USA > Illinois > Macoupin County > History of Macoupin County, Illinois : biographical and pictorial, Volume II > Part 10
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Philip Gerber, the father of our subject, followed general agricultural pur- suits throughout his active business career and made his home in the vicinity of Waterloo. He inherited a farm from his father, but sold the property and culti- vated rented land. His demise occurred in 1887, when he had attained the age of about forty-five years. His widow, who has made her home at Carlinville for the past twenty-two years, is a devoted member of the German Evangelical church. They were the parents of eight children, seven of whom reached mature years, as follows: Lizzie, the wife of Charles Bloom, of North Otter township; Mary, who is the wife of Charles Loehr and resides in Carlinville ; Katie, the wife of F. C. Leefers, of Shaws Point township; Emma, the wife of George
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Schmidt, of Honey Point township; Anna, the wife of Herman Tostberg, of Carlinville township: Phillip, of this review ; and Charles, living in Carlinville.
The gentleman whose name introduces this review has resided in Carlinville from the age of five. He attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education and worked at farm labor until a youth of eighteen. At that time he began learning the carpenter's trade, which occupation has since claimed his attention. For the past three years he has likewise done contract work. Though still young in years, he is a fine workman and has erected a number of substan- tial buildings in Carlinville. Industrious, enterprising and ambitious, he has won an enviable reputation in the business and social circles of Carlinville, which town has been his home for twenty-two years.
On the 26th of April, 1906, Mr. Gerber was united in marriage to Miss Anna Geiser, a native of Carlinville, Illinois, and a daughter of William and Mary (Pfaff) Geiser, natives of Germany, who have made their home at Carlinville for the past twenty-five years. They had nine children, namely: William; Mary : Anna ; Joseph : Charles ; Henry ; Lilly ; Rose, and Theodore, who died at the age of five years. Mr. and Mrs. Gerber have two children, Theodore and Alfred.
In politics Mr. Gerber is a republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Evangelical church. His wife is a faithful com- municant of the Catholic church. Fraternally he is identified with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows at Carlinville.
GEORGE F. W. HARRIS, SR.
Among the beautiful homes of Bunker Hill township is that of George F. W. Harris, one of the well known and prominent residents of this locality, who is now living retired, having reached the eighty-fifth milestone on life's pourney. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1826, and in his native country was reared to manhood and there acquired his education. When old enough to enter the business world on his own account he took up farming as a life work, and was thus engaged in his native country until twenty-four years of age. Intelli- gence then came to him of the superior advantages offered to an ambitious and industrious youth in the new world, and, determining to seek his fortune on this side of the Atlantic, he left Ireland in 1850 and came to the United States.
In the following year he located in LaSalle county, Illinois, where he resided upon a farm for two years, and in 1853 he arrived in Macoupin county, which has since remained the field of his activity. He yet continues his residence upon the farm upon which he first located after coming to this county and which, in its present excellent state of cultivation, bears no resemblance whatever to its former condition. When it came into his possession it was an unbroken tract of prairie land, covered by native grasses and unknown to harrow or plow, and something of the industry, energy and perseverance which characterized his efforts during the intervening years, is manifest in the fact that today it is one of the most highly improved and valuable properties in Bunker Hill township or this part of the
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county. In its midst he has erected a beautiful dwelling, fashioned after the style of old English homesteads. As the years have come and gone prosperity in substantial measure has come to him, and he is now able to live retired from active life, leaving the cares and responsibilities of his estate to younger hands.
Ere leaving his native country Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Maria Jamison Barry, who was also born and reared in County Cork, and with her husband came to America in 1850. Unto them were born eight children, but of this number only four survive, namely: George F. W., Jr., assisting his father in the operation of the home farm, superintending the actual work of the place : Abel, also at home ; Maria Joyce and Sallie J., the deceased wife of Wil- liam Tuttle, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Since its organization Mr. Harris has been a stalwart supporter of the republican party, although he has never sought nor desired public office. His career has ever been actuated by high principles and today, at the venerable age of eighty-five years, he can look back upon a life of honorable activity which he has lived to good purpose.
WILLIAM E. DENBY.
William E. Denby is one of the representative citizens of Carlinville town- ship and is well known in this section, having passed almost his entire life in Macoupin county. He was born in Carlinville township February 26, 1869, a son of William A. and Naomi (Solomon) Denby, both of whom were born in Illinois. The father grew to manhood under his parents' guidance, after which he rented land from his father for a short time, and subsequently purchased a farm from the latter, which he cultivated until 1903. He then retired from active labor and removed to Carlinville, where he now lives, having arrived at the age of seventy-three years. His wife died in June, 1890.
Mr. Denby of this sketch possessed advantages of education in the district schools and also attended college at Valparaiso, Indiana, for one term. Having prepared himself for the active duties of life, he assisted his father on the home farm until after arriving at twenty-one years of age. He worked for wages among the farmers of the neighborhood for one year and was then married, sub- sequently cultivating one of his father's farms. In January, 1900, he went to southern Illinois and made his home in Jefferson county for three years, at the close of which period he returned to Macoupin county and rented a farm of his father for two years. He then moved to the old home place where he has ever since resided, engaging quite extensively in agriculture and stock-raising. He keeps forty or fifty cattle, about two hundred and twenty head of sheep, one hundred and twenty-five head of hogs and about ten head of horses. He is an excellent judge of live stock and, as he gives careful attention to all the details of his business, he has met with merited success.
In March, 1893, Mr. Denby was married to Miss Sarah E. Brown, a daugh- ter of William and Elizabeth ( Williams) Brown. Her father was a native of Virginia and her mother of Illinois. Mr. Brown began farming in Macoupin county many years ago. He bought. land which he cleared and improved, de-
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veloping it into good producing property. He continued upon his home farm until his death, in 1897, his wife having been called away twelve years before. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Denby, namely: William Cecil, who is sixteen years of age; and Arthur Franklin, aged fourteen.
Religiously Mr. Denby and his family affiliate with the Methodist church and politically he gives his support to the democratic party, the principles of which appeal to him as well adapted to preserve the institutions of a free govern- ment. He has never sought the honors of public office, but for nine years has filled the position of school director, in the course of which time he has assisted materially in advancing the permanent welfare of the schools by the employment of competent teachers. He is a valued member of the Court of Honor and can also claim many friends outside of this order, as he is well worthy of the esteem of his fellow-men.
H. D. FOLTZ.
No class of persons deserves higher respect than the teachers who have con- scientiously endeavored to perform their duty in the training of the young. Of this number is H. D. Foltz who for nearly forty years devoted his best ener- gies to training boys and girls in order that they might become useful and hon- orable members of society. That he succeeded is evidenced by the respect in which he is held by his former pupils, hundreds of whom are now established in their life work and ascribe their success to the influence and example of their revered schoolmaster.
Born at Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, October 3, 1847, he is a son of Henry W. and Mary (Lindley) Foltz. The father was a native of Sussex county, Massachusetts, and was born in 1812, while the mother was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. The grandfather of our subject, George Foltz, was a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. He emigrated to America and first located in Massachusetts. Later he took up his residence in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, where he engaged at his trade as a wagonmaker for the remainder of his life. The mother came to America with her parents in her girlhood and grew to maturity in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. Henry W. Foltz became a resident of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, early in his life and secured his education in the public schools of that county. He dealt in live stock for a number of years but became connected with public affairs and for the last forty years of his life filled the office of associate judge. He was a prominent and influential man in the community and his political allegi- ance was given to the democratic party. He died in 1902 and his wife was called away in 1894. She was an earnest member of the Reformed church and a woman of many admirable characteristics. There were eleven children in their family, five of whom are deceased. Those living are: H. D., of this re- view; John, James and George, all of whom live at Mount Pleasant, Penn- sylvania; Mrs. Jennie McFadden, who lives in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; and Amanda, the wife of George Rhinehart, of Mount Pleasant.
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H. D. Foltz attended the common schools and later was a student at Sewick- ley Academy. He pursued his studies further at the state normal school, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1866. He taught school in his native state for four years and then removed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and served for one year as principal of the Jefferson street school of that city. In 1869 he came to Macoupin county, and was engaged in teaching in this county until 1909, making a total period of about forty years in a vocation for which he was peculiarly fitted. He was principal of the Palmyra school for eleven consecutive years and gained a standing as one of the most competent teachers in this part of the state. About 1895 he purchased one hundred and five acres of land in section 21, Bird township, and for four- teen years has had charge of his farm, carrying the work forward without inter- fering with his school duties. He is a successful agriculturist and also has won high standing as a breeder of trotting horses, every horse on his place being a standard bred animal. In addition to his activities as a teacher and business man he possesses rare talent as a public speaker and has delivered some notable addresses in Illinois and other states.
On the 16th of September, 1873, Mr. Foltz was married to Miss Bella Chis- holm, whose father was born in Scotland and the mother in England. Mr. and Mrs. Foltz are the parents of four children, namely: Flora, who is the wife of C. C. Alford, of Chesterfield; Minnie, who married J. E. Gleason, of Bird township; Roy H., who is engaged in the drug business at Granite City; and . Harry C., who lives at home. In politics Mr. Foltz gives his support to the re- publican party. Fraternally he is connected with Lodge No. 753, I. O. O. F., of Hettick, Illinois; Lodge No. 407, K. P., of Greenfield, Illinois, and the Mod- ern Woodmen of America. He has served as a member of the Grand Lodge of the latter organization and also in various other offices. At the outbreak of the Civil war he was attending college in Pennsylvania and became a member of the State Guard. His regiment was called into active service when General Lee invaded the Keystone state, and he commanded a company at the battle of Gettysburg, where he received a bullet in his leg, which he still carries. Always governed by a high sense of personal responsibility, he is recognized as one of the reliable men of the county-a man who never betrayed a confidence and whose word is as good as his bond. His religious belief and practice is founded upon the Golden Rule and he has made many friends by his kindly disposition, who justly honor him for his services as an educator and a citizen.
JOHN F. AHRENS.
John F. Ahrens, one of the most prominent and highly esteemed residents of Gillespie, now serving as postmaster of this city, is a representative of a family well known and honored in this locality. A native of Macoupin county, Illinois, he was born in Staunton on the 16th of March, 1855, a son of Peter J. and Maria M. (Ruther) Ahrens, both natives of Germany. The former came to this country from the fatherland in 1848, while the latter's family arrived in
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the United States a year later. The father upon entering the business world became identified with the merchandising enterprise at Staunton and later came to Gillespie, where he followed the same occupation for several years, or until he sold his interests to his son, John F. Ahrens. He was also engaged in the milling business in Gillespie for a time, and was very successful as a business man. He passed away in April, 1900, while his wife survived until December, 1902. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church of which they were loyal supporters, and in the work of which they were deeply interested. Mr. Ahrens was well known in republican circles in this locality, having served for several years as member of the town council, also as town treasurer and as justice of the peace, and few residents of Gillespie were held in higher regard than Peter J. Ahrens.
In the public schools of Gillespie Jolin F. Ahrens acquired a good education, and after putting aside his text-books he entered his father's store, being therein engaged until his nineteenth year. He then took up agricultural pursuits and for about ten years was engaged in general farming, but, his health breaking down, he returned to city life and for about two years was identified with the elevator and grain business in Gillespie. In 1890 he purchased his father's mer- cantile business, the conduct of which occupied his time for four years, and then for about five years he served as deputy sheriff under Sheriff Davenport and later under Fahrenkrog. In 1898 he was appointed postmaster of Gillespie, and in October of that year assumed the duties of that office, which he has since performed to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is not only a very ca- pable and efficient official but also a most popular one, well liked by every class of citizens. He is a stalwart republican in politics, and his fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Ahrens possesses those characteristics which win and retain warm friendships. and he is well worthy of the prominent position which he occupies in the esteem and regard of his fellowmen.
LOUIS W. EICKMEYER.
Louis W. Eickmeyer is one of the progressive and representative agricul- turists of Cahokia township, where he owns two hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land. His birth occurred in St. Louis, Missouri, on the Ioth of December, 1852, his parents being William and Wilhelmina (Kruse) Eickmeyer, who were born, reared and married in Prussia, Germany, where two children were born unto them. In 1852 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States in a sailing vessel, landing at New Orleans after a voyage of three months. Leaving the Crescent City, they made their way up the Missis- sippi river to St. Louis, Missouri, where they resided for about eight years. William Eickmeyer being employed as a laborer. On the expiration of that period he came to Macoupin county, Illinois, and here followed farming as a renter. Subsequently he purchased the farm now owned by his son Frank on section 36, Cahokia township, where he was successfully engaged in general
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agricultural pursuits until called to his final rest in 1900. The demise of his wife had occurred in 1899. They were well known and highly esteemed through- out the community and their loss was widely mourned.
Louis W. Eickmeyer attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education and remained under the parental roof until twenty-seven years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own, locating on the eighty-acre tract which was his patrimony. This land was on section 23, Ca- hokia township, and Mr. Eickmeyer remained thereon for about eleven years. In 1890 he removed to another farm in the same section and has resided thereon continuously since. His landed holdings now aggregate two hundred and sixty acres in Cahokia township and he is widely recognized as one of the substantial and enterprising citizens of the community. All of the improvements on his farm, including a modern brick residence, stand as monuments to his thrift and industry. Through the employment of progressive methods in tilling the soil he has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and annually gathers rich crops which find a ready sale on the market.
In 1879 Mr. Eickmeyer was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Gehner, a daughter of Henry Gehnér, one of the old residents of Cahokia township. Unto them were born ten children, eight of whom still survive, as follows: Wilhelmina, the wife of William Stichnote, of Mount Olive; Charlotte, who is at home; William, a resident of Gillespie, Illinois; Anna, who is the wife of Henry Tiemann and resides in Montgomery county, Illinois; and Fred. Louis. Jr., Emma and Herman, all yet at home.
Mr. Eickmeyer is a stanch republican in politics and has served as trustee of the school board and also as highway commissioner, ever discharging his official duties in a most prompt and capable manner. His religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in the Evangelical Lutheran church, to which his wife and children also belong. A man whose life has always been in keeping with high standards, he justly deserves the full measure of confidence and respect now entertained for him by all who know him.
JOHN TRIBLE.
John Trible, now living retired at Girard, is one of the prosperous land- owners of Macoupin county. For over fifty years he engaged in farming and since 1895 has enjoyed at ease the fruits of his labors. He is a native of Devonshire, England, and was born April 8, 1838, a son of John and Mary (Oliver) Trible, both of whom were born in England. In his boyhood Mr. Trible of this review possessed fair advantages of education. He continued in his native land until eighteen years of age, and then emigrated with his parents to the new world, arriving in Jersey county, Illinois, in 1856. He worked on the farm of a cousin for three years, from where he came to Nilwood township, Macoupin county, there purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land upon which he established his home. He was highly successful as a farmer and stock-raiser and as opportunity presented he bought more land,
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becoming the owner of two hundred acres in Nilwood township and ninety acres in North Otter township. In 1895 he retired from active labor and has since occupied a comfortable home at Girard.
On the 20th of November, 1874, Mr. Trible was married in Girard town- ship to Miss Sarah E. Stewart, who was born in New Jersey, a daughter of Robert Stewart, also a native of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Trible are the parents of two children: Fannie, who married E. L. Wilson, of Plainview, Illinois, and has one child, Mildred; and Grace, who became the wife of Will- iam Alford, of Nilwood township, and is also the mother of one child, Helen. Mr. Trible accepts the national platforms of the republican party as his guide in politics but in local affairs is influenced largely by the character of the candi- dates and their fitness for responsibility. He is broad in his religious belief and holds membership in the Universalist church of Girard, of which he is a trustee. He has through life been governed by high principles and has gained a most creditable name among the people of the county of his adoption.
COBUS J. KEISER.
Cobus J. Keiser, whose name is inseparably interwoven with the annals of Mount Olive, has done more for the upbuilding and development of the town than any other individual and has long been numbered among the most prominent citizens of Macoupin county. His birth occurred in Hanover, Germany, on the 4th of September, 1841, his parents being John J. and Geske (Heien) Keiser, who were born, reared and married at that place. In 1854 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States with their children, landing in New Orleans and coming up the Mississippi river to Alton, Illinois. They spent the succeeding winter in Madison county, Illinois, and in the spring of 1855 settled on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 14, Mount Olive township, Ma- coupin county, the tract being still in its primitive condition. The demise of John J. Keiser occurred soon afterward, on the 6th of December, 1855. His widow, surviving him for many years, passed away in 1889 while making her home with her daughter Anna. They were both active and consistent members of the Evangelical Lutheran church and were held in high esteem by all who knew them.
Cobus J. Keiser supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the public schools, by a course of study in the State University. Having thus fitted himself for the practical and responsible duties of life, he entered upon his business career. Mount Olive, one of the busiest little commercial marts in this section of the country, owes its growth largely to the enterprise and energy of Mr. Keiser, who in 1868 established a small mercantile house in association with his father-in-law, J. C. Niemann. The following spring they enlarged their store and increased their stock to include a general line of merchandise. That was the beginning of the present extensive firm known as Niemann & Keiser, which occupies several large storerooms and handles practically every line of merchan- dise except drugs and lumber. When the Wabash Railroad was built through
C. J. KEISER
MRS. C. J. KEISER
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Mount Olive in 1870, Mr. Keiser assumed control of all the business at this point and was thus connected with the road until 1877, when more important interests caused his resignation. He gave a decided impetus to the growth of the town when he organized the Mount Olive Coal Company and opened up a coal shaft. He became one of the most extensive stockholders of the concern and was made superintendent and active business manager, continuing as such for some years. A shaft was sunk four hundred feet to a rich vein of coal seven feet thick, and the output was about sixty car loads a day. A second shaft was completed in 1877. After some years, owing to a lack of energy on the part of some of the directors, the business was transferred to the Consolidated Coal Company of St. Louis. The transfer, however, was much against Mr. Keiser's wishes.
Recognizing the need of a flour mill and anxious to promote industrial activ- ity, Mr. Keiser and Henry Prange erected in 1876 the large Anchor Mills which have proven of such great value in the upbuilding of the town. In 1881, after some years of successful operation, the name of the firm was changed to Keiser Brothers, A. J. Keiser succeeding Mr. Prange. They do an extensive foreign as well as domestic business. The continued growth of the business of the mercantile firm of Keiser, Niemann & Company awoke the partners to the need of a bank. Accordingly, in 1882, C. J. Keiser established and opened a bank in his large brick building at the corner of Main and Poplar streets. It is a private bank conducted under the name of C. J. Keiser & Company, and is sup- plied with all the appliances and appointments necessary for carrying on a general banking business, including a fine vault and burglar-proof safe for the accommodation and safety of depositors. C. J. Keiser is the president and general manager of the institution, while his son, Edward A. W. Keiser, acts as cashier.
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