History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois : together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of representative men, History of Illinois, Part 122

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Illinois > Greene County > History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois : together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of representative men, History of Illinois > Part 122

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James 1. Johnson, partner in the large dry goods firm in Carrollton, was born in Alton, Oct. 27, 1854, his parents being James I. and Zella (Edward-) Johnson, natives of Maryland. They came to Illinois in 1838, and both died in Greene county in 1867, his father in April, and his mother in May. They engaged in farming here. James was educated in the common schools and

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IHISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

finished at Blackburn College, in Car- linville. He afterward engaged in the livery business in Carrollton, which he conducted four years, and then com- nieneed his present business, in part- nership with F. A. Davis and O. T. Vedder, and has met with excellent suc- cess. In 1878 Mr. Johnson was elected alderman, and served one term to the benefit of our eity and its population. He is a member of Carrollton lodge No. 342, I. O. O. F., in which he is past grand, and of the encampment No. SI. He is also a member of Olympic lodge, No. 913, of the K. of H.

Francis Addison Davis, one of the genial and enterprising proprietors of the dry goods, boot and shoe house, known as the firm of Vedder, Johnson & Davis, in Carrollton, was born in this city Feb. 27, 1858, his parents being James M. and Sarah (Vedder) Davis, his father a native of Kentucky, his mother of Lysander, N. Y. His father was a physician and enjoyed an excel- lent reputation and a fine practice. His death occurred June 8, 1885. He was honored and esteemed by all who knew him. Mrs. Davis still resides in Car- rollton. Francis was educated in the schools here, after which, in 1874, he entered a dry goods store as clerk and was thus engaged until 1881. Then in company with James I. Johnson and Orange T. Vedder, he opened up with a stoek of dry goods, boots, shoes, etc., and the firm are now doing a heavy business, having met with success be- yond their anticipations.

In June, 1885, L. F. Wheeler engaged in the sale of dry goods, boots, etc.

McFarland, Weagley & Co., dealers in dry goods, etc., in 1878 succeeded

McFarland & Robinson, who had con- ducted the business since 1870. At that time, this firm succeeded MeFar- land, Robinson & Hodges, who had suc- ceeded Z. A. Morrow. McFarland, Hub- bell & Co. established the business in 1864, and were succeeded, in 1866, by Z. A. Morrow.

Sharon Bros, are dealers in dry goods, etc. The business was established in 1857, by John K., Joseph K. and John J. Sharon. In 1860, Jos. K. and J. J. took the business, and continued it un- til 1869, when C. C. Sharon joined the firm. Since 1882, the present firm has conducted the business.

The popular grocery and queensware establishment conducted by William E. and George W. Clark, is one of the largest in the city. By honesty and fair dealing, these gentlemen have succeeded in building up a large trade, which keeps constantly increasing. They are pleasant gentlemen, and richly deserve the success they are meeting with. They carry a full stock of goods in their lines.

William E. Clark, proprietor of the grocery and queensware store in Car- rollton, in partnership with his brother, George W., is a native of Lockport, III. He was born June 7, 1857, and is a son of Rev. W. D. and Mary S. (Wright) Clark, natives of New York, who came to Illinois in 1849, Rev. Mr. Clark has been pastor in the cities of Carrollton, Quiney, Galesburg and Aurora, Ill., and is now associate editor on the Baptist Flug, of St. Louis. As a minister he has been very successful in the places where he has preached, and is probably one of the most noted clergymen in the state, Rev. Mr. Clark is now residing

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

in St. Louis, having removed there re- cently. William E. received his educa- tion in the high school of Quincy, and after his school days were over, he went to California, where he engaged in the mercantile business, at San Francisco. In this he continued for a year and a half, and then proceeded to Detroit, Mich., where he took a position in the office of the Pullman Palace Car Co. He remained there six months, and then re- moved to Council Bluffs, Ia., and there took charge of some railroad contract work, for two years, after which time he entered the freight office of the W., St. L. & P. R. R., in that city, as ab- straet or receiving clerk. He was thus engaged for two years, then was on the road three years as traveling salesman for a dry goods house, and then located in Carrollton, where he is now doing a prosperous business, being known to all as a genial, accommodating gentleman. Mr. Clark is a member of Carrollton lodge No. 50, A. F. & A. M.

G. E. Johnson established his present grocery business in April, 1881, at the southeast corner of the public square. He carries a stock of groceries, pro- visions, queensware, etc., which will invoice about $2,000. The salesroom is 20x66 feet in size.

Gouverneur E. Johnson was born in Alton, Ill., Nov. 5, 1852, and is a son of James I. and Zabie (Edwards) Johnson, natives of Maryland. They came to Illinois, in 1848, locating at Alton, where Mr. Johnson beeame deputy war- den of the state penitentiary, under Col. Buckmaster, which position he held for 16 years. He subsequently removed to eastern Greene county, where he engaged in farming until 1867, when he

was the victim of a sad accident. He was breaking a pair of mules, when they ran away, throwing him out and breaking his neek. His wife died in 27 days after his death, on the 6th of May. G. E. Johnson received his education in the Blackburn University, at Carlin- ville, and after finishing there, he pro- eeeded to Baltimore, where he remained four years, being engaged in settling up the estate of two of his deceased uncles. He then returned to Greene county and engaged in the livery business at Car- rollton, in which he continued one year. This business he then sold out, and opened up a stock of groceries and queensware, in which he met with such success that he is still conducting the same prosperous business. In 1880, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Fannie E. Seott, daughter of Thos. and Kate (Doran) Scott, natives of Liv- erpool, Eng., who came to America in 1851, and are now residing in Carroll- ton. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Episcopal church. Mr. Johnson is a member of the city council, having been eleeted in April, 1885, and holds the office until 1887. He is there doing many acts of kindness to his needy fel- low-men, in endeavoring to relieve their distress. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of H. lodges of this city, and is an enterprising citizen.

Cornelius Carmody has a general store opposite the C. & A. depot. He has been doing business in Carrollton since 1867.

Cornelius Carmody came to Greene county in July, 1850, and for six or seven years, worked by the month, on a farın. He then bought land and began farming for himself. In 1865 he removed

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

to Carrollton, and engaged in the gro- cery business. He also purchased land at different times afterward, and now owns 120 acres, all within the city lim- its, for which he paid from $61 to $100 per aere. He also owns his store, and lot, two houses and lots, and another store and lot, which cost him $4,500. He was born in county Clare. Ireland, in 1830, and came to America in 1850, landing at New Orleans July 1, and ar- riving in Carrollton July 12. He mar- ried Bridget Hines, and by that union there were four children, only one of whom is now living-Lydia, wife of George D. HTill. Mrs, Carmody died, and he was again married to Ann Con- nole. They are the parents of seven children - John, Cornelius, Minnie, Maggie, Nora, Katie and Emma. Mr. Carmody is a member of the Catholic church. His political views are demo- cratic.

George D. Hill, who conducts the leading tonsorial establishment of this city, was born in Carrollton, Aug. 15, 1861, his parents being John and Martha Hill. He received his education in the public schools, and afterward was employed with his father as a painter. But his health would not permit him to follow that business, and he thus, in the year 1SSO, commenced working at the barber's trade. In 1881 he bought out his employer, and engaged in busi- ness for himself, in which he still con- tinues, with good success. May 13, 1884, Mr. Hill was united in marriage with Lydia Carmody, daughter of Cornelius Carmody, which union has been blessed with one son-George C. Mr. Hill at- tends closely to business, and is re- spected for his honesty and fair dealing.

J. Rainey & Son have been engaged in the grocery and queensware business since 1879.

Greene & Bingham, grocers, com- menced business in 1885, succeeding Greene & Simpson, who established the same in July, 1SS1.

H. Schafer & Co., grocers, established their business in 1882.

R. G. Johnson, grocer, is the suc- cessor of II. L. Johnson & Son, who established the business in 1871.

John J. Sharon, grocer, commenced business in 1882, as successor to Sharon Bros., who established the same in 1866.

The wholesale and retail business of Charles H. Hodges, dealer in groceries, provisions, chinaware, etc., was estab- lished by Hodges & Keeley, in 1872, who operated the same two years, when they were succeeded by Hodges & Bro. In 1881 the present firm took charge.

The business of E. Smith & Co., druggists and book-sellers, was estab- lished in 1867, by A. H. and Henry Smith, under the firm caption of Smith Brothers. They continued the same until 1875, when they were succeeded by Smith & Crow, and followed in 1877 by the present firm, which is composed of Edward and A. H. Smith. Their store room is 20x60 feet in dimensions. They carry a stock which will invoice from $5,000 to $6,000.

Alexander H. Smith, M. D., was born in New Brunswick, N. J., Aug. 24, 1816. He took a literary course at Rutger's College, from which he graduated in 1834, after which he entered the medical college at Philadelphia, and in 1837 graduated as physician and surgeon. He soon afterward came to Illinois and located in Jersey county, near Jersey-

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ILISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

ville, giving his attention to farming. Later he removed to Kane, in this county, and engaged in mercantile pur- suits. In 1867 he came to Carrollton and has since been interested in the the drug trade. While a resident of Jersey county, he married Amanda Robinson, of Greene county, who died in Dec., 1882, leaving five children- Charles, Henry, Edward, Greg R. and Mamie E.

Edward Smith, of the drug firm of E. Smith & Co., was born in Kane, Feb. 3, 1855, and is a son of Alexander II. and Amanda (Robinson) Smith. He has been engaged in the drug business, at Carrollton, since 1871, and has been a member of the firm sinee 1875. He takes an active part in the literary in- terests of the place, and his religious connection is with the Baptist church. He is a member of the board of educa- tion, and in politics is a democrat.

C. P. Clemmons also handles drugs, stationery, etc. The business was estab- lished by this gentleman in 1862.

S. A. Vedder, druggist, engaged in business in 1870, as successor to Fry & Armstrong. The trade was established by Vedder & Davis in 1864. In 1868, Hobson & Donaho, became the proprie- tors. Two years later Fry & Armstrong took charge.

L. Levy & Co. are engaged in the clothing and merchant tailoring busi- ness, which was established in 1866, by H. & S. Levy. In 1877, Samuel Levy succeeded that firm. In 1885 the pres- ent firm took charge.

H. L. Horwitz, dealer in clothing, etc., established the business in 1879.

H. C. Sieverling, dealer in agricul- tural implements, manufacturer of

wagons and plows, and a general black- smith at Carrollton, Ill., established this business in 1866.

H. C. Sieverling is a native of Bruns- wick, Germany. He was born on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1828, his parents being Conrad and Eliza (Bullman ) Sieverling, also natives of Brunswick. Both are now deceased. II. C. was educated in Germany, and there served an appren- ticeship at the lockmaker's and black- smith's trade, and then reported for military duty. In 1848 he sailed for America, on a vessel bound for New Orleans. He located first in that city, and afterwards in Baton Rouge, where he staid for nine years, being employed at machine work. In 1853 he engaged in the building of snag boats, and thus continued until 1857, when he came up to St. Louis. From there he removed to Keokuk, Ia., but in a short time re- turned to St. Louis, thence coming to Illinois, and in 1858, located at Wood- ville, this county, where he carried on a successful business until 1866. He then removed to Carrollton, purchased property, and commenced his present business. Mr. Sieverling is a skillful artisan, well worthy of the patronage he has succeeded in obtaining. In 1855 he was joined in marriage with Elean- ora Helmbold, a native of Philadelphia. They are the parents of three children -William II., born Jan. 16, 1860; Otis A., born Aug. 24, 1862; George B., born Oct. 15, 1864. Mrs. Sieverling was a widow, and has two children by her former marriage - Henrietta, wife of Col. J. B. Nulton, of Carrollton; and Sophia, wife of Adam Gimmy, of Car- rollton, Mrs. Sieverling and her young- est daughter are members of the Pres-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

byterian church, and her oldest daugh- ter is a member of the Episcopal church. Mr. Sieverling has represented his ward in the city council, having been elected alderman at one time. He is a member of Carrollton lodge No. 50, A. F. & A. M .; of chapter No. 77; of Hugh DePay - en commandery, No. 29, and of lodge No. 342, I. O. O F., and has also been a member of the encampment. Thus it will be seen that he is an enterprising citizen.

About the year 1863, A. B. Whitney established the hardware and agricul- tural implement business, now carried on by J. P. Morrow & Co. After two years the firm became Morrow & Whit- ney, but in 1868 the former retired. In 1868 the present firm came into exist- ence.

Stout & Smith sell hardware, farm machinery and implements. This bus- iness was established by J. II. Stout about the year 1879. In 1885, S. O. Smith became a member of the firm.

Thomas Scott, dealer in stoves, tin- ware and fancy goods, commenced bus- iness in 1860, on the northeast corner of the square. In 1868, he erected a build- ing on the southeast corner of the public square, and moved his stock thereto. The building is a brick structure, 20x84, and two stories high, built at a cost of $4,500. IIe carries a finely assorted stock in his line, which will invoice about $3,000.

Simpson & Black, dealers in stoves, tinware, established business in 1884.

Jacob Tendick, boot and shoe dealer, engaged in the business in 1879, moving to his present quarters in 1882.

The restaurant, bakery and confec- tionary of H. T. Eberlein was estab-

| lished by Beatty & Porter, about the year 1879. They conducted it about two years, when they were succeeded by John Plattner, who continued the busi- ness until 1881, at which time the pres- ent proprietor assumed control.

Herman T. Eberlein, proprietor of the restaurant on the west side of the square, in Carrollton, is a native of Saxe-Coburg, Germany, and was born July 28, 1853. He is a son of Paul and Adelaide (Conrad) Eberlein, also na- tives of Germany. Herman was edu- cated at Coburg, graduating from the gymnasium in 1867. He then engaged as a salesman in the mercantile business for one year. and in 1868 immigrated to America. On reaching here, he came west as far as St Louis, where he learned the confectioner's trade. He remained there four years and then came to Car- rollton, where he entered the employ of Frank Vivell, baker and confectioner; and was thus engaged two years. He then went to Burlington, Ia., where he continued in the same business, and during the three last years of his stay there carried on a restaurant. This he sold out, and then returned to Car- rollton, and purchased the confectionery and restaurant in which he is now do- ing a paying business, and by attending closely to the wants of his customers, is meeting with deserved success. In 1874, he married Frances C. Britchge, daughter of Joseph and Regina (Vonah) Britchge, natives of Switzerland, who came to America in 1853, locating in Greene county, where they now reside. This union has been blessed with five children-Amanda, born Nov. 4, 1875; Francis J., born June 21, 1877; Paul, born June 11, 1878; Albert, born June

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

16, 1880; and Selma, born Feb. 16, 1884, Mr. Eberlein is a member of Carrollton lodge No. 342, I. O. O. F., and of Car- rollton encampment No. SO. He is also a member of the order of Knights of Pythias.

The bakery business now operated by G. L. Williams, was established in 1856 by F. Vivell.

The harness and saddlery business is represented by J. T. Cameron, who es- tablished the same in 1855. The build- ing is located on the west side of the square, and is 45x23 feet in size. He has a stock worth about $1,000.

Joseph T. Cameron is a native of Smithville, Tenn. He was born Nov. 5, 1832, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Phillips) Cameron, natives of South Carolina. His father was a far- mer and located in Greene county as early as 1836. He died at Pueblo, Mex- ico, in 1848, whither he had gone as a soldier. Mrs. Cameron had died in Tennessee many years before. Joseph T. was educated in the common schools of this state, and learned the trade of a tanner, being indentured to Charles Mc- Fadden. He subsequently learned the saddlery business, under Hiram Keach, and has since engaged in it with the ex- ception of about two years during the war, when he elerked in a store. He then again resumed his former business and is still occupied thereat. Mr. Cam- eron was married Dec. 6, 1859, to Jane E. Morrow, daughter of Z. A. and Re- becca (Edmond-) Morrow, natives of Tennessee and South Carolina, respect- ively. Her father is now a resident of Texas. Her mother died in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Cameron are the parents of one child-George M., born June 18,

1861. They are members of the Bap- tist church. Mr. Cameron is a member of Carrollton lodge No. 50, A. F. & A. MI .; of chapter No. 77, and of Hugh DePayen commandery No. 29, and of the G. T. lodge, No. 393. He has been master in the blue lodge, has been and is now king in the chapter, and is now warder in the commandery. Mr. Cam- eron has held the office of alderman of the city several terms. He is a genial, industrious business man, and has met with a liberal patronage in consequence.

Adam A. Weimer, cigar manufacturer, and retail dealer of all kinds of tobacco, established the same Feb. 10, 1885, on the north side of the square. The building is 20x60 feet in size, and he carries a stock of about $800.

Adam A. Weimer, son of John Adam, Sr., and Anna Weimer, was born in Orb, Germany, July 6, 1859. During his youthful days he attended school in his native land, for about eight years, attaining a good education. At the age of 14, he became apprenticed to the trade of a cigar-maker, and at the ex- piration of three years, immigrated to this country, sailing from Bremen, and landing in New York, June 16, 1877. He came direct to Carrollton, and after a couple of years upon a farm, proceeded to Colora lo and New Mexico, following blacksmithing in the mines of that country, during most of the time he was there. After spending about a year in the west, he returned to Carrollton, and entered the employ of his brother, Charles A. In the fall of 1881, he joined an opera company, at Chicago, and for 13 months served as general mu- sician of the same, traveling as far west ax Salt Lake City, south to New Orleans,

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

east to Boston, and north to Manitoba. Returning to Carrollton in the fall of 1883, he was, for a short time, in part- nership with his brother, Joseph J .. in the manufacture of cigars, but has since become suecessor to the firm, and is still engaged in that line. Sept. 10, 1884, he was married to Mattie E., a daughter of James V. and Elizabeth Mayberry. Mr. Weimer is a member of both the subordinate and eneamp- ment of the I. O. O. F. order, and still retains a membership in the Chicago Musical Society, and is a charter mem- ber of the Carrollton Musical Associa- tion.

Charles A. Weimer, eigar manufac- ture and retail dealer of all kinds of tobacco, pipes, etc., is located on the east side of the square. He carries a stoek of upwards of $1,000, and does a fine business. He was formerly in partnership with Mr. Southworth but now is the sole owner of the stock.

Charles A. Weimer has been a resident of Carrollton since 1873, and has since that time been engaged in the manufac- ture of cigars. He was born in Ger- many, Aug. 30, 1849, and attended school there from the age of six years to 13 years. He then commenced to work at eigar making and while follow- ing the trade, traveled in nearly all parts of his native country. In 1872, he concluded to immigrated to Amer- ica, as his parents did not wish him to go, he left without their knowledge, taking passage at Bremen on a vessel bound for New York. He had to bor- row the money with which he crossed the Atlantic, and of course, when he landed here, had but very little. But having a letter of recommendation with

him, he succeeded in borrowing enough money to take him to St. Louis, where he was employed at his trade 18 months, and then come to Carrollton. Mr. Weimer was so well pleased with the this country that he sent tickets to his five brothers in Germany, so that they too might come and reside in this land of the free. All these brothers are now engaged in the cigar business, and are meeting with good success. Mr. Weimer has been twiee married. In 1875 he was united in marriage with Ida Hall, who died in the year 1878. He was again married in 1885 to Susan A. Ved- der, daughter of Frank I. and Harriet Vedder, Mr. Weimer is a Knight Tem- plar, and a member of the K. of H. lodge of this city. He is very prompt in the fulfilment of all his obligations, and during his stay at Carrollton has made many warm friends who wish him success in all his undertakings.

Julia E. Hall is well and favorably known to all the old settlers of Greene county, as the oldest daughter of Maj. A. W. and Dorlesky Bridges, living one mile north of Carrollton. She was born Jan. 9, 1828, and at the age of 23, was married to Wm. A. Hall, of Ches- terfield, Macoupin county. This union was blessed by one child-Ida M., who, at the age of 20, was married to Charles A. Weimer, of Carrollton. Wm. A. Hall died Jan. 20, 1856, and then Mrs. Hall returned to her father's home, near this eity, and after parents' death moved to her portion of the farm, where she managed, by energy and ceonomy to lay the foundation to a snug com- petency. In 1885 she moved to this city to live with her daughter and son- in-law, with whom she has resided since

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

her daughter's death, up to the present day; a rare instance of mother-in-law and son-in-law dwelling harmoniously together. She has became quite a real- estate owner, owing to her energy and economy, assisted by the skilful man- agement of her son-in-law, and is in a position now to look forward to a com- ing old age, with ease and comfort.

L. W. Loomis, dealer in jewelry, etc. This business was established in 1860, by V. Villinger.

Gustav Wiemer engaged in the sale of watches. clocks, jewelry, ete., and also the repairing of the same, in March, 1880.

The firm of Kergher & Son embarked in the sale of furniture, wall paper and undertaking in 1850.

Alvin Pegram, an enterprising lumber and grain dealer in Carrollton, was born in Greene county, March 15, 1839, and is a son of Nathaniel H. and Amanda Elizabeth (King) Pegram. His father was a native of Virginia, his mother of Mississippi, and they came to Illinois in the year 1838. His father is a farmer and is now living in Greene county. Alvin was educated in the Carrollton schools and has ever since engaged in farming. He is now the heaviest grain dealer in the county. In 1880 he built an elevator, which he afterward sold, but now has large convenienees for handling grain extensively, besides own- ing two large farms near Carrollton. In the year 1870, Mr. Pegram was married to Ahmeda DeKalb Cook, daughter of James Cook, now deceased. This union has been blessed with four children- Nathaniel James, born July 11, 1871; Mary Elizabeth, born Dec. 20, 1872; Almeda DeKalb, born Sept. 20, 1874,

and Abbie Alvin, born Sept. 5, 1876. Mrs. and Mrs. Pegram are members of the M. E. church, and enjoy the esteem and respect of many friends. In busi- ness Mr. Pegram is known as a reliable, go-ahead citizen.

Otto Kolkhoff, proprietor of the foundry and machine shop on Locust street, was born in Saxony, Germany, on the 6th of Feb., 1851. He is a son of Fred and Mary (Potesky ) Kolkhoff, na- tives of Germany. In 1863 they left fatherland and friends and sailed for this country, arriving at New York, where they now reside. His father was there engaged in the wholesale wine and liquor business, but is now living a re- tired life. Otto received his education in Germany, attending the gymnasium there. At the age of 14 years he began to learn the trade of a machinist, and after serving his apprenticeship, set sail in 1868, on a vessel bound for New York. He remained in that city two years, working at his trade awhile there. Ile then traveled all over the United States, and was during all that time, employed at his trade. He remained in California a short time, and was in Omaha five years. He afterward came to Carrollton, where he has resided about eight years. In 1879 he was united in marriage with Emily Wolke, daughter of Louis Wolke, a native of Germany, who came to this country some years ago. Emily was born in St. Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Kolkhoff are the parents of two sons-Benjamin, born Feb. 13. 1880, and Franklin, born July 15, 1882. Mrs. Kolkhoff is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Kolkhoff is a member of the A. O. U. W. lodge, and is an honorable business man,

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History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois : together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of representative men, History of Illinois, Part 122

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Number of Pages: 1150

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical
Number of Pages: 1150