History of St. Clair County, Illinois. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 92

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 92

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quite unexpectedly to their parents, who hailed them gladly. Mrs. Postel was looked upon as the first woman to re-cross the ocean from among all those who had come to this country from the Rhein Pfaltz. They returned here the same year, coming up the Mississippi by the last boat to make the trip before the close of navigation for the winter, December 16th. Fortunately, too, they left New Orleans. just in time to escape the cholera which visited its ravages upon that city. The year following Mascoutah was visited by the terrible scourge of cholera, and amidst it all Mr. Postel kept on at his work, only leaving it to attend to the wants of the dead and dying. Of his relatives six succumbed to the fell destroyer, and were borne to their last resting-place. He was taken down himself at last ; but, thanks to a strong constitution, and, he thinks, to an exchange of remedial agents largely employed at the time, he survived. These were trying times in the vicinity of Mascoutah. There were six funerals the first day of the scourge. The next year emi- gration set in afresh, new industries were opened and a brighter future opened her generous doors. Mr. Postel took out his na- turalization papers in Belleville in 1846, when Theodore Engelmann was clerk. He says he enjoyed the blessing of an American pass- port to the fullest extent upon the occasion of his European visit during which time the revolution was threatening trouble in Ger- many. As he passed certain police officers, he simply showed them a note-book in which were American entries, and on the last page of which was the signature of an American consul. His thought was " How good it is to be an American citizen." Politically, Mr. Postel is an ardent and representative republican; he has affiliated with the party constantly since its organization, with Gen. John C. Fremont as its standard-bearer, in 1856. In 1880 he was elected by a handsome vote as a representative in the 32d General As- sembly, from the 49th or St. Clair county District. As a repre- sentative he has proved himself worthy the votes given him, and thoroughly competent to discharge the duties devolving upon the position. He is an active and faithful member of the German Methodist church. The credit of erecting the first altar in the state of Illinois for that faith belongs to the Eisenmayer family with himself. A kind and indulgent father, a man of generous im- pulses, he has the respect of all. Of his family seven children are living-Elizabeth, Mary, Philip H., Jr., George, Anna, Louisa and Julius. Philip H., the first, as he is called for distinction, and Andrew, are numbered among the dead. Andrew died of small- pox at the age of three years.

Having now passed the age of sixty-three, he has no desire for public emoluments, and although surrounded by many of the luxu- ries of life, he looks back on the years that were full of struggles . and hardships as the happiest in his life. The same cheerfulness of disposition, which he possesses in an eminent degree, has always sustained him, and he says he felt quite as contented when riding a mule up the streets of Mascoutah, years ago, which had just been attached by a creditor, (a wealthy citizen of Belleville) as he does now when driving a fine carriage. A man of great integrity of character, of marked executive ability, of generous impulses, Mr. Postel has contributed much to the upbuilding of Mascoutah.

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Lames Hb Richardson

ABOUT a mile east of Mascoutah, in the enjoyment of a most elegant country home, lives one whose life's labors have been crowned with a success deserving more than a mere mention. One who illustrates, in an eminent degree, what can be accomplished by perseverance and an aim in life. James H. Richardson was born in Staffordshire, in sunny England, on the 25th of June, 1825. When about one year old; he was brought by a widowed mother to America, who located in the city of Philadelphia, where she married and remained until James was about six years of age, when she removed to Westchester, a village in Chester county, Pa. Here it was that he gained a rudimentary education in a private school, such as abounded in those days. His stepfather, a teacher and surveyor by profession, after locating here became a merchant in china and glassware. At the age of twelve he engaged his ser- vices to a farmer relative, who lived near the village. This opened to his young mind a new field of usefulness, and determined him to become an agriculturist. He labored faithfully, attended school during the winter, and spent his summers in the usual labor of a farmer boy. He did not see that it would be possible to ever own a farm if its purchase depended upon such labor, hence he determined on learning a trade, and apprenticed himself at eighteen years of age to a carriage maker at Marshallton, some four miles distant, where he remained four years. After which he obtained em- ployment in the machine shops of Pennock Brothers, Kennett Square, where he aided in the construction of the first grain- drill ever made in America. From here he went to Bridesburg, to work in the machine shops, devoted chiefly to the manufacture of cotton and woolen mill machinery. Was attracted thither by an

increase of wages offered. The work too required greater skill than that in ordinary machine shops, and to it Mr. Richardson proved himself fully equal. He remained here one year, and re- turned again to his former place in the shops at Kennett square, at the earnest solicitation of the proprietors. Having laid by some money, and thinking to secure a farm, he made his way west in 1848, where he purchased a beautiful tract of land about three miles cast of Mascoutah, which he yet owns. Nature has done much for the place, and in its selection Mr. Richardson's love of the beautiful is strikingly displayed. In 1849 golden visions came from the Pacific slope, the hegira had set in, and Mr. Richardson, in company with a party of about eighty persons, started on the overland route to the fields of gold. The trip was replete with interesting incidents. After keeping together for some time, twenty of the number, more pushing than the rest, Richardson among them,) left the larger party behind, and reached California a full month in advance of their more plodding friends. They called their little company "Ben," and the subject of this sketch was Captain of "the Bens ;" in this capacity it was his place to ride ahead and make selection of suitable camping grounds. Once, when thus in advance of his companions, he came to Scott's bluffs, great massive walls of rock, with a passage between, so narrow as to prevent a horse, once started through, from turning around to retrace his steps. Prompted by curiosity he determined to see what was beyond, and rode through to an opening he could see ahead of him. Here he found an encapment of Pawnee Indians. Some of their number, who were guarding their horses, scowled upon him. With great presence of mind he boldly rode by them

RESIDENCE FROM SOUTH. WEST

RESIDENCE FROM SOUTH EAST

VIEW OF THE FARM RESIDENCE OF JAMES H. RICHARDSON, ONEMILE EAST OFMASCOUTAH, ST. CLAIR CO., ILL.

357

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

to the tent of the chief, bade him "good cheer," but the chief deigoed no reply to the salutation. He dismounted, and passed into the tent where the chief's daughter was engaged upon some bead-work She at once took an interest in him, and motioned to him to follow, while she showed him trinkets of various kinds. On the fire was a kettle, in which a dog was being prepared for dinner. Richardson thought that should the chief conclude to treat him as a friend he would ask him to dinner, and the prospect of having to eat dog was no ways pleasing. The invitation was extended, and Richardson bethought himself of some crackers he had with him, which he shared with the daughter, and motioned his com- pany was waiting for him, and left, greatly relieved. The long, tedious trip ended, the party reached the El Dorado, and com- menced mining operations. Here his skill as a mechanic was illustrated in the mines by his making the first cradle for the wash- ing of gold ever invented. This expedited the business of gold- washing, enabling one man to do the work of ten as done by the process then in vogue in the mines. The subject of this sketch did well, but after getting cleverly started he concluded to return to Illinois on a visit, fully determined that it should be only a visit. At San Francisco, the company with which he started found pas- sage by steamer risky, owing to the prevalence of cholera on board, hence they took passage on a sail vessel, the "Powhatan." The vessel was without sufficient ballast, and when a few days out was at the mercy of trade winds, which drove her to sea a distance of a thousand miles. Provisions grew scarce. The daily allowance was made a biscuit and a pint of water. These failed, and the passengers, in their extremity, determined on casting lots the fol_ lowing day as to which should become a sacrifice to satisfy the hunger of the others, but before the plan was carried into execu- tion land was espied. Once landed, they constructed rude carts, on which to transport their effects across Central America, which they accomplished after four weeks of suffering, reaching Gray- town, where they took ship for Panama, thence across the gulf to New Orleans. He reached St. Clair county in mid-winter, 1850. Not wanting a repetition of his late experience, he engaged his services to Jacob Rentchler, who was making drills, having bought the right for the State of Illinois for the manufacture of the " Pen- nock drill." On the 14th of February, 1851, he was married to Miss Maria Rentchler, daughter of his employer Jacob and wife, Elizabeth Rentchler. By this union there have been eleven children, seven of whom are living. In the spring after marriage he moved to the farm, where he yet resides, and commenced those improvements which have made it one of the best in St. Clair county. His family are interesting and accomplished. All the advantages of school, music, etc., have been bestowed upon them. In politics Mr. Richardson has always been an uncompromising democrat. He makes no profession of religion, but in his daily walk strives to live up to the golden rule of doing unto others as he would be done by. His home, a view of which is elsewhere given, is one of the most elegant in the county, and is a full realiza- tion of his fond dreams of boyhood days, when he determined on the life of an agriculturist. He is fond of agricultural literature, and avails himself of every means for enhancing farming interests. A kind and indulgent father, a loving husband, his home is one filled with evidences of happiness.

CHARLES KARCH.

LIVING about five miles south of Mascoutah, in the centre of an elegant and highly improved farm of two hundred acres, is Charles Karch. He was born about two miles west of Mascoutah, June 2d,

1843. His parents, Ernst and Catharine Karch nee Catharine Seip, came to America from Germany in 1833, among the early emigrants who have done so much in behalf of the development of St. Clair county's resources. They located on Dutch Hill; thence to what is now Shiloh precinct, where Charles was born; thence to the place where he now lives in 1850. His education was ac- quired chiefly in private schools, having attended the public schools in his neighborhood but six months. He was united in the bonds of matrimony to Mary Heberer, October 17th, 1867, by Squire Lischer. By this union there have been three children. H. Gus- tave, born Sept. 24th, 1868; Mary Laura C., born Aug. 6th, 1871; and Charles Adam, born March 17th, 1875. Mr. Karch has always followed his avocation of farming, in which he has met with de- served success. His fellow-citizens have repeatedly made him school director, a just recognition of his services in behalf of the cause of popular education. He has also been elected township treasurer, a position he now holds. Politically, he has always heen an ardent, uncompromising republican, having cast his first presidential ballot for the martyred Lincoln, and his last for Gen. James A. Garfield. Whatever Mr. Karch takes hold of, he prosecutes with all his might. This earnestness and perseverance compels success. A model farmer, he is surrounding himself with all the comforts of rural life. A live, wide awake citizen, he is respected of all, and deserving of all the honors they may confer upon him.

J. J. RAYHILL.

IN 1818 George Rayhill and wife Sarah, Virginians, the one a native of Botetourt and the other of Hampshire county, Va., located about two and a half miles of east Mascoutah, on an eminence over- looking an extensive and beautiful prairie. Here it was that J. J. Rayhill, who yet lives within a mile of the old homestead, was born March 4, 1824. He had witnessed the tranformation of a wild prai- rie into cultivated farming lands; the influx of people, until neigh- bors, once at great distances, are on every hand. The departure of the Indians, the disappearance of deer and other game are things within his recollection. His earlier education was limited, as was the opportunity for acquiring an education. William B. Davis was his first teacher. In 1850 his farm life was broken up by his determination to try that of a miner in California. He left home in company with about thirty others, April 9, 1850, and by ox teams they made their way across the plains and Rocky Mountains to the land of gold, consuming six months in making the trip; here he remained for nearly four years. He returned home, by the Nicaragua ronte taking passage on the steamer Pacific at San Francisco and the Northern Light, after crossing the isthmus for New York, thence to the old homestead, when he purchased, partly with his earnings while absent, the farm which is now his home. He was married to Adeline Pitts, May 7th, 1856, by Rev. Wm. W. Mitchell. By this union there have been four childen born, as fol- lows : Charles Edward, April 18, 1857; Virginia M , Jan. 5, 1859; George, Aug., 9, 1861 ; Sarah Adeline, Nov. 21st, 1864, Of these two are living and two are dead. George, a young man of much promise was accidentally killed by the discharge of his gun while crossing a fence when out hunting, March 19, 1880 ; Sarah A. died Nov. 6, 1866. Mrs. Rayhill died Nov. 29, 1865.

Mr. Rayhill is a thrifty, industrious farmer, who has, by econo- mical habit and energy, amassed considerable property. Politically he is a republican. Although active in politics he uniformly re- fuses to hold office, and beyond having been trustee for his home school district, has held none. He lias so arranged his affairs that be can now spend the evening of his life in ease and comfort.

358

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

fred. / Delg ?

AMONG the representative men of Mascoutah is Frederick Dilg, who was the fourth of a family of eight children, born to John Nicolaus Dilg and wife, whose maiden name was Katharine Hauen- stein. His parents lived in Bolanden, Germany, where his mother was born, June 24, 1806. In 1845 they moved to America, reach- ing St. Louis the same year. His father selected a farm a mile and a half south of Mascoutah, on which he lived until 1852, when he moved to Mascoutah. Here Frederick Dilg attended school until 1857, when he went to clerk in a drug-store in Belleville, where he remained until 1859. In January, 1860, he entered the office of the " News Letter," a paper established in Mascoutah, which in 1861 was consolidated with the "Belleville Advocate." Here he remained until the breaking out of the war, whereupon he enlisted with the three months' men, as a private in company D, 9th Illinois regiment. Before the expiration of his term of service he re- enlisted in June at Cairo for three years or during the war. Was made corporal, soon after 4th sergeant. He verteranized at Deca- tur, Alabama, in March, 1864. In front of Atlanta he was pro-

moted for bravery to the 1st lieutenancy of his company. In 1865 he marched through South Carolina towards Richmond in command of the company, the captain having been killed in February of that year. Was commissioned captain the same year. Upon the close of the war, the high esteem of his company for him was mani- fested in the presentation of an elegant sword at Lonisville, Ky. On the 16th of June, 1868, he was married to Miss Sophia Hauser. By this marriage there have been five children born, four of whom are living. They are Eugene H. Dilg, born July 10th, 1871 ; Lillie L., March 19th, 1873; Alfred, December 8th, 1877, died July 23d, 1878 ; Theodore, born January 16th, 1879, and Irwin F., March 24th, 1880. Captain Dilg was appointed postmaster at Mascoutah, April 10th, 1869, which position he has held continu- ously since. At the time of this appointment he was a dealer in books and stationery, to which business he added a job printing office in 1870. In 1875 he commenced the publication of the " An- zeiger," which he still continues. His father was born in Gellen- heim, Germany, October 8th, 1807, and now resides in New York.

OLD GERMAN MECHURCH

THE GERMAN M.E. CHURCH MASGOUTAH ILLINOIS.

VIEW LOOKING NORTH FROM THE ROAD.

GRANERY OPPOSITE RESIDENCE,

FARM RESIDENCE OF JOSEPH. GRIFFEN, ESQ, SEC. 23,T.I.R.7. W(MASCOUTAH PRECINCT ST.CLAIR CO.I LL.

359

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

JOSEPH GRIFFEN.

Among the residents of Shiloh valley is Joseph Griffin, a view of whose farm and residence appears on another page. He is a native of the county, and was born in township one north, range seven west, within a short distance of where he now resides, on the 17th of February, 1832. His father was Joseph Griffen, and his mother's name before marriage was Mary Foulks. A biographical sketch of his father, Joseph Griffen, may be found elsewhere. His father settled in that part of the county in 1828, was an industrious man and a good citizen, filled for a time the office of Justice of the Peace, and died in October, 1873. The subject of the sketch was raised in the same locality where he was born. When he was five years old he went to New York to live with his uncle, Isaac Grif- fen, who resided at Greeneville, in Greene county, of that state. The principal reason of his going to New York was the state of his health, which in his boyhood was very delicate. It was hoped the change of air and climate would strengthen his constitution. Re- turning to St. Clair county at the age of nine. He attended the common schools, in which he secured the elementary part of his education, and when nineteen years old entered McKendree Col- lege, at Lebanon, in which institution he was a student about a .

year.

After leaving college he had his home with his father, and was employed on the farm until his marriage, which took place on the 3d of August, 1860, to Margaret M. Shaw, who was born at Castle- ton, Vermont, and was a resident of Lebanon at the time of her marriage. After his marriage he engaged in farming for himself on section twenty-three of township one north, range seven west. The death of his first wife took place on the 5th of August, 1861, one year and two days after their marriage. She left one child, Margaret Rebecca, which died at the age of five weeks. His second marriage took place on the 27th of February, 1866, to Belle Murdaugh, who was born in St. Clair county, in the neighborhood of Ogle's station, five miles west of Belleville. Since 1860 Mr. Griffin has been living on his present farm, engaged in the honor- able pursuit of agriculture. He has six children by his second marriage. Their names in the order of their ages are Mary Alice, Clara Addie, Henry Boon, Madgie Belle, Walter Joseph, and Charles Hamilton.

In his political sympathies he was in early life, like his father, a member of the Whig party, but the agitation of the slavery ques- tion made him a Republican, to which organization he has belonged from a time previous to the war of the rebellion. He has taken no ac- tive part in politics, nor has he ever been a candidate for any public office, being content to live the life of a quiet and peaceful private citizen. As a representative of the old American population of the Shiloh valley, one of the fairest portions of St. Clair county, which has now well-nigh been crowded out by the incoming of later settlers, his name deserves a place in this book.

JOHN BARTH.

IN the year 1834 there came to this country, from Nassau, Ger- many, John Barth, Sr., the father of the subject of this sketch. He had fought under the elder Napoleon for eleven years, stood before Moscow when that city was in flames, gathered from the ruins all the molten gold he could carry, but reached his home with none of the spoils. . In reaching it he encountered great difficulty, his horse having to swim the Lorne in advance of pursuing Cossacks. He was a man of remarkable strength, and great determination. After coming to this country he was noted as being a useful member of

society, aiding and encouraging public improvements. To him be- longs the credit of the first donation of land for a church and school in Mascoutah. A man of fine character, his death, which occurred May 8th, 1877, was regretted by all. John Barth the second, as he is called by way of distinction, received a common school education. He was married to Catharine Koob June 7th 1849, by whom he had thirteen children, nine of whom are living She died Dec. 13th, 1874. He was afterwards married to Catha- rine Lines, June 23d, 1875. Her maiden name was M. K. Beither. Mr. Barth has been eminently successful in his vocation of farming, and has by his energy added farm to farm until now he has twelve farms, all within a radius of twelve miles, and readily accessible from his home place. He is a member of the Evangelical church, also of the order of Odd Fellows, holding his membership with Humboldt Lodge, No. 282, and of the Encampment. Politically he is a democrat. Office he does not desire, preferring the quiet enjoyment of farm life. He takes rank as one of the leading agri- culturists of St. Clair county.

PETER SEIBERT

WAS born April 24th, 1844, in the Grand Duchy of Hesse Darm- stadt, Germany. His parents, Balthaser and Catharine Seibert, came to America in 1852, and made their way directly to St. Clair county, where in 1853, they bought land three miles east of Belle- ville. Peter, who was then but eight years old, remembers distinct- ly a battle during the revolution in Germany, occuring four or five years before. He was sent to the common school in the home di- strict, and afterwards to Belleville, where he acquired sufficient education to successfully prosecute his chosen business that of farm- ing. He was married to Catharine Eidmann, Sept. 6th, 1868, by whom he had five children. Five years ago he bought the farm about four miles south of Mascoutah, where he now lives, and which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. Politically he is an ardent republican. It is his boast that every president, for whom he has cast a ballot, has been elected. His first presidential ballot was cast for General Grant. Although active in political affairs, he prefers a quiet life to office. He has been (and now is) a school director for the past four years. In agriculture he takes great pride, and has done much for the promotion of agricultural industries, especially in the way of improved horses for all purposes. In all home affairs he takes great interest, and is always to the front in all matters calculated to benefit the public. Energetic and pushing, he is meeting a full share of success. Mr. Seibert is yet in the prime of life, he has made his influence felt for good in his neighborhood, and with his practical views of life and determi- nation, he is destined yet to accomplish greater results.

ANTON SEHLINGER.

AMONG the leading industries of Mascoutah are the Emerald Isle Mills, elsewhere shown in this work, and of which the subject of this sketch and Philip Schubkegel are proprietors. Anton Sehlinger was born in Baden, Germany, Feb. 13th, 1837. He was brought to America by an uncle, Joseph Schindler, in 1852, with whom he lived on a farm for nearly thirteen years. The farm was located about three miles east of Belleville. In 1863 his uncle, in com- pany with Clement Schindler, built the Emerald Isle Mills, and in 1864 he was made manager and clerk. This occupation suited his tastes better than farming, and in 1866 he became a partner. He was married to Louisa Faust, Jan. 23d, 1866. By this union there have been seven children, five of whom are living, namely;

360

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Anton Joseph, born Oct. 23d, 1866; Mary Clara, born July 12th, 1873 ; Lena Sophia, born May 15, 1875; Anna Louisa, born May 12th, 1877 ; and George Nicholas, born May 12th, 1880. Two are dead : Louisa Eva, born Aug. 11, 1868, died Jan. 25, 1875; and William Charles, born March 2d, 1870, and accidentally killed by being run over by a wagon, July 6th, 1872.

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History of St. Clair County, Illinois. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 92

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