Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 127

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 127

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REID, Archibald (deceased) .- Every year the Grim Reaper calls for his own a number of members of the Grand Army of the Republic, thinning the ranks of what was at one tline one of the largest organizations the world has ever known. the institution that bound to- gether for all time the boys In blue who had fonght side by side throngh one of the great- est struggles mankind has seen. Each year finds its ranks growing thinner, and for that reason if no other we should honor and respect the veterans while they are with us to remind us of the nation's great struggle to free the slave and uphold the Union. The late Archibald Reid, who was a retired statlonary engineer and veteran of the Civil War, and who lived at No. 1146 North Fourth Street. Springfield, was born three miles from Edinburgh, Scotland, No- vember 21, 1834, son of Walter and Jean (Stuart) Reid. and a descendant of the royal family in Scotland. Ifis father was a miner and mine contractor, furnishing horses and mules for mine work, and both he and his wife died in Scotland.

Archibald Reid went to school mitil ten years of age, when he was put to work in the mines helping his father, and when seventeen

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

years of age he had charge of a hoisting en- gine, which he operated until leaving for the United States in 1854. He sailed from Liver- pool to New York, whence he went to Potts- vllie, Pa., where one of his brothers, Thomas, had charge of a junction shaft. He worked there in the mines for a few years, at the end of which time he and a brother engaged in the grocery business in Springfield, bnt later operated the Co-Operative engine for two years and then took charge of the engine at the old North Shaft. Hc enlisted at Alton, Iii., in 1864, in Company G, One Hundred Thirty- third Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and after receiving his honorable discharge went to Fiorida, but eventually returned to Springfield, where he has resided ever since. He was formerly a member of the Baptist Church, and his politics are those of the Re- publican party.

On April 26, 1860, Mr. Reid was nnited in marriage with Miss Hannah Jones, a native of Wales. In 1873 Mr. Reid and his wife moved to New Athens, Ili., where he was superin- tendent of mines, and during their stay there they adopted a little giri abont six weeks old, naming her Ella May. She married William Worthington, of Springfield, by whom she has had two children, Isabelle and Edward Bruce.

REID, William Brown, chief engineer in the Supreme Court Bniiding at Springfield. Il1., comes of an old Scotch family in which the men for generations back have been con- nected with mechanics, and both his father and grandfather were experienced miners. He was born at Silver Creek, Schnylkill County, Pa., Sep- tember 15, 1857, and is a son of Thomas and Maymie (Brown) Reid, and a grandson of Walter Reid, who returned to Scotland and died In his native iand.

Thomas Reid was born in Dalkeith, Scotland. He came to the United States before his mar- riage and worked as a miner for a number of years in the Schuylkill coal regions in Penn- sylvania, then came to Illinois and worked in Morgan Connty until 1867, when he came to Springfield. He was superintendent of the old Loose Mine and later had charge of the Wabash Coal Company mine at Athens. He died at Springfield, when fifty-nine years old. May 28, 1892. He was snrvived by five children : Wiil- iam Brown, Walter, Mrs. Henry Kusswali, Jennie and Minnie.

William Brown Reid was quite small when his parents came to Illinois, where he attended the public schools until he was fifteen years of age, at which time he became a clerk for C. M. Smith, in his grocery store, where he re- malned for four years, then accepted a posi- tion at the Illinois Watch Company, remain- ing five years. For one year afterward he was a fireman on the Wabash railroad and for three more years operated a stationary engine at a coal shaft. Mr. Reid then traveled fifteen years in all parts of the United States as an erecting engincer for the Ide & Sons Engine

Works, and for seven years was chief engineer for the Springfield electric plant, one year for the water works and in 1909 accepted his present position.

Mr. Reid was married September 13, 1895, to Miss Lizzie Morris, of Springfield, a daugh- ter of the late George Morris, and they have six children : Charles F., Janetta M., Jessie, Gladys, Wilia Dorothy and Margaret Anın. Mr. Reid and family attend the Second Presby- terian Cimrch. He is a Republican in his political views and fraternally he is prom- inent in Masonry, having attained the thirty- second Degrec, and is a Knight Templar and a Shriner. He belongs also to the Knights of Pythias, in which he is Past Chancellor, and to the Woodmen, in which he is Past Venerable Counselor.

REILLY, Thomas W., proprietor of a grocery store at 430 West Hay Street, Springfield, is a native of the city, born October 19, 1883. He is a son of Michael and Elien (Connors) Reiily, both natives of County Waterford, Ireland, and the father died in 1907. They were parents of seven children, four of whom now survive : Annie; Nellie, wife of John McFall, of Spring- field; James, Thomas W. Michael Reilly came to the United States in 1871 and spent some years working in a foundry in Boston. He came to Springfield in 1SS1 and his widow still resides there. He was a strong Demo- crat and a member of the Hibernian Society and the Modern Woodmen of America. He was a member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, bnt nsnaily attended the Church of the Immaculate Conception, at Seventh and Monroe Streets, of whose pastor, Father Hickey, he was a warm admirer and friend.

Untii fourteen years of age Thomas W. Reilly attended St. Joseph's parochial school, then went to work in a brick yard. Two years later he began driving a grocery wagon, at which occupation he worked two and one-half years, then for nine years worked in the coal mines. He has been engaged in his present business since 1907 and has succeeded in bnild- ing up a good trade. His honesty and integrity are unquestioned and he endeavors to meet the requirements of his customers in the line of groceries and provisions he carries. He is well known In his part of the city and has a good standing in the community.

August 24, 1904, Mr. Reilly married Stella Hurt, also a native of Springfield, born July 10, 1872, and danghter of Laterfield and Mollie (Wehrle) Hurt, natives of Germany. Mr. Hurt is retired from active life and resides in Spring- field, and Mrs. Hurt is deceased. Three chil- dren have blessed the union of Mr. Reilly and wife, namely: Stella, born May 2S, 1906; Ursula, June 10, 1908; Edith, December 21, 1910. Mr. Reilly Is a Democrat in politics and was a candidate for the office of Commissioner in the primaries of February 28, 1911. He attends St. Joseph's Catholic Church and is

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affiliated with the Hibernians. He resides at 530 West Hay Street and has many friends in the city.

REISCH, Franz Sales (deceased) .- In all parts of Illinois are to be found German-Americans who have impressed their personalities on the history of the communities in which they have lived. Their sturdy honesty, their ambition to make the most of their opportunities for ad- vancement, and their interest in the cause of progress, are qualities which made them valu- able citizens. Among the citizens of Spring- field, who have contributed much to the de, velopment of the resources of the city and vi- cinity, was Franz Sales Reisch, who has been dead many years, but his influence is easily discernible In the results of his activities. He is well remembered by all who had dealings with him, in a business or social way, and his presence was missed in many circles of the city for many years. He left a record of which his family and friends have been justly proud, and his success in life was a gratification to his many warm personal friends.

Mr. Reisch was born in the Grand Ducby of Baden, on the Rhine, January 24, 1SOS. He was of the peasant class, and his father's oc- cupation was that of a butcher. Mr. Reisch was one of five children, three boys and two girls.

Franz S. Reisch received a limited education, and at the age of seventeen years became ap- prentice to a cooper in the village of Schlet- stadt, across the Rhine from his home, in Al- sace, France. After spending three years learn- ing his trade Mr. Reisch worked three years as journeyinan. At the age of twenty-four years, he decided to seek larger opportunities to bet- ter his condition in life, and emigrated to the United States. He first located in Kentucky, later removed to Indiana, and after living in that State a short time, moved in 1833, to Beards- town on the Illinois River, where he followed his trade successfully four years. Mr. Reisch then returned to his native country for his wife, having been engaged to be married to Miss Susan Maurer, a farmer's daughter, born near his own birthplace. They were married and spent their honeymoon traveling to their new home in Beardstown, where Mr. Reisch es- tablished a shop of his own. By diligent work and economy he saved money enough to pur- chase, in 1840, land on Richland Creek, Sanga- mon County. After locating on his farm, he continued to manufacture barrels, delivering them by wagon to Beardstown, Springfield and St. Louis. He later sold this farm and pur- chased land eight miles from Springfield. He was a successful farmer and business man, and saved enough to engage in mercantile business, in 1846, in which he continued four years.

In 1850 MIr. Reisch moved his family to Springfield, having the previous year established a small brewery with a capacity of 150 barrels annually, and in this enterprise was so success-

ful that he was soon able to produce 400 bar- rels a year. Ile had been associated with an- other in business but purchased the interest of his partner and carried on the brewery alone for some time. He also had a mercantile es- tablishment and retained his farm. In 1854, on account of a temperance wave which swept over the country, he leased his brewery and en- gaged in manufacturing brick, still carrying on his grocery store, having a partner in the lat- ter business. In 1858 Mr. Reisch resumed his management of the brewery, and started to build up the business anew, and about this time the grocer with whom he had been associated in business was admitted to partnership in the brewery, but in 1862, Mr. Reisch became sole owner again. In 1863, be admitted his sou Frank to partnership and in 1868, the enterprise had grown to such an extent that they erected an immense brewing plant, which was the most extensive in the city. This enterprise has be- come one of the largest in Sangamon County, and its present output is 100,000 barrels per an- num. The machinery has been added to and re- placed from time to time, until the latest im- proved appliances have come into use in all parts of the immense plant, comprising five large buildings.

In 1875 Mr. Reisch was superintending tbe con- struction of an addition to the brewing plant when he fell from the partly completed building, was fatally injured, and died a few hours la- ter. He left a widow and seven children to mourn his loss. Mr. Reiseb and wife had a happy married life of thirty-eight years, and to them were born children as follows: Frank, died in 1896; Elizabeth, wife of Gustave A. Ensenberger ; Joseph, Vice President of Reisch Brewing Company ; Leonard, a dry-goods mer- chant ; George, a biography of whom appears in this work. Mrs. Reisch died in 1901. She and her busband were both devout Catbolics, and no inatter bow inclement the weather might be, Mrs. Reisch attended mass every Sunday, un- less prevented by serious illness, and frequently attended church week days, as well. The fam- ily was prominent socially and delighted to en- tertain their many friends and acquaintances.

Mr. Reisch rose to a position of wealth and prominence through his sheer determination and unswerving purpose to succeed, coming to the United States a poor young man, beginning in a humble way in his struggle and moving slowly at first on his upward way. However, his ability and high courage could not help but advance him in position and power, and his achievements were but the natural outcome of his efforts, aided by the fact that he lived in the midst of large opportunities and knew how to take advantage of them. He delighted to pro- vide his family with the good things of life, was most devoted to them all, and was always solicitous for their comfort. In his business relations he was most upright and conscientious, never breaking an engagement or a promise, and fulfilling the spirit as well as the letter

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. HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

of all obligations. He was most generous in his contributions to the needs of those who were unfortunate and needy, and gave his sup- port to every worthy cause which came to his notice. He was a man who was most faithful to every friend that reposcd confidence in him, and his high sense of right was one of his dls- tingulshing characteristics. politics Mr. Reisch was a Democrat, though he never cared for public office.

REISCH, George .- The Reisch family has been prominent iu the annals of Springfield, Ill., and vicinity for more than half a century, aud the name has always stood for progress and public enterprise. They have been most active iu se- curing .publlc improvements, in forwarding the erection of public buildings and developing the resources of the community. They have been instrumental in securing the location of fac- tories in Springfield and have helped to bulld up many private enterprises. Hardly a church of any denomination has been erected in Spring- fieid for fifty years but has been materially aided by their generosity. One of the most prominent representatives of the family in the business circles of Springfield today is George Reisch, President of Relsch Brewing Company, which was established by his father in 1849. Mr. Reisch is a native of Sangamon Couuty, born January 3, 1846, son of Frank aud Su- sanna (Maurer) Relsch, both born in Baden, Germany, the father January 24, 1808, and the mother February 11, 1817. Frank Reisch, who was a brewer, came to the United States iu 1832, spent about a year in New Orleans, came thence to Cincinnati, Ohlo, and later located in Springfield, where he remained until his death in 1875. He and his wife had thirteen chil- dren, seven of whom grew to maturity, namely : Frank married Anna Hammon and dled, leav- ing a widow and four children-Christina, wife of Charles Meyer, of Springfield; Susanna (un- married), Mary (wife of Joseph Zimmerman), and Frank, Jr. (Secretary and Treasurer of tbe Relsch Brewing Company), Mary, wife of Leonard Mattias, one child-Theresa ; George; Elizabeth marrled Gustave A. Ensenberger, a furniture dealer of Bloomington, Ill., three chil- dren-Frank, Gustave and Joseph; Joseph mar- ried Mary Stehlin, who died, leaving two chil- dren-Albert and Marie. and he is first Vice President of the Reisch Brewing Company ; Susle is a nun in the Franciscan Convent, in New York; Leonard, retired, was formerly a member of the dry goods firm of Reisch & Thoma, of Springfield, married a Miss Hailiday and they have one child, Linette.

At the age of sixteen years George Reisch had graduated from the common school in Springfield and began to assist his father in the brewery and his brother Frank was ad- mitted to partnership with his father. On May 1, 1875, F. Reisch & Brothers succeeded F. Reisch & Son, and in 1903, the Reisch Brewing Company was incorporated. The business bas

expanded very much and the firm is weil knowu throughout the central part of the State. The anuual output of the plant is 100,000 bar- 'rels, the firm occupies five large buildings, and the most modern and best improved machinery is used in manufacturing the product. The most sanitary couditions are always observed. George Relsch has carried out the policy of his father aud his brother Frank in most features of the work and is one of the ablest business men of the city. His business dealings have been characterized by the utmost fairness and uprightness, and the reputatlou of the firm is of the best. fu hls able administration of the affairs of the large enterprise of which he is the head, he has shown that he has all the de- tails of the business iu hand.

Mr. Reisch has been identified with many public enterprises and has always given hls support to every measure he considers to be of interest or benefit to the publlc. He served four years on the Park Board of the city and was Alderman one term. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Benevoient Protective Order of Elks, the Sangamo Club, the Chamber of Com- merce, the Men's Club, Western Catholic Uniou, and many other societies of Springfield, besldes the Illinois State and Nationai Brewers' Asso- clation. He has always been a Democrat, but has taken no very active part in political af- fairs. He is a member of SS. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church of Springfield. Mr. Reisch inberlts to a large degree the ambition and en- ergy of his father, who was a self-made man, landing in America with almost nothing and bullding up a large business. He is an active worker for any cause in which he is Interested and may be counted on for contributing his share in forwarding any movement which has his approval.

On October 10, 1878, Mr. Reisch was married at Springfield to Miss Mary Spitly, who was born in Logan County, Ill., February 14, 1859, daughter of Martin and Minnie (Frauk) Spitly, the former a native of Bavaria and the latter of Baden, Germany. The former was a farmer by occupation and was for many years proprie- tor of the Spitly House at Lincoln, Ili. Mr. and Mrs. Reisch became parents of six sons and four daughters, namely: Mrs. Minnie S. Franz, whose husband is a packer of Spring- field ; Eda M., married Dr. Archauer, of Spring- field; George F., in business with his father, is married and living in Springfield; Carl M., un- married, a graduate of the Law department of the university at Ann Arbor, Mich., and now general manager of the Reisch Indemnity Com- pany ; Clara, Christine, Louis Edward, Joseph and Walter, living at home with their parents. The family are prominent in social circies and live in the home which formerly belonged to Mr. Reisch's fatber, which has been occupied by the family for the past sixty years. Mr. Reisch also owns considerable other property In Spring- field and elsewhere, including 4,000 acres In Nebraska, and some Chicago realty.

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RENNE, Thomas P .- The majority of the sol- diers who won victory for the North were young in point of years, although old in patriotism and buoyed up by enthusiasm. Some were not more than lads, others had barely attained their majority, and all were brave and daring, ready to risk life and limb in defense of flag and country. Thomas I'. Renne, of Springfield, now residing at No. 205 West North Grand Avenue, served a short time during the early part of the war. He was born in Cliuton County, Ill., October 10, 1840, being a son of James S. and Partheuia (Powers) Reuue, na- tives of Pittsfield, Mass., and Arkansas. The father, a carpenter, moved from Cliuton County to Ogle County, living there three years and working as a carpenter. He then moved to Sangamon County, where he followed his trade until his death. His home was west of Spring- field, and there the mother also died. The father was a guard on the froutier during the Black Hawk War, serving for seven years. The Renne family is of French and Scotch de- scent, and Mr. Renne inherits the good traits of both natious. He belonged to a family of eleven children, seven sous and four daugh- ters, only three of whom now survive.

Mr. Renne went to school in Clinton County and Springfield, attending the old First Ward School in that city. This was the first school building in Springfield. During his boyhood days he worked on a farm, but when he was twenty-one years old, begau learning the trade of a brick mason, and has followed it ever since. For twelve years he was employed by Springfield Iron Works in brick-laying parts of their contracts. The last few years he has been engaged in a contracting business. Dur- ing the period he has been engaged at his trade, Mr. Renne has been employed on many public buildings, as he is regarded as a skilled workmau. He enlisted iu Coupany M, Seventh Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for a ninety days' service, but at the end of thirty days was relieved from service on account of a gunshot wound.

On January 31, 1867, Mr. Renne was mar- ried to Euma Bonney, born near Berlin, San- gamon County, daughter of Benjamin and Eu- nice (Sikes) Bonney, who came from Spring- field, Mass., to Springfield, Ill., and there the father died, August 22, 1865, the mother sur- viving him, and moving to Kansas City, Kan., where she passed away August 20, 1898. Mrs. Renne belonged to a family of three sons and two daughters, three of whom are now living: Mrs. Renne; Frank ; and Mrs. Mary H. Pal- iner, of Kansas City, Kan. Mr. and Mrs. Renne have had three sons and one daughter, two of whom survive: Allen B. was accidentally killed by an automobile near Chicago, April 26, 1909, having been a merchant of Pontiac, Ill .; Charles B. died in infancy ; Vernon W .. of Chicago; Bertha M., at home. There are three granddaughters and one grandson in the family. Mr. Renne owns his home, where he

has lived for thirty-six years, and takes great pride in it aud his surroundings. He is one' of the solid, substantial men of the city, and one in whom implicit trust can be placed.

RENSHAW, George M., a farmer, stock-raiser aud breeder of Duroc-Jersey hogs, has made his farm on Section 26, Cartwright Towuship, one of the show places of the county. He was born in a log house ou his present farm, Au- gust 7, 1839, beiug a son of Wiley P. and Martha (Nesbett) Renshaw, the former born November 7, 1800, near Salisbury, Ga., and the latter born near Lexington, Ky., November S, 1794. They were married in Bond County, IIl., (both families having come to this State in early days), December 31, 1818, and in 1821 came to Saugamon County. . On February 26 of that year, they eutered laud from the government, their deeds being signed by John Quincy Adams, and written on sheep skiu. Six of the seven children in the family came into the world, in the little rude log cabin on this farm. The eldest, Jane, was born in Bond County, in 1819, and died in Sangamon County, aged eighty-two years, in 1901; Mary A., the next child, became the wife of S. Q. Harri- son, now deceased, and resides with a daugh- ter, Mary Gardner; Margaret married F. But- ler, but both are now deceased; James N. died at the age of twenty-five years; Barbara, widow of A. M. Houghton, resides on a farm in Menard County, Ill .; John S. resides in Springfield; William P. died in. 1852; George M. The family comes of Scotch ancestry; the grandfather, Elijah Renshaw having come from Scotland, and he served in the Revolutionary War as an officer. His death occurred in Bond County, Ill. His widow came to Sangamon County with her sou, Wiley P., to take up land, and died upon it about 1843. Wiley P. Renshaw was only eighteen when he married, while his wife was but fourteen. He edu- cated himself after his marriage, aud was al- ways a studeut. When the Black Hawk War broke out he was commissioned First Lieu- tenant by Governor John Reynolds, in the Thirty-first Illinois State Militia, on August 22, 1833. at Vandalia. Before his regiment was called out the war was over. He was a man of souud judgment and held closely to the principles of the Whig party. When I died, in the fall of 1852, he was missed from many circles. His widow survived him many years, passing away in 1885. Mr. Renshaw was one of the first to breed short-horn cattie in central Illinois, and did much to improve the stock, believing that blood would tell, and he was rewarded for his work by receiving the highest prices for his cattle. The Methodist Church held his membership and he was a true, Christian man. He never turned anyone away empty-handed, but gave frecly of his means and time to help others. He and his wife ministered to the sick and afflicted. and were always sought out in times of trouble.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Before the church was built services were held in his house, and he always eutertained the ministers. His fiue library was at the dis- posal of all who needed its use.

George H. Renshaw was educated in the Har- rison District school and early worked on the farm, begiuuiug so early that the plow handles often bumped him, and he was so sinall that he could not be seen behind the plow. He continued to help his father until his marriage, which occurred November 22, 1866, when he was united with Matilda Parker, born in Rob- inson County, September 25, 1840, comuing to Illinois with her parents, iu 1852. They set- tled in Sangamon County, but later bought laud in Menard County, Ill. There they re- mained for a time, theu sold out, coming back to Sangamon County, where both parents died. Mrs. Renshaw has two brothers living, Charles and Richard,

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 127

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