Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 60

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

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GIGER, Henry Douglas (deceased) .- Faithful service as a public official Is more rare than it ought to be, aud consequently deeply appre- ciated whenever found. The late Henry Dou- glas Giger, who for nine years was Chlef Deputy of County Clerk Opal, of Saugamon County, was a man against whose public and private life no word of censure could ever be uttered. He was a native of the county, having been born on a farm iu Cooper Township, September 18, 1861, a sou of Benjamin Giger. The latter was born on the same farm, In January, 1827, his father Henry Glger, having been among the very early settlers of that part of the State. Ben- jamin Giger died on the homestead, October 14, 1909, having beeu a consistent member of the First Methodist Church at Buckhart for many years. He was twice marrled, his first wife having been Margaret Kirk, who died when Henry Douglas Glger was only seven years old. He was the youngest of the three children she bore her husband, the others being: Luella, who died at the age of four years, and Edward, now living on the home farm. The second wife of Benjamin Giger was Mary Johnson, who survives him, making her home In Springfield.

Henry Douglas Giger received an excellent

education, attending the public schools of his neighborhood and Brook's Institute of Spring- field, and being reared to farm work at the same time. Ou November 24, 1887, he mar- ried Ida McCune, of Rochester, daughter of the late Johu McCune, who was born iu Kentucky, but came to Illinois iu young manhood, locating ou a farin which his father had eutered. His death occurred In Rochester, iu September, 1897. His wife was Jane Baker, a mnost estim- able lady. After marriage Mr. Giger taught school several terms and, becoming prominent in politics, served as Towuship Treasurer and Supervisor, at the same time continuing his farm work. Wheu appointed Chief Deputy by County Clerk Opal, Mr. Giger moved to. Spring- field, where he bullt a comfortable liome, and In it his death occurred, on August 28, 1907. Like his father, he died firm in the faith of the Methodist Church, of which he had long beeu an active and valued member. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, upholding party principles upon all occasions. Fraternally he was an Odd Fellow and a Woodman. Mrs. Giger and their four children : Gertrude, now Mrs. Roy Cau- hau, of Springfield; Frank C., a student of the high school ; Eva and Agnes, both at home, sur- vive him.

Faithful to the duties of his office, a kind father and devoted husband, Mr. Giger's loss was deeply felt by the whole community, for such men are not easily spared. His services to his office as well as those to his churchi brought him into contact with many, aud none failed to find him accommodatlug and loyal to what he believed were the best interests of all concerned.

GILBERT, A. D. (deceased), who served nearly eighteen years as Postmaster of Illlopolis, Ill., for several years conducted a general store in that village, and was well known and highly esteemed in hls part of Sangamou County. He was well known in church and Masonle clreles and was a man who readily made frlends and retained thelr good will. He was a Christlan and a gentleman, and his memory Is tenderly revered by his famlly. He left a widow, three children and several grandchildren. He was born in Portage County, Ohlo, April 10, 1828, a son of Jabez and Ollve (Danlels) Gilbert, the former born in Connecticut and the latter In Massachusetts. The parents Ilved ou a farm in Ohlo, where both died, and of their slx children all are deceased. The father of Olive Daniels was a soldier in the Revolution.

A. D. Gilbert was educated In Hiram College, in his native State, and worked for his father on the farm as soon as he was old enough. At the age of seventeen years he began teaching school, and after spending one year at this profession In Ohlo came to the southern part of Illinols and taught there one year, then came to Sangamon County and taught for some time in the Lick Creek and Sugar Creek Schools, spending his summers at farm work. Whlle

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· teaching between Riverton and Dawson his fu- ture wife was one of his pupils. In 1868 he engaged in mercantile business in Illiopolis and the following year received the appoint- ment for the office of Postmaster, which he filled seventeen years and a half. He also conducted a store for two years previous to his death, which occurred in 1904. The family have made their home in the house they now occupy for forty-one years. Mr. Gilhert served many years as School Director and in politics was a Republican. He was a member of the Christian Church and the Masons. He hecame prominent in his community and always took an active interest in the cause of education and progress. He was a man of superior intelli- gence and good judgment and a most useful citizen.

Mr. Gilbert was married in Clear Lake Town- ship, September 14, 1858, to Nancy Harhert, born near LaFayette, Ind., September 11, 1838, daughter of Eli and Mary (Hulhert) Harhert, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Virginia. They moved from Ohio to Indiana and there both parents died. Mr. Harhert was a tanner and shoemaker. Three children were born to himself and his wife, namely: Samuel Harhert, of Illiopolis; Eli, on a farm in Sanga- mon County, and Mrs. Gilbert.

Children as follows were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert: Eli J., superintendent of a mine in California ; Olive, wife of William C. Gallo- way, a traveling salesman living in Chicago; Fannie, wife of George Smith, a real estate dealer of Lawrence, Kan. There are six grand- children in the family: Earl and Claire Gil- bert ; Massock, Paul and Richard Galloway, and Gilbert Smith. Mrs. Gilhert owns the home in Illiopolis, as well as other property.

GILBERT, Edward, who for many years was en- gaged in mining ventures, and whose experi- ence as a mine superintendent took him to vari- ous parts of the country, is now living retired, in Springfield. his home heing located at No. 1904 South Fifth Street. He is a native of Cornwali, England, horn February 18, 1840, a son of Richard and Elizabeth ( Roberts) Gil- bert.

The parents of Mr. Gilhert came to America in 1848, bringing a family of five children, and from Quehec, Canada, where they landed. made their way to Milwaukee, Wis., and thence by wagon to Galena, Ill., where they remained for five years, the father being engaged in mining. At the end of this time the father and the eldest son. John, went to the Island of Cuba, where they were engaged in copper mining, and there the father was accidentally killed, the son re- turning to the United States soon after, and eventually dying in the West. Another son now resides in Bowlder .. Colorado. ; a daughter, . Mrs. Fannie James, in Seattle, Wash .; and an- other daughter, Mrs. Jane Clemmens, in Cuha, Wis.

Edward Gilbert was educated in the schools

of Illinois, and first engaged in mining at Hazel Green, Wis., whence he went to the upper pen- insula of Michigan to engage in copper mining. He remained there about two and one-half years, and later inade a second trip there, re- maining ahout one year. He engaged in cop- per mining for about six months in Ducktown, Tenn., later was employed in the iron mines of Orange County, N. Y., and in 1859 went to North Adams, Mass., where he worked iu the Hoosac Tunnel. He spent the next six months in the coal mines of New Brunswick, where he met the Superintendent of the Springfield Min- ing Company, and on his return to the United States again went to work at copper mining in New Jersey. After some time spent in the mines of North Carolina, Mr. Gilbert enlisted as a soldier in the Civil War, and fought hravely from 1861 to 1864, in which latter year he re- turned to his old home in Galena. In 1865 he went to Colorado, where he was employed in gold, copper, silver and coal mines, and then went to the State of Virginia, where he was married. Several months afterwards he again went to Colorado, but in 1871 went to Hazel Green, Wis., and thereafter was engaged for more or less extended periods in Butler County, Iowa; in the Black Hills; in Colorado; again in Iowa; the lead mines of Joplin, Mo .; the coal mines of Pittsburg, Kan., and Parke County, Ind., and eventually went to Decatur, Ill., where he engaged in sinking the first mine lo- cated there. This was about the year 1879, and after one and one-half years there he went to Marietta, where he resided for a quarter of a century and was superintendent of the mines. He retired after a long and active career, and is considered a substantial citizen, having prop- erty in Springfield and Niantic, Ill. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and is a Republican in political views.

In 1867, Mr. Gilbert was married, in Cassel, Va., to Margaret Darnewood, who was horn in Virginia, and died in 1905, having been the mother of . three children, of whom one sur- vives, William E., book-keeper for the Franklin Life Insurance Company, of Springfield, who has two children-Evelyn and Adele.

GILLETT, Joseph E .- The manufacture of vehi- cles is one of the time-honored occupations and one without which our present state of civiliza- tion could not exist, for transportation has al- ways been a necessity to mankind. Although in these days of automobiles and steam and elec- tric cars, the manufacture of carriages, buggies and wagons is not carried on to such an ex- tent as in former years, still there are many uses to which these vehicles can and always will he put, and their manufacture will go down in the annals of time as one of the standard occu- pations. Joseph Gillett, who was for many years engaged in this line of work in Illinois, now living retired at No. 1823 East Capitol Avenue, Springfield, was horn May 31, 1835, at Dayton, Ohio, the son of Francis and Mary

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Gillett, natives of France. Francis Gillett, who was a stone manufacturer and quarry-man, came to America at an early date, and in 1828 opened a stone quarry at Dayton, Ohio, where he en- gaged in the same kind of business until his death. His bnrial took place at Dayton, and after this event his widow came to Jacksonville, Ill., where she resided with her son, Joseph E. until her death, in 1891, when she was eighty- four years of age.

Joseph E. Gillett, who is the only surviving child of his parents, was educated in Dayton, Ohio, and when a young man learned the car- riage-making trade, which he followed there nutil 1857, and in that year went to St. Louis, Mo. One year later, In 1858, he went to Jack- sonville, Ill., where he followed his chosen oc- cnpation for some time, later going to Columbia, Mo., bnt two years later locating in Spring- field, Ill. After several years spent at his trade in Springfield he returned to Jacksonville, and was there employed for some time In an offi- cial position in the Insane Hospital and the Deaf and Dninb Institute. For the past two years he has lived retired, having earned a com- petency. He is a Roman Catholic in religious belief and his politics are those of the Repub- lican party.

On November 7, 1862, Mr. Gillett was mar- ried, at Springfield, Ill., to Clara A. Robinson, who was born in Springfield in 1840, danghter of John and Mary Robinson. Mr. Robinson, who was born in Scotland, came to America and settled in Sangamon County at an early date, for several years conducting a saw-mill at Spring Creek. Both he and his wife are de- ceased. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gillett, namely: Thomas, who Is eu- gaged in the coal business in Springfield, and Mrs. Mary F. Murphy. of St. Louis, Mo. In the family there are four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

GLAREN, Maurice, a well-known citizen of Springfield, Ill., was born in County Waterford, Ireland, December 4, 1848, a son of Maurice and Johanna (Wade) Glaren, both natives of that connty. The father was a farmer by occu- pation and both parents died in Connty Water- ford, the father March 4, 1848, and the mother in 1863. Maurice Glaren was the youngest of seven children, namely : Michael, deceased ; James; Bridget ; Johanna, of Boston; two died young, and Manrice. All live in Ireland ex- cept Johanna and Maurice, and the sister Bridget made them a visit recently, but returned to her native land.

In boyhood Maurice Glaren attended the pub- lic schools of his native place and his work was done on a farm. He came to America In May, 1870. and located first at Charlestown, Mass., where he was employed at the water works two years, and in 1872, came to Springfield, Ill. He then engaged in work on the Ohlo & Mis- sissippi Railroad, now part of the Baltimore & Ohio Sonthwestern. In 1873 he purchased

about three lots in Springfield, on which stood a small cottage, and later erected his present com- fortable home. For thirty years he worked in the rolling mills of Springfield, becoming fore- man there, and later, until recently, was con- nected with the Springfield Gas Company.

Mr. Glaren was married in the Church of tlie Immaculate Conception, Springfield, by Father Brady, in 1873, to Margaret Foley, a native of County Waterford, Ireland, born December 1, 1852, daughter of Patrick and Catherine (Curran) Foley, both natives of that county and the mother born in 1831. Mr. Foley and his father, James Foley, were wealthy farmers and never left their native land. Mrs. Foley's father, Patrick Cnrran, was also a wealthy farmer and spent his entire life in Ireland. Patrick Foley died in 1864 and his widow in 1891, both passing away in Ireland. They were parents of three sons and four daughters, only two of whom now survive: William died in Ireland in 1890; Patrick came to the United States In 1881 and died at Springfield in 1901; Thomas died in Ireland ; Hannah, deceased, was the wife of Thomas Hawley, of Springfield and left eleven children; Anastasia is the wife of Richard St. John, of Springfield and they have three children; Mary came to Canada and died there recently ; Mrs. Glaren came to the United States alone in 1871.

Nine children have been born to Mr. Glaren and wife, namely : Patrick, born November 18, 1874; James L., born November 4, 1876; Mau- rice, born May 7, 1881; William J., born No- vember 15, 1884; John, born November 18, 1893, all under the parental roof; and four children who are deceased. Mr. Glaren is a member of the Roman Catholic Church and in St. Joseph Parish. He belongs to St. Joseph's Lodge of the Catholic Order of Foresters, and is also a member of the Court of Honor. In politics he is a Democrat. He is regarded as an upright, use- fnl citizen, and Is popular with his many friends.

GLEASON, James M .- The grocery trade of Springfield Is rapidly developing into one of the most important branches of industrial activity there. The demand for food-stuffs is growing, and careful honsewives, recognizing the neces- sity for careful marketing, owing to advanced prices and the increased cost of living, are di- recting their attention to those grocers upon whom they can depend, not only for fair prices, but for good material. No longer do they buy blindly, taking no heed as to quality. Investi- gations have shown her of the dangers that lurk in imperfectly prepared foods and she de- mands the best. One of the men who has pro- ven himself able to cope with these existing conditions, and to earn a fair profit for him- self. is James M. Gleason, of No. 1000 North Fourteenth Street.

Mr. Gleason was born at Cantrall, Ill., in 1883, being a son of Matthew and Margaret (Moore) Gleason, both of whom are now de- ceased. Mr. Gleasou was educated in the pnb-

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lic schools of his native place and, leaving school at the age of sixteen years, stored up vitality hy working on the home farm until he came to Springfield in 1902. He established himself in the grocery business at the corner of Fourteenth and Jefferson Streets, in 1902, and successfully carried It on nntil 1906, when he hnilt his present store, to which he transferred his stock. As yet he Is unmarried. His re- ligions connections are with St. Joseph's Cath- olic Church, of which he is a consistent mem- her. In political faithi he is a strong Demno- crat. Energetic, hard-working, a good hnyer and understanding thoroughly the possibilities of his business, Mr. Gleason is giving his custom- ers an excellent service and growing in pop- ularity.

GOLDFUSS, William, who for many years was well known in Springfield as being connected with the painting and contracting hnsiness, is now living retired, although holding a public position. He is a native of the Capital City, born June 12, 1872, a son of Paul and Margaret (Rapps) Goldfuss, natives of Germany, who left the Fatherland and located in Springfield, where the father was engaged in contracting and mason work.

The education of William Goldfuss was se- cured in the German Lutheran schools of Spring- field, and he spent his youth at home with his parents. On reaching the proper age he went to learn the palnter's trade, and this he fol- lowed, with contracting, for a number of years, or until his retirement from that business. He has always heen more or less of a leader in Democratic pollties in his community, although he has never cared to hold office. He is now serving as. watchman at the police station. With his mother and wife, he is living at No. 314 West Mason Street, where the family home is located, and all are well known in society circles and highly esteemed hy a large number of acquaintances. All three attend the German Lutheran Church and may he found ready at all times to assist in church and charitable move- ments.

On July 4 1899, at Decatur, Ill., William Goldfuss was unlted in marriage with Miss Olive May Tuel, who was horn in Newman. Iil. There have been no children born to Mr. and Mrs. Goldfnss, hut they have an adopted dangh- ter. Miss Elvin Goldfuss. Mr. Goldfuss was well and favorahly known In the trade of which he was a member, and for a long period served as foreman of the union in Springfield. He has never cared to associate himself with secret or fraternal organizations, preferring to give his spare time to hls famlly or his business.

GOMES, Eii, a lifelong resident of Springfield, Ill., was born on Tenth, hetween Reynolds and Mason Streets, in 1855, a son of Josephi Gomes, an old citizen of Springfield, who passed away there in 1902. The family is given more ex-

tended mention in connection with a sketch of John Gomes, to be found in this work. Joseph Gomes was a native of Madeira Island and came to the United States as a young man, iocating in North Carolina, whence he emi- grated to Springfield, Ill., about the middle of the nineteenth century. He worked in varions capacities for others for some years and later established himseif in mercantile business, retailing groceries and other goods. He lived to the age of elghty-one years. His wife, Johanna Gomes, was also a native of Madeira, as a young girl accompanied her par- ents to Springfield, Ill., and there her death oc- curred, at the age of seventy years. Nine chil- dren were born of this union: Joseph, de- ceased ; Eli; Eliza, Mrs. Martin, of Springfield ; Julia, Mrs. James Krim, of Springfield; Johanna, Mrs. John Reidner; Sarah, deceased, was the wife of Phillp De Frates; Virginia, Mrs. Kelley, deceased; David, living with his father, and Wilbert, deceased.

Eli Gomes received hut a limited education and early hegan working for his living, turning his attention and energy to any honest work hy which he might earn money. He has followed various occupations since reaching his majority and has been fairly successful, having acquired some property and won the respect of his fel- lows hy his npright, reliable disposition and his regard for the highest principles of honor. He was married to Miss Jennie Rodicks, of Spring- field. Mr. Gomes and his wife reside at 718 North Eleventh Street, where they have a com- fortable and well-appointed home. Children have been born to them as follows: Edward. of Springfield ; Ida, Mrs. T. Haynes; Stella ; Mary, Mrs. Frank Boehning; Mollie, wife of William Cort ; Wilhert and Joseph, at home. All live in Springfield. Mr. Gomes belongs to one of the old Portuguese families who have done so much in the npbuilding and development of the city of Springfield. He is a stanch Republican in polit- ical belief. He is well known as an industrious and usefnl citizen and has the highest esteem of all who have had dealings with him.

GOMES, John, an oid retired citizen of Spring- field, Ill., followed his trade of carpenter for forty years in the vicinity of Springfield and helped in the erection of many large buildings, business blocks, residences, etc., and has heen Identified with the development of the city since 1849. He was an enterprising and skillful work- man and formed many acquaintances and warm friends among his associates. Mr. Gomes was born on Madeira Island, sonthwest of the coast of Portugal, August 29, 1829, and spent his early childhood in his native place. He is a son of Frank and Martha Amelia Gomes, and after the death of his father accompanied his mother and sister Juana to the West Indies, where they remained one year and then came to the United States. Mrs. Gomes died in North Carolina and her son afterward went to New York City, and thence, by a devlous route,

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reached Springfield, Ill., where he has lived for more than sixty years.

After arriving in Springfield John Gomes learned the trade of carpenter with James Sut- ton, and afterward worked eleven years for the firm of Sutton Brothers & Runyan. He worked for many other firms in a similar line and be- came an expert carpenter. He is a stanch Re- publican and takes considerable interest in pub- lic affairs and Issues. He is considered a use- ful representative citizen, honest and upright in all his dealings. He married Julia Gomes, a daughter of Antion Gomes, a native of the Madeira Island, where she was born. The fa- ther died in Trinidad. They became parents of nine childreu, viz. : Ella, of Oshkosh, Wis .; John, deceased ; Joseph; Carrie, of Milwaukee, Wis .; Frank, of Springfield; Mary, of Iowa; James, died in Milwaukee. The family reside at 612 North Eleventh Street and attend the Presby- terian Church. Mr. Gomes is now living re- tired. His wife died about 1870, and he has never married again.

GOODPASTURE, Levi D., a successful and en- terprising business man of Springfield, has lived in that city most of the time since 1871, and is identified with its progress and growth. He is well established in the line of cement work contracting, and his enterprise is constantly enlarging. He was born in Menard County, Ill., January 28, 1855, son of William Bryan and Martha (Harville) Goodpasture, natives of Ten- nessee, the father born September 25, 1810, and the mother in February, 1815. The father was a farmer and came to Morgan County, Ill., in 1830, lived there five years, moved to Wayne County and lived there for a time, then moved to Menard County and lived there thirty years. His wife died in February, 1855. In 1871 he moved to Sangamon County and there spent the remainder of his days, passing away April 4, 1893. Ile is buried at Auburn, Ill. When he was a boy living near Salem, Ill., the old home of Abraham Lincoln, he split rails in company with the latter.

The school-house where Levi D. Goodpasture first went to school, near Middletown, Ill., is still standing. Upon leaving school he worked at farming and continued this occupation fifteen years, then moved to Chicago and was em- ployed two years in a baby-carriage factory. Returning to Sangamon County, he carried on farming three years at Auburn. He learned the trade of brick and stone mason and worked at it fourteen years. He realized the possibilities of cement work, and for the past eight years has been contracting in that line. The family reside at 931 West Governor Street, and Mr. Goodpasture owns eighty acres of excellent in- proved farm land in Dewitt County. He is well known and respected in business circles as a man of strict honesty and integrity. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and in politics is a Republican.

Mr. Goodpasture was married, in Auburn, Ill., December 3, 1874, to Miss Martha Fletcher, who was born February 11, 1855, daughter of Nathan and Margaret Fletcher, the former born in Kentucky, in 1816, and the latter in Menard County, Ill., September 7, 1828. Mr. Fletcher came to Illinois in 1820 and died March 29, 1906. Mrs. Fletcher dled in 1SSS, and both are buried in the old Fletcher Cemetery at Auburn. They were well known in Sangamon County, where they had lived many years and made many friends. Mr. Goodpasture and his wife became parents of children as follows : Della M., wife of Geer H. Truman, a machinist in the mines at Virden, Ill., was born May 8, 1878; Clyde, born May 15, 1SSS, shoe querchant at 620 East Adams Street Springfield ; Beulah Merle, born Novem- ber 23, 1896, living at home. Geer H. and Della (Goodpasture) Trumau have one child, Marian Ruth, born June 24, 1901.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 60

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