USA > Illinois > Effingham County > History of Effingham county, Illinois > Part 50
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JAMES GRANT, farmer, P. O. Altamont, was born in Knox County, Ohio, December 26, 1828, to Anthony and Rebecca (Sloan) Grant. He was born in New Jersey; came to Pennsylvania in an early day, and to Har- rison County, Ohio, in about 1825, and, in 1826, to Knox County, where he remained actively engaged in farming till the time of his death, which occurred in January, 1866, aged eighty-three years. The mother of our subject was born in New Jersey, and died in Knox County, Ohio, in 1869, aged eighty-six
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years. She was the mother of twelve chil- dren, of whom our subject was the youngest child. His early life was spent in receiving such an education as the common schools of Knox County afforded, and assisting in till- ing the soil of his father's farm. He re- mained at his home until he was twenty years of age, when he married and embarked on his career in life as a farmer, upon a farm rented of his father, and continued the same until 1851, when, with his wife, one child, one two-horse wagon, loaded with his house- hold goods, which was all of his possession, he drove across the country to Effingham County, and settled in the timber in Mocca- sin Township, and, after two years, moved to his present farm, being but a few settlers in the neighborhood at that time. He there en- tered 149 acres and is now the owner of 300 acres. He gave his son eighty acres of it. In 1848, he married, in Knox County, Miss Elizabeth Umphryes, a native of Ohio, and died in Effingham County in 1878, May 20, aged fifty-four years. She was the mother of five children, of whom one is living, John Wesley, a farmer of this county. In Ohio, he again married. August 29, 1848, Miss Ann Sinkey, a native of Ohio. Politically, Democrat.
JOHN WESLEY GRANT, farmer, P. O. Altamont, was born in Knox County, Ohio, January 17, 1851. He was brought to Effingham County in 1851 by his parents, who located near the residence of our sub- ject. He attended the common schools of the county, and spent his early life assisting his father in farming until he was about twenty- one years of age, when he embarked on his career in life as a farmer. In 1871, in Effingham County, he married Miss Lovina Oliver, a native of Center County, Penn., born April 1, 1849. They are the parents of four children, of whom two are now living ---
Clarissa J. and Florence A. Politically, Democrat.
G. W. GWIN, merchant, Altamont, son of Simeon and Elizabeth (Henson) Gwin, born in Jefferson County, Ill., Jannary 22, 1849. Our subject was educated in the common schools. He lived in Jefferson County until 1861. His parents moved to Ramsey, Fay- ette Co., Ill., and at the age of seventeen learned plasterer's trade, at Assumption, De- catur and Vandalia, working as apprentice for five years. He began taking contracts in plastering in Fayette County in about 1869. He came to Altamont August 15, 1871, and located as contractor, and plastered some of the first buildings erected in the place. He plastered, in the town and vicinity, about one hundred and seventy-five buildings, and built some brick work. He continued to work at trade, employing from one to nine hands for about six years. In 1877, he en- gaged in the retail furniture trade, and at the same time sold a few farm implements. At the end of a year, sold stock of furniture, and, by accident rather than inclination, was for eight months interested in merchandis- ing, carrying still a small stock of farm im- plements. In 1878, he erected the main building of his present hardware store, and stocked it with a full line of agricultural im- plements. He conducted an exclusive trade in implements until February 10, 1879. when he added a $250 stock of hardware. As trade and capital increased, he enlarged his stock and operations. March 26, 1880, he added a limited stock of stoves, and short- ly afterward he added a tin shop and began the manufacture of tinware. On the 4th of May, 1880, he sold a half-interest in hard- ware to John Ensign, and with him, under the firm name of Gwin & Ensign, conducted the hardware trade until September 22, 1880, when Mr. Gwin disposed of the remaining
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interest in the hardware stock, and for a time devoted his whole attention to the imple- mont business. March 2, 1881, he bought Mr. Ensign's half-interest in hardware, and thus became a member of the firm of Gwin & Eyestone, which continued until in July, 1SS1, at which time Mr. Gwin bought the re- maining half-interest of Mr. Eyestone, and has since conducted the business as sole pro- prietor. He has established five local agen- cies in Effingham and Fayette Counties, which are supplied from this house. He re- quires throughout the year the assistance of two men, and a large number in the summer season, and has sold in one year over $45, - 000 of machinery. He has also dealt in real estate, and erected several buildings in the place. He takes a deep interest in Sunday school work, and has been Superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday School for eight years. He was married, October 1, 1871, to Miss Sarah E. Plant, daughter of James Plant, of Greenville, Ill.
JEREMIAH HARMAN, farmer, P. O. Al- tamont, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., March 6, 1819, to Joseph and Elizabeth (Wolf) Harman. He was born in Pennsylva- nia about 1778, and removed from Lancaster County to Adams County in the spring of 1828, where he died the same year. Itis business was that of a farmer. He was a son of John Harman, a native of Pennsylvania. The mother of our subject was born in Penn- sylvania in 1782, and died in about 1847, in Ohio. They were the parents of eleven chil- dren-eight girls and three boys. Of the eleven, subject was the tenth child. His ed- ueation was limited to the common schools of Lancaster and Adams Counties, Penn. His schooling was received in the log house com- mon in his day. He remained at home until he was eighteen years of age, when he em- barkel on his career in life as an apprentice
to the carpenter's trade for one year, and then learned the pump-maker's trade, and continued the same until 1856, and then en- gaged in agricultural pursuits in Wayne County, Ohio. for about seven years, and then removed to Ashland, Ohio, and ran a dray. and engaged in the freight house and various other occupations for four years. In the fall of 1867, he removed to Illinois and locat- ed in Fayette, and, in the spring of IS6S, came to Effingham County and located on his present farm, where he has since remained, actively engaged in farming. In 1840, at Canton, Ohio, he married Catharine Peeler, who died in the fall of 1849, leaving two chil- dren, viz .: Elizabeth, in Logan County, Ohio; Penia J., in Carroll County, Ill. In 1852, in Stark County, Ohio, he married Re- becca Thompson. They have had eight chil- dren, of whom seven are now living, viz. : Mary R., Sarah E., Cora MI. (deceased), Ed- ward T .. Clara M., Hattio L., Idla Bell, Jo- seph E. In county officers he votes for the best men, but in general elections he votos the Republican ticket.
MARTIN HEIMANN. blacksmith and wagon-maker, Altamont. The leading and principal interest in the blacksmith and wag- on-making line in the town of Altamont, and. in fact, in this part of the county, is that run by Mr. Heimann and George Ortmann, who are thorough, practical workmen, which fact has been recognized by the people in this community, who have given them a liberal share of their patronage. Mr. Heimann, the senior member of the firm, is a native of this State. He was born October 31, 1850, in Damiansville, Clinton County. His parents were Bernhard Henry Heimann and Cather. ine Adelheide Menke, both natives of the province of Hanover, and emigratel to this country as early as 1936, and settled in Clin ton County, where they engaged in farm- G
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ing, and remained there until their death, which occurred the same month and year, of cholera, August 15 and 8, respective- ly, 1852, leaving six sons, of whom Mar- tin was the youngest. The older boys took care of the young, and, in the absence of their parents, tenderly cared for the children until they were enabled to each provide for their own maintenance. At the age of sixteen, he began learning the wagon-maker's trade at Damiansville, which he followed for some time, when he engaged in farming. Af- ter two years' experience as a tiller of the soil, he came to this county and purchased a farm in Moccasin Township, and continued farming up to March, 18SO, when he sold out his farm and associated with Mr. Ortmann in the manufacturing business. February 27. 1872, he married Rosina Antonia, a na- tive of St. Louis, daughter of Anton Saudel. Has four children -- Anna M., Matilda M., Louis and Catharine. Member of the Cath- mont, where he engaged in trading in stock olic Church, and in politics Democratic.
M. G. HIGGINS, farmer, P. O. Altamont, was born in Rush County, Ind., July 16, 1827, to William A. and Elizabeth (Wills) Higgins. His father was born in Virginia in 1790; was a farmer, and died in Hen- dricks County. Ind., in 1863. He was a son of James Higgins, a native of West Virginia: was one of the early settlers of Bourbon County; was a Captain in the Revolutionary war, serving five years. Being an eccentric man, he refused to touch the 2,600 acres of land that was set off to him in the Western Reserve of Ohio. It is said that he had the first mule that was foaled in Kentucky. The mother was born in Bourbon County, Ky., in 1792, and died in Hendricks County. Ind., in 1865. Her parents were natives of Vir- ginia. She was the mother of ten children, of whom our subject was the sixth child. He was raised on a farm, and educated at the
common schools of his day in his native coun- ty. At seventeen years of age, he left home and embarked on his career in life as a hired hand upon a farm. At twenty, he worked in a saw-mill, and soon obtained an interest; afterward became the owner of several mills. At twenty-five, he began trading in stone; at St. Paul. Ind., he opened the quarries at that place, and at the same time was engaged in the grain business. He shipped the first grain that was shipped from St. Paul. He then became engaged in real estate business and stock-trading. In January, 1864. he came to Effingham and ran a saloon one year, and also traded during the time. In 1865, in Oue Hundred and Fifty-fourth Reg- iment. was selling goods in the army. In 1866. he continued trading again until 186S. when he began farming in Shelby County, and, after one year, in Blue Point, in Effing- ham County. In 1875, he removed to Alta- until 1877, when he came to his present farm. In Shelby County. Ind .. in 1848. he married Samantha J. Pierce, who has borne him six children, of whom three are now liv. ing, viz., Herman, Andrew J., Alvin I. Has been a member of the A., F. & A. M., and I. O. O. F. Politically, a Democrat, and cast his last vote for McClellan.
GEORGE W. HIGGS, farmer, P. O. Al- tamont, is a native of Effingham County, Ill., born March 11, 1832, born to Harrison and Mary (Martin) Higgs. His father was born in North Carolina in 1799, where he was raised and educated; afterward went to Tennessee, and, March 10, 1832, came to Effingham County, Ill., and located in Jackson Town- ship, where he remained, engaged in farm- ing, to the time of his death, which occurred in 1839. There were only about ten or twelve settlers in the county when he came, and our subject remembers of seeing the In-
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dians and wolves. He was in the Black N. Y. He remained here during the summer. He then lived at home during the winter, pur- suing his studies, and, the next spring, en- tered a store at St. Elmo as clerk, from May t , October. He then came to Alta mont and entered the employ of Boyer, Datton & Co., as clerk, and was with them until he became a partner in the firm C. Kellim & Co., in 1871, and was with this firm until 1873. en- gaged in general merchandising. He then withdrew, taking his interest in goo.ls, and opened a store of his own in the Coconower Building, and remained there until May, 1873, when he moved into his present store, corner of Main and Grove streets, where, for the last nine years. he has enjoyed a liberal patronage. Hawk war. The mother of our subject was born in Tennessee, and died in Effingham County in 1834, aged thirty-four years. She was the mother of six children, of whom our subject was the fourth child. Of them but three are now living. George was edu- cated from the subscription schools of Effing- ham County. He was left an orphan at sev- en years of age. and made his home with 'Sam Windsor for two years, John I. Brock- ett three years, and then went on his career in life as a laboring man upon a farm. In 1853. he rented some land and began farming on his own account, and, two years later, bought eighty acres, upon which he is now residing, and is now the owner of ninety . carrying a large stock of general merchan- acres. In 1853, in Effingham County, he married Miss Rachel J. Beck, a native of Knox County, Ohio. She died in 1855, leaving one child, viz., William Franklin. In 185S, in Effingham County, he married a second time. Miss Adeline Ward, a native of Bond County, Ill., born in 1843. She is the mother of the following children: Mary A., Sarah E., George M., Lewis A., Charley, James, John. Self and wife are members of the M. E. Church. In politics. a Democrat.
GEORGE HILLEMANN, merchant, Alta- mont, was born in the village of Bierden, Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, November 1, 1853. He came with his parents to the Unit- ed States when in his thirteenth year. His father first settled in Rochester, N. Y., and came to this county in 1868. His father was the Rev. J. G. M. Hillemann, who took charge of the St. Paul's German Intheran Church, one mile southwest of this place, and subject lived at the parsonago until he was fifteen years of age, when he went to Vandalia and entered the printing office of the German paper there as compositor, and worked at printing some while at Rochester,
dise, in a room 22x70 feet. He employs two salesmen. He was also engaged in grain trade during 1881. Mr. Hillemann takes an active interest in local polities, and was the Republican candidate for Circuit Clerk in 1876, and is the present (1852) nominee for County Clerk. His father was born in Han- over about 1825. He was educated in Staden, Hanover, where he graduated, and finished his theological studies at New Bergholz, N. Y .. in 1867, and came here in 1868, and preached for St. Paul's German Lutheran Church of this township until 1878. He he- gan his ministrations in the schoolhouse, and, during his stay, built the present St. Paul's Church. In 1978, he went to Sheboygan, Wis., and took charge of two congregations. He married, in Germany, Miss Anna E. Lack- mann. They have three sons and seven daughters living, subject being the second son.
JOHN F. HIPSHER, farmer, P. O. Alta- mont, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1836, January 18, to John and Elizabeth (Young) Hipsher. He was born in Pennsyl- vania July 18, 1802, and was brought to
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Ohio by his parents when he was quite a young boy. They located in Fairfield Coun- ty, where he was raised and educated. He was a farmer, and came to Illinois and lo. cated in Effingham County in about 1851,
where he died in February. 1874. He bought land in the county in about 1830. He was the owner of 600 acres and gave his children half a section. The mother of our subject was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 24. 1803, and died in Effingham Septem- ber 28, 1855. They were the parents of five children, of whom our subject was the third child. He was raised on a farm, and re- ceived such an education as the common schools afforded. He remained at home with his parents until he was nineteen years of age, when he embarked on his career in life as a farmer, upon a forty-acre farm, and has continued to add to it until now he is the owner of 120 acres, 110 of which are under a high state of cultivation. On April 19, 1855, in Effingham County, he married Edith Nea- vill, who died January 15, 1858. In 1860, August 23, he married Miss Catharine Ster- ritt, a native of Scotland; was brought to America by her parents in 1851. She is the mother of eight children, of whom six are now living viz., William R., Margaret E .. Anna M., Ida A., Allen B., Robert F. An active member of the order of A, F. & A. M., at Altamont Lodge, 530. In politics, a Democrat.
MICHAEL E. HOGAN, merchant, Alta- mont. Among the successful business men, and who ranks in the list of self-made men of the county, is Michael E. Hogan, who is the senior member of the firm of M. E. Ho- gan & Bros., of this town, also of Hogan & Clark, of Effingham. He was born August 14, 1849, in Albany, N. Y., the eldest son of Christopher Hogan and Ellen King. both natives of Ireland, who came to New York
State in 1848, coming with Smith O'Brien and John Mitchell. Christopher Hogan was a large stone contractor, and did a large bus- iness. Subject came West with his parents in 1859, locating same year in Fayette. Fa- ther died in Fayette County September 16, about 186S. His wife survived him several months. Subject is the eldest of eight liv- ing children. Subject remained with par- ents until about the year 1873, January; he engaged in business with Sumner Clark at Ramsey, under the firm name of M. E. Ho- gan & Co., which lasted until the spring of 1876, at which time he came to this place, where he started on his own account in gen- eral store, keeping general line of goods, and since continned and been successful. In connection with his business, he has been engaged in the contracting business, doing a large and very successful business, being the largest dealer in that line in this part of the State, having handled, in the last year, about 350,000 ties, of about $110,000 business. August 25, 1873, he married Lucy Dial, born in Fayette County, daughter of Lewis Dial and Rachel Ream. Has four children-Ella, Mabel, Eugenia, Thomas E. Member of Catholic Church.
WILLIAM N. HOLLIS, farmer, P. O. Al- tamont, was born in Sussex County, Del., January 1, 1832, to Noah and Catherine (Hardesty) Hollis, whose history appears in the sketch of Thomas Hollis, West Town- ship. William was the youngest child of his parents, raised on a farm and educated from the common schools of Ross County, Ohio, where he was brought by his parents when two years old. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, when he embarked on his career in life as a farmer, with one horse, upon a rented farm for two years, when he bought fifty acres in Ross County, and continued on there, farm-
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ing until the winter of 1570, when he came to Illinois and located in Effingham County, on his present farm. He then bought forty acres, and has since ad.led forty to it, now having eighty acros, undler a high stato of cultivation. January 27, 1853, in Ross Coun- ty, he married Miss Agnes Thompson, who was born in Virginia and died in 1869. She was the mother of eight children. seven of whom are living, viz., Noah F., Fran- ces Jane, Mary C. (dead), Rebecca E., Emma C., Ida MI. Martha A., Olla A. In Septem- ber, 1570, in Vinton County, Ohio, he mar- riel Sarah Ross, a native of Athens County, Ohio, born in 1537. Self and wife are mem- bers of M. E Church. Politically. is a Re- publican. He entered the lato rebellion in May. 1864, and was mustered out August of the same year. He served in One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio, un ler command Ken- ley's brigade. Was guarding a wagon train that was attacked.
ARTHUR HOWER, merchant. Altamont, has been identified with the business inter- . ests of this town since September, 1576, and of the State since 1562. The history of this gentleman in brief is as follows: He was born in St. Joseph County, Mich., Decem- ber 13. 1847, being the eldest son of Nicho- las Hower, a native of Pennsylvania, and re- moved to Michigan when a young man, where he afterward married Sophia M. Bristol, who was born in New York, daughter of Capt. Seaman Bristol, who ran on the lakos. Sub- ject was left fatherless in 1554. and remained with his mother until 186S. when he en- gaged in the grocery business at Kinmundy, Marion County, this State, continuing one year, when he sold out his interest and en- gaged in handling produce, fruits, etc., con- tinuing in this business until September, 1876, when he came to Altamont and engaged in merchandising in copartnership with J. P.
Aydelott, firm name being Hower & Ayde- lott. Fifteen months after, he associated with Mr. Davis, who purchased the interest of the former partner. This association lasted about one year, when he purchased his partner's interest, and has since run the same on his own account, and has been doing a successful business. He keeps a general store, and also deals in railroad ties and hard lumber: also has a half-interest in the man- ufacturing firm of Spence Bros. & Co., man- ufacturers of babies' and children's wagons. at this place. February 9, 1572, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Harriet Davis, a native of Morrow County, Ohio, daughter of John Davis. He has one child, Jessie. Is a member of the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of this place.
PRESTON K. JOHNSON, attorney and Postmaster, Altamont, son of Dr. John B. and Martha (Davidson) Johnson, was born in Montgomery County, Ind .. March 1. 1854. At the age of eleven years, he removed with his parents to Marion County, Ill. He was raised on a farm, and was educated in the public schools, and began teaching at the age of eighteen years, and taught for three years in Marion and Fayette Counties, Ill. In IS75, he came to Altamont and began the study of law with Hale Johnson, his brother, then in practice here, and, after studying one year, was appointed Postmaster at Altamont in October, 1876, and for about five years abandoned law studies, engrossed with the duties of the office. He resumed law studies in the fall of ISSO, and was admitted to the bar in May, ISS2. by the Supreme Court, at Springfield, in a class of thirty-seven per- sons. and has since practiced law in connec- tion with the duties of Postmaster. His fa- ther was born in Kentucky, and moved to Ohio when about ten years of age, and went
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to Montgomery County, Ind . when a young man, where he married. He studied medi- cine in Asbary University, Indiana. He raised & company for the Seventy second In- diana Volunteer Infantry, and became Assist. an: Surgeon, and served one year. He came to Marion County. Ill .. in 1868. and settled near Kinmandy, where he farmed and prae tised medicine, and represented Marion and Fayette Counties in the Twenty-ninth Gen. eral Assembly of the Illinois Legislature, and is now living at Judsonia. Ark. Has five sons and three daughters living. Our sub- jeet married Miss Belle Chance, near Kin- manly. Ill. October 29. 12.
WILLIAM KIRCHOFF. farmer. P. O. Altamont. was born in Prussis. Germany. July 27. 1838. a ce of Charles Kirchoff. William was raised in Germany, on a farm. and educated in the Lutheran schools In 1558, he came to America, by sailing vessel. from Hamburg, landing in New York, where he remained two years, where he engaged as 3 farm isborer. In ISås, he came to Ilinois and settled in Eningham County, and worked the farm of Joseph Yates for four years. He bought his first land in Isps, and re- moved to his farm in 1832. Here he has since remained, engaged in agricultural par- snits, and is now the owner of 135 acres of land, 120 of which are under a high state of cultivation. In Germany, in ISMO. he mar- ried Mena Krainbrigs, a native of Prussia. Germany, born March 29. 1931. They have two children-Frank and Mena. Subject and family are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics. is Independent-
WILLIAM C. KLITZING, merchant. Al- tamont, was born in Prassia. in the village of Neuendorf. Germany, Angus: 20, 1845. At the age of eleven years, he came with his parents to the United States, and located at Chicago in 1557. He remained in Chicago
until 1874, and there learned the carpenter's trade, and the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds. He came to Bine Point in 1874, and in 1575 he became a member of the firm of D. Bover & Co., in general merchandising. from March, 1875. to December. 1876. when Mr. Bover sold his interest to H. Manzel. and the firm has since been Klitzing & Mnn- zel. They occupied a site adjoining Boyer House until AAugust. ISSI. when they moved into their present room, which was erected the same year by them. The main building is a two-story brick. 24x76, with wareroom in rear of twenty feet length. It is the larg. ost business room in the town, and is stocked with a large and well selected stock of gen- eral merchandise. Besides the partners, two salesmen are employed. Subject was mar rial. in 1575. to Lonisa Sommerkamp, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and has two children -- Martha and Edward. Our subject's father. John Klitzing. Sr .. was born in 1912. a na- tive of Prussia, and was a tavern-keeper in the village of Nenendorf. where he married Maria Oldenburg, and six children were born in Prussia and one in Chicago. He came to Effingham County in 1862. and has since farmed near Blue Point. Moccasin Township. He and family were raised in the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
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