History of St. Clair County, Illinois. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 83

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co., Philadelphia
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : Brink, McDonough
Number of Pages: 530

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 83

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THOMAS GRANEY

WAS born in the county of Kerry, Ireland, September 29, 1839. His father, Edward Graney, a farmer, died when he was but six months of age. He was taken care of by an uncle, Patrick McElli- gott, also a farmer. During the prevalence of the famine of 1848 throughout Ireland, his uncle and mother, Ellen McElligott, deter- mined on leaving the ill-fated island, and moved to Canada, locating in Guelph, Wellington county, Canada West. Here they remained until 1858, when Thomas Graney enlisted in the 100th, or, as it was popularly known, the Prince of Wales Royal Canadian Regiment, organized for the purpose of going to the East Indies to suppress the war being waged by Nena Sahib. The regiment remained under instruction and drill in England nearly a year, when they were ordered out, and went as far as the heights of Gibraltar, whence they returned to England. As a soldier he stood high in favor, having been one of the thirty chosen from his regiment as a mem- ber of the Guard of Honor to the Queen, when she reviewed the troops in Aldershot Camp; was also lance corporal nine months, and lance sergeant eighteen months. He received a good-conduct badge which entitled him to a small pittance extra pay, and a badge for superior sharp-shooting. After three and a-half years' service, he bought his discharge, and in 1865 returned to Canada. In May of the same year he took up his abode in the United States, locating first in Chicago, where he helped in the erection of the Soldiers' Home, thence to Oil City, Pennsylvania, and thence to East St. Louis, where he entered the employ of the O. & M. railway compa- ny as blacksmith helper. In this employ he remained until 1874, when he was elected Constable. In 1877 he was elected Justice of the Peace, an office for which he is well fitted, and which he has since held. But one decision made by him among the many cases carried to higher courts has been reversed, and that was on techni- cal grounds. Politically he is a pronounced democrat. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Sheridan, July 4, 1866, by whom he has two children living, Edward John and Ellen. In 1866 a compa- ny of Fenians was organized in East St. Louis for the invasion of Canada, in which he was a sergeant. They went as far as Chicago, remained two weeks, and were ordered home. He is at present As- sistant Coroner for St. Clair county.

A. M. MEINTS.

WHEN we trace the history of our successful men, and search for the secret of that success, we find as a rule that they were men who were early thrown upon their own resources. A. M. Meints fur- nishes an apt illustration of this rule. He was born in Hanover, Germany, March 8th, 1844. His father, J. R. Meints, came to America in 1847, leaving his family behind. They followed in 1848, and the same year Mrs. Meints died of cholera in St. Louis, Missouri, so that Mr. Meints was left with two motherless children. Sickness overtook him, and distress to self and family with it. A. M. Meints, the subject of this sketch, when but eight years of age, together with his sister, gathered drift wood from the river to sell, and thus aid in the family support. At the age of nine he obtained employment as a boy in the grocery of H. Houschold, known as the three mile house on Broadway. Here he remained a year and a half; then was engaged by Edward Beckmann & Bro. two years; next by Rabenbury, with whom he remained a year and a half. During all this time Albert gave his earnings to his father. For two seasons he attended the public night school where he received all the education he ever acquired. In the mean time his father, who was a man of great energy, had saved sufficient means with which to purchase a stock of groceries, which he did by opening a store on Market, between 9th and 10th streets, in the year 1861, taking Albert with him. For five years he remained with his father, during which time he formed habits of industry, economy and honesty, that have ever characterized him, and which have . crowned his labors with success. His father taught him the value of money, and counseled him to save the quarters which he now and then gave him. With the first twenty dollars he succeeded in saving he purchased a gun. Hunting and fishing were his means of recreation.

At the age of twenty-two he left St. Louis, for the first time since his advent there, for a journey any distance from home. Went as far as Fayette, Missouri, where he passed two pleasant weeks in the society of S. Baumann, a former playmate, and returned home, but not to re-engage his services to his father, who although kind, he thought too rigorous in his dealings with him. Seeing an adver- tisement, Grocery clerk wanted by H. Jackeisch, East St. Louis ; he responded and his services were accepted. He entered this ser- vice June 30th, 1866; remained in this employ until April 1st, 1868, when having accumulated about sixteen hundred dollars, he commenced business for himself, first in a building owned by Daniel McGowen, a place quite out of the way of trade, yet the only avail- able place he could secure. In 1869 he purchased the lot he now occupies, and built a store-room 22 x 50, which he opened to the trade in September, 1869. His business has constantly increased, compelling him to erect additional buildings, until now he occupies a building with a frontage of seventy-five feet, and even that does not accommodate his trade. Since commencing business for himself he has been fortunate in every step. His real estate speculations have added largely to his wealth, and now he is the possessor of over twenty tenement houses, and three fine farms in St. Louis county, Missouri. August 30th, 1870, he married a most esti- mable lady, Miss Sophia E. Hauss, of Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Meints owes his success to strict attention to business. For eight years, whilst he was laboring earnestly to gain a footing in the world, he availed himself of no species of enjoyment. Once com- paratively independent he re-engaged with genuine boyish zest in his old sport of hunting, and is known to-day as one of the Nim- rods of East St. Louis. In his career we have exemplified, in the truest sense, a self-made man.

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

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J. B. Jennings. U.S.

AMONG physicians and surgeons of this part of the state, who have attained distinction in their profession, Dr. T. C. Jennings takes rank with the foremost. He was born in Bloomfield, Cha- tanqua county, New York, May 8th, 1836. His father, Rev. Tho- mas J. Jennings, was a Methodist preacher. His mother's maiden name was Catharine Ditmars. When he was about six years of age, his father removed to Ohio, and because of failing health changed his vocation to that of farming. After living about four years in the Buckeye state, he removed to Wisconsin. Here, avail- ing himself of the facilities afforded by the state, the subject of this sketch attended West Bend Academy, a school in charge of Dr. A. H. Hayes, a physician and teacher of rare abilities and high attainments. To him, more than any one else, is the doctor in- debted for his aspirations in life, and for his determination to be- come a physician. Taking him as his model, he commenced the study of medicine under his instruction after he had acquired con- siderable proficiency in the classics, mathematics and natural sciences, preparatory to admission into Rush Medical College at Chicago. In 1856, he entered this institution, from which he gra- duated February 17, 1858. Returning to Wisconsin, he located in Mayville, where he prosecuted the practice of his profession a year, and in 1860 determined on finding a southern home, he came as far as St. Louis ; at the time mutterings were heard all over the south which grew into threats of rebellion. He concluded to wait until the state of affairs had become more settled, and not desiring to re- sume the practice of medicine until he had found a congenial home, he enlisted himself among the pedagogues of St. Clair county by 40

taking charge of the school at French Village, where for two years he successfully engaged in this work. The threatenings of seces- sion had become a dread reality ; red battle had stamped her thundering feet all along Mason and Dixon's line; his country had become involved in the mighty throes of fratricidal strife : his patriotic heart beat responsive to his country's call for aid, and for- saking the school-room, he promptly offered his services and was accepted as assistant surgeon of the 117th regiment, Illinois Volun- teers, November 15th, 1862. With this command he remained un- til August 5th, 1865, when with the regiment he was discharged with honors. He took part in the Meridian, (Mississippi) the Red River, the Tupelo and Oxford campaigns, (Mississippi) the Price campaign in Missouri, the campaign after General Hood in Middle Tennessee, and in the years 1864 and 1865, in the Mobile campaign. He was engaged in the battles of Fort De Russey and Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, Tupelo, Mississippi, Nashville, Tennessee, and Fort Blakely, Alabama. It is related of him, by his comrades, that his impatience was often such as to impel him to the very front of battle with patriotic cheer to urge on his fellows, when officers in his position were expected to take position in the rear, ready to re- ceive any wounded that might have to be borne from the field of battle. Immediately after the war he located in East St. Louis, where he has ever since prosecuted his life work of practicing his profession. He was united in marriage to Miss Clementine Illins- ki, daughter of Dr. A. X. Illinski, June 24th, 1867. By this union there have been born four children, three of whom are living, Anna Belle, Clementine and Dio Illinski. Thomas Francis, the

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIRCOUNTY, ILLINOIS ..

third in order of birth, died in childhood. The doctor's pre-emi- nent fitness for the position caused his friends to single him out as the republican candidate for the legislature from the 49th district in 1878, and most gallantly did he lead on to victory. As a representative, he wasactive, fearless in his advocacy of the right, gave closeand constant attention to the business before the legislature and made an efficient member. In manners and deportment Dr. Jennings is a sociable and agreeable gentleman ; as a physician prompt and methodical : and as a man his reputation for integrity of character, and for earnestness of purpose is as wide as the circle of his acquaintance.

D. D. ANTHONY.

AMONG the promising young men of East St. Louis few are more deserving of honorable mention than D. D. Anthony, who was born in Ripley county, Indiana, November 18, 1843. His father, Philip Anthony, was of the good old Puritan stock of New England, a farmer by occupation, and for fifteen years a justice of the peace in his adopted state. His mother, Mary Ann Anthony, was an Ohioan by birth. The subject of this sketch followed farming until the year 1859, when he came to Illinois, locating in Kankakee county. He received a common school education. At the time of the break ing out of the war he returned to Indiana, and on June 16, 1861 volunteered in Co. I, 13th Regiment Indiana Volunteers. Served in the campaign in West Virginia, under General Mcclellan ; then under his successor, General Rosecrans. Was in the various battles and skirmishes throughout West Virginia, among them that at Rich Mountain, Cheat Mountain, Summit and Green Briar. With his command he went to the valley of Virginia and took part in the fight at Winchester, under General Shields In 1862 his regiment was transferred to the army of the Potomac, with quarters at Suf- folk, whose siege-at the hands of Longstreet-they gallantly with- stood; left Suffolk for Charleston, with General Gillmore, where they took part in the siege of Sumter; thence to Florida ; they were then ordered north, to join Butler's fleet at Yorktown, preparatory to ascending James river; took part in the Petersburg fight, where, on the 10th of May, 1863, he was taken prisoner. His prison life, extended as it was over a space of nine months and eighteen days, and divided between various Southern prison pens, is of great interest. First he was taken to Libby prison, at Rich- mond, where he was kept about a month ; thence taken to Ander- sonville, where he was subjected to the gross neglect and hard usage for which that prison is so noted. He was an eyewitness to the bursting forth of the spring of water in the beaten path within the pen, spoken of by many prisoners, who-famishing with thirst-looked upon it as God's deliverance. After three months he was taken to Savannah, thence to Charleston, under guns he had himself helped to set months before; thence to Florence, where he suffered terribly. During his four months' imprisonment here he had not to cxceed four ounces of salt with his ration of one pint of corn meal per diem, perhaps a half-dozen rations of meat, and a spoonful of molasses per week, during the time. At Goldsborough, North Carolina, he was exchanged for a well-fed Southern soldier, February 28, 1864. Being sick- scarcely able, in fact, to walk at all-he was taken to the hospital on David's Island, New York harbor, where for months he was treated with all the skill of army surgeons. His eyesight was almost gone-so far that its recovery was long thought doubt- ful. He was discharged from the U. S. service June 14, 1865 ; re-

turned to Indiana, where he was married to Sarah Belle Payton, April, 1866, by whom he has one child. After marriage he went South to Choctaw county, Alabama, where his wife was engaged in teaching a Freedmen's school for one year. During this time be was appointed by General Pope, commanding the Southern division, as re-constructing officer for registration of voters, administering the so-called "iron-clad oath," &c. Was taken sick, and returned to Indiana, where he remained only six months, returning to Ala- bama to engage in general merchandizing. In 1870 he was appoint- ed assistant U. S. marshal in the Alabama district, during which service he enumerated the census of Choctaw county. When Ala- bama became democratic, and it was no longer safe for Northern men to express their sentiments in the South, he returned to In- diana, where he was employed by the Ohio and Mississippi railroad company. After remaining a year in their employ he went to Kan- sas, where he invested in a stock ranche, which he still owus. After a few months "roughing it," he returned to East St. Louis, where he was engaged in the erection of water works at the National Stock Yards. Here he remained several years as an engineer and water supply superintendent. In December, 1880, he was appointed deputy sheriff of St. Clair county by Frederick Ropiequet, a just recognition of his public services in behalf of the success of the re- publican party and of bis worth as a man. Mr. Anthony is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., being a P. G , Golden Rule Lodge of E. St. Louis. Politically he is a stalwart, out-spoken, fearless republican. During the last campaign he made some very effective speeches in behalf of republican principles, reciting-as his experience enabled him to do-many instances of cruelty in the South. His republic- anism was learned in very early years when his father kept an underground railway station on the Polar Star route from Slavery to Freedom. Efficient as an officer, true to all trusts reposed in him, genuine by nature-Mr. Anthony deserves well of his fellow- men.

JOHN B. SIKKING,

THE present efficient post-master of the city of East St. Louis, was born in Wenterswyke, Holland, August 16th, 1836. His father, John B. Sikking, was a carpenter, and emigrated from the land be- yond the sea to America in 1844, locating in the city of St. Louis, Missouri. There were in all seven children in the family, of whom John B. Sikking was the fourth in order of birth. He received a common school education, and became a machinist. For thirteen years he engaged his services to the Ohio and Mississippi railway company. He was appointed post-master under Gen. Grant's ad- ministration, in 1869. Had officiated in this capacity for about two years prior, during Johnson's administration, as be served out the term of his predecessor and brother-in-law, E. W. Wider. As post-master he has proved faithful and capable, and has won uni- versal esteem. He was married to Sarah E. Cunningham, a most estimable lady from Ohio, on the 24th of December, 1863. By this union there are six children. In politics Mr. Sikking is an ardent, outspoken republican, who has the honor of having always been true to his party, and party friends. Takes an active part in both local and national affairs. He and his wife are members of the M. E. church. He is also a member of the Masonic order. As a citizen he is quiet, unassuming, straightforward, and one that can- not be swerved from the path of duty.

BANK

ANNE CO. WORKINGMENS' BANKING

WORKINGMEN'S BANKING CO . EAST ST. LOUIS, ILL.

RESIDENCE OF CAPT. JOHN TRENDLEY, EAST ST LOUIS , ILL.

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

315

Arendley

IDENTIFIED with the interests of East St. Louis for the last fifty- five years, during which time nothing of public moment has been started but that has had a share of his attention, Capt. John Trendley is looked upon as one of the fathers of the city. To adopt his language, "he wore out in the service as ferryman five horse- boats," and the company are now using the twenty-fifth steam ferry boat, whilst he yet lives to take an active interest in the work. He was born in the Black Forest, Germany, June 20, 1804. Came to America in 1817, landing first at Alexandria, Virginia. Two years after he came up the Mississippi from New Orleans, and located

here. He was married to Harriett Aberle, a Swiss lady, March 28, 1828, who died March 21, 1869. Capt. Trendley preserves his faculties in a remarkable degree, and delights in living in the past, recounting the incidents of an active and well-spent life. His con- tributions to the upbuilding of his adopted city have perhaps been more notable than those of any other one man. He is prepared to spend the evening of life in the enjoyment of comforts, the fruitage of a life of economy and industry. As one of the pioneers, a sketch of his life's work will be found in its appropriate place in this work.

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

THE Messick family, as the name indicates, were of German ori- gin. When they first came to America is unknown. That they first settled in Virginia has been fairly established. Joseph W. Messick, the father of the subject of this sketch, and his wife, Sa- rah Messick, nee Kittinger, were natives of Kentucky. The an- cestors of the Kittingers were Pennsylvanians. Joseph B. Messick was born in Maconpin connty, in this state, Jannary 29th, 1847. As a youth he followed the plow, cared for stock, and such other work as is incident to the life of a farmer lad. Here he formed habits of industry and honesty that have ever prompted him in his associa- tions with his fellow-men. Full of hope, he has ever looked on the bright side of life ; fond of jokes and joking, his companionship has always been sought. His elementary education, acquired in the rural district school, was supplemented by attendance, during the years 1866 and 1867, at Shmtleff College, Upper Alton. Having thus fitted himself for the work, he engaged in teaching, that uni- versal stepping-stone to the higher professional life-and, as he taught, he studied law. As a teacher, he succeeded, and after his admission to the bar in 1871, continued in the work. Ile was ad- mitted to practice in Carlinville, and, at first, thought to locate at that point, but, after his school closed, determined on seeking a new field, and did so, locating in East St. Louis. Here he rapidly gaincd friends, acquired practice, and received recognition as a lawyer of promise. In 1875 he was elected judge of the city court of East St. Louis. As a judge he presided with dignity, and with satisfaction to the bar. Political life possesses a strong attraction for him, hence with each campaign he is found an ardent advocate

for his political preferences, both upon the stump and in social con- ver e. A pronounced and uncompromising republican, his voice and vote were employed to aid in the election of the captain of the age, General Grant, to the Presidency. During the campaigns of 1876 and 1880, he made telling speeches in behalf of republican principles. His patriotism was taught him at his father's fireside When but seventeen years of age, he volunteered as a private in company "I," 144th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until the end of the war. On February 1st, 1881, he was appointed U. S. Deputy Collector Internal Revenue, for the 4th Division, 13th District Illinois. A position for which his attain- ments well adapt him. The annual collections for the division amount to an aggregate of about a million dollars. As a speaker, Judge Messick is earnest and impressive. Varying his efforts with flashes of wit and sarcasm, he does not fail to impress the minds of his hearers. Ifis language, while it is chaste and appropriate, de- rives additional force from his tall and commanding figure. He has admirable conversational powers, and, with his inexhaustible fund of anecdotes and large amount of good humor, he never fails to amuse and entertain his friends. Physically, he is six feet two inches in height, erect and well-proportioned. Personally, he has fine qualities ; generous and frank ; he is strongly attached to his friends and preserves that same familiarity that characterized his youth. Tender-hearted and benevolent, he is always ready to assist the needy. In his character he combines those qualities of mind and heart that render him deservedly popular, and secure to him the warm friendship of all who know him.

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

317

MAURICE E. TISSIER.

THE able editor of the East St. Louis Herald, was born in Florisant, St. Louis county, Missouri, December 25, 1853. His parents are both living. His father is a grocer by occupation. His mother's maiden name was Mary Formaz. The Tissiers came to America in 1849, from Switzerland. They located first in Wisconsin, thence went to Chicago, and last to St. Louis. Maurice F. Tissier attended the college of the Christian Brothers in 1865 and 1866 ; then St. Vincent's College, at Cape Girardeau three years, and last St. Vincent's Seminary, in Germantown, Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1873, after which he returned to St. Louis and commenced commercial life, clerking for his father, who was then in the clothier's trade. On the 18th of August, 1875, he was married to Miss Catharine Myers, of Carondelet. This was notable as having been the first solemn nuptial High Mass wedding in East St. Louis. By this marriage there have been born three children ; Louis, who was born on the first anniversary of the wedding day, Mary, and Maurice Nicholas. In 1875 Mr. Tissier went into the grocery business on the Island, where he remained two years, vaca- ting in favor of his father, whose store had been destroyed by the bridge fire in February. In May, 1877, he was appointed city

clerk by Mayor Bowman, which position he held until discharged in December. In March of the following year he was reinstated in this position by vote of the city council, and held it two years. His first writing for the press was in 1874, at which time he averred the time would come when he would own and edit a newspaper. In 1878 he started the East St. Louis Herald as an opposition paper- that is, opposition to the Bowman rule in the city. This paper has met the approval of the people, and, being well conducted, is a recognized power in local politics. Mr. Tissier is a member of the Board of Education, in whose work he takes a lively interest. He is a member of the order of Catholic Knights of America, and is at present the recording secretary of his branch, and was a delegate to their last national convention. He was appointed a Notary Public July 4, 1877, by Gov. Cullom, to which position he was re-appoint- ed in 1881. As a business man he is prompt aud energetic ; as a citizen, alive to the best interests of his community. A true friend himself, he lacks not for friendship; gentlemanly and courteous in manner, he and his paper, which reflects his sentiments, are grow- ing in popular favor.

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

I Heim

FEW firms are bolder in the execution of their plans or are pos- sessed of greater courage in experimenting where grand aims are to be attained or much means lost than the Heim Brothers, an en- graving of whose buildings adorn this work. Ferdinand Heim, the elder of the brothers, was born in Wolfert, Austria, February '27th, 1830, and came to America in 1851. His father, Wunnibakt Heim, a rope-maker and farmer, died in Austria, in 1857. Ferdi- nand, after reaching this country, located in Utica, New York, where he engaged in his father's occupation of rope-making, in which industry he continued for two years. The great west was at that time the magnet of attraction, so he moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where after a short sojourn he again moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he pursued his trade until the time of the arrival of his brother, Michael Heim, whereupon they embarked in the dairying industry, which they successfully prosecuted for about five years.

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History of St. Clair County, Illinois. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 83

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co., Philadelphia Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia : Brink, McDonough Number of Pages: 530

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co., Philadelphia
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : Brink, McDonough
Number of Pages: 530