USA > Illinois > St Clair County > History of St. Clair County, Illinois. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 63
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FARM RESIDENCE OF SOLOMON MUELLER, ESQ."CIDER MUELLER"4"2MILES EAST OF BELLEVILLE, ST CLAIR CO. IL.
18.8.
CITY
LIVERY STABLE & CARRIAGE MANUFACTORY
PHATONS
BUGGIES
OPEN
BUGGIES
18 SPRING WAGONS
FOR SALE
MADE
TO ORDER
H .C .WILLIAMS, AGENT
BLACKSMITH SHOP
LIVERY STABLE
FABLE ENTRANCE
WILLIAMS'CARRIAGEMANUFACTORY & LIVERY STABLE, ON FIRST NORTH ST. BETWEEN JACKSON & HIGH STS. BELLEVILLE,IL.
AND
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
227
MIT
THE ancestry of the McConaughy family on the paternal side is Scotch-Irish, on the maternal Irish. John McConaughy, the great- grandfather, was a native of county Antrim, Ireland, and of Pres- byterian stock, which denotes his Scotch origin. He emigrated to America, and settled in Pennsylvania about the close of the last century. He married Jane Riley, who was also a native of Ireland, David McConaughy, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was the offspring of that marriage. He was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and there married Hannah Britzer. One of the children by that union was named John B. McConaughy, the father of Franklin. He married Miss Elizabeth Martin, of Lan- caster county, Pennsylvania. He is a physician, and has practiced his profession for many years. He cominenced in 1854, and settled in Olney, Illinois, where he remained for three years. Then re- moved to Trenton, Clinton county, then back to Olney. When the war broke out he was appointed Regimental Surgeon of the 17th Regiment Mo. Volunteers, and was afterwards Medical Director of the Department of Louisiana. When the war closed he came to Belleville, and continued the practice of medicine until August, 1880, when he removed to St. Louis, where he yet resides.
The subject of this biography is the only son. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, December 25th, 1849. He re- ceived his education in the public schools until his thirteenth year. He entered the preparatory department of McKendree College, in the fall of 1862, and at the end of two years he entered the Col- legiate department, taking the full classical course, and graduating from that institution in June 10th, 1869. In 1870 he received the
degree of A. M. In June, 1869, he commenced reading law in the office of Judge W. H. Underwood and Charles F. Noetling. He pursued his studies diligently until 1871, when at the March term of the Circuit Court he was admitted to the bar. He commenced the practice in Belleville, and has continued there to the pre- sent.
Mr. McConaughy is one of the rising attorneys of the bar of St. Clair county. He possesses in an eminent degree those qualities necessary to the successful lawyer, which are a thorough education and scholastic preparation, industry. a love for the profession, and a determination to succeed. To the possessor of these necessary requisites, the problem of future success is easily solved.
In the short time in which he has been in the practice, he has built up a reasonably lucrative business, which is increasing as his success and ability becomes known. In 1877 he was elected City Attorney, and held that position for two years. He is a staunch republican, of undoubted stalwartism. In 1876 he was nominated by the republican party for the office of States Attorney, for St Clair county, but the county being largely democratic, he was de- feated, although he ran five hundred votes ahead of the ticket.
On the 28th of October, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucie Wait Thomas, of Belleville, daughter of W. S. Thomas, an old settler and prominent citizen of St. Clair county. By this union there are two children, both boys.
Mr. McConaughy possesses social qualities of a high order. He is an entertaining friend and most excellent companion, and is very popular among his acquaintance.
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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Klarity of sobre chutz
Ir is a pleasure for the hiographer to chronicle and write the his- tory of a successful man. Such is our duty in presenting to our readers the biography of Mr. Dobschutz, one of the worthy German- American citizens of Belleville. His family in Germany were of the mobility, but he, like a true American citizen, left all traces of that behind when he came here and made this free country his home. He believes that the highest mark of nobility is to be a respected and worthy citizen. His grandfather held high rank in the Prus- sian army, as did also his father, who in his old age was placed upon the retired list of generals, and drew a pension with the rank of major. The subject of this sketch is one of a large family. He was educated at the excellent schools of Prussia, visited the gymnasiums, and spent several years in the University of Prussia. At the age of nineteen years he was apprenticed to the merchant trade, at which he remained from 1849 to 1856. Ile then conclud- ed to come to America and seek his fortune in the new world. Full of this resolve he embarked on board a vessel and arrived in New York in April 1856. He did not stop in the over-crowded me- tropolis of the east, but went to Sioux county, Iowa. That place was then on the frontier of civilization. He built the first frame house in that city. The climate, however, was too severe, and he remained there only two years, then came to St. Louis, and a few days later to Belleville, where he still resides. When he first came here he hired out as a laborer and gardener, at which he coutinued until he entered the employ of Messrs Brosius & Geiss, foundry- men and manufacturers of agricultural implements. He worked in the foundry during the winter, and traveled through the country in the summer months, taking orders for agricultural ma- chinery, manufactured by the firm. He continued thus employed
for three years, then became book-keeper (in which business he is an expert) for several firms and attended to their collections. While attending to the latter part of the business he learned that a collection agency established here would be profitable, and acting upon that idea, he opened an office as collecting agent, to which he soon after added that of loan and money broker, the first of the kind in Belleville To these different pursuits he has also added a real estate agency. With these different branches he has been able through the practice of industry and economy, aided by a personal integrity, which has never been doubted, to build up a business which has brought him a competency and independent position among the citizens of Belleville.
He has been twice married. The first time in 1858, to Miss N. A. Moore, a native of North Carolina, but who was a resident of Sioux City at the time of her marriage. She died June 1st, 1869. By this marriage there were two sons and two daughters living. On the 15th of July, 1869. he married Louisa Zimlick. She is of German parentage, and was born in Baltimore. By the latter marriage there are five children, two sons and three daughters.
Mr. Dohschutz is a member of the beneficiary order of A. O. U. W. and Knights of Honor. Politically, his life has been too busy to take much stock or active interest in politics. He has never asked for an office, nor would he allow his name to be used in that connection. When he does vote he always votes the republican ticket. In all of Mr. Dobschutz's relations with his fellow-men he bears the reputation of being an honorable, upright citizen, and an honest man. In all of his business relations his integrity is un- stained by an act of personal dishonor or reproach.
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
229
.
A. S. Wildenman
MR. WILDERMAN is a descendant of one of the oldest families in St. Clair county. The Wildermans arc of German ancestry. George Wilderman, the great-grandfather of the present family, was a native of Washington county, Maryland. He emigrated west as early as 1805, and settled in the territory of Indiana, now known as Illinois. The place of settlement was made at what is now known as Freeburg, in St. Clair county. There he remained until his death, which took place a few years later. His son, Dorsey Wilderman, was born in 1793 in the same state and county as his father, and was in his twelfth year when the family removed west. He died in St. Clair county in 1857. In 1812 he married Phoebe Carr, who was born in Virginia in 1790. Her father, Joseph Carr, was a native of the same state, and was born March 21, 1752, and died March 6, 1817. He was a soldier of the Revo- lutionary war. After the close of that struggle he came west and settled at what is now known as Illinois landing, in 1793. Dorsey Wilderman, the grandfather of Alonzo S, was a soldier of the war of 1812, and was connected with the military department on the frontiers in the Indian wars. By his marriage with Phoebe Carr there were nine children : Michael J. Wilderman, the father of the subject of this sketch, was the second in the family. He was born in St. Clair county, Oct. 10, 1814, and is one of the five children who have survived the parents. On the 24th of April, 1838, he married Theresa Patterson, a native of Guilford county, North Carolina. She was born March 21, 1818, and was the daughter of Greene B. and Rebecca Patterson, who were of Scotch descent. Their family were among the early settlers of North Carolina. They emigrated to Illinois in 1818, and settled at a place known as High Prairie. By the marriage of Michael J. and Theresa
Patterson, there were seven children ; three sons and one daughter are yet living. The mother died April 27, 1868. The subject of this sketch is the eldest son. He was born near Freeburg, St. Clair county, Ill., December 1, 1839. He was raised npon the farm and received his education in the common-schools of his neighborhood ; his advantages in this particular were none of the best, as the school system in those days was crude and imperfect as compared with the present. He was naturally of an inquiring mind, and having a genuine love for reading, he soon improved, and by the time he reached maturity his mind was well stored with much valuable information derived from books and close ob- servation of men and things. In 1864 he determined to adopt the profession of law. With this idea in view, he entered the law office of Hon. S. M. Kase of Belleville, and commenced the study, and applied himself diligently. In November, 1866, at the term of the supreme court held at Mt. Vernon, he made application for admission to the bar. He passed a good examination and was licensed to practice in the courts of the state. In 1868 he formed a law partnership with his preceptor, which continued until July, 1872, when it was dissolved. He then formed a partnership with Mr. James M. Hamill, which still continues. The law firm of Wilderman & Hamill have a large and paying practice, and are recognized as an able and reliable legal firm, and stand in the front rank as practitioners at the bar of St. Clair county. Politi- cally Mr. Wilderman is a democrat and has been a member of that political organization since 1860, when he cast his first presi- dential ballot for Stephen A. Douglas. In 1876 his zeal for his party and worth as a man and citizen, received honorable recognition by being nominated and elected to represent St. Clair county in
230
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
the 30th General Assembly of the State. While a member of that body he sustained the reputation of a careful and prudent member, bringing to the practical working of the House a large share of valuable business experience. He served on several important committees, among which was the Judiciary, to which was referred the bill originating and creating appellate courts and giving them concurrent jurisdiction. He was chairman of the sub-committee from the House, and had charge of the bill and all matters pertain- ing to it; managed it on the floor of the House, and secured its passage through the lower House. All of his acts as legislator were dictated by a just view of the interests of his constituents and those of the state at large. He is an honorable member of the ancient and honorable order of Freemasonry, and passed through the several lodges, and received the orders of Knighthood in Tancred Commandery No 50, Belleville, Illinois. On the 15th of September, 1871, he was happily united in marriage to Miss Amanda, daughter of James and Hester (Coleman) Affleck. She is a native of St. Clair county, but was a resident of Decatur, Illin- ois, at the time of her marriage. This union has been blessed with three children, named Hester T, Augusta A., and Eunice E. Wilderman. His estimable wife is a member of the M. E. Church.
As a lawyer, Mr. Wilderman early recognized that the law was a jealous mistress, who required of her devotees undivided atten- tion and diligent application, if they would succeed. He possesses those qualities which as factors, are so essential to success in every department of business life, namely, industry, integrity and a large share of common sense. In possession of these sterling qualities, the problem of success is easily solved. They are indissolubly linked with success, and as naturally, and of necessity, follow each other as cause and effect.
GEORGE LOELKİS, M.D.
THIS gentleman was born in Todtenhausen, province of Hesse Nassau, Germany, February 3, 1845. He was educated in the high schools (Gymnasiums) and University of Marburg, and spent one term in the University at Gottingen. In these institutions of learning he laid the foundations and prepared himself for entrance upon the profession of Medicine, which he had determined to adopt. With that idea in view he studied chemistry and kindred sciences. After he returned from the University he came to America, land- ing in New York in 1867. From there he proceeded to Phila- delphia, where, soon after his arrival, he was engaged as medical assistant to Constantine Herring, father of Homeopathy in America, and then Professor in Hahnemann Medical College. Dr. Loelkis took a course in that college, studied and adopted the new system, and graduated, receiving the degree of M.D., March 4, 1868. He then came west, arriving in Belleville April 9, 1868, where he commenced the practice, and here he has continued to the present. Dr. Loelkis belongs to the progressive School of Medicine. The system that he practices requires a progressive mind and studious habits, not a mind that is fettered by old estab- lished forms, founded upon conditions that exist only in the memories and traditions of the past. The School of Homeopathy has been to the old School of Medicine what the liberal and en- lightened thought of the present age has been to the dogmas and formulated creeds of religion in the past. It has liberalized, and brought each to a higher state of perfection. On the 7th of Sep- tember, 1863, Dr. Loelkis was happily united in marriage to Miss Emma Helff of Philadelphia. He is a respected member of the A. F. and A. M., and belongs to Archimedes Lodge, No. 377, of Belleville, Illinois. In matters pertaining to the education of the
rising generation he takes an active part, and is zealous in his ad- vocacy of methods whereby the cause of education will be promoted and become more general and instructive. He bas been for several terms a member of the Board of Education which has charge of the Public Schools of Belleville.
DAVID SAFFOLD, M. D.
THE Saffold family is of English ancestry on both the paternal and maternal sides. Reuben and William Saffold were officers in the English army. Not liking the service, they quit it and came to America, landing in Virginia in 1792. From these brothers have sprung the present Saffold family in America. They are numerous in the southern states, and are a somewhat noted family, many of them occupying places of honor and trust. Notably among these may be mentioned B. T. Saffold, cousin of the subject of this sketch, who has been for a number of years a member of the Supreme Court of Alabama. Another one has been the editor of the Selma Times since 1867, and at present is judge of the circuit court.
Daniel Saffold, the grandfather of David, married Jennie Waters, an only sister of the celebrated Col. John Waters, of Georgia. Of this union was Isham Saffold, father of the subject of this sketch. Isham removed from Georgia to Arkansas in 1835, and died there in 1853. He married Rachael Nobles, a native of Georgia. She died in Arkansas in 1853. By this marriage there were thirteen children. Dr. Saffold, the eldest of the children, and the only survivor of the family, was born in Coweta Co., Georgia, August 3d, 1832. His advantages in youth for receiving an education were limited ; his father dying while he was yet young, the care of the farm and family devolved on him. In 1847 he went to New Or- leans and commenced the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. Stone, a noted physician and surgeon of the south, who had charge of the Infirmary and Hospital at that time. Dr. Saffold at- tended lectures and the Hospital during the day, and at night at- tended night schools and improved his education. He continued there until 1849, then went to the Centenary College at Jackson, Louisiana, and remained there two years. At the end of that time he coneluded to adopt the profession of dentistry. He came north to Philadelphia, and entered the Pennsylvania Dental College and remained part of two terms, then went back to New Orleans aud commenced the practice. Two years later he went to Charleston, S. C., and practiced there fourteen years. On the 8th of August. 1861, he enlisted in the 1st S. C. Artillery, stationed at Fort Sum- ter. In December, 1861, he was promoted to Assistant Surgeon. In 1863 he was transferred to Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan's Island, and afterwards alterrating between Forts Sumter and Moultrie. He remained at those posts until the end of the war. After the war he went to New York, then to St. Louis, and then south to dif- ferent points, where he remained until 1877, when he came to Belle- ville, and here he opened a dental office, and has pursued his pro- fession to the present. On the 10th of June, 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Maria, daughter of Hugh Quinn, of Dublin, Ireland. Mrs. Saffold was born in Ireland, but was a resi- dent of Charleston, S. C, at the time of her marriage. By this union there is one child, a son, named David B. Saffold. Botlı he and his wife are members of the Baptist church. Politically he is democrat. He is an advocate of the cause of temperance, and is a member of the Royal Templars of Temperance. Dr. Saffold is a fiue dentist, and in operative and dental surgery he has few superiors. He adopts all the improved methods which the science of dentistry has developed from time to time, and his laboratory is well.supplied with all the late improvements in the way of machinery to carry on the business.
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
23 L
ORDtake Me Il.
AMONG the successful physicians of Belleville is the subject of this biographical sketch. He was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Dec. 221, 1849. His father, D. M. Dake, is a native of New York. He was a practicing physician for many years. One of the notable facts of the Dake family is, that all the male members, for many generations back, or at least within the knowledge of the present members, have been members of the medical profession. De. Dike's father, grandfather, great-grandfather, all his uncles and their sons, have been and are physicians. It is as natural for a Dake to be a physician as for a duck to take to water. They are members of the different schools. Some practising Allopathy, some Homeopathy, and others Eclectic. His father was graduated at Castleton University, Vermont, in 1835. He studied and was graduated in the regular, or Allopath school of medicine, and practiced that system in New York State for ten years. Iu 1845 he became a convert to, and practised Homeopathy. He removed to Pittsburg in 1848, and there continued the practice of his pro- fession until his retirement.
He married Mary Manuel, who was of English birth, but a resi- dent of the State of New York at the time of her marriage. By this union there were four children, one son and three daughters. Charles R. is the only son. He received private instruction at home, where he was prepared for entrance to the Western Uni- versity of Pennsylvania. In 1868, after his return from college, he commenced the study of medicine in the office and under the direction of his father. After reading the standard text-books, and making suitable progress in his studies, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, and was graduated therefrom in 1872, with the degree of M. D. He was one of six
in a graduating class of one hundred and sixteen who received honorable mention for the value of their graduation thesis and proficiency in general at the conferring of degrees by the Faculty of the College. He commenced the practice at Rockaway Beach, Long Island, where he continued until 1873, when he came west with the intention of going south. He was induced to stop here, and finally concluded to remain permanently. In the fall of 1874 he was elected to the Chair of Chemistry in the Homoeopathic College of St. Louis, but was unable .to accept that honorable position, owing to circumstances over which he had no control, and business arrangements made prior to his election. In the practice of medi- cine Dr. Dake has been very successful. Since his residence in Belleville he has made for himself a reputation as a close student, a careful practitioner, and one thoroughly in love with his profession. He belongs to the progressive school of medicine, bound down by no dogma or theories of any particular school. His principle is to study thoroughly what all schools of medicine present, ignor- ing nothing without investigation, and adopting in practice all that has proved of undoubted value. "I am a physician, bound down to the rules of no single system or school of medicine," is his reply upon inquiry. After his graduation from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, he studied the system of Hon œopathy, and by some he is placed in that school, when in fact he is as much of a Regular as those who pretend to practice exclusively by the Allopathic system. The measure of success is success, and the public care not by what system the body is cured and restored to health, so that it is cured. The physician who, in the shortest possible time, brings about that result, will very soon have all the business to which he can give his attention. Dr.
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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Dake has a large and lucrative practice, which keeps constantly increasing in proportion as his successes and abilities become known to the public. On the 12th of September, 1874, he was united in marriage to Miss Eugenia C. Swyer, a native of St. Clair county, Illinois. By this union there is one child, a daughter. Politically he is a republican, but he takes no interest in politics further than to express his preference and sentiments through the right of suffrage. In his intercourse with men he is a genial com- panion and friend, possessing social qualities of a high order. In the community where he is well known he is regarded as an honor- able man and valuable citizen.
THEODORE HILGARD, JR. (DECEASED.)
ONE of the early German settlers of St. Clair county, was Theo- dore Hilgard. He was a native of Rheinish Bavaria, and was born in the town of Zweitruecken. He was educated for the pro- fession of law, but, being in sympathy with the Republican move- ment in 1830, he fell under the displeasure of the government, and his advancement in his profession was therefore retarded, and pa- tronage from that source cut off. In 1832 he came to America, on a tour of observation. He came west to St. Clair county, and was here so much pleased with the fertility of the soil, that he pur- chased a farm near Turkey Hill, on the Mascoutah road. He then returned to Germany and married, and the next year came back and settled on his farm, and resided there until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1872. He was one of the pioneers of the German emigration to America, and was instrumental in having others come here and settle. He married Emma Heimberger. She died in 1860. By that marriage there were eight children, fonr sons and four daughters. All the children still survive the parents. Ernst Hilgard is the youngest in the family. He was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, January 20th, 1845. He was reared upon the farm where he continued until 1863, when he enlisted for three years in the United States service, in the 43d Regiment Illinois Vol., and remained in the service until the end of the war. In 1869 he came to Belleville and engaged in the hardware trade. In 1871 he went into the dry goods business with Messrs. Espenhain, Fuess & Co. In October, 1880, he opened the present large dry goods and carpet house on Main street. January 1st, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Scheel, the ac- complished daughter of John Scheel, now deceased.
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