USA > Illinois > St Clair County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of St. Clair County, Volume II > Part 69
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church, though he was an active member of no religious denomination. He was seldom away from home and paid close attention to his business affairs. He was originally a Whig in politics, and was attached to that party till the dissolution of the Whig organization, and the foundation of the Republican party, when his views on the subject of slavery led him to become a Republican, and he acted as such during the remainder of his life. He was never ambitious to hold public office, preferring to devote his time to his business and farming op- erations. He was interested in agricultural matters, and was a good practical farmer. He assisted in organizing the Fair Association of St. Clair County, and was the first President of the society. By industry and good busi- ness management he secured considerable wealth, and at the time of his death owned over 1,200 acres of land in St. Clair, Washington and Macon Counties. His homestead farmin the Shiloh Valley partook of the general ex- cellence of the land in that part of the county. He died on the 24th of October, 1874, at the age of seventy-eight years, one month and one day. His widow survived him till the 7th of April, 1876, when she died at the age of seventy years, four months and six days. As an honest man, a kind neighbor, and a useful citizen, his name deserves perpetuation in this work." (Brink's History, 1881.)
GROMBACH, Philip, coal oil inspector, was born in Rheinphalz, Germany, June 4, 1832, his parents being also natives of that country. Philip came with a sister to Belleville when he was ten years of age. His education was chiefly received there, his home being in the family of an aunt during his school days. When still a youth he hired out as a teamster, after- ward purchasing a team of horses and working for himself for thirty-five years. On October 25, 1856, Mr. Grombach was married in Belle- ville to Annie Wall, who was born in Nieder- kirchen, Germany, and of this union there were five children: three sons-Jacob, Henry and August; and two daughters-Mrs. Otto Hartmann and Mrs. Jacob Schopp. There are also fifteen grandchildren and one great-grand- child. Mr. and Mrs. Philip Grombach cele- brated their fiftieth wedding anniversary at their home on North Church Street, October
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25, 1906, with a family reunion. In his politi- cal views, Mr. Grombach is a Republican. He was first appointed coal oil inspector in 1898.
GROMMET, Philip, a retired and highly re- spected farmer of St. Clair County, was born June 25, 1833, at Frankfort-on-Main, Germany, son of Philip and Mary (Ilkenhan) Grommet, both of whom were natives of the same place. He came to the United States in his early youth and was eighteen years old when he lo- cated in Monroe County, Ill., where he worked for three years. He then returned to Germany for his parents, who came with him to this country and purchased a farm near Freedom, Monroe County, where they resided until their death. In 1865 Philip Grommet enlisted during the. Civil War in Company K, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry, and served until the close of hostilities, when he returned to Monroe County, and for the following eight years conducted his father's farm. He then moved to Neosho County, Kan., and purchased about 400 acres of land, on which he farmed and raised cattle and horses. In 1901 he sold his property and moved to St. Paul, Kan., re- maining there for one year, then returning to Smithton Township, where he at present lives near his son William, in peaceful and well merited retirement. In his religious be- . lief he is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, in politics he is a Republican, and socially is a member of the A. O. U. W. and the Select Knights. In May, 1860, Mr. Grommet was married to Jonetta Haas, who was born and educated in Germany. They are the par- ents of the following children: Philip, William, Charles, George, Katherine, Adolph and Mary.
GROMMET, William J., a railroad contractor, farmer, and stock-raiser, was born July 25, 1862, in Monroe County, this State, and was educated in its public schools. When eleven years old he went to Kansas with his parents and worked on a farm for the following twelve years. He then returned to Smithton, and after his marriage operated the farm of his mother- in-law. In 1901 he bought a farm comprising 102 acres on Section 29, Smithton Township. A year later he became associated with his brother, George J., in railroad construction, and together they bought an outfit, their first work being at Cape Girardeau, Mo. Since then they
have been very busy and have in their em- ploy about forty men. Mr. Grommet is at present connected with the Alton & East St. Louis Electric Railroad, and is located near Alton. He is a stockholder in the St. Clair County Horse Breeders Association and is a member of the Smithton Hunting Club. In re- ligion he is affiliated with the Lutheran Church, in politics is a Democrat, and fraternally, be- longs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Turnverein. On April 29, 1886, Mr. Grom- met was married to Louisa Schaefer, who was born in Smithton Township and there educated in the public schools. This union resulted in the following four children: Anna L., George H., Carl W., and Nettie M.
GROOM, John, Manager of the Green Mound Mine, and one of the forceful and highly re- spected citizens of Belleville, this county, was born in the city named, in 1857, and received his education in its public schools. He is the son of Robert and Mary (Emory) Groom, both of whom were natives of England, and upon coming to the United States the father en- gaged in engineering. At the age of twelve John Groom entered upon the same occupation which he followed for many years, finally ac- cepting a position as Superintendent of the Con- solidated Coal Company, which operates the Green Mound Mine, located near Belleville. The coal is mined with machinery, necessitating the employment of fifty men, the mine having the capacity of hoisting 300 tons per day. Mr. Groom has continued to fill this responsible position with unusual ability, energy and fidel- ity, and possesses the entire confidence of his employers with whom he has been so long connected. In 1875. he was married to Mary Dickinson, whose birth occurred in Missouri, and to them the following children have been born: Robert, William, Ollie, and Mrs. Anna Masse.
GRUENEWALD, Frank N .- The hardware busi- ness, of which Frank N. Greunewald is mana- ger and proprietor, is one of the oldest land- marks in Belleville, having been established here by his father, Joseph Gruenewald, who, with his wife, Helena (Rabo) Gruenewald, emi- grated from Germany in 1850, settling on Government land upon which Belle- ville has since been built. The store
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thus started, and has continued
which
uninterruptedly for fifty-four years, has passed through all the stages of pioneer merchandising enterprises, increasing its stock as the arrival of settlers created a demand, and branching out from time to time until it included such addi- tions as cutlery, sporting goods, mining and electrical supplies, paints and oils. As the son, Frank N., arrived to years of discretion, he was taught to make himself useful about the store, assuming larger responsibility as his father grew older, and finally succeeding to the business upon the death of the latter, July 26, 1899. By this time he had had nineteen years of experience, and had become one of the best known men in the business in St. Clair County. Mr. Gruenewald is public spirited and enterpris- ing, and although never active in politics, is a valued member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Knights of Illinois, Western Catholic Union and Kronthal Liedertafel. In 1893 he married Pauline Munie, who was born and edu- cated in Belleville, and to whom have been born two children, Frieda and Cyrilla K. Mr. Gruenewald enjoys the kind of reputation which comes from industry, good judgment, in- tegrity and practical results, and that he may continue to benefit the community by the ex- ercise of these admirable traits is the wish of his friends and business associates in Belleville.
GUENTHER, George, proprietor of a grocery, meat market and liquor store, 1600 St. Clair Avenue, East St. Louis, Ill., was born in East St. Louis, June 27, 1859, and was educated in the public schools of his native town. He be- gan business life as a stock-dealer, and fol- lowed successfully the example of his father, 'who was one of the original drovers in this part of the State. When the first boom struck East St. Louis, he laid out Guenther's addition, which he managed to good advantage. He has served the city as Alderman, representing the Seventh Ward. He married Miss Louise Engel- hardt, and they have five children.
GUIGNON, Jules B. (deceased), founder of the Donavan-Guignon Abstract Company, of East St. Louis and Belleville, was born in St. Gene- vieve, Mo., September 17, 1848, and died in East St. Louis, September 14, 1905. He was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Hanton, in St. Genevieve, on September 22, 1861. To that
union eight children were born, all of whom are living: William Guignon, Edwin Guignon, Mrs. Mary (Guignon) Gay, of Richmond, Ind .; George Guignon, Mrs. Laura (Guignon) Mc- Henry, Mrs. Blanche (Guignon) Coffey, Charles and Archibald Guignon. Mr. Guignon took up his residence in East St. Louis in the spring of 1889. He was the originator of the Donavan- Guignon Abstract Company, with offices in East St. Louis and Belleville. He was of French descent and always took an active interest in the French societies in St. Clair County. On account of illness he was compelled to retire from active business about three years before his death. He was buried from the Catholic Church, of St. Genevieve. The family resi- dence is at 2600 Bond Avenue, Belleville.
GUNDLACH, Frank, member of the firm of Gundlach & Company, funeral directors and liverymen of Belleville, and representative of a family established in Illinois in 1844, was born in the town where he now resides, in 1856, a son of Philip P. and Josephine (Wein- gaertner) Gundlach, natives of Germany. The elder Gundlach emigrated from the Fatherland during the summer of 1844, bringing with him a thorough knowledge of the cooper's trade, at which he worked for some time after locating in Illinois. Later on he embarked in the gro- cery business, still later purchasing the farm near Carlyle, Ill., which since has been his home. In his youth Frank Gundlach learned the carriage maker's trade, but after following the same for a short time, worked on the farm with his father for about ten years. Deciding to become an embalmer and undertaker, he se- cured the most thorough training possible in St. Louis, studying under four different mas- ters of the art of embalming, and receiving a local and State diploma. His present business was started about fourteen years ago in part- nership with J. C. Gauch, and a few years later A. D. Baldus succeeded to the interest of Mr. Gauch, the former having since then had charge of the livery department, while Mr. Gundlach is Secretary and Treasurer of the business, and Superintendent of the funeral department.
Mr. Gundlach is an active Republican, and is one of the most prominent fraternalists in St. Clair County, being associated with the Benev- olent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights and Ladies of Honor, the Court of Honor, the For-
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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
esters, etc. He is also a member of the benev- olent society known as the Good Samaritans. Mr. Gundlach married Pauline Ganz, of Carlyle, Ill. He is an energetic and upright business man, a master of his particular line of work, and possesses the tact and discretion indis- pensable to success in a grewsome but necessary calling.
GUTH, Elias G., proprietor of a general mer- chandise store in Mascoutah, this county, was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 3, 1841. That country was also the birthplace of his father and mother, John Philip and Susan (Schmidt) Guth. His parents came to the United States when their son, Elias, was but three years old and settled at Beardstown, Ill., where the latter in due course pursued his stud- ies in the public schools. The father followed his vocation of a cabinet and furniture maker.
At the age of eighteen years Elias Guth went to Nashville, Ill., where, for five years, he was occupied in teaching school and clerk- ing in a store. He then came to Mascoutah and taught the public school for eight years. In 1875 he embarked in merchandising on rented premises, but is now located in a build- ing which he has owned for a considerable period of time. For more than twenty years Mr. Guth has been a member of the School Board, and for five years has served as its Sec- retary. Elias G. Guth was married June 29, 1863, to Louisa Tuegel, who was born in Prus- sia, Germany, and received her education in a parochial school after coming to the United States. They have two children living: John H., of St. Louis, Mo., and George E., residing in Mascoutah.
GUY, Everett W., florist, of Belleville, this county, was born in Oxford, Butler County, Ohio, in 1856, and at an early age accompanied his father to Missouri, where they engaged in fruit and flower growing for several years. Equipped with practical floricultural and horti- cultural experience, he came to Belleville in 1883, started a small greenhouse at his present location and began the hard struggle of estab- lishing a business among strangers, with little capital to back him. At the present time he utilizes 20,000 feet of glass, his principal trade being in cut flowers, of which he carries all the popular varieties. His substantial yearly
income is augmented by the shipping of flowers to St. Louis and adjoining towns.
In 1882 Everett W. Guy married Jessie F. Bowen, a native of Montgomery, Hamilton County, Ohio, and of the union two children have been born-Mary Louise and Jane Elva. Mr. Guy is in no sense a politician, determin- ing his vote largely upon the personal char- acter of candidates for office. Fraternally, he is connected with the St. Clair Lodge, No. 24, A. F. & A. M., and the Modern Woodmen of America.
HAGEN, Very Rev. Henry John, Rector of St. Peter's Cathedral, Belleville, and Chancellor of the Belleville Diocese, was born in German- town, Clinton County, Ill., May 21, 1861, a son of Theodore H. and Margaret (Kreke) Hagen, natives, respectively, of Oldenburg and Han- over, Germany, who came to America in their childhood and were married in Germantown. Henry John Hagen received his primary edu- cation in the parochial schools of his native place, and at thirteen years of age entered St. Joseph's College at Teutopolis, Ill. There he was graduated at sixteen and began the study of theology in St. Francis Seminary, near Mil- waukee, Wis. He finished his education in the famous University of Innspruck, Austria, graduating in 1883. In September of that year, he was ordained a priest at Alton, Ill., by the late Bishop Baltes. His first pastorate was at Mt. Vernon, Ill., and he also had charge of missions at McLeansboro and Okawville. Dur- ing the six years in which he thus served, he was instrumental in advancing the welfare of the missions mentioned. In October, 1889, he was transferred to the cathedral at Belleville, and, in 1890, was appointed Secretary to Bishop." Janssen. The financial matters of the diocese usually pass through his hands and, being thoroughly informed in business affairs, he is successful in this, as in other departments of his work. Rev. Mr. Hagen recently returned from six months' European travel. The re- ception tendered him warmed the heart of every person present, when he was welcomed back home in September, 1906. Several thou- sand people participated. A special car over the East St. Louis & Suburban Railway brought Father Hagen and the Reception Com- mittee, composed of members of St. Peter's congregation, to Belleville. He was escorted
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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
from Race Street to the cathedral lawn by a band, through streets lined with people. At the lawn, which was beautifully decorated, Father Hagen was welcomed in fitting speeches by George C. Rebhan and Dr. E. M. Irwin, and responded in a manner that still further endeared him to his fellow citizens of Belleville.
HAGIST, E. R., successor to E. Hagist & Son, dealers in general merchandise, Mascoutah, Ill., was born on the paternal farm, west of that city, August 17, 1857, the son of Ernest Hagist, Sr., and Elizabeth (Grey) Hagist. He was sent to the best schools in the county, and when he had completed his education, he was taken by his father as a clerk in the store. He soon gave such evidence of his fitness for a mer- cantile career that, in 1880, he was admitted to a partnership in the business, to which he has since succeeded. He married Miss Mary Rich- ter, daughter of Fred Richter, of Mascoutah, and they have had born to them four children: Oscar, Alma, Herman and Theodore. Mr. Hagist is a man of much public spirit and has given much attention to local educational affairs. Ernest Hagist, Sr., was born in Baden, Ger- many, in 1828, came to America in 1851 and located on a farm near Belleville, becoming a resident of Mascoutah in 1860.
HALLORAN, John, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, June 24, 1844, a son of Patrick and Margaret (Canty) Halloran, both natives of County Kerry, Ireland. The son attended the public schools of his native place and at the age of thirteen, in 1862, came to the United States and located in East St. Louis, where he was employed as a fireman on the Ohio & Mis- sissippi Railroad for two years, and then worked for a transfer company as driver for some years, when he joined the police force and, after serving three years, was appointed License Inspector, a position he held for two years. For two years he was Lieutenant of Police, and later served as Chief of Police un- der Mayors Joyce and Winton's administra- tions for four years. He then conducted a gro- cery and saloon at Bond and Fourth Streets for four years, at the end of that time moving to St. Clair Avenue, where he engaged in the same business for five years. In 1894 he re- tired from active life and now resides at No. 505 North Eighth Street. He was one of the first ticket collectors at the east end of Eads
bridge. In his religion he is a Catholic, and politically, supports the Democratic ticket. In August, 1874, Mr. Halloran was married to Miss Celestine Eckmann, a native of St. Clair County, where she was educated in the public schools. The following children have been born to them: Margaret Ellen, now Mrs. Al- bert Smith; Mary Stella, John, Jr., and Eliza- beth.
HALSTEAD, Alexander, M. D., D. D. S., First National Bank Building, residence 617 Syca- more Street, Belleville, Ill., was born in Shiloh Valley Township, December 15, 1853, a son of A. S. and Eliza J. (Scott) Halstead. A. S. Hal- stead, Sr., settled in the county in 1808 and died in 1854. Dr. William Scott, the maternal grandfather of Doctor Halstead, located in Shiloh Valley in 1814. Dr. Halstead was reared principally in St. Clair County and was edu- cated at McKendree College. He passed an ex- amination for a cadetship at Champaign, but changed his plans and attended the School of Pharmacy at St. Louis. Later, for two years he was a student at the St. Louis Medical Col- lege. After he had had some successful experi- ence as a dental practitioner, he re-entered the St. Louis Medical and Missouri Dental Colleges, and was graduated from both institutions. He has not practiced medicine, but has given his attention entirely to dentistry. He is a mem- ber of the Illinois and Missouri State Dental Societies. For a time, before locating in Belle- ville, he was in dental practice and general mer- chandising at Mascoutah. At Belleville, while advancing to the foremost rank in his profes- sion, he established a notable business as a florist, which is continued by his son, Charles Chester Halstead. Doctor Halstead married Miss Kate Kunz, daughter of Charles Kunz, of Mascoutah, April 20, 1879. He has been promi- nent in local affairs, as pages of this work show, and was honored by his fellow citizens by elec- tion as Mayor of Belleville, in which office he has served with signal ability and credit.
HAMILL, Charles, who is engaged in agricul- tural pursuits in Prairie Du Long Township, St. Clair County, was born in Freeburg Town- ship, this county, March 15, 1833, his education being chiefly obtained by attending public school in the winter terms. His father and mother, John and Mary (Canning) Hamill, were of Irish nativity, as were also his grandparents, Wil-
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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
liam and Margaret (Adams) Hamill. In the fall of 1832 William Hamill settled in St. Clair County, took up a claim, and at the time of his death, in 1884, owned more than 600 acres of land. John Hamill also lived in this part of the county.
At the age of seventeen years Charles Hamill left home, and spent seven years with his brother in Indiana. He then returned to the home farm, which he has since occupied him- self in cultivating and improving. He has 133 acres of land in Prairie Du Long Township, and owns a number of acres in Perry and Ran- dolph Counties, this State. He has served as County Supervisor and School Director.
Charles Hamill was married in December, 1858, to Sarah Kelley, who was born and schooled in Sullivan County, Ind. The follow- ing children resulted from their union, namely: George, Warren, Laura, Monroe, Consadore and Russell. The political views of Mr. Hamill are in accordance with the policies of the Repub- lican party. His religious connection is with the Baptist Church.
HAMILTON, John C., a merchant of Marissa, this county, where he is also President of the First National Bank, was born in Chester, S. C., January 26, 1829. He is a son of John and Sarah (Elder) Hamilton, both natives of South Carolina, and a grandson of Robert and Martha Hamilton, who were of Irish nativity. After attending the common schools of St. Clair Coun- ty until he was twenty years old, he engaged in farming on property inherited from his father. In 1893 he moved to Marissa, and entered into the general merchandise business. Until 1903 he was a stockholder in the Exchange Bank of Marissa. In that year the First National Bank was organized there with a capital of $50,000, and Mr. Hamilton became its President, in which capacity he still continues.
John C. Hamilton has been twice married. His first wife was Margaret Meek, to whom he was united March 19, 1857. She was a native of Randolph County, Ill., where she was edu- cated. On March 24, 1896, Mr. Hamilton wedded Susan Caldwell, who was born in Kentucky and received her education in Marion County, Ill. Mr. Hamilton is the father of the following chil- dren :. William M., Ella (Mrs. Henry), John Albert and Robert E. Politically, he is a Re- publican, and his religious connection is with the United Presbyterian Church.
HAMILTON, (Hon.) Robert Sherman, who is engaged in the practice of law at Marissa, St. Clair County, was born near that place, De- cember 25, 1865. He is a son of Robert H. and Lucy A. Hamilton, the former a native of Chester County, S. C., and the latter of this county. Of his paternal ancestors, the great- grandfather, Robert Hamilton, and great-grand- mother, Martha (Ross) Hamilton, were born in County Antrim, Ireland, the grandparents, John Hamilton and Sarah (Elder) Hamilton, being natives of Chester County, S. C. Mr. Hamil- ton's great-grandparents on the maternal side, Archibald and Mary Thompson, were of Irish origin; his grandparents, Moses Thompson and Lucy (Henderson) Thompson, were born in Abbeville County, S. C. His more remote an- cestors were Scotch, and left Scotland for Ire- land at a period not definitely known, but sup- posed to be during the religious persecutions of the Scotch Presbyterians.
On his marriage to Mary Ross, in 1791, Robert Hamilton came from Ireland to America and settled in Chester County, S. C., where he be- came a planter and a slaveholder. There his son, John Hamilton, was born, in 1794; and there, in course of time, the latter married Sarah Elder, who gave birth to Robert H. Ham- ilton on July 29, 1826. About this time John Hamilton began to realize the iniquity of human slavery, and, being outspoken in his convictions, further residence in the South be- came distasteful. Accordingly, in 1831, he left that section, moved to Illinois, and settled in Randolph County, near Sparta. Thence, in 1834, he moved to St. Clair County, and established his home on the present old homestead of the Hamilton family (now owned by his son, John C. Hamilton), where he engaged in farming and stock-raising. Here Robert H. Hamilton was reared to manhood, and in 1851, was wedded to Lucy A. Thompson. He was engaged in cul- tivating his farm near Marissa until his re- tirement from active work and removal to Marissa, where he and his wife now reside. They have six children living, namely: Sarah J. McCreight, Lucy E. White, Mary H. Church, Anna Myrtle Hissong, Martin M. Hamilton and Robert Sherman Hamilton.
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