USA > Illinois > Cass County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Cass County, Volume II > Part 75
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WESSEL, Fred William .- Among the young business men of Beardstown, Ill., to whose en- terprise, skill and energy much of the prosperity of Cass County is attributable, one of the most meritorious is the above named gentleman, who is at the head of the well known firm of Wessel & Sons, contractors and builders.
Fred William Wessel is a native of Beards- town, where his birth took place June 10, 1SS2. He is a son of Fred and Angeline (Ivemayer) Wessel. His parents, both natives of Hanover, Germany, were joined in wedlock there on July 18, 1871, coming at once to the United States and settling at Beardstown, Ill. Their children were: Fred W .; John; Henry, who died in in- fancy ; Herman; Frank ; Elizabeth (Mrs. H. H. Krems), of Beardstown; and Ella (Mrs. Otto Gebig), of the same place.
In the old country the elder Wessel had learned the trade of cabinet-maker, at which he began to work on his arrival in America, entering the employ of Henry William Wohl- man. One year later, he was employed by Huge Bros., with whom he continued for seventeen years. At the end of this period, together with his cousin, Herman Wessel, he entered into the. contracting business, which they followed for a few years, when Herman Wessel's interests were purchased by Clamor Reller. For the next four years the new firm conducted the business, and then Fred H. Wessel bought Mr. Reller out, and continued in the partnership until the death of the elder Wessel on June 2, 1905. His son, Fred William Wessel, was then taken in as partner, and the latter's two brothers, Frank and Her- man, became members of the firm in 190S. Of these, Frank was born June 28, 1SS9; and Her- man, August 24, 1879. The business of the Wes- sel concern is done under the firm name of Wessel & Sons, and covers all kinds of building contracts. They are among the leading con- tractors in Beardstown, and operate a mill for their own direct purposes, and procure and finish any material necessary in their line of work. All the members of this concern are con- sidered honorable and reliable business men, and stand high as citizens, being respected by all who know them.
The marriage of Fred William Wessel took
place November 29, 1906, on which date he was wedded to Ella Guelker, a daughter of Charles and Anna (Boester) Guelker, natives of Ger- many. Mrs. Wessel was born in Beardstown. She has borne her husband the following chil- dren : Carl, born September 5, 190S; Mildred, born June 27, 1911; and Wilbur, born February 9, 1912.
The Wessel family are members of the Ger- man Lutheran church. Fred William Wessel is a chapter Mason, and belongs also to the M. W. A. and the K. O. T. M.
WESSEL, John W., who carries on a general blacksmithing and implement business at Beards- town, is one of the substantial men of Cass County, and one who stands well with the public. He was born at Beardstown, March 23, 1880, a son of Fred and Ella (Ivemeyer) Wessel, natives of Germany. The father and mother came to the United States on their wedding trip, and re- mained here. He was a contractor and builder. A history of the Wessel family is given in this work.
John W. Wessel was educated in the schools of Beardstown, and learned the blacksmithing trade with a man named Hood, for whom he worked six or seven years. He then established himself in a similar business in July, 1902, in partnership with a Mr. Goehrig, which continued until the latter's death, February 16, 1911, when Mr. Wessel bought his interest. He is a very skilled mechanic and has been exceptionally successful along his line. In addition to his business, Mr. Wessel owns his residence at No. 311 W. Seventh street, Beardstown.
On May 23, 1901, Mr. Wessel was married at Beardstown, to Elizabeth Davidsmeyer, born in Hanover, Germany, February 17, 1881, a daugh- ter of John and Hannah Davidsmeyer, both of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Wessel have two chil- dren, namely : Verna J. M., born February 2, 1907; and Viola L. E., born June 9, 1909. In politics he is a Democrat, while in religious faith he is a Lutheran. A man of abounding good nature, Mr. Wessel is a welcome addition to any gathering and counts his friends in hosts.
WHITE, Clarence J .- No man in Cass County stands any higher in public estimation than Clarence J. White, merchant miller and mem- ber of the firm of Schultz, Banjan & Co. of Beardstown, for he has won his place here by honorable business methods and convincing per- sonality. He was born in Green County, Wis., August 10, 1880. a son of Joseph W. and Villa (Schrack) White, natives of Green County, Wis., and Stephenson County, Ill. The father was a son of Obadiah J. White, who came from Connecticut, traveling down the Ohio River in a flatboat, landing at Cincinnati, Ohio, from whence lie went by stage to Green County, Wis., there entering land to the amount of 640 acres, from the government, the patent papers being signed by President Martin Van Buren, and one-half of the land lie acquired remains in the family to this day. He became a distinguished
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man, serving in the territorial legislature for two terms.
Clarence J. White attended the district schools of Cass County, and the Monroe High school, following which he went to the Univer- sity of Wisconsin. From this institution he se- cured the degree of A. B., and he took a law course at Harvard University, from which he secured a degree of LL. B. For a year he taught school but after he was admitted to the bar he practiced his profession at Chicago for five years. Feeling that better opportunities awaited him in Cass County, he came to Beards- town and entered his present firm. In politics he is a Republican. He was reared in the faith of the Evangelical church.
On February 27, 1907, Mr. White was married at Beardstown to Oliva J. Schultz, born in Cass County, November 19, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. White have had two sons : John J. and Robert J. Mr. White owns the comfortable family resi- dence at Beardstown where the friends of the family are cordially entertained.
WHITENACK, Joseph R., a retired farmer and stockraiser, of Ashland, Cass Couuty, Ill., is very well and favorably known throughout that portion of the county where his residence is situated, and where he carried 'on farming and stockraising successfully for a number of years. He is a bachelor, and having amassed a snug competency, has retired from active pursuits while still in the prime of life, making his home with his sister, Mrs. Lizzie Whitenack Reynolds, widow of Joseph Reynolds, on a farm of 14S acres located in section 23, township 18, range S, Cass County.
Mr. Whitenack is a native of Cass County, where lie was born February 9, 1868, a son of Joseph Whitenack, born in New Jersey, Decem- ber 25. 1836, aud Elizabeth (Drake) Whitenack, born in the same state, March 17, 1832. The father was a farmer and stockraiser. Iu 1856 Joseph Whitenack and wife came from New Jersey to Illinois, aud they lived and farmed in Menard County about two years, moving then to Cass County, where they spent the remainder of their lives, and reared a family. He passed away in 1903, his wife having died in 1877. They had seven sons and three daughters, the first two born in Menard County, and the others in Cass. Their names are as follows: Joseph R .: John O .; George R .: Anna (Whitenack) Schrimsker, who is in Kansas; Mattie (White- nack) Haywood, in Cass County ; Charles H., in Oklahoma : Lizzie (Whitenack) Reynolds, in Cass County: William, of Iowa; Edward, of Menard Couuty; and Walter, who died in in- fancy.
Joseph R. Whitenack passed his childhood on the homestead place, received his early educa- tion in the country schools. and then weut to work on the farm, continuing this until the time of his retirement. He rents out his farm in section 2S in the same township, which is very productive land and highly improved. He has traveled considerably in this country and has
made one trip to the western states. Mr Whitenack is a man of very pleasant manners, agreeable and sociable to all. In politics he acts with the Democratic party.
WIDMAYER, Edward R .- Cass County has in its offices some of the most representative men of this locality. They have been placed there by a discriminating public who appreciates the fact that good blood shows and that those who come of honorable stock can be counted upou to serve the public faithfully and well. The Wid- mayer family is well represented, for it has in its ranks a sheriff and a deputy sheriff, father and son. The latter, Edward R. Widmayer, is a native of the county, boru here May 26, 1SS4, a sou of Ernest P. Widmayer.
After completing his common school course, Mr. Widmayer eutered the Virginia High school, and graduated therefrom with the class of 1903. Following this, he entered upon his business career, and for seven years was in the meat business. In the meanwhile his father was elected sheriff of the county, and the latter se- lected his sou to assist him in discharging the duties of that office. Deputy Sheriff Widmayer is not married, and makes his home with his father. The fraternal relatious of Mr. Wid- mayer are with the Masons. The Methodist church holds his membership, and benefits from his euergetic assistance. In politics he is a Democrat, and his work in the ranks of his party has received due appreciation. A booster for his home place, a capable official, and con- scientious mau, Mr. Widmayer is justly rauked among the leading residents of Virginia and valued citizens of Cass County.
WIDMAYER, Ernest P. (deceased), was a vet- eran of the Civil war aud for many years was prominent in Cass County and a leading factor iu politics. During the long period that he served in public office, he steadfastly discharged his duties iu a manner that kept him high in public favor. He came to Cass County from Jacksonville, Ill., in 1877, with his brother, Robert E. Widmayer, aud they engaged in the livestock business and general farming. having large interests iu shipping. Mr. Widmayer with- drew from the firm in April, 1912, in order to devote his entire attention to the duties of his office. in 1910 having beeu a second time elected sheriff of Cass County.
Ernest P. Widmayer was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, May 5. 1849, and died at Virginia, Ill., January 29, 1915. He was a sou of Jacob and Fredericka ( Hochstetter) Widmayer, na- tives of Wurttemberg, Germany, who emigrated to the United States in 1854 and located at Niagara Falls, N. Y., after a voyage of fifty-four days on a sailing vessel. The father died dur- ing the same year, leaving his wife with many children : Fredericka and Caroline, both de- ceased ; Charles, formerly sheriff of Morgan County, Ill., now deceased; Louise. deceased ; William, a resident of Kane County, Ill. ; Minnie, a resident of California; Gottlieb, who met a
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
soldier's death in the Civil war in 1863, and was buried the same day a brother was wounded at the battle of Corinth; Ernest P., now deceased, and Robert E.
Ernest P. Widmayer was five and one-half years old when he accompanied his parents to the United States, and three years later came with his mother to Kane County, Ill., settling on a farm near Elgin. There he was residing at the time of his enlistment for service in the Civil war, February 8, 1864, in Company K, Fifty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which organization he served one and one-half years, being with General Sherman on his famous march to the sea and subsequently par- ticipating in the grand review at Washington, D. C. He was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 6, 1865, and one week later received his honorable discharge at Chicago, Ill. He was a valued member of Downing Post No. 288, Grand Army of the Republic.
Mr. Widmayer began his connection with official life in 1898, when he was first elected sheriff of Cass County, a position in which he served for four years. In 1902 he was elected assessor and treasurer, and held these offices for one term. Again, in 1910, he was given the shrievalty, and continued to discharge the duties of his office in a conscientious, faithful and cour- ageous manner. He was a member of the Mod- ern Woodmen of America, of which he had been a trustee for a number of years.
On January 2, 1872, Mr. Widmayer was mar- ricd to Miss Matilda Ream, a native of Kane County, Ill., and daughter of Levi and Mag- dalena (Shoemaker) Ream, her father being a soldier in the Civil war in the same company with Mr. Widmayer, while a cousin and three uncles were also with that organization. To Mr. and Mrs. Widmayer there were born eight chil- dren : Charles Albert, deceased, who at death left a widow and three children; Cornelia, who is the wife of D. F. King, of Springfield ; Clara, who died in infancy ; Florence, who is the wife of Leslie Atkins, of Springfield; Lee, who is a resident of Virginia, Ill .; Edward R., who is deputy sheriff of Cass County ; Rose, who is the wife of H. A. Breeden; and Walter, who is in the newspaper business and connected with the Virginia Gazette, who married Pearl McDon- nell.
WIDMAYER, George Henry, assistant cashier of the Petefish-Skiles Bank, of Virginia, and township school treasurer, is one of the best examples of the younger generation of business men in Cass County. He was born at Vir- ginia, this county, February 28, 1880, a son of Robert E. and Cornelia C. (Wiegand) Widmayer. He attended the public schools and was grad- uated from the Virginia High school in 1897, and during 1897-S, attended the University of Illinois. After coming back to Virginia, he was associated with his father in the livestock busi- ness, in this way becoming well known in his young manhood to his fellow citizens, and through his business success and pleasant per-
sonality secured such public confidence that he was made deputy sheriff, in December, 1898, and served as such for four years under his uncle, who was then sheriff of Cass County. In 1903, when his uncle became assessor, he was made his deputy. By this time he had still further proven his worth, and on September 1, 1903, was made bookkeeper of the Petefish-Skiles Bank, of Virginia, thus acting until in 1906, when he was elected assistant cashier, and still holds that responsible office. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and having passed all the chairs was elected as representative to the Grand Lodge for 1914. In addition he belongs to the Red Men and the Elks of Jacksonville, and is very popular in both orders. The Church of Christ holds his religious membership, and he is a deacon in it, as well as secretary and treas- urer of its official board.
On December 14, 1909, Mr. Widmayer was married to Bertha Frances Biddlecome, a daugh- ter of Horace H. and Laura (Davis) Biddle- come. A man of more than average ability, Mr. Widmayer has made his influence felt in every situation in which he has found himself and is one of the dominant factors in the life of the busy city in which he has practically spent his life.
WIDMAYER, Robert Everhart, for a number of years the senior member of the firm of Wid- mayer & Bro., dealers in the best grade of draft horses, and shippers of same to the St. Louis market, is one of the progressive business men of Virginia and also a farmer of some note, farming 160 acres of land in Cass County. He was born in Germany, August 29, 1853, a son of Jacob and Frederica (Hochstetter) Wid- mayer. The family set sail for America in February, 1854, in an old fashioned sailing vessel, and were ten weeks on the ocean. Upon their arrival in the new land, they went to Niagara Falls, and there the father died. Later on the family went to Kane County, Ill., where they resided until Robert E. was thirteen years old.
Robert E. Widmayer then left home and going to Jacksonville, the same state, spent four years there in the meat business. Following that he went to Merced Connty, Cal., and in working at his trade of butchering there he gained much valnable experience which he has since put to practical application. After four years of this kind of work. he returned to Jacksonville, Ill., and in the spring of 1877, embarked in a mcat business in partnership with his brother Ernest, the firm packing pork, and feeding and shipping cattle at Virginia, 111. In conjunction with their live stock business, they opened and con- ducted their meat market on the corner oppo- site the square, where they were located for over thirty-five years. At one time their trade was so heavy that the C. P. & St. Lonis Rail- road gave them a train of twenty-four cars from Virginia to Chicago, which were filled with cattle of their own feeding. At another time the firm sold a Peoria man nine cars of live
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
stock. They were the heaviest shippers of cat- tle from their locality. During the past twenty year's, they have shipped many head of cattle and for several years handled from 2,000 to 3,000 feeders and stockers, and Robert E. Wid- mayer had this end of the business in charge. At present he is by himself and deals in cattle and hogs for the St. Louis and Chicago mar- kets. Mr. Widmayer superintends and culti- vates a fine 160-acre farm in Cass County, in connection with his stock business.
On May 7, 1879, he married Cornelia C. Wie- gand, a daughter of Leopold and Sophia (Reade- bush) Wiegand. They had five children as fol- lows: George; Edna, who died at the age of twenty years and six months; Alma; Harold, who died at the age of six months; and Helen. Helen resides with her parents. George is in the Petefish-Skiles Bank of Virginia. Alma is now Mrs. Albert W. Morse, and lives at Chan- dlerville, Ill. Mr. Widmayer belongs to the Modern Woodmen and the Maccabees. The family belong to the Christian church, in which Mrs. Widmayer is a deaconess and an active
worker. Several terms has Mr. Widmayer served Virginia as alderman, and he was on the school board for three terms. He is a man of importance at Virginia, and is much inter- ested in the progress of the city.
WILLIAMS, Thomas R .- Cass County has some very substantial farmers who are bending their energies to make this section one of the most important ones in the state from an agricultural standpoint. That they are succeeding, the pros- perity of men like Thomas R. Williams, farmer and thresher, goes to prove. He was born at Bertie. N. C., June 1. 1850, a son of Williamson A. and Margaret (Thomas) Williams, the for- mer born January 12, 1812, both being natives of North Carolina. The father was a farmer who lived in North Carolina until he came to Cass County, Ill., where he bought a farm of 120 acres and the family settled upon it.
Thomas R. Williams grew up amid rnral sur- roundings, and attended the schools of his dis- trict. Although he farms 600 acres of land, he makes his home at Bluff Springs, where he owns his residence. Ever since the organiza- tion of the Beardstown State Bank, Mr. Wil- liams has been a director. For three years he served as a school director. He belongs to Bluff Springs Camp, M. W. A. No. 489, and he is a Methodist in religious faith.
In 1873 Mr. Williams was married to Eliza- beth Reichert. and they had three children: Charles F., John F. and Howard L. On Feb- ruary 14, 1900, MIr. Williams was married in Cass County to Elizabeth Wright of Cass County. Her parents were farming people. Mr. Williams is a man who devotes himself to his business, but he enjoys his social relations and has many warm personal friends.
WILLIAMSON, Thomas S .- One of the oldest citizens of Cass County. Ill., both in age and period of residence, is Thomas S. Williamson,
whose time of arrival in this section is sug- gestive of pioneer conditions in western Illinois, and the manner of his making the journey par- took of the primitive means of travel prevail- ing in the early days of the country's settlement. Wonderful changes have taken place since the birth of Mr. Williamson, and stored amid the treasures of his memory are countless recollec- tions of scenes and events most interesting to those of later generations who have profited through the results of his experience. The birth of Thomas S. Williamson took place in Oldham, England, November 15, 1819, where he received mental training in the district schools in boy- hood days, and his parents were James and Sarah (Smith ) Williamson.
On October 3. 1842, Mr. Williamson was united in marriage with Mary Needham, a daughter of John and Rebecca Needham, and they set sail for the United States on Novem- ber 10, 1842, and after spending six weeks on their passage across the ocean, they landed at New Orleans, La., whence they journeyed by boat to St. Louis, Mo. From that point they traveled by stage to Jacksonville, Ill., and on January 1, 1843, reached Virginia, Cass County, Ill. During the next March Mr. Williamson re- turned to Jacksonville, where he was employed for seven years at whatever kind of work he could secure, after which he followed well dig- ging one year. In Jannary, 1851, he moved on a farm which he had bought in Cass County, where he remained until April 24, 1890, when he re- tired from active pursuits, and established his home in Virginia. After moving to the city, he rented his 375 acre farm, fully improved as the result of his labors for many years. Mrs. Wil- liamson, his faithful companion during this long period of travel and toil, passed away Augnst 2S, 1909. Their children are as follows: Sarah, who lives with her father; Elizabeth (Mrs. John Hamilton), a widow, whose home is in Virginia ; John, who lives in Cass County ; Mary (Mrs. Marion Rose), a widow, living with her father ; James, of Rockford, Mich .; and Emma, who is also one of the home group.
In politics Mr. Williamson has been long iden- tified with the Republican party, though never seeking office. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a trus- tee for many years. Mr. Williamson is one of the most estimable of the surviving characters of a former generation, and a man whose high character and honorable record command the highest respect.
WILSON, John Newton (deceased) .- For many years John Newton Wilson was a dominant factor in the life of Virginia, and his memory is still cherished by his former associates who remember his many excellent qualities and busi- ness ability. He was born at Newark, Ohio, June 1, 1832. a son of George and Jane Bn- chanan (Moore) Wilson.
Mr. Wilson was a descendant of David Wil- son of Scotland, who, at the time of the perse- cution of the Covenanters, left his home and
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
took his family to the north of Ireland. Wil- liam Wilson, grandson of David Wilson, was the founder of the family in this country. He came to America about 1744, settling in the colony of Virginia.
Archibald Wilson, grandfather of John New- ton Wilson, served in the Revolutionary war, first as a lieutenant, afterward as a captain. His company was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, 1781.
In 1842, with their eight children, George Wilson and wife came to Cass County, Ill., when their son, John N., was about ten years old, and located two miles west of Virginia, on a farm which the father purchased. On that farm John N. Wilson grew to manhood, attend- ing the early schools and the college at Vir- ginia, which stood on the present site of the high school. Remaining in town atter com- pleting his education, at first he was a clerk in a drug store, and later became assistant post- master, and still later was appointed postmaster and held that office for eighteen years, being succeeded by Charles I. Haskill, now of Vir- ginia. In politics he was a strong Republican. Close confinement impaired his health, and in order to keep out of doors, he bought a horse and began selling cattle on commission for others. His efforts were in vain, however, for in 1900, he was taken seriously ill, and after a long sickness he died January 22, 1901.
On September 9, 1858, John N. Wilson was married to Rachel Berry, a daughter of Thomas and America (Morrison) Berry, and they had three daughters, namely: Kate, who is a resi- dent of Virginia, is assistant cashier of the Centennial National Bank ; Jessie, who is Mrs. Edwin Beggs, of Ashland; and Ella, who died in infancy. Mrs. Wilson was born April 27, 1837, and died October 30, 1872. Mr. Wilson was married (second) to Mary Walker, a daughter of Solomon Walker, and she died a few months later. The third wife of Mr. Wil- son was Lydia Hoyt Ainsworth, whom he mar- ried February 5, 187S. She died February 28, 1893.
WING, Egbert, for many years was one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Chandlerville, Cass County, Ill. His busy and useful lite came to an end October 30, 1892. He was a native of New York state, where his birth took place February 8, 1832, and was a son of James and Rachael (Davis) Wing, also of that state, who came to Illinois in 1837. The parents traveled with their family across the country, by river to Beardstown, whence they proceeded to Chandlerville, and bought land a mile and a half west of the town, where the father carried on farming until his death.
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