USA > Illinois > Macoupin County > History of Macoupin County, Illinois : biographical and pictorial, Volume II > Part 15
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JAMES T. RIGSBEY.
There is no record which the American citizen holds in higher honor than that of the man whose strength of character, determination of purpose and in- defatigable energy have enabled him to work his way upward from a humble position to one of affluence and who through his business career has followed a straightforward, honorable course, that neither seeks nor requires disguise. Such has been the history of James T. Rigsbey who from a poor boy has worked his way up in the business world until he is one of the most substantial and af- fluent men of Macoupin county.
He was born on the 23d of April, 1863, in Garrett county, Kentucky, a son of William and Margaret (Kennedy) Rigsbey. The father was born in the same county in 1843, and his parents were also natives of the Blue Grass state,
J. T. RIGSBEY
MRS. J. T. RIGSBEY AND BABY
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both passing away, however, prior to the birth of their grandson. The mother, who in her maidenhood was Margaret Kennedy, was born in 1845, a daughter of David and Margaret (Faulkner) Kennedy, also natives of Garrett county, Kentucky, where they died when about ninety years of age. The Kennedy and Faulkner families have long been residents of that county, where representa- tives of the name have been very prominent both socially and politically.
The family of William and Margaret (Kennedy) Rigsbey consisted of eleven children, as follows: Mary, the widow of Frederick Shaw, of Garrett county ; Eliza, the widow of B. Conn, also of that county; Margaret, who married Ben- jamin Lunsford, of Garrett county; John William, of Macoupin county, Illi- nois ; Parmelia, the widow of David Ross, of Garrett county, Kentucky ; Harriet, who married James J. Hawley, of Garrett county; David, also of that county ; Lucy, the wife of James Anderson, of the state of Texas; James T., of this re- view; and Robert H. and Andrew, both of this county.
In the public schools of his native state James T. Rigsbey acquired his edu- cation and his father's farm in Kentucky was the training ground upon which he received his preparation for life's practical duties. He was but seventeen years of age at the time of his marriage, after which he came to Illinois, locat- ing at Chesterfield, Macoupin county. He was but a lad in years and was in very straitened circumstances, but he possessed a determined spirit and resolute will and at once set about earning a livelihood. He secured employment as a farm hand, working by the month, and was thus engaged for about a year. His ambition, however, urged him onward toward the goal of independence, and he took up his residence upon a farm of eighty acres, which he operated as a renter for ten years. This period was fraught with unceasing toil and a perseverance that never faltered, and at its expiration he had saved sufficient money with which to purchase land. Consequently he invested in a tract to which he added as his success continued, until at one time he was the owner of ten hundred and eighty acres. In addition to the cultivation of the soil he became interested in the grain and stock business, buying at Chesterfield, his operations amounting to fifty thousand dollars the first year. In 1906 he discontinued his farming to devote his entire attention to his grain and stock business, which he has greatly developed until today his sales amount to practically a half million dollars per year. He is an extensive cattle feeder and is a large landowner, possessing some of the finest and best equipped farms in Macoupin county.
On the 13th of May, 1880, Mr. Rigsbey was united in marriage to Miss Carrie C. Adams, a daughter of John Quincy Adams, of Garrett county, Ken- tucky, of which state her grandparents were also natives. By this union were born seven children, as follows: Ora Lee, the wife of H. G. Loper, of Ma- coupin county ; Arthur, who passed away at the age of seventeen years; Will Q., residing in Macoupin county ; Ida May, deceased : Edna, who married T. I. Dowland, of this county ; and Edward and Alvena, both at home. The wife and mother passed away in October, 1899, and in 1900 Mr. Rigsbey was again mar- ried, his second union being with Miss Annie D. Snidle, who was born March 6, 1878, a daughter of James and Emma (Coatney) Snidle, of Macoupin county. The father was born in Yorkshire, England, a son of Edward and Nancy Snidle, who came to America a few years after the arrival of their son Vol. II-8
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in Macoupin county, Illinois. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Rigsbey were born in this county. By the second marriage of Mr. Rigsbey there were five children, as follows: Cleo, who died at the age of ten years; and Vivian, James T., Jr., Clarence and Anne May, all yet at home.
Mr. Rigsbey is a faithful member of the Methodist church and fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. Although he gives his support to the democratic party at the polls, he is liberal in his political views and public-spirited in his citizenshp. He has never had time nor inclination for participating actively in the public life of the community, for his extensive business interests have demanded his entire attention. Few men of Macoupin county more richly deserve the proud American title of a self-made man, for, on the strength of his own resources, through the constant application of persever- ance, coupled with hard work and careful management, he has been able to rise in the business world from comparative penury and obscurity to a position of prominence among the most successful and representative citizens of this county, and his prosperity is all the more creditable from the fact that it has been hon- orably won, his methods ever being fair and aboveboard.
W. H. WHITEHOUSE.
W. H. Whitehouse, one of the representative citizens and worthy native sons of Mount Olive, has served in the capacity of postmaster since June, 1902. His birth occurred in Mount Olive on the 22d of July, 1859, his parents being Henry and Amelia (Lehmann) Whitehouse, both of whom were natives of Germany. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States in young manhood and young womanhood, locating in Macoupin county, Illinois, where their marriage was celebrated. Henry Whitehouse followed general agricultural pursuits as a means of livelihood. In 1864 he took a carload of hogs to St. Louis, Missouri, and while crossing the river on a ferry boat fell therefrom and was drowned. His wife still survives him and resides on the old homestead adjoining Mount Olive.
W. H. Whitehouse was reared under the parental roof and obtained his education in the public schools, also pursuing a course of study in Greer's Com- mercial College of St. Louis. After putting aside his text-books he secured a position as clerk in a grocery store in St. Louis. Eight months later he returned to Mount Olive and obtained employment in the store of Keiser, Niemeyer & Company, remaining with that concern for about eighteen months. On the expiration of that period a mine shaft was sunk in Mount Olive and Mr. White- house became one of the stockholders. After it was opened he took a position at the mine and a short time later was made clerk. In 1885 the mine was sold to the Ellsworth Coal Company and Mr. Whitehouse entered the employ of that concern, being afterward made head clerk over all their properties in Macoupin county. Some two years later the Ellsworth Company was merged into the Consolidated Coal Company of St. Louis, with which our subject remained as chief clerk until 1889, when he severed his connection therewith. In April, 1890, he embarked in the mercantile business at Mount Olive as a member of
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the firm of J. H. Johnson & Company, with which he was identified until Decem- ber, 1898, when he disposed of his interest and accepted the position of deputy sheriff under Sheriff Fahrenkrog, serving in that capacity until June 15, 1902. On that date he resigned the position in order to take up his duties as post- master of Mount Olive, to which office he had been appointed on the 27th of May, 1902. On the Ioth of December, 1906, he received a reappointment and is therefore still the able incumbent, discharging his responsible duties in a most faithful and acceptable manner. He likewise owns and cultivates sixty-five acres of farm land adjoining the corporate limits of Mount Olive.
Mr. Whitehouse has been married twice. In 1886 he wedded Miss Mathilda Rosenthal, of New Douglas, Illinois, by whom he had one child, who died in infancy. The wife and mother passed away in 1887 and in 1888 Mr. White- house was again married, his second union being with Miss Margaret Arkebauer, of Mount Olive, by whom he has four children, as follows: Mollie, assistant postmistress of Mount Olive; Theodore, who is employed as a clerk in the post- office; Alvin; and William. The children are all at home.
In politics Mr. Whitehouse is a republican, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party. He served as justice of the peace for four years and for two years held the office of township supervisor. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical Lutheran church. His friends, and they are many, speak of him in terms of warm praise and good will and his life record shows that he is well entitled to mention among the distinctively representative citizens of Macoupin county.
GEORGE H. CLARK.
George H. Clark, postmaster of Piasa and one of the well known merchants of Macoupin county, is a native of the town where he now lives and comes of one of the honored pioneer families of Illinois. His eyes opened to the light of day March 7, 1852, his parents being Edward B. and Nancy (Parker) Clark. The father was born in Logan county, Kentucky, October 25, 1824, and the mother was born in September, 1834. The grandparents on the maternal side were George and Cynthia Ann (Rhoads) Parker, the former of whom was a native of Virginia.
Howard Clark, the grandfather of our subject on the paternal side, was born in Logan county, Kentucky, and married Eliza Jane Wilson. He removed with his family from his native state in 1828, driving by team to Jersey county, Illinois, where he located on government land near Brighton. He there engaged in farm- ing until 1858, when he retired and moved to Brighton, where he spent the re- mainder of his days. He was very prominent in the community, being a man of high character and acknowledged business ability. In his family were five chil- dren : Edward B., the father of our subject ; Hezekiah C., James and William, all of whom lived at Brighton and are now deceased ; and Isaac W., who is also deceased. Hezekiah, James and Isaac served in the Union army at the time of
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the Civil war. Hezekiah and James returned home at the close of the Rebellion, but Isaac disappeared and is supposed to have died in a southern prison.
Edward B. Clark received his education in the public schools and was reared on his father's farm in Kentucky until eleven years of age, when he came to Illinois. When he arrived at the age of twenty-one he entered eighty acres of government land in Shipman township, near Piasa, to which he added by pur- chase, until he became the owner of two hundred and thirty acres of good land in this county. He was prominently identified with the upbuilding of the county and was known as a man of unusual public spirit and progressiveness. He died on his farm in 1891. The mother of our subject is still living and makes her home at Upper Alton, Illinois. She is a daughter of George Parker, who was born near Culpeper Courthouse, Virginia, and came to Illinois about 1835, set- tling in Macoupin county. To the union of Edward B. and Nancy Clark nine children were born, of whom the subject of this sketch is the eldest, the others being: Charles M., who died at the age of twenty-five years; Eliza Jane, who married W. O. Denny, of Shipman township, and is now deceased; Emma Alice, who became the wife of E. C. Denny, of Shipman township, and is also deceased ; Fremont, who is now engaged in farming in Shipman township; Irvin P., who is a railroad conductor and makes his home at St. Louis, Missouri; Minnie, who is now living at Alton, Illinois; Edwin B., who died at the age of thirty-two years ; and Lelia, who is the wife of J. Bowden, of Alton, Illinois.
After receiving his preliminary education in the public schools George H. Clark pursued his studies further at the State Normal University of Normal, Illinois. He continued with his parents and assisted in farm work until twenty- one. He then began teaching school and for five years successfully devoted his attention to this vocation in Macoupin and Jersey counties. In 1878 having de- cided to enter the mercantile business, he purchased the general store of C. B. Wilson at Piasa and has ever since been identified with mercantile pursuits. In 1900 he disposed of the grocery department of the store and in 1908 sold the implement stock. He has since given his attention with the assistance of his wife to handling drugs, shoes and hardware. In 1900 he and his brother Irvin P. purchased a large grocery stock at Galesburg, but disposed of it after manag- ing the business for four years. Mr. Clark was appointed postmaster of Piasa by President Arthur about 1881 and held the office for ten years. He was again appointed by President Roosevelt in 1907 and has since continued to act as post- master to the general satisfaction of the people of the community. The office is now under civil service rule and it is probable that Mr. Clark will continue to serve in his present position as long as he desires to do so.
On the 16th of October, 1879, he was married to Miss Jennie Price, a daugh- ter of Evan and Ann (Lewis) Price, both of whom were natives of Wales. They came to America after their marriage and settled at Alton, Illinois, where Mr. Price engaged in mining. He and his wife both died when their daughter Jennie was in her infancy, the other members of the family being: Mary, who is the wife of John Blotna, of Fosterburg, Illinois ; Rebecca, who is the widow of Wil- liam Armstrong, of Kemper, Illinois; Anna, the deceased wife of William Powers, of Glenwood, Michigan ; and Henry, who was adopted on the death of his parents into the family of Henry Hankhouse, of Alton, Illinois, and took the name of
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Hankhouse. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clark. Charles P., the eldest, is now engaged in the general merchandise business at Fidelity, Illinois. He married Cora James, of East St. Louis, and they have two children, Irma and Kenneth. Victor W. is engaged in the produce commission business at St. Louis. He married Mae Morgan, of Shipman township, Macoupin county. Myrtle, the youngest of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Clark, died at the age of eighteen months.
In politics Mr. Clark gives his support to the republican party. He served as township clerk of Shipman township and for fifteen years filled the office of school treasurer of the township. He is a firm believer in the authority and inspiration of the Bible and attends the Baptist church of Piasa, being also a valued member of the Masonic order and of the Knights of Honor. In the course of an active life he has always been loyal to every trust and in a community where he has been known since his boyhood, his promise is accepted without question. This speaks higher than words in his praise, as a reputation for sincerity and in- tegrity is more to be desired than great riches secured through questionable means.
WILLIAM H. BARRICK.
William H. Barrick, a prominent young business man of Mount Olive, who well deserves a place in this work as one of the progressive citizens of Macoupin county, is a native of Carlinville, born October 17, 1877. He is a son of Charles F. and Martha (Wentworth) Barrick. The father was born in Carlinville in 1839, his parents having arrived in Macoupin county from Kentucky about 1835. He learned the carpenter's trade but the outbreak of the Civil war interfered with his plans and he offered his services to his country, enlisting as a member of a company which was recruited at Carlinville. He went to the front with his regiment and served during the entire four years of the rebellion, participating in a number of the great battles and in many of the important campaigns. After receiving his honorable discharge he returned home, and until 1881 engaged in the carpentering and building business at Carlinville. He then came to Mount Olive and entered the lumber business with which he was promi- nently identified for sixteen years. In 1897 he moved to Ramsey, and for a year was connected with the hardware business but at the end of that time dis- posed of his interests and entered the lumber business at Carlinville, in which he was engaged during the remainder of his life. He died in 1908 but his wife is still living and resides in Carlinville. The business which her husband origi- nated is now being conducted by her son Julius. She is well known in the com- munity and is an active member of the Christian church. Mr. Barrick was a prominent supporter of the republican party and although influential in its councils in Macoupin county he never sought the honors or emoluments of public office, preferring to devote his attention to his family and his business affairs.
Mr. Barrick, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared under highly. favorable influences for a useful life and was educated in the Mount Olive public and high schools, graduating from the high school in 1897. In the spring of
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the same year he began the study of pharmacy in the Binney Pharmacy at Mount Olive and in 1901 passed the examination of the state board, receiving a certifi- cate as pharmacist. He has since that time been manager of the Binney Phar- macy, which was established about 1893 by Dr. Binney and A. J. Kopf. After the death of the senior member of the firm Mr. Kopf disposed of his interest to the Binney estate and upon the settlement of the estate the pharmacy became the property of Mrs. Barrick. As he possesses an excellent address and is thoroughly familiar with the business to which he has devoted his best energies, Mr. Barrick has gained many friends and is recognized as one of the broad and progressive men of the community. He is also identified with other branches of business and is a member of the board of directors of the First National Bank, manager of the Mount Olive Ice, Cold Storage & Fuel Company, and is actively interested in the development of the oil deposits in the vicinity of Mount Olive.
On the 20th of January, 1902, Mr. Barrick was married to 'Miss Margaret Binney, a daughter of Dr. John Binney, who was for twenty-five years a resi- dent of Mount Olive and one of the leading practitioners of Macoupin county. He was a native of this county, and a son of Walter P. Binney, who was born in England and settled on a farm in Staunton township, Macoupin county, about 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Barrick have two children, Grace L. and Binney. Mr. Barrick is not connected with any religious denomination, but his wife is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church and also with the Order of the Eastern Star. He is a member of Staunton Lodge No. 177, A. F. & A. M .; Staunton Chapter No. 227, R. A. M .; and also of Mount Olive Camp No. 888, M. W. A. In politics he is in hearty sympathy with the republican party and is now serving as a member of the town council, being also president of the school board. He finds happiness in his business and his enterprise has brought him gratifying and honorable success; at the same time he has gained the merited confidence and respect of his business associates and all with whom he comes in contact.
TASE WEYEN.
Tase Weyen, who is recognized as one of the leading farmers of Cahokia township, is a native of Madison county, Illinois, and has spent his entire life in this state, of which he has proved a worthy and progressive representative. He is of German parentage and was born on his father's farm in Madison county, May 17, 1860, his parents being Weye H. and Meta (Johnson) Weyen, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
In the district schools Mr. Weyen of this review received his preliminary education. He assisted his father upon the home farm until arriving at maturity and then began farming on his own account upon one hundred and sixty acres in Cahokia township, which was given him by his father. The land was en- tirely unimproved but he applied himself with a will and subsequently purchased forty acres, being now the owner of two hundred acres of highly productive land. He has erected all the buildings and made many modern improvements,
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so that today he can claim one of the most attractive homes in the county. Being thoroughly versed in farming, he has met with gratifying success in the cultivation of the soil and also as a stock-raiser. The air of neatness and com- fort that prevails throughout the place is highly creditable to its owner, and is proof of the great interest he takes in his calling.
On the IIth of June, 1891, Mr. Weyen was married to Miss Ella Smith, of Gillespie township, a daughter of Wert Smith, who for many years was a prominent farmer of Macoupin county. Mr. and Mrs. Weyen are the parents of one child, Weye T., who was born February 23, 1893. Politically Mr. Weyen gives his earnest support to the democratic party, but he has never sought public office, as his inclinations lead him to devote his best energies to his own private affairs. He and his family are consistent members of the Lutheran church. He is one of the energetic and wide-awake men of this section and is always found in the front line among those who are most instrumental in promoting the welfare of the community. He belongs to the class of men, who may be designated as winners in the battle of life and who are responsible for the great advancement, which is visible on every hand in the wonderful American republic.
LOUIS FAULSTICH.
The clothing business finds a worthy representative in Louis Faulstich, of Staunton, who has been identified with the manufacture and sale of clothing ever since his boyhood and is recognized as one of the most enterprising and successful men in this line in Staunton. He is a native of Londorf, Germany, born May 14, 1866, and a son of John and Helen (Conrad) Faulstich, both of whom were born in the old country. The father emigrated to America with his family in 1868 and first located at Staunton, Macoupin county, Illinois. He engaged in the tailoring business which he had learned in his native land and retired from active labor in 1906. He and his wife are now making their home in this city. In their family were ten children, namely: William, a minister of the Lutheran church, who is now located at Whittemore, Iowa; Catherine, the wife of Rev. M. Leimer, of Beemer, Nebraska ; Louis; Margaret, deceased ; Henry; Elizabeth, the wife of A. Kiesling, of St. Louis, Missouri; John, who resided at Danville, Illinois, but is now deceased ; George; Charles; and Tina, a resident of Staunton.
Louis Faulstich acquired his education in the parochial schools and on start- ing out in life for himself was first employed in Danville for sixteen years and at Indianapolis for two years. After the retirement of the father the four sons, Louis, Henry, George and Charles, assumed charge of the business under the title of Faulstich Brothers, Louis being the head of the firm. They carry a large and carefully selected stock of men's clothing and also do an extensive merchant tailoring business, the house being one of the best known in this part of the state. By up-to-date methods and liberal treatment of patrons the firm is steadily gaining in reputation and each year witnesses a gratifying increase
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in its revenues. The patrons of this establishment feel assured that they will receive what they call for and that it will be the best of the kind in the market.
On the 5th of May, 1889, Louis Faulstich was married to Miss Sophia Voigt. They have no children of their own but adopted a child, Victor, to whom they have given every desirable advantage of education and training. In national affairs Mr. Faulstich is a republican, believing that the principles of protection and centralization of authority are highly important to the perpetuity of the nation. In all matters pertaining to his adopted city he is progressive and his support is never withheld from any measure that aims to promote the general welfare. He is a member of the Lutheran church and is now serving as financial secretary, a position for which he is eminently adapted by experience and natural qualification. Being a man of pleasing personality and gentlemanly ad- dress, he readily makes friends, and as his personal character and business methods have always been absolutely upright, his name is honored wherever it is known.
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