaged in the wholesale pro- 
 duce business. He was nc>t satislit'd with thai 
 State, however, and soon returned to his former 
 place of residence, where for about two years lie 
 was proprietor of tm hotel in Bellc\ille, He 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 whicli faith he was reared, and to 
 which he has ever been devoted. 
 
 >I^-^ II. HORNER. In a log house which 
 lf)|: stood on the south side of St. Louis, just 
 iMk^ west of the pulilic square, the subject of 
 (1^; this sketch w.as 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 (Hyiies) Horner, the former born in 
 Baltimore, i\Id., 1770, and the latter a native of 
 Fin castle, Va. 
 
 In 1812, the grandfather of our subject removed 
 from IJaltimore, Md.,to Lebanon, Warren County, 
 Ohio, where he remained until 1817, removing 
 thence to St. Clair County, 111. Here he purchased 
 a farm two miles north of Lebniioii. and passed 
 his remaining years upon that place, dying there 
 when about eighty years old. Our subject w.as 
 one of three 'children, the others being Sarah Ann 
 and Virginia Elizabeth. The former married Hiram 
 .1. .Vshley, a merchant of Lebanon, .-ind both are 
 now deceased. Nathan Horner, father of our sub- 
 ject, raine to Illinois shortly after his marriage, in 
 Xenia. ( )liio. in 1 s 1 7, and after operating a farm, 
 eaiiie to Lebanon, where he engaged in mercantile 
 pursuits for forty years. He was one of the found- 
 eis of .^IcKendree College, of which he was Trustee 
 as long as lie lived. 
 
 Oui- subject was reared in Lebanon, where he 
 attended the eominon schools and later entered 
 McKendree College, from which he was gradua- 
 ted in 1841 with the degree of 1>. A. 'I'he degree 
 of Master of Arts was afternarc] couferretl uixni
 
 PORTRAIT AND KIOGKAPHICAL RKCORD. 
 
 663 
 
 liim. He commenced the study of law in the of- 
 fice of Judge I'ndei-wood, at Helleville, and was 
 adiniUed t<i pracliee by the Su|)reiiie Court in 1847. 
 Durinij tlie following year lie opened an office for 
 practice at Belleville, and first forined a partner- 
 ship willi.ludire .hiseph (iillespie, of Edwardsville. 
 with whom he continued several years. He has 
 since practiced alone. With the exception of ex- 
 I.ieut.-Gov. Koerner, he is the oldest living lawyer 
 in practice in the <(iinity. 
 
 November I'.i, 1S.")7. Mr. I luriicr married Helen 
 .AI., daughter of .lonathan and Ruth Danforth. 
 Their children are: Henry R.. Wilbur N.. Haltie 
 H.. Hertha A. and two that died in infancy. Henry 
 R. is a civil engineer, with -lieadcpiarters at Den- 
 ver, Colo.; Wilbur N.. an attorney -at-law. is with 
 the Hon. Lyman Trumbull in Chicago; Hattie 
 H. and Bertha .V. are at home. After graduating 
 from McKeiidree College, our subject was made a 
 tutor in that institution, and six months later 
 was appointed Professor of ancient languages. 
 In 1866. he w;ts elected to the position of Pro- 
 fessor of the law deiiartinent of the college, from 
 which he retired in 18!t(i. He was elected .Mayor 
 of Lebanon in 1871, and re-elected in the follow- 
 ing yeai-s. His political atliliations were origin- 
 ally with the Democrats, but since 1856 he has 
 been a Republican. 
 
 ^I]_^ ON. .KillN .1. .M. LK.VN. Captain of the 
 jr)\ lioal "Christy " of the Wiggins Ferry Cnni- 
 *v^ pany at Kast St. Louis, was born in Cin- 
 ^ cinnali, Ohio. .January 1, 1841. His father, 
 Milton McLean, was a nephew of .ludge McLean, 
 of the .Supreme Court, and followed the ()rofession 
 of a lawyer in Cincinnati until 1841. when he 
 came to Illinois and (nirchased a large distillery. 
 This was operated by ctmipeleut men until it was 
 burned to the ground in 1845. Later, it wa,s re- 
 built and wa.s the largest distillery in the West. 
 .\fter 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. Politically, 
 he was a Democrat. 
 
 The mother of our subject was Mary W. .lohn- 
 >t<jn. who was born in Piqua, Ohio. Her father. 
 Col. .lohn .lohnston, w.as born in Ireland. March ."?. 
 1775. and when young accompanied his parents to 
 .Vmerica. settling in Cumberland County, Pa. He 
 was with Oen. Wayne on the Ohio River in 179:i-i>4, 
 served as clerk in the War Department and Indian 
 Bureau thirty-one years, and in the War of 1812 
 w.as Piiym.aster and (iuarterinaster alternately. In 
 1841-42, he Avas I'nited 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 Sliiloli. this 
 county, where she had made her hoine on a farm. 
 Our subject was one of six children who grew to 
 maturity, four of whom are now surviving. He 
 w.as 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 1851 the family 
 removed to St. Louis. Aft*r acquiring his educa- 
 tion, he l)ecame a telegraph operator and remained 
 in East St. Louis in that capacity about six years. 
 In 1861, 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, 1865. he was mustered out and relumed 
 to East St. Louis. 
 
 In 1867 our subject w.as made Chief of Police, 
 a position which he occupied for four years and 
 in which his (piickness 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 .\ venue, and in addition to that place 
 he owns considerable real est^ite and several busi- 
 nes.s blocks in the city; also sonic luiimproxed 
 land in Missouri and Minnesota. 
 
 At East St. Louis, in 1870, Capt. .Mc. Lean mar- 
 ried Miss Eli.sa A. (Tiitlith, a native of East St. 
 Louis and the daughter of Joseph Oriflith. an 
 early settler of this place, They are the parents
 
 664 
 
 PORTRAIT ANT) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of five children: .John J., Nathaniel, Eliza L., 
 Ralph and Birdie. John J., who is a graduate of 
 Hrvant it Stiatton's Business College, is Assistant 
 Cashier of tlie First National Bank; Nathaniel, 
 wlio also was graduated from Bryant <fe Slratton'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 Kepulilicaus of the coui- 
 niunity.
 
 i'ansfo:ptaiion. 
 
 "^=SS) 
 
 
 The Wabash. 
 
 ^O THE public and our thousands of readers 
 in general: It will no doubt be interesting 
 to all if we give a brief description of this 
 road. The Wabash, as now known, has been oper- 
 ated under different names from time to time. It 
 is the offspring, .is 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 jilaced in the 
 winterof 1838-39, running from Meredosia, on the 
 Illinois Kiver, to .lacksonville. In 1842, the road 
 was completed from Jacksonville to Springfield, 
 and three trips per week were made. The track 
 was of the old Hat-rail style, which was made by 
 nailing thin strips of irtm on two parallel lines of 
 timbers placed at the proper distance apart and 
 running lengthwise of the road. Tiie engine, .is 
 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. liut in 
 the West a new era-one of prodigious indu.strial ac- 
 tivity and far-reaching results in the practical arts 
 — was dawning, and within thirty years of the tem- 
 porary failure of the road mentioned, Illinois had 
 outstripped all others in gigantic internal imorove. 
 
 rnehts, 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 & Western, Wabash, 
 and Wabash. .St. Louis & Pacific, and Wabash 
 Hailroad, .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 m.inj- millions of dollars to 
 the value of bonds and shares of the various com- 
 panies now incorporated in the Wabash .System, 
 rhe road takes its title from the river of that 
 name, a tributary of the Ohio, which in part .sep- 
 arates the .States of Illinois and Indiana. In look- 
 ing over the maps of the AVabash Railroad it will 
 be seen that the line extends through the most 
 fertile and wealthy portions of the center of the 
 Tnited .States, having termini at more large cities 
 than any other Western road. It was. indeed, a 
 far-reaching 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 by 
 any competing line. Its home oHices are estab- 
 lished in conimiidious quarters in St, Louis. The 
 lines of tlic road are co-extensive witli the impor- 
 tance of the great transportation facilities required
 
 666 
 
 TRANSPORTATION. 
 
 fur the products of tlie Mississippi Valley. This 
 line passes through the States of Iowa, Missouri, 
 Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. The various lines 
 of road iiiav 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 (iuincy 105 
 
 Streator to Forest 37 
 
 Attica to Covington 15 
 
 Ch.ampaign to Sidney 12 
 
 Edwardsville to Edwardsville Crossing. 9 
 
 Bement to Altamont & Ettinghaui 63 
 
 Brunswick to Omaha 225 
 
 Roseberry to Clarinda 21 
 
 Salisbury to Glasgow 15 
 
 Centralia to Columbia 22 
 
 Total miles of main lines and brandies. . 2204 
 
 From the above main lines and branches as in- 
 dicated it will readily be seen that the AVabash 
 connects with more large cities and great marts of 
 trade than any other line, bringing Omaha, Kan- 
 sas City, Des Moines, Keokuk, (Juincy, 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 City, 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 Wabash 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 busine.ss and trav- 
 eling public. The roadbed is one of the best in 
 the country, and is ballasted with gravel and 
 stone, well tied, and laid with steel rails. The 
 bridges along the various lines are substantial 
 slructures. The depots, grounds and general 
 property of the roail are in good condition. The 
 
 management of the AVabash 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 system, upholstered in a costly 
 and tasteful manner, e.ach room sujiplied with hot 
 and cold water. On several of the main branches 
 of the system dining cars are run. 
 
 Illinois Central Railroad. 
 
 L<|^^HIS is one of the largest corporations in lUi- 
 //f/^^ nois, and with its splendid terminal f.acili- 
 ^V^i" 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 man.ageraent 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 early roads of the State it will 
 not be uninteresting to give a lirief 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 directly to the State. On February 
 1(1, 1H51, the Legislature of Illinois granted a 
 charter to an Eastern company to build it, with a 
 capital stock of *1,00(),000. The Legislature, in 
 granting the charier and transferring to the cor- 
 poration the lands, stipulated that seven per cent, 
 of the gross earnings of the road should be paid 
 semi-aiimi:ill\ into the trousur\' of the Stale for-
 
 TRANSPORTATION. 
 
 (KiT 
 
 over. This wise provision, in lieu of tlie liher.il 
 land grant, yields a handsome .innnal revenue to 
 the State. .\lso, tiiat in tiic event of war, (Gov- 
 ernment lransi)ortation should be furnished at a 
 certain reduction from the prices regularly paid 
 liy the (leneral Government for such .services. 
 
 The i>rocce(ls of land sales have been regnlarly 
 applied to the redemption of construction bonds, 
 and it is signilicant that the original issue of 
 mortgage bonds amounted to «22,0OO.OOO. That 
 amount has been so reduced tliat in 1892 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 liability other than the share 
 of capital. It may be noted here that 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 fiulf 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 del.a^' 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 bu.sine.ss has 
 always been a marked cliaracterislic ()f the Illiiiois 
 Central Hailroad management. 
 
 Bj' an extensive system of railroad construction 
 and by its leased lines, the Illinois Central Kail- 
 road has termini in many important centers of 
 trade in the Slissouri and ^Mississippi N'alleys, .as 
 well as the great chain of lakes at Chicago. 
 Thi-ough this vast .system Chicago is brouglit into 
 close connection with Sioux Falls, Dak.: Sioux 
 City, Cedar Rapids and Dubuciue. Iowa; Lyle, 
 Minu.; and Dodgeville and IMadison, Wis. Its 
 trafHc also extends to St. Louis, Mo., through run- 
 ning arrangements over the lines of the \'andalia 
 and Cairo Short Line Hailroads. Its " Diamond 
 Special," between Chicago and St. Louis, is rapidly 
 acquiring popularity with the traveling public, 
 owing to its splendid equipment and ra|)id time. 
 Over the Big Four Hoad connection is made with 
 liidiaiia|iiilis and CincimiMli. aiul 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 Hivcr 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 artery of 
 steel is brought into direct traffic relations with 
 the leading marts in the sunny South, as well as 
 the semi-arctic regions of Dakota, affording the 
 traveler, both in summer and winter, unsurpassed 
 facilities for reaching a plea.sant clime. 
 
 -^^ 
 
 Chicago & Alton l{ailro:i<L 
 
 (*!^^HIS road traverses some of the best terri- 
 'l\(^\\ ^^'^y ^^ Illinois and Missouri, having its 
 A^Z^ 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 *>f the great system of railroads in 
 the Mississipi)! Valley. 
 
 The Air Line between St. Louis and Chicago, 
 the most i)rominent cities of the great West, and 
 the most jironounced 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 
 develoiTed the local business along the line of the 
 road since its organization in 1862. Its manage- 
 ment has always kept abreast of the time.s. 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, pl.aced itself in such a condition, mate- 
 rially and physically, that its financial condition is 
 not easily affected. Its succe.ss 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 p.Hst success may he attributed to its
 
 668 
 
 TRANSPORTATION. 
 
 admirable geographical location, embracing a very 
 rich section of the country for local trafiic, and 
 with termini on Lake Michigan, the Mississippi 
 and Missouri Rivers, yet equally as much is due to 
 
 the wisdom and slaliility of the management. 
 
 ^^=^-^^ ' (ST— ^^^=5=S^-'=r^-^^ 
 
 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 j'ears the former city 
 was the Eastern tei'minus of the road. The man- 
 agement of the Santa Fe, with wonderful energy, 
 pushed out its lines in every direction into the 
 young and growing vState 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 adobe town of Santa Fe, whose 
 citizens were half Spanish and half Mexican. As 
 its coui'se penetrated the wilderness, it sometimes 
 followed the Old Santa Fe Trail, and generally 
 not far distant at an^y 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 ¥e System. 
 Not only did the}- devote their energy to the up- 
 building of the road, but at great expense they 
 m.'iinlained emigrati(m 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 fully 
 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, enterprising and prosperous jjeople. 
 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 every 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 INIissouri, 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, Claj- Centre, 
 Minneapolis, and other Northern Kansas cities. 
 Its main line and branches re.ach nearly 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 citj', 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 System 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 ct California Railroad in 1887, also the pur- 
 chase of the (xulf, Colorado ife .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 has 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 Pacific Coast (.San Francisco being piaotioally
 
 TRANSPORTATION. 
 
 onii 
 
 a Pacific Coast terminal, as it is readied, via Mo- 
 jave, over the tracks of tlic Southern Pacific liail- 
 w.av); and for its Nortlieni tcrniinais Chicat^o, St. 
 .losepii, Mt)., Superior. .Ncli.. :uu\ Denver, tlic capi- 
 tal of Colorado. 
 
 Chicago to Kansas City is practically ;ui air-line, 
 being the most straight and direct of any road he- 
 tween those citic.-;. It passes through a large 
 number of important towns in Illinois, including 
 Joliet, with its great steel works and other manu- 
 facturing interests. The next impoitant place is 
 .Streator, A few miles south of the latter place a 
 brandi extends to the thriving cities of Peoria 
 and Pekin, on the Illinois River. Kroni Streator 
 the main line crosses the Illinois at Cliillicolhe, 
 and extends through 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, tlien running in a 
 Southwesterly direction through a rich and popu- 
 lous section, crosses the Mississippi at Pt. Madi- 
 son on a magnificent steel bridge. Here the com- 
 pan_v have established shops, that being the ter- 
 minus of the two operating divisions of the road. 
 From Ft. Madison, Keokuk is reached by a spur. 
 Along the Santa Fe new towns are springing up 
 and new industries are being developed. Twenty 
 miles Fast of Kansas City the Missouri River is 
 crossed by a steel bridge, so that the line enters 
 Kansas City 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 Ilolli- 
 day are poijit^ for the departure of branch lines — 
 one Northward to Atchison, and the other South- 
 ward through Ottawa and Southern Kansas, l)eing 
 known as the Southern Kansas Division of the 
 Santa Fc .System. From Lawrence to Topeka the 
 road is still in the Kansas Valley, through a verit- 
 able garden. Native trees of great heiglit over- 
 hang tlie railw.ay here and there, and in the spring 
 and summer the crops look green and luxuriant. 
 Tlic approach to Topeka is tiirougli the long yards 
 and by the vast nijicliine shops of the Santji Fe 
 Company', and across various broad streets to a com- 
 modious brick station. Tlie general oflices of tlie 
 road are in Topeka. and occupy a handsome and 
 commodious luiilding near tlie Slate Capitol. 
 
 From Topeka to Denver tlie Santa Fe route runs 
 for about seventy-live miles in a southwesterly di- 
 rection to the upjicr wateis of the Neosho River. 
 At Kmiioria, passing through Osage County, are 
 found some of the richest coal fields of the ^Yest. 
 At Newton the line diverges South through South- 
 ern Kansas, the Indian Territory and Texas to 
 (iaiveston. Continuing West from Newton the 
 first city of importance reached is Hutchinson. 
 Here are some of the heaviest salt works in the 
 United States, liesides other extensive manufactur- 
 nig 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 Sj-stem, 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 L^nion rolls naturally down hill to 
 Pueblo. Beyond Pueblo to the west are many 
 thriving cities founded on miningand agriculture, 
 notable among which is Lead ville, the greatest min- 
 ing camp in Colorado, while forty miles north of 
 Pueblo,on the line of the Santa Fe,are the beautiful 
 cities of Colorado S|)rings and Manitou, nestling at 
 the foot of Pike's Peak. Manitou is at the mouth 
 of a deep canon, and is one of the most lovely sum- 
 mer resorts in America. Near here is the famous 
 Oardcn of the Cods, 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 its way toward the western border of the 
 State. Fighty miles north of Colorado Springs, 
 the Santa Fe line terminates at Denver, a magnifi- 
 cently built city. It is probable that no Anieri- 
 can cit}' has .so many features of unique beauty as 
 Denver. Its splendid public buildings, and its 
 broad avenues lininl with beautiful residences, coz- 
 ily located at the fool of the snow-capped 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
 
 (1(0 
 
 TRANSPORTATION. 
 
 peaks, the many combinations of sun, cloud, rain, 
 snow, and tlie marvelous atmosphere, all combine 
 to surprise and charm tiic beholder. 
 
 Newton to Galveston. The line leaving the main 
 East and AVest line in Kansas at Newton runs di- 
 rectly South to Oalveston. The first place of im- 
 portance reached is Wiciiita, located on the big 
 and Little Arkansas Rivers, a city of thirty-five 
 tlio\isand people, where only a few years ago was 
 an Indian trading post. Soutii of Wichita is a 
 cluster of growing cities, comprising Win field, 
 Wellington, Arkansas City and Caldwell. AVicli- 
 ita and Arkansas City have profited much by the 
 opening up of Oklahoma to settlement. Entering 
 tlie Indian Territory the line passes through a 
 magnificent agricultural country, as j'et almost 
 wholly undeveloped, (ialveston, 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 botli 
 summer and winter. 
 
 La Junta to El Paso. From La .lunta the line 
 climbs to the summit of tlie Raton Range, seven 
 thousand six hundred and twenty-two feet above 
 the sea. On the way up it passes tiu'ough 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 Ve- 
 gas and its famous iiot 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 Phcenix Hotel. Tlie springs are unsurpassed 
 anywhere in the world, and the liotel is conducted 
 by the company in a most generous manner. The 
 springs are forty-two in number, are hot and 
 cold, and have a variety of mineral properties 
 which render them remarkably strong in their cur- 
 ative power. South of Las Vegas the line passes 
 through fertile valleys, lieavy forest* and black 
 and rugged canons until the valley of the Rio 
 Grande is reached. A bi-anch line from Laniy 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. 
 It should be seen before tlie peculiar charm of its 
 antiquity has been entirely destroyed. Albuquer- 
 
 que, Socorro 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 Deniing, where junction is made witli 
 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 the Rio Grande Valley particu- 
 larly, to soon take front rank in the line of fruit 
 production. Tlie grapes produced in the lower 
 Rio Grande Valley are not surpassed in either 
 quality or quantity by the product In any part of 
 the continent. From Albuquerque, in the heart of 
 New Mexicf>, due West, the Atlantic & Pacific 
 Railroad forms the main Santa Fe route to Cali- 
 fornia. The line passes through a great mining 
 and stock-raising country, where the climate is 
 perfect. Pi'escott, 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 remarkable accomplishments known in 
 the railroad world. In Southern California the lines 
 of the California Central and Southern reacii everj- 
 important city. Barstow, San Bernardino, 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 b^' the lines 
 of the Southern Pacific by virtue of a special ar- 
 rangement for traffic. 
 
 Between Chicago and Kansas City meals are 
 served on the finest dining ears. On the other 
 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 
 traffic at its termini and various junctions, it must 
 be api)arent to tlie 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 the past, as they 
 will be in the future in developing the localities 
 through which the various branches extend, and
 
 TRANSPORTATION. 
 
 671 
 
 jerinanent prosperity of the prop- 
 jory is so closel.v interwoven witli 
 it, development and prosperity of tlie 
 nd tlie Missouri River. Its looal trattie 
 js favorably with that of other competing 
 . To this purely local tratHc must be added 
 jiie contributions of its several termini, all large 
 cities and prominent trade centers in the Missouri 
 and ^Mississippi Valleys. With the growth and 
 >tead\ development of the manufacturing and 
 other industries of Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas 
 City, St. Joseph, Atchison, Leavenworth, Topeka, 
 Wichita, (ialveston. El Paso, Pueblo and Denver, 
 since the middle of December, 1890, b^' means of 
 running arrangements with the J.ackson ville ct 
 So\itheasteru Railroad, the Santa Fe has a 
 through line from Chicago to St. Louis with a fine 
 erpiipment of pal.ace cars. The Santa Fe Railway 
 must naturally make corresponding strides toward 
 attaining that proud financial position which has 
 lieeu 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 l)e constantly 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 (lovernment 
 amounted substantially to three million acres. In 
 brief, its commanding geographical position, 
 coupled with its direct Eastern alliance for 
 through business, must render the Santa Fc event- 
 ually one of the most remunerative of our West- 
 ern railroads. 
 
 Cairo Short Line. 
 
 HE terminal points of this line are Easl St. 
 ouis and St. Louis, from which points it 
 
 Dl'^II^IJ^^Ell 
 
 ^^ȣi:^ runs in a Southwesterly direction across 
 Southern 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 pro(iucts of a portion of those States. 
 At DuC^uoin and Carbondale connection is 
 made with the Illinois Central Railroad; at Parker 
 City it crosses the line of the Hig Four; at Eldo- 
 rado traffic relations are had with the liig Four 
 and Louisville ct Na.shville Railroads. The Cairo 
 Short Line pa.sses through a section of Illinois 
 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 & Nashville. 
 
 6^-^A\]'] line of this ro;id crosses tlie Southern 
 (tf^^ I'iii't of lllinoi.s in a Southeasterly direction. 
 ^^^^ Its Eastern terminals are at P]vansville,']\It. 
 Vernon 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, (lour and other products, and 
 has done much toward building up the towns along 
 the line. 
 
 Illinois & St. Louis Railroad, 
 
 Sin^ETTER known as the -'Pittsburg Ro.ad," 
 jiy^^ extends from lielieviile to East SI. Louis, 
 l(^j/ '''"*** *** l^uion Dejjot, St. Louis, over the 
 ^^^=^ " Eads " Hridge. It has fine terminal fa- 
 cilities in almost the cnitcr of Belleville, and is 
 extensively patronized by the people along its 
 line, lint its most iinporlnnt tiMllic is in tiaiisport- 
 ing coal. 
 
 E^^. 
 
 Ohio & Mississippi. 
 
 Mils extended system operates in ctmnection 
 with the Baltimore it Ohio, havino- St. 
 f' Louis for its western terminus, and close 
 tratlic connections are maintained with the lead- 
 ing cities on the Atlantic sealioard. This was one 
 of the first roads built iu Southern Illinois, being
 
 672 
 
 TRANSPORTATION. 
 
 completed and opened for traffic the entire Icnotli 
 of the hue 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 Vaudalia Road. 
 
 i^r^-HE first train was run on this line in .July, 
 ff/^^ 1868, and in 1870 was completed its entire 
 S^^i length, and imuiediately thereafter throiigh 
 
 passenger trains were established bet\ 
 York and St. Louis. Both in passei. 
 freight business this line promptly became . 
 ing factor in promoting the business iuteres. 
 the sections through which it passes, and with 
 running arrangements with the Pennsylvania Cen- 
 tral furnishes fine facilities for its patrons.
 
 BI0GI^p^r)I(9pIi. 
 
 Abend, Hon. Eihvartl 242 
 
 Aberic, F. W 3S7 
 
 Abt.P. W 270 
 
 Adams, John 2:S 
 
 Adams, John Q 39 
 
 Alllcck, James 27!) 
 
 Ahlers, Conrad 318 
 
 Ahrens, Frederick 2!»r) 
 
 Ainmel, N. E 370 
 
 Andel, Adolph 281 
 
 Andel, Casimir 265 
 
 Appel.J.L 2(i0 
 
 Arthur, Cliester A »» 
 
 Bader,H.F 2C6 
 
 Badgley, Adam 210 
 
 Bacr, Amson 317 
 
 Barthel, August 323 
 
 Barthel, Henry 580 
 
 Baum, Simon 272 
 
 Becker, Hon. Charles 117 
 
 Begolc, F. M 322 
 
 Behrens, J. C 250 
 
 Bennett, Jeremiah 221 
 
 Bennett, Capt. W". H 305 
 
 Berkemeyer, C. F 210 
 
 Bertelsmann, Henry B54 
 
 Berteloth, John 442 
 
 Bertelsmann, J. R 611 
 
 Beste, J.H 454 
 
 Bicbel,N. J 270 
 
 Bocquet, Gustave 367 
 
 Bocquet, J. C 3C7 
 
 Boemer, Henry 4.36 
 
 Bohneraeier, John 360 
 
 Boismenue, Louis 209 
 
 Boismenue, Nicholas 578 
 
 Boneau, .Judge Benjamin — 2M 
 
 Booth, D. S., Sr 240 
 
 Boruraan, Mrs. Elizabeth 247 
 
 Brandenburccr, William 593 
 
 Briesacher. E. F 417 
 
 Bnghtlield, O. F 375 
 
 Broderick, \V. J 363 
 
 Brown. Luther 605 
 
 Brownlee. William 248 
 
 Bniegel, Henry 3.i8 
 
 Buchanan. James 75 
 
 Bug. Martin 366 
 
 Burke. Thomas 275 
 
 Burr, J. C 498 
 
 Cange, Mrs. Dora 423 
 
 Cannady, Charle? .306 
 
 Cannady , Elijah 355 
 
 Carr.L.T 316 
 
 Carroll, C.B 19.S 
 
 Carson, J.S 350 
 
 Carter, M. W 307 
 
 Cash. V. B 342 
 
 Chapin, Rev. S. 1" 611 
 
 Chenot, August us .383 
 
 Clark, A. T .i71 
 
 Clark, Samuel 420 
 
 Cleveland, S. Grover 103 
 
 Corlis,(J. L 208 
 
 Coulter, K.S 326 
 
 Crosby, George 374 
 
 Cunningham, Kobert 347 
 
 Daab, Fred .36-4 
 
 Dake, C. R., M. D 623 
 
 Daniel, T. J 415 
 
 Darrow, W. A 324 
 
 Davis, E. K 252 
 
 Day, J. A 565 
 
 Decker, H.J :i68 
 
 De Haan, H. J., M. D 201 
 
 Dehn, J. 294 
 
 Dekum, Doininick 614 
 
 Dexter, Charles 199 
 
 Dilg, Capt. Frederick . .508 
 
 Doussard, Mrs. Martha 228 
 
 Doyle, John 212 
 
 Doyle, M. B., M. D 243 
 
 Draser, George, Jr 291 
 
 Dressel, Ernest 526 
 
 Dunn, James .544 
 
 Eberhart, J. J 322 
 
 Eberlein, George 3.58 
 
 Eekert, Charles 475 
 
 Eckert.H. C 343 
 
 Eggmann, E.J 200 
 
 Ehinger, John 285 
 
 Eidmann.L. F 259 
 
 Elliot. Henry 283 
 
 Elliot, Harry, Jr 239 
 
 Engelmann, W. B 325 
 
 El tling. Christian 338 
 
 Ewing, Capt. G . W 2C3 
 
 Eyman, Isaac 271 
 
 Fahne, George, .Sr 311 
 
 Fairbrother, H. C, M. D 20« 
 
 Faulbaum. August 311 
 
 Fekete, Alexander, M. D 202 
 
 Fiet.sam, C. H 2.37 
 
 Fillmore, Millard 67 
 
 Finke.E. J 377 
 
 Flanncry, Patrick 6.32 
 
 Flannigen, Alexander 217 
 
 Fleischbein, C. P 502 
 
 ForciMle, Louis 290 
 
 Foulks. Charles 637 
 
 Fournie, Sylvester 283 
 
 Frey, John 289 
 
 Fricderick, Michael 367 
 
 Fries, Adam .359 
 
 Fries, Jacob (124 
 
 Fries, John fifii 
 
 Fries, Peter 491 
 
 Friess. J. H 285 
 
 Fuesser, J. P 386 
 
 Fuller, Rev. H. E 649 
 
 Funk, Adam 280 
 
 Funk,H. C ,384 
 
 Funk, Henry 296 
 
 Ganter, Henry, M. D 149 
 
 Garfield, .Tames A 95 
 
 Gauch, Jacob 550 
 
 Gauch, P. A 408 
 
 Gcary.M.F 126 
 
 Gelwicks, G. B 410 
 
 Germain, J. H 42« 
 
 Germain, Nicholas 658 
 
 Gillen, Rev. James 482 
 
 Gintz, Adam 573 
 
 Godin, Peter, Sr 630 
 
 Gooding, Abram 365 
 
 Gough,Rev. J. M 5M 
 
 Graner, Louis 419 
 
 Grant, Ulysses S 87 
 
 Grebe, William, M.D 125 
 
 Green, B. P 315 
 
 Griffen, Abraham 542 
 
 Grltren, Charles 489 
 
 Griffin, John 410 
 
 Gri.swold, J. W 492 
 
 Gross, Louis 257 
 
 Grossmann, Charles '..463 
 
 Grupe, W. H 577 
 
 Guentz, Henry 644 
 
 Gundlach, Frank 504 
 
 Gundlach, Jacob, Jr 147 
 
 Gundlach, P. M M3 
 
 Guthrie. G.W 631 
 
 Haas, Daniel 299 
 
 Hacker.J.N 526
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Hagen, Rev. H. J 387 
 
 Hagist, E. R lU 
 
 Halstead, Dr. A. S 321 
 
 Hamilton, J. C 6-13 
 
 Hamilton, R. H e2fi 
 
 Hardy, Mrs. Catherine (168 
 
 Harkins, Key. John 377 
 
 Harrison, Benjamin 107 
 
 Harrison, H. W 530 
 
 Harrison, William Henry — .5! 
 
 Harrold, Michael tSi 
 
 Hartmann, Bern hard 4.'i8 
 
 Hauss, Charles 6-17 
 
 Hayes, Rutherford B 91 
 
 Heberer, George ia» 
 
 Heely, D. C, M. D G06 
 
 Heid'inger, J. J 133 
 
 Heimberger, K. U 451 
 
 Heinrich, Oscar 191 
 
 Heinzelman, John 659 
 
 Helms, Frea 619 
 
 Hempe.H. W 238 
 
 Hentzel, Benjamin 181 
 
 Hentzel, Cfeorge 562 
 
 Higf^ins, Benjamin 181 
 
 Hilgard.G. F 576 
 
 Hill, J, r 4f'l 
 
 Hill, Peter 154 
 
 Hoff, Henry 567 
 
 Holcomb, Emery 175 
 
 Horner,H.H 662 
 
 Huber, Henry 139 
 
 Hummert, Theodore 635 
 
 Hypes, Benjamin 163 
 
 Hypes, J. W X (i60 
 
 lllinski, A. X.,M. D .385 
 
 Ingold, Capt. Christian 229 
 
 Isch, Anthony 399 
 
 Jackson, Andrew 43 _ 
 
 Janssen, Rev. John 143 
 
 Jargstorff, Rev, John 63S 
 
 Jelteraon, Thomas 27 
 
 Johnson, Andrew 83 
 
 Johnson, C. C .178 
 
 Johnson, L. M {>35 
 
 Johnson, V. « 481 
 
 Jones, C.T 473 
 
 Jones, W. L 646 
 
 Joseph, John 122 
 
 Juenger, J. P 6-15 
 
 Justus, Fred 326 
 
 Kupmper, Charles 513 
 
 Kanzler, George 410 
 
 Kanzler, Peter 410 
 
 Karch, Charles 547 
 
 Keechler, A. L .529 
 
 Keller, J. P 169 
 
 Kemper, G. H 520 
 
 Kieter , John 588 
 
 Kihan, Conrad 441 
 
 Kilian, Jacob 4.'i0 
 
 Kirk, J. W 198 
 
 Kirsch, Fredrick, M. D 301 
 
 Kloess, John 263 
 
 Knewitz, Gerhard 379 
 
 Knewitz, Henry 476 
 
 Knobeloch, Adolph .582 
 
 Knobeloch, Henry 316 
 
 Knobeloch , John 818 
 
 Knobeloch, Julius 514 
 
 Knoebel, Thomas 556 
 
 Koch , Hartmann 376 
 
 Koeberlin, Frederick, M. D...401 
 Koenig, Rev. Christopher. ...353 
 
 Koerner, Hon. Gustavus 348 
 
 Kra£ft,T. J 356 
 
 Kurrus,J. A 394 
 
 Law, Robert 607 
 
 Leake, Frank 516 
 
 Lehman, Prof. G 302 
 
 Leiner, Jacob 300 
 
 Lemen, G. C 659 
 
 Lenz, August 497 
 
 Liebig, G. P 501 
 
 Lienesch, G. P 515 
 
 Lill.P. W 1.50 
 
 Lincoln, Abraham 79 
 
 Lindly,J. J 406 
 
 Linehan , J. 1 527 
 
 Lischer, Hon. Christ 461 
 
 Lischer. C. J 457 
 
 Lotz, William 293 
 
 Louis, Joseph 174 
 
 Lyons, J. R 438 
 
 M 
 
 Madison, James 31 
 
 Malinee,S.B 600 
 
 Mann. Jacob 241 
 
 Marsh, D. C 625 
 
 Mason, James 1.55 
 
 Mauer, Charles 464 
 
 Maule, Francis 404 
 
 Maule, John 467 
 
 May, Thomas. Jr 230 
 
 McCasland, CO 644 
 
 McCasland, C. D 222 
 
 McCasland, J. M 251 
 
 McCasland, Hon. J. T 282 
 
 McCasland , W. A 596 
 
 McCracken, R. X.,M. D .587 
 
 McCulley, A.J 119 
 
 McCullough, J. W 483 
 
 McFarland, Mrs. Amanda. ..620 
 
 McFarland, Capt. Milton 397 
 
 McLean, Capt. J. J 663 
 
 McLean, J. J 124 
 
 McQuillan, E.J 295 
 
 Mechin,J. ,.% Son 145 
 
 Merkel, Cornel 300 
 
 Merrills, F.B 486 
 
 Messick, Hon. J. B 656 
 
 Metelmann, M. F 503 
 
 Metzen, J. P 234 
 
 Meyer, Rev. Henry 423 
 
 Miller, A. J 197 
 
 Miller, D. D 41S 
 
 Miller, J. E 452 
 
 Miller, L. G 292 
 
 Miller, Louis 4.54 
 
 Miller, Peter 479 
 
 Miller, W.J 398 
 
 Mills, Hugh 429 
 
 Moehlmann, Fredrick, Sr.. ..2.54 
 
 Moeaer, Prof. Frederick .555 
 
 Moeser, Henry 602 
 
 Moeser,Philip, M. D 27« 
 
 Mollmann, J. D 364 
 
 Monroe, James 35 
 
 Montag, Carl 196 
 
 Mootz, Albert 274 
 
 Mootz, Herman 123 
 
 Muelheim, Mrs. G. L 249 
 
 Mueller, A. J 289 
 
 Mueller, J. F 244 
 
 Mueller, J. F 253 
 
 Muetze, Christian B83 
 
 Munie, George 661 
 
 Murphy, David 645 
 
 Muskopf , G.J 432 
 
 Needles, H. M 124 
 
 Niemes, John 541 
 
 North, AdolphuB 407 
 
 Nuetzel, Gottfried 276 
 
 Oebike, Henry 233 
 
 O'Halloran, Rev. P. J 642 
 
 Ortgier, William 458 
 
 Otten, Hermann 549 
 
 Padfleld.J.R. 182 
 
 Padt!eld,W.B 666 
 
 Parry.H. F 413 
 
 Penn, Ja 
 Perrottet, 
 Perry, Joh. 
 Perryman,* 
 Pfaff, Adam. 
 Pfeiffer, Adai 
 Phillips, W. H. 
 Pierce, Franklin. 
 
 Pierce, H. A 
 
 Polk, James K 
 
 Postel, P. H 
 
 Prediger, William 
 
 Prediger, Peter ^- 
 
 Priester, F. M 565 
 
 Priester, Fred 166 
 
 Probst, Charles 479 
 
 Pugh.H L 835 
 
 Raab, E. P., M. B 395 
 
 Rafter, J. J. . .' 127 
 
 Rank, John. .< 435 
 
 Rayhill,J. J 393 
 
 Rebhan, Emile 337 
 
 Rebhan, G. C 14« 
 
 Reichert, Joseph .537 
 
 Reimann , Peter 641 
 
 Reinecke, Conrad 205 
 
 Reis, Henry 122 
 
 Reis, Hon. Michael .587 
 
 Reis, Valentine 164 
 
 Rembe, Charles, M. D 418 
 
 Rtnshaw,C'apt. J. W 173 
 
 Rentchler, Daniel 594 
 
 Reuss, Julius 186 
 
 Rhein, Fred 571 
 
 Rhein, Louis 638 
 
 Rhein, Philip 164 
 
 Richardson, J. H 179 
 
 Bichter, F. B .502 
 
 Rittenhouse, W. P 119 
 
 Robertson, N. S 474 
 
 Rodenheiser, John 187 
 
 Roewe, Henry 496 
 
 Rogers, E.P 507 
 
 Rogers, G. B. M 607 
 
 Rohm, Christian, Sr 223 
 
 Romeiser, P. M 447 
 
 Ropiequet, R. W 647 
 
 Rose, F. T, M. D 159 
 
 Ross, P. J 613 
 
 Rubach, Ferdinand, M. D....121 
 
 Ruemmler, Alexander 273 
 
 Ruemmler, C. G 470 
 
 Ruester, Philip 335 
 
 Kunkwitz, Charles 373 
 
 Butter, G.r 490 
 
 Sackmann, Capt. Henry — 231 
 
 Sager, C. H 665 
 
 Battler, Fred 169
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Sauter, John S33 
 
 Schaefer.M. W 418 
 
 Schaller, John 595 
 
 Schaub. Georgf 572 
 
 Scheel.A. M., M. D «05 
 
 Scheve, (i. J fil7 
 
 Schlernitzauer, A., M. D 180 
 
 Schmidt, H. T I'O 
 
 Schmidt. J. C 192 
 
 Schmi&seiir, Eugene IM 
 
 Sohmisseur, Frank 14S 
 
 Schmisscur. Mrs. M. A 51S 
 
 Schnciiler, Peter 369 
 
 Schocniiis, E. F 131 
 
 Scholt. O. F 522 
 
 Sctiroeder, Georg* 4BS 
 
 Schuetz, E. C 642 
 
 Schwaegel, Jacob 449 
 
 Schwarz, Franz 148 
 
 Schwai-z, Hans 350 
 
 SchH inn, Peter 2W 
 
 Scott. E.J 416 
 
 Scott, W.S 5.-i4 
 
 Setllinger, Anton 430 
 
 Seibcrt, John 408 
 
 Scibert, Hon. Peter 185 
 
 Semnielroth, George 525 
 
 Shawhan, L. C 14« 
 
 Shipman, O. W., Sr 844 
 
 Siebert, William 16« 
 
 Sinclair, J. C IBS 
 
 Skacr, Pliilip 332 
 
 Skaer, Wesley l.-i? 
 
 Slade, Hon. J. P 188 
 
 Slieper, F 439 
 
 Smiley, A. B 536 
 
 Smith, J. P 581 
 
 Sopp, P. H .S74 
 
 Spitznass, Herman 480 
 
 Stack, P. H 215 
 
 Staub, Nicholas 4«9 
 
 Staiider, Peter 5«0 
 
 Staufenhiel, F. J 156 
 
 Stein, Adolph 583 
 
 Stcinert.H.B tiSO 
 
 Steinert , J. B 630 
 
 Stepliens.Hon.M.M 137 
 
 StolTol.J. W 120 
 
 Stolberg, Andrew 474 
 
 Stookey, Aaron 482 
 
 Stookey.E. D 409 
 
 Stookey, Elijah 190 
 
 Stookey, G.H 170 
 
 Stookey, L. P., M. D 419 
 
 Stookey, M. M 318 
 
 Stookey, M. T 331 
 
 Stookey, T. A 186 
 
 Strecker. C. F., M. D 247 
 
 Suemnicht, Herman 507 
 
 Sullivan, J. M 313 
 
 Tarlton , H. B 516 
 
 Tate, G. K 138 
 
 Tate, John 158 
 
 Taylor, Zachary CS 
 
 Thomas, E. A 574 
 
 Tliomas, Hon. John 387 
 
 Thompson, Amos 341 
 
 Tieraann, August 512 
 
 Tissier. M. F 548 
 
 Todd, Lemuel 380 
 
 Tomlins, Itev. \V. H 459 
 
 Townsend, William 167 
 
 Traubel, Leonard 405 
 
 Trautmann, Frederick 538 
 
 Trendley, C'apt. H. E 216 
 
 Turner, L. D 181 
 
 Twenhafel, Bernard 313 
 
 Twitchell.R. A., M. D 218 
 
 Tyler, John .^§ 
 
 Vahlkamp. Stephan 553 
 
 Valerius, Jacob 167 
 
 Van Blarcom, W. D 400 
 
 Van Buren, Martin 47 
 
 Van Court, B.J 131 
 
 Van der Smissen, Rev. C. 
 
 H. A 354 
 
 Voelker, H. W 601 
 
 Vogel, Fredrick, Sr 614 
 
 Vogt , Theo 314 
 
 Volkening, Herman 378 
 
 Voskamp, Henry 390 
 
 VoBS, Casper 258 
 
 Voss, Henry 221 
 
 w 
 
 Waeltz, William 5.59 
 
 Wagner. Henry 510 
 
 Walrath, C. L 230 
 
 Walsh, Capt. Mike 608 
 
 Wangelin, Richard 561 
 
 Ward, J. T 441 
 
 Wasem, Valentine 328 
 
 Washington, George 1» 
 
 Webb, Emanuel 468 
 
 Weber, John 308 
 
 Weber, P. L 128 
 
 Weckler, F.S 521 
 
 Wehrle, J. A Son .519 
 
 West, B. J 590 
 
 West, Washington, M. D 132 
 
 Westermann, Col. Hugo 195 
 
 White, H.R 424 
 
 White, J. K 118 
 
 White, T.H 599 
 
 Wies, J. J 176 
 
 Wiggins, J. L., M. D 237 
 
 Wilderman, A. E 139 
 
 Wilderraan, Hon. A. S 612 
 
 Wilderman, F. A 437 
 
 Wilderman, James 148 
 
 Wilderman, J. C IBS 
 
 Wilderman, J. S 453 
 
 Wildgrube, Ferdinand 624 
 
 Wildy, Alexander .559 
 
 Wilhelmj, C. F., M. D 647 
 
 Williams, H. C 629 
 
 Willoughby, J. A .532 
 
 Wilson, H. M 425 
 
 Winkelmann, William 396 
 
 Wolpert, F. W 126 
 
 Woodley, Rev. R. D 484 
 
 Woods, Alex., M. D 334 
 
 Wylie, J.A S84 
 
 Yoch, Benhard 327
 
 ^kg@^)C ^ 
 
 
 — ^-+ 
 
 Adams, John 22 
 
 Adams, John Q 38 
 
 Affleck. James 278 
 
 Arthur, Chester A 98 
 
 Becker, Hon. Charles 1 Ifi 
 
 Bennett, Jeremiah 220 
 
 Bennett, W. H 304 
 
 Bertelsmann, J. R 610 
 
 Bornman, Mre. Elizabeth... .22fi 
 
 Brandenburger, William 592 
 
 Broderick, W. J 3«2 
 
 Buchanan, James 74 
 
 Cange, Paul 422 
 
 Chenot, Augu.stus 382 
 
 Cleveland, S. Grover ](B 
 
 Cunningham, Robert 34fi 
 
 Dake.C. K., M. D fi« 
 
 Day, J. A .'i64 
 
 Faulbaum, August 310 
 
 Fietsam, C. H 236 
 
 Fillmore, Millard 66 
 
 Garfield, J.A 94 
 
 Grant, U.S 86 
 
 Griffen, Charles 4H8 
 
 Gross, Louis 25(1 
 
 Harrison, Benjamm 106 
 
 Rarrison, W. H 50 
 
 Hayesi,R.B !i« 
 
 Hypes, Benjamin 1(J2 
 
 Jackson, Andrew 42 
 
 Janssen, Bishop J 142 
 
 Jefferson, Thomas 20 
 
 Johnson, Andrew 82 
 
 Johnson, L. M h:U 
 
 Jone.s, C. T 472 
 
 Kaemper, Charles .^12 
 
 Kloess, John 262 
 
 Koenig, Father C 3.52 
 
 Lincoln, Abraham 78 
 
 Madison, James.. - 30 
 
 Maule, John 466 
 
 Monroe, James 34 
 
 Niemes, John 540 
 
 Fenn, Joseph 152 
 
 Perrottet, Louis 268 
 
 Perry, John 494 
 
 Pierce, Franklin 70 
 
 Polk, J. K 58 
 
 Pugh. H. L 634 
 
 Rank, John 434 
 
 Kayhill, J. J 392 
 
 Reimann, Peter 640 
 
 Reinecke, Conrad 204 
 
 Reis, Hon. Michael .'586 
 
 Renshaw, J . W 172 
 
 Richardson, J. H 178 
 
 Romeiser, P. M 444 
 
 Homeiser, Mrs. E. H 445 
 
 Scheel, A. M., M. D 604 
 
 Seibert, John 402 
 
 Seibert, Hon. Peter 184 
 
 Smith, J. P 580 
 
 Stack, P. H 214 
 
 Stephens, M. M 136 
 
 Stookey, M. T 330 
 
 Strecker, C. F.,M. D 246 
 
 Suemnicht, Herman 506 
 
 Taylor, Zachary 62 
 
 Thompson , Amos ."^40 
 
 Tyler, John 54 
 
 Vahlkamp, Stephan 5.'>2 
 
 Van Buren, Martin 46 
 
 Van Court, B. J 130 
 
 Waeltz, William 558 
 
 Washington, George 18 
 
 Wehrle, Joseph 518 
 
 Westermann, Hugo IW 
 
 White, T. H 598 
 
 William.s, H. C 628 
 
 Ahlers, Conrad 319 
 
 Ammel, N. E 371 
 
 Beste. J. H 465 
 
 Burr, J. C 499 
 
 Dekum, Dominick 615 
 
 Dressel, Ernst .523 
 
 Dunn, James 545 
 
 Germain, J. H 427 
 
 Griffin, John 411 
 
 Haas, Daniel 298 
 
 Knewitz, Henry 477 
 
 Liebig, G. P 499 
 
 Miller, Louis 455 
 
 Miller, Peter 477 
 
 Prediger, William 569 
 
 Rhein.Fred 
 
 Schott, O. F 
 
 Sehwinn, Peter. .. 
 Stookey, M. M.... 
 Vogel, Friedrich.
 
 977 389P83 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 
 
 30112025399665 
 
 LL' i ILl kJ,i ka<i^Jti