Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 125

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 125

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).

1546

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

RAMSEY, Christopher (deceased) .- The ardu- ous work of a coai-miner takes such heavy toii of the system that many die in the very prime of life, and few live to a heaithy old age. Yet the very danger of the work appeais to many, and the Springfieid mines constantly attract men to them. One of the men who passed away unduiy was the late Christopher Ramsey, born iu Mauchchuuk, Pa., March 14, 1861, a son of Christopher and Margaret (Ray) Ramsey, the former born in County Fer- managh, and the latter in Couuty Cavan. The parents came to the United States at an early day, locating near Champaign, Iil., where the father · farmed uutil his death in 1896, his widow surviving him untii 1903. There were eleven children in the family, of .whom four survive: Katie, wife of William Hale; Eliza, wife of Adam Poulk, and Margaret, wife of James Baskin-all of Pennsylvania ; Joseph of Findiey, Ili., and Christopher.

Christopher Ramsey was reared on the farm, attending school as he found opportunity. His first work was on his father's farm, but iater was employed in the rolling miils after coming to Springfield," stili iater being engaged in coal mining, where he was employed when he met his death, May 18, 1909. Mr. Ramsey was married in Pennsylvania, September 16, 1SS1, to Catherine Baskin, boru in County Donegal, Ireland, November 27, 1853, a daughter of Adam and Katherine (Alcorn) Baskin, her father a native of County Donegal and her mother of an island on the coast of Ireiand. Mrs. Ramsey was the youngest of the eight children born to her parents, the others being as follows: Margaret, wife of Patrick Foster of Ireland; Jane, wife of James Baskin; Wil- iiam; Adam; Mary Ann, wife of William Spence of Ireland; Fanny, wife of John Trimble of Pennsylvania ; and James, also of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey had these children : Catherine, died in childhood; Robert A., born July 17, 1883; William A., born in September, 1885, and died at the age of eighteen years; Chester J., born July 26, 1891; Joseph D. and John Norman (twins), born December 12, 1893; Christopher dicd young.

Mr. Ramsey belonged to the Modern Wood- inen of America and the U. M. W. A., and his associates in both adopted appropriate resolu- tions expressing their sympathy upon the oc- casion of his death. In politics he was a Re- publican, while his church affiliations were with the Episcopal Church. He was a man who never neglected his duty, and was a kind hus- band and father aud a most worthy citizen.

RANKINS, William, an honored veteran of the Civil War and a highly respected citizen of Mechanicsburg, Ill., spent most of his active life in agriculturai pursuits and has now re- tired. Mr. Rankins was born at Ficmingsburg, Ky., April 12. 1839, son of John L. and Mary E. (Stockton) Rankins, both also natives of Ken- tucky. The parents moved from Kentucky to

Cailaway County, MIo., when William was a boy and located on a farm there, remaining until the death of the father. The mother died in 1874, in Springfield, Ill. There were four sons in the family, of whom William is the only sur- vivor. One son, Robert, served in the Cou- federate Army and died from a wound received while on duty at Antietam. John was a son of William Rankins, who served in the War of and the father of his wife, George Stockton, was a Commodore in the United States Navy during the same war.

As a boy William Rankins attended school at Fulton, Mo., completing his education after coming to Sangamon Couuty. He worked on the farm for his uncle, George Stockton, until nine- teen years of age. April 15, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, State Militia, then entered in the Forty-uinth Missouri Voiunteer Infantry, serving with this company until the close of the war. He was mustered out at Benton Bar- racks, Mo., August 2, 1865, being then Corporal of his company. He participated in many bat- ties, including Moose Mill, Spanish Fort, and minor skirmishes, but was uever wounded or taken prisoner. He has every reason to feel proud of his record and was weil known among his comrades for his devotion to duty.

After the war Mr. Rankins again engaged in farming in Sangamon County and continued same until he retired from active life, a few years ago. He was married at Fulton, Mo., July 12, 1860, to Mary E. Spannhurst, by Rev. Dibbles. She was born in Germany, January 12, 1843, daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Baunegarden) Spannhurst. Her parents came to America, when she was a chiid and lo- cated in Cailaway County, Mo., where they spent the remainder of their lives, the father being a carpenter by trade. There were five sous and two daughters in the family, and of these two sons and two daughters are now iiv- iug. Nine children were born to Mr. aud Mrs. Rankins and of these six survive: Minnie, wife of Mace Short, a farmer of Mechanicsburg Township; Edward, a farmer of Christian Coun- ty; Ida, wife of Charles Patrick, of Christian County ; Ernest, of Mechanicsburg Township; Katherine, wife of George Biankenship, of Christian County, Saphronia, at home with her parents. There are twelve grandchildren in the family.

Mr. Rankins is a member of the United Brethren Church and in politics is a Repub- lican. He is much interested in the welfare and progress of the county and has always been a representative, public-spirited citizen.

RAPE, Alfred N. (deceased) .- The Rape family were among the early settlers of Sangamon County. Ill., and have always represented the best interests of the community where they have lived. Alfred N. Rape was a native of the county, born May 5, 1830, a son of John Rape, who purchased land there at an early day and carried on farming until his death.

1547

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Both he-and his wife died there. They were parents of several children.

The boyhood of Alfred N. Rape was spent on a farm aud he was educated in the district schools of Sangamon County. He worked for his father until the latter's death, then engaged in farming on his own account. He continued this occupation successfully for many years, then worked at the blacksmith trade for sixteen years in Pawnee, retiring from active iife in 1869 and locating in Dawson. He enlisted August 12, 1862, in Company K, One Hundred Twenty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serv- ing three years and being honorably discharged at Vicksburg, Miss., August 15, 1865. He had served his country well and participated in fif- teen battles. He became a prominent member of the G. A. R. Post at Pawnee and was a mem- ber of the Methodist Church. He was ever ready to iend his aid to any public movement he considered worthy his help and in politics was a Prohibitionist. He won the respect and good-will of his neighbors and was a kindly, conscientious man. He had a high regard for good principles in others and carried out his religious teachings in his daily life.

Mr. Rape was married iu Dawson October 17, 1871, to Mary A. Constant, born in Lake Fork, Ill., June 17, 1836, daughter of Isaac and Nancy (Peopies) Constant, both natives of Kentucky. The parents were early settlers of Mechanics- burg Township, moved to Lake Fork, Logan County, thence to Buffalo Hart Grove, Sanga- mon County, and finally to Dawson, Ili. The only survivors of the family are: Mrs. Rape ; her brother, William R., residing at Ottawa, Kan. ; Sadie, widow of H. M. Van Winkie, of Dawson; Mrs. Margaret Deavers, of Mt. Pu- laski, Logan County. Two children were born to Mr. Rape and wife, both of whom died in infancy. Mr. Rape died March 2, 1892, at his home in Pawnee. His widow owns a beautiful home in the village, where she has won many friends.

RAPS, George J. (deceased) .- Some of the brav- est soldiers in the great struggle between the North and the South, were of German birth. They were trained in their own army service and were not raw recruits, so that their enlist- ment was hailed with delight by those who were forming the regiments to send to south- ern battlefields. After the war was over they located in different sections and became solid, responsible business men or public officials, rounding out their lives in peace and prosperity. One of these representative soldier-citizens of Springfield, was the late George J. Raps, born in Germany. July 1, 1836. a son of Mathias Raps. also a native of Germany, where he farmed. The mother died when George J. Raps was only a year old. Mathias Raps came to the United States but did not identify himself with any enterprise, living retired among his children to his death.

After a boyhood spent in Germany, during

which time he learned the carpenter trade, George J. Raps grew into vigorous young mau- hood and, appreciating the fact that more op- portunities were to be found across the ocean, he came to America, locating in Springfield, where he readily found employment at his trade. In 1890 he went into business for himself, thus continuing until he was made a policeman. He was also connected with the grocery trade, be- ing successfui in all his undertakings. Previous to his death he was actively engaged in business controliing a large trade. During the Civil War he eulisted in Compauy F, Second Missouri Volunteer Infantry, becoming Corporal, and served gallantly until he was mustered out. He was a member of the German Lutheran Church, to which his family still beiong, and in politics was a Republican.

Mr. Raps was married, in Springfield, Jan- uary 29, 1869, to Mary Heneadlia, born in Ger- many, March 9, 1848, who was brought to Springfield by her parents at an early day. Her father was a tailor by trade. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Raps, four of whom survive : Paul of Springfield, employed by Van Horn; Henry in the empioy of the Iiiinois Watch Company; Catherine, wife of Henry Krithenmeyer, of Sands, Ill., where he is pastor of the German Lutheran Church; Ambertina, wife of John G. Kupier, of Jacksonville, Ill., where he is pastor of the German Lutheran Church. Mrs. Raps owns her pleasant home at No. 221 West Capitol Avenue, as well as other city property. She is essentially a home woman, taking great interest in domestic affairs, and is one of the noted housekeepers of her neighborhood.

RAUCH, (Dr.) John H. (Vol. I, p. 441.)

RAUTH, Joseph Bernard .- Among the success- fui and enterprising business men of Spring- field, Ill., who have made their way in the world by their own hard work and ambition, is Joseph Bernard Rauth, a native of Springfield. born at No. 106 East Mason Street, son of Frederick and Julia (Buseimyer) Rauth, both. of whom were born in Germany. The father was a brickiayer by trade and later became a contractor. He emigrated to the United States and he and his wife were parents of eleven children, three dead and eight living.

Joseph B. Rauth was born March 17, 1862, and spent his boyhood in his native city. He was educated at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic School, and then began learning his trade of brickiaying. in which he became very proficient. He was a partner of his father as general con- tractor from 1891 to the year before the latter's death. In 1900 he began contracting on inis own account. which he has since continued. He is a man of good business judgment and knows every detail of his business thoroughly. Being a good workman himself. he demands good service of his employes, and has been able to build' up a good business, which has been

1548

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

steadily increasing and is a financial success. He bullt the SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, also the First Church of the Sacred Heart, the Illinois Hotel, Commercial Hotel, the Reisch Brewery, and many other business build- ings and handsome residences.

Mr. Ranth is a man of good habits, sterling honesty and reliability, and has a good reputa- tion among those with whom he has had deal- ings. Fraternally he is a member of the St. Vincent Benevolent Society, which he joined in May, 1879, also of St. Peter's Court of Forest- ers. He is a devont member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and has always sup- ported its good work as has his wife. In na- tional politics he votes for Democratle candi- dates, but in local affairs votes for the man he considers best fitted by ability and principles to give the best service to the public. Mr. Rauth is well known and has a host of friends. He owns the property at 1000 North First Street, which has been his home since Febru- ary 15, 1908. He Ilved with his parents until lis marriage, then moved to 318 North First Street, where he lived until he built his present beantifnl residence.

Mr. Ranth was married, at Quincy, III., May 24, 1904, to Marian Brinkman, daughter of Bernard and Gertrude Mass, natives of West- phalla, northern part of Germany. Mrs. Rauth was born at Quincy, Ill., the sixth of nine chll- dren of her parents. She has a twin sister now living at the old homestead. She and her hus- band have no children.

REAVLEY, Jacob Matthias .- Too much credit cannot be given the man who has struggled against adverse early circumstances, develop- ing himself into a successful business man. The self-made man is a product of this country, where he Is given the chance to rise and be- come prosperous. One of Springfield's busi- ness men who can justly lay claim to such a title, is Jacob Matthias Reavley. He was born in Springfield, Ill., April 9, 1883, a son of Wil- liam and Elizabeth (Greenalogh) Reavley, na- tives of Pennsylvanla and England, respectively. Both parents survive, the father having re- tired from his work of coal mining. He is a Republican but has never sought to come be- fore the public in an official position.

Jacob Matthlas Reavley attended the McCler- nand public school of this city, and after leav- Ing it, worked for some time in a cigar fac- tory. He then engaged in coal mining for three years, after which he started into business for himself. His success is probably due more to the fact that he has always endeavored to give all men a square deal, than to anything else. Mr. Reavley is very liberal in his views, not alone on religious questions, but in politics as well. According to his belief, in local af- fairs it is better to vote for the man or meas- ure calculated to be of service to a majority of the people, rather than allow himself to be restricted by party lines. However, in national affairs he is a Republican.

On March 6, 1906, Mr. Reavley was united in marriage with Miss Belle Waggoner, who was born in Pike County, Ill., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner. They have no issue. Mr. Reavley is engaged in the wine, liquor and cigar trade at 613 East Adams Street, Springfield.

REAVLEY, Robert, a prosperous and well- known citizen of Riverton, Ill., now holds the position of County Mine Inspector, to which he was appointed in 1908. Mr. Reavley was born in Springfield, Sangamon County, March 10, 1875, son of Thomas and Jane (Hughes) Reav- ley, the former born in Pennsylvania in 1836, and the latter born in Wales, in 1839. The father was a miner, but is now living retired from active life. The parents are both now living in Riverton, where they have resided for several years. The mother came to the United States at the age of twelve years, and after spending a few years in the East, came to LaSalle County, Ill., where she met 'Mr. Reav- ley, who had come during the Civil War. They were there married and the father enlisted in an Illinois Regiment, serving three months. At the close of the war he engaged in mining and lived thirty-five years in Springfield, then moved to his present home.

In boyhood Robert Reavley worked in the mines, which occupation he has followed all his life until a few years ago, when he became an inspector. He received his education in the public schools of Riverton, but left school for work at an early age. He is largely a self- made man and has made the most of his op- portunities for mental and material improve- ment. He is largely seif-educated and has learned much in the school of experience. He is well informed in the business he has fol- lowed all his life and has made an exhaustive study of methods and desirable conditions un- der which the work should be directed. He is able to state his ideas with clearness and vigor, and performs his official dutles in an able man- uer, realizing that much depends upon his sound judgment and careful investigation. He owns a very pretty and comfortable home in Riverton, besides other property. He is a member of the Methodist Church and in pol- itics is a Republican. Fraternaly he is prom- inent in the Masonic Order, being affiliated with Lodge No. 756, at Riverton, and is also a mem- ber of Lodge 445, I. O. O. F.

April 21, 1894, Mr. Reavley was married, at Riverton, to Alice Safford, born in that village September 1, 1878, whose parents came from the East and both are now deceased. Mr. Saf- ford was an engineer by occupation. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Reavley : Lester, Joseph, Irene and a baby born April 29, 1911.

REAVLEY, Thomas, Sr., retired miner and well known citizen, of Riverton, Sangamon County, is a son of William and Mary (Berlison) Reav- ley, natives of England, and was born Novem- ber 12, 1835, in Schuylkill County, Pa., where

1549

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

his father was a coal-miner. His parents had come from their native land to America in 1834. The father became superintendent of several mlnes in turn and remained in Pennsylvania some years, then moved to Shuilsburg, Wis., where he was successful as a prospector for lead. After twelve years' residence in Wis- consin, he moved to LaSalle County, Iil., to ac- cept the superintendency of a mine. Several years later he went to simllar employment at Springfield. From Springfield he finally re- tired to LaSalle, Ill., where he dled, aged ninety- seven years. He and his good wife lie side by side in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield. They had five sons and four daughters.

Thomas Reavley Sr. was educated in the district school at Silver Creek, Pa., and early learned mining, at which he was long employed in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Illinois, until his retirement from active life a few years ago. He is of the stuff of which soldiers are made, and April 1, 1861, when war had be- come an assured fact but had not progressed beyond its beginning, lie enlisted at LaSalle, Ill., in Company K, Eleventh Regiment, Iillnols Volunteer Infantry, in which he saw continuous service until the end of hostilitles, when he was discharged at Bird's Point, Mo., with the houor due a good and faithful soldier. His brother Joseph also did soldier's duty in the Civil War. In 1869 Mr. Reavley located at Springfield, whence, after some years, he re- moved to Riverton, where he has since lived. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his political affiliations he Is a stanch Re- publican.

At LaSalle, Iil., in 1859, Mr. Reavley mar- ried Miss Jane Hughes, born in Wales, Sep- tember 20, 1838, the daughter of a miner who came to America and became well known in mining circles in LaSalle, Ill., later removing to Riverton, where he and his wife both passed from the scenes of this life. Mrs. Reavley bore her husband ten children, of whom the follow- ing survive: Mrs. Phema Bell, of Riverton ; William Reavley, miner, of Riverton ; Robert, County Mine Inspector and Examiner, Riverton ; George, of Riverton ; Margaret, wife of William Wanless, manager of the Klondike mines, River- ton.

RECHNER, August .- Conditions have changed so materially that housekeepers are conducting their homes upon an entirely different basis to- day than that which their mothers inaugurated. They are finding it better and cheaper to buy bread and pastry ready-made, and are growing more and more to depend upon reliable baker- ies to supply their needs along these lines. For this reason the bakeries of Springfield are as- suming added importance in the industrial life of the city, and one of the experienced men engaged In supplying this large demand for wholesome and appetizing food is August Rechner, proprietor of Rechner's Bakery, at No.

500 North Twelfth Street. Mr. Rechner se- cured his tralning in one of the best places in his native land, Baden, Germany, where he was born October 5, 1878. He is a son of John Joseph Rechner, whose biography appears else- where in this work.

Mr. Rechner attended Reisenbach Catholic school, in Baden, leaving school at fifteen years of age. He had already begun learning his trade, and after leaving school was able to de- vote all his time to it, becoming thoroughly ex- perienced. In 1895 he left Germany, coming to America and landing in New York. He did not remain in that city, but came direct to Spring- field, where he secured employment in a bakery at No. 1158 North Eighth Street. Here he re- mained five years, becoming acquainted with the language and conditions during this time, so that when he established himself in business he was able to meet all its requirements suc- cessfully and build up a firm reputation for excellence and fair dealing.

On April 30, 1901, Mr. Rechner was united in marriage to Helen Bansbach, a sister of Mrs. William Rechner, whose biography will be found elsewhere in this volume. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rechner: William Albert, attending SS. Peter and Paul's Catholle School; Joseph Henry, Albert Carl and Otto Frederick, at home. Mr. Rechner Is a Democrat, but has been too fully occupied with business cares to look for office. He be- longs to SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church,- of which he is a liberal supporter, and belongs to the Catholle Societles of his church. Per- haps no man in Springfield Is a better type of the German-American of today, alert, progres- sive and far-sighted, in favor of good educa- tional advantages for the young and the further- ance of all measures which tend towards a moral upiift.

RECHNER, John Joseph (deceased) .- The late John Joseph Rechner, who died April 16, 1907, was highly esteemed by all who knew him, and his memory is tenderly cherished by his widow and children. He Is remembered as a man of upright character and kindly disposition, well known in the community where he lived and possessing many friends. Mr. Rechner was born in Baden, Germany, was there educated, and after marriage settled on a farm in his native place. His widow is also a native of Germany and now resides in Baden. They were parents of five sons and three daughters, all of whom survive: two sons and one daugh- ter live in Germany; William, born November 13, 1866, is a business man of Springfield ; August is also in business in Springfield ; Sig- mund is associated with his brother William in a business way ; and two daughters. The sons are enterprising and energetic and have be- come successful in business.

John J. Rechner was a devout Catholic, as were the members of his family, and supported all movements of the church, morally and

1550

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

financially. His life was a fitting example to hls children, all of whom extended him their complete respect and reverence, and all were reared to follow the falth and teachings of their Church in ail their relations of life.

Mrs. Rechner, whose maiden name was Kath- erina Hemberger, Ilves In Baden. She is greatly revered by all who know her for her high char- acter and kindly disposition.

RECHNER, William, a well-known resident of Springfield, Ill., was born In Baden, Germany, November 13, 1866, son of John Joseph and Katherina (Hemberger) Rechner, both natlves of Germany. The father died April 16, 1907, and the mother still resides in Badeu. Both were reared in the Catholle faith and in the ed- ucation and training of thelr chiidreu ever kept before them the teachings and lessons of the church. Of their five sons and three daughters, all survive, namely : one daughter and two sous living in Germany; William and his brother Sigmund, associated in business in Springfield ; August, a baker in Springfield, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; two daughters. Sigmund Rechner, born in Baden, August 27, 1881, was educated in the Reisen- bach Catholic School, in Baden, and in 1903 came to America, working first in the Rechner bakery, conducted by his brother August, and later becoming associated with his brother William. Sigmund and August are members of the SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Springfield. The former Is unmarried and is a member of St. Vincent's Society. In politics he is Independent.

The boyhood of Willlam Rechner was spent on his father's farm and after he reached the age of fourteen years he did not attend school except on Sundays, and on the other days of the week assisted his father in the farm work. He was educated in the Reisenbach Catholic School and was reared in the utmost respect and reverence for the teachings of the church. In 1891 he emigrated to America, came direct to Springfield, Ill., but shortly afterwards went to Dixon, where for four months he was em- ployed on a farm. Returning to Springfield, he worked some years for the Reisch Brewing Company, and filled various positions with this firm. For some years past he has been engaged in business on his own account and has estab- lished himself as one of the successful men of the city. He Is a self-made man and has the entire confidence of his associates in business. His probity and integrity are unquestioned and he has many warm friends. He has never sought public office, although much interested in the welfare and progress of the community. In pollties he Is a Democrat.

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 125

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