USA > Illinois > Jersey County > History of Jersey County, Illinois > Part 55
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64
From early manhood Mr. Kirby has been a man who has enjoyed the confidence and regard of his fellow citizens and has preserved their good opinion because of his enterprise and public spirit. In 1896 he was elected to the state legislature on the Republican ticket and served faithfully and conscientiously for two years.
On February 11, 1911, Mr. Kirby was united in marriage with Miss Hildegarde Palmstrom, who was born July 27, 1879, at Hastings, Minn. They have one daughter, Sarah Elizabeth, born August 29, 1917. They are members and liberal supporters of the First Baptist Church of Jerseyville and he is chairman of the church board of trustees. His fraternal connections are with the Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America.
KIRCHNER, H. L., owner of a finely developed farm of 160 acres on section 12, Fidelity Township, is a recognized authority on agricultural matters, and a man widely known and respected. He was born in English Township, August 5, 1862. He was the eleventh child of George Christopher and Elizabeth (Thurston) Kirchner, the former born in Erfurt, Germany, and the latter in Jersey County. The maternal grandfather was born in Ohio, but moved to Jersey County at an early date, settling on North Ottor Creek, in English Township, where George Kirchner and his wife were married. They located on land that Mr. Thurston had entered from the government a short time previously. Here George C. Kirchner lived the remainder of his life, with the exception of three years spent in Jerseyville.
H. L. Kirchner attended the Franklin district school for a number of terms, and a German school at Fieldon for a short time. He remained with his father until he reached the age of eighteen years. His father then dying, he went to live with his brother, Charles B., in the vicinity of Otterville, where he spent two years. After this he and his brother Valentine were engaged in farming in partnership in Otter Creek Township for two years. In 1887 he bought his brother's interest in their 15534-acre farm. He lived there until 1905, when he turned his farm over to pasture and bought another farm of 240 acres in the Paradise neighborhood of Fidelity Township, which he sold in 1911. Immediately afterward he purchased his present farm, upon which he has spent much money and labor in erecting new buildings, setting out orchards and small fruits, and in extensive fencing and til- ing projects. It is now a modern and valuable farm. He has always carried on general farming and stockraising, and is a man of means and wide experience in agricultural matters.
584
HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY
On October 13, 1887, Mr. Kirchner was married to Lena Scheffel, born in Monroe County, N. Y., October 20, 1868 a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (White) Scheffel both born in Germany, who came to Rochester, N. Y., at an early day, moving thence in 1867 to Jersey County, Ill., where they engaged in farming. He died on December 9, 1897, and she April 24, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Kirchner became the par- ents of the following children: George Christopher, Jr., who lives at Alton, Ill., was married to Florence Edith Hartwick and their children are Mildred Ellen and James Robert, and he is a Baptist ministerial student; Harold Walter, who lives in Fidelity Township, was married to Eva Ewing, and they have one son, Earl H .; and Theda Carleson, Ray Edward, and Russell Laverne, who are at home. Mrs. Kirchner received her education at the Shiloh district school. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee and member of the official board, as well as superintendent of the Sun- day school. A Republican, he has served as'school director of the Paradise district.
KLEFFNER, Frank, a successful general farmer and dairyman of Jersey Township, is one of the highly respected men of the county. He was born at Alton, Ill., September 22, 1863, a son of Werner and Mary (Garloch) Kleffner, natives of Prussia, Germany, where they were married. Werner Kleffner was one of the earliest settlers of Alton, Ill., coming directly there after leaving his native land. Being a stone mason by trade, he developed a contracting business and was engaged in the construction of some very important buildings and bridges. His wife and one daughter joined him some years after he settled at Alton. Foresighted, he bought farm property, and sold the right of way to the C. P. & St. Louis Railroad, and the construction of the road also added value to his property. He was engaged in farming, as well as contracting, until his death, which occurred Sep- tember 26, 1895. The mother of Frank Kleffner died July 12, 1901.
Frank Kleffner attended a parochial school at Alton, Ill., and was reared on the home farm. In 1889 he bought out the heirs to the farm of forty acres in Elsah Township, that had belonged to his father- in-law, and conducted it for about six years, when he rented the prop- erty, and took charge of a 160-acre farm in Mississippi Township, on which he remained for three years. He then went to Piasa Township. where he rented a farm for three years, and at the expiration of that period, he went to Madison County, Ill., where he rented a farm for six years. Returning to Piasa Township, he rented a farm for a year, but then returned to Madison County, where for the succeeding six years he was engaged in farming. Once more he returned to Jersey County, and rented the old Abijah Davis farm in Jersey Township, where he has since lived, carrying on general farming and dairying, keeping a herd of from ten to twelve cows. He also raises cattle, horses and hogs, and is succeeding very well along these several lines.
On May 21, 1889, Mr. Kleffner was married to Elizabeth Wagner,
585
HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY
born at Elsah, Jerscy County, April 16, 1872, a daughter of Phillip and Caroline (Schnurr) Wagner, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Kleff- ner have had the following children born to them: Fred, who is at home, Frank, who died at the age of nineteen years; and Rose, Mary, Minnie, Josephine, Katie, Alma and John, all of whom are at home. The family belongs to the Church of the Holy Ghost, at Jerseyville. In politics Mr. Kleffner is a Democrat, and he has served as a school director. Hardworking, thrifty and capable, he has forged ahead, and deserves the prosperity to which he has attained.
KNIGHT, Joseph, who is devoting his abilities to farming, owning a fine property in the vicinity of Dow, Ill., is one of the representative men of Jersey County, and has had a more adventurous life than many. He was born at Afton, Hampshire, England, October 20, 1843, a son of James and Elizabeth (Coles) Knight. James Knight was a soldier in the English army in the war against Napoleon, and after the close of hostilities, he engaged in the manufacture of shoes. His death oc- curred when he was ninety-seven years and seven months old. Ten children were born to him and his wife.
When he was fourteen years old, Joseph Knight ran away from home and joined the English army, entering the Sixty-fourth Regiment of His Majesty's Second Staffordshire troops, under Capt. Godfrey Knight, and served in India for four years. Then turning his atten- tion to the sea, Mr. Knighit worked his way up as a sailor, and during 1864 and 1865 was ship carpenter on the steamship Diane, a United States government transport. In 1867 he became foreman of the Broadway Planing Mills, at St. Louis, Mo., but in 1869 he came to Jersey County and began farming. He now owns a fine farm of 300 acres comprising his homestead, and 277 acres in another farm.
On June 27, 1867, Joseph Knight was married to Miss Margaret Elmeda McDow, a member of the well known McDow family of this county. Mrs. Knight was born in Jersey County. Mr. and Mrs. Knight became the parents of the following children: James, who is deceased ; Herbert, who is at home; and Walter E. and Joseph, twins, of whom the latter is deccascd, and the former lives at Salem Church, in Jersey County. Mr. Knight is a Democrat, and has served as a school director and supervisor. He is a man of many and varied experiences and is recognized as a good and valuable citizen, and successful farmer.
KUEBRICH, John R., one of the successful farmers and stockrais- ers of Jersey Township, is numbered among the substantial agricultur- alists of Jersey County. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, April 13. 1876, a son of John and Mary (Fleischman) Kuebrich, both of whom died in Germany. Growing up in his native land, John R. Kuebrich attended school. On December 7, 1892, he came to the United States, and locating in Jersey County, he worked at first by the month for farmers and later was employed in the steel mills at Granite City, Ill.,
586
HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY
for two years. He then began farming on his own account, renting land for that purpose in Elsah Township, so continuing for four years. Then for a year he operated land in Mississippi Township, and in 1904 he moved on the Fulkerson farm in Jersey Township, which continued his home until September, 1912, when he bought his present farm of 120 acres of finely improved land, admirably adapted for dairy purposes. Here he carries on general farming and stock- raising, and he has been deservedly suceessful in his undertakings.
On March 28, 1900, Mr. Kuebrich was married to Caroline Yoekers, born in Jersey County, March 16, 1875, a daughter of George and Louisa Yockers, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Kuebrieh have had the following children: Leo, who was born January 10, 1901; Florence, who was born June 21, 1902; Franeis, who was born Novem- ber 2, 1905: Paul, who was born May 28, 1908; and Joseph, who was born July 15, 1915, are all living; and Mary, who was born June 7, 1912, died July 11, 1915. Mr. Kuebrieh is a member of the Catholic Chureh. Ile belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the Western Catholie Union. Politically he is a Democrat, and he served one term as a school director.
LAMARSH, Frank Lewis, mail earrier, and a liveryman of Grafton, is one of the experieneed business men of Jersey County. He was born in Calhoun Connty, Ill., August 5, 1856, a son of Joseph and May (Wiz- zard) LaMarsh, natives of Missouri. They had the following ehildren : Angeline, Sarah, Ellen, Lou, Deborah, Lizzie and Frank Lewis. Politi- eally the father was a Democrat, while in religious belief he was a Catholie. Both he and the mother died at Grafton.
Until he was fifteen years old, Frank Lewis LaMarsh attended school, and then he began earning his own living, working at various things. Sinee 1892 he has been carrier of the mail between Grafton and Brussels, Calhoun County, and since 1907 he has owned and operated a livery barn, owning twelve horses. He has built up an excellent business and is held in high esteem.
On December 26, 1886, Mr. LaMarsh was married to Lucy Austin, who was born in Jersey County, and they have the following children : William, May, George, Sarah, Julian, Ernest, Leo, Bertie, Carrie, Myrtle, Hattie and Tony. A Democrat, Mr. LaMarsh was commissioner of highways for nine years, and served very efficiently. He is a Catho- lic and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
LAMB, John J., now deceased, was formerly one of the substantial men and sueeessful agriculturalists of Jersey County. He was born in Mississippi. March 1, 1830, a son of John J. and Sarah (Noble) Lamb, natives of Mississippi. In 1837 the family drove from their native state to Jersey County, Ill., locating on land they entered from the govern- ment, and here the parents resided until death claimed them.
John J. Lamb lived on the homestead with his mother, after the death of his father, until his marriage which took place Deeember 23,
587
HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY
1855, when he was united with Anna F. McDow, born in Jersey County, Ill., December 15, 1837, a daughter of John and Maria (Waggoner) McDow, natives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively, who be- came very early settlers of Jersey County, locating near the present site of Dow. Mr. and Mrs. Lamb became the parents of five children : Laura, who is with her mother; Albert L., who lives at Jerseyville, was married to Olive Sissen ; and Eva M., an infant, and Walter E., all three deceased.
After his marriage, John J. Lamb settled on land he had previously purchased, upon which he erected a residence. From time to time he kept adding to his farm until he owned several hundred acres at the time of his death, which occurred October 11, 1876. After his demise, the widow and her children remained on the farm until 1903, when she rented the property and moved to Jerseyville. The farm is a large one, comprising 450 acres, a substantial increase having been made since Mr. Lamb's death, and all of it is under cultivation except about twenty acres which land is used for pasturage. Mr. Lamb was a Bap- tist, and Mrs. Lamb belongs to this church. He was a Republican and served as supervisor of his township, and was a capable official and good citizen, and in his death his community suffered a loss.
LANDON, Royal A., a prosperous farmer and stockraiser of Jer- sey Township, was born in Anderson County, Mo., February 15, 1872. Until he was fifteen years old, Mr. Landon attended the district schools, then entered the Jerseyville High school, and following his completion of its course, went to Dixon College. Having prepared himself for the profession of teaching, he entered the educational field and was engaged in this line for about ten years, first being stationed in Lee County near Dixon, and later in Jersey County. After spending about ten years in this work, Mr. Landon turned his attention to farming and invested in 152 acres of fine land four miles from Jerseyville. and here he is very profitably engaged in farming and stockraising.
Royal A. Landon was married to Carrie Clatworthy, who was born in Illinois, January 2, 1873, of English parentage. Mr. and Mrs. Lan- don have had the following children: Luella E., who was born Feb- ruary 2, 1897; Esther L., who was born October 12, 1898; Zoe E., who was born June 9, 1900; Dorothy M., who was born December 28, 1905 ; Harold C., who was born August 9, 1908; Roy M., who was born April 17, 1911; and Carrie A., who was born December 28, 1913. Mr. Landon has been specializing in raising thoroughbred Jersey cattle, with very satisfactory results. In politics he is a Republican and he has held all of the township offices and proven himself an efficient official. He, his wife and the children are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
LANDON, William D., now living retired at Jerseyville, was at one time a successful farmer of Jersey County, and still owns a very
588
HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY
valuable farm just south of Jerseyville. He was born in English Township, October 22, 1854, a son of William D. and Alvira (Cory) Landon, natives of Vermont. In 1831 William D. Landon, Sr., drove overland to what is now Jersey County, and his wife came to the county in 1833. He bought a farm in English Township, and after his marriage, located on this farm, which he conducted until his death in 1873. His wife survived him until 1904, when she died at the ad- vanced age of ninety years. Their children were as follows: Horace, who lives at Auburn, Ill .; Alice, who is Mrs. B. F. Workman, of Au- burn, Ill .; Mary, who is Mrs. Marion Cowan, a widow, living at Jersey- ville; Emma, who is Mrs. Andrew Everts, lives at Jerseyville ; William D .; and Sarah A., who is the widow of T. S. Chapman, lives at Jersey- ville.
William D. Landon attended the Blackburn and Chicago uni- versities, and when he was twenty-three years old, he bought a farm just south of Jerseyville. From time to time he added to his original purchase of 200 acres, until he now owns 360 acres. He has either erected or rebuilt all of the buildings on the place, making them thoroughly modern and convenient. Here he was engaged in farm- ing from 1880 to 1916 when he retired and bought his beautiful resi- dence in Jerseyville, and since then has been enjoying the fruits of his labor. His sons rent the homestead and conduct it.
On February 17, 1881, Mr. Landon was married to Etta B. Updike, born in New Jersey, April 13, 1858, a daughter of Theodore and Ellen (Hill) Updike. Mr. and Mrs. Landon have had the following chil- dren born to them: Trnella, who died at the age of two years; Leola, who is Mrs. C. W. Henry, of Maryville, Tenn., has had three children, Martha E. and Irma, who are living, and Charles, who is deceased ; Leslie A., who lives in Canada; Raymond, who died in infancy; Her- bert H., who married Dorothy Bull, and they have a daughter, Dorothy M., and live on the homestead; and Irma A., who died at the age of sixteen years. Mr. Landon is a Republican, and has served as a school director. He is a member of the Baptist Church, which he has served as treasurer for over thirty years. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Court of Honor. A man of excellent principles and a high sense of honor, he has so lived as to merit the esteem in which he is now held by all who know him.
LOCK, Charles Edward, who owns and operates 456 acres of valu- able land in Elsah Township, is one of the leading agriculturalists of Jersey County. He was born at Altone Ill., March 6, 1861, a son of John and Elizabeth (Challacombe) Lock, he born in Devonshire, Eng- land April 18, 1816, and she born in the same place in October, 1826. They were married October 4, 1846. On November 25, 1839, John Lock came to Alton, Ill., and during the first year there was engaged in draying. He then became a clerk for G. Lamb, a grocer, and con- tinued with him until 1850, when he went with J. Quarton, another grocer. Still later, John Lock, with a brother, Thomas Lock, embarked
589
HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY
in business and they eondueted a general store and also engaged in burning lime. Subsequently, John Loek bought 1,400 acres of land in Elsah Township, where the now obsolete town of Randolph formerly was. After the construction of the C. P. and St. Louis Railroad, its station in Elsah Township was named Loek Haven, in his honor. When he bought the land it was all in the timber, but he eleared off the greater part of it, and improved the place considerably. In 1868 he and his brother sold their place of business, and in 1870 he moved on his farm, where he built a fine residenee and other buildings, and followed farming and stock raising until his death, which occurred August 8, 1878. His widow survived him until 1901. Their children were as follows: Elizabeth, who is Mrs. R. C. Jones of Chicago, Ill .; Grace, who died in 1886, was born in 1852; William, who died in 1872, was born in 1854; Laura H., who is the widow of David Harmon, lives at Riverside, Cal .; Charles E .; and Jessie, who is Mrs. F. C. Riehl of Tacoma, Wash.
Charles E. Loek attended the schools of his district, and for six months was a student in the University of Illinois. He has always lived on the homestead, and at his father's death inherited a portion of 220 aeres. He then bought out the interests of the other heirs in this 220 aeres, and added to his land until he now owns 456 acres. On this land he has erected modern buildings, and made other valuable improvements, and carries on general farming, and feeds cattle on an extensive seale.
On October 11, 1887, Charles E. Lock was married to Louisa J. Radcliffe, born February 11, 1860, at Toledo, Ohio, a daughter of Thomas and Christina (Cannell) Radeliffe born on the Isle of Man. They came to Ohio, where they were married, in 1858, and soon after- ward moved to Alton, Ill., where Mrs. Radcliffe died April 18, 1864, and Mr. Radcliffe died May 13, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Lock became the parents of the following children : John, who was married to Pauline Meyers; Graee, who is at home; Helen, who is Mrs. Robert M. MeKee of Alton, Ill., has a son, Robert L .; and Blanche, Charles E. Jr., and Louis H., all of whom are at home. Mr. Lock and his family belong to the Episcopal Church. He stands well in his community.
LOELLKE, Frank F., secretary and general manager of the Jersey- ville Mercantile Company, is one of the leading business men of the eounty seat. He was born in Germany, August 24, 1865, a son of Fred H. and Augusta (Berger) Loellke, born in Germany, who in 1867 came to the United States, and located at St. Louis, Mo. For two years the father was engaged in doing millwright work, but in 1867 he moved to Fieldon, Ill., to become head miller for Belt Bros., millers. There he continued for twenty years, and then bought a farm which he eon- dueted until his death in the spring of 1917. The mother still lives on the farm. Their children were as follows : Otto, who lives at Alton, Ill. ; Frank F .; Anna, who is Mrs. F. Rosenthal, of Fieldon, Ill .; Minnie, who died at the age of three years ; Ida, who is Mrs. William Baum, of
1
590
HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY
Fieldon, Ill .; Elizabeth, who is Mrs. Fred C. Heitzig, of Fieldon, Ill .; and Albert, who lives at Hollywood, Cal.
Frank F. Loellke attended a German school until he was fourteen years old, and then spent two years in the English schools. When he was seventeen years old he entered Greer & Son's College, St. Louis, Mo., and four months later he became a clerk in a general store at Fieldon, so working from 1883 to 1888. In the latter year he and his father bought the business of August J. Kronsbein, and two years later, Frank F. Loellke became the sole proprietor. In 1908 he sold his store to Wheaton Bros., and moved to Jerseyville, where he bought the gen- eral store of J. H. Smith. In 1913 he consolidated with the Warren & Wiseman Dry Goods Co., and I. S. Daniels and J. H. Smith, to found the Jerseyville Mercantile Company, of which the present officials are : H. S. Daniels, president; Fred Giers, vice president ; Frank F. Loellke, secretary and general manager; and F. W. Decker, treasurer. The company handles all kinds of general merchandise, exclusive of agri- cultural implements, and controls a fine trade that extends over a wide territory.
On June 4, 1890, Mr. Loellke was married to Carolina Heitzig, born in English Township, a daughter of Fred Heitzig, born in Jersey Coun- ty. Mr. and Mrs. Loellke have no children. He is a Catholic. In political faith, he is a Republican, and he belongs to the Community Club. A man of sound judgment and excellent training, he is able to bring to his business a faculty for rendering service that aids very ma- terially in strengthening its hold on the community, and increasing its patronage.
LOWE, Frank I., now deceased, was at one time one of the leading agriculturalists of Jersey County, and a large landowner of Jersey Township. He was born in Jersey Township, a son of Judge Richard and Sarah ( Williamson) Lowe, natives of New Jersey, and very prom- inent people, who became early settlers of Jersey County. Growing up on the homestead, Frank Lowe attended the local district schools, and took a commercial course at a business college in Madison, Wis.
On March 15, 1888, Frank Lowe was married to Virginia Cress, born at Litchfield, Ill., in July, 1871, a daughter of Martin and Anna (Bridges) Cress, natives of North Carolina and Jerseyville, Ill., respect- ively. Hiram and Eliza (Bethel) Bridges the paternal grandparents, were born in Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively, and came to Jersey County, Ill., at a very early day, being counted among its pioneers. After his marriage Frank Lowe resided on rented land until 1892, when he moved on the old Judge Lowe homestead of 280 acres of land, having bought the interests of the other heirs. On this fine property he engaged in raising cattle and hogs upon an extensive scale, and he also carried on general farming. Here his useful life ended September 14, 1907. He and his wife had the following children born to them : Zella, who is Mrs. Festus Florida of St. Louis, Mo .; Bertha, who is Mrs. C. E. Benson of Miles City, Mont. : and Frank I., who is at home. Mr.
591
HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY
Lowe was a Democrat. Mrs. Lowe attended the public and high schools of her neighborhood, and is a very intelligent and well informed lady. The family is held in high esteem in the county where its rep- resentatives have lived for so many years.
MAINS, James F., owner of a fine farm of 335 acres of valuable land in Jersey County, and one of the most successful farmers and stockraisers in this section, was born in Jersey Township, February 26, 1878, a son of Freeman and Elizabeth (Stevens) Mains. Freeman J. Mains was born February 7, 1836, in what is now Jersey County, but was then included in Greene County. His parents, James and Abigail (Parker) Mains and his wife's parents, Isaiah and Sarah (Scroggins) Stevens, were very early settlers of this part of Illinois. Until he was twenty-four years old Freeman J. Mains lived with his parents, and then he bought twenty acres of land on section 23, on which he erected a small house. Two years later he added forty acres, and in 1881 he erected substantial buildings on his farm, and made other improvements. From time to time he added to his holdings until he owned over 1,900 acres of improved land in Jersey County. On November 24, 1859, he was married, and there are six children living of those born to him and his wife, namely: Lucy, who is Mrs. Thomas C. H. Wilder of Mississippi Township ; William T. and Warren, who are of Jersey Township; Tina, who is Mrs. Edward Brown of Greene County ; James F .; Tossie, who is Mrs. Dr. A. S. Hunt. Freeman J. Mains died September 11, 1907, his wife having died June 10, 1883.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.