Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 104

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 104

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From 1902 until 1906 Mr. Meisenbacher was employed by the City of Springfield. He Is a member of the Lutheran Church and has always taken an active Interest in public affairs, in poli- tics being a Democrat. He belongs to the Crys- tal Light and the Royal Circle. He owns a com- fortable home at 130 West Miller Street, Spring- field, where he has resided for the last elght years. He has witnessed inany changes in Springfield during the time it has been his home and has formed many strong friendships.

Mr. Meisenbacher was married, in Springfield, January 21, 1868, to Miss Mary Ramsteader, who was born in Belleville, Ill., in 1850, a daughter of Lawrence and Catherine (Shink) Ramsteader, both natives of Bavaria, where

their parents were also born, and early settlers In Illinois. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Meisenbacher, viz .: Catherine, born in Springfield, November 1, 1869, marrled Ora Quivey, is proprietor of a livery stable in Spring- field, and they have two children-Ora and Mary ; Margaret, born In Springfield, November 29, 1871, Is unmarried and living at home; John, born in Springfield, August 22, 1873, married Daisy Baker of Springfield, and they live in Telsa, Oklahoma; Dora, born in Springfield, January 29, 1877, is unmarried and living at home ; Leo F., born in Springfield, July 29, 1891, lives at home; Lawrence, born in Springfield, in 1881, died in 1894.

MEREDITH, Clarence B., an energetic and suc- cessful business man of Springfield, is a native of Sangamon County, born at Cotton Hill, March 6, 1879. He Is a son of Luther O. and Amelia (Popinberger) Meredith, the former also a na- tive of the county, born in 1851. The father of Luther O., Davls Meredith, was one of the early settlers of Sangamon County and died in 1897. Luther O. Meredith was formerly engaged in the grocery business at Cotton Hill, but in 1901 retired from active life and moved to Spring- field. He has lived in the county all his life and is well knowu in business circles.

The boyhood of Clarence E. Meredith was spent at Cotton Hill and he was educated In the country schools. He was reared on a farm and after leaving school worked In the grocery busi- uess with his father about three years, then be- gan to work at the trade of carpenter. Some three years ago he began contracting on his own account and has been so successful in this line that he has also been dealing In real estate to a considerable extent. He Is a young man of good reputation, upright and industrious, and has been prosperous in all his enterprises.

Mr. Meredith is unmarried and lives with his parents. He is helping with the care and edu- cation of his younger brothers and sisters. He is well known as a hustler and one who carries out whatever he undertakes. He has accumu- lated considerable city property. In polltles he is a Republican and he Is an active member of the First Christian Church.

MERKLIN, Charles, one of Springfield's well- known business men, conducting a grocery and provision store at No. 312 Herndon Street, has been a resident of Springfield since 1858. Mr. Merklin Is a native of Baden, Germany, where he was born December 24, 1844, a son of Jacob and Julla . (Wehrle) Merklin.

Jacob Merklin was a weaver by trade In Ger- many, but believing there was a brighter fu- ture for himself and his children in the United States, with his family embarked at Havre for New Orleans on a three-masted sailing vessel, the voyage occupying sixty days. From New Orleans they went to Louisville, Ky., where the father was employed as a laborer until 1858, when he came to Springfield and followed the

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

same kind of work, bnt later entered iuto the dairy business, continuing therein until 1SS6, when he retired, dying January 6, 1887, his wife having passed away October 14, 1872. They were members of the SS. Peter and Pant Roman Catholic Church. Their children were as fol- lows: Charles ; Lambert, who died in Springfield In 1895; Fred, of Chicago, who married a Miss Burlingham; and Mary, who died in Infancy. . Charles Merklin went to school in Baden, Germany, until reaching the age of ten years, at which time his parents bronght him to the United States, and later completed bis school tralning in the parochial schools of Lonisville Ky., and the Springfield public schools. He went to work carrying bricks In the brick-yard of John Bretz, and two years later engaged In the cooper trade under Edward Saner, following that vocation for three years, but later being employed In various occupations for several years. He began his business ventures on his own account in 1862, when he became a baker and confectioner on Monroe between Fifth and Sixth Streets. Three or four years later he abandoned this business and went to clerking In a grocery store until 1SS7, at which the he embarked in his present business at his pres- ent stand, the old bomestead built by bis father in 1864.

On September 28, 1868, Mr. Merklin was married in Springfield to Miss Eva Mneller, of St. Louis, a daughter of the late Lawrence Mueller of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Merklin had these children : Mary, who married Patrick Shay of Springfield; Lizzie, who married Ed- ward G. Banman, a drnggist of Springfield ; Sister Constant of tbe Ursuline Convent at Al- ton; Lena, at home; Sister Lonise, and Sister Hildegard, of the Ursuline Convent, Alton; Eva, who marrled Joseph Schaefer, of Spring- field ; and Frances, at home. Mr. Merklin is a Democrat in political matters and is frater- nally connected with the Western Catholic Union. the Loyal Americans and the Widows and Orphans' Insurance Company. The family attend SS. Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church.

MERRIAM, (Coi.) Jonathan. (Vol. I, pp. 370- 371.

MERRITT, John W. (Vol. I, p. 371.)

MERRITT, William A., now living in retire- ment from active business life, at his home, sitnated at 800 Soutb College Street, Spring- field, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War and prominent in Grand Army circles. He is highly esteemed as an honest and upright citizen, who discharged his full dnty as a soldier and, in times of peace, held himself in readiness to fur- ther any movement which he felt would be of general benefit. He was born in Martin County, N. C., August 2, 1842, and reared on a farm. His parents, Bendy and Winnifred (Cherry) Merritt, were both natives of Martin County. The father was a sailor and was lost at sea when his son William was yonng, being never

heard from after be left bome on his last voy- age. His home was always at Williamston, N. C. The mother moved to West Virginia, thence to Tennessee and finally to Indlana in 1859, where she died. The Merritt family, so far as can be traced back, were residents of North Carolina.

In his boyhood Willlam A. Merritt received no educational advantages, and learned all he knows in this line through his own efforts, mostly wbile serving in the army. He has learned much in the school of experience and has acquired a broad outlook upon life in gen- eral. He was always fond of outdoor sports and reached a rugged, bealthy manbood. Mr. Merritt moved from Indiana to Arkansas at the time there was such a boom iu emigrations to the latter State, and thence came to Sanga- mon Connty, Ill., in 1868, and has been a resi- dent of the connty ever since. He spent his ac- tive life in various occupations in which he was generally successful, and was able to retire abont five years ago. He has gained many friends In Springfield and has always takeu an interest in public enterprises. He has so lived as to make no enemies and is fond of the society of his friends and acquaintances, being of a genial, kindly nature. He is a true gentleman in quali- fications and actions, and his sterling traits are well known to all wbo have bad dealings with him.

Mr. Merritt bas a war record of which he may well be proud. He enlisted, Angnst 15, 1861, at New Albany, Ind., in the Thirty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and on October Sth of that year participated in a battle at Perryville, Ky., where he was shot in the right hand and right side of the head. so that he was sent to a hos- pital until his recovery. He then rejoined his regiment and took part in engagements at Stone River, Murfreesboro, Hoover's Gap, Nashville, Cbickamanga, Missionary Ridge and Chatta- nooga. In 1863 his term of enlistment expired and he re-enlisted for three years, having spent thirty days at home with bis mother, rejoining his regiment February 13, 1864. He partici- pated in the battle at Resaca, Ga., May 23, 1864. At one time he and his comrades were very hungry and Mr. Merritt captured a fat young pig and procured some sweet potatoes, and they had a royal feast, Jnne 24, 1864. They encountered heavy fighting at Bald Knob, in which many were killed and wounded, and Mr. Merritt went again to the hospital July 20, 1864, on account of sickness, rejoining hls regi- ment on the 25th of the same month. They par- ticipatéd in the siege of Atlanta, In which they met with heavy losses, and in the battle of Jonesborongh, Ga. After the capitulation of Atlanta the enemy left the mass of ruins August 30. Mr. Merritt participated with his regiment in the battles at Nashville and Savannah, and joining Sherman December 21, 1864, participated in the battle of Bentonville. N. C., March 19, 1865, and after the surrender of General Lee to General Grant at Appomattox, took part in tbe

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Grand Review at Washlugton, which was over July 15, 1865, when they received thelr final discharge. Mr. Merritt had served four years and during that time was never taken prisoner. He participated in some of the most important battles of the war and proved himself to. be a brave and zealons soldler, ready to do his dnty and never shirking a responsibllity, nndergoing his hardships nncomplainingly and trying to keep np the spirits of his comrades. We quote the following from his pen :

"I have had corns and bunions, which Were caused by army shoes, And I have had the military itch And suffered with the blnes ; And every place a bullet hit It left a pain or bruise, As we went marching on."

"When we stood amld shot and shell That crashed around our head, Where many of our brave comrades fell And sleep among the dead."

February 2, 1864, Mr. Merritt was married, lu Orange County, Ind., to Fannie C. Morgan, a native of Orange County, who was born Decem- ber 10. 1847, a danghter of Samuel G. and Mary (Taylor) Morgan, the former born in North Carolina and the latter in England. Mr. Mor- gan served in the Thirty-first Indlana Regiment through the Civil War. Six children were born to Mr. Merritt and wife, namely : Mariette E., July 2, 1866; Eliza C., February 4, 1868; Sher- man, August 2, 1873; Sarah Belle. December 25, 1876; Logan, March 19, 1885; Rittie D., De- cember 29, 1869. Mr. Merritt is a member of the Methodist Church and in politics is a Re- publican. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is af- filiated with Stevenson Post, No. 30, G. A. R.

MESTER, Henry Herman .- To discharge faith- fully the dnties pertaining to the office of Sher- iff of a county as important as Sangamon, re- qnires more than ordinary ability. Not only is it a large and important connty, but in it is lo- cated the State capital. consequently, affairs per- taining to it are closely related to what affects the State itself. The present incumbent of this office, Hon, Henry Mester, is a man of clear- headed sagacity, whose conrage and probity are nnquestioned. He Is a son of the city, having been born there. His father was a brick man- ufacturer, and Henry H. Mester was brought up to know hard work in his father's yards. Dnr- ing his boyhood he attended Springfield schools, thereby gaining a good, practical education. His first residence was on Peoria Road, from whence he went to No. 1001 Perry Avenue, thence to No. 1011 Perry Avenne, and now resides at No. 129 North Seventh Street.

Early in his career. Sheriff Mester became prominent in Republican politics, and was an efficient member of the County Board of Super-

visors, displaying his ability to such an extent in that office that he was his party's logical can- didate for Sberlff, and was elected by a large majority. Under his care the connty institutions are in excellent condition, and malefactors recog- nize his integrity and fearlessness. Grace Lnth- eran Church holds his membership, and profits by his generosity.

On February 9, 1894, Sheriff Mester was mar- ried, in St. Louis, to Annie Delaney, of Spring- field. Their children are: Margaret, Henrietta, Elmer, Williard, Dorothy and Edua.

MESTER, Julius F .- Earnest effort to act ac- cording to the dictates of conscience, and never to swerve from what he felt to be right, has been the plan of life with Julius F. Mester, one of Springfield's representative cigar manufac- turers. He was born in Germany, Angust 3, 1850, a son of Henry and Marie (Enllmer) Mes- ter, both natives of Germany. The father was a laborer, and bronght up his children to work and earn their living. Althongh Julins F. Mes- ter began working at a tender age, learning the trade of cigar-making when fourteen years old, he secured a good, common-school education at St. Lonis, to which the family moved, and grew up self-reliant and self-supporting. His tasks prevented him from engaging in the usual child- ish sports of his age, but he laid the fonnda- tions for a useful life. For thirty-five years he has resided in Springfield, moving twice, his present home being at No. 830 West Jefferson Street.

On May 1, 1873, Mr. Mester was married, in St. Louis, Mo., to Frederica Helnbrock, daughter of Anton and Hannah Heinbrock, natives of Germany. The following children have been born of this marriage : Mrs. Johanna Wirth, Mrs. Lula Phelps, Alfred J., Charles F., and Orrin D.

Mr. Mester belongs to several fraternal organ- izations, having joined the Masons in 1893, the Modern Woodmen in 1897, the Maccabees, of which he is a charter member; is also a member of the Loyal Americans, and the Court of Honor, No. 20. In politics he is a Republican, but does not aspire to public office. The Episcopal Church holds his membership, and owes to him a cordial aud generons support. In addition to his residence, Mr. Mester owns two store bnild- ings at Nos. 825 and 827 East Washington Street, in the latter of which he condnets hls cigar factory. He manufactures several spe- cial brands, which are favorites, and insnres cleanly, expert work and the use of good ma- terial. Upright and honorable, Mr. Mester has steadily advanced, and is recognized as one of the sound business men of this locality.

METCALF, Edward P .- The undertakers of to- day are intelligent men who have been care- fully trained in thelr chosen profession, Not only this, but they must be tactful and pos- sessed of a sympathetic nature which enables them to give to the afflicted, in time of sorrow, the consolation so sorely needed. One of the

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

men who are engaged in this line of work is Edward P. Metcalf. He was born in Macoupin County, Ill., a son of James L. and Elizabeth (Peters) Metcalf, natives of England and Ten- nessee, respectively.

In 1904, Mr. Metcalf came to Springfield to embark in his present business, and has con- tinued in it ever since. He is prominent in the Masonic order, belonging to St. Paul's Lodge No. 500, A. F. & A. M., Springfield Chap- ter R. A. M., Elwood Commandery K. T., San- gamon Lodge of Perfection K. of P., Spring- field Lodge No. 158, Elks, M. W. of A. No. 1418, and the Court of Honor No. 20. He belongs to the Methodist Church, of which he is an official.

Mr. Metcalf has many friends in Springfield, where his services are so often required by those who have met with the heaviest loss life can bring. His equipment is complete in every detaii, and he is prepared to furnish every- thing connected with the last sad services. His tactful, sympathetic manner, and kindly words of condolence have lightened the load of sor- row in many a household, and when he is no longer required in a professional capacity, the family remember him as a highly esteemed frieud.

METCALF, Samuel T., who is serving for a second time as Superintendent of the Sangamou County Poor Farm, iu Sangamon County, Iil., has beeu a resident of this State for thirty- nine years, and during this period has quietly advanced his own fortunes through his industry along agricultural lines, while, at the same time, his qualities of good citizenship have been fre- quently recognized by his election to offices of public responsibility. Mr. Metcalf was born at Poolsville, Montgomery County, Md., February 10, 1867, a son of Samuel E. and Martha J. (King) Metcalf. As far back as Mr. Metcalf's recollection reaches, the family has been an agri- cultural one, originating in one of the eastern States.

Samuel T. Metcalf attended the county schools in Lanesvilie Township, near his father's home in the earlier years of his school period, and then enjoyed rather better advantages for two winters at the Berry Station school. As his father needed his aid on the farm, he remained at home and assisted in the farm work until he was twenty years of age, the family having come to Illinois in 1872. Stockraising engaged his father's at- tention, and on many occasions, the elder Mr. Metcalf and his brother drove cattle for market from Sangamon County to St. Louis, Mo. At that time there was much enjoymeut to be found in hunting, and Mr. Metcalf was considered a fine shot and had some reason to feel proud of his marksmauship. Then, as in later life, all the clean, wholesome, outdoor sports attracted him and, possibly, engaging in these to a reason- able extent, assisted in his robust physical de- velopment and continued fine health.

After leaving home, Mr. Metcalf rented a farm for himseif, in Buffalo Township, which

he operated for one year, when he moved on a rented farm in Lanesville Township, where he remained for four years, afterward returniug to Buffaio Township for two more years. About this time he became interested at Lanesville, where he ran the elevator for nine years, after which, although still maintaining his home at Lauesville, he was employed at the city of Spring- field for two and one-half years by the Sattely Plow Company, where he learned the trade of plow fitter.

Iu the spring of 1901 Mr. Metcalf was elected Superintendent of the Sangamon County Poor Farin, and during his four-years term there changed the whole aspect of the place. It was during this first administration that he suc- ceeded in having the necessary utilities in- troduced-a water system and improvements in the light plant-all this being accomplished without undue pressure being felt by the tax payers. After retiring from the office of Super- intendent of the Poor Farm Mr. Metcalf resumed his agricultural activities, renting a farm for one year, near Mechanicsburg, and iater the Pheas- ant farm, in Buffalo Township, on which he re- sided for three years. In the meanwhile Mr. Metcalf had been active in local politics aud elected to ininor offices, serving as town clerk and tax collector of Lanesville Township. As a brave and courageous man, determined at all hazards to do his duty, Mr. Metcalf was brought prominently before the public during the riot at Springfield, in 1908, when, as a special deputy of Sheriff Mester, he brought to bay the negro, Taylor, alias Jones, who had killed four negroes at Sheffield, Ala., and also killed a negro named Poynard, near Buffalo, Ill. Not only was Mr. Metcalf exonerated from all blame regarding the death of this evil doer, but the jury made special mention of the personal bravery he had displayed on this occasion. On December 13, 1911, Mr. Metcalf was a second time elected, by the Board of Supervisors of Sangamon County, Superin- tendent of the Poor Farin, receiving thirty-two votes to twelve votes for his opponent, and he as- sumed his old duties again on March 1, 1912. It is very generally acknowledged that the cou- dition of this farm, along every line, is superior, under his efficient methods and adininistration, to any other in the State. He has always been able to muaintain cordial relations with the Board of Supervisors, who have not been slow to recognize his practical and efficient methods and his good judgment in making use of the public funds in the interest of both his charges and the tax payers. At a banquet which he tendered the Board of Supervisors at the close of his first administration, proof of the above friendly appreciation was shown in the presen- tation by the Board of a Masonic ring, set with diamonds and emblematic of Masonic rites be- tween the 14th and 32nd Degrees of Masonry. Mr. Metcalf is a 32nd Degree Mason and is iden- tified with Illiopolis Lodge, No. 521, A. F. and A. M., Kedron Chapter, No. 138, R. A. M., Spring- field Council, No. 2, R. and S. M., Elwood Com- mandery, No. 6, K. T. and Oriental Consistory,

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Chicago, Ill. He also belongs to Globe Lodge, No. 323, I. O. O. F., Mechanicsburg, and to the M. W. A., No. 1522, at Lanesville. He founded the first organization of Superintendents and Matrons of County Poor Houses, and in 1909 served as President of the Illinois Association, being first elected to this office at Jacksouville, Ill., and later was reelected at Chicago. Mr. Metcalf is recognized as a broad-minded, far- seeing man and he is working for better con- ditions wherever they are needed.

At Decatur, Ill., on January 5, 1878, Mr. Metcalf was married, by Rev. Richardson, to Miss Hattie Holmes, a daughter of James and Sarah (Kelly) Holmes. Mr. Holmes died at Mechanicsburg, Ill., and subsequently Mrs. Holmes married Wesley Baldwin and they re- side at Mechanicsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf have two children: Elmer, who was born at Buffalo, Ill., October 10, 1889: and Lucilla, who was born at Buffalo, June 11, 1892. Both son and daughter attended the Millikin University, at Decatur, Ill. Mrs. Metcalf is a member of the Christian Church, Buffalo, Ill., and although Mr. Metcalf is not connected with any denomi- nation, he nevertheless contributes liberally to the support of all churches and church work, irrespective of creed, his one aim and desire being to benefit his fellow men, with the belief that in so doing, he is following the Master's footsteps and teachings.

METZ, Irving Wagner, M. D., a successful sur- geon of Springfield, has been a resideut of the city since 1903. His private work is devoted to surgery, in which branch of medical science he takes great interest. Dr. Metz was born in Whitley County, Indiana, where his parents lived on a farm, September 5, 1872, and is a son of Ozias and Nancy (Wagner) Metz. The father was boru in Canton, Ohio, December 29, 1833, and died April 26, 1901, and the mother, who was born in Huntington, Ind., August 14, 1843, died July 15, 1880. Ozias Metz was a local minister of the German Baptist (Dunkard) Church, of which the family were devout mem- bers. His education was mostly what he ac- quired through reading the newspapers and for more than forty years he was a subscriber to the New York Tribune. He was a liberal con- tributor to several colleges established by the German Lutheran Church and was opposed to speculation, investing his savings in farm land. He became a stanch Republican after the organ- ization of that party. The Metz family origin- ally emigrated to America from Metz, Germany, and were early settlers in the vicinity of Har- risburg, Pa., and Hagerstown, Md.

In boyhood Dr. I. W. Metz attended the com- mon schools and South Whitley High School. At the age of fourteen years, he was placed in charge of the homestead, a farm of 250 acres, and while there accumulated money with which he afterward acquired his medical education. He was graduated from the Indiana State Uui- versity in 1895, with the degree of A. B., re- turned home, served two years as Principal of

the South Whitley High School, and became a candidate for the office of Couuty Superinten- deut of Schools, but was defeated. He then re- sumned his original purpose of entering medical college, and iu 1900, graduated with the degree of M. D. from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Chicago. Dr. Metz served as house surgeou of the Wabash Hospital at Peru, Ind., in 1900-01, then was promoted to Divisiou Sur. geon of the Wabash Railroad, and stationed at Ashley, Ind., where he remained from 1901-03, was transferred to Springfield and has since that served in a similar capacity. In 1908, he was appointed medical referee of the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York. He owns a well-appointed home at 624 South Wal- nut Street, Springfield.

September 26, 1906, Dr. Metz was married, at Havana, Ill., to Miss Edith Mabel Thorp, who was born in Havana, June 8, 1876, daughter of Orlando B. and Catherine Ann (Wagner) Thorp. Mr. Thorp was born in Canton, Ill., February 27, 1850, and his wife was born iu Havana, August 23, 1857. For a number of years Mr. Thorp was President of the Havaua Metal Wheel Company, and in 1904, resigned this position to assume the Presidency of the Crescent Forge & Shovel Company, of Havana. He is a well-known manufacturer. Mrs. Metz received her education in Havana public schools and St. Mary's School at Knoxville, Ill. Three children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Metz, namely : twiu boys, born June 26, 1907, of whom one died in infancy and the other, Orlando Thorp, survives; one daughter, Catherine Ann, born October 14. 1909. The family attend the Episcopal Church and are members of St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, of Springfield. In politics he is a Republican and fraternally a member of the A. F. & A. M., having taken the degree of Knight Templar, September 5, 1902. While at- tending college, he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. He has won a good standing in his profession and in the estimation of his fellow-citizens, who have high regard for his ability and skill, as well as his char- acter and disposition.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 104

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