USA > Illinois > St Clair County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of St. Clair County, Volume II > Part 65
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DOYLE, (Dr.) Martin R., who is among the most prominent and successful physicians and surgeons of East St. Louis, this county, was born in Moweaqua, Shelby County, Ill., July 26, 1865. He is a son of Ewing M. and Helen M. (Brewer) Doyle, of whom the former was born at Russellville, Ky., September 17, 1815, and the latter, at Alton, Ill., September 5, 1838. The grandfather and grandmother on the paternal side were of Irish and English origin, respectively, and of the maternal grandparents, Grandfather Brewer was a native of Germany, and his wife was of French derivation, being a second cousin of General Lafayette. Ewing M. Doyle, who was extensively engaged in 23
farming and stock-raising, was a resident of Illinois for more than seventy-five years, hav- ing been brought to the State before he was ten years of age. In early manhood he drove a stage from St. Louis to Springfield, via Van- dalia. Being an expert horseman, he was em- ployed by the Government to break horses for use on the stage routes, in which he was quite successful and gained much credit. After re- linquishing this employment he settled on a farm at Moweaqua, where he was profitably occupied with agricultural pursuits for a period of forty-five years, and where he passed away, when eighty-seven years old. He was a warm personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, and in early days often chopped wood with the future statesman. Ewing M. Doyle was twice mar- ried, and became the father of seventeen chil- dren. His first wife died at Bunker Hill, Ill., in the year 1858. On May 1, 1859, he wedded Helen M. Brewer, the mother of the Doctor, and who was born and raised in Alton, this State. In religious faith, both were devoted and consistent adherents of the Methodist Church.
Martin R. Doyle is the youngest of the offspring of the second marriage. In boyhood he attended the old district school in the neigh- borhood of his birthplace, and devoted his leisure intervals to the assistance of his father in farming operations. Thus he passed his youth until he reached the age of eighteen years. He then became a pupil in the Val- paraiso (Ind.) Normal College, still rendering himself serviceable in connection with the home farm during vacations. After finishing his studies at Valparaiso, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Chicago, where he re- mained two years. At the end of that period he spent one year in the Kentucky School of Medicine, in Louisville, from which he was graduated in 1885. Soon after graduating, Dr. Doyle entered upon the practice of medicine at Rosemond, Ill., whence he moved, in August, 1889, to East St. Louis, where he has since continued with most satisfactory results. His conscientious and chivalrous devotion to the duties of his profession has gained for him an enviable reputation and won the cordial re- gard, sincere respect and unreserved confidence of all classes of people. During the entire course of his practice, he has always proved a ready and reliable friend to those in strait-
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ened circumstances who needed his services. On July 26, 1893, Dr. Doyle was united in marriage with Alice E. Roe, eldest daughter of Richard and Laura V. (Jones) Roe, of East St. Louis, Ill. Her father was well and favorably known in that city, as well as throughout St. Clair County. The Doctor has one daughter by a former marriage, Ruby Mary Helen Doyle. In politics, he is a steadfast Republican, and exercises a strong influence in the local coun- cils of his party. In 1900 he was the Repub- lican candidate for Coroner of St. Clair County, and although the county went Democratic by 1,500 majority, he was defeated by the narrow margin of thirty-four votes. In 1895 he was strongly urged for the office of Mayor of East St. Louis, and his name was generally men- tioned in that connection for the two terms preceding that year, and is still being urged by his many friends as a candidate for the mayoralty in 1907. In fraternal circles, Dr. Doyle is identified with the I. O. O. F., K. of P., Eagles and I. O. R. M. He is regarded as one of the most public spirited and useful mem- bers of the community.
DRESSLER, Herman J., proprietor of the Dressler House, is a native of Freeburg Town- ship, this county, and was born in 1867. His parents, Bernhardt D. and Margaret (Laux) Dressler, were born in Saxony and Nassau, Germany, respectively, and after emigrating to America, followed farming in St. Clair County for the balance of their lives. After leaving the paternal roof, Herman J. Dressler engaged in general farming and stock-raising for a number of years, later turning his attention to merchandising, continuing in this line until he purchased the "Dressler House," October 14, 1902. He is a conscientious and painstaking landlord, understands the advantages of neat- ness and consideration and sets an excellent table. His first marriage, in 1892, was with Sophia Vahlkamp, of Fayetteville, Ill., who died in 1896, leaving one daughter, Olivia. In October, 1902, Mr. Dressler married Louise Steiger, of Mascoutah, this State.
DROSTE, Gerhard H., dairyman, of Belleville, this county, was born in Prussia, Germany, August 23, 1845, the son of ,Gerhard H. and Charlotte (Kroger) Droste, natives of the same country, who came to America about 1866. Mr.
Droste received his education in his native land. He reached St. Louis, Mo., when nearly twenty-one years of age, but a little later re- moved to St. Clair County, where for two years he worked for the farmers in that vicinity. Once more he returned to St. Louis, and was employed as a teamster. In 1885 he went to Belleville, and soon began to work for the Harre Car Company, which advanced him to the foremanship-a position he retained until the company failed.
On May 5, 1872, Gerhard H. Droste was mar- ried to Mary Schmale, of Prussia, Germany, and of this union five children have been born: Annie, Frederick, Emelia, Clara and Walter. Mr. Droste has for a number of years been the proprietor of a fine dairy, which, with his residence, is located at No. 217 Centerville Avenue. In his political views he is a Re- publican, and religiously, is a member of the Lutheran Church.
EBEL, August, a mine operator at Belleville, this county, was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, October 11, 1849. He is a son of Fred and Dorothy (Beirmann) Ebel, natives of Ger- many. His parents came to the United States when August was eight years old, and settled in Belleville. After finishing his studies in the public schools, August went to work in a coal mine at the age of thirteen years, and de- veloped himself into a practical miner. He bears credentials from the State of Illinois as a mine examiner and hoisting engineer. In 1882, he started a saloon near the Franklin school-house, which he conducted for a year and a half, and was likewise engaged for five years on Main Street. The next venture of Mr. Ebel was to sink a shatt on the Dintel- mann farm, and three years later, in 1895, an- other on the Ripley farm, where he struck a vein yielding abundantly. Here he employs twenty men, with an output of 180 tons per day.
On May 24, 1874, Mr. Ebel was married to Katherine Smith, who was born and schooled in Belleville. In politics he acts with the Demo- cratic party.
EBEL, August, who is connected with the Richland Foundry Company, Belleville, St. Clair County, was born in that town in 1871. His father, William Ebel, was a native of Ger- many, and followed the occupation of a coal
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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
miner. August Ebel has been connected with the foundry business throughout his active life, and is a stockholder and Director in the concern above mentioned. He was married, in 1893, to Ella Millitzer, and their union has resulted in one child, Edwin.
ECKERT, W. E., commission merchant, Belle- ville, Ill., was born in the city of Belleville, June 21, 1878, the son of H. C. and Mary (Mil- ler) Eckert, natives of St. Clair County. Mr. Eckert's grandfather, Michael Eckert, was born in Germany in 1825, and came to the United States when about twelve years of age, locating in St. Clair County about 1837. Here he be- gan an active farmer's life, which he followed until recently, when at a ripe old age he re- tired and (1906) is still living and taking an interest in all important events. His son, H. C. Eckert, has always been interested in agricul- ture and in the cultivation of fruits, and, to- day, in connection with the subject of this sketch, has one of the most extensive fruit farms in the entire State.
W. E. Eckert was educated in the Belleville schools, after which he made it his business to assist in the farming operations conducted by his father. On December 1, 1903, he opened a commission office in Belleville. March 1, 1905, the business was bought by H. C. Eckert & Sons, of which firm the subject of this sketch is manager. He is not married.
EDLICH, Louis, a prominent wagon and car- riage manufacturer of East St. Louis, this county, was born November 5, 1847, in Saxony, Germany, and there educated in the public schools. His parents were August Robert and Marguerite (Mai) Edlich, both being natives of Saxony, Germany. After attaining his ma- jority he emigrated to the United States, and worked at his trade as a wagon maker for two years, having served an apprenticeship in that line of industry in Germany. Subsequently he moved to St. Louis and shortly after (in 1871) took up his residence in East St. Louis, where, in 1886, he embarked in the wagon and carriage manufacturing business at the corner of Missouri Avenue and Seventh Street. At that location he has continued to enjoy the most lucrative trade in this section of the county.
In politics Mr. Edlich has always supported
Democratic principles, and has served as City Treasurer one term and a similar period as Alderman of the Fourth Ward. Socially, he is a member of the I. O. O. F., the B. P. O. E., and the A. O. U. W. In July, 1873, Mr. Edlich was married to Sophia Resenberger, who was born and educated in Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger- many. Of this union the following children were born: Frank, Marguerite, John, and Henry.
EGGMAN, Horace J., one of the most capable, energetic and successful among the real estate and loan agents of East St. Louis, this county, is a native of the city where his enviable busi- ness reputation has been acquired, having been born in East St. Louis, December 31, 1870. He is a son of Emile J. Eggman and Caroline M. Eggman, who were born in Switzerland and Germany, respectively. The father was a lawyer, served as Comptroller of the city of East St. Louis, and was a man of intelligence, diligent habits and upright character. He and his wife were the parents of twelve children, of whom Horace is next to the oldest. The others living are: Emil W., George C., August M., Tancred P., Richard J., Lillian C., and Mrs. Charles Traubel.
In early youth Horace J. Eggman received his primary education in the public schools, and afterward became a pupil in the East St. Louis High School, from which he was grad- uated at the age of eighteen years. Subse- quently he pursued a course of study in the manual training department of Washington University, graduating therefrom with the class of 1890. After his graduation he was a school teacher in St. Clair County until 1894, spending two years of this period in the city of East St. Louis. In the year last named, he engaged in the real estate and loan business, in which he has since continued with constantly increas- ing success. He is an expert in realty valua- tions, has a keen insight into the trend of im- provement, and is generally recognized as one of the foremost operators in his line in St. Clair County. His patronage includes a large list of investors and homeseekers, in whom his sagacity and integrity have inspired a notable degree of confidence.
On May 8, 1898, Mr. Eggman was united in marriage with Antoinette J. Schirmer, who was born in Belleville, Ill., and is a daughter of
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Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Schirmer, natives of Ger- many. Mr. and Mrs. Eggman are parents of two children-Hortense F. and Horace J., Jr. In politics, Mr. Eggman is an earnest and ac- tive supporter of the Republican party, and is one of the most influential of the younger ele- ment in its councils. He is a useful member of the Board of Education of East St. Louis. In fraternal circles, he is identified with the A. F. & A. M., in which he is a Knight Templar and Past Master of East St. Louis Lodge, No. 504. Mr. Eggman is Secretary of the St. Clair Building and Loan Association, and a member of the Real Estate Exchange. All measures designed to advance the welfare and prosperity of East St. Louis and St. Clair County are the recipients of his hearty support.
EHRET, Henry, Secretary and Treasurer of the Enterprise Foundry, of Belleville, this county, and stockholder in the Quality Stove and Range Company, was born in the town of which he is now a leading and influential citi- zen, December 15, 1855, a son of Stephen and Mary (Krause) Ehret, natives of Germany. Mr. Ehret is master of other occupations than that in which he is now engaged, for at the age of fifteen he applied himself to learning the harness maker's trade, four years later serving an apprenticeship as molder, and thereafter working at that trade for twelve years. In 1891 he formed a partnership with William Althoff, and started a foundry where now is located the Crown Foundry, and two years later removed to his present place at the inter- section of the L. & N. Railroad tracks and B Street. At this time the Enterprise Foundry Company was incorporated, the partners in the same being Adam Ehret (brother of Henry), Louis Opp, and Charles Schoenemann. The firin do a general jobbing business, and when in full operation employ about 120 men. The partners have a controlling interest in the Quality Stove & Range Company, manufactur- ing exclusively steel stoves and ranges. Both enterprises are in keeping with the business ability and high character of the men operating them, and constitute strong and substantial industries of St. Clair County.
.Politically, Mrs. Ehret is a Republican, and fraternally, is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. With his family, he is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
The marriage of Mr. Ehret and Rosa H. White occurred July 17, 1880, Mrs. Ehret being a na- tive of Belleville and an attendant at its pub- lic schools. The children in the family are Pauline, Hugo, Edward, Bessie, Ella, and Ferdinand.
EIDMAN, George, of the George Eidman Im- plement Company, of Belleville, one of the largest concerns of the kind in St. Clair County, was born in this part of the State, July 4, 1846, a son of Martin and Elizabeth (Fries) Eid- man, and grandson of Martin Eidman. The parents of Mr. Eidman came from Germany and located in St. Clair County at an early day (1832), the death of his mother occurring when he was eleven years old, and that of his father when he was eighteen. Shortly afterward he went to St. Louis and attended college, later engaging for five years in a general mer- chandise store at Mascoutah, Ill. He then dealt in corn with Squire Bagby, and later for six years was identified as traveling sales- man with F. J. Scheve, of Mascoutah. For the following fifteen years, from 1879 until 1895, he was in the employ of C. A. Monk, implement dealer, and then incorporated the George Eid- man Implement Company, since one of the chief business concerns of Belleville. The firm handles all kinds of agricultural implements (including the Champion binders and mowers, of which they have had control since 1895), and they also carry a variety of vehicles, pumps, and sewing machines, having repre- sented the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Company since 1895. The warehouse connected with the establishment is modern and exten- sive, permitting sufficient overstock to meet all possible demands. Mr. Eidman votes the Republican ticket in national affairs, and lo- cally supports the man best qualified to fill the demands of the office. Fraternally, he is asso- ciated with the Mutual Aid Society. In Feb- ruary, 1867, he married Mary K. Leibrock, a native of Randolph County, this State, and of the union five children have been born: Elisa, Oscar C., Erwin, Arthur, and Elgin.
EIMER, John (deceased), who for many years was one of the leading citizens of Belleville, this county, and was prominently connected with some of the most important business in- terests of the city, was a native of Germany,
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where his birth took place in Schallodenbach, Rheinpfalz, Bavaria, April 7, 1834. He was a son of John and Clara (Schaar) Eimer, whose birthplace was also in Bavaria. His father was a man of unusual intelligence, varied in- formation and excellent repute, and was a schoolmaster by occupation. His mother was a woman of strong character, sound discretion, and was endowed with a superior quality of domestic traits which left a lasting impression upon her children.
John Eimer received his early education in the schools of his fatherland. At the age of sixteen years he came to the United States, proceeding directly to Belleville, where his uncle, Simon Eimer, was successfully engaged in the brewing business. He secured em- ployment in the Eimer Brewery, where he con- tinued to work for two years. At the end of that period he made the journey overland to California, where he remained an equal length of time. On returning to Belleville he re- entered the employ of his uncle, for whom he worked another year. Then, abandoning this connection, he embarked in the grocery busi- ness, locating on the southeast corner of Main and Richland Streets, where, for two years, he conducted a store. After withdrawing from the grocery trade he went to New Orleans, where he spent some time in attending to the interests of his uncle, Simon Eimer. During his early manhood he made several trips to South America, as steward of a Pacific mail steamer. In the early 'sixties Mr. Eimer be- came prominently identified with the Belleville Gas Light and Coke Company, with which he was connected for thirty-five years. The remainder of his life was passed in Belleville, where he died on March 17, 1900. Among the important enterprises with which his name is associated is the First National Bank of Belleville, of which he was one of the founders. Mr. Eimer was fond of travel, and always retained a strong interest in the scenes of his native land. As a result of this, he made at least ten visits to Germany during the last thirty years of his life.
On June 4, 1855, John Eimer was united in marriage, at St. Mary's Church, St. Louis, with Mary Hahn, a most estimable woman, pos- sessing, moreover, fine traits of character. Mrs. Eimer, who still survives her husband, was born in Hasloch, Rheinpfalz, Bavaria, Ger-
many. Six children were the result of this union, as follows: John, who died in infancy; Charles G., born March 31, 1857; Mary, who died in infancy; Eugene J., born August 14, 1860; Amanda, who was born September 7, 1862, and died September 14, 1867; and Anna, who was born November 4, 1864, and died July 19, 1888. In religion, Mr. Eimer was an adher- ent of the Roman Catholic faith. In political affairs, he was long a follower of the Demo- cratic party, but the Free Silver repelled him from that connection, and induced him to sup- port Mckinley for President. The career of Mr. Eimer was marked by industry, frugality, energy and integrity. He was a clear-headed, straightforward and honorable business man, and his amiable character commended him to the respect and cordial esteem of all who came within his strong influence.
EISENMAYER, John Conrad, banker and real estate dealer of Lebanon, this county, and one of the foremost promoters of finance, good gov- ernment, benevolence, and religion in this sec- tion of the State, was born in Mascoutah, St. Clair County, in 1854, a son of Andrew and Christina (Sauter) Eisenmayer. Andrew Eisenmayer was born in Hassloch, Germany, in 1824, and came to the United States in 1840, living in Belleville, Ill., for three years. He then moved to Mascoutah and engaged in the milling business, and in 1844 returned to his native land, married, and brought his bride to his new home in Illinois. In 1869 he located in Trenton, Clinton County, Ill., built a large flour mill, and signalized his prosperity by do- nating to Wesleyan College at Warrenton, Mo., a large, three-story student's home. A man of large business capacity, he also built a mill in Springfield, that State, and at the same time was one of the promoters and largest stock- holders of the street railway of the city named. He had five daughters and three sons.
Having completed his education in the public schools of Mascoutah and at McKendree College, Lebanon, Ill., John Conrad Eisenmayer worked under his father in the mill at Trenton, and in 1885 became connected with various mining enterprises throughout the county. In 1890 he opened a bank in Trenton, and in 1900 started the bank at Lebanon. He is a member of the American and Illinois Banking Associations, and his institutions rank high among the
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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
monetary concerns of the State. He is also en- . gaged in the real estate business in Madison, Clinton and St. Clair Counties. Mr. Eisen- mayer is the stanch friend of education, is a Trustee of McKendree College, and, following his father's presentation of a gymnasium to that institution, added a bowling alley, which has proved a valuable and much appreciated adjunct. He is an active Republican, was a stanch supporter of Mckinley, and was a mem- ber of the Electoral College for the State of Illinois in 1900. In religion he is a Methodist, contributing generously toward the support of the church, as well as toward the maintenance of various charitable and benevolent organiza- tions. In 1877 he was united in marriage with Augusta Steinmetz, a native of Trenton, Ill.
ELDRIDGE, J. N., a police officer of East St. Louis, St. Clair County, was born in Jefferson County, Ind., in 1856, and there attended the public schools. His father, Jerry Eldridge, was also a native of Indiana. Born and reared on a farm, J. N. Eldridge followed farming in Illinois until 1889. He then came to East St. Louis and engaged in the stock business at the National Stock Yards, in which he remained until 1896, later securing a position on the police force. In 1903, he also established him- self in the saloon business at the corner of Ridge Avenue and Twenty-second Street. In 1899 Mr. Eldridge was married to Mary Favorys, a native of Indiana. They have two children-Lottie and Clyde.
ELWERT, William, was born in 1880, in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, where he received his education. He has been a professional bowler for the past eight years, and has taken part in all the na- tional tournaments. He came to Belleville in 1900, and the following year opened a saloon, in connection with which he conducts a bowling alley. In 1903, Mr. Elwert was married in Belleville, to Lillian Patterson. Fraternally, he is associated with the Improved Order of Red Men, and is also a member of the Belle- ville Base Ball Association.
EMERY, Joseph .- When Joseph Emery landed in this country from his birthplace in old Eng- land, the United States obtained a model citi- zen, society a worthy member and his mother church (the Methodist), a defender well worthy
of a high place in its annals. Mr. Emery was born in Timsbury, Somersetshire, England, in 1830, and received his education in the schools placed amid the hills and vales of that merry section. The fever of emigration, however, caught him when he reached his majority, and he set sail for America in 1851, locating at Pittston, Pa., with his young wife, whom he had married in that year in his native place. She was Anna Parfirt, a native of Somerset- shire, and a schoolmate of his younger days. At the village school an attachment had sprung up between them, while seated on the opposite sides of the old schoolroom, which, when each threw aside their books, ripened into love, and culminated in marriage. This ceremony cer- tainly joined two hearts whose owners will walk down the righteous path of life hand in hand, never heeding the allurements of this world, but always working for the betterment of their fellow beings, until called to a higher. and better reward at the goal in the great hereafter. Six children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Emery-Emily, Louise P., Julia, Theodore E., Clara Belle and King. Of these Emily, Julia and King are deceased. Mr. Emery's father, John Emery, and his mother, Keziah (Box) Emery, came to this country in 1856, and also settled at Pittston, Pa. The former was a successful coal miner.
Joseph Emery first labored as a miner at. Pittston, and later at Belleville, Ill., in which city he located, but in 1860 he formed a part- nership with William Harding in the coal busi- ness, which they conducted successfully until 1886, when they sold their interests to the Con- solidated Coal Company. During all this period he was associated with Mr. Harding, a friend of his boyhood days. The friendship between the men was of the Damon and Pythias kind, and, as a consequence, not a single instance of disappointment in their business or social rela- tionship ever existed, and today this friend- ship exists as solid and lasting as though cemented by ties of blood relationship. After selling out his business to the Consolidated Coal Company, Mr. Emery accepted the posi- tion of District Superintendent tendered him by the company, which position he held until he retired from active work and removed to East St. Louis.
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