Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 16

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 16

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BRENNAN, Owen J. (deceased), was a repre- sentative, useful citizen of Springfield, Ill., where he llved from 1894 until his death, which occurred May 15, 1908. He had been for twenty- eight years an employe of the Chicago & Alton Rallroad Company, and had reached a position of responsibility and trust through close appll- cation to his duties and carefui attentiou to every detail of the work he had in hand. He was a man of soher, industrious habits, devoted to his home and family, and enjoyed the society and companionship of his many friends. Mr. Brennan was born near Belfast, Ireland, De- cember 23, 1860, a son of John and Margaret (Dodd) Brennan, hoth born near Belfast. The father was a land inspector and a prominent man in his community.

The childhood of Owen J. Brennan was spent in Ireland and Scotland, where he received his education, and after leaving school he found employment as foreman In a mine in Scotland. He emigrated to America in 1879 and subse- quently entered the employ of the Chicago &

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Altou Railroad, locating iu Alton. After he had been iu the employ of the company nine years he moved to Springfield and was promoted to the position of foreman of electricians for the road. His death was the result of an accident. He was trying to prevent a wreck on the road at Granite City, Ill., aud was killed hy a pas- senger train. He was buried iu Bloomiugtou, Il1.

Mr. Brennan left a widow aud one sou. He was married, at Joliet, Ill., October 6, 1890, to Miss Nora Roland, born in Jollet February 15, 1860, daughter of Edward and Mary (Mahar) Roland, hoth uatives of Ireland. He was raised near the city of Limerick and she was born In Tipperay but reared at Waltham near Boston. Three children born to Mr. Brennan and wife In Alton died and were buried in the cemetery there, and one son died iu Springfield, being buried in Calvary Cemetery. The only surviving child, Thomas Emmett, was born in Springfield. October 14, 1897, and is attending school there. Mr. Brennan was a member of the Catholic Church and in politics was a Denl- ocrat. He took no prominent part in public affairs and never cared to hold public office, being engrossed in his private affairs and his work. However, he was interested in the im- provement and welfare of his community aud gave hls support to many good causes.

BRENNAN, Patrick (deceased) .- Supply and demand create trade, and in a city like Spring- field, where the population is changing and the influx at times is so great, the business of handling foodstuffs is always a profitable one. Ever since the seat of the State government was moved to Springfield in 1839, the grocers of the city have flourished, and one who once held his own with the leading ones in his line, was the late Patrick Brenuan. He was born in County Meath, Ireland, In 1825, a son of Thomas and Catherine Brennan, natives of Ire- land, and had all of the quickness and keen- ness of his people, combined with a genial man- ner and engaging way that made him friends everywhere.

After a boyhood spent in his native place. where he secured a parish school education, Patrick Brennan came to the United States in 1845. finally locating in Springfield. At first he found employment as a brick molder, but grad- ually worked his way npward until he became one of the leading grocers of the city, and was interested to a considerable extent in the pork packing industry. In all of his undertakings he showed a keen perception of values, and his success was due to his own business sagacity and unaided efforts. He was a Catholic. be- longing to the Church of the Immaculate Concep- tion, and, when his death occurred in July, 1880, his remains were interred in Cavalry Cemetery. His political affiliations with the Democratic party were pleasant, but he did not aspire to public office.

In 1860, Mr. Brennan was united In mar-

riage in Springfield, with Ellen Smith, born in the same county as himself. Her parents came from Ireland to New Orleaus, and thence to Saugamou County, where their deaths finally occurred. Mr. Breuuan's parents never left their native land. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brennan, four of whom are liv- ing : Johu P., of Springfield, has three children; Mary Jane, of Streator, Ill., is married and has four children; Peter F. aud Ella G., both live with their mother at No. 720 East Carpenter street. Mrs. Brennan owns this pleasant resl- dence, In which she has lived ever since her marriage. She is active in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, aud is a lady who en- joys the respect of all who have the honor of her acquaintance.

BRETZ, John (deceased) .- The visitor to any great center of population is naturally attracted or repelled by the character of its bulldings and, so well is this known, that every invitation sent out over the country to the stranger from any village, town or city will particularly call at- tention to its fine structures and particularly to Its church edifices. When this is done at Springfield, Ill., the name of John Bretz is brought forward, for his was the skill and workmanship that produced many of the capi- tal city's most noted edifices during a period covering some twenty-six years.

John Bretz was born in Hesse-Cassel, Ger- many, August 26, 1812. His father, who was also named John Bretz, followed the business of tile-making. Before coming to America the son attended school in his native land, and learned the brick making and building trade, and also served for a time in the German army. In 1833 he came to America, first locating at . Frankfort, Ky., where he lived until 1857, and there did a large amount of building, includ- ing the only Catholic Church In that city- the Church of the Good Shepherd-also the State Arsenal and the Capitol Hotel, and It was be- cause of his reputation for superlor work that he was called to Springfield, which he reached In 1857. Here he also built the first Catholic church-that of the Immaculate Conception-on the corner of Seventh and Monroe Streets, of which Rev. Father Timothy Hickey is pas- tor. He also built the old arsenal that stood on North Fifth Street. He not only was one of the early manufacturers of building brick made In Illinois but was one of the first to make use of it in public buildings at Springfield. He was associated in business for a number of years with Mr. Frank Reisch, a brick manufac- turer, but after the latter went into the brew- ery business. Mr. Bretz continued In the build- ing and contracting business alone until 1883. He was interested all over the city in his own line of business and for years was also actively concerned in public enterprises that helped to develop Springfield. In company with Messrs. Ide and Shuck, he was active in the construction of the first street-car line in Springfield and

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

donated the right of way on North Fifth Street as far as hls property extended. He and Mr. Will Converse, also now deceased, helped jorganize and were the first stockholders of the Sangamon County Fair Grounds, but later do- nated his stock to the establishment of what Is now the State Fair Grounds.

On January 19, 1841, Mr. Bretz was married to Jane Pilcher, of Fayette County, Ky. Her parents were Wesley and Laura (Taylor) Pil- cher, natives of Virginia. The Taylors were of Mayflower stock, and lived in Virginla until their removal to Kentucky. Mrs. Bretz died June 14, 1900, and was survived by her hus- band until May 22, 1905. They rest side by side in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, a plot of ground which Mr. Bretz and Mr. John Perlek, Sr., laid out In burial lots. Mr. and Mrs. Bretz had twelve children, those surviving being: Mrs. Louise Westenberger, born In 1842; John F., born in 1844; James, born in 1851; Mary E., born in 1854; Catherine, born in 1859; and Charles, born in 1862, and who is owner of a ranch near San Antonio, Texas. The unmar- rled daughters live in the elegant home situ- ated on North Fifth Street, and among the treasures carefully preserved are mementoes of the parents who were so universally beloved.

In his early political life, John Bretz was a Whig but later he became identified with the Democratle party. He was a worthy and de- voted member of the S.S. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church and was liberal in his bene- factions. With his friend, Governor Bissell, he assisted in locating the Ursaline Sisters In their first home on Mason and Sixth Streets, and later, with his friend, Martin Rafter, now also deceased, located the present Sisters' Home on Fifth and Eastman Avenue. He was one of the founders of S.S. Peter and Paul's Church and built that edifice; was also one of the first members in Springfield of the society known as St. Vincent de Paul, which was or- ganlzed under Father Bush, now deceased, in the German Catholle Church located on Rey- nolds and Fifth Streets. The closing of the life of this venerable and beloved cltizen brought expressions of regret from all over the city. He was weil known and in some parts was af- fectionately called "Grandpa" Bretz by the chll- dren, to whom he was always a friend.

BREWER, James .- Only reliable men, whose probity and loyalty have been fully tested, can be placed in position of responsibility, so that the A. L. Ide & Sons establishment is to be con- gratulated upon having a man of the character of James Brewer as watchman. He was born in Springfield, November 9, 1844, a son of John Brewer, of Kentucky, who married a Sangamon County girl. The father was a farmer, who came to the county at a very early day, settling in Springfield, where he was married. He had two sons and one daughter, those now living be- ing, Mrs. Elizabeth Markley, of Pekin, Ill.,

and Mr. Brewer. The parents died iu Spring- field aud are buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Going to school in Springfield, James Brewer grew up, and when old enough began working, being engaged in various Ilnes until he learned book-binding. He found employment for a number of years in this line, becoming foreman for the Payne Bindery. He was aiso employed in the construction of the State Capitoi and over twenty years ago accepted his present posi- tlon with the Ide Company. Mr. Brewer has a war record, for when hostilities were deciared he enlisted In Company , One Hundred Thirty- third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, participating In several important battles, and his discharge was signed by President Lincoln. At the close of his service he returned to Springfield and re- sumed his private occupations. Naturaliy, cou- sidering his military service, he is a member of the G. A. R., being connected with Stepheuson Post, No. 30.

On August 17, 1886, Mr. Brewer was married in Springfield, to Amelia Pond, born in Mor- gan County, Ill., daughter of Cyrus J. and Martha C. (Williams) Pond, natives of Pennsyl- vania and Ohio, who came to Morgan County. Their family consisted of eight children, five of whom survive : Mrs. Brewer; Cynthia, wife of James Alsbury, of Latham, Ili .; Carl, in the coal business in Chicago; Frank O., of Peoria ; A. is living in St. Louis.

Mr. and Mrs. Brewer became the parents of eight children, two of whom are now living. James H., at home, and Martha O., in the em- ploy of the John Bressmer Company, of Spring- field. Mr. Brewer owns his pleasant home at No. 401 Smith Street, as well as other property. It is his pride that he was one of President Lin- colu's personal frieuds. He and Mrs. Brewer are members of the Baptist Church and in poli- tics he is a Republican.

The history of the Brewer and Pond families is very interesting. For a short time the great- grandfather of Mrs. Brewer was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, fighting under General Washington. Her grandfather on her mother's side was a soldier in the Mexican War, the Black Hawk War and the war against the Mormons. He was a resident of Springfield for a number of years. Mrs. Brewer's father was a farmer and followed that caliing in Morgan County, Ili., for many years, finally retiring and moving to Concord, where he died. His widow came to live with Mrs. Brewer and there died. Mr. Pond was a member of Company B, One Hundred and First Iilinois Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War, participating in many battles, and was wounded at Lookout Moun- tain. He had the misfortune to be seriously wounded and was also taken prisoner. The bullet which was extracted from his wound, together with his picture and the flag of his regiment, can be seen among the mementoes of war at the State House. The members

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

of both families have been representative men and women, in whose hands could be trusted the affairs of their communities, for through good and evil times they have proven their worth.

BRIMBARGER, John .- The history of the old soldiers of the country is very interesting. In spite of their hardships and the iil health from which they have suffered, the survivors of the mighty struggle have quietly gone on their way, faithfully discharging the duties laid upon them in civii life with the same fidelity they showed when in the field. One of Sangamou Couuty's honored veterans is John Brimbarger, a farmer and gardener of Springfield. He was boru in Galiatin County, Ili., November 20, 1840, a son of James and Matilda (Carroil) Brimbarger, the former born in Kentucky, in 1815, and the latter born in Illinois, in 1824. The father was a farmer and located in Galiatin County, making it his home for some years, or until his death, which occurred near Shawneetown. His widow went to Missouri in 1867, dyiug there in 1870. A brother of John Brimbarger died in Gallatin County a number of years ago.

When he was only five years old John Brim- barger came to Sangamon County, which has since continued to be his home, with the excep- tion of his war service. He was there educated and grew to mauhood's estate. On August 12, 1862, he enlisted in the service of his country, in Company C, One Hundred aud Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Mal- lory. The regiment went into caup at Camp Butier, but two months later were ordered to Memphis, where Mr. Brimbarger was taken sick, and he was placed in Jefferson Hospital. After three weeks there he rejoined his regiment at Vicksburg in time for the first engagement, in which he participated, as well as in the three months' siege. After this he was returned to Memphis, where he was placed on the Veteran Reserve Corps and assigned to guard duty at the prisons. This continued to be his work dur- ing the remainder of his service, when he was honorably discharged.

On December 13, 1883, Mr. Brimbarger was married to Fannie F. James, daughter of George B. James. She was born March 13, 1852, and brought from Indiana to Springfield by her parents, who later moved to Barciay, Ill. The father died in 1905 and the mother in 1908. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brimbarger: Tillie, wife of Alva Lanam of Riverton, employed by the Iliinois Central Railroad; Lessie, wife of Philip Spain, living at home; Ora, wife of Tanier Baxter, a butcher by trade, residing at Rochester; Frank lives near Riverton and is a farmer. Mr. Brim- barger has two grandchildren, of whom one, Dorothy Spain, lives with him, and Cecii Lanam, of Riverton.

In politics Mr. Brimbarger is a consistent member of the Republican party, giving it his hearty support upon ali occasions. The Chris-

tian Church holds his membership and he con- tributes to it both time and mouey. His com- fortabie modern home is surrounded by two and one-half acres of land, tastefully laid out, ou which he produces magnificent vegetables and flowers.

Although he has almost reached the age of three score years and ten, he is active and enjoys his simple pleasures in a way many men much his junior might envy. Ali his life he has worked hard, and the materiai comforts he now enjoys have beeu honestiy earned by personal effort. His children have been carefully reared, given good educations, and fitted for the battle of life. For sixty-three years he has been an honored resident of Sangamon County, during which time he has witnessed many remarkable changes, and he is proud of this fact and of the part he has borue in the general upbuilding of his community. Such as he cau be relied upon as being the supporters of good government and advocates of ali measures that have for their object the advancement of the commou people.

BRINKERHOFF, George Madoc, who has been for many years one of the prosperous and prominent business men of Springfieid, Iil., has been identified with the progress and welfare of the city and has held public positions of honor and trust for both the city and State. He was one of the organizers and stockholders of many of the most important public enter- prises of the city and has always been promi- ment in social circles as well. He is one of the best-known men in Springfield, honored not only for his public service but for his promotion of business interests. He was in early life a promineut educator in Illinois, and was espe- cially successful in that profession. Mr. Brink- erhoff is a man of ability and talent in many lines of endeavor, and has been successful to a large degree in both public and private enter- prises. At present, he operates an extensive green-house and is also a large dealer in bonds.

Mr. Brinkerhoff was born in Hunterstown, (near Gettysburg) Adams County, Pa., August 20, 1839, a son of John and Sarah Ann (Wai- ter) Brinkerhoff, the former born December 15, 1811, aud the latter November 16, 1814, both natives of Adams County. The parents spent their early married lives in Adams County, Pa., and during the Gettysburg Campaign in civil war time, their homestead was for a time oc- cupied by the rebei General Wade Hampton as the headquarters of the cavalry division of Gen- eral Lee's army. The emigrant ancestor of the Brinkerhoff family came from Holland with Governor Peter Stuyvesant, about 1638, and settled first in New Amsterdam, on the Island of Manhattan and now a part of New York City afterward moving to New Jersey. Before the Revolution many of the family had acquired a large amount of land from proprietors in Pennsylvania and moved there. Many of them distinguished themselves by their services in the war of the Revolution.

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George Madoc Brinkerhoff spent his boyhood on the farm of his parents and, as a young man, attended Pennsylvania College, from which he graduated in the class of 1859. After leav- ing school le came to Illinois and taught one year in the Illinois State University, now Con- cordia College, Springfield. At the time of the Civil War and afterward he was employed in the office of the State Auditor; and during hostilities had charge of the War Department of that office. In politics he has been a Re- publican since boyhood and has never swerved in his allegiance to the principles of his party. He is justly proud of the fact that he is one of the "Grand Old Gnard" of 306 who attended the Republican National Convention in Chicago in 1880, and cast his vote for the nomination of Gen. Grant for President. Mr. Brinkerhoff's father was a Whig and the boy first learned political issues through the principles of that party. From 1865-70 he served as City Comp- troller of the City of Springfield.

Mr. Brinkerhoff was married in Springfield, Ili., August 4, 1862, to Miss Isabella Gibson Hawley, who was born in that eity, July 21, 1843, and died there June 12, 1894, leaving six children. She was a daughter of Eliphalet Bennett and Mary D. (Sayre) Hawley. Eliph- alet B. Hawley was born in Albany, N. Y., May 30, 1816, the son of Eliphalet and Eliza- beth (McMurdy) Hawley, who came from New York to Sangamon County in 1822, and a year later, Eliphalet Sr. having lost his life by drowning, his widow removed to Springfield with her children, and there, after reaching manhood, Eliphalet B. engaged in mercantile pursuits and was prominent in both business and political circles up to the date of his death in 1884. The children born to Mr. Brinkerhoff and his wife were as follows: John Hawley, born April 28. 1866; Marian Bell, November 11, 1868; George Madoc Jr .. November 10, 1870; Cornelia Maria, November 27, 1872; Walter Ben- nett, June 27, 1876; Bessie Winnifred. August 20. 1878.

Mr. Brinkerhoff was one of the organizers of the Springfield City Railway Company, also of the Springfield Iron Company. For many years he served as Secretary and Treasurer of the latter, and was also connected with the State National Bank. He has been for many years a member of the varions Masonic bodies, being affiliated with St. Paul Lodge No. 500, Spring- field Chapter, Springfield Conncil, Elwood Com- mandery, Sangamo Lodge of Perfection and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. He also belongs to the Illini Country Club and the San- gamo Club. He Is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, and readily gives his countenance aud support to every cause and movement of a charitable or benev- olent character which he considers will be of public benefit. He has many friends in various circles and is honored and esteemed for his inany excellent qualities of mind and heart. The family residence is 515 Keys Avenue,

Springfield. Mrs. Brinkerhoff was a most es- timable woman, of enlture and high character, a devoted wife and mother, and at her taking away was sadly mourned by her many warll personal friends. Ifer memory is revered and tenderly cherished by her family, as well as by many intimate friends and all appreciated the depth of her devotlon to every duty.

BRITT, Henry (deceased), wino was for several years engaged in busines in Springfield, Ili., as a member of the firm of Britt & Butler, plas- terers and contractors, was born in Sussex, England, April 2, 1826. He was a son of Wil- liam Britt, a native of England, and engaged in dairy business in Snssex. The parents dled in their native country and there Henry Britt re- ceived his education. He came to America as a young man, landing in New York City, where he lived fourteen years and learned the trade of plasterer, which he followed the remainder of his life, except during the last few years be- fore his death when he was retired from ac- tive business. He moved from New York City to Elmira, N. Y., where he spent three years, then moved to Lonisville, Ky., and after spend- ing two years there located permanently in Springfield. He became associated in business with Mr. Butler, and the firm secured contracts for plastering many fine buildings in Spring- field and vicinity. Among them were the post- office, the Leland Hotel, the Governor's man- sion, the residence of Governor Matteson (after- wards burned) and many public and private bulldings, which were well known thirty or forty years ago. He retired about 1875, and his death occurring January 9, 1SS1, he was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. He had many warm personal friends and his loss was widely felt. He had a splendid business reputation and was reliable and honest in all his dealings. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and his widow and children attend the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield. He was always a Republican after the organizaton of that party.

The marriage of Mr. Britt occurred in Spring- field. July 1, 1857, when he was united with Miss Martha H. Lanterman, who was born in Springfield, April 27, 1837, one of the six daughters of Abraham' and Martha (White) Lanterman. Mr. Lanterman came from Lex- ington, Ky., In 1818 and soon after settled on farm land where Washington Park now stands. and Mrs. Britt still retains some of this land which was entered by her father in that early day, being the only one in Springfield to hold land under original patent from the Government. He was born Jannary 20, 1792, and his wife, who came from Greensburg. Ky., was born Sep- tember 30, 1795. Both died in Springfield. They were well acquainted with Abraham Lin- coln and Mrs. Britt was a close friend of him, hls wife and family. But two of Mr. Lanter- man's family survive: Mrs. Britt and her sis- ter Mrs. B. W. Crowder, of Springfield. Two

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sons and seven daughters were born to Mr. Henry Britt and wife, of whom two daughters survive, uamely : Miss Fanuie M., a school- teacher at Curran, Ill., where she has taught eleven years, and Mrs. Mattie L. Janssen, liv- ing at home. Mrs. Britt has four grandchil- dren. She owns the family home at 908 South- west Grand Avenue, and has many friends in the neighborhood, as well as in other parts of the city. She has lived in this house fifty years and can well remember when the part of the city which is her home was practically a wil- derness, the iand being then mostly covered with trees.

BRITTIN, Ernest H., M. D., a worthy repre- seutative of his profession in Auburn, Ill., be- longs to a family that has been prominent in Illinois for several generations. He was born in Fancy Creek Township, Sangamon County, November 21, 1874, a son of Henry and Nancy D. (Mallory) Brittin, the former of Welsh de- sceut and the latter probably of French ances- try. Henry Brittin grew to quanhood on the farm in Fancy Creek Towuship where his birth occurred, there married and lived his entire life near his birthplace. His farm of 320 acres comprised a part of the farm which belonged to his father, Evans Brittiu, secured in an early day. Evans Brittin was a native of Ohio and located in Sangamon County in 1818. The parents of Nancy Mallory moveo from Ken- tucky to Sangamon Couuty. and she was born iu Clear Lake Township, where she lived until her marriage.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 16

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