USA > Illinois > Hancock County > Biographical review of Hancock County, Illinois : containing biographical and genealogical sketches of many of the prominent citizens of to-day and also of the past > Part 71
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ADOLPH SIEGRIST.
Adolph Siegrist, deceased, was for many years one of the prominent repre- sentatives of agricultural interests in Ap- panoose township, and his death was deeply deplored by his many friends throughout Hancock county, as well as by the members of his own househokl. Ile was a native of Switzerland, his natal year being 1841. He was a son of Ru-
dolph and Mary ( Amsler) Siegrist. who emigrated from the land of the Alps to America at an early day, settling first in Ohio, where they remained for a few years and then removed to Nauvoo. Illinois.
Adolph Siegrist was but a young lad when he was brought by his parents from the old country to Illinois. He entered the common schools during the residence of his parents in Ohio and attended school to some extent after the removal to Nau- 100. In 1863. however, in response to the country's call for aid during the Civil war he offered his services to the govern- ment, enlisting as a member of Company A. Second Regiment of Illinois Artillery. and going to the front he served until the close of hostilities, having been a loyal and faithful soldier.
Upon his return from the war he re- turned to the home farm, where he as- sisted his father in the operation of the farm until his marriage. November 15. 1872, to Miss Theresia Klinglemiller, a native of Austria, born December 29. 1850, a daughter of Wolfgang and Eliza- beth (Sachhuver) Klingmiller. Her parents came to Nauvoo in 1853 from Jonesboro, where they had spent the win- ter previous, having come to that city from their native land. The father bought a farm in Sonora township. on which he located, and here his death oc- curred in June. 1894, while his wife had died many years before, she having passed away in 1854. the year after their arrival in Illinois.
Following his marriage Mr. Siegrist located on land in Appanoose township. which he rented. of which twenty acres
was situated on section 23, and forty acres on section 20, making in all a tract of sixty acres. lle rented this tract for about six years, and at the end of that time, having prospered in his agricultural interests, he was enabled to purchase the farm, and here he continued his farming operations until his death, which occurred November 11. 1888, from paralysis. which was contracted during his service in the army. Unto him and his wife had been born seven sons and two daughters. as follows: Carl Henry, of Appanouse township: John, a resident of Lee county, lowa : lda, the wife of Albert Nestle, liv- ing on her father's old home property : Joseph, at home: William, of Niota. Illi- nois: Minnie. Edward. Charles and Walter, twins, all at home with their mother.
In his political views Mr. Siegrist was an earnest republican, unfaltering in his allegiance to the party yet not active as an office secker. In his religions faith he was a Lutheran, while his fraternal re- lations were with the Grand Army of the Republic, at Niota. He was a man of up- right and honorable principles, ever loyal in citizenship and faithful to the ties of friendship, and thus his death was the occasion of deep regret throughout the community in which he had so long lived and labored.
HIRAM KOONTZ.
Hiram Koontz, deceased, who, coming to Hancock county at an early day, opened
up a tien farm wll be deyelapel and cultivated successfully for many ver. was born in Portage county, Oho, Ile cember 14. 1811. his parents benig \ liam and Catherine (Stanbaugh Koont The father was a farmer and plasteret and came to Ihnen in the girls go -. settling at Camden. Schuyler county. where they lived for many years There the mother died in August. 1870, while the father's death occurred in Astoria. this state, in 1880. Both were member- of the United Brethren church Their family numbered sixteen cluldren, of whom three are living: William, a res- dent of Camden: Dora, the wife of Jo- seph Dunham, of Pittsfieldl. Minots : and David, of East St. Louis, Ilinois
Hiram Koontz was a young lad at the time of the parents' removal to Ilinois and his education was largely acquired in the public schools of Camden. When not busy with his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the farm and remained with his parents until nearly twenty one years of age He spent year and a half in St Louis, Missouri, where he learned the trade of a broom maker and later he engaged in farming for a year or more at Camden On the expiration of that period he settled on a farm on sections to and ti in Augusta township, which he purchased from his father, comprising two hundred and one and a half acres of land that was then covered with timber. He cut away the trees, took out the stumps and placed all of the improvement upon the property. transferring it from a will tract into one of rich fertility, from which he annually gathered goods crops He was a gener v
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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
farmer. carrying on his business with good success. In his work he displayed close application and unremitting dili- gence, which are always substantial ele- ments upon which to build prosperity.
On the 30th of May, 1874, Mr. Koontz was married to Miss Ethalinda Miller, who was born in Millwood, Knox county. Ohio. December 8, 1849, a daughter of Michael H. and Mary Ann (Garrett) Miller. Her father was born in Cham- bersburg. Pennsylvania, February 8, 1819. and died in Dallas City, Illinois, March 26. 1906, at the age of eighty- seven years. In early life he learned the tailor's trade and visited every state in the Union before settling at Millwood. Ohio. He wedded Miss Mary A. Gar- rett. September 19. 1843, and they be- came the parents of seven children, of whom two died in infancy, the others being: William A., now of La Harpe, Illinois: Elizabeth, the wife of Marion Walker, of Dallas City; Ethalinda, now Mrs. Koontz: Jacob, who resides in Dal- las City: and Anna. the wife of L. K. Symmonds. of Dallas township. In 1854 Mr. Miller removed with his family from Ohio to Dallas City. Illinois. He had previously served as postmaster and cor- oner at Millwood and his political alle- giance was given to the democracy. In Dallas City he filled the office of justice of the peace. He likewise had a military record, having been appointed captain of Company C, of the First Rifles of the Second Brigade during the Mexican war but the command was never sent to the front. In 1902 he was converted and bap- tized. His wife, who was born in Martins- burg. Knox county, Ohio, in 1826, was a
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth ( Schaff- ner) Garrett, in whose family were ten children, of whom two are living, Mrs. Miller, and William, who resides in the Indian Territory. Mr. and Mrs. Miller lived together as man and wife for sixty- two years and at his death he left a widow, twenty grandchildren, nineteen great- grandchildren and three great-great- grandchildren. He was buried in Dallas City cemetery and thus departed this life a good man honored by everyone where- ever known.
Mr. and Mrs. Koontz became the par- ents of seven children, all of whom were born on the farm in Augusta township. where she now resides. These are: Wil- liam, born July 30. 1875 ; Clara, Decem- ber 24. 1876; Lottie M., June 25, 1879; Laura Ellen, January 18, 1881 : Lewis H., January 7, 1883; Daisy E., October 20. 1884; and Jesse A., July 3. 1888. Of this number three have passed away. All were educated at Augusta and the living members of the family are yet at home.
Mr. Koontz voted with the Republican party and regarded it as the duty as well as the privilege of every American citi- zen to cast a ballot in support of the measures which he deemed most con- clucive to good government. He did not seek nor desire office, however, as a re- ward for party fealty. He held member- ship in the Methodist church of Augusta, of which his wife was also a devoted member and his christian faith was one of the strong elements in his life. More- over he was a most enterprising man who worked hard and long in order to secure a good home for his family, and at his (leath, which occurred on the 19th of Au-
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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
gust, 1880, he was enabled to leave to his Petersburg, Virginia, Lebruny 0, 1817. family a comfortable competence. Ele was respected and esteemed wherever known and most of all was best liked where best known -a fact which indi- cates that his life was upright and honor- able. Ule had many friends who as well as his wife and children deeply regretted his death. Mrs. Koontz still lives upon the home farm and owns two hundred and forty-one and a half acres of excel- lent land, from which she derives a good income. She likewise owns town prop- erty in Plymouth and she is devoting her life to the careful rearing of her family who are a credit to her name.
S. IL. ALDRIDGE.
S. H. Aldridge, filling the position of postmaster at Plymouth, is also engaged in the insurance and real estate business. and as an official and business man has made a creditable record. He was born in Windsor. Shelby county. Ilinois. March 23. 1857, and is a son of Dr. Hugh Hunter and Mary Jane ( Harlan ) Aldridge. The ancestry can be traced back to Geoffrey Aldridge, who wedded Mary Jones, a lady of Irish birth. His paternal grandfather, Joel Aldridge, was born in Petersburg, Virginia, February 22. 1794, and wedded Mary Ann Hunter. also of that place, on the 24th of April. 1816. They were farming people and in 1830 removed to Kentucky, whence in 1835 they went to Macoupin county. Illinois. Dr. II. TI. Aldridge was born in
and was reared in Kentucky He came to Ilinois when about twenty (ffe Jens of age, and engaged im carpentering m Macoupin county. He was married in Sangamon county. Allmon, in this to Miss Mary Jane Harlan, who was born in that county, and it was subsequent 1 his marriage that he took up the study of medicine and engaged in its practice Hle lost his first wife in 1803, and later he married Miss Elizabeth Edwards, a na- tive of Illinois, Whose father was colli ty clerk of Coles county, this state. By the first marriage there were six children, of whom four are now living. Hattie, the wife of James A. Price, who is living near Windsor, Ilinois: Illinois I .. the wife of John 1. Rose, who also resides near Windsor: S. 11 .. of this review : and Georgia M., who is a trained nurse in Brooklyn, New York. Unto Dr. Vldl- ridge by his second marriage there were born four daughters: Florence N., Ina M .. Adella M .. and Sue D., only one of whom. Florence N., who is Mr- A B. Brown, of Woods county, Oklahoma. with whom the mother is now living.
S. H. Aldridge acquired his education in the public schools of his native town and afterward became connected with the drug trade there, in which he continued until about eighteen years ago, when le came to Plymouth. Here he established a drug store, conducting the business in til 1807. when he was appointe | postmaster of Plymouth, in which capicity le his since served, having been reppin el He has also engaged in the pisuradice all real estate business, and is aland age t has secured a good clientage
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BIOGRAPHICAL RETIEII
In 1885 Mr. Aldridge was united in mar- riage to Miss Maude M. Flowers, who was born in Ohio, in 1857. a daughter of Benjamin Flowers, who was a native of Ohio. The father was a miller, farmer and engineer, and lived and died in Wind- sor, Illinois. His family numbered five children, of whom four are living: Hat- tie. now a resident of Ohio; Lella, the wife of Amos Messer. an ex-sheriff of Coles county. Illinois, and a retired farmer ; Mrs. Aldridge : Lydia, the wife of George McCain, who is part owner of an elevator in Coles county. Illinois ; and Augustus, who is clerking in Mattoon, this state. The death of Mrs. Aldridge occurred in July. 1887. and her remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Windsor. She left one daughter. Maude E. Aldridge, who was graduated in June, 1906, from the Plymouth high school. On Thanks- giving day of 1892 Mr. Aldridge was married to Miss Lena Parker, who was born in Ohio, in 1870, and is a daughter of Willis and Eliza Parker, natives of Ohio. Her father is now deceased, and the mother spends a part of her time with Mrs. AAldridge, who is the youngest of a family of five children, the others being : Etta, the wife of L. V. Brown, of Ply- mouth : Nora, the wife of DeForest Hub- bard. of Chicago: Ambrose, living in Richmond, Indiana: and Raleigh, a resi- dent of Logansport. Indiana. By his second marriage Mr. Aktrige has had two children, both born in Plymouth : Murrel, who was four years of age in July, 1906. and Maurine, who was two years of age in December, 1906. Mrs. Aldridge is a member of the Congregational church. Theirs is a pleasant and attractive resi-
dence on Virginia street in Plymouth, and Mr. Aldridge is one of the prominent men of the town, taking an active interest in all that pertains to its growth. devel- opment and substantial improvement. He possesses a generous spirit and kindly dis- position, and is recognized as a man of much ability.
TRUMAN PLANTZ.
Truman Plantz, a resident of Warsaw and engaged in the practice of law, was born in Fulton county, New York, No- vember 17, 1860. and came to Warsaw at the age of six years.
His parents were Peter W. and Jea- nette ( Higbee) Plantz. who removed with their family to this state, where they re- sided for many years and here the father died in 1896, at the age of seventy-eight years. Peter W. Plantz was an attorney, practicing in the state of New York, but never followed the profession actively after coming to the west. his attention being given to civil engineering. His wife survived him until 1901, dying at the age of seventy-seven years. In their family were five children: Oliver, who died in infancy : Charles B., who is chief train dispatcher for the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railroad, resides in Peoria, Illi- nois; Fannie M., the widow of Charles S. Green, residing in Warsaw: William. who died in 1879. at the age of twenty- one years : and Truman.
393
Truman Plantz was educated in the public schools of Warsaw and after put- ting aside his text-books, devoted eleven years to railroad work, acting at difer- ent times as telegraph operator, baggage- man. brakeman and conductor, filling the last mentioned position during the last seven years of his connection with the mail- road service, with the Toledo. Teoria & Western Railroad. In 18yo he withdrew from that position, having determined to become a member of the bar. In the meantime he had taken up the study of law, and for about six months pursued his reading in the office of D. F. Miller, Jr .. of Keokuk, lowa.
In 1801 he was admitted to the bar at Springfield, and at once-entered into the practice of law in Warsaw, He was for some time a member of the firm of Plantz & Hartzell, and afterwards of the firm of Hooker. Plantz & Hartzell. He is now the senior partner of the firm of Plantz & Lamet. Mr. Plantz is the gen- cral attorney for the Modern Woodmen of America, the largest fraternal benefi- ciary society in the United States, having been elected to the office in March 1903. He became a member of this order in 1805. joining at Warsaw and has held the office of Consul in the local lodge and was appointed and served as one of the law committee of the society for six years prior to becoming general attorney.
Mr. Plantz is also a member of the Order of the Railway Conductors. He has been prominent and influential in local political circles and for several years was alderman of this city. He has also been mayor for three terms, retiring from the office about 1808. The fact that he was
capability and the confidence reported in lum by his fellow twomen Ile .. . candidate for congress on the democratic ticket in 1802 and ISog and is no's member of the democratic state colliilll' tee. For the past ten years he has been president of the board of education, the cause of education finding in hun a stal wart advocate, who has done effective work in behalf of the public schools.
On the 8th of August. No, Mr Plantz was married to Miss Helen Dallam, a daughter of Francis and Anna M. Dallam. They had born to them one child. Truman, who is a student in the Warsaw schools, Mrs. Planta the No vember 15. 1004. at Warsaw. Mr. Plantz is kind, unaffected and approach- able and every comer has a claim upon his attention.
CARTHAGE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
This institution was founded in 1803 through the efforts of a few women of Carthage, organized as the Columbian Library Association and having a dolar and a half in their treasury liam (. Hooker, the president and enthusiast in the work, called a meeting of the citizens at the home of Vi Amanda E. Shuhz At plus meetnig Ex-Mayor A W O'Hare nemgel the women to continue their effects Die several months receptions and market days were held Dr . M Rebb .
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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIENT'
mayor, being appealed to for help. ap- pointed a board of directors as follows: Messrs. M. P. Berry, A. N. Cherrill, C. J. Scofield and D. E. Mack and Mesdames William C. Hooker, S. L. Botts. Mary Robbins. Elizabeth Cherill and Mrs. Duane Pennock. Mrs. William C. Hook- er was made president of this board and held the position until her death in Feb- ruary. 1900.
MI. P. Berry offered to give the sum of five hundred dollars toward starting a public library, providing a like sum to be given by the citizens. In a short time six hundred and twelve dollars were subscribed to insure Mr. Berry's gift. The library. now being an assured fact. was opened to the public March 10, 1894. with two thousand one hundred and thir -. ty-six books on the shelves. Two courses of lectures were arranged for, several of our prominent men and women giving time and talent toward the success of this enterprise. A third course was given by M. P. Berry on his trip to Europe. The different churches were offered free of charge for these lectures and accepted by the Carthage Library Association. The first year of the library's existence was spent in a room owned by John Culkin and given by him free of rent. The new city hall being completed soon after this. the library moved into two rooms up- stairs furnished by the city. Mrs. M. P. Berry was elected to fill Mrs. Hooker's place as president of the Carthage Li- brary Association and held office until her death, November 6, 1902. Novem ber. 1900. the library was moved and permanently located in the lower room of the city hall. Mr. M. P. Berry having
offered to fit up this room, providing the city make it the home of the library, and it now has very pleasant quarters.
The library now consists of forty-four hundred volumes. the average number loaned per week being two hundred. The circulating department is open every Saturday afternoon from one to five and from seven to nine p. m. The reading room is open every evening during the week from seven to nine o'clock. The reference rooms and current literature of this room are free for the use of all who may desire to come to the library. Lega- cies have been received by the library as follows: August 9. 1898, from the Swartz estate, one hundred and forty-six dollars and twenty cents : November 10. 1900, one thousand dollars by the will of Willis Bernethy ; in 1902, thirty-five dol- lars by the will of Judge Chellis Hooker. and July 6, 1906, five hundred dollars was left by Mrs. Elizabeth Cherrill to the general fund. The city by appropriation provides for the running expenses of the library. The books are free to the resi- dents and non-residents can purchase membership tickets at two dollars per year. The Carthage Library Association still continues its work for the library with Mrs. A. W. O'Harra as president. she having held this position since Mrs. Berry's death. Mrs. Duane Pennock is and has been librarian ever since the li- brary has been opened. Although she has never received a very large compen- sation for her services, yet she has been faithful and untiring in the discharge of her many duties and her efforts have aided very materially in making the li- brary what it is today.
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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
C. J. ROBINSON.
C. J. Robinson, in whose business in tegrity and enterprise are found the secret of his success, is now conducting a gen- eral merchandise store in l'ontonsne, and is accounted one of the leading business men of the village. A son of William and Mary Ann ( Howard ) Robinson, his birth occurred in an old log house in Dal- las township. July 5. 1873. His parents were also natives of the same township. The father, who was born in 1849, was a farmer by occupation and served in the Civil war as a member of the Sixty-fifth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. Both he and his wife are now living at Colusa. In their family were nine children: Wil- liam 11 .. deceased: C. J., of this review : Leonette, the wife of William B. Thaner. of Mason City, Ilinois: Emma, the wife of Clarence Dry. of Burnside, Illinois ; Clara, who married John Lamb, of Pon- toosne, Illinois: Mintie, who died at the age of thirteen years : Mary A .. the wife of George Lamb, formerly of Pontoostc. but now of Colusa : Gladys, at home : and Christina, who died in infancy.
C. J. Robinson attended the Pontoosne schools from the age of nine years until nineteen years of age. Then his parents moving to Colusa, he attended the Camp Creek school. where he studied book- keeping under the direction of his mother's cousin, Dwight Hubbard. until twenty-one years of age, and remained at home during that time. He then took up his abode in the village of l'ontooste and secured employment in the Snake Den stone quarries where he was em- ployed in the fall of 1894. On Decem-
ber 2. trong. he secured a clerk ship in the Store of Charles Price, of Pontonstic A short inne afterward he became a clerk 11 the Star shoe store in Fort Madison, lowa. On the 8th of April, 1805. he opened 11 Pontonque a branch store for the firm of Kollesson Brothers, of Dallas City, and continued as manager until the 13th of Jie, 1900, when he purchased the store. which he has since conducted with con- stantly growing success. It is not one of the leading stores in the village and he has built up a good trade, which is coll- stantly increasing. He carries a large line of carefully selected goods, endeavors carnestly to meet the wishes of his patrons and boy reason of fair prices and honorable dealing has won a goodly share of the patronage.
In the spring of 1808 Mr. Robinson was married to Miss Ella M. Congrove. who was born in Ohio. August 19. 1879. and is a daughter of A. V. and Caroline ( Harper ) Congrove, both of whom are natives of Ohio. Her father was owner and proprietor of a threshing machine. which he operated for twenty-seven sea- sons in Hancock county and he is now mmmmmning a huckster wagon for his son- in law, Mr. Robinson, with whom he lives. His wife died about 1800, when forty-six or forty seven years of age their family were five children : Ililas. now living in Bendena. I. note: Lorent. the wife of Casper Clark, of Dallas City. Illinois: E. 11 .. of Bendena, Kansas: Ari zona, the wife of Fred ( rhan, of Puntoo She: and Mrs. Robinson.
Our subject and his wife now have a pleasant home at the corner of Mercer and Fifth streets, which property he owns.
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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW"
They are now parents of two children : Millie Beatrice, born in Pontoosuc, June 2. 1898; and William H., born February 7. 1902. Mr. Robinson is a republican, active in the ranks of the party and he has served as village treasurer and also as village clerk. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp, which he joined on its organization and for four or five years thereafter he served as its clerk. He like- wise belongs to the Illinois Bankers' Life Association, and his wife is a member of the Christian church, also the Royal Neighbors. Both are representatives of families which have creditable military histories. John A. Robinson, an uncle of our subject. served throughout the Civil war, while Franklin Pierce, an umcle of Mr. Robinson, was in the Spanish- American war. being one of the Rough Riders of Colonel Roosevelt. He died in Wichita. Kansas, December 1. 1900. Major Robinson, the grandfather of C. J. Robinson, was active in the Mormon war of 1844. The family is an old and prominent one of this part of the state and from pioncer times the representa- tives of the name have been loyal to the best interests of the community and have co-operated in many movements resulting in its material progress.
DE WITT C. WOOD.
De Witt C. Wood, who for many years has resided in Hancock county and is now living retired in Augusta, was born
in Orange county, New York, about for- ty miles from New York city on the 8th of March, 1827, a son of Jesse and Jane (Tunison) Wood. The father was a na- tive of New York state and throughout his entire life followed farming, spending his last years upon the farm where his birth occurred. He had then reached the age of eighty-three years and nine months. His wife, a native of New Jer- sey, was a daughter of Garrett Tunison. who served as a sergeant in the American Army in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Wood also died upon the old homestead fann in Orange county. She was the mother of thirteen children, of whom two are now living.
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