USA > Illinois > Madison County > Centennial history of Madison County, Illinois, and its people, 1812 to 1912, Volume II > Part 33
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114
Seth Thompson Sawyer was born in South Reading, Windsor county, Vermont, and among its green hills grew to a sturdy man- hood. Attending the rural schools of his native district, he acquired sufficient education to teach in the country schools and while thus em- ployed earned enough money to further pursue his studies. Going to New York state, he studied law for a time with his brother Nathan, and in the fall of 1831, long before the estab- lishment of railroads, he came to Illinois. From Buffalo he sailed on the lake to San- dusky, Ohio, and having crossed that state to the Ohio river he came along that river and the Mississippi river to Alton, Illinois. Pro- ceeding then on horseback to Edwardsville, Illi- nois, he continued his legal studies with his `brother, John York Sawyer, who had attained prominence as a lawyer, and was subsequently admitted to the bar. In 1832 he formed a part- nership with General James Sample, and prac- ticed in all the different courts, journeying from place to place on horseback and becom- ing widely and favorably known both as a man and a lawyer. He acquired an extended knowledge of land titles and values and con- tinued in active practice of his profession until a few years before his death, which occurred February 9, 1895.
The maiden name of the wife of Seth Thompson Sawyer was Sarah Jane Smiley. She was born July 4, 1814, in Springfield, Ver- mont, a daughter of Rev. Robinson Smiley and granddaughter of William Smiley, whose father, Francis Smiley, was born in Ireland. William Smiley married Sarah Robinson, who was born in Boston, and immediately settled in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, where he was a deacon in the Congregational church for up- wards of forty years. He died at the home of his son in Springfield, Vermont, at a ripe old age. Rev. Robinson Smiley was born in Jaf- frey, New Hampshire, April 19, 1771, and in 1798 he was graduated from Dartmouth Col- lege. He subsequently studied theology with Dr. L. Ainsworth, of Jaffrey; with Rev. Dr. William Emerson, of Boston; and with Rev. Nathaniel Thayer, of Lancaster, Massa- chusetts. He was subsequently ordained to the ministry, and having been installed as pastor of the Congregational church at Springfield, Vermont, held the pastorate twenty-four con- secutive years. He continued a resident of Springfield until his death, and the remains of both himself and wife repose in the Springfield cemetery. Mrs. Sarah Jane (Smiley) Sawyer passed to the higher life March 26, 1885. They
786
HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
reared five children, namely : Robinson Smiley, who was engaged in the practice of law at Al- ton, Illinois, until his death; Benjamin Seth; Sarah Elizabeth, who died at the age of twenty-seven years; Charles Emerson; and Frederick Ashton, who is engaged in the gro- cery business at Alton.
Upon the occasion of the demise of the honored subject, the Alton Daily Republican gave a particularly excellent article upon his life and character, which is herewith in large part appended.
Alton mourns today the death of its oldest pioneer citizen, Mr. Seth T. Sawyer who passed away at 5 o'clock Saturday evening (February 9. 1895). The immediate cause of his death was heart failure. His age was eighty-eight years and six months. A career dating back to the opening years of the nine- teenth century and extending almost to its close has crowded into it the scenes and inci- dents of the most wonderful progress in the world's history and it almost spans the term of existence of the Republic. Coming of the sturdy Puritan stock that has ever been in the forefront of development in America, Mr. Sawyer's youth and early manhood gained their strength and vigor in the rigorous life of New England, but like thousands of other young men, when he reached the years of maturity he longed for a wider field and greater oppor- tunities than the east afforded, and thus the year 1831 found him on the banks of the Mis- sissippi, where a weak, straggling settlement formed the nucleus of our present, prosperous city. And this was his home ever after, a period of sixty-four years. In all the active life of this community, from its inception to the present time, he has borne a part, and to his energy and counsels from the stirring days of life on the border up to the present time the community is his debtor. During his long life he saw the friends, the associates, the compan- ions of his youth and manhood fall by his side, until he was left alone, the last survivor, we believe, of the Old Guard, the pioneers of 1831.
Up to the time of his retirement from active business, some ten years ago, Mr. Sawyer was also the oldest practicing lawyer in Madison county and probably the oldest active member of his profession in the state of Illinois. In 1826 he was annointed state printer, vice his 1836 he was appointed state printer, vice his brother, Judge John Y. Sawyer, deceased, who lishing the Illinois Advocate at Edwardsville, and had then removed to the state capital. Vandalia. In 1832 the first newspaper was
established in Alton,-the Spectator-by O. MI. Adams and Edward Breath. The paper was continued until 1838, in various hands, Mr. S. T. Sawyer purchasing a half interest in 1837. This brief experience as state printer and publisher of an Alton paper formed, we believe, the only break in his continuous prac- tice of the law. He was notary public for many years, was city attorney and reviser of the city ordinances, and in 1855 became United States Commissioner. Although engaged in general practice, he had paid especial attention to the real estate business. He had an ex- tended general practice in the Federal courts, and in the first, second and third judicial cir- suits of this state. As a lawyer he was able and successful-his natural abilities being of a high order, reinforced by experience and varied attainments. Few men were better informed on all the political, social and economic ques- tions of the day. He was a close student all his life-possessing a fund of general informa- tion that was simply amazing. When the phys- ical weakness incident to old age stole gradu- ally upon him, his intellect remained as clear and undimmed as in his prime. Even on the clay of his death, when the dark shadows were gathering about him, he inquired for the news of the day and the proceedings in Congress with as keen an interest as ever. After retir- ing from active business his declining years were spent in the bosom of the family to whom he was devotedly attached. And the affection was reciprocated in the fullest measure of ten- der and filial devotion. His newspapers and books were his constant companions, and though isolated from active participation in public affairs, no man in Alton was more fully or intelligently abreast with current events or the spirit of the times. In politics he was a Democrat of the old school, but his patriotism and love of country and what he believed was essential to its best good was not bounded by any party lines, and in local elections he voted for the best men regardless of politics. His first presidential vote was cast in 1828 for Jackson and his last in 1892 for Grover Cleve- land, and he voted at each of the sixteen presi- dential elections intervening. Few men in the country have taken part in so many presiden- tial contests. In his intercourse with his asso- ciates Mr. Sawyer was of a genial, social dis- position-an agreeable companion and a re- markably entertaining conversationalist. His long life was not untroubled by the sorrows that come to all. His devoted wife and a lovely daughter, in the bloom of young wom-
787
HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
anhood, passed away, the former ten and the latter fifteen years ago, while his old age was saddened by the loss of his oldest son. He was of a family famous for longevity.
It is interesting to note that in the year he came to Alton-1831-there came two other gentlemen, the late Hon. Samuel Wade and Mr. Louis J. Clawson. All three of these early pioneers were born in the same year, 1806, settled in Alton in the same year, all rounded out their lives in this community and their children are now walking in the paths trod by their fathers.
FREDERICK W. QUADE, an old, prosperous and honored business man of Worden, Madi- son county, but who owns farm lands and other property over the line in Omphghent township, Madison county, has risen to a po- sition in the world where he can avoid its most wearing labors and give his attention to the management of his affairs, the quiet enjoy- ment of his competency and the bestowal of the good things of life upon others. He is also a well known Democrat in his section of the state, having served as alderman of his home city for about a decade and been often called upon as a counselor in the adjustment and conduct of local affairs of a public nature. Mr. Quade is a typical German-American -- practical, honest, sensible and moral-just such a man as the growing, substantial rural communities of southern Illinois must have to keep up their high standard of development.
Born in Westphalia, Germany, on the 17th of April, 1857, Frederick W. Quade is a son of Fred and Sophia (Wellpot) Quade, who were content to spend their industrious and honorable lives in the Fatherland. The son, however, after receiving a primary education in the schools of his native locality and being confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran church started for the western land of promise as a fourteen-year-old boy. From his landing place in New York city he traveled directly to Staunton, Illinois, and was cared for by his uncle William, who lived on a farm near that place. Not long afterward he went to Hamel, a few miles east of Worden in Madison county, and there spent about a year working on his uncle's farm and attending school. He then returned to Staunton, where he also en- gaged in farm work and finally became an em- ploye of the mines, following the latter occu- pation for many years.
In 1885, then a young man of twenty-eight, Mr. Quade established himself in business at
Worden, where he continued to develop his mercantile and other enterprises for more than a quarter of a century, finally retiring in April, I9II. He now owns not only valuable busi- ness property but several good houses and a valuable farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres in Madison county.
Mr. Quade's wife was formerly Louise Bol- myer; both were born in the same German province, were confirmed in the same church, and are of about the same age, Mrs. Quade having been born February 20, 1857, or about two months before her husband. The wife was twenty years old when she came to this country, and has become the mother of eight children, of whom the following are living : Minnie, now the wife of Henry Emerich ; Lena, Mrs. Louis Boreman ; Louise, who mar- ried Harmon Winter; and Sophia, William and Marie, who are unmarried. The mem- bers of the family are all stanch Lutherans and no residents of Staunton are more re- spected for their upright lives and good works.
AUGUST OHM belongs to a progressive Ger- man family. Those foreigners who are con- tent to continue in the rut which is formed by prejudice and force of habit remain at home. Mr. Ohm's father belonged to the enterpris- ing class, and the remarkable success which he compassed is indicative of his determination, enterprise and ability. These characteristics were inherited by August Ohm, who, follow- ing in his father's footsteps, is gaining for himself the respect and esteem of the commu- nity in whose midst he has passed his entire life
The birth of August Ohm occurred on the 12th day of September, 1875, in Hamel town- ship. His parents, Charles and Louise (Lueh- mann) Ohm, were both natives of Germany, immigrated to America at different dates and were married in St. Louis, Missouri. Within a short time after their marriage the couple migrated to Hamel township, Illinois, and for two years they rented a farm. At the expira- tion of the second year they purchased one hundred acres of land in Hamel township, and there remained for the residue of their days. Mr. and Mrs. Ohm set themselves to improve their farm in every possible way. They built fine, commodious outbuildings, planted fruit and shade trees, and in other respects used every means to transform the wild prairie land into a cultivated farm. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ohm,-Louise, Sophia, Charles (who died at the age of two years),
788
HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
and August. The worthy parents took pains to give their offspring the best possible educa- tional advantages; some went to the German Lutheran school and some to the public dis- trict school, but all were alike trained in the principles of morality and general rectitude of living. They are now grown to maturity and Sophia is married to Fred Henke, a young German farmer who has won his way into the hearts of the community by reason of his hon- esty and strict principles of integrity ; he is the owner of a fine property, the product of his own efforts.
The Ohm homestead, so often the scene of joyous merrymaking, has also been the witness of sadness. In 1883 occurred the demise of the dear mother,-a good woman, a loving and tender wife. In 1898 the esteemed father was summoned to his last rest, leaving behind him a record for justness and kindness ; his loss was mourned by a large circle of friends.
August Ohm and his sister, Louise, remain on the old homestead, the brother actively superintending the management of the out- door work of the farm, while the sister is no less busy about the womanly duties of the home. The general appearance of the place is indicative of the fact that both brother and sister are applying to their everyday tasks those principles of industry which their par- ents inculcated in the lives of all their children.
Mr. Ohm is aligned as an adherent of the Republican party. He enjoys the confidence of the community in which he lives, and in manifestation of the regard in which he is held he was seven years ago elected to the po- sition of school treasurer. This office he has continued to hold, to the satisfaction of Demo- crat and Republican alike.
STITH OTWELL BONNER, of a family that has been worthily represented in Madison county since the pioneer period, was born at Staunton, Macoupin county, July 7, 1837.
Henry Bonner, his grandfather, was born in the colony of Virginia, May 12, 1769, and to- ward the close of his life came west and settled at Edwardsville in 1814. He died October 15, 1850. He married Polly Wyatt, who was born April 2, 1779, and died December 8, 1841. They and their descendants have well repre- sented the character and citizenship contribu- ted by the Old Dominion to the pioneer stock of Madison county.
One of the children of this pioneer couple was John Bonner, father of S. O. Bonner. He was born in Virginia in 1804 and died at Ed-
wardsville in 1877, having spent most of his active life in this county, with the exception of a few years in Macoupin county. He was an active citizen and held various local offices. He married Polly D. Randle, who at her death in 1886 was ninety-one years of age. Her father was Parham Randle, one of the most prominent of Edwardsville's pioneer Metho- dists, and he was class leader of the first church here and also rode circuit with Peter Cartwright and others. John Bonner and wife had four children, William C., Benjamin R., Lucy and S. O., the last named being the only survivor.
Mr. S. O. Bonner received his education in the country schools, such as existed at the time, and graduated from McKendree Col- lege, Lebanon, Illinois, in 1858. He chose as his vocation farming and fruit growing. In this industry he has been one of the successful men of the county, and until he moved to his comfortable city home at Edwardsville was actively identified with these pursuits. He is at present living practically retired, although he is an auctioneer of both real estate and per- sonal property.
In Republican politics he has been interested for many years, and in 1888 was elected to the office of coroner. In 1865 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Illinois Infantry and was with the regiment until it was mus- tered out at the close of the war. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Edwardsville Lodge No. 46, and a member of the Methodist church.
In 1861 Mr. Bonner was married to Julia A. Ballard, grand-daughter of Washington C. Ballard, one of the early pioneer settlers in Illinois from the south. Mrs. Bonner died in 1867. In 1870 Mr. Bonner was married to Mrs. Mary E. McHenry, daughter of Jona- than D. and Frances Bascom, of St. Louis. They have two children, Mrs. Fanny Bonner Price and Le Roy B. Bonner, of St. Louis. By the first marriage there was one child, Minna Belle, now deceased.
MRS. ANNA JOHANNTOSETTEL. German womanhood has since time immemorial held the proud reputation for excellent house- wifery, wise management, virtue and broad human sympathy, and these belong by birth- right to her whose name heads this brief biographical sketch, for Mrs. Anna Johann- tosettel first saw the light of this world in Holstein, Germany, on March 24, 1859. She was the daughter of Claus and Frances (Stolle)
Friedrich Henke
789
HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
Maggers. Until she was ten years old the little fraulein lived in Holstein, but in 1869, her parents emigrated to the new world and brought her with them.
On February 22, 1882, was solemnized the marriage of Miss Anna Maggers to Fred Jo- hanntosettel and they made their home on a farm in New Douglas township. Fred Johann- tosettel was born in St. Louis, Missouri, De- cember 30, 1854, being the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Hassmann) Johanntosettel. Henry Johanntosettel father of Fred, emigrated to this country from Germany by himself, and going first to St. Louis, worked for a while as a teamster, there married, and brought up his little family which he brought to Leef township, Madison county, shortly after the close of the Civil war. He had fought in be- half of his foster country, following the union flag for some time. He did not stay long in Madison county. but moved first to Staunton, and later to a farm near Alhambra, where he passed to eternal rest September 30, 1909. His son Fred Johanntosettel died February 13, 1893.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Johanntosettel became the parents of three children, all sons, Fred, Edward, and Henry R. Edward and Henry both remain with their mother on the family farmstead. Edward is an interested member of Madison Lodge No. 560, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at New Douglas, Illinois. Politically, he is a Republican, and he holds an enviable reputation for those qualities which go to make valuable citizens in a community.
Henry, the youngest son of Mrs. Johannto- settel, is now in his twentieth year, and is well- known for his frank and open nature, his genial disposition, and his leadership whenever good times are on foot. Edward and Henry are al- ready experienced agriculturists, and they farm two hundred acres in New Douglas township, and fifty-seven and a half in Leef township.
The third of Mrs. Johanntosettel's sons, Fred Johanntosettel, is now in Highland, Illi- nois, where he is interested in the Highland Marble Works. He maintains fraternal rela- tions with the Masonic order at New Douglas, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Highland. The Johanntosettel family have been life long members of the Evangelical Church at Alhambra.
FRIEDRICH HENKE, a farmer and stockman in Hamel township, is both well-known and deservedly respected in the community. A man who has lived in one township three dec- ades, and has done as much for its advance-
ment as has Mr. Henke, is deserving of its deepest thanks and fullest appreciation. He has made his own way in life, achieving an almost incredible amount of success, and his fellow citizens have shown their confidence in him by showering him with honors.
On the 18th day of October, 1866, Mr. Henke was born in the little town of Brökeln Braunschweig, Germany. His parents, Wil- liam and Carolina (Oerke) Henke, were also of German birth, and in his native land the father was engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. William Henke were the parents of four chil- dren, three sons and one daughter -- William, Henry, Friedrich and Carolina. The first named was a life-long resident of Germany, while Henry, Friedrich and Carolina immi- grated to America. The father and mother took up their residence in Hamel township in the year 1892 and lived in the home of their son, Friedrich. On the 13th of February, 1901, Mrs. William Henke departed this life ; Father Henke attained the advanced age of ninety-three years and remained with his son, ceiving tender care from Mr. Friedrich Henke and his wife until his death, which occurred October 25, 19II.
Friedrich Henke, commonly called "Fred," is the youngest of the family. He attended the excellent schools of his native town in Ger- many and at the age of fourteen immigrated to America with his brother Henry. The young foreigners landed in New York and im- mediately wended their way to the state of Illinois, where they both obtained work on a farm in Madison county. Friedrich Henke soon realized the need of obtaining an Englsh education and attended school during two win- ter terms, making excellent use of his oppor- tunities. For a period of eight years he worked for Charles Ohm, a prominent farmer in Hamel township, and during those years of service he never failed, through sickness or any other cause, to put in a full day's work. He had been trained to be economical and saving, and at the end of his connection as employe, with Mr. Ohm, he had accumulated sufficient money to purchase eighty acres of land in Hamel township-his home today. In 1892 Mr. Henke went back to Germany to visit his relatives, and on his return to the United States he was accompanied by his father and mother.
When Mr. Henke commenced to operate his own farm he did not cease to be a welcome guest in the home of Mr. Ohm, and on the 6th day of April, 1893, the marriage of Mr.
790
HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
Henke and Miss Sophia Ohm was celebrated in the New Gelenbeck German Lutheran church the Rev. Ferd Buenger officiating. Mrs. Friedrich Henke is a daughter of Charlie and Louise (Lehmann ) Ohm; she has one sister, Louise, and two brothers, Charles and August. After their marriage the couple commenced their wedded life at Fruit ( where Mr. Henke's farm is situated), with Father and Mother Henke welcome inmates of their household. The young husband and wife were both in- (lustrious, taking especial pride in cultivating their land and beautifying their home. They began housekeeping in a very simple way, owned but one cow, whereas now they are possessed of forty-three head. Mr. Ilenke is a successful breeder of fine Holstein cattle and owns a number of cows worth one hundred dollars each. He has built a commodious house, excellent barns and outbuildings, has planted beautiful shade and fruit trees, and today his farm, of two hundred and forty- four acres, is regarded as one of the most at- tractive homes in Hamel township. By far their most important asset in the eyes of Mr. and Mrs. Henke are the six bright, energetic children who were born to them-three sons and three daughters-Flora, Alma. Adelia, Frederick, Edwin and Herbert-all of whom were sent by their parents to the Columbia dis- trict school.
It might reasonably be thought that Mr. Henke's time must of necessity have been too fully occupied in attending to the duties of the farm and family life for him to have had leisure for any other interests ; such, however, has not been the case. He has always ren- dered unwavering allegiance to the Republican party, and in 1901 his fellow citizens showed their sense of appreciation of the sterling qualities and high abilities of Mr. Henke by electing him to the office of collector of the township, in which capacity he served in 1901 and 1902. For eight consecutive years he has successfully filled the position of supervisor and is the present incumbent of that office. In 1909, and again in 1911, at the request of the Hon. Norman G. Flagg, representative of the Forty-seventh Illinois district, Mr. Henke, with the other two supervisors of Madison county, paid a visit to the Illinois legislature, then in session at Springfield, in order that the supervisors might become better acquainted with certain lines of work which had especial bearing on conditions existing in Madison coun- ty. Mr. and Mrs. Henke are honored mem- bers of the German Evangelical church-both
true to the faith in which they were trained by their respective parents. During the last three years Mr. Henke has served his church as trustee and secretary, and in 1910 was re- elected to both offices for another term of three years. The worthy couple, Mr. Ilenke and his wife, can be found today in their pleasant home at Fruit, their prosperous condition a proof of what one man can do when possessed of those sterling characteristics, honesty and progressiveness. In admiring contemplation of the success which Mr. Henke has achieved. those who know its early history must perforce take off their hats to the fourteen-year-old boy who crossed the Atlantic with little money in his pockets, but possessed of a large capital of brains, enterprise and rectitude of character. Ile is now enjoying the esteem of his neigh- bors and is each day adding somewhat to his list of successful efforts for the benefit of Hamel township.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.