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 84
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They next engaged in the cattle trade, an easy transition from their former pursuit, which they followed about six years. In 1869 they commenced operations as brewers, in which industry they have been eminently successful, having perhaps the best equipped estab- lishment in the state of Illinois. Every modern improvement, calcu- lated to advance their industry, is at once adopted. At great expense, they have introduced an ice manufacturing machine, which works like a charm. By its aid the pillars and walls of their cellars-if cellars, a large building might be termed-are encased in perpetual ice. A full description of their brewery may be found elsewhere in this work. As illustrative of the magnitude of their trade, it may be cited that they purchase abont $3000 worth of revenue stamps per month, and the business is rapidly increasing. Ferdinand Heim was married to Elizabeth Beil, Feb. 15th, 1855, by whom he has three sons, Joseph J., Ferdinand F., and Michael.
SOUTH WEST VIEW .
HEIMS
BREWING Co
NORTH WEST VIEW
FERDINAND HEIM, PRES !! MICHAEL HEIM, SECY. & TREAS. JOS. J. HEIM, VICE PRES PT HEIM'S BREWING COMPANY, EAST ST. LOUIS . ILL.
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
319
Michael Heim.
So closely interwoven is the history of Michael Heim with that of his elder brother, Ferdinand-whose biography appears on the oppo- site page-that it is difficult to write of them separately. He was born in Wolfert, Austria, February 12th, 1839, and came to Amer- ica in 1854 to join his brother, which he did in St. Louis, Missouri, embarking in different enterprises with him. He was married to Anna Beil in October, 1862, by whom he has two children, Ferdi- nand and John George by name. His wife is a niece of the wife of his brother, so that the relationship between their children is a
pleasant conundrum of his joking brother. He is a member of the order of I. O. O. F., also of the Knights of Honor. The firm of which he is a member have been successful in the prosecution of their business, and far-sighted in its management. It is one of the most popular in East St. Louis, as it deserves to be. Never dis- couraged, ever hopeful, they press on with energy to accomplish their ends. The destruction of their brewery by fire, a few years ago, daunted them not, but phoenix-like, it was caused to spring from the flames better and larger than before.
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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Verlangt
A MEMBER of the City Council of East St. Louis, was born in Staffordshire, England, October 22d, 1846. His father, who bore the same name, was a worker in iron. He made the first wrought iron twine for blasting purposes ever invented. Ile came to America in 1858, and at once made his way to East St. Louis via Springfield and Alton, Illinois. It was during the prevalence of high waters of that year. Several bridges had been washed away, so that pas- sengers on the C. and A. railroad had to be transferred to waiting cars across streams which the subject of this sketch swam in making his way here. As a result the family lost all their baggage and found themselves on the dyke at East St. Louis quite destitute. They next went to Urbana or Freeburg, as it is now called, where they
pursued the work of blacksmithing. Returning to East St. Louis they engaged their services to the rolling mills. At present Levi Baugh, Jr., is Superintendent of the East St. Louis Rendering Works, in which he is a stockholder, and which position he has held since 1873. Politically he is a conservative democrat. Is not active in politics, caring more for business. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, of which order he is a charter member, and at present Master of Exchequer ; also of the Knights of Honor. He was married to Margaret M. Mayerhofer, July 26, 1866, by whom he has had four children, three of whom are living. He is a man of excellent social qualities, fine business tact, and sound judgment.
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
321
V.G
Autanshow
THE present efficient Police Magistrate of the city of East St. Louis, was born in Madison county, Indiana, August 24th, 1836. His father, John Renshaw, was a farmer. His mother's maiden name was Malinda Cissna. They were married iu Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1820. In the family were two sons and four daughters. When John was about eight years of age his parents moved to Belleville, this county. His earlier years were passed in discharg- ing the duties of a farmer lad and attending school. At about the age of ten years his father took him in company, on a trip to Nau- voo, which at the time was in the height of Mormon glory. The trip was made by ox-team. The stone oxen which supported an altar in the temple struck his boyish fancy, and left an impression upon his memory not to be effaced. At Belleville his school-fellows were Charles P. Johnson, Wesley Merritt, John B. Hay, James Hay and William Orr, several of whom have attained to consider- able distinction in life. In 1856 the Captain left Belleville to make his home in Warrenton, Mississippi, where lie engaged in mercan- tile pursuits, in partnership with a cousin. Here he remained until the breaking out of the war. Warrenton was in Jefferson Davis' precinct, and in 1860 the Captain served as a judge in the presi- dential election. Being a northern or union democrat, his first vote for President, which was cast at this election, was given for the "Little Giant," Stephen A. Douglas. When war-clouds grew threatening, and the call for troops in behalf of southern independ- ence was sent forth in the spring of 1861, he quietly took his de- parture for his old home at Belleville, where he worked for a time at his trade, that of a plasterer. In 1864 he volunteered in the
149th Regiment Illinois Volunteers, and was at once elected Cap- taiu of Co. C. This regiment was marched through Georgia in the wake of Sherman's army, in their memorable march to the sea, en- gaged in garrisoning railroads. Halts were made at Atlanta, Chattanooga, Dalton and Cleveland, where supplies were to be guarded. After the war was practically ended, the Captain's com- pany was detailed to aid in enforcing measures of reconstruction, in which service they continued until discharged, June 27th, 1866, at Alton.
He returned home to Belleville, but soon after concluded to locate in East St. Louis, which he did in 1868. Here he went into the coal business, in which he was quite successful. In 1872 he was appointed Chief of Police, which position he has retained ever since. As Chief of Police he has had much to contend with- has witnessed threatened riots, which, but for his courage and promptitude, might have resulted in much bloodshed. His name is a terror to evil-doers. Perhaps no man deserves as much credit for breaking up prize-fighting iu this vicinity as he. In the face of great opposition, and when begged by friends not to take the step, he swore out the first warrants against prize-fighters, boarded the boat Continental, on which the roughs were taking passage to the head of the island, and by the aid of a few friends checked the fray. The step was a bold one, and boldly was it executed. Prosecutions followed, which were successful. He was married to Caroline Trendley, daughter of Capt. John Trendley of the Wiggins' Ferry Company, May 13, 1873. By this marriage there have been born three children : Henry T., John W., and Eugene. Politically, the
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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Captain is a democrat. Has held the position of school treasurer for a term of three years, during which service he had to give a bond for $100,000. So faithfully has he discharged his duties as Chief of Police; so unrelenting has been his warfare against crooks and evil-doers; so earnest his endeavors to maintain the peace, that he is continued in the position for which nature seems especially to have fitted him.
P. H. STACK.
EAST ST. LOUIS is eminently a cosmopolitan city. Here are gathered representatives of all nationalities. Unlike many cities of like size, no one nation is represented among her people in numerical strength sufficient to control her politics or local government. Among those hailing from the Emerald Isle no one deserves more prominent mention, or is held in higher esteem for his talents and worth as a citizen and man, than he whose name heads this article. A recognized leader among not only his people, but among the people generally, P. H. Stack is an honored name. He was born in Tullihinell, Barrylongford parish, Kerry county, Ireland, May 11, 1828. His father was a farmer of the better class, being a landed proprietor ; but reverses came, as come they will, in this instance, growing out of the famine which visited his native island in 1849, by which he lost much property. Gathering together the fragments of his wealth, he determined on seeking a new home across the ocean, and accordingly landed in New York in February, 1849. He brought with him a large family,-eleven in all, to which one was added here, and one was left behind in Ireland, a daughter who had married there. Of this family, six were boys, and eight were girls. Garrett Stack, for that was his name, bought a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Canada. A few years after, he returned to the United States, and died in New York in 1857. P. H. Stack did not remain with his father, but struck out for himself, locating first in Cleveland, Ohio, where he laid the founda- tion for a liberal education with which he is blessed. From here he went to Nashville, Tennessee, where he became the student of Bishop Miles, then to Carondelet, where he studied with Bishop Kendrick. His wanderings were those of a student; his ambition was to pre- pare himself for the priesthood. During intermissions from study he engaged his services in several capacities to railroad companies at times, as foreman on works or as sub-contractor. He built three miles of the Chicago and Alton railroad. This business car- ried him from place to place; thus we find him at Chicago, Natchez, Memphis and at other places. At Chicago he was married to Mar- garet Sellis, on the 4th of November, 1855. By this marriage he has four children-Johanna, now the wife of Frank Healey, bridge collector ; Garrett J., assistant cashier O. & M. R. R .; John J. student in Jones' commercial college, St. Louis, and Margaret F. The breaking out of the war found him located in Natchez, Missis- sipi, where he was foreman and paymaster on leveeing. From thence he came north, and was employed by the Missouri & Pacific railroad company, but bushwhackers along the route determined him on finding a safer place ; hence he came to East St. Louis,
where he has since resided. Here he has kept a boarding-house, and attended to his growing real estate interests. He owns ten or twelve residences here and a fine farm of one hundred and forty acres near Carlyle, Clinton county, Illinois, together with much other property, the accumulation of a life of energy and pluck. He has held various positions to which his fellow citizens have chosen him, as justice of the peace, for a period of eight years ; school director, one term; member of the board of health, one term. He was at one time a defeated candidate for the mayoralty ; he is politically a democrat, opposed to monopolies and all grabbing schemes, and refuses to become the tool of corporations. He and his family are members of the Roman Catholic church.
HENRY D. O'BRIEN.
THE subject of this sketch was born in Calais, Maine, on the 21st day of January, 1843, and is the son of Wetmore O'Brien and Sarah M., nee Smith.
When seven years of age his parents moved to Detroit, Michi- gan, where he attended school. In 1855 they moved to Min- neapolis, Minnesota. After remaining here a short time, he returned to Detroit, where he learned the watch-making and jeweler's trade. Thence he went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to attend school, then to his home in Minneapolis.
. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in the 1st regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg in the head, hand and side, and while carrying the regimental flag, the staff was shot from his hands, At the battle of Deep Bottom, or Strawberry plains, which was fought on Sunday, Angust 14th, 1864, he was, whilst making a charge, shot through the right shoulder and lung. After being absent a short time he returned to the regiment, and was present on the field when Lee surrendered. He passed through nearly all the battles in which the army of the Potomac was engaged, and served in every posi- tion from that of private to Lieut. Colonel. At the close of the war he was Major of the regiment, and Adjutant General of Mer- row's Division, Army of the Tennessee.
Returning to Minnesota, he received the appointment as post- master of East Minneapolis from President Johnson, and at the expiration of his commission was re-appointed by President Grant, and held the position for nearly seven years. Through the advice of physicians he came to St. Louis in 1873, for treatment of the wound in his shoulder, but notwithstanding the efforts of the best surgeons in the city, is still troubled with it. Mr. O Brien has been editor and publisher of the Gazette for the past four years, and previous to that served in a similar capacity on the Press. He is a republican in politics, a liberal in his religious views, a member of the Masonic order, and the Knights of Pythias, having been Past Chancellor in the latter order, and for several years has been a mem- ber of the G. A. R. He was married in 1867 to Miss Emma S. Sin- clair. She died in February, 1873. He is still a widower.
0
FARM RESIDENCE OF CLEMENT BEVELOT, ESQ. CENTREVILLE ROAD, EAST ST.LOUIS, ILL.
1844
OLD HOMESTEAD
OLDHOME & PRESENT FARM RESIDENCE OF AMBROSE. JONES, SR.(Sec.17,T.2.NR.9.W, EASTSTLOUISPR.STCLAIR CO./ LL.
FRENCH VILLAGE PRECINCT.
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HIS precinct was settled by Cahokians about the year 1800, and the first settlement was known as Little French Village. In 1837 it contained only fifteen or twenty families, but it now com- prises at least one hundred and twenty fami- lies, nearly all of whom are of French descent. It lies in the north-western part of the county, and is bounded on the north by the precincts of East St. Louis and Caseyville ; on the east by Caseyville and O'Fallon ; on the south by Belle- ville and Cahokia ; on the west by Cahokia and East St. Louis, and contains about 7,700 acres. It extends nearly a mile into the bluff, which comprises about one-fifth of the precinct. There are nearly seven hundred acres of the bottom land that are included in the ponds or lakes. In extreme dry seasons, a portion of this is susceptible of cultivation, and is the best land for corn that the Bottoms contain. These lakes are fed, during high water, from the Mississippi through the bayous, and are, therefore, well supplied with an abundance of the finny tribe, such as buffalo, cat, bass, etc. It is said that in an early day the wild swans, ducks, and geese were so numerous on these lakes, that it was almost im- possible for the people living near them to sleep nights, on account of the quacking and confusion caused hy the wild fowls. One old gentleman gives an account of killing twenty-two ducks at one shot, and that it was no uncommon occurrence for a good sportsman to kill and bring home in one day, a French cart-load of wild game.
Like the rest of the American Bottom, the most of the precinct has very meagre drainage. An attempt was made about ten years ago to drain it by means of a big ditch cut through from Spring Lake to Big Lake, and thence into Prairie du Pont creek. The ditch was dug, but it proved of little or no value on account of a lack of fall. Schoenberger creek heads in the bluff and winds around for several miles in the north-eastern part of the precinct, but the people here say that it is so contrary that it runs up stream instead of down.
The first farm was improved by Laurence Schoenberger, who had come to this country in the year 1789. He settled here about the year 1800, and entered his first land on section twenty-five in 1814. He became the largest land-owner in this part of the county ; his possessions extended from section twenty-five east, to some distance into the bluff. Laurence Pensoneau settled here about the same time as the above, and located on section twenty-three. His wife's name was Odele Calliot. They brought up quite a family of chil- dren, one of whom, Stephen, is now living near the old homestead,
and is one of the oldest citizens. He has been twice married. His first wife's name was Adeline Belange, who died in 1848, leaving two children. Mr. Pensoneau afterwards married Miss Barbara Eckman, who is still living. There have been six children born from this union, the most of whom are of mature age. Among other old settlers are, August Trotier, settled on section twenty -- ix ; Nicholas Tourjeant, located on the same section ; Joseph Boneau, settled on the Surveys ; Baptiste Chartrand, located on section twenty-six ; Laurence Gunville, same section ; Louis Roulard, Pe- ter Garah, Baptiste Graundine, Baptiste Gainard and Jerry Sulli- van, all located on section twenty-three; Joseph Lepage and Jo- seph Valentine, on the Surveys. The above persons settled in the precinct about the same time, to wit : 1800.
The first mill was built by John Derosch, about 1820, and was owned by Joseph Boneau. It was situated on the old Vincennes state road, now rock-road, and opposite Mrs. Amelia Boneau's pres- ent brick residence. It was a two-story frame building, with one run of stone, and was propelled by oxen on the old tread-wheel principle of action. The mill has long since disappeared, and a flourishing orchard is now growing on the old site. The first store was built in 1838, and was situated on what is now the rock-road, not far from the mill. It was a frame building, two stories, and owned and operated by Glode C. Belange.
Joseph Boneau established the first blacksmith shop in 1838. It was a log structure, 14x14, and situated on Mr. Boneau's land in the Surveys, on the Belleville rock-road. The first post-office was established in 1849, on the rock-road, and was called French Village. The first postmaster was John Penn. Glode C. Belange kept the first hotel, and run it in connection with his store.
For the benefit of future generations, we will state here that all there is, or ever has been, of what is known as French Village, (not referring to the precinct) is, in fact, no village at all, but a few houses scattered along for some distance on the Belleville rock-road, and has been, for euphony or convenience, called a village. The most of these are farm houses, interspersed with two or three small shops or country business houses.
The first church was built by the Catholic denomination in 1842, and situated on section twenty-six. It is a frame building, and was constructed under the supervision of Rev. Peter Deturlin, who was its first pastor. The cemetery is situated on the same lot, just east of the church. It is kept in excellent order, as everything in or about it show the marks of thoughtful and careful attention. The first school-house was built in 1829, and situated on the old Vincennes state road, in section twenty-five. John Robinson was the first teacher. A fine brick school-house was built in 1869, and
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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
situated in section twenty-six, near the Catholic church. The cost of construction was $2500, and it is so arranged that two teachers are employed, and is conveniently operated as a semi-graded school.
There are two coal mines in operation in the precinct at this writing. The first was owned and operated by Joseph Boneau, in an early day, and was situated about a half mile south of French Village. Mr. Boneau was also the first to introduce blooded stock into this part of the county, which was in 1832. Among the early justices of the peace, we find the names of Lambert Boneau, Ama- nial Trotier and Deno Pellitier. The former was probably the first justice in the precinct.
In early days the people underwent many privations and hard- ships, but were contented and happy ; indeed, to converse with the old settlers, one would feel convinced that their pleasures of long ago, exceeded those of to-day. They manufactured everything they wore from cap to shoes. The women wore home-made dresses, colored with sumac bark, and the bonnet was simply a blue hand- kerchief wrapped carelessly around the head. Before the church was built in this precinct, the people attended church services in Cahokia. Their mode of conveyance was the French cart, usually drawn by oxen, but a few of the more aristocratic were supplied with horses. The cart would take the premium as a first-class cu- riosity, if placed on exhibition at the present time. It was wholly constructed of wood, the wheels not even being bound with a tire. The axle, where it entered the hub, was six inches in diameter, while the hub was about six feet in circumference. The body or bed was a frame resting on the axle and pole, with six standards placed upright in the frame, and interwoven, wicker fashion, with hazel brush or willows. The horses were harnessed to pull from the haunches instead of the shoulders ; while the oxen were yoked at the head as we see in pictures of the olden times. The greasing process was as unique as the vehicle itself. This was done with a bountiful supply of soft-soap.
Land Entries .- The first land entered was by Furgeson & Trot- ier, September 27th, 1814, in section 26, south-east quarter, contain- ing one hundred and sixty acres. Gabriel Marlot entered Septem- ber 29th, 1814, all of section 24, being six hundred and forty acres. October 1st, 1814, John Hendricks entered one hundred and sixty acres of the north-east quarter of section 36. J. L. Schoneberger, December 23d, 1814, entered the north-west quarter in section 25, being one hundred and sixty acres. One hundred and fifty-five acres in the north-east quarter of section 21, was entered by Louis Jarvis the 24th of December, 1814.
Transportation Facilities .- One of the best wagon roads in the state passes through this precinct, and is known as the rock road. It extends from Belleville to East St. Louis, and is in excellent condition, being macadamized with lime stone. The Illinois and St. Louis railroad cuts across the south-western part of the precinct, and takes a north-westerly direction, extending along near the line to East St. Louis. The South Eastern railway passes entirely through the precinct from the north-west to the south-east, entering on section 21, and passes out near the south-east corner of sec- tion 36.
Situated on the rock road, after leaving the bluff going west, for perhaps three-fourths of a mile, is what is called French Village proper, and has already been described. At this writing there are the following business houses scattered along the road: A frame two-story hotel, kept by John Borgmeyr ; one general store, with H. Kaune as proprietor ; two blacksmith shops, one of which car- ries on carriage making in connection with the shop, and is con- ducted by Louis Fetterer. The other is owned and operated by Augustus Kehr. George Hollinger keeps a boot and shoe shop, and there are also three saloons sprinkled along the line. About half a mile north of the rock road, and situated on what is known as the Bluff road, is quite an extensive malt house. It was erected in 1867, by Thomas Frick, who conducted it for about three years, when it passed into the hands of H. A. Steinnecke, the present pro- prietor. It is three stories, including basement, and is constructed of brick with stone foundation. Its size on the ground is 40x100 feet, and cost $8000. It is supplied with two tanks, the larger of which is capable of holding three hundred bushels of barley, and the smaller, one hundred and fifty bushels. Its capacity is 15,000 bushels of malt per annum, and gives employment to four hands. The annual value of manufactured material is $15,000. The bu- siness is under the immediate supervision of August Frank, fore- man. An ice house belongs to the same firm, and is constructed in the bluff near the malt-building. It is about ten feet high by ten in width, and extends into the bluff upwards of twenty feet, and will store thirty tons of ice. A small saloon is situated a little north of the malt house. There is but one physician in the precinct, Dr. Chas. H. Christoffe. James Lepage and Nicholas Boul are the pre- sent justices of the peace.
The people of French Village are an industrious and hard-work- ing class, and if they could succeed in obtaining adequate drainage to their farms, they have lands so fertile that they could challenge the world to compete with them in their productions.
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WHEATLAND FARM RESIDENCE OF JOHN SHULTZ, Esp. (Seg, 14, T. 2. N, R.S.W.) AMERICAN BOTTOM, ST.CLAIR CO.I'LL.
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