Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 59

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 59

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Mr. Gathard owns the comfortable family residence in Riverton, and is in receipt of a pen- sion, which does not compensate him for what

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he has endured all his life as a result of ex- posnre and hardships while in service. While many gave up their lives on the battlefields, they were not the greatest sufferers. The real heroes of the Civil War are those who lived, enduring, through years of suffering, the ail- ments which resulted from forced marches, poor and insufficient food, exposure, and other hardships. Such veterans are deserving of dis- tinguished honor and material benefits as well.

GATTON, Walter a successful farmer and breeder of Holstein-Friesian cattle, living on Section 34, Woodside Township, Sangamon County, is a native of that township, born Feb- ruary 5, 1882, and although comparatively a young man, has shown great enterprise and ex- cellent business judgment. Mr. Gatton is a son of Walter T. Sr. and Mary (Whitehurst) Gat- ton, the former born in Woodside Township, September 16, 1854, and the latter born August 1, 1856. Walter T. Gatton, Sr. spent his entire life on Oakwood Stock Farm and was an expert in the cattle business, his father having came to Sangamon County from Hardin County, Ky. He died March 4, 1SS6, and his wife April 22, 1906.

Walter T. Gatton Jr. was educated in the pub- lle school and in Springfield Business College, and as a hoy was fond of hunting and other outdoor sports. He hegan to assist his father with the duties on the home farm as soon as he was old enough and was always much inter- ested in stock. He has done much to advance the interests of stockmen in Sangamon County and has a fine herd of pure-bred stock, having exhibited cattle at the State Fairs and won several preminms. Ile is also greatly interested in hogs, and is a prosperous farmer as well. He has the entire confidence and esteem of his neighhors and is well-known throughout the county in connection with his business. In political views he is a Democrat and he joined the Masonle order in 1907. He belongs to Ty- rian Lodge No. 333 A. F. and A. M .; Springfield Council No. 4; R. A. M., Elwood Commander No. 6. and Sangamo Lodge of Perfection. He and his wife belong to the Christian church and are interested in many worthy causes.

Mr. Gatton was married in Springfield, June 20, 1906, to Eva C. White, born In Mason Conn- ty, Ill., in 1884, danghter of Elbert and Anna (Scott) White, the former born in West Vir- ginia, March 21, 1854, and the latter in Illinois, April 3. 1856. Mr. White came to Illinois at the age of ten years, and when he reached man- hood engaged in farming, which he continued many years, then retired from active life. Mr. Gatton and his wife own a very pleasant home and a farm of 194 acres.

GAUL, George M. (deceased) .- There are cer- tain staple articles which have been necessary to mankind from time Immemorial, which no in- novatlons could displace, no inventions dispose of, and these facts have made the trade of

broom-making one of the time-honored occupa- tions. In the ranks of this profession have been found men of the highest character and in- tegrity, and one who made it his life work was the late George M. Gaul, in whose death Spring- field lost one of its best citizens. He was born in August, 1835, in Germany, a son of George W. and Katie Gaul, the former a molder. Mr. Gaul's parents died in Germany when he was nine years old and he resided with relatives until he had reached the age of twenty years, when he came to America, settling first in New York and later removing to Springfield. His education had heen begun in Germany and he also attended high school in New York, but after coming to Springfield devoted all of his time to the trade of hroom-making, establish- ing a large and profitable business, with which he was connected right up to the time . of his death. He was a Republican in politics, but never cared for public preferment, nor would he consent to become a member of any frater- nal order. His religious connection was with the German Lutheran Church.

Mr. Ganl was married in Sangamon County, Ill., March, 1867, to Catherine Haritt, who was born in Germany in 1846, and to this nnion there were horn ten children: George Peter, John, Adam, Thomas, William, Elizabeth Cummins, Enima Wall. Annie Carey, Caroline and Katie, residing at home. John and Thomas have died : The family is socially prominent and Mr. Ganl is remembered as a man of integrity, whose friends were many and whose enemies were few.

GEDMAN, Charles .- America has long been the refuge of those from foreign lands who are oppressed by their own governments. Some of the best citizens we have are those who have thus songht the religious and political free- dom denled them elsewhere. Springfield is for- tunate in having many such men, and among them, an excellent example of what a foreigner can accomplish in this country, if he is in- telligent and willing to work and learn, is Charles Gedman. Mr. Gedman was born In Russia, August 19, 1870, a son of Michael and Rosie (Gemha) Gedman, born in the same place as their son. The father was a farmer, who died in 1887, but his wife survives, residing In Russia. They had two sons and three daugh- ters, who, with the exception of one daughter, came to America. The family are all Catholics.

Mr. Gedman was fortunate in possessing an educated mother, who taught him In his youth and implanted in his heart the desire for ac- quiring inore knowledge. He speaks Russian, Pollsh, Lithuanian, English and Bohemian, all learned from contact with men. In addition, he writes English well and reads fluently. Whlle living in Russla he was a miner, but, believing he could do better in America, he came over in 1893 and located in Chicago. There he found employment In different Ilnes, until 1895, when he came to Springfield to begin

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

working in the coal mines. This was his oc- cupation for some years, until he embarked In a coal business, July 1, 1902. His previous ex- perience has served him well and he has de- veloped a large and constantly growing trade.

Mr. Gedman was married in Springfield, Oc- tober 30, 1899, to Emelia Valtioncys, born in Russia, where her parents died. She has a brother and sister in America, and came in 1899, to join Mr. Gedman. They had been sweethearts In their native land, and one of hls reasons for leaving was to prepare a home for her. Two children have been born to them, Julia, attending St. Mary's Academy, and John. Mr. Gedman belongs to St. Vincent De Paul's Church of Springfield, being a consistent Cath- olic. He is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Society, Eagles and the Lithuanian Citizens Club, and has belonged to the Guards of Grand Duke Vitaugh. Independent in politics, he votes for the men and principles he believes best suited to secure the interests of the people. His success is something of which he has every reason to be proud, for he Is essentialiy a self-made man, and one who has had to struggle hard for all he possesses. It is such men who form the backbone of the nation and support it in any emergency.

GEHLMAN, Samuel Henry .- The Gehlman fam- ily has been identified with the progress and development of Springfield, Ill., since 1849, when the father of Samuel Henry Gehlman io- cated there and established himself in business as a contractor. Samuel H. Gehlman was born in Petersburg, Menard County, Ill., May 21, 1851, son of Ernest F. and Mary ( Sidener) Gehlman. E. F. Gehlman was for thirty years a successful contractor and erected some of the largest and best stores and resideuces of the older portion of Springfield. In Company with his son, S. H. Gehlman, he erected the main building of the Illinois State University, at Champaign, Ill.

Samuel H. Gehlman was educated in the pub- lic schools of Springfield, and after leaving school became employed as bookkeeper and clerk. He worked some time in company with his father, but has now established himself In tile real estate business on his own account, and has met with gratifying success. He has aiways been a Republican in politics, and fra- ternally is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Order of Fiks. For the past forty years Mr. Gehlman has been a member of the Presby- terlan Church, and he is interested in every measure for the public benefit. He takes an ac- tive interest in local politics and public affairs and is an enterprising citizen. He has spent most of his life in Springfield, where he has a reputation for business sagacity and reliability, and has a large number of friends.

Mr. Ghelman was married, September 30, 1872, to Miss Nettie L. Lasswell, who was born December 9, 1851, daughter of John Lasswell,

who was born In Saugaiuon County and spent his entire life there. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gehlman, namely : Virginia Mary, May 23, 1874; Howard L., December 16, 1876; Janetta, January 30, 1887; John Alcxan- der, August 30, 1892. Mrs. Gehlman died No- vember 26, 1906. The famlly reside at 707 South Dougias Avenue, Springfield.

GEHRMANN, Charles A., is now iiving retired from active life in his pleasant home at 1021 North Third Street, Springfield, Ill., where he has about three acres of ground, laid out in a beautiful park. The place is adorned with or- namental trees, flowering shrubs, choice fruit trees, and with giant forest trees rising with ancient grandeur. Evergreens, some sixty feet high, spread their dark green branches over the extensive lawn, and benches underneath invite one to repose, while admiring the beauti- ful prospect. The house contains many original paintings, some from Mr. Gehrmann's own brush and some executed by his children. The home contains a large library and there are various musical instruments which show evi- dence of daily use. It Is a model home, with every comfort and many luxuries.

Mr. Gehrmann is a native of Nordhausen, Germany, born August 1, 1835, son of Frederick August and Christlana (Klemm) Gehrmann. His father was born in Nordhausen and his mother iu Haynrode, Germany, he August 24, 1804, and she January 6, 1811. They owned a farm at Nordhausen and were parents of four children, of whom but two are living: Charles A., of this sketch, and Theodore A., who has two sons, Dr. Adolph G. and Felix G. Dr. Adolph G. Gehrmaun Is connected with the Columbia Laboratory, of Chicago, and Felix G. is a large buyer in the stock yards in that city. Frederick A. Gehrmann and his wife died in Germany.

The boyhood and early youth of Charles A. Gehrmann were spent in his native country, where he received an excellent education and a thorough training for business, becoming a clerk in one of the leading dry goods stores of Potsdam, and later belng employed by Herman Gerson, of Berlin, where his knowledge of the English and French ianguages brought him into contact with the foreign customers, especially the trade of Russia. On one occasion he became the recipient of a fine gold watch from the Empress of Russia in acknowledgment of serv- ices rendered. Having a desire to see the world, he made arrangements to enter the em- ploy of a London house, but on reaching Ham- burg altered his plans and, contrary to the wishes of his parents, came to America. He tried to buy a ticket on the ill-fated "Austria," but finding them ali sold, he and a friend came over in another vessel, the trip consuming six weeks. The first news he heard on his arrival in New York was of the burning of the "Austria" in mid-ocean, but ten persons being saved of about one thousand on board. Mr.

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Gehrmann spent some months very pleasantly, traveling through the northern part of the country and going as far as the source of the Mississippi, where he found excellent hunting ground, and visiting the larger cities of the region. He finally located in Springfield in 1858. The primitive conditions he found in that place, as compared with some of the larger cities he had visited, aroused his interest and con- vinced bim it would be a good location for a husiness. He did not believe in spending his iife as a cierk, and to those who later worked under him he would say, "Save one thousand dollars; accomplish this and we will talk about your future." Many who followed his advice are today rich and prosperous merchants, either in Springfield or elsewhere. He believes a clerk should have an ambitiou to hecome proprietor of some business of his own, and has helped many to realize such an ambition.

By close attention to the needs of his busi- less, hard work and liberai dealing, Mr. Gehr- mann built up an extensive dry-goods trade, at No. 113 on the west side of The Square. In 1882 he bought out the old John Williams dry- goods store, at No. 507 on the north side of The Square, which he occupied until the purchase of his place on the west side. He was able to retire from active business life January 1, 1906, having at that time many warm friends, who gave him their entire respect and esteem. He left the business world with the good will of all. In 1876 he hecame a prominent member of the Merchants' and Shippers' Association, of Springfield, which was largely instrumental in securing an Interstate Railroad Commission. He was for eighteen years a member of the Springfield Board of Education, and was the originator of the idea of a training school for manuai lahor in the schools of the city, which has been so successfully and thoroughly in- stalled there. It hegan with four pupils and now has about one hundred thirty-five, some of its graduates having won distinction in indus- trial discoveries and projects. He believes in the necessity of manufacturing goods at home and strongly advises the training of home talent into industrial and productive work, thus doing away with the necessity of "buying brains" from outside. He is a Mason, being affiliated with Eiwood Commandery No. 6, K. T., and also belongs to Capital Lodge No. 14. Knights of Pythias. In 1875 Mr. Gehrmann was made an honorary member of the Governor's Guard, which had been founded the previous year. W. D. Richardson was President and E. S. Johnson Commander of same.

Aprii 12. 1862, Mr. Gehrmann married Miss Minnie Jahnke, a resident of Springfield, who was horn in Berlin, Germany, June 23, 1844. She accompanied her parents to the United States when she was quite young. She de- parted this life October 31, 1886, leaving five children, namely: Charles A., a professor of chemistry and a mining engineer, owns several inines in Colorado and Nevada ; Clara M. mar-

ried F. W. Sutton, of Keniiworth, Iii .; Eila G., Adele and Paul M. The family are members of the German Lutheran Church and highly esteemed in social circles. Mrs. Gehrmann was much beloved by all who knew her, being of a kind and loving disposition and one of those faithfui women whose chief pleasure in life consists in making the home a place of com- fort and peace for husband and children, and who have always a kind word for the unfor- tunate and a smile for those who are struggling against adverse circumstances. Mr. Gehrmann has a brother, Theodore A., who is a retired business man of Chicago; a cousin, Charles G., of Montclair, N. J .; and another cousin, C. W. Klemm, of Bloomington, Iil.

Mr. Gehrmann is now over seventy-six years old, but has never abused his body by the use of liquor or by other bad habits, and is in com- plete possession of all his mental and physical faculties. He greatly enjoys watching boys at their fishing and likes to care for his garden, in which he 'takes great pride. He has great love for his native country and takes much comfort in his linguistic knowiedge, through which, to use his own words, "The whole world lies before me, and it is satisfactory to answer the old question 'Why?' quickly and correctly." He is fond of nature and natural scenery and has written several poems along this line for local German papers, many of which have been translated into English. One of these, "Bob White," which he considers one of his best, was suggested by scenes in Sangamon County. His wise, temperate manner of living was instilled into his mind by his grandfather, who reared him carefully and strictly, and there is no period of his life upon which be looks back with regret or with the feeling that he would have done well to act or speak in a manner other than he did.

GIBSON, David L., an enterprising and public- spirited citizen of Springfield, Ili., may always be counted on to do his share in promoting any movement which is for the general welfare of the public. Mr. Gibson was horn in Mercer County. Ky., September 21, 1840, son of James B. and Fannie Violett Gibson, the former a na- tive of Owen County, Ky., born in 1805, and the latter of Virginia. The father was a far- mer and moved with his family to Missouri in 1846, and the mother died there the following year. James B. Gibson moved to Decatur, Ill., in 1867 and died there in 1872. The father of James B. Gihson was a native of North Carolina and was an carly settler in Kentucky.

The childhood of David L. Gibson was spent on a farm in Clark County, Mo., and he there attended the country schools. Upon leaving school he assisted his father with the work of carrying on the farm. He served from June to Septemher, 1861, in the Home Guards of Mis- souri, and enlisted at Ciinton. Ill., in August. 1862, in Company D, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry, under Coloncl Snell, serving

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three years and being mustered out at Salis- bury, N. C., June 26, 1865. Mr. Gibson proved himself to be a brave and faithful soldier and in the performance of duty participated in the battles of Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, Raleigh, Salisbury, Knoxville, and many others. He was with Sherman's army. Mr. Gibson is reason- ably proud of his record and won the highest esteem of his comrades. He belongs to Stephen- son Post G. A. R. Upon his discharge from the army he returned to Clinton. In 1872 he moved to Kansas, thence to Missouri in the same year, and returned to Illinois in 1874, having since iived in Sangamon County. He learned the trade of carpenter and now follows same with excellent success. In early life he devoted his attention to farming. In politics he is a Re- publican and he is a member of the Christian Church.

Mr. Gibson was married in Macon County, Ill., January 25, 1869, to Miss Jemima Simpson, born in Sangamon County, Oct. 25, 1850, daugh- ter of Jordan and Clarissa (Sayer) Simpson, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of New Jersey. Six children blessed this union, namely: Frank, born September 14, 1869; Lydia B., January 16, 1872; Emma, Aug. 27, 1879; Grace, November 13, 1883; George Wil- liam, born March 3, 1874, died November 29, 1894; Nellie, born 1876, died in March, 1879. Mr. Gibson is a man who takes great interest in the welfare of his family and friends, and is a favorite among his acquaintances on ac- count of his cheerful disposition and sterling traits of character. He is genuinely liked by all who have had dealings with him and has won many personai friends in Springfield. He lives in a very comfortable home at 1118 North West Grand Avenue.

GIBSON, John T., a retired teamster 'living jnst outside the city of Springfield, is a veteran of the Clvii War and is weil known as a use- ful, public-spirited cltizen. He was born in Hamilton, Ohio, son of Hiram and Mary Ann. (Milier) Gibson, the father born in Kentucky, in 1818, and the mother in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1820. Hlram Gibson was a biacksmith by trade and he and his wife came to Illinois in 1858, settling at Greenup, Cumberland County, Ill., where they lived two years, then located at Charleston, Coles County, where the father died in 1863, belng buried at that piace. Mrs. Gibson moved to Vandalla, Ili., In the spring of 1866, lived there fourteen years, then moved to Springfield and lived there until her death, In 1891. She Is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

The education of John T. Gibson was re- ceived In the pubilc schools of Illinois, and the first one he attended was held in a log build- ing. He lived at home until the death of his father. In 1862 Mr. Gibson enlisted In Com- pany A, Fifth Illinois Cavalry, remaining two months in Camp Butler, January 15, 1863, they left for Pilot Knob, Mo., where they joined their regiment. Their first serious engagement was

at Vicksburg, and they spent about sixty days on this campaign. After the surrender of Pem- berton, July 4, 1863, they moved on to Big Black River, where they took part in a fight, spent a short time at Champion Hills, and had a three days' engagement at Jackson, Miss. They went on to Meridian, then came back to Vicksburg and spent about two months there, went on to Memphis, Tenn., where they re- mained about two months, then went on to Natchez, Miss., where there was some skirmish- ing. At the close of the Meridian campaign they went to Alexandria, La., thence to Hemp- stead, Tex., where they remalned a couple of months, then got orders to be mustered out and returned to Camp Butler, Iil., where they re- ceived their honorable discharge in October, 1865. Mr. Gibson served ably and faithfully and was never captured, but was wounded at the Battle of Big Black River and spent three months In the hospital. Upon his return, at the close of the war, he engaged in teaming and bullt up a good business. He now Ilves retired in his home at the northeastern limits of Springfieid. He is a member of the Pres- byterian Church and in Politles is a Republi- can. In 1909 he was elected to the office of Constable of Springfield Township. He was born May 23, 1848, and was only a boy when he enlisted in the service of his conntry.

Mr. Gibson was marrled at Charleston, Ill., October 26, 1866, to Miss Mary E. Bartholomew, who was born in Hocking Connty, Ohlo, March 2, 1844, daughter of David and Rachel Bar- tholomew, who came to Illinols in 1859. Mrs. Gibson's father died in 1876 and her mother in 1902, and both are buried in Oak Ridge Ceme- tery, Springfield. They first settled at Greennp, Cumberland County. They had eleven children, of whom four are now Ilving. Five children were born to Mr. Gibson and his wife, two sons and three daughters, namely: Ida May, born July 10, 1867, wife of Frank Wlider, who is employed at Striffler's Ice Plant, Springfield, where he has worked the past six years, and four children died young. Mr. Wilder and his wife have one child, Blddy Bell, born November 12, 1900.

GIESE, Gustav, a substantiai and enterprising German-American citizen of Springfield, Ill., has resided in his present home at 1104 East Lau- rel Street, since 1884, and during that time has witnessed many changes and improvements in the community. Mr. Glese is a native of a vil- lage in Prussia, Germany; born October 23, 1845, and spent his early life in his native conn- try, on his father's farm and in the German army. He is a son of John and Annie ( Sailer) Giese, both natives of Germany, who were life- long residents of their native conntry, where both died. John Giese served under King Wil- liam in the Prussian Army. He and his wife had seven children.

The education of Gustav Glese was acquired in his native village and in 1866 he entered the

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Prussian Army, under King William, serviug two years. Ile again eulisted iu 1871, serving auother two years, after which he sailed for America, landing in New York June 7, 1873. Me spent bnt a short time in New York, theu removed to Springfield, which has since beeu his home. He worked three years iu the brick yard of Iferman Master, then entered the employ of the North Shatt Coal Company, where he re -. mained twenty-seven years. For the past seven years he has been retired froui more active labor and has been engaged In gardening; In which line he has met with gratifying success. He has always been industrious and thilfty aud has been fortunate iu his investments, now own- iug his home and other city property. He is interested in anything he believes will benefit the community iu general aud is a useful and patriotic citizen of his adopted country. In politics he is a Republican and he is affiliated with the order of Loyal Americans. He Is a member of the German Lutheran Church.

Mr. Giese was marrled (first), iu Spring- field, January 1, 1881, to Miss Yochemig, born In Springfield, daughter of Morris aud Mary Yochemig, and they became parents of five children. She died April 25, 1895, and Mr. Giese married (secoud) in 1899, Mrs. Elizabeth Cleland, born in Scotland, October 4, 1847, daughter of Johu and Jane Campbell. Her parents both died in Scotland. Mr. Glese and his first wife had children as follows: Louisa, residing in Chicago; Emma, wife of William Walther, also of Chicago; Frank and Gnstav, of Springfield, and Henry, of Indiana. Mr. Giese and his wife are well known in Spring- field, where they have a large number of per- sonal friends.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 59

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