Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 10

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 10

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).

BELL, Lu Mildred .- Springfield is the home of sonie of the most cultivated and charming ladies of the State, who assist very materially in mak- ing the Capital City one of the mnost pleasant places of residence in this part of the country. Among these ladies one deserving of special men- tion, by reason of her Christian character and kindly nature, is Mrs. Lu Mildred Bell. Mrs. Bell was born in Terre Haute, Ind., April 14, 1856, a daughter of S. M. and Mary M. Patter- son, the former born in Vincennes, Ind., October 16, 1812, and the latter born in Hamilton Coun- ty, Ohio, October 14, 1820. Mr. Patterson was a bookkeeper.

Mrs. Bell grew to womanhood in Mattoon, Coles County, Ill., where her parents moved in her childhood, and there she received a liberal education. She was always ambitious and found expression in training children, becoming one of the most popular educators of Coles County, where she taught school for a number of years. In 1877, she married Francis W. Boyd, and, after his death, was married, at Council Bluffs, Iowa, on July 4. 1903, to Matthew B. Bell. By her first marriage she became the mother of two children. Harry F. Boyd, born March 24, 1878, and Clarence La Vergne Boyd, born April 5, 1881.

For many years Mrs. Bell has been a member of the Congregational Church, and her work in its cause shows the quality of the woman. No worthy measure is taken up by the church that does not find an earnest supporter in her, and she lives out, in her every day life, the faith she professes.

BENDER, Victor E., Editor and Publisher of the Evening News, Springfield, Illinois, was born in Granville, Putnam County, Illinois, September 1. 1861, the son of Jacob and Helene (Nafziger) Bender

Jacob Bender and wife were natives of Ger- many, the former emigrating to this country in 1831. and the latter a few years later From the time he embarked on the Weser River until lie landed at Annapolis, Maryland, Jacob Bender was on shipboard eleven weeks, having

1041

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

made the voyage in a sailing vessel. From Annapolis, the party of colouists, of which Mr. Bender was one, proceeded down the Ohio River, landing at Cincinnati, and finally iocat- ing near Hamiiton, Ohio. In 1855, shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Bender settled in Granvilie.

Victor E. Bender received his primary edu- cation in the common schools of his native county. In 1881, he eutered Knox College at Galesburg, graduating from that institutiou in 1885. Prior to entering college, Mr. Bender taught schooi severai years, and with the money tius realized, and with additional funds earned in prizes while at college, he completed his four years' course. After graduation, he became principal of the schoois at Abingdon, Illinois, remaining there for two years, when he received from President Newton Bateman, of Knox College, a call to the chair of elocu- tion in that institution. Mr. Bender accepted the positiou, remaining for one year, when he went to Omaha, Nebraska, to engage in news- paper work. He did reportorial work on the Bee, the Republican and the Dispatch of that city, and in the fail of 1890, purchased the Omaha Mercury, a weekly newspaper devoted largely to the legal profession. He soid his paper in 1895, and with a number of citizens of Council Bluffs, Iowa, purchased the daily Nonpareii of that city, which he conducted for fifteen years as editor and publisher.

In 1909, Mr. Bender sold his paper and re- moved to Springfield, Illinois, where he pur- chased the Evening News, of which he is at the present time editor and publisher. Mr. Bender is a zealous Republican, and, while conducting his newspaper in Iowa, steadfastiy espoused the cause of the couservative Repub- licans of that state. In Springfield, under his management, the Evening News has grown in circulation and influence, and Mr. Bender seems to be making good on his claim that the Even- ing News "Is the fastest growing paper in cen- trai Illinois."

Mr. Bender was married June 11, 1889, to Miss Aima Coiville of Galesburg, Illinois, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Coiviiie of that city. They have one son and one daughter, Robert J., aged twenty-one years, and Victoria E., aged fourteen years. Mr. Bender's religious associations have been with the Con- gregational church. He is an enterprising and public spirited citizen, and evinces a lively in- terest in every movement tending to the mental, moral and political advancement of his city and state.

BENNETT, Charles W. (deceased), a retired florist living at 124 North Columbia Avenue, Springfield, Iil., was born in St. Louis, Mo., Au- gust 13. 1848. a son of Benonia and Sarah M. (Hunt) Bennett. The father was born in Vir- ginia and the mother in Auburn, N. Y. They were married in Louisville, Ky., came to San- gamon County in 1832, locating near Springfield,

iater moved to St. Louis, where the father en- gaged in printing and book binding, and kept a book store. He died in St. Louis, August 30, 1868, and the mother died October 30, 1870. Both are buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, in Springfield.

Charles W. Bennett attended the public schools of St. Louis and Washington University, and after leaving schooi engaged in dairy busi- ness at Oak Hill, a suburb of St. Louis, where he built up a lucrative trade. He made a spe- cialty of providing pure bottled milk for babies, taking a course of instruction from a doctor in the best manner for caring for and putting up this product. He spent ten years in this busi- ness, then came to Sangamon County, arriving there in May, 1887. He purchased fourteen acres of land, and engaged in gardening there until 1890, when he built a green-house and for many years conducted a successful florist trade. He retired from active life in 1908 and was confined to the house on account of poor inealth. His business interests are cared for by his son Chesley, who learned the details of caring for the same from his father. Mr. Ben- nett was upright and reliable and was much estecmned by all who had dealings with him.

Mr. Bennett was married, in St. Louis, Mo .. in 1873, to Miss Mary E. Beach, who was born August 9, 1848, daughter of Miles and Mary Graham Beach, the former born in Connecticut, in 1806, and the latter in Maine, in 1812. Two children were born to Mr. Beach and his wife, Louis M., of Springfield, and Mrs. Bennett. The parents came to Randolph County, Iil., in 1835, and secured a farm, where both of them died. Four children were born to Mr. Bennett and his wife: Mary, wife of Robert McCune, a house-mover of Springfield ; Anna, married Julius Raandock. a mill foreman in Austin, Tex .; Estrick. deceased : Chesiey, at home, con- ducting the business established by his father. Mr. Bennett was a member of the Episcopal Church and in politics was a Republican. He was affiliated with the Court of Honor. of Springfield, and the A. O. U. W. of St. Louis. During the Civil War he enlisted at St. Louis. for thirty days' service, and at the end of his term was honorably discharged. Mr. Bennett died May 14, 1911.

BENNETT, Harry .- No ciass of men have con- tributed so much to the upbuilding of large cor- porations as the commercial travelers who in- troduce their goods in every part of the coun- try and keep their home houses informed as to conditions of trade. One of these progressive. genial, enterprising representatives of the great body of traveling men in Springfield, is Harry Bennett, traveling representative of the Deer- ing Harvester Works. Mr. Bennett was born at Casey. Ill., November 27, 1875, heing a son of John and Susie (Frokes) Bennett. The father was born in 1856, early becoming a resident of Fairfield. Ill., where he carried on carpentering. The mother passed away in 1896.

. 1042

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Ilarry Bennett attended the school beld in a brick school building at Fariua, Ill., and upon leaving scbool learned tbe painter's trade. However, he entered the employ of the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company soon thereafter, and continued in it for several years, leaving to en- gage with the Springfield Street Railroad Com- pauy. He is now on the road for the Deering Harvester Company and is oue of their most valued employes. His success in business has come from faithful, conscientious devotion to duty and from his knowledge of conditions and wants of those with whom he is dealing. For three years he has been a member of Effingham Lodge No. 451, Modern Woodmen, and is interested in its work. His political influence is always cast in favor of the Republican party. In religious matters he is connected with the Baptist Church and finds in it a congenial religious home. He was married in Effingham, Ill., February 20, 1906, to Edna MI. Hunter, born in Effingham County, Ill., in 1884. Her father has always been an engineer and is one of the best-known men in that liue in his part of the State. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are among the popular young people of Springfield and have many warm friends socially and in their cburcb.

BERGEN, Augustus W. (Vol. I, p. 45.)

BERGEN, Charles Henry (deceased), for many years a resident of Springfield, Ill., was well- known and highly respected. Ile was born in Menard County, Ill. December 19, 1851, son of George S. and Emlly (Wyatt) Bergen. His father was born Jnly 6, 1809, in Kentucky, and the mother was also a native of that State. George S. Bergen was a farmer in Kentucky and later secured a farm in Illinols. He spent his last years in Petersburg, Ill .. baving been a res- ident of the State since 1829.

Charles H. Bergen spent his early years on a farm near Petersburg and attended the country schools. After leaving school he took up farm- ing with his father and devoted most of his life to agricultural pursuits. In 1891 be located In Springfield, where he became engaged in mar- ket gardening. He was an excellent manager and devoted himself closely to his work and his home, caring little for political or public affairs. As a young man he united with the Presbyterian Cbnrch and at the time of his death was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Petersburg. In political views he was a stanch Democrat. Mr. Bergen was industrious and thrifty and became fairly successful in business. His death occurred March 15, 1897, and he was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Springfield. His widow now resides at 801 South Fifteenth Street, Springfield.

Mr. Bergen was united in marriage in Spring- field, December 4, 1877, with Miss Mary Cook. Rev. Dr. Reed, of Springfield, officiating. Mrs. Bergen was born in Springfield August 30, 1860. danghter of James Cook, and has lived there all ber life. Children were born of this marriage

as follows: Emily Louise, born in Pensacola, Fla., February 20, 1879, married O. C. King, wlio is a Baptist minister; Cbarles S., born October 24, 1880, a wood-worker, is married and has two children-Virginia and Charles S. ; Mary Anna, born January 1, 1883, married F. K. Ricksecker, a piauo salesman, and they have no children; Harry L., boru July 19, 1885, a wood-worker, is married and bas one child; James M., born January 5, 1888, deceased; William II., born November 10, 1890 resides iu Seattle Wash., mar- ried Margarette Fox and they have one son, Herman ; and A. G., boru August 2. 1894, re- sides with his mother. Mr. Bergen was deeply mourned by his family and bis many warm friends.

BERGMANN, John, one of the oldest residents of Springfield, Ill., now living retired from ac- tive life, worked at bis trade of shoe-maker in tbat city about sixty years. Mr. Bergmann was born in Bavaria, Germany, April 26, 1823, son of George Adams and Kunagesunda (Winter- stein) Bergmann, both natives of Bavaria. Both bis parents lived to old age and died iu Ger- many, where they owned a farm. They were parents of five children.

The boyhood of John Bergmann was spent in his native country and be was educated in the public schools there. He was reared to farm work but when he left school be learned the trade of shoe-maker. He emigrated to the United States in 1853, locating in Philadelphia, where he lived five years. In 1858 he came to Spring- field, and worked eighteen years at his trade for Henry H. Richardson. In 1876 Mr. Bergmann entered the employ of Mr. Ensil, remaining with him five years, then worked six years in the same business for Walter Ortway and ten years for Klayholt & Fogarty, after which be engaged in business on his own account and continued un- til be retired a few years since. He is a skilled workman and bas been successful in his opera- tions. Mr. Bergmann has been a hard-working, industrions citizen and has been able to accumul- late some valuable property. including tbe com- fortable residence the family occupies.

Mr. Bergmann was married in Philadelphia. Pa .. April 3, 1854, to Margaret Gotschalk, born March 24, 1829. daughter of Adam and Anne Margerette (Foester) Gotschalk, who spent their entire lives In Germany. where they attained old age. Six children blessed this union, namely : Caroline, married Gus R. Ransenberger, em- ploved by the Illinois Watch Company: Tina. widow of George Mackley, a cigar maker in Springfield; John and Fred, in the employ of the Illinois Watch Company; Henry died in 1908. was marrled and left a wife and two daughters Mr. Bergmann has seventeen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, the names of the latter being: Ethel, Mildred and Louis Edward Abbott. living in Springfield. Mr. Berginann has been very fortunate in living to see three generations of his descendants and takes great pride in them, as he has every rea-

1043

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

son to do. In politics ine is a Democrat and he attends St. John Lutheran Church, of which he is a member. This church occupies the buiid- ing formerly used hy the First Presbyteriau church, which was attended by Abraham Liu- coln, and his name is shown on a plate which is fasteued to the back of the seat he occupied. Mr. Bergmann has won many friends in the long years of his business life aud in his later years has found time to enjoy the society of his friends and the rest he has weil earned. The family iives at 821 East Miller Street.

BERGNER, Herman F., was born in Saxony, Germany, March 15, 1843, son of John J. Berg- ner, who came to America the same year their son Herman was born. The family proceeded direct to Springfield, where the parents both died. The father was a cloth weaver, and so far back as auything is knowu the ancestors iived in Germany. Herman F. Bergner received hls education in the public schools of Spring- field and was always fond of outdoor sports and exercise, Upon leaving school, he found employment in a brick plant, and at the age of sixteen years enlisted in the navy for service In the Civil War, the date of his enlistment being March 26, 1864, at Chleago. He was

assigned to duty on the boat "Washita," under Admiral Porter, aud served one year and five months, under Captain Zimmerman. He was discharged August 26, 1865, at New Orleans, La., off the Rehel ram "Missouri." He was never captured, but was wounded at the en- gagements at Doualdsonville and Alexander. The regiment took part in battles at Vicksburg. Donelsonville, and New Orleans, went up the Red River to Alexandria, where they had a skirmish and chased a rebel ram, but those on the hoat blew it up before it could be captured.

At the close of the war he returned home and. In 1868, moved to Philadelphla, but four years later returned to Springfield, which has since been his home. He worked many years at the trade of a printer, and has always heen industri- ous and hardworking. Respected by all who know him he is considered a useful, upright cit- Izen. He is now employed as Sexton for the St. Paul Pro-Cathedral iu Springfield, and in the performance of his dutles has given the ut- most satisfaction. ITis home which he owns is at 539 West Canedy Street. He is an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church, and in politics is a Democrat. A prominent memher of Stephenson Post G. A. R., he also holds a membership in the American Home Circle.

Mr. Bergner was married in Chicago, in 1866, to Miss Elizabeth Spurrel. born in Bavaria, Germany, and they had three children; Charles, born in Chicago. April 15, 1867; Lena, born in Philadelphia in 1868; Mary, born in Philadel- phia iu 1871. Mr. Bergner's wife died and he married (second) Mary E. (Curran) Molter, horu in Wurtemburg, Germany, January 2, 1848, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Curran, who came to America and located in Springfield,

where both died. Mrs. Bergner was married to Mr. Molter iu Springfield, and he died, leaving her with two children, Katle and Caroline. By her second marriage, she had no children. Mr. Bergner carried the first German paper that was printed in Springfield, Iii., having carried papers . to Abraham Lincoln many times. He tells · luauy stories of Mr. Lincoln, remembering both him and Stepheu Dougias, as personal frieuds.

BERRIMAN, George R .- There are many ex- amples of the self-made man to be found in Springfield; men who, starting out entirely on their own recources, have worked their way steadily to the front in some chosen line and achieved success in spite of all obstacles. Few, however, have given their attention to many and varied occupations and proven successful in whatever they have undertaken, and it is iu this way that Mr. George R. Berriman is an un- usuai example. He was born July 13, 1858, in Springfield, Til., aud is a son of Peter Berriman. He attended the Springfield publle and high schools, after leaving which he found employ- ment in the foundry of John G. Gillette, at Elk- hart, Ill., for whom Mr. Herriman's father had done much Iron work. One year later, however, he went to Cincinnati, Ohlo, where he became general agent for the Union News Company. having charge of their office at the Little Miami Depot for about four years. The following year lie went to New York City to become generai agent for the New York Newspaper Union, and this company seut him to Pittsburg, Pa., where he had charge of the business for some time. On account of the illness of his mother, how- ever, Mr. Berriman returned to Springfield, re- inaining there until after her death, then going to Chicago, where he had charge of the State Grain Office for two years. a position which he resigned to become an employe of the United States Sub-Treasury under D. P. Phelps. After one year in this capacity he resigned, and for the past twelve years has been press agent in the Tilinois State Legislature. In 1896 he opened a brokerage and money loaning office in Springfield and is still engaged in that line, hav- ing offices at No. 1031% Fifth Street. In addi- tion to these interests he is a leading lumber broker, purchasing walnut lumber all over Illi- nois and shipping it to buyers in Chicago, Columbus, Cincinnati and St. Louis, and is also well known as a dealer in fine trotting horses, of which he is an excellent judge. In 1909 he was the victim of a severe accident, when he fell from his horse and received Injuries which confined him to his home for several months. He Is a Republican in politics, although up to the time of the election of President Cieveland he had supported the Democratic party.

On October 22, 1901, Mr. Berriman was united in marriage with Miss Mary Wells, at Marshall- town, Iowa, where she was born October 22, 1875. daughter of Frederick T. Wells, one of the oldest business men of that city.

1044

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

BERRY, James, an old and well-known citizen of Springfield, Ill., who has retired from active life, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, abont 1843. He is the third son of William and Mary (McIIale) Berry, farmers of Ireland, who died there. James Berry was reared on a farm and received a fair edncatiou in the locai schools, after which he continned farming until twenty- five years of age, when he came to America, sailing from Liverpool and landing in New York. He came direct to Springfield, Ill., ar- riving there May 5, 1869, and has spent most of the time since in that city.

Mr. Berry was married in Springfield, Ill., April 22, 1872, to Miss Anna McGrevy, also a native of County Mayo, Ireland, who came to America with her mother when ahont eleven years of age. Her father, Patrick McGrevy, and ber sisters, Mary and Bridget, had pre- ceded them to the new home. They located in the City of Springfield, wbere Mr. McGrevy died in May, 1910.

After settling in Springfield Mr. Berry he- came employed in the mines and continned in this line of work up to the present time. He was an industrious and faithful worker and managed his financial affairs in a creditahle manner, so that he was able to retire in 1910. He erected the present family home at 1031 East Enterprise Street in 1898. He is uni- versally respected wherever he is known and has won many friends. He and his family are members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church and in politics he is a Democrat. Chil- dren as follows were born to him and his wife: William and James, at home; Edward, of Springfield, married Jennie Cummings; John, of Springfield, married Emma Oger; Thomas, at home, married Sadie Tulley ; Marle, Mrs. James Keliy, of Springfield ; Anna, Mrs. Louis Hornish, of St. Louis; Catherine, at home. Mrs. James Berry dicd June 3, 1911, at Spring- field, Ill.

BERRY, Riiand Dillard, M. D., a weli-estab- lished physician of Springfield, Ill., has a large and lucrative practice and has the esteem and confidence of all who know him. Dr. Berry was born in Cariinville, Iil., July 10, 1855, son of Benjamin L. and Sarah Jane (Rutherford) Berry, both natives of Kentucky, wbo came to Iilinois in 1855 and located on a farm near Carlinville. They had twelve children.

The education of Riland D. Berry was ac- quired in the public schools of his native city, and he afterward studied medicine, graduating from the Medical College of Ohio. in 1879. He began practice in partnership with Dr. J. P. Matthews, of Carlinville, and in the fall of 1SSS located in Springfield, where he has since heen engaged in successful practice aione. He is known as a skilled practitioner and stands high in his profession. He is a member of the county and state medicai societies and of the American Medical Association, and is thor- oughly devoted to the interests of all three. In

politics he · is a Republican and he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. He is considered a representative and public- spirited citizen and is highly esteemed by his many warm friends.

Dr. Berry was married at Rohrer, Ill., De- cemher 17, 1890, to Lenora Florence, danghter of Milton and Mary E. Rohrer, of Rohrer. Both of her parents were born in Waverly, Ili., the fatber May 31, 1832, and the mother July 17, 1840. Dr. and Mrs. Berry have no children.

BEST, Ernest, one of the best-known and most highly respected German-American citizens of Springfield, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger- many, Jannary 8, 1837, a son of Henry and Christine (Bruek) Best. In 1850 Henry Best bronght his family to America, the travelers landing at New Orleans. They took passage on a Mississippi River steamboat and started for St. Lonis, but the father was taken sick and died of cholera hefore landing in that city, his bnrial being on Burt's Point, in the lower part of Illinois. This family disaster occurred in the latter part of the month of May. The wid- ow, with her children, settled near Prairietown, Madison County, Ill., and there she died in 1859. There were nine children in the family, seven sons and two daughters, and of these the living are: ' Ernest; Christian, a farmer living in Christian County, Ill .; and Caroline, wife of William Jackson, an Illinois farmer.

Ernest Best had attended school in his native land and afterward learned the Engiish lan- guage in Madison Connty. He learned the black- smith trade and worked at that for a few years and also continued to operate the farm In Madi- son County until 1892, when he moved to Spring- field, where he now lives in comfortable retire- ment. During the Civil War, wben the Govern- ment found it necessary to make a draft for soldiers, Mr. Best wes unfortunate enongh to be drafted. It was almost impossible for him at that time to leave his affairs and enter the army, and through the assistance of neighbors and friends he found a substitute, but it cost him $900. Perhaps he did not feel the loss of the money quite so much after he learned that his substitute was killed in the first battle in which the company took part.

Mr. Best was married at Prairietown, Ili., in the Lutheran Church, hy Rev. Ramelow, on July 29, 1873, to Miss Minnie Eden, a daughter of Hilbert and Gretchen (Pull) Eden. She was born in Hanover, Germany, May 27, 1857. Her father was born there August 27. 1825, and died in 1897, but her mother still lives, having been born in Hanover, December 25, 1827. They had six children, namely: Mrs. Best ; Bernard, a farmer in Madison County ; Otto, living in Germany ; and Hilbert and Gretchen, . both living in Germany.

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.

Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 10

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774