USA > Illinois > Madison County > Centennial history of Madison County, Illinois, and its people, 1812 to 1912, Volume II > Part 64
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
as a floriculturist he has prospered and has a good business and is in good circumstances. He is Republican in politics, and a member of the Lutheran church.
He has a fine family of boys and girls. His wife's maiden name was Mary Junghaus, and she was born in Madison county, October II, 1861, and was educated in the public schools of the county. Their six living children are : Charles, engaged in the floral business; Her- man, a farmer; Lena, wife of Edwin Bonn; and Bertha, Louis and Henry, all at home.
MARTIN SCHROEPPEL. In the business community of Collinsville one of the oldest and best known names is that of Schroeppel, which has been familiar to the residents of the city for over sixty years. In 1850 the late John A. Schroeppel, who with his wife, Carolina (Fincke) Schroeppel, had come from Germany and become early settlers of Madison county, bought a lot on West Main street and established there a shoe-making shop, which he conducted until his death, in 1897. He was a quiet but substantial citizen, and was known and esteemed by most of the people of Collinsville.
At the home on West Main street where this shop was also located was born, June 20, 1855, Martin Schroeppel, who has continued the worthy name of his father in the busi- ness affairs of the city, and who has for about thirty years been proprietor of a large furni- ture and undertaking business.
During his boyhood he attended the Ger- man parochial school, and when he was four- teen years old he lost his mother. He began making his own way at an early age, and it is through the force of his own ability and un- flagging effort that he has acquired a pros- perous position among the business men of Collinsville. The first remunerative employ- ment of his younger days was in picking ber- ries for William J. Matthews. He worked at what he could find to do, and eventually learned the trade of cabinet-maker, and from this got into independent business as a con- tractor and builder. Many of the older build- ings of this vicinity were erected by him during this period of his career.
Finally, in 1881, he engaged in the furni- ture and undertaking business, his being now one of the oldest business houses under con- tinuous management in the city. During his career as undertaker it is estimated that he has attended to five thousand burials. Be- sides the old home lot at 314 West Main he Owns two other lots in the city, and is one
of the stockholders of the First National Bank of Collinsville. For many years his honest, reliable dealing have retained a large trade, and his standing as a merchant and citizen has always been of the best. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church, and he is a Republican but has never taken much part in politics.
Mr. Schroeppel married, in 1884, Miss Louise Eigenbrodt. She is a native of Madi- son county, having been born on a farm in Collinsville township, April 5, 1858. To their marriage four children have been born, namely: Eleanore, the wife of William H. Wittenfeld; Anna, Gertrude and George, at home.
Gus HOLZWEG, of the real estate and insu- rance firm of Holzweg & Thomas, is one of the progressive factors in the business enter- prise of Collinsville. He belongs to that class of citizens who begin life with only their na- tive business judgment and their industry and finally achieve independence and influence in their communities. When a boy of eighteen he went into the mines at Collinsville as a workman with pick and shovel, and has con- tinued along the lines of substantial progress until he is comfortably situated from a finan- cial standpoint and has the esteem of all his fellow citizens.
He is a native of Prussia, where he was born December II, 1872. His parents were Ludwig and Wilhelmina (Gloss) Holzweg, both of whom lived and died in the old coun- try. Reared in his native land, he managed to obtain a fair education in his own tongue, though he was largely self-taught, and in 1890 immigrated to the United States and joined his brother at Collinsville. During the three years he worked in the mines he saved his money, and was enabled to secure employ- ment in other lines, until finally he got into business for himself. On May 20, 1911, he went into partnership with Mr. John Thomas, to engage in the real estate and insurance business at 119 East Main street, and they have built up a good patronage. Mr. Holz- weg owns the two business rooms at Nos. 115 and 117 East Main street, and also his com- fortable home at 356 North Aurora street.
In politics he is a Republican, but not active in politics nor seeking office. He is a member of the Evangelical church.
Mr. Holzweg married Miss Frieda Meyer, who was born in Hanover, Germany. They are the parents of two sons: Edward, aged ten ; and Gustav, aged seven.
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
JOHN A. DAUDERMANN. Among the good citizens of Madison county perhaps none are more representative of public spirit and pro- gressiveness than the two prominent agricult- urists, John and Jacob Daudermann, broth- ers, the former the immediate subject of this record. They are associated in a praise- worthy manner with the great basic industry, which is the very foundation of the strength and wealth of this particular county of the great state of Illinois. John and Jacob Dau- dermann were born in 1864 and 1852, re- spectively, the scene of their birth being Al- hambra township. Their parents, now de- ceased, were Jacob and Mary (Bauer) Dau- dermann, both natives of Germany, who im- migrated from the Fatherland at an early day and were married in Madison county. They were farmers and among the pioneers, and like the most of their countrymen, who by the way constitute one of America's most valu- able sources of immigration, were stanch and industrious people. They bravely faced the many hardships and experiences of pioncer life, and engaged in breaking and cultivating the land, for the most part raw prairie. Their industry was rewarded by success and prosperity and in course of time they found themselves the owners of two hundred and sixty acres of splendid land. The elder peo- ple were both members of the German Evan- gelical church of Alhambra and they were successful in instilling into their children's lives many high ideals of citizenship. The children were as follows: Philip, Mary, Caro- line, Jacob and John. They secured the full- est advantages of the public schools, attend- ing Big Rock district school and also at Al- hambra and New Douglas. The old Dauder- mann homestead was often the scene of joy- ous merry-making, when all the boys and girls were at home and "dull care" was sent "a-packing." There were also, alas, times of sorrow and sadness, when the Angel of Death made his inevitable visits. He visited the household February 12, 1891, and bade the dear mother go to claim her reward, and October 12, 1908, her life companion followed her to the Great Beyond. They were good and honored citizens, kind neighbors and lov- ing parents and were mourned by a large cir- cle of friends, with whom their memory re- mains bright. They aided very definitely in the progress and upbuilding of this section, and there were many ways in which to help, for those were the days of few advantages. They were better days than the present, how- ever, for "graft" was a word unknown and
every man gladly reached out a helping hand to help his brother. The good qualities of these good people have not been lost, but are reflected in their sons and daughters.
John A. Daudermann remained beneath the home roof, assisting his father in the work of the farm until, on October 16, 1890, he laid the cornerstone of a home of his own by his marriage with Mary Hosto, born in Leef township in 1870, the daughter of Ernst WV. and Anna (Determann) Hosto. The parents were both natives of Germany, who immigrated to America at an early day and married in this country. The father's occupa- tion was that of a fariner and he resided in Leef township. He and his wife became the parents of a large family of children, who received the names of Williams, Henry, Ernst, Charlie, Elizabeth, Sophia, Minnie and Mary, the latter the wife of John Dauder- mann. These sons and daughters received their education in the Gehrig School and in the German school of Alhambra. The elder Mr. Hosto and his wife, now living retired at Alhambra, are members of the Evangelical church.
After their marriage the subject and his wife located on the old Daudermann home- stead, where they remained for four years. They loved and cared for Father and Mother Daudermann, their kindly and thoughful at- tention anticipating the every want of the elder people. It was while thus situated that Mother Daudermann's death occurred, and afterward the father went to live with his daughter, Mrs. Caroline Smith, of New Douglas. The brothers, John and Jacob, then purchased four hundred and forty acres of land in Leef township, one mile north of the old home. Subsequently they erected a fine, commodious house and built a fine barn and outbuildings. During all these years the brothers remained together, planning and shar- ing cach other's work and ever alert to the other's interest. From boyhood to manhood this happy and admirable association has con- tinued; their joys and sorrows have been the same, their counseling together has done much to bring about the success which both enjoy, and to which their industry and thrift have also contributed.
Mr. and Mrs. John A. Daudermann have one daughter, Lillie Maria, aged fifteen, an in- teresting student at Rockwell school and a music pupil who plays nicely and with credit to her instructors. She has also studied in the German Evangelical school, in which she was prepared for confirmation. The Dauder-
F. a Fareschi
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
mann family are communicants of the Ger- man Evangelical church and Mrs. Dauder- mann is an active member of the Ladies' Aid Society.
Mr. Daudermann's principles and citizen- ship have been such that the community have demonstrated their confidence in him in ele- vating him to numerous offices. He has served as highway commissioner, school trus- tee and school director and has filled all these offices in a most satisfactory manner. The public realizes that its interests are in good hands when Mr. Daudermann has charge of its affairs. In political conviction the broth- ers are aligned with the Democratic party and have ever given heart and hand to its good causes. They are among the representative families of Madison county and are esteemed by all who know them, and it is indeed ap- propriate to include record of them in this history of representative men and women of Madison county, Illinois.
F. A. GARESCHE. The municipal executive who takes an active interest in the affairs of the community over which he has been called to preside feels his keenest reward when he observes that the status of the place is such that outsiders are being attracted to it and the development in the way of more citizens is as- sured. But to have the population of your city more than double during your tenure of office is a pleasureable experience indeed, one which has come to F. A. Garesche, mayor of Madison, one of the thriving industrial regions of Madison county. Mayor Garesche is now serving his fourth successive term as the mayor of this town, and during his office occupancy the population has more than doubled. The official census figures show that of all the communities of any size in Madison county the town of Madison made the great- est growth during the decade which preceded the 1910 canvass. In 1900 it was a village of 1,979 people. In 1910 it had attained a popu- lation of 5,046, a growth of more than 250 per cent. Much of this showing must in jus- tice be ascribed to the public-spirited, aggres- sive policy of the young man who from the mayor's chair directs its affairs.
The youngest executive in Madison county, for so he is entitled to be known, was born on December 16, 1875, in the city of St. Louis, across the river from the city which now con- stitutes the scene of his activities. His father, Ferd. L. Garesche, was born in New York, but was brought up in St. Louis, and graduated from the famous St. Louis University with
the class of 1849. He became prominent in public affairs, and at one time was commis- sioner of supplies under Mayor Overstolz. He remained a resident of St. Louis until his death in 1903. His wife, whose maiden name was Rosella Hicks, was born in France, and died in St. Louis, in January, 1907. Of the nine children who were born to their union, eight grew to years of maturity and are still living, Ferd. A. being the youngest of the family. He was reared to young manhood in St. Louis, attended the excellent schools of that place, and, like his father, matriculated at St. Louis University. He graduated from the institution in 1896, and immediately began an active career, entering the service of the American Car and Foundry Company. He steadily worked his way upward, both in knowledge of the business and in the regard of the company officials, until in 1906 he was tendered the important position of general paymaster for the company, with headquar- ters at Madison, which had at that time been his home for a number of years. In the dis- charge of the important duties his place in- volves, and which includes the handling of millions of dollars for the large plans of the company, Mr. Garesche is an example of the accurate, alert, honest and upright business man of today.
His keen interest in local conditions of his home town paved the way naturally to an ac- tive participation in politics. Mr. Garesche is a stanch Democrat, but in his home town he is loyally supported by members of all parties, who admire his public spirit and his business judgment. He is a member of the Madison County Democratic Executive Committee, and frequently attends the state conventions, be- ing highly esteemed in the councils of the party. He has been state vice president of the Illinois Firemen's Association, and has held other positions of a public or semi-public na- ture. Fraternally he is a member of the Benev- olent and Protective Order of Elks and of the Knights of Columbus. He was' chosen to minor office in his home town, then to the mayoralty, and has since his elevation to the latter place been re-elected three times by large pluralities. He was the moving spirit in planning and financing the big outlet sewer undertaking, costing two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, upon which work was started early in 1912. Under his inspiration the commodious city hall was erected, replac- ing a frame building of rough character. Granitoid sidewalks, brick paving, electric
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
lights of modern type, and other metropoli- tan advantages have been brought about by Mayor Garesche, and his popularity is not to be wondered at.
Mr. Garesche married, on November 14, 1903, Miss Dora E. O'Brien, of St. Louis, and to them four children have been born: Doro- thy Marie, Ferdinand Hicks (deceased), John Paul and Robert. The Garesches have a pretty home in East Madison, and their home life is ideal.
EDWARD G. GERDING. If the people of Collinsville want a square deal and perfectly honest treatment they go to Edward G. Gerd- ing's drug store and they are sure of getting it. He is one of the leading druggists in Collinsville and he has reached this promi- nence by dint of hard work, combined with natural abilities. He has made his own way in the world, and though it has been a hard road, it led to success just the same. It is the presence of such business men as Mr. Gerd- ing that Madison county has attained the high standing it now possesses.
He was born in Washington county, Illi- nois, March 26, 1861. His father, John W. Gerding, was a native of Eisleben, Germany. He married in his native land and brought his wife (who was a native of Hanover) to the United States. They settled in Illinois and lived there until the time of their death. He died in 1868 and she in 1863.
Edward G. Gerding can scarcely remember his father and mother, as he was only a very small boy when he was deprived of them both. He was sent to a parochial school near Nashville, Illinois, in Washington county. He made his home there until he was four- teen, being brought up and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. The day after his confirma- tion he left the school and the town, going to Crystal City, Missouri. There he was em- ployed in a glass factory, in which position he remained for two years. At the expiration of that time he came to Madison county, Illi- nois, and worked on a farm for two years. At the end of that time he had made up his mind that he did not want to make farming his life work and he was apprenticed to H. G. Grosse, of Collinsville, for three years. After his term had expired he went to St. Louis, Missouri, and worked as a drug clerk for eight years. In 1885 he came to Collins- ville and since that time has been in business here in the same place. While he was in St. Louis he took a course in pharmacy at the St.
Louis College of Pharmacy and graduated in 1883.
On March 7, 1886, he married Miss Pris- cilla A. Brighton, the daughter of J. T. Brigh- ton, an old resident of Collinsville, of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Gerding have four children. Walter, the eldest, is a licensed drug clerk, being a graduate of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. He is with his father in his Collinsville business. Gertrude, the second child, is at home with her parents. Albert, the third child, is also a drug clerk and a graduate of St. Louis College of Phar- macy. Louis is a junior in the Collinsville high school.
Mr. Gerding is a strict follower of the pre- cepts laid down by Martin Luther and takes a great interest in the training of the young in these doctrines. For eighteen years he was a member of the Lutheran parochial school board, standing up for the school in which he received his education. His political views tend towards Democracy in national politics, but he is liberal in his opinions. To him the right man in the right place is of more impor- tance than the supremacy of either party. He is a stockholder and director in the First Na- tional Bank of Collinsville, formerly called the Bank of Collinsville. The fact that two of Mr. Gerding's sons wanted to follow in their father's footsteps speaks well for the impression they formed of his life. A boy only wants to be what his father was if he admires the father. Mr. Gerding is not only popular in a business way, but in a social way also and in his own home.
PROFESSOR CHARLES H. DORRIS. It is a difficult matter for one to decide which one of the professions is the most worthy, which is of the most benefit to mankind, which calls forth the highest capabilities in the one en- gaged in the practice of its duties. However, all will agree that the man who has devoted his whole life to education has lived a life worth living, that he has served his fellow men and his country in a very marked degree. Professor Charles H. Dorris is a well known educator in Illinois. To him education does not consist in cramming facts into the minds of the student, but in so drawing out the mind of the student that it may be in a recep- tive condition to acquire these facts. He feels that if a student should go through the schools and the university even and at the end of that time has not learned much else than the way to think properly, that his education has been
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
profitable, as all kinds of knowledge can then be easily acquired. He is old fashioned in his thoroughness and up-to-date in his improved methods of teaching. He is a man whose ex- perience of human nature has been wide and varied and his observations have taught him to be lenient with the failings of others, to be sympathetic with their discouragements and to be helpful to all whom he can reach.
Charles H. Dorris was born in Oakville, Illinois, October .10, 1867. He is the son of August and Elizabeth (Cantrell) Dorris. August Dorris was born in Germany, coming to the United States when he was a young man. He settled in Illinois, where he farmed until the Civil war broke out, when he en- listed in the Union army, Company G, of the Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry. After the close of the war he went back to his farming in Illinois, near Okawville. He married and five sons were born to the union. He died in 1874, leaving to his widow the task of bringing up the family. She was possessed of little money, but sterling qualities and in- domitable courage. She made sure that her boys were grounded in Christian principles. Honesty, decency, obedience, cleanliness in thought and speech-those were the things she insisted on. Those things they might have if they were poor, and then she made sure that her boys learned as much as they could in the few years of schooling possible for them. She saw to it that they went to school every day and that they made every day a busy day. She told them that the things they knew the world could not take from them. She stirred them with ambition to get out and do better than their father or mother had done. She is living now, but three of her boys have passed on before. William R. is cashier of the First National Bank at O'Fallon, Illinois.
Charles was the second of the children in order of birth. He attended the village school in Oakville, after which he attended the public school in the winter, working on the farm in the summer. He was very in- dustrious and at the age of seventeen he got a teacher's license. He taught in the district school, while at the same time attending the McKendree College of Lebanon, Illinois. By dint of the closest application he completed the course in 1891, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science. In 1892 he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws and Literature, after another year's work in the law depart- ment of the College. That same year he was
elected superintendent of the public schools of Lebanon, in which capacity he served for eight years. In 1900 he came to Collinsville, where he is the present superintendent of schools and is doing excellent work. He has taken post graduate work at Valparaiso, In- diana, and at the University of Illinois.
In 1895 he married Susie May Peach, of Lebanon, Illinois. She was a graduate of McKendree College and has proven a true helpmeet to her husband, interested in the things in which he is interested, both having the same views of life and the value of things. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dorris : Charles L., born June 1, 1896; Milburn L., born in 1898; and little Dorothy A., born in 1905. The children are students in the public school.
The Professor is a Republican in politics, but never takes any active part. He is a Mason of high standing, being a member of the Collinsville Lodge, No. 712, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is a past grand and holds member- ship in St. Clare Lodge, No. 119. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is a most active worker. Not content with his connection with children during the week, he is superintendent of the Sunday school. If we were to pick out the one profession of all others for which the Professor is eminently suited in knowledge and personal traits, we should select the pedagogical field. He is able to put himself in the place of teacher and pupil and both classes feel that he is square with them. He not only has the respect and admiration of the students in the schools, but he has their love : they feel that he has their welfare at heart and that he is indeed a friend to whom they can confide their troubles and their pleasures, their failings and their difficulties.
A. CHARLES ARMBRUSTER, M. D., is one of the prominent young physicians and sur- geons of Collinsville, where he has been prac- ticing for the past four years. Dr. Arm- bruster is a graduate of the Homeopathic College of Medicine of Missouri, and is one of the ablest representatives of his school in the county.
He is a native of Steeleville, Illinois, where he was born April 4, 1884. He was gradu- ated from the local high school with the class of 1901, and was also a graduate of the Luth- eran parochial school of that town. He did special work in Ewing College one year and
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
was a student of Walther College one year, after which he entered the Homeopathic Med- ical College of Missouri, and after finishing the full course at that institution .was grad- uated in 1907. Dr. Armbruster was one of the merit students selected for internes, and worked out his experience in that capacity in the St. Louis Children's Free Hospital. Then in August, 1907, he opened his office at Collinsville, where he rapidly acquired the confidence of the people and a large patron- age. He is a member of the Madison County and Illinois State Medical Societies. His church is the Lutheran, in which faith he was reared. He has always taken an independent stand in political matters.
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