Centennial history of Madison County, Illinois, and its people, 1812 to 1912, Volume II, Part 50

Author: Norton, Wilbur T., 1844- , ed; Flagg, Norman Gershom, 1867-, ed; Hoerner, John Simon, 1846- , ed
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago ; New York : The Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 868


USA > Illinois > Madison County > Centennial history of Madison County, Illinois, and its people, 1812 to 1912, Volume II > Part 50


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of its future prosperity. When running at full swing it is able to turn out three thous- and, five hundred tiles per day.


On the 15th day of March, 1905, Mr. Mont- gomery was married to Miss Louise Yungck, daughter of J. P. Yungck, of Alton, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery now have three children,-Eleanor, Rand and Eugene. In fraternal connection Mr. Montgomery is affili- ated with the Masonic Order, his membership being with the Bethalto Lodge, No. 406, An- cient Free and Accepted Masons ; he is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica. His religious sympathies are with the Presbyterians, and he is a trustee of the church at Moro. In politics he has remained true to the beliefs of his father, and is a stal- wart Republican. In addition to his other duties Mr. Montgomery is at present the post- master at Moro.


FATHER ANTHONY MARIA JASCHKE. In all lands and all times, the standards of a people's life has been set by the church, and there is no position in a society so fraught with possibilities for good as the priest's. Though but lately come to the parish of St. Gertrude's church of Grantfork, Father An- thony Jaschke has already become a potent influence for the uplift of the community. Never tired where there is His work to do, full of ideals and inspiring faith, under the hand of Father Jaschke, Grantfork should be led into a new and more glorious mental and spiritual life. Father Jaschke was born at Bendorf-on-the-Rhine, Germany, Decem- ber 6, 1883. He was the son of John and Elizabeth (Koll) Jaschke, and a brother to Clara, Louise, Elizabeth, Anna, Margaret and John Jaschke.


As a boy Father Jaschke went to the ele- mentary schools of his native town and then attended the Home College and then Cob- len's college, fitting himself for one of the best and useful callings of this world, the im- parting of knowledge to others and of labor- ing as an undershepherd in the vineyard of the Lord. Following this training, Father Jaschke became a student of philosophy at Limburg, Germany, and on February 13, 1907, immigrated to this country. He then completed his theological studies at Mount Saint Mary's Seminary, which is located in the town of Ellenoro, a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio. From Mount Saint Mary's, he was graduated with honors, and received his or- dination on June 21, 1907, from Archbishop Moeller of Cincinnati. From Cincinnati,


Father Jaschke went to friends in Indian- apolis, Indiana, until his appointment as assis- tant to Father Stick, pastor of St. Paul's church at Highland, Illinois. He remained in that position until September, 1908, when he was appointed Chaplain of St. Joseph's Hos- pital at Highland. While attending to that calling, he also filled the pastorate of the two appointments of St. Jacob's and Pocahontas Missions, continuing in the mission work un- til December 1, 1910. During this time he had three months leave of absence and re- turned to Europe, the Rev. Dr. Fisher of Columbus, Ohio, filling his pastorate during his absence. On his return from the old coun- try, Father Jaschke resumed his duties at Highland until sent for by Bishop James Ryan of Alton, Illinois, to take charge of the pas- torate of St. Gertrude's church in Grantfork, Madison county. He began his duties at Saint Gertrude's December 1, 1910, and has since come to fill a high place in the hearts of his people, and the esteem of the community at large. He is one of the young religious educators, and being a fine student himself, he brings to the parochial school of Grant- fork, which is conducted under his direction and supervision, an enthusiasm for broad- ened scope, and an inspiring course of study. He employs an English literature teacher, Miss Rosa Creane, and next year purposes to add to the religious instruction by the assist- ance of some Sisters of Charity.


In addition to his religious and literary work, Father Jaschke finds time to devote to domestic work, and he is known throughout the county as a poultry-fancier. At the last county fair, held in Highland, September 1911, he was awarded eighteen prizes for fowls he had exhibited. He makes a spe- cialty of white Orpingtons.


Father Jaschke makes his home in the church parsonage, a pleasant place, and his sister Clara is with him as his housekeeper, having come from the Fatherland and ar- rived in America Christmas eve, 1910. An- other sister, Anna, arrived in Grantfork dur- ing the month of August, 1911.


Father Jaschke is a member of the Knights of Columbus. His coming has meant much to the community and it is certain that his stay among us will be an occasion for gratitude in the whole community as well as the members of his flock.


MRS. MARY (HESSIN) MURPHY. Among the esteemed and highly respected residents of Alton is Mrs. Mary (Hessin) Murphy, who


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has spent her entire life in the vicinity of her present home, her father, William Hessin, having been one of the early settlers of Alton. Her grandfather, John Hessin, was a pioneer of Columbiana county, Ohio, locating in New Lisbon, where the greater part of his life was spent.


Born at New Lisbon, Ohio, in 1812, William Hessin acquired a good education in his youth, and subsequently learned the trade of a printer. Migrating to Illinois in 1837, he lo- cated at Alton, and here, in company with J. Clark Virgin, established the Spectator. He afterwards became editor of the Saint Louis Republican, a position which he filled until his death, in 1845, retaining his residence, however, in Upper Alton. He married Mrs. Alice (Ground) Sawyer, widow of Hon. John York Sawyer, mentioned elsewhere in this vol- ume. She was born in Huddersfield, York- shire, England, a daughter of James and Ann (Wetherall) Ground, natives of the same shire. In 1820 James Ground came with his family to America, being six weeks crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel. He disem- barked at New Orleans, and six weeks later had made his way as far northward as Saint Louis. Coming from there directly to Madi- son county, Illinois, he settled at Marine in the same year, and there their daughter Alice was reared. She survived her second husband, Mr. Hessin, many years, passing away in 1872.


An only child, Mary Hessin was educated under private tutorship as a young girl and later attended Wayland Institute. She subse- quently taught school successfully one term. In 1857 she was united in marriage with Thomas Ransom Murphy, who was born at Bombay, Franklin county, New York, and was there bred and educated. He began his career as a youth by clerking in a drug store, and after coming to Illinois to live was for awhile employed in a drug establishment in Joliet. From there Mr. Murphy came, in 1855, to Madison county, and having opened a drug store at Upper Alton conducted it until his death, in 1897, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. He was a man of ability and worth, and built up a substantial and prosperous busi- Mrs. Murphy has three children, namely : Agatha, Rebecca, wife of T. B. Teas- dale; and Lauretta, wife of Professor Tim- othy Cloran. Mrs. Murphy is a woman of culture and literary tastes, and is a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, to which


her parents belonged and of which her daugh- ters are members.


OSCAR LATOWSKY. In every community a sound and progressive commercial life is one of the most important elements for its suc- cess and in New Douglas and Madison county this factor has its usual importance. One of the county's most progressive and representa- tive mercantile businesses is that of the La- towsky Brothers, dealers in general merchan- dise, furniture and undertaking, the business being in the hands of four brothers, one of whom is the immediate subject of this record. They are interested in agriculture and own a valuable farm of two hundred and twelve acres, situated north of town, upon which is conducted operations in general farming. Os- car Latowsky has proved successful in both of these diverse interests and is one of the prom- inent and prosperous citizens.


Mr. Latowsky is a native son of New Doug- las, his eyes having first opened to the light of day on January 8, 1866. He is a son of Rodo and Rosa (Erhard) Latowsky and on both sides of the family is foreign extraction. His father was born in Prussia December 14, 1832, and came to the United States on a sail- ing vessel in the year 1858. The young for- eigner found his way to St. Louis, Missouri, and in that city engaged in harness making. He subsequently removed to Quincy, Illinois, but later returned to St. Louis. In his short residence in Illinois, the elder Mr. Latowsky had been favorably impressed with the state and after a time he moved back to it, this time locating in Bond county where he resided for a year. In the fall of 1865 he came to Madison county and followed his trade there until 1876 and then made a new departure by engaging for a time in the hotel business, at New Douglas. The year 1883 marks the en- trance of Mr. Rodo Latowsky into the general merchandise business. He followed this in association with his sons, establishing the gen- eral merchandise and furniture and undertak- ing business which still exists and continuing as manager of the same until January 1. 1896, when he disposed of his interest to his sons. This venerable gentleman died April 12, 1909, his wife having preceded him to the other world on May 20, 1906. They were the par- ents of six sons, five of which number are liv- ing in 1911. Oscar, Erhard, Hugo and Otto are associated together in the Latowsky Broth- ers mercantile house. Emile, the youngest son, is a theatrical musician, and at present


Vol. II-17


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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY


is engaged in a St. Louis house. Otto organ- ized the Excelsior Band of New Douglas and has been its leader for twelve years.


Oscar Latowsky was reared in New Doug- las and was educated in the public schools. Determining to enter the mercantile world, he prepared himself for the same by a private commercial course and entered his father's store at the age of seventeen years. This has been the scene of his entire career as a busi- ness man. He has contributed in no small measure to the success of the large concern which bears his name. The Latowsky Broth- ers, as previously mentioned, carry a general line of merchandise and furniture and also conduct an up-to-date undertaking establish- ment.


On October 11, 1893, Mr. Latowsky was united in marriage to Rose S. Gehrig, a daugh- ter of John Gehrig, a leading citizen of Alham- bra. They have no children. Their home is a delightful and hospitable one and they are honored members of society. They are united with the Lutheran church and Mr. Latowsky is a prominent member of the time-honored Masonic order, being Master of Madison Lodge, No. 560, A. F. & A. M., and member of Staunton Chapter, No. 227, R. A. M.


Politically the subject is a stanch Democrat, giving heartiest support to the men and meas- ures advanced by the party. He takes no small amount of interest in public affairs and has more than once been honored by elevation to office, having served as tax collector, school director and city clerk.


FRED LANDOLT. Among the prominent and influential citizens of Madison county none are better known or more highly respected than is the subject of this sketch, Fred Lan- dolt, and his worthy father, J. F. Landolt, both of whom have spent nearly all their lives in this community.


J. F. Landolt was a native of Germany, from which country he immigrated to the United States when he was but fourteen years old. Upon attaining man's estate he es- tablished a home of his own by uniting in marriage with Katherine Kustermann, whose home was in Madison county, Illinois. They located in Grant Fork, Illinois, where Mr. Landolt opened up a meat market, which he maintained for many years, achieving a well- merited success. He and his good wife were industrious, frugal and persevering, and are now living retired in their home town, reap- ing the benefit of their earlier years of strug- gle. They became the parents of the following


children : Joseph (who died in 1897), John, Katharine, Mary and Fred, the latter the gen- tleman whose name forms the caption of this article.


Fred Landolt was born October 4, 1869, the oldest son of J. F. and Katherine Landolt. He attended the common schools of Grant Fork, and early in life went into the meat mar- ket with his father as an assistant. He con- tinued in business with his father at Grant Fork for a number of years, but in 1903 he removed to Alhambra, where he opened up a modern butcher-shop, which he has conducted very successfully ever since. He lias an up- to-date market, with all sanitary conven- iences, and Mr. Landolt is not only the owner of the building occupied by the market, but also has built a handsome residence adjoining. In addition to this town property he owns a nice farm of sixty acres near Alhambra, which affords him a good income. Mr. Landolt is acknowledged one of the best judges of beef cattle in this section of Illinois, and it is this knowledge, coupled with his honest and straightforward business methods, which has brought him such a large and lucrative trade.


His energy is not alone spent in the business world, however, as he has been quite active in a political way, having been elected alder- man of his ward in Alhambra, and also a mem- ber of the school board. Before his removal to Alhambra he had been chosen for the office


of township collector of Leef township, and had been elected constable of that same town- ship, all of these offices being given him under the flag and upon the platform of the Repub- lican party, whose principles he loyally sup- ports. Mr. and Mrs. Landolt are honored members of St. Gertrude's Catholic church, in which faith they are bringing up their chil- dren, instilling in their hearts the principles of honor, integrity, and justice.


On February 16, 1897, Mr. Landolt laid the foundation for a hearth of his own by his mar- riage at Grant Fork with Miss Louise Wid- man, a daughter of Jacob and Anna Katherine Widman, of Pierron, Illinois, and who was born in 1875. Mr. Widman was an influential farmer of that section of Illinois, and was the father of Bertha (deceased), Julia, Mary, Louise, Charles, John and Robert. Mrs. Landolt's mother, Mrs. Widman is now living in Pierron, Illinois.


By the union of Fred Landolt and Louise Widman three children have been born,- bright, energetic boys, of whom any parents might be justly proud. They are Herbert,


Mod. Burroughs


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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY


Harold and Oliver. Mr. and Mrs. Landolt maintain a pleasant and hospitable home where their neighbors and friends like to gather, always sure of a warm welcome and an interesting visit.


GEORGE DENT BURROUGHS, of the firm of Warnock, Williamson & Burroughs, is one of the leading lawyers of Edwardsville. Born in Maryland April 12, 1873, he passed his boy- hood on a farm and his early instruction was by private tutor. Entering Charlotte Hall Mili- tary Academy, he spent two years there and was graduated in June, 1891. For one year he taught school, during which time he began the study of law and was graduated from the law department of the University of Maryland in 1894, with the degree of LL. B. Having rela- tives in Madison county, he came west with his brother, William G. Burroughs, and they to- gether opened a law office, this association lasting five years and being maintained at Ed- wardsville. In 1899 he entered the firm of Travous & Warnock, the style of the new firm being Travous, Warnock & Burroughs. After the appointment in 1903 of C. N. Travous, the senior member, as general counsel of the Wa- bash railroad, the firm was continued as War- nock & Burroughs up to 1905, when Thomas Williamson became a member, and the present firm name of Warnock, Williamson & Bur- roughs was adopted. In 1909 his brother, M. L. Burroughs, was admitted to partnership, without changing the name of the firm. The clientage of this legal firm is among the best in the country and the collective ability and experience of its members are probably not ex- celled in this part of the state.


Mr. Burroughs comes from an old Maryland family that has been conspicuous in that state since Colonial times. William McKenney Burroughs, father of George D., was born in Maryland, was an extensive farmer and gained a special reputation in his state as a tobacco planter. He shipped large quantities of this product and in this enterprise he was assisted by his seven sons, all of whom became expert in the production and culture of tobacco.


George D. Burroughs married, September 18, 1909, Miss Nola H. Barnsback. She is a daughter of W. W. Barnsback and belongs to one of the old and influential Madison county families whose history will be found on other pages of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Burroughs have one daughter, Josephine. In politics Mr. Burroughs is a Democrat, but has never sought office, though he has taken part in the cam- paigns of his friends. He affiliates with Ed-


wardsville Lodge, No. 99, A. F. & A. M., and with Edwardsville Lodge No. 46, I. O. O. F. Bar Association and has acted on several com- He holds membership in the Episcopal church. Mr. Burroughs is affiliated with the Illinois State Bar Association and the Madison County Bar Association and has acted on several com- mittees of these organizations.


JOHN F. EECK is one of the rising young attorneys of Edwardsville, where he is a mem- ber of the firm of Eaton & Eeck, and he is eminently qualified by legal and personal at- tainments for a career of usefulness and honor. Although a member of the younger . generation, he is already prominent in the sec- tion in which he has elected to establish his home. 'Mr. Eeck is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Bucks county, that state, November 6, 1876. He is the son of John H. and Sophia (Ehlers) Eeck, both natives of Germany, and shares those splendid Teutonic characteristics which make that coun- try one of America's most admirable sources of immigration. His parents removed to Fay- ette county, Illinois, in the year 1879, and on a farm in that county he was reared, his par- ents, brother and sisters still residing there. After completing the course of study in the public schools of his home district he attended the university at Valparaiso, Indiana, from which institution he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science, ranking as one of the best students in a large class. In addi- tion to the regular scientific course he pursued the study of a number of extra subjects, among them being a thorough course in sur- veying. He taught school a number of years in the counties of Fayette and Piatt and as a teacher was highly successful, working his way from instructor in the county schools to principal of high schools.


In the meantime Mr. Eeck had been cher- ishing an ambition to become a lawyer, and he first attacked his Blackstone in the office of Welker & Matheny at Vandalia, Illinois. Later he entered the College of Law at Bloomington, Illinois, at which place he com- pleted his course in 1908. He immediately passed the state bar examination at Chicago successfully and was admitted to the practice of law. He is a successful attorney and is at present associated with Henry B. Eaton, of Madison county, under the firm name of Eaton & Eeck, with offices at Edwardsville. Mr. Eeck is essentially a scholar and speaks both High German and Low German fluently, also reading and writing them with accuracy. For


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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY


his advancement in life he has always de- ber of the German Benevolent Association of pended upon his own efforts and is in the tru- Alton. His fraternal affiliations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Red Men. est sense of the word a self-made man. He gives heart and hand to the policies and prin- ciples of the Democratic party and was On April 20, 1876, Mr. Hack married Miss Rosie Daum, a daughter of Balzar Daum, a native of Germany. She is a native of St. Jacob this county. They have the following children : Katherine, Matilda and Wilhelmina. brought prominently before the people by his nomination on the Democratic ticket for county judge in 1910, his opponent being J. E. Hillskotter, by whom he was defeated. Not- withstanding, he made an admirable figure in the campaign, making a firm stand against cor- ruption in politics. The journal of his former home-the l'andalia Leader, at the time of the campaign took occasion to say: "Mr. Eeck is a product of Fayette county, having been born and reared near Shobonier, where his parents still reside. He is a young man of good habits, excellent ability and the people of Madison county, irrespective of party, would never regret his elevation to the posi- tion of judge."


Mr. Eeck is unmarried, and fraternally is a member of the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica,


CHARLES HACK, of Edwardsville, has had a long and successful career as a business man, and has been closely identified with the pro- gress of Edwardsville. He is a native of Prus- sia, where he was born March 25, 1851. His parents, Peter and Catherine (Wilhelms ) Hack, immigrated to the United States in 1855, landing at New Orleans, and thence com- ing to Alton, where the father was a respected resident until his death, in 1891. He was a shoemaker by trade and followed it for many years at Alton. The mother died in 1906. Their five children were: Frederick, William, Charles, Eleanor, and Mary, the latter de- ceased.


After attending the Alton schools for a few years, Charles Hack began his business career when a boy. For a number of years he was with well known mercantile firms of Alton, Edwardsville and St. Louis, and then estab- lished the grocery business at Edwardsville which under his management has become one of the best trade centers of the county seat.


As a citizen Mr. Hack has been one of the enterprising workers for the upbuilding and improvement of Edwardsville. For two years he served as city treasurer. He was one of the organizers of the Edwardsville Investment Company, that promoted and built the Wildey Theatre. He has also served on the board of education and as a school trustee. He was a member and for two years was a trustee of the German Evangelical church, and is a mem-


HARVEY EDWARD DORSEY, a life-long resi- dent of Moro township and one of its pro- gressive farmers, has a practical knowledge of agriculture of all kinds, but he considers him- self more of a stock raiser than a general farmer. In this age of specialization the man who concentrates on one special phase of his work-whatever it may be-is more apt to realize success than the one who attempts a more wholesale knowledge and more scattered operations. Mr. Dorsey has proven to him- self and to his fellows the wisdom of his choice in the prosperity that he enjoys. He can trace his genealogy back for at least three hun- dred years, a fact which involves obligations. A man who knows nothing of his ancestors has only his own ideals to live up to, but he who has not ofily to satisfy himself, but to attain to the standards set forth by his fore- fathers, has a harder task before him. Could that long line of ancestors be ranged before Mr. Dorsey they could find no reason to con- demn him,-for his whole life is an open book -a ledger, perhaps, kept in the best book- keeping hand and always ready for inspection.


The Dorsey family originated in France, where during the reign of Charlemagne, about the year 800, they were known by the name of D'Orsey and belonged to the nobility. They went to England in 1066 with William the Conqueror and thence to Ireland. The founder of the Dorsey family in America was Edward Dorsey, a native son of old Ireland, whence he immigrated in 1641. He took up his residence in the colonies, and finally settled in Maryland about 1658. He passed away in 1681, leaving several children, to carry on the name and finish the work he had com- menced. In this volume it is enough to men- tion only the direct ancestors of Harvey E. Dorsey, and in that connection the next mem- ber of the family to whom attention is directed is Colonel Edward Dorsey, son of the immi- grant Edward Dorsey. He died in the year 1707. His son, John, born June 15, 1688, married Honor Elder in 1708 and died in 1764. John Dorsey was the father of Vachael, born October 20, 1726. The name of Vachael Dor-


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sey's son was Johnsa, the date of whose birth was 1753 and who died in 1821. After him came Nimrod Dorsey, who was born in 1789 and passed away in 1849. The son of Nim- rod was Samuel L. Dorsey, the father of Har- vey, the immediate subject of this brief per- sonal record. Mr. Dorsey is proud of the fact that a number of his ancestors fought for American independence and several were com- missioned officers in the American army dur- ing that great struggle. On his great grand- mother Lawrence's side also there were sev- eral who were very prominent as privates and officers during the Revolution.




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