History of Madison County, Illinois With biographical sketches, Part 99

Author: Brink, W.R. & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Edwardsville, Ill. : W. R. Brink & co.
Number of Pages: 698

USA > Illinois > Madison County > History of Madison County, Illinois With biographical sketches > Part 99

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).

of whom six daughters are now living. The eldest, wife of Rev. Charles B. Roberts, pastor of the Baptist church at Decatur, Illinois, is the first lady graduate of Shurtleff Col- lege. The second is the wife of Rev. John E. Roberts, pastor of the Baptist church at Kansas City, Mo. She is also a graduate of Shurtleff College, as is the third daugh- ter. The next two will graduate.in June 1883. Dr. Bulk- ley believes that women should have all the advantages of education afforded to the sterner sex. Hence his settled purpose to give all his daughters the advantage of a com- plete college course of study. His third marriage was June 15th, 1880, to Mrs. Mary B. Head of Carthage, Illinois, but a native of Virginia, a most estimable Christian woman.

In personal appearance Dr. Bulkley is of medium height, of slender build, swarthy complexion, black heavy hair and beautiful dark keeu eyes, grave almost to severity. He is naturally social, domestic, and of a sympathetic disposition. " As an orator he is emotional and enthusiastic, with a won- derful magnetic power of impressing his hearers. His popularity with the young is well attested by the fact that he is invited far and near to perform the ceremony of mar- riage; and the warm place he holds in the hearts of numer- ous Christian families of his acquaintance is equally ap- parent in the eagerness with which they turn to him for consolation in the hour of their bereavement. A warm- hearted, companionable friend, a zealous Christian worker, and able theologian, he has impressed himself strongly upon the social and religious character of the sphere in which he has moved." He is now 63 years of age .*

HERMANN KLEINWORT,

THE able editor of the Alton Bunner, was born in Wedel, Germany, March 23d, 1843. His father, Martin Kleinwort, was a thrifty miller in his native village. In 1869, Her. mann came to America, to try his fortunes. He had acquired a fine education in the school at Kiel and university at Leipsic. His chosen profession was that of the law, to the study of which he bent all his energies, graduating in that branch of study from Leipsic University just beforestarting for America. His objective point in this country was the city of St. Louis, Missouri. On arriving there he entered into merchandis- ing. From there he went to Texas, thence returned to the old country. In 1882, he again came to America, whose institutions he had learned so well to love during his former sojourn ; this time to Alton, where he bought a half interest in the Banner, of which paper he assumed editorial charge. Mr. Kleinwort is an agreeable companion, a man of good judgment and fine social qualities. Independent in his views he has allied himself with neither political party, but supports men and measures as meet his ideas of right. Heis an active member of the Independent order of Odd Fel- lows.

* Largely taken from the U. S. Biographical Dictionary.

408

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

C. A HoErb

CHARLES A. HERB, an enterprising and successful mer- chant, was born in Loffenane, Wirtemberg, September 21st, 1846. His father, Jacob, was a cooper by trade. He brought his family to America in 1854, making the trip across the ocean in the " Connecticut," a three mast sail ves- sel. For two years they lived in St. Johnsville on the Mohawk. Because of loss sustained in the old country by being robbed Jacob Herb was so short of funds as to be compelled to walk from Albany to Schenectady on the way to his new home. In 1856, he came to Alton. Charles A. Herb, entered the army at the age of fifteen as drummer. He first enlisted in the 5th Missouri State troops, which were soon disbanded, then offered himself to the 80th Illinois Regiment, but was rejected on account of size, after- ward accepted in the 1st Missouri Infantry, where he re. mained two years, then served fifteen months in the 14th Missouri Cavalry. His service was in the state of Missouri, Arkansas and Kansas. In 1865, after the war was over, he was with those who made the treaty with the Indians at the mouth of the Little Missouri. For a time after the war

he was engaged as salesman in a St. Louis house, then as clerk in the general store of Conrad Schaub, of Bunker Hill, Illinois. Whilst a resident of Macoupin county, he held several offi- ces, for which he proved himself well adapted. Was City Marshal of Bunker Hill, for five years City collector, was Deputy Sheriff, and in 1870, was elected Coroner. In 1872 he came to Alton, where he has since resided engaged in mercantile pursuits. During the years 1876-77 and '78 he was a member of the county Board of Supervisors, the duties of which position he discharged with general satisfac- tion. He has been a member of the City Council of Alton three terms of two years each. Politically he is an earnest Republican. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias order, Masonic, in which he is a Knight Templar, and Alton Turner's Society. When the Alton Guards were organized he was made 1st Lieutenant. Mr. Herb was married to Barbara Dye, February 25th, 1870. By her he has four children.

Mr. Herb, is a man of great energy, and commands the respect of all who know him.

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

409

OF: 4. Testing

FREDERICK WILLIAM JOESTING .- Was born in Hanover, Germany, November 5th, 1810. He was the son of Anton Deiderick Joesting, a schoolmaster. He learned the baker's trade in the old country. Came to America in 1834, locat- ing first in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In 1837 he came to Alton, and in 1838 was married to Otitia Sack. She died in 1846. He was married again December 11th, 1856, to Ida Holtzmeuller. From the time he came to Alton until 1864, when he retired upon a competency, the result of the exer- cise of strict business principles he carried on the baking in- dustry, except during three years, when he tried his hand at farming. In 1844 the high water drove him from his place

of business. He had to swim to his ovens and put his pans on top of the house to keep them dry. At that time he went by skiff from State to Piasa street, so high was the water. Mr. Joesting was a natural musician, playing equally well the violin, piano or flute. While watching his baking he would be found playing flute or violin. A world of happi- ness to him was found in music.

Persevering, continuous and enegetic effort was the great secret of Mr. Joesting's success. Sound judgment, and a determined power of will hewed out for him the means to pass life's twilight in ease.

410

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

John In. Panser

TAKING high rank among pushing business men of Alton, is Johu M. Tonsor. He was born October 5th, 1827, in Fuerstanberg, Prussia. His father, for whom he was named, was a farmer in humble circumstances. In the troubles which thrilled all Germany in 1848, and which are popu- larly spoken of as the revolution of that year, Mr. Tonsor was an active participant. In common with thousands of his fellow-men, he sought a home in freedom-loving America shortly after the troubles. He crossed the Atlantie in the vessel " Louisiana," landing in New Orleans in 1850. Two years thereafter, he came to Alton, where he has since resided. For three years he was engaged as teamster by a company manufacturing lime, then bought a team and drove his own dray. From this humble beginning he laid by sufficient to become a liquor merchant, which he did in 1864. Mr. Tonsor has ever been au ardent, active Demo- crat. His first vote was cast for James Buchanan, in 1856.

For five years he was a member of the City Council. Ever since the adoption of township organization in this county, he has been a member of the county board of supervisors, a position he has most worthily filled, and whose duties he has most faithfully discharged. He has also been a member of the Board of Trustees of North Alton ever since its organ- ization. He is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows, German Benevolent, Turner and other orders. Mr. Tonsor has been twice married : first, to Mary Ann Maxinal, June 23d, 1855, by whom he had three sous, Heury, John and Charles. She died July 29, 1864. His present wife was Mary Ann Boosa, to whom he was married December 20, 1864. By her he has one child living, Bertha by name. Physically, Mr. Tonsor is a large and powerfully-built man. His proportions make him a conspicuous personage in public assemblies. His sound judgment on all questions of general interest receives quite universal recognition.

411

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

WILBUR T. NORTON,

THE son of an eminent Presbyterian clergyman and writer the Rev. A. T. Norton, is the able editor of the Alton Tele- graph. Like his father, a ready writer, a clear, logical think- er, an independent out-spoken citizen, he wields much in- fluence. His father's influence was exercised from the pul- pit, and as a minister, whilst his is from the press and of a political character. The Rev. A. T. Norton, and wife, Eliza Rogers Norton, removed from Connecticut to Illinois in 1835. Alton became their home, and here on September 10, 1844, the subject of this sketch was born. His education was obtained in the schools of Alton, and Shurtleff College, from which institution he graduated in 1866. During the war his patriotic ardor led him to join a company of stu- dents who offered their services to the government, and whose services were accepted. They were placed in the 133d Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. After graduation from Shurtleff College Mr. Norton entered the office of the Alton Telegraph as associate editor. After a year thus spent he became part proprietor of that journal, and subsequently bought out his partner's interest. The Telegraph, under his efficient management, has accomplished much in behalf of Republicanism, and ever keeps step in the music of progress, fearlessly condemning wrong and commending whatever is deemed right.

Mr. Norton's services in behalf of his party were recog- nized in 1880, by his being made a Presidential elector from his Congressional district. Affable in manner, pleasing in address, Mr. Norton proves himself well fitted for his profes- sion.

THOMAS HARRISON PERRIN,

ONE of the proprietors of the Alton Democrat, was born in Alton, Illinois, in 1844. His parents, Harrison and Isabella Perrin, were natives of England. They were among the pioneers of Alton, having located here in 1832. His father was engaged for many years in the transfer business. He died in 1862. His mother is yet living, and is now eighty years of age.

T. H. Perrin early availcd himself of the opportunity afforded, and learned the printer's trade in the office of the Alton Courier, published by George T. Brown. As printer and publisher, he has made a record of which he feels justly proud. As a journeyman printer he worked in the Courier, the Telegraph, and Democrat offices. His first venture in journalism was the purchase of the Western Cumberland Presbyterian, a weekly religious paper, from Rev. J. B. Logan. This paper he published for many years, when he sold it to the Board of Publication of the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church. In connection with Dr. Logan, he then commenced the publication of a monthly religious paper in the interest of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which was sold to Dr. W. B. Farr, who started the St. Louis Ob- server, which is now published by T. H. Perrin and Rev. W. C. Logan. In 1875 he entered into partnership with E. A. Smith as general printers. This firm bought the Alton

Democrat in 1876, which they have since continued to pub- lish as a daily and weekly newspaper. Under their guid- ance, the Democrat has become a power throughout Madison and adjoining counties, recognized as it is as being a paper of genuine worth.

Mr. Perrin is a most active and zealous member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and devotes much time and means to enhance its well-being. In the church he has held positions of prominence, for the discharge of the duties of which he has proved himself well fitted. At present he is one of the trustees of Lincoln University, Lincoln, Illi- nois.

A friend of education and morality, Mr. Perrin's influ- ence is for the good of humanity.

M. H. BOALS.

THE life history of him who heads this article, though it has many points in common with that of other men, partic- ularly of that large class, who hailing from the eastern states have contributed so largely to western development, has yet many interesting features peculiarly its own. Born of a highly respectable family, the atmosphere of his young life seems to have been permeated by influences which tended to the growth of his nobler nature, while the circumstances of his earlier manhood, and the events of his later life have all assisted in the development in him of the true man.

M. H. Boals was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, April 3d, 1833, the seventh in a family of thirteen children. His parents were Larne F. and Sarah Boals. His father was a thrifty farmer who brought up his children to habits of industry. He remained with him until he reached his twentieth year when he set about to learn the carpenter's trade, which he soon mastered, and prosecuted in all about twenty years. In 1854, he left his native hills for a home in the west and located in Alton. In 1863, he purchased the planing mill, and in 1866, added greatly to its utility by opening a lumber yard in connection therewith.

With the years came experience and added industry in his case. In 1878, he commenced the manufacture of tile which business he continues. He has proven himself one of the few men who can successfully prosecute two or more independent lines of business.

He was married to Margaret M. Logan, March 6th, 1857, by whom he had one child. She died February 29th, 1864. On the 10th of April, 1867, he was again married to Juliette Johnson Vaughan, by whom he has six children.

Politically he is an ardent and prominent Republican. With the origin of the party in 1856, he espoused the cause, voting for John C. Fremont for I'resident. His contributions to party success have been considerable. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, in whose workings he takes a great interest, also a Knight Templar in the Masonic order. He is a member of the Congregational Church. In a word Mr. Boals is one of the pushing, active business men of Alton. Anything conducive to the public good finds in him a friend and supporter.

412

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

HENRY G. McPIKE.

THIS gentleman comes of good old Revolutionary stock, his ancestors having lived in America many years prior to the struggle for Independence. The three families, Mclike, Guest and Dumont, were of vigorous, energetic blood and high literary attainments.

Capt. James McPike, a Scotchman, came to the United States before the Revolution. Henry Guest, Esqr., lo- cated on the present town site of the city of New Bruns- wick, in New Jersey, where his stone residence over a hundred years old, yet stands in good repair. He had lived there a long lifetime, and in 1775, was so old that he could only wheel in his chair. His son, Capt. Moses Guest, was Captain of the New Jersey Blues, and as such, entered the Revolutionary Army at the same time with Capt. James McPike. Both were with General Washington at Valley Forge-that terrible winter. After seven years of untold hardship and suffering, crowned with many exhibitions of per- sonal prowess, upon the declaration of peace in 1783, they returned to their anxious families.

Capt. McPike came to Maysville, Kentucky, in 1795, with his family, including John and Richard, his sons. Of these Richard did valiant service in the war of 1812.

Moses Guest, whose wife was Miss Dumont, having sold his merchant vessel (in the Montreal and West India trade) and retired from active business, came to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1817. It is related of him that while at sea, he invented a still for salt water, which saved his passengers and crew from horrible deaths. In 1823, he published a book of poems and personal reminiscences, extending through a busy and interesting lifetime.

The late General E. Dumont, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was of this family. His mother, Julia L. Dumont, of literary note, was the authoress of a series of American Tales-and " Life Sketches from Common Paths."

Henry Guest McPike, one of the four sons of John Mc- Pike, located in Alton in 1847 ; at that time he was under age. His brothers were Haley (a soldier in the Mexican war,) George and William. H. G. McPike's business life has all been spent here. It has been characterized by ear- nest endeavor, unswerving fidelity and fixed determination. Politically Mr. McPike has ever been true to his early teachings. His father, the editor of a Whig paper, and an early advocate for the abolition of slavery ; his grand- fathers, both revolutionary patriots, have transmitted to him the same patriotic ardor that ever prompted their actions. Ever active in politics, he has never sought, but many times refused office. He was called by the Department to act as Deputy Provost Marshal of this Congressional District, during the most trying period, and upon him devolved the management and decision of many very delicate and serious policies of the War Department. He has represented his fellow citizens in many unpaying public and private labors. Always an untiring and consistent Republican, laboring zealously and conscientiously in its behalf, he has devoted much personal labor and considerable expenditure of money in its interests. He has represented our people in many conventions and public assemblies-in the city council-in

consultation with Legislators and in behalf of public im- provements. In a general sense he has been the dispenser rather than the seeker for public positions or emolument. In all matters pertaining to Agriculture and Horticulture he takes an active interest, and has contributed no little to the advancement of these arts. To tell it in few words Mr. McPike, true to his purpose is actively engaged in business, independent in action ; a zealous, energetic, temperate, public- spirited citizen.

J. J. McINERNEY,

THE editor of the Alton Sentinel, was born November 23, 1853, in the city of Alton. His parents were natives of county Clare, Ireland, and came to this country in 1851, landing at New Orleans, thence, in 1852 they made their way up the Mississippi river to their present home. Austin McInerney, the father of the subject of this sketch, is an honest, law-abiding laboring man, who brought up his son to respect morality, and observe in his life its precepts. At an early age J. J. McInerney graduated from the Cathedral School in Alton, in fact he was but thirteen years old when he had completed his course of study. He at once entered the office of the Cumberland Presbyterian, a paper published by the Rev. J. B. Logan in Alton, to learn the printers' trade. After two years service here he went into the Tele- graph Office, where he remained until seventeen years of age. In the Spring of 1876 he entered upon his first ven- ture as a newspaper publisher, starting in company with others the Alton Morning News. The paper was short- lived. In 1879 he opened a neat job printing office, and in October of that year commenced the publication of the Sen- tinel, an independent journal devoted to the interests of Madison and adjoining counties. Politically its tone is eminently independent, being a free lance in dealing with candidates and measures. When McInerney had but reached his majority he was a candidate for township clerk of his township. For this position he was defeated by a majority of thirty-five votes in a poll of fifteen hundred. 'At present he is an independent candidate for Legislative hon- ors,-the first who has ever had the temerity to thus offer himself before the people of Madison County. His inde- pendence has won for him many friends.

He was married to Miss Alice Mullen, May 30th, 1881.

HERMON C. COLE,

WAS the son of Nathan and Sarah Cole, and was born in Ovid, Seneca county, New York, May 9, 1813. He was the third of seven sons. In 1S21 his father re- moved with his family to Illinoistown, now East St. Louis, Illinois, where he became the pioneer pork packer of the Mississippi Valley. Hermon C. received his educa- tional training in St. Louis and Alton. He was a pupil at one time of Rev. John M. Peck, in St. Louis, and after- ward in Alton Seminary, which latter became Shurtleff Col- lege, and was under the tuition of Rev. H. Loomis, in whose

DISTILLERY

J. CASTEGNETO, DISTILLER OF APPLE, PEACH, AND GRAPE BRANDIES, REGITD DISTILLERY NO.36, 13TH DIST. ILL. CHAMPAGNE CIDER A SPECIALTY. WHOLESALE & RETAIL SAMPLE ROOMS. GODFREY, ILLINOIS.

NEISLER'S HALL.

NEIS LER ARANDALL

DRUGS & HARDWARE

DRUGS

HARDWARE

188/

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS

BUSINESS BLOCK OF NEISLER & RANDALL, DEALERS IN DRUGS, HARDWARE AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. BETHALTO, ILLINOIS.

413

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

family he boarded. His business edneation was obtained partly in connection with his father's business, and in em- ployment over a large part of the states of Missouri and Illinois in the purchase of cattle.

At the age of twenty-one he opened for himself a store in Illinoistown, on a small capital, and in two years aceumu. lated several thousand dollars. For two or three years after this he was an invalid, and unable to attend to any business. In 1837 his father, with his family, removed to Chester, Ran- dolph county, Illinois, where he built and opened a saw mill, flonr mill and beef paeking house, and Hermon C. opened and successfully conducted a general store, until 1940, when he sold out, and his father dying, he became a partner, with his brother Abner, in the flour mill. At that time the mill- ing business was very precarious owing to the financial erisis of 1837, and also to the fact that wheat was raised in very limited quantities in that part of the country. In the alternations of trade Mr. Cole came into liabilities, not all his own, such as would have utterly discouraged many men, and led others to accept the relief offered by the bank- rnpt law, but he steadily pursued the course of integrity and persevering industry, until every debt was paid, and a way opened to complete success. In 1851 he added to his business a general store which soon had the largest trade in southern Illinois. From this time, continued and large successes attended his enterprises. In 1855, the old mill was removed and a new one erected, which was then regarded as a model mill. In 1861 he became sole owner of the mill property, his brother Abner removing to Oregon the follow- ing year. As the business inereased, enlargements were made from time to time and, the mill became the leading one of southern Illinois, with a capacity of grinding three hun- dred and fifty barrels daily, provided with storage capacity of seven thousand barrels, and grain warehouse with storage capacity of one hundred thousand bushels. An extensive lumber trade was also added to his other business.

Mr. Cole's operations were not conducted solely for his own benefit. He sympathized with struggling men, and with broad views of the needs of the surrounding country, he engaged in enterprises for the promotion of its welfare and growth. At his own expense, he improved roads, built bridges, and gave employment to many men. He en- couraged the production of wheat, and introduced the Medi- terranean variety in 1862.

In 1867, in connection with his brother Nathan, he open- ed the extensive produce commission bouse in St. Louis, under the name of Cole Brothers, which became and still is eminently successful. In this firm he continued a partner until 1872.

His business enterprises in Randolph county, meanwhile, continued enlarging, and in 1872 he added to them a bank- ing house. At this time he was president of the Millers' Association of Illinois. His mercantile business was varied and extensive, and his lands in several counties embraced over ten thousand aeres, including several cultivated farms. In 1868, desiring better church and educational facilities, he removed to Upper Alton, where was enlarged and improved at great expense the beautiful home where he spent as much 53

of his time as his business allowed, and where he died after a short and painful illness, October 20, 1874.

The character of Mr. Cole seeured for him both the re- spect and affection of his associates. While of the quick and impulsive temperament that makes leadership, he was sympathizing and generous. Positive in convietion and expression, he was yet modest and forbearing. Engaged in practical business, he was alive to the enjoyments of refine- ment and taste and was earnest in promoting family and public education and culture.

In Chester he united with the Baptist church, under the ministrations of Rev. U. L. Barber, and added integrity of Christian character to an elevated manhood. In Upper Alton he became a member of the Baptist church, and a liberal contributor to it. He became a trustee and benefac- tor of Shurtleff College, donating at one time, five thousand dollars, and liberal sums at other times. He was a gener- ous helper of struggling students, and of worthy indigence, wherever he found it. Few men possessed greater energy and will power, and these elements of character united to a sufficient amount of cautiousness, to prevent his engaging in speculations, carried him to the front in business cireles, and ultimately erowned his efforts with the highest success. Mr. Cole was twice married. First in June 1841, to Miss Emily Cox, of Stamford, Conn., who was a faithful compan- ion in his struggle, and successes until her death October 14, 1859, and who left to him six children, named Charles B., Zachary Z., Alice E., Henry C., Eunice E., and Edward E.

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.

History of Madison County, Illinois With biographical sketches, Part 99

Author: Brink, W.R. & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Edwardsville, Ill. : W. R. Brink & co. Number of Pages: 698

Author: Brink, W.R. & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Edwardsville, Ill. : W. R. Brink & co.
Number of Pages: 698