USA > Illinois > Fayette County > History of Fayette County, Illinois > Part 18
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During this time he has organized eight Presbyterian Churches, one Reli- gious Society, and ten Sabbath Schools. He taught the first Sabbath School in Liberty Prairie, Madison County, and the third one in that county.
He was engaged for months in lecturing on Temperance during the Wash- ingtonian movement, travelling over the northern part of Iowa and a large portion of the State of Illinois. In this work he was called the Irish Pony, and whilst thus engaged in this glorious work, 7000 persons signed the pledge, the result of his efforts.
He has resided with his family in Vandalia since the fall of 1848, and the citizens of that place can bear witness to the probity of his character whilst he bas so long resided among them. He has devoted considerable of his attention to Masonry, being a zealous and highly respected member of that association, and among the many presents received at the time of the cele- bration of his golden wedding, none struck the writer as being more appro- priate, than the one from his lodge, showing the high appreciation they had and the esteem they felt for their old and tried brother.
The writer has known him intimately for forty-five years, and can add his testimony to his uprightness and purity of character.
JACOB RITTER, JR.,
Is the third son of Jacob Ritter, Sr. and Rebecca Augustine Ritter. His mother was the first white child born in Tuscarawas Township, Starr County, Ohio. His father, who was an old and highly respected citizen of Fayette Connty, was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, where the family is an old and most respectable one, their forefathers locating there about 1680. Until 1865, Mr. Ritter worked upon his father's farm, going to school at times. He succeeded in getting considerable practical information.
He married, December 26th, 1865, Mies Angie E. Summers, daughter of David Summers. They have had five children, the following four living, Miles E., Clemment B, Edith and Clifford. In politics Mr. Ritter has always been a strong Republican, and during the war was outspoken in his union sentiments.
He has been elected highway commissioner of his township, though never an aspirant for office.
He is a solid and substantial citizen, and bids fair to be as useful a mem- ber of society as was his father.
He is still comparatively a young man, and should be live to a ripe old age, his family and the community, will have reason to be thankful, as they will undoubtedly be benefited by it.
WILLIAM W. WATKINS,
PROPRIETOR of the Dieckman House, of Vandalia, Illinois, was born April 2d, 1830, at Leesville, Carroll County, Ohio. His parents, John and Ann (Gamble) Watkins, were natives of Ohio, and removed from there to Christian County, Illinois, in 1855. His mother died in October, 1875. His father still survives her, and is now a resident of Kansas. Mr. Watkins' youth was spent in his native state, where he learned a trade.
After he came to Illinois, he engaged in mercantile pursuits, and remained thus engaged for a period of seven years. He was then engaged in various kinds of business until 1877, when he came to Vandalia and assumed the proprietorship of the Dieckman House, which is now the best conducted and most comfortable hotel in southern Illinois.
He married Oct. 16th, 1851, Miss Elizabeth A. Price, who was also a na- tive of Leesville, Ohio, where she was born April 26th, 1828. They were married in New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas County, Ohio. They have had one child, Earnest C., born January 11th, 1853, and now engaged in business with his father.
Mr. Watkins' life has been one of busy activity, and his present business is one for which be is eminently well qualified. His thorough knowledge of the business, his genial manner, and his attention to the comforts of his guests, have made his hotel one of the most popular in the State.
WILLIAM ECKARD, (DECEASED),
WAS born in Milllertown, Perry County, Pennsylvania, December 7th, 1815. His father was a native of , one of the Rhinish Provinces, and served as surgeon under Napoleon Bonaparte for fourteen years. His mother's maiden name was Catherine Weber. She was born and raised in Philadelphia. His father died in 1825, and his mother a year later, leaving a family of eight children. When fourteen years old he apprenticed himself to a carriage builder to learn the trade. He remained at it about thirteen months, when in consequence of his employer's disappearance, he had to look elsewhere for employment. He remained with a brother working on a farm until his seventeenth year, when he commenced work at the tomb-stone trade at which he remained until twenty, when he came to Illinois.
He arrived in Fayette County in 1833, and immediately commenced work for John Hall, Esq., in his quarry on Ramsey Creek.
July 8th, 1841, he married Miss Mary C., daughter of John and Ellenor Hines Hall. They had five children, F. M. Eckard, now a merchant in Vandalia, Chas C., John C., Emma C. who married Wm. Sonnemann, Esq., and M. W.
Mr. Eckard was a man of untiring energy and perseverance. Left an orphan at an early age, he immediately set about making his own way in the world. He availed himself of the first chance, and when unexpectedly thrown out of employment, he quite as readily sought and found something else.
His character was without a blemish, and he was laid to his last rest sin- cerely mourned by family and friends. He died March 6th, 1855.
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Ebenezer Caffo
VANDALIA was fortunate in having a number of energetic, thrifty and excellent business men make her their home; and to them she owes most of her present prosperity and substantial appearance. Ebenezer Cappe was essentially a mercantile man. His successes were only measured with the duration of his health. He was born in London, England, May 27th, 1798, and came to this country in 1818, engaging in business in Cincinnati, and afterwards at St. Louis and Springfield. In 1820 he visited Vandalia, and in 1830, accompanied by his mother, three brothers and two sisters, perma- nently located there. He possessed no ready means, but was ready, apt, and with an innate knowledge of the principles governing the laws of trade, he very soon entered upon a career of prosperity, and at his death left a large and well-established business. He married March 1st, 18-, Miss Ann Norwood. Of their children, Charles E. and Thomas are still conducting the business founded by their father's prudence and foresight. Sarah mar- ried H. F. Jerauld, a prominent manufacturer of Vandalia; Hannah, relict of C. W. Jenks, and residing in Vandalia; Mary A. married W. G. Wil- liams, present circuit clerk of Jasper County. Mr. Capps was a man of great industry and energy. He was engaged in trade in Quincy, and was for a time treasurer of the Bluff Road. After the death of his wife, which oc- curred September 26th, 1855, he made several trips to Europe. For a number of years before his death he was seriously affected with paralysis, from the effects of which he died after enduring intense suffering, February 7th, 1877.
His honesty and veracity were proverbial, and during the darkest days of his adopted country's peril he remained her steadfast supporter and advo- cate. His memory will long remain green among people who honor virtuous and patriotic actions.
JOSEPH S. KNOWLES, M. D.
AMONG the successful practitioners of medicine in Fayette County Dr. Knowles has rapidly advanced to the front rank. He was born in Fillmore, Montgomery County, Illinois, June 27th, 1850, and is the eldest child of Wm. L. and Sarah (Alexander) Knowles. His father came to Illinois when he was fourteen years old, and here he was married and has ever since continued to reside. He is now living on the old homestead in Montgomery County. His wife died February 7th, 1858. The childhood and youth of Dr. Knowles were spent on his father's farm. During this time he was permitted to enjoy all the advantages afforded by the district schools. When eighteen years old he attended the Hillsboro Academy, remaining four years, taking a thorough academic course, at the conclusion of which he deter- mined upon the study of medicine, and immediately proceeded to Cincinnati where he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute, and graduated May 12th, 1874, the youngest student in his class. June 20th, 1874, he located in Vandalis, where he has already an extensive practice, numbering among his patients some of the most prominent and substantial families in the county, and is spoken of by them in terms of the highest commendation, both in regard to his method of treatment and his deportment as a gentleman of education and refinement. His success can only be measured by the duration of his
Jas. S. Nonaules M.A.
life, as he is in full sympathy with his profession, and practices it from the love and interest he bears it. He is examining surgeon of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of which society he is a member. In politics he is a Republican, and an earnest well-wisher for its success and the prosperity of his State and country. From the nature of his business he is unable to take an active part in its work and counsels. He is energetic and thoroughly alive to the responsibility of his calling, and possesses all the attributes necessary to success and honorable distinction.
ROBERT W. ROSS
WAS born in Fayette County, on the 31st of December, 1844, and is the third child of Joshua W. and Martha (Phillips) Ross. His parents are both natives of Kentucky, and came to this State nearly half a century since. His father, Joshua W. Ross, has been one of the prominent men of this sec- tion of the State for many years, as may be seen by referring to his history in another part of this work. The family is of Scotch and Welsh extraction.
Robert's youth was passed in Vandalia, where he enjoyed all the advanta- ges afforded by the common schools of that city. In 1862, feeling the neces- sity of a more extended and thorough education he matriculated in Tuscarora Academy, Juniata County, Pennsylvania, where he made creditable progress. On his return from college he was appointed Deputy County Clerk of Fay- ette County, which position he filled five years. At the expiration of that time he engaged in the drug business, in which he continued two years, when he was appointed Deputy Circuit Clerk under Wm. Haukins, and where he remained four years and a half. In 1872, he received the Democratic nom- ination for Circuit Clerk, but by reason of the disaffection of the incumbent, ' who had been beaten in the convention, (Mr. Ross having received the nom- ination on the first ballot), he was defeated by only eleven votes, good evi- dence of his popularity, and the estimation of the public as to his qualifica- tions. After the election, Mr. Ross, always active, engaged in the real estate and loan business. In 1875, he was elected Clerk of the 29th General As- sembly of the Illinois Legislature, a position requiring promptness and activity, and one which he filled creditably and acceptably, and was, (to use the words of one of the representatives) one of the most energetic and pains-taking officers in the public service. At the expiration of his term of office he re- turned to Vandalia and resumed his real estate business. In 1876, he again received from his party the nomination for County Clerk, and was elected bv a good majority.
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
In politics he has always been a Democrat, and during the late war was a strong union man. And while entertaining the liveliest sympathy and regret for the course pursued by his friends of the South, he felt it incumbent upon him to maintain his principles with the aid of the musket. He enlisted in the 143d Regiment Ill. volunteers, and was engaged in active service at Memphis, and afterwards at Helena, Arkansas, when he was honorably dis- charged.
He is and has been a faithful and efficient public officer, and is a genial and whole-souled gentleman.
HON. WILLIAM SONNEMANN,
PRESENT Mayor of Vandalia, was born April 12, 1841, and is the second of a family of eight children (four of whom are deceased) of the late C. A. Son- nemann and Elizabeth Schmidt, his wife. C. A. Sonnemann was a native of Gross-Reiden, Germany ; born February 2, 1813, and was educated in his native town. He was married in the autumn of 1838 to Elizabeth Schmidt. She was born on the 11th of March, 1812. Soon after his marriage, Mr. S. and wife emigrated to America, arriving at Vandalia in the spring of 1839. His trade was that of a cabinet-maker, which he carried on for many years. About a year after the I. C. R. R. was built, he engaged in the lumber business. In his business enterprises he was successful. He was a stock- holder in the First National Bank, and he and Mr. Fehren established the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, of which he was elected Vice-president, and was subsequently elected President, which position he filled one year. He died at his residence, April 3d, 1875, leaving a handsome estate. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and a prominent Mason. In politics he was a Republican, and was one of the sixty-eight men of Fayette County who voted for Fremont in 1856. During the late war he was a staunch Union man. His son Frederick enlisted in the 146th Regiment, Ill. Vol .; was stationed at Helena, Arkansas, where he contracted a disease from which he died, at Matoon, Ill., the very day he was to have been mustered out, in September, 1864. The widow of C. A. S. is still living, residing at her resi- dence in Vandalia.
William S., the subject of our sketch, was educated in the schools of Van- dalia. On the 28th December, 1871, he was married to Miss Emma C., the daughter of William and Mary C. Echard, of Fayette Co. Two children
William Sonnensam
were the fruits of that union, one of whom is deceased, Christian A., a lad of four years, yet living. When William grew to manhood he became a partner with his father in the lumber business. The elder Sonnemann retired from the firm Jan. 1st, 1875, and his son Charles became a partner, since which time the business has been conducted by the brothers. Mr. S. is a director in the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank. In politics a Republican. On the first of May, 1876, he was elected mayor of Vandalia, and re-elected in May, 1877.
FRANCIS B. HALLER, M. D.,
WAS born October 13th, 1826, in Lewistown, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. His parents, Samuel and Mary Haller, were both natives of the same State. When about ten years of age, the parents of Dr. Haller removed to Mont- gomery County, in this State, and there he received his preparatory and academic training at the Hillsboro Academy, afterwards Lewistown Aca- demy, Pennsylvania. He was of a studious nature, though of an active and nervous temperament, and possessed a mind sufficiently well balanced, to prevent his running into excesses of any kind. That is improving his mind at the expense of his physical well-being, or "vice versa."
It was his father's wish and desire that he should study medicine, and in deference to that wish, he did so. The selection of this profession reflects great credit upon the judgment of the elder Haller, and also upon the thorough knowledge of his son's capabilities. It is also creditable to Dr. Haller, knowing the field in which his life-work was to be performed, that he assiduously devoted himself not only to the mere acquiring of a thorough knowledge of a science, that with the single exception of theology, is the noblest that engages the attention of man, but he has made it of practical utility and profit. He studied one year with Dr. A. S. Haskell, then of Hillsboro, and subsequently of Alton, one of the most successful practi- tioners in Western Illinois, and a thoroughly refined and cultivated gentle- man. He afterwards attended lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1848-9, 1849-50, under instruction of Prof. Wm. B. Herrick. The following winter of 1850 and 1851, he attended lectures at Missouri University Medical Department, where he graduated in March of 1851. He immediately began the practice of his profession in Vandalis, where he has ever since con- tinued, with but a short intermission, to reside.
Dr. Haller married, on the 22d of May, 1856, Miss Sue R. Higgins, daughter of Martin F. and Mary A. (Edmonstone) Higgins, and sister of Dr. Richard T. Higgins, at present President of the Farmers' and Mer- chants' National Bank. The family of Dr. Haller consists of two daugh- ters: Mary, who in the year 1876 graduated in the classical department of the Illinois Female College at Jacksonville, this State, and is now taking a course in the "Art" department of Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York ; and Maude, a young Miss, still at home with her parents. In the winter
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
F. B. Hallen
of 1864-5, Dr. Haller accompanied by his family, paid a visit to Philadel- phia, where he availed himself of the opportunity and took a full course of study in Jefferson Medical College, graduating in the spring of 1865. He is a member of the County, District, and State Medical Societies, and in 1866 was President of the latter; he is also a member of the American Medi. cal Association. In religious faith Dr. Haller is a Methodist, of which denomination he is considered a consistent and active member. In politics he was originally a Whig, but immediately upon the organization of the Republican party, he transferred his allegiance to it, and has ever since been an ardent supporter of its policy. He has at various times been medi- cal examiner and pension surgeon for the State and United States. He is trustee of the Illinois Industrial University, and a director in the Vandalia National Bank and Vice-President.
One of the characteristic traits of Dr. Haller is his untiring perseverance, and probably one of the best evidences of it is the fact of his having been for years elected as Master of Lodge No. 16, A. F. & A. M., and such has been his devotion to its interests and in its work, in elevating and strength- ening the bond of brotherly love, that it is said that during the long period of his service he has scarcely ever failed to attend a meeting, and this, too, when his business has been of such a nature that he had but little spare time. We might multiply instances of the good attributes of the Doctor, and only refrain because to the citizens of Fayette County they are well known, and of his aversion to anything of the kind. He is at present en- joying with his family the fruits of an energetic, useful and Christian life, in a community where by such a life be has won the confidence and respect of every one.
DIECKMANN BROTHERS.
To the German people this country owes much for its rapid development and the success of its institutions. They have ever been active and earnest in their support of the latter, and the evidence of their thrift, industry and economy is to be seen in every part of the land. Prominent among the many distinguished citizens of this olass are August H. and George Henry Dieck- mann. They were born May 14th, 1820, and January 10th, 1826, re- spectively, at Bruggen, Kingdom of Hanover, Germany. Their father, Conrad Henry Dieckmann, was born in Heuerhausen, Hanover, Novem- ber 17th, 1789, and their mother, Elizabeth Catherine Schminke, on the 28th of March, 1788, in Hessen Cassel, where they were married October,
1818. October, 1839, with their young family, they prepared to emigrate to the United States, and after a voyage of seventy-two days, landed in New Orleans; leaving immediately for St. Louis, where they arrived on Christ- mas day.
February, 1840, they moved to Vandalia. The year before their arrival the seat of government had been moved to Springfield, and Vandalia in con- sequence had, or seemed to have, few inducements to hold out to settlers, particularly those without means or friends, which was the condition of the Dieckmann family on its arrival. But here they determined to locate, and here, with the characteristic energy of their race, they proceeded to lay the foundation of their present fortunes.
For a time they were unable to obtain employment; but believing poverty no disgrace, and labor honorable, they persevered, and succeeded in obtain- ing work, at very low wages. They continued for a number of years work- ing at anything that promised to be honorable and remunerative. In 1850 August H., who had by the strictest economy and self-denial accumulated some money, determined to engage in mercantile pursuits, and started in business, about twelve miles east of Vandalia. George H. enlisted as a volunteer in the spring of 1847, during the war with Mexico, in which he remained until pesce was declared. In 1849 he commenced farming, which he followed several years. In 1853 he disposed of all his farming interests, and with the means thus realized he followed his brother August's example, and commenced merchandising, locating in Vandalia. From this period the history of Fayette County and of Vandalia is inseparably con- nected with their names.
With the means realized from a growing and prosperous business, they kept adding to the material improvements of the city. They induced emi- grants to locate in the county, and did everything that zeal and activity could prompt to develop and improve the city and county. They have lived to see their efforts crowned with success, until now, the desolate and almost abandoned village of 1839 is a prosperous and well-improved city. They took an active part in any project that tended to the improvement and development of both city and county, and as their means accumulated, used them in giving employment to the laborer and mechanic, and sightly and commodious buildings to the city.
Their determined and energetic efforts induced others to follow their ex- ample, and Vandalia has to-day a greater number of handsome and commo- dious structures than any city of like size in southern Illinois. The need for a hotel building was much felt, and numerous attempts were made to organ- ize a stock company for the purpose of building one, but every attempt proved futile.
Fortunately for Vandalia, she had a citizen whose enterprise and public spirit outweighed all pecuniary disadvantages. August H. Dieckmann under- took and successfully carried out the project, and the Dieckmann House, one of the largest and most complete in all its appointments in the southern part of the State, is the result. The brothers were imbued with the idea that every house built and improvement made in the county-seat enhanced the value of land in the county, and made it a more desirable location for settlers and emigrants. And a goodly number of neat and substantial build- ings are monuments to their industry, energy and enterprise. They have been liberal in their support of churches and schools, and earnest in their defence of the principles of both. George H. has filled many positions of public trrt, and always acceptably to the community and creditably to him- self. They are good examples of what force of character and good morals can accomplish, no matter how unpropitious the surroundings. In 1840 they arrived in Vandalia, friendless and penniless, to-day they enjoy the dis- tinction of being among the most prominent and influential men of the county-the deserved reward of deserving merit.
JOHN D. PERINE,
THE recently elected clerk of Fayette County, was born in Kentucky, August 6th, 1834, and is the eldest child of John H. and Margaret (Penny- baker) Perine, who were natives of New York and Kentucky respectively. Mr. Perine's early life was spent in his native state, where he had good opportunities for acquiring an education. He also learned under his father the trade of carriage-making. In 1864 he removed to this county, and engaged in farming in Bowling Green Township. Nov. Ist, 1864, he mar- ried Mies Nannie Maddox, a native of Jefferson County, Kentucky, where her parents had emigrated to from Virginia, of which state they were both
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
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natives. They have had three children, and born in the following order, John Thomas, Delia Kendrick and Mark M., all of whom are now living. Mr. Perine continued farming until the fall of 1877, when he received the Democratic nomination for county clerk, to which he was elected. Though a southern man by birth he was a strong opponent of secession. His life has been marked by upright conduct and strict attention to business, and as a consequence, he has frequently been elected to public positions, and was supervisor for his township five years. He is now engaged in attending to the duties of his office with the punctilio that has characterized his whole life.
BENJAMIN WARD THOMPSON,
THE oldest living settler of Vandalia Township, and perhaps of the County, is the subject of this sketch. B. Ward Thompson was born in Kentucky, May 17th, 1806. His parents removed to Illinois when Ward was a lad ten years old. They were natives of Virginia. His father was of Irish, and his mother of English descent. They located in what is now Clinton County, and in 1819 removed to Fayette and settled about one mile and a half south of Vandalia, in Section 29. Here almost the entire life of Mr. Thompson has been spent. He has witnessed the changes that have taken place in this State, which to hear him relate sound wonderful of the marvelous.
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