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 42

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 42

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Peter Drainer was born in the city of Cologne, Germany, March 23, 1823, and is a son of Peter and Mary Drainer, na- tives of Germany. He grew to man- hood in his native country, and was there married Jan. 12, 1852, to Ursula Pit, daughter of George Pit. In 1854 he decided to immigrate to America and took passage with his family, on board of a sailing vessel at Antwerp, on the 13th of April. They landed in New Or- leans, where they remained about a year, then went to St. Louis where he worked at brick mason work eight months. He. had learned the mason's trade, and followed the same in Germany, previous to coming to this country. In the fall of 1855 he came to Jersey county and settled at Fieldon where he worked at his trade three years. At the expira- tion of that period he had succeeded in saving enough of his earnings to buy a small farm, and accordingly purchased 80 acres of land on Sec. 19, of English township, to which he removed, and upon which he has ever since resided. He has added to his real estate until he at present owns 240 acres. In 1871 he erected a commodious two-story frame dwelling, at a cost of $2,800. It is sit- uated upon a slight elevation of land,

Crm Luiten

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and everything about the premises in- dieates the thrift and enterprise of the owner. Mr. and Mrs. Drainer have had six children born to them-Theresa Helene, now the wife of John Woke, of Fieldon; Mary Louisa, died in Ger- many; Peter, married to Anna Bunsy, and living in English township; Hugo, Peah Desideria and Germanny Pru- denty. Mary died in Germany. Mr. Drainer and his family are members of the Catholic church. Mrs. Drainer died in 1869, and was laid to rest in St. Mary's cemetery. Mr. Drainer is a democrat politically, and has held the office of sehool director for nine years.

John Hetzel, one of the most pros- perous and influential of the German citizens of English township, was born May 23, 1826, in Germany, his parents being Conrad and Josephine (Sehabe)) Hetzel, also natives of Germany. In 1849 John Hetzel immigrated to the United States, taking passage on board a sailing vessel, the Graftstroom, at Rotterdam. He landed at New York, and from there went to Milwaukee, Wis. He had, previous' to coming to America, learned the machinist's trade, working upon locomotives and other machinery. He also did military ser- viee in that country two years. In 1855 he came to Jersey county and settled on Otter creek, where he remained one year, then removed to seetion 18, Eng- lish township, where he purchased 40 acres of land. He now owns 320 aeres in this section, which is mostly under cultivation. In 1881 he ereeted a hand- some and commodious residence, costing $3,000. His other improvements are of a corresponding deseription, and every- thing about the place indicates thrift

and prosperity. Mr. Hetzel was mar- ried in March, 1851, to Henrietta Aus- pach, daughter of David and Mary (Reedy) Auspach. They are the parents of nine children-Josephine L., born Aug. 12, 1852; George F., born Sept. 4, 1855; August P., born Aug. 13, 1857; Mary E. born Sept, 18, 1861; Cather- ine E., born Oct. 12, 1861; William H., born Sept. 25, 1863; Antoinette H., born Feb. 20, 1868; Emily L., born March 21, 1870, and John E., born Feb. 6, 1873. Mr. Hetzel is politically a republican and has held the office of school director for some time.

Frederick Becker, deceased, son of John and Christiana (Tulla) Becker, was born in Germany, Jan. 24, 1837. He resided in his native country until 16 years of age; then in 1853, took pas- sage at Bremen on board a ship bound for the port of New Orleans, United States of America. Soon after his arri- val in that city he came up the river to St. Louis, and thence to Jersey county. He remained here for a short time work- ing at different places, then went to Upper Alton where he worked four years in a pottery. In 1857 he returned to Germany on a business trip, and while there was taken ill and obliged to remain for about one year. In 1858 he came back to Jersey county and worked for several years, laying by his earnings until he had a sum sufficient to purchase 80 acres of land, to which he then re- moved and which was his home until his decease, June 2, 1879. His remains were laid to rest in St. Mary's cemetery. Ile was married April 12, 1864, to Wil- helmina Tonsor, daughter of Frank and Mary (Reesey) Tonsor. Seven children were born to them-Mary, John,

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Charles, Theodore, Joseph, Frank and Henry. Mrs. Becker and her family are members of the Catholic church. She has 200 acres of land and a pleasant residence desirably located.

Henry Brockmeyer was born in Ger- many, June 8, 1825, being a son of John F. and Elizabeth (Groppel) Brock- meyer, natives of Germany, where the latter died in 1838, and the former in 1853. Henry immigrated to America the same year in which his father died, landing in New Orleans. He went from thence to St. Louis, where he remained one year. In the fall of 1854, he came to Jersey county, and settled in Rich- woods township, purchasing 40 acres of land, on which he resided 10 years. He then sold out and bought 40 acres in English township, where he has ever since resided. His farm is located on section 32, and is in good cultivation. It now contains 290 acres. Mr. Brock- meyer was married in Oct., 1854, to Ann M. Lechtermann, and by this union has six children-Mary, now the wife of Otha Kirchner, of English township; John, married to Caroline Hausholter, and living in Otterville; Henry, Ann, Louisa and Otilda. Mr. Brockmeyer and his family are members of the Ger- man Lutheran church.

S. G. Downey is a native of this county, and was born Sept. 24, 1835, his parents being Uriah and Mary (Gris- wold) Downey. He was brought up on a farm, remaining with his parents until their death. In 1874 he went to Den- ver, Col., for his health, where he re- mained about three months. He then returned to the old homestead, where he has since lived. Mr. Downey has been twice married, first to Charlotte Crane,

in 1870. By that union there were two children-Edwin and Pearl. His first wife died in 1874. He was again mar- ried, in 1875, to Elizabeth J. Miller, daughter of Christopher Miller. By this union there are five children-Syl- vester, James, Jessie, Rosetta, and an infant son, not yet named. Mr. Downey owns 120 acres of land, all under culti- vation, and is one of the most enter- prising of English township's citizens. Politically, he adheres to the Repub- lican party, and is a member of the A. F. & A. M. of Kane.

John F. Wegmann, teacher of the German and American school near Fieldon, is a son of Herman and Rosa (Wille) Wegmann, natives of Germany. He was born in Jefferson City, Mo., Oct. 14, 1849. He obtained his educa- tion at the Christian Brothers' College in St. Louis, graduating at that institu- tion in 1867. He learned the printer's trade in Jefferson City, and followed the same in that city three years. In 1882 he came to Jersey county and set- tled near Fieldon, since which he has occupied his present position. He is well qualified for his duties and as a teacher is popular and successful. He was married, July 1, 1884, to Josephine Timpe, daughter of William and Theresa (Vahle) Timpe. Mr. and Mrs. Weg- mann have one daughter-Mary.

Peter Mowen came to Jersey county about the year 1852. He was born in Ireland, Aug. 1, 1837, and is a son of Arthur and Alice Mowen, both of whom died when Peter was very young, he being left in the care of an uncle, with whom he lived eight years, and was brought up on a farm. In 1850 he came to America, setting sail from Liverpool,

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and landing in New Orleans, where he remained about one and a half years. He then came to this county. Here he worked for different parties until 1863. In August of that year, he was married to Sarah Chance, widow of Andrew Chance, and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Ilillman. They have six children- George, Robert, Della, Walter, Cyrus and Freddy. Mr. Mowen owns a good farm, comprising 140 acres, and is en- gaged in general farming. Mrs. Mowen died in February, 1884. Mr. Mowen has been a very energetic and indus- trious man, and has succeeded in accu- mulating a comfortable property.

Anton læelker was born in Germany, Jan. 30, 1830, and is a son of Deitrich and Mary (Hamost) Holker. He re- sided in his native country until he arrived at the age of 30 years; then, in 1860, emigrated to the United States, sailing from Bremen and landing in due time at New Orleans. He proceeded thence to St. Louis, and came soon after to Jersey county. For the first four years after his arrival here he worked out by the month, at farming, then rented a farm which he cultivated about five years. Ile then purchased a tract of 80 acres located on section 17, Eng- lish township, where he has ever since resided. Mr. Hælker has been twice married, first to Catherine Stark, who died in 1873, leaving three children --- Albert, Anna, now the wife of John Keller of St. Louis, and Mary. Mr. Hælker was again married. All of the family are members of the Catholic church. He is an industrious and enter- prising farmer and a worthy citizen. Before coming to this country, Mr. H. served 7 years in the Prussian army.

Charles Goetten was born April 20, 1825, in Germany, being a son of An- thony and Christina (Ulrich) Goetten, also natives of Germany. The former died in that country, but the latter is yet living with her son, Charles, the subject of this sketch. She is now up- wards of 90 years of age. In 1854 Charles bade farewell to his native land, and, accompanied by his mother, took passage on a sailing-vessel at Bre- men and came to America, landing at New Orleans; thence, proceeded to St. Louis, from whence he came soon after to Jerseyville. He hired out one fall and summer, then purchased 120 acres of land on sections 29 and 30, of Eng- lish township, where he has ever since resided. He was married on the 10th day of April, 1856, to Josephine Bert- man, daughter of Henry Bertman. They are the parents of four children, three of whom are living-Henry, Joseph and Charles. Frederick is deceased. Mr. Goetten and family are members of the Catholic church. His farm now contains 187 acres, and is in a high state of cultivation. He has accumulated his property by hard labor, and is an intel- ligent and worthy citizen.

James Fleming was born in county Mayo, Ireland, in the year 1838, being a son of Patrick and Julia (Clark) Flen- ing, natives of Ireland. James was reared in that country, to agricultural pursuits, and in his early manhood came to the United States, taking pas- sage at Liverpool, on board the steamer Constitution, which at that time brought 880 passengers to the American shore. Mr. Fleming located first in Pennsyl- vania, where he remained one year, then removed to New York state, and

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soon after to Kentucky, thence to Ohio, thence to Indiana, coming from the lat- ter state to Jersey county, Illinois. He purchased, on his arrival here, 40 acres of land in English township, where he has ever since resided. In 1875 he built a large frame residence, costing $1,500. He also has other good im- provements. He was married in 1863, to Anna Price, but was previously mar- ried. By the latter union 10 children have been born-Julia, Patrick E., Anna, Bridget, Richard, Katie, Ella, James, John, and Winifred. Mr. Flem- ing's farm now contains 160 acres of land, and is located on section 34. He is an intelligent and thrifty farmer. All of the family are members of the Cath- olie church.

Gates Hooper, deceased, was born in Germany in 1822. He grew to manhood in that country, there learning the the cooper's trade. In 1845 he came to America, and first stopped in St. Louis, where he remained a short time, then came to Jerseyville, where he followed the cooper's trade for a time. He then purchased 20 acres of land, to which he soon afterwards added 40 acres. He re- moved to this land, residing upon the same until his death. He was married in 1842 to Dora Harkmaster, daughter of John Harkmaster. They had seven children, five of whom are living- Dora, George, Henry, Sophia and Frank. Mrs. Hooper is now married to Mr. Holla, and now resides in English town- ship, where she owns 60 acres of land. She is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Fieldon. Her deceased husband was an energetic, hard-working man, and at his death left his family in comfortable circumstances.

His loss was deeply felt by his family and by his neighbors.

John H. Goeman, a prosperous citi- zen of this township, is a son of John H. and Margaret (Dougherty) Goeman, natives of Germany. The subject of this sketch was born in that country, April 4, 1829. In 1857 he came to America in a sailing vessel, embarking at Bremen and landing in the city of New York, from whence he went to St. Louis. He remained there a short time then came to Jersey county and bought 80 acres of land in English township. An old log cabin was standing upon the place, but with that exception, it was unimproved. Ife now owns 1000 acres upon the same section (19), and has a fine farm with substantial improve- ments. He was married in Germany, in 1847, to Sophia Ollarking, daughter of Henry Ollarking. Mr. and Mrs. Goeman are the parents of four child- ren-Emma, now the wife of William Woods, of Jerseyville; Dena, wife of George Hooper, of English township; Sophia, wife of Edward Sauer, of Eng- lish township, and Henry. Mr. Goe- man is a man of intelligence and enterprise, and a useful member of society. He is, with his wife, a mem- ber of the German Lutheran church at Fieldon.

John Garrels came to Jersey county in the summer of 1854, and located at Jerseyville, where he remained 11 years, engaged in working at the shoemaker's trade. In 1865 he purchased his present farm,which comprises 100 acres, located in English township. Mr. Garrels was born in Germany, May 3, 1834, his par- ents being John and Talka (Jordan) Garrels, natives of Germany. In 1853,

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he took passage on board a sailing ves- sel bound for America, and landed in New Orleans. He proceeded thence to Alton, where he remained a short time, then came to Jersey county, as before stated. He learned the shoemaker's trade in his native country, and followed the same there for 15 years. Ile was married Jan. 14, 1859, to Lizzie Fall, and by this union had one child-John, who died at the age of 22 years. Mrs. Garrels died in 1861, and Mr. Garrels was again married to Margaret Cooper, who died in 1864, having two children, one of whom is living-Charles. In 1865 Mr. Garrels was married to Mary Arnoldi, by whom he has one son- Henry. Mr. Garrels is a prosperous and enterprising farmer, and a good citizen.

Anthony Meisner is of German de- scent, being a son of Anthony and Cath- erine Meisner, both natives of Ger- many. The subject of this sketch was born in Jersey county, Ill., Aug. 9, 1853, and was brought up on his father's. farm, receiving his education in the country schools. He has always fol- lowed farming, and now owns a well cultivated farm, lecated on section 30, English township, comprising 100 acres. He is a member of the Catholic church, an enterprising farmer, and a good citi- zen. Anthony Meisner, Sr., died in 1871. His widow, Mrs. Catharine Meis- ner, is yet living, and resides upon the homestead farm.

James L. Seago, a farmer and promi- nent citizen of English township, was born in Jersey county, III., Jan. 7, 1837, his parents being John and Mary Ann (Campbell) Seago, natives of North Car- olina. His father died in Tennessee

in 1869, and his mother in this township in 1879. He was brought up on a farm, assisting his father in the multifarious duties incident to agricultural life until about 26 years old. In the fall of 1865 he bought 40 acres of land on section 3, where he located and remained one year. He then purchased 80 acres on section 8, where he lived two years. In 1871 he bought 60 acres of land on sec- tion 4, subsequently adding 20 acres, and moved on to it, and also purchased a saw-mill, which he operated eight years. In 1884 he built, a large, two- story frame residence costing 83,000. He was married Sept. 17, 1863, to Ach- sah Carrico, daughter of John C. and Winnie Ann Carrico. They are the parents of four children-Oscar, Win- nie, George and Charlie. Mr. Seago now owns 440 acres of land, mostly under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Seago are members of the Baptist church. He takes an interest in public affairs, and has held the office of township trustee.

Joseph Hagen, son of John and Louisa (Hunt) Hagen, is a native of Germany, where he was born July 22, 1843. His early life was spent in Ger- many. There, in his youth, he learned the cooper's and carpenter's trades and followed the same until 1867, when he left that country for America, taking passage at Bremen, on a sailing vessel and landing in the city of New Orleans. He went directly to St. Louis, thence to Alton, where he remained one year, dur- ing which he followed the cooper's trade. He then came to Jersey county, locating in English township. Here he bought 60 acres of land, upon which he built a house and has since made this his home. August 8, 1873, he was mar-

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ried to Catherine Meisner and by this union have five children -- Louisa, Frank, Lemena, Joseph and Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Hagen are members of the Catho- lic church. He is an industrious and enterprising farmer and a good citizen.

Sigel Schaaf, an enterprising young farmer of English township, is a son of Louis and Christina (Youngflood)

Schaaf, natives of Germany. Sigel Schaaf was born on the 25th day of Oct., 1863, in Jersey county, Ill., and was here reared upon a farm, obtaining his education in the district schools. He resided with his parents until March 28, 1885, when he was united in mar- riage with Sophia Harding, daughter of Michael and Mary H. Harding. Mr. Schaaf cultivates about 100 acres of land and is an intelligent and worthy citizen.

John Holten, deceased, was born in Germany, Oct. 11, 1821. In 1857 he came to America, landing at New Or- leans, where he remained about one year. He then went to St. Louis. In 1863 he purchased 67 acres of land in St. Clair county, Ill., where he resided 11 years. Ile died March 6, 1871. In April, 1856, he was married to Charlotte Ikum, daughter of Matz Ikum. Nine children were born to them, six of whom are now living -- Henry, married to Josephine Plongo, and living in French village St.Clair Co., Ill .; Charles, Frank, Lizzie, Jule and Joseph (twins). After the death of her husband, Mrs. Holten sold her home in St. Clair county, and removed to English township, Jersey county, where she purchased 80 acres of land on which she has since resided. She now owns 147 acres of land, 67 acres of which lies in St. Clair county.

Mrs. Holten and her family are mem- bers of the Catholic church.

William Rainey, son of William and Eliza (Tobrytha) Rainey, is a native of South Carolina, born Oct. 26, 1834. William Rainey, Sr., died Aug. 30, 1870, in Tennessee. His widow is yet 11ving, and resides in Hill county, Tex. The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, remaining with his parents until he attained his majority. He then went to Tippah county, Miss., where he resided three years, after which he went to Bethel, Tenn. During his residence there he enlisted in Co. I, 11th Ill. Cav., and served three years, participating in the battles of Corinth, Lexington, Vieks- burg, Tupelo, and Ft. Blakeley. Atthe close of his term of service, he came to this county, and located in English township, which has since been his home. In 1877 he took a trip to Texas, remaining in that state during one win- ter. Mr. Rainey was married, Nov. 25, 1855, to Malinda C. Thompson, daugh- ter of Robert and Elizabeth A. Thomp- son. Seven children have been born to them, only one of whom is living- Sarah C. He is the owner of 42! acres of land on section 2. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and, with his wife and daughter, holds connection connection with the Methodist church.

George C. Kirchner, deceased, settled in Jersey county at an early day, having come from Germany to America in 1835. He was born in Germany, Jan. 16, 1816, and was 17 years old when he immigrated to this country. He landed in New Orleans, and immediately started for St. Louis, but on account of the river being frozen over, was six months in making the trip. He remained in St.

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cultivates 200 acres of land on section 13. Mr. Powel is a member of the Sec- ond Presbyterian church, and is an en- terprising young man. He is compe- tent to fill any position in society, and his honesty and ability cannot fail to be appreciated by an intelligent commu- nity.

C. D. Beach was born in Vermont, near Burlington, July 17, 1800, his par- ents being Albert and Minerva (Com- stock) Beach, also natives of Vermont. The subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm. When quite young, he started out for himself, and coming to this state, received his introduction by being put off a steamboat at the mouth of Macoupin slough. The fireman kindly threw him a firebrand, with which he built a camp fire, and there spent the night. Under such circumstances, es- pecially as he was obliged to keep a good fire to keep away the wolves, he could not sleep or secure much rest. His personal property consisted of a small bundle containing a few shirts. He was, however, an energetic youth and soon secured a position teaching school, which business he followed for about 15 years. He then turned his attention exclusively to farming. In 1831 he built a steam saw-mill, which was among the first in the county. He operated the mill about one year, when he sold out to a man named Cory. He then pur- chased 150 acres of land in section 15, where he has since made his home. Ile was married in Aug., 1849, to Charlotte Vaughn, daughter of John and Hester Vaughn. By that union there were three children-Chas. L., Helen and Chas. His wife died in 1868. He was again married in Oct., 1877, to Harriet Miller.

By this union there were three children -Don, Walter and Harry. Mr. Beach now owns 217 acres of land, and is among the old settlers of this county.

Richard Jewsbury was born in Eng- land, May 31, 1806. He came to this country in 1836, and located near Jack- sonville, Morgan county.

Ebenezer C. Jewsbury was born in Morgan county, March 8, 1838, his par- ents being Richard and Ann (Smith) Jewsbury, both of whom were from London, Eng. Ebenezer C. was brought up on a farm. His mother died in 1847, and he remained on the place until 21 years old. He then started out for him- self, rented a farm, and followed agri- culture until 1862, when he enlisted in the army, in Co. K, 101st Ill. Vol. Inf., and served three years. He participated in many battles and skirmishes, among them the siege of Vicksburg, Resaca, siege of Savannah, Atlanta, Peach Tree creek, Bentonville, and was a member of the force that, under Sherman, made the great march to the sea. Returning from the service, he went again to the old homestead, in Morgan county, and remained two years. In 1868 he came to this county, and located on sections 10 and 15, where he bought 146 acres of land. He was married, Jan. 12, 1870, to Martha J. Brown, daughter of Joseph R. and Harriet (Downes) Brown. They are the parents of five children-Joseph, R., Harriet A., Charles S., Maud M., and Harry C. Mr. Jewsbury now owns 166 acres of land, mostly under cultivation, except 40 acres, which is timber. He belongs to the A. F. & A. M., and, with his wife, is a member of the Cumber- land Presbyterian church. Ile has held the office of school director, trustee and

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

assessor, and is prominently identified with the public matters of this township. Andrew J. Rice, a prominent farmer of English township, was born in Greene county, this state, March 27, 1832, his parents being William R. and Cynthia E. (Wood) Rice, both of whom were native Kentuckians. His father died in Jan., 1842, and his mother is yet living near Woodville, in Greene county. The subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm, and remained on the old homestead until 15 years old, then worked out by the month for about one year, when he abandoned farming and learned the trade of blacksmith, which business he followed for about nine years, working in different places. In 1860 he purchased SO acres of land on seetion 15, English township, which has since been his home. In 1869 he added materially to the improvement of his place by the erection, on a good loca- tion, of a substantial and commodious frame house, at a cost of about $2,000. He was married Sept. 23, 1858, to Mary E. Short, daughter of Alfred and Susanna Short. They are the parents of five children-Georgia, Joseph A., Harry H., William and James O. Mr. Rice now owns 140 acres of land, located on sections 10 and 15, where he is en- gaged in farming and stock-raising.

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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 42

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