Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 161

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 161

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Richard R. Wells received a district school education and was reared to the life of a faru- er, remaining at home uutil his marriage, March 10, 1892, by Rev. Goff, to Miss Cora V. Camp- bell, who was boru in Cartwright Township, Jnne 4. 1873, daughter of William V. and Mary E. (Valentine) Campbell. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wells remained ou the Wells

homestead for one year, but in the spring of 1893 they removed to another farm belonging to Mr. Weils' father, aud in 1895 again moved, lo- cating on their present place on Section 34, Salisbury Township, which is now one of San- gamon County's best farms. Mr. Wells has 252 acres of land in one body in a high state of cultivation, where he raises large crops and breeds an excellent grade of livestock. They have a beautiful home, furnished with all the modern improvements, including heat, water and light, and it is ably presided over by Mrs. Wells. Mr. Wells is affiliated with the Modern Wood- men of America.

Mr. and Mrs. Wells have been the parents of three children, oue of whom died in infancy. The others are: Earl E., born November 20, 1892, died April 10, 1011, buried in the family lot, in Richlaud Cemetery ; and Beulah Belle, boru October 25, 1896, who lives at home.

WELSH, John V. (deceased), for many years a farmer iu Sections 2 and 3, Ball Township, San- gamon Couuty, where he owned a farm of 160 acres, was an industrious, useful citizen, who worked hard to bring his land to a high state of development aud cultivation, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He was a kind neighbor, a good husband and father, and was interested iu the welfare of his com- munity. Mr. Welsh was born in Lovettsville, Loudoun County, May 1, 1857, a son of William and Mary Welsh, both natives of County Tip- perary, Ireiand, who emigrated to Virginia and there spent the remainder of their lives. The parents of both died iu Ireland. John V. Welsh was reared on a farm and received his educa- tion in the public schools of his native State. He always had a cheerful disposition, was a man of steady habits, and was much interested in whatever work he had in hand. He was fond of dancing and similar diversions. As a young man he came to Sangamon County to join a brother who had preceded him there, and spent the remainder of his life in farming op- erations in that couuty. He was a devout mein- ber of the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, of Springfield, and in politics was always a Republican.

Mr. Welsh was married at Auburn, Iil., Jan- uary 30, 1883, Father Finnegan officiating, to Miss Mary A. Heffernan, born in Sangamon County, August 15, 1858, daughter of Edward and Catherine (Keefe) Heffernan, natives of County Tipperary, Ireland, both deceased and buried in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield. They emigrated to America and were married in Ohio. The father died on Mr. Welsh's farm August 20. 1905, and Mrs. Heffernan died in Springfield in 1894. Six children were born to Mr. Welsh and wife, four of whom survive: William, born March 7, 1887, died January 17, 1897; James, born June 18, 1895, died October 7, 1898; Josie, born December 30. 1883, was married in New Mexico, to Charles Faylor, and they now live in Pueblo, Col .; Ellen, born

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September 7, 1885, lives at home with her moth- er; Edward, born February 13, 1889, married Marie Albers and they live on a farm in Ball Township and have two children, Mary Ellen, born May 19, 1909, and Anna Josephine, born January 17, 1911; John, born May 7, 1891, lives at home. Mr. Welsh died on hls farm March 12, 1896, and was buried in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield. His widow stili resides on the home place with two of her children, John and Ellen. Mrs. Welsh is well known in Sangamon County, where her eutire life has been spent, and has a large number of friends there.

WELSH, Patrick, a retired citizen of Spring- field, has lived iu the city sixty years. He was born in County Limerick, Ireland, about 1834, and is a son of John and Mary (McGrath) Welsh, who lived on a farm seven miles from the City of Limerick. The father died and the mother married again. Patrick Welsh received his education in his native country and as a boy accompanied his mother and step-father to. America. They landed in Quebec, Canada, and the young man found employment in a furni- ture factory in Troy, N. Y. He was married, while a resident of the State of New York, to Miss Bridget Hogany, and they came to Spring- field, Ill., where he found employmeut on the Wabash Railroad. He was employed in various capacities and eventually purchased two acres of land surrounding his home. Mrs. Welsh died In Springfield and he married (second) Katy Christy, who also died in Springfield. Mr. Welsh married (third), February 2, 1878, Miss Kate Maron, who was born in County Monahan, Ireland, a daughter of Barney and Catherine (Finnegan) Maron. She came to America as a child but her parents died in Ireland.

By his first marriage Mr. Welsh had two children, John and Michael, of San Francisco, Cal. By his second marriage he had one child who died at the age of fourteen years. By his third marriage he had children as follows : Patrick, went to Australla ; Bridget, Mrs. John O'Laughlin, of Springfield; Nora, Mrs. Charles Walls, of Springfield; Daniel Richmond, died at the age of fourteen years: Catherine and Bernard Hugh, at home; Mary Frances and Margaret Emma. Mr. Welsh has witnessed many important changes and improvements in Springfield since locating there and has con- tributed his share toward promoting the best interests of the community. He is upright and rellable and well liked by hls many friends. He is an active member of St. Joseph's Church and in politics is a stanch Democrat. He was a close friend of Abraham Lincoln and often played ball with him.

WENNEBORG, Henry .- Nothing is snrer to re- sult In good government and the establishment and maintenance of excellent schools, than the location in a city of men who have for their maln object in life the founding of a family. The Germans look forward to this, taking pride

in their children and in owning their homes and for this reason, and also because they are industrious and thrifty, they are warmly wei- comed in this country. One of the representa- tive German-Americans of Springfield is Henry Wenneborg, now living retired, at No. 609 North Calhoun Avenne. He was born in Ger- many, April 16, 1842, a son of Rudolph and Christina Wenneborg, also natives of Germany. During the Franco-Prussian war of 1812-14, Rudolph Wenneborg was a soldier, and after his term of service expired, he returned home to take up his trade of blacksmithing. He spent his life in Germany, both he and his wife dying there.

Henry Wenneborg was educated iu Germany, and iu accordance with the excellent custom of that country, was taught a trade, selecting that of blacksmith. He served in the regular army of his country for six years, but in 1866, came to Montreal, Canada, where he remained four months. Not liking It there, he came on to Springfield, where he had friends, and soon found employment as a blacksmith. Until three years ago Mr. Wenneborg worked at his trade, becoming one of the best-known men in his iine in the county, and winning friends by his effi- cient work and genial manner. However, in 1907, feeling that he had earned the rest, he retired, and since then has not been actively in- terested in any business matters.

Mr. Wenneborg was married in Springfield, June 27, 1867, being tien united with Louisa Sauer, born in Germany, October 10, 1841. Her parents never came to this country, but lived and died in Germany. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wenneborg : William, of Farmersville, Ili., a member of the firm of Wenneborg & Company ; Jennie, wife of Wilbur Morrls, of Springfield; Otto, of Farm- ersville, Ill., with the Wenneborg Coal Com- pany; Elizabeth ; Henry, with the New West Coal Company ; Anna, wife of Edward Mitten- dorf, a tailor; and Emma, wife of Charles An- derson, a tailor of Springfield. There are twenty-two grandchildren in this family. Mr. Wenneborg is a member of St. John's German Lutheran Church, towards which he subscribes liberally.

WENNEBORG, Otto .- Honest endeavor con- scientiously directed along any line will meet with success, and Otto Wenneborg. the veteran blacksmith of Springfield, has proven this in his long and useful life. He was born in Han- over, Germany. February 16, 1832, a son of Rudolph and Christina Wenneborg, both of Ger- many. They died in their native land, where the father was a blacksmith. He had served as a soldier in the Franco-Prussian war of 1812, and was a good, industrious man.

Otto Wenneborg recelved a public school edu- cation In Germany, but came to America In 1857 and direct to Springfield. There he learned the blacksmithing trade, and has worked at it ever siuce. He has established a reputation for hon-

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est work, and now has customers who came to him when he first started in business for himseif. His home at No. 1305 Ledlie Avenue, is the one in which he established himself on coming to the city.

He was married in Germany to Caroline Sauer, born iu Hanover, Germany, whose par- euts passed away iu their native iand. Four children have been horn to Mr. and Mrs. Wenne- borg : 'Anna, wife of George Steffen, a butcher; Minnie, wife of Neis Johnson; Mary, wife of A. Speitel, of Quincy, Ili .; Otto H., a blacksmith. in the empioy of the Springfield Cooperative Com- pany. Mr. and Mrs. Wenneborg have eleven grandchildren, of whom they are very proud. The family belong to St. John German Lutheran Church, in which they have aiways takeu an active part. Mr. Wenneborg is a Democrat in political affiliations. He possesses the German characteristics of industry, thrift and persever- ance, and, while proud of his adopted country, his heart Inclines towards the Fatheriand, and he keeps up many of the customs he and his wife brought with them when they sought a new home.

WERNER, Charies .- After a useful iife spent iu hard work aud as an official of the county, Charles Werner is now living retired at No. 551 South State Street, Springfield. He was born November 1, 1853, at New Haven, Conu., a sou of Charles and Marie (Sharp) Werner, natives of Germany, the former born Feburary 28, 1829, and the latter October 28, 1831. The father was a machinist and engineer.

Mr. Werner raised a company during the Spanish-American War, of which he was made Captain, but saw no active service. A strong Democrat, he has represented his party upou numerous occasions, being elected and serving as Commissioner of Highways for twelve years, Supervisor of Clear Lake Township eight years (serving as Chairman of the Board one year) ; was for two years on the County Board of Re- view, and for four years was Sheriff of Sanga- mon County. In each office he gave the people a loyal, honorabie service, and gained an undy- ing reputation for Integrity and uprightness. Fraternally he is a Mason, Modern Woodman of America, Red Man. Royai Neighbor, and also belongs to the Farmers' Ailiance and the Knights of Labor. His reilgious affiliations are with the Catholic Church.

On October 10, 1882, Mr. Werner was united in marriage, at Riverton, Ili .. with Elizabeth Fitzgerald, horn in Springfield, December 1, 1861, daughter of Morris and Ellen (Flynn) Fitzgerald, natives of Ireland, the former born Aprii 13, 1839, and the latter, Ostober 1, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Werner hecame the parents of the following children : Charles A .. born Decem- ber 7, 1883: Ellen E., born November 23, 1885; Marie HI., horn August 1, 1887: Catherine M., born February 19, 1890; Maurice P., born June 28, 1892; Elizabeth D., horu July S. 1894. and Amelia, born August 29, 1897.

Uutil his retirement Mr. Werner was a farmer of Clear Lake Township, and now owns considerable property In Springfield.

WERNER, Charles, Sr., (deceased) .- There is no natiou iu the world that has given the United States so much materiai for the making of good citizenship as has the Fatheriand. The German, thrifty, soher, industrious and rellable, can al- ways be depended upon to do his full share, and more, in the uphuiiding of any community in which he finds himself, and to this race America owns much of its present prosperity and Invincibility. One of the early German families of Sangamon County, was that of Weruer, which was founded In Springfield more than haif a century ago, by Charles Werner, who was born in Germany, June 5, 1829.

Charles Werner came to the United States with his parents, first settling In New Haven, Conn., and coming thence to Sangamon County, Ill. Charles had beeu educated in the common schools of his native country, and there also learned the trades of machinist and cabinet- maker. In 1857 he located In Springfield, where he was employed by the Wabash Railroad Com- pany seveu years, and the Chicago, Burilngton & Quincy two years, and then purchased a small farm in Clear Lake Township, and by steady, industrious work added to it from time to time, until at the time of his death he was the owner of 300 acres of fine farming property. In 1895 he retired from active pursuits and settled lu Springfield, where his death occurred August 5, 1902. His widow now occupies a fine resi- deuce at No. 1102 North Seventh Street, Spring- fieid.

Mr. Werner was a Democrat in poiitles, but never cared for politicai honors. He was a faithfui member of SS. Peter and Paul Catho- lic Church.

Mr. Werner was married in New York City, to Mary Scharp, who was born In Germany October 28, 1828, a daughter of Phlilp Scharp. The surviving children of this unlon are: Charies, who was Sheriff of Sangamon County, from 1906 to December, 1910, married Lizzie Fitzgerald, and resides at 551 South State Street, Springfield ; Amella, the widow of Will. lam Curry, reslding in Springfield; and Au- gusta, the wife of William Black, who is con- nected with the Sattiey Plow Works.

WERNER, Joseph, dealer in dry goods and grocerles, is a man whose determination to suc- ceed has made him victor, and whose reputa- tion for honorable deallng is based upon his habit of paying his debts collectabie in spirit as well as reallty. His career as a merchant Is one that demonstrates that a man can attain material success without violating hls con- science, and he Is known as one who gives his strength, his knowledge and his money to the support of all measures tending towards the advancement of the city. Mr. Werner was born In Zempelburg, Germany,' June 26, 1863, a son

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of Jacob and Glaser (Buena ) Werner. The father was horn in the same place as his son and was educated there. He served his three years in the army, being engaged in the Franco- Prussian War, in which he received a medal for bravery. His life work was making stained glass under contract. His death occurred at his home in Germany in 1906, when he was either seventy-nine or eighty years of age. He was twice married, his first wife being mother of Joseph Werner, and she bore him two other children : Samuel, of Chicago, and Mrs. Johanna Alexander, of Germany. The second wife was Flora Beyach, and she had one son, Siegbert, a resident of Chicago.

Joseph Werner attended school in Germany and hls record in college was so high that he had the privilege of serving In the army one year at reduced expenses. In April, 1861, he came to the United States, landing in New York City. From there he came direct to St. Louis, where he joined his brother and went to work as a salesman in a dry goods store, being soon promoted to position of shipping clerk. With- in a few years he was able to purchase a cigar store and then began manufacturing fine cigars, being for twelve years thus engaged. His next husiness venture was operating a hotel, but fourteen months later, in 1892, he resumed clerking and kept books at Kenneth, Mo. In 1896 he came to Springfield and for a time sold cigars until he saved a sufficient amount to start a small grocery store on Eleventh and Madison Street. After four years in this loca- tion his business increased to such an extent that he felt justified in buying the property at No. 1131 East Madison Street, where he opened a store, conducting it as a first-class grocery. Within four years more he built his present residence and added dry goods to his stock. He now carries a full line of dry goods, shoes, smoked meats and groceries, and controls an immense trade. He has bought several other houses and lots and is now a heavy property owner. His residence at No. 301 North Four- teenth Street is a, new one, the former one, at No. 1131 Madison Street, having been destroyed during the riot in August, 190S. During that troublous period a lynching occurred in front of his building.

Mr. Werner was married in St. Louis to Miss. Freda Benjamin, who died in that city. He was married in Springfield in 1902, to Anna Horn- stein. a native of Roumania. They have three children, Simeon, Buena and Jerome, and an adopted daughter, Esther. Mr Werner Is a member of the Jewish Church and is one of its consistent supporters. He Is a liberal Repub- lican. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythlas, of which he has served as Past Chancellor, and was Representative to the Grand Lodge about twenty-three years ago. In 1903 Mr. Werner visited Europe and traveled through the principal citles and countries. His father, who was then seventy-seven years of age, and

whom he had not seen for twenty-five years, met him at the steamboat landing.

WESTENBERGER, George L .- The mercantile interests of Springfield have assumed mam- moth proportions, and are requiring the effi- cient services of a number of the city's best business men to control them. Aside from be- ing the State capital, Springfield is the center of a vast, rich farming community, that looks to it as a source of supply, and to meet the re- quirements of these customers the merchants offer special inducements in both quallty and prices, carrying large and varied stocks. One of the most reliable of these mercantile firms is that operated under the name of Westenberg- er & Wetterer, of which L. Westenberger is the senior member. He was born January 29, 1876, in Springfield, a son of the well known Gar- hard and Mary Louise (Bretz) Westenberger.

George L. Westenberger was educated ill Springfield, and upon leaving school entered the employ of Relsch & Thoma, dry-goods merchants, gaining practical experience, which has since been very useful to him. In February, 1906, he and C. J. Wetterer formed the firm of which he is now. the head, and from the start the young merchants enjoyed a large trade. Their connections are such as to enable them to se- cure first-class 'goods, and they display them attractively and give the best of services and prices.

Mr. Westenberger was married at Ruma, Ill., to Miss Lillian O'Harra, daughter of J. R. and Margaret (Kaveney) O'Harra, of Litchfield, Ill.

One of the most pleasant events in the West- enberger family, occurred February 7, 1910, in the celebration of the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Westenberger. After the celebration of nuptial high mass at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, the aged hride and groom, of fifty years ago, were showered with rose leaves. They then held a reception which lasted the remainder of the day, and through- out the evening. The eight daughters of the. couple assisted in receiving the guests in the evening, and a fine musical program was rend- ered. Guests from outside the city were present, as well as many from Springfield and vicinity, and the occasion will not soon he forgotten.

George L. Westenberger and his wife are con- sistant members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, taking an active part in its good work. He Is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and can always be counted upon to do his full share of the work of that order, and he is also a member of St. Vincent's Society. . His attention to business, his knowledge of its exacting requirements, and hls pleasant, genial manner, have been strong factors in securing his success and establishing him firmly in the confidence of the public.

WHALEN, James William .- There are great possibilities in the grocery business, and the

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man who knows how to take advantage of them, and of the opportunities offered in a city like Sprlugfield is sure of success. The well-known firm of Whaleu Brothers, dealers in fancy and staple groceries, eujoys a large trade, and con- trois an iuimeuse business, that extends throughout Sangamon County. The two broth- ers, James William and Johu T. Whalen, are natives of Springfield, the former born May 17, 1881, and the latter, February 28, 1879. They are sons of Thomas and Bridget (Houlihan) Whaleu, natives of County Waterford and County Limerick, Ireland, respectively. In 1854 Thomas Whaieu came to America in a sailing vessel, cousuming nine wecks in the voyage. After landing in New York, he came to Springfield, and began work ou the Chicago & Alton as a railroad blacksmith. After years of fruitful endeavor, he retired, fourteen years before his demise, which occurred November 19, 1904. His wife survives, Ilving at No. 1040 Patton Avenue. He was a man of high prin- ciple and simple habits, who, although a stanch Democrat would never permit the use of lis name on the party ticket. From the time of the building of St. Joseph's Church, he was one of its most liberal and consistent members, and brought up his children in the Catholle faith. They were: Patrick J., Mary Ellen, Kate, Alice, John, Elizabeth and James W. Eliza- beth dled at the age of three years.

James William Whalen attended St. Joseph's Catholic school and the Trapp public school, leaving at the age of sixteen years. For the foliowing two years he worked on a farm, then entered the employ of the grocery house of P. H. Gibbins, giving a faithful service of seven years. At the expiration of this time he and his brother, John T., embarked in their pres- ent enterprise at No. 78 East Adams Street, which is still conducted by them, and has in- creased in importance and volume. Like his father, he is a Democrat, and does not desire office. He is a member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and is one of its most liberal supporters.

John, Thomas Whalen supplemented his edu- catlon with a business training in the employ of Crowley & Rogers, grocers. Later entered the employ of the firm which was employing his brother, James W., and was elevated to the position of manager. The two brothers belong to the same church, and are alike in political opinions. John T. also belongs to the Knights ot Columbus. 'On April 19, 1905, he married, in Springfield, Cecelia Frances Dillon, daughter of John Dillon, no issue.

These two young men are energetle and ac- commodating, and naturally have made many friends. They carry at all times and season a full and varied line of cholce goods in thelr line, which they offer at attractive prices. As the quality is of the best, and the service ex- cellent, the firm Is well established in the con- fidence of the buying public.

WHEELER, William R .- The oid soldier of to- day has every reason to be proud of the record he made when, in young manhood, he marched off in defense of his country. By those who never heard the roar of cannon, or the crles of the wounded and dying; who never tramped through miles of swamp, or trudged over ankle deep dusty roads; who never went for days without sufficient food or water, or speut months in hospitals or (worse still) prisons, the services of the soldiers of the 'sixties, can never be fully appreciated. Those who suffered. kuow, and one who distinguished himself as a brave patriot when his country had need of him, and since then has shown sympathy for his fellow soldlers, is William R. Wheeler. He was born in Union County, Ky., May 6, 1840, a sou of Jesse and Permelia (Harper) Wheeler, natives of North Carolina and Kentucky, re- spectively. The father was a' mechanic and cabinet-maker, who moved from North Carolina to Kentucky, and there died.

William R. Wheeler moved from Kentucky to Shelbyville, Ill., and then to Wilson County, Kan., in 1866. He next went to Menard County, Ili., later coming to Springfield. He enlisted in the ninety day service, on April 17, 1861, and at the expiration of that period, reenlisted for three years, in Company A, Twenty-first Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry, serving under Colouel U. S. Grant. He participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Perryville, Stone River, Mur- freesboro, and others less important, always doing his full duty. He was discharged at Camp Butler in 1865. Mr. Wheeler was a farmer for some years, then, Identified hill- self with the sawmill industry, and is now an engineer.

Mr. Wheeler was united in marriage in Wil- son County, Kan., January 21, 1869, with Queen E. Markwell, born in Menard County, Ill., Juue 30, 1852, coming of an old family of Kentucky.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 161

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