USA > Illinois > Tazewell County > History of Tazewell county, Illinois ; together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons and biographies of representative citizens. History of Illinois Digest of state laws > Part 57
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H. W . HIPPEN. MAYOR OF PEKIN,
JOHN HOFFMANN, CITY-CLERK OF PEKIN,
WILLIAM RUNDLE, ALDERMAN OF PEKIN.
LOUIS ZINGER, CITY-TREASURER OF PEKIN,
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mark him as one of the solid business men of Pekin. He, like the most of his countrymen, lives in the Presbyterian faith. On the 16th day of October, 1849, he was united in marriage to Susan Smith ; their daughter, Annie, being their only child. Mr. Greigg has been connected with the C., P. & S. W. Railway as its Treas- urer, and for many years one of the Directors of that road. He was also at one time engaged in a very extensive lumber business in Pekin.
James H. Goad. The subject of this sketch, who now resides in Pekin, has been closely identified with the development of the com- mercial and mining interests of this county for more than a score of years, having settled here in 1857. He was born in Cornwall, Eng- land, April 22, 1844. His parents, Henry and Eleanor Goad, were also natives of England, where James received his education. Mr. Goad is associated with Mr. Rundle in the operation of the Victo- ria Coal Mine, located southeast of Pekin. He married, Sept., '76, Margaret Jane Bell. They have one child, Mary Eleanor, born April 10, 1878. He endorses the Christian religion and is a mem- ber of the M. E. Church.
Hon. William A. Hall, the Democratic Representative to the 31st General Assembly, from Pekin, is a native of this county, was born in 1851. His literary education was obtained in his native county. He inherited a taste for the law, and after a thorough preparation, was admitted to the Bar of the State in 1871, while yet but twenty years of age. Has been chosen by the voters of Pekin to represent them as City Attorney, discharging the duties of his office with filial trust. Mr. Hall is one of the youngest members of the Pekin Bar, and gives promise of taking rank among the leading men of his profession in Illinois.
Martin Herget, a native of Germany, was born 21st of Nov., 1849, and came to America when a boy, settling in Tazewell county thirteen years ago, arriving here Oct. 9, 1866. He was married on the 19th of August, 1875. Five years ago Mr. Herget established himself in the mercantile business, the clothing trade, in which he has continued to the present time, being now located in the same store in which he began. Mr. H. can look back over the five years of his prosperity here with much satisfaction and pardonable pride. He is an active member of St. Paul's Evangelical Church of Pekin.
John Herget, of the firm of J. & G. Herget, wholesale grocers, is one of the leading and representative men of Tazewell Co. He has accumulated a large property and built up one of the largest busi- ness houses in this part of the State. The citizens have honored him with the office of Mayor of Pekin. He is a shrewd business man, enterprising citizen, and an upright gentleman.
Martin F. Heisel, dry-goods merchant, Pekin, is the son of Leon- ard and Mary (Sauer) Heisel, both natives of Germany. Martin was born in Pekin, Dec. 20, 1857, and here he spent his school- days, and where now, at the age of twenty-two, he is the successor
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of his father in a lucrative mercantile business. The senior Mr. Heisel has been twenty-seven years engaged in trade in the same street, and now, after a successful business career, retires in favor of his son, whose ability and business experience so well fits him for the position.
B. R. Hieronymus, cashier of the Farmer's National Bank, Pekin, and one of Tazewell county's best known citizens, was born in the southeastern portion of this county in the month of June, 1841, and is therefore just thirty years of age. His parental ancestors came here away back among the early days, when Tazewell county was in its childhood, and when it gave promise of what it has since become, an important factor in shaping the commercial destiny of the great commonwealth of the State of Illinois. His father, James, Hieronymus, was born in Kentucky, while his mother, Malinda (Thompson) Hieronymus, was a native of Tennessee. In Sept., 1861, he was wedded to Miss S. M. Mountjoy, and three children were the issue of this union. In Aug., '62, Mr. Hierony- mus enlisted in Co. A. 117th Ill. Inf., and at the close of his term of enlistment, he was mustered out as 1st Lieut. In politics he is a Republican, and his religious views accord with the faith of the Christian Church, in which he has, for many years, been an earnest Christian worker. After the death of his wife, he spent five years in the Internal Revenue office at Springfield, and while living at Springfield, he met and won the heart of Miss N. P. Clark, of that city, and Providence has sent them one bright little gem, Lora, to shed a sunbeam and scatter joy through the hearts and home of two souls, who can bless as they should, the Giver of all good, for this fountain of life's purest, truest bliss.
Herman W. Hippen, the present Mayor of Pekin, was born in Germany, July 18, 1836, and came to this country in 1855. His parents, Ulrich and Anna Hippen, were also natives of Germany. Mr. Hippen received a collegiate education at Aurich, Prussia. He was united in marriage, in 1866, and they have four children, Ella E., Alma H., Herman W., and an infant child. In addition to the mayoralty he has held the offices of Supervisor, School Director, and Alderman of the City of Pekin. Mr. Hippen has been very successful in his business enterprises in this county, having accumu- lated a competeney. He represents the Republican school of politics, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. A portrait of Mr. Hip- pen may be found in this work.
John J. Johns, a resident of Pekin and member of the firm of N. Reuling & Co., dry-goods merchants, was born at Tremont, this county, Dec. 21, 1846, and came to Pekin in 1871. His parents, Andrew and Mary (Kennedy) Johns, were both also natives of Illi- nois. Mr. Johns received his education at Tremont, and is a mem- ber of the German M. E. Church. He was married, March 8, '70, to Elizabeth Webber. They are now the parents of four children : Tena, born Dec. 14, '70; Laura, April 5, 772; Lena, Jan. 21, '75; Adda, July 5, '77.
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Charles M. Kinsey, a farmer of this county, is the present Deputy Sheriff, and a resident of Pekin. His nativity is Little Mackinaw, this county, where he was born June 14, '55. His parents were both natives of Virginia, but came to Tazewell Co. when the conn- try was little improved. Charles was given a good education in the common schools of this county. On the 25th of Dec., '78, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha Mount.
John Kraeger came to Tazewell Co. as early as 1853, from Ger- many, where he was born Nov. 28, '32. He loves the land of his adoption, and his long residence in Pekin has gained him many warm friends. He is engaged in the grocery trade on Court street. Mr. Kraeger was united in the bonds of matrimony to Mary Huget, in April, 1867, and their six children, Phillip A., Anna K., Edwin, George, Carrie, and Amelia, are all living.
George Albert Kuhl was born of German parentage, on the 17th day of June, 1858, at Beardstown, Illinois, and settled in Pekin in the fall of '73, when he engaged as a salesman in the grocery house of Geo. J. Webber, which position he filled with ability until the spring of '79, when, with Mr. De Vries, he became successor to Geo. W. Weber. Mr. Kuhl is a young man of fine ability, which, with his accustomed close attention to business, must insure him success. He is a member of the German Methodist Church.
John Lowery, wholesale ice dealer. One of the large business in- terests of Pekin is represented by this gentleman.
August Lucas, one of the firm of Lucas Brothers, Court street, Pekin, was born in Germany, March 3, '44, and settled in Tazewell Co., in the spring of '66. After six years residence in Pekin as a bachelor Mr. Lucas found it was not good for man to live alone, and, on Feb. 15, '72, he plighted his troth and united his destiny with the idol of his heart, Miss Louisa Weyhrich, of Pekin, and one bright promising boy, now nearly seven years of age, was sent to cheer and comfort these fond parents.
Geo. Lucas, son of George and Helena (Metzger) Lucas, natives of Germany, was born at Hesse Darmstadt, Jan. 13, 1821, and came to this county in April, 1848. He received his education in the common schools of Germany. He first came to this county in the spring of 1848, from Gasconade Ferry, Mo., where he held the office of postmaster for twelve years. He has been twice married, first to Amelia Prosch, in 1855; again, Paulina Umrath, in 1862, and of the eight children that have blessed these unions, four only are liv- ing - Ernest, born Feb. 2, '60; Carl, Nov. 10, '63; Oscar, June 9, '68; and Robert, Sept. 11, '72. Mr. L. is successor to his brother, John, in the grocery business, at Pekin, in which business he has labored and prospered for about ten years.
Conrad Luppen, born at Pekin, Ill., Dec, 6, 1851. His parents were Luppe and Catharine Luppen, natives of Germany. Conrad acquired the rudiments of his education at Warrentown, Missouri, and finished in the Illinois Wesleyan University, at Bloomington.
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He is at present engaged in the banking business in his native city of Pekin ; is a member of the German M. E. Church ; a Republi- can in politics, and is an honorary member of Co. G, 7th regiment, I. N. G.
William Don Maus, attorney, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 23, 1836. His parents were Samuel G. and Ann E. Maus. He was brought to this county as early as 1838, but not permanently until 1845. Since he has attained his majority, he has been closely identified with the interests of Tazewell county. He is a thorough- going public man, and one eminently suited for public life. He attended the common schools of Jackson Co., Ill., and at Oswego, N. Y., and at private school under the tutorship of J. K. Kellogg, Tremont, and at an academy at Mt. Palatine. He was admitted to the Bar in 1857. He served for many years as Master in Chancery, and filled the office of County Judge. Sept. 11, 1856, he was united in marriage with Miss Chancey. Their home has been blessed with three children -Adriannne, born Aug. 20, 1857 ; Kate, Dec. 14, 1859 ; Fred. Philip, Dec. 20, 1862. Politically, the Judge is a Democrat.
John Mc Dougal has lived in Tazewell county about eleven years, having came here Jan. 5, 1868. He eminates from a country that produced a Burns, and has reason to refer to his nativity with feel- ings of pride. Mr. McD. was born Sept. 26, 1840, at Dundee, Scotland, where his parents, also of Scotch birth, sent him to the common schools, and gave him a good education. Naturally enough Mr. McDougal worships in the Presbyterian faith.
Jeremiah M. Moloney, native of the county of Clare, Ireland, and son of Michael and Ellen Moloney, was born Jan. 6, 1848, and came to Tazewell county in the fall of 1865. He was educated in Limerick. Mr. M. is a young man of fine business qualifications, and high moral character, and a member of the Catholic Church. He entertains Democratic views; was elected City Clerk in 1875, and filled the office with ability and entire satisfaction for three successive terms. Mr. M. stands ready to defend the country of his adoption, as shown by his joining the 7th regiment, I. N. G., in which organization he fills the office of Hospital Steward.
Charles H. Oltmanns, the subject of this sketch, has been a resi- dent of Pekin since '71. He was born in North Germany, in 1839, and is a son of Eilte and Sarah Oltmanns, who lived upright Chris- tian lives, and who imparted to their son a desire to do right. Charles is a member of the Lutheran Church of Pekin, and a useful member of society. Was married in 1863 to Kate Peters ; they have had five children, and but two are living. Mr. O. is en- gaged in the manufacture and sale of boots and shoes, in which he is eminently successful.
Adolph Pautz, a merchant of Pekin, came here at the early day of '48, at the age of 27. His nativity is Germany ; was born June 11, '21, and was placed, by his parents, in the schools of his native
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place, where he received a good education. He was chosen School Inspector of Pekin, which position he filled with ability from '68 to '71. Was united in marriage to Elvira H. Flovey, who bore him five children, whose names and births are as below : Ella, Aug. 3, '53; Ida, March 20, '55; James H., Jan. 6, '57; Edward, Jan. 20, '58 ; and Gertie, Jan. 29,'68. They worship with the Universalists. Mr. P. is one of Pekin's oldest grocers, having been engaged in that business since 1851.
Hon. Benj. S. Prettyman is the son of Lewis and Harriet (Mason) Prettyman. He was born in Kent Co., Del., Nov. 21, 1819, and came to Pekin with his parents in 1831, and since has been promi- nently identified with the interests of the county. He is an able, shrewd, and well-known lawyer of the Pekin Bar, and practiced in an early day, along with some of the best legal talent our State ever boasted of. He was married in April, 1845, to Miss Sarah A., daughter of Wm. Haines, an early settler of this county. He reared a large family, the members of which are well esteemed. His son, Wm. L., is States Attorney for this county at the present time.
Alcan Bryant Redlon, printer, was born in Buxton, York Co., Maine, Jan. 25, 1830, obtaining the rudiments of an education in common schools of his native county. His parents were Jonathan and Mary (Bryant) Redlon, both natives of Maine. His mother died when he was ten years old. In the 15th year of his age he left his father's house to make his own living, and the following year he entered the office of Zion's Advocate, published at Portland, Maine, as an apprentice. Afterwards he was employed at Boston and Cambridge, Mass., and in Rhode Island and Connecticut, and came to Detroit, Mich., in July, 1857. The following year he went to Wisconsin, and in Nov., 1859, he came to Pekin and obtained employment in the office of the Tazewell Register, on which paper, and the Times, its successor, he worked the greater part of the time for nineteen years. On July 11, 1861, he was married to Mrs. Emeline Bridgewater. He was a member of Division, No. 74, Sons of Temperance, which flourished here some years ago, and served one term as R. S., and one term as W. P., of that Division. For about two years he was proof-reader in the Times office.
Nicholas Reuling. Adam and Elizabeth Reuling, the parents of Nicholas, were natives of Germany, and he was also born in the Fatherland. Coming to this county in the year 1854, he engaged, not many years after, in the dry-goods trade, in which business he has been eminently successful, having, by his ability and integrity of character, rose to be one of the leading men in the trade in Taze- well county. In Dec., 1858, Mr. Reuling was united in marriage to Mary Herget, the fruits of the marriage being four children, all now living. Perhaps no man in the county has a larger personal acquaintance, and certainly none who stand higher in the estimation of the people. He is a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Church.
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George C. Rider, City Attorney of Pekin, is one of Tazewell county's promising young lawyers. He has filled the office of City Attorney for three terms with satisfaction to the people and credit to himself. He is the son of Jonathan and Mary (Kirk) Rider, of New York, and was born at Rider's Mills, Columbia Co., N. Y., May 29, 1850. He received a collegiate education at Schenectady, N. Y., and settled in Pekin in 1870, ariving here in Dec. 11. He won the heart and hand of one of Pekin's most accomplished young ladies, Miss Elizabeth Prettyman, to whom he was wedded Oct. 7, '74, and two bright little girls, Sarah Grace and Mary Kirk, cheer their home.
Casar A. Roberts, son of William and Elizabeth (Forquer) Rob- erts, was born in Jefferson Co., Mo., June 24, 1825, and came to this county in the summer of 1850. His school days and early manhood was spent at Patosi, Mo .; was married in June, 1850, to Sarah G. Clark, and five children have blessed the union, four of whom are now living. Mr. Roberts chose the law for a profession and time has proven that he chose well, success having attended his efforts ; his politics is radically Democratic ; was chosen a member of the Constitutional Convention at Denver, Colorado, in 1859, and held the office of States Attorney from 1864 to '68, also served in the General Assembly at Springfield as member from Tazewell Co. 1871 and '72.
John Roos, one of the pioneer merchants, came to Tazewell Co. in May 1853. He came here from Rockenhausen, Germany, April 20, 1838. Philip and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Roos, his parents, were frugal industrious people, and following their example, he has met that success in life, which always results from a life of honest effort and strict business integrity. He lives in the Episcopal faith, and was married to Elizabeth Harmus, March 13, 1863; their three chil- dren, Julia, Louisa and Annie, are the living spring of their joy. Mr. R. has held the office of Alderman of Pekin, and is now en- gaged in a lucrative boot and shoe business.
Cæsar A. Roberts was born in Pekin Ill. April 9, 1855, and has, since lived in the city of his nativity, where, in the common schools and by private tuition he has obtained his education. He is now just beginning what promises to be a very successful law practice, for, though young in years, his studious habits and fine mental poise insure success, and the future will doubtless find him occupying a high place in the Bar of Illinois. Mr. Roberts has been connected with the Pekin Times about two years, also the Daily Bulletin dur- ing, 75 and '76. Is a Democrat in politics. We wish to take this opportunity of publicly thanking Mr. R. (as we are sure all our readers will feel grateful to him,) for the very full and interesting chapter on "The Bar of Tazewell Co.," to be found in this volume.
William Rundle was born at Cornwall, England, 19th of May, 1832, and came to America in Feb., 1858. William's parents, Joseph and Mary (Wyatt) Rundle, were of the same nativity. He
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was educated in England. Was married to Elizabeth Ann Hocken, May 10, '54, and their two children, both of whom are living, were born, Joseph, Feb. 18, '56, and Mary Ann, May 10, 1868. Mr. Rundle has held the office of Mine Inspector, and is, at present, Alderman from the 4th Ward. He has long been at the head of the coal-mining interests of this county, having, for twenty years, been actively engaged in that enterprise, during which time he has done as much, perhaps, as any individual, toward the development of the coal-mining interests of Tazewell county, and from his re- search in the science of mining, many others have gained valuable knowledge and realized large profits. Mr. Rundle is now opera- ting, with good success, the Victoria mine, under the firm name of Rundle & Goad. This shaft was sunk to the depth of 132 feet, about six years since. Its location is one and a quarter mile south- east of Pekin court-house, on the north side of Tremont road. Mr. Rundle has ever felt a deep interest in the advancement of the edu- cational and religious interests of the county, and is a member of the Methodist Church at Pekin. In one of our Pekin groups will be found a portrait of Mr. Rundle, and we feel sure that hundreds of admiring friends, especially those who have worked shoulder to shoulder with him, in the cause of temperance, will retain it as a souvenir of his noble devotion to this sacred cause.
Frank E. Rupert is the son of Gideon and Eliza (Kownslor) Rupert, who were among the first to settle in Pekin, and Gideon Rupert will be remembered by the pioneers of this county as being one of the first to engage in the mercantile business, far away back in 1835. Forty-four years ago he kept store on Court street, on the spot where now stands Rupert's block. Frank E. Rupert was born at Pekin on Feb. 9, 1840, and having lived here for thirty-nine years, is closely identified with its development and prosperity. On Dee. 1, 1864, obeying the scriptural injunction, he took unto him- self a wife, and was united in the holy bonds of wedlock, to Miss Ellen Hornish, and the union has been blessed with three children. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Pekin.
James J. Salee was born in Indiana, July 7th, 1831, and is the son of James and Mary (Hornback) Salee, the former of Va., the latter of Pa. Mr. Salee, as he often remarks, was blown into Pekin. He was a passenger on the ill-fated Prairie State steamer, which blew up a the levee at foot of Court street, April 16, 1853. He was badly scalded and lay for weeks between life and death, and to this day wears terrible scars from the injuries received. He was on his way from Bureau county to Texas, but being east ashore here in a helpless condition, gave up his Southern trip, and has re- mained in Pekin since. He is engaged at his trade, that of plas- tering. He enlisted in Co. B, 108th Ill. Inf., and served under Capt. Henry during the Rebellion. He was united in marriage with Catherine E. Sipes, April 16, 1857. This union has been blessed with five children, three of whom are living-James W.,
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born July 27, '58; Charles L., Dec. 10, '60; Foster S., Oct. 18, '62; Lewis F., Dec. 6, '64; Ida Bell, Feb. 10, '67; Charles and Foster are dead. Mr. S. united with the Christian Church, Oct. 16, 1876.
James Sanford, a native of Albany Co., New York; was born May 16, 1849, and settled in Tazewell county in 1878. His pa- rents, James and Amanda (Bush) Sanford, were both natives of the Empire State. James, Jr., was sent to the district school ; one year after which, was placed in the Episcopal school at Rennsalearsville, N. Y., where he finished his education. Dec. 24, 1878, he was mar- ried to Sarah Stillman. In politics Mr. Sanford pins his faith on the Greenback party, believing that the only road to national wealth and individual happiness lies along the verdant banks of our dear old currency inspired by the immortal Chasc.
Abiul B. Sawyer. Ex-Mayor of the city of Pekin and leading real estate Lawyer of Tazewell Co., is perhaps as closely identified with the development of the various interests of this county, as any man within its borders. Far back, in the primitive days of the Prairie State, Josiah and Harriett (Bates) Sawyer, his parents, who were both natives of New Hampshire, guided by the "Star of Em- pire" Westward, settled in Tremont this Co., where, with the pro- verbial thrift of native New Englanders, they set about carving for themselves, and posterity a home, and where on the 3rd day of May, 1838, Abial was born. At the proper age he was placed in Lombard University, in Knox Co., III., where he received a liberal education. His political views are Democratic, and his party have honored him with the positions of City Attorney and Alderman in addition to that of Mayor. His marriage with Miss Rebecca A. Baily, occurred on the 26th of March, 1863. Their four children, Myro, Gussie, Josiah and Abial B. Jr. have been protected by a kind Providence and all give promise of lives of usefulness.
Henry Sayr was born in Lewis county N. Y., March 22, 1819, and coming West settled in Whiteside county, Ill., 1844, and five years later, fall of '49, came to Pekin, where he has since lived. A. carpenter and builder by trade; he has done much to develop the county in the erection of its business buildings and dwellings. He was married Jan. 27, '53, to Miss Angeline D. Upson. One child, a daughter, born in Aug., '54, being the issue of the union. He has for many years been an active Christian worker and is one of the charter members of the Universalist Church of Pekin.
Fredrick Schaefer, book dealer and stationer, Court St .; came to Tazewell county from Germany in 1854. He was born Sept. 27, 1831. His father, F. W. Schaefer and his mother, Mina (Dreier) Schaefer, were of the same nativity. Two years after his arrival here he was married to Mrs. Zimmerman, seven children being the fruits of the union. Mr. S. established his present business in '75, which has steadily grown and now is the largest of the kind in the county. He grew up in the faith of the Lutheran Church in the
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old country and now worships with the German M. E. Church of Pekin.
Gottshalt Schradzki, native of Koenig Province, Posen, Germany, and came to Tazewell county in 1866. He is a son of Harris and Hannah Sehradzki, who gave him a good education in the schools of his native place. He is a member of the Jewish Church; was married in 1859 to Miss Lena Stone, who has borne him seven chil- dren, all but one of whom have been called to their home above. Joseph, born May 3, '63, died April 21, '78; Jacob, born July 1, '68, died May, '76; Aaron, born June 15, '71, died May '76 ; Annie, born '65, died July, '67; and Jennie, born Aug. 27, '64. Mr. Schradzki is one of the representative elothing merchants of Pekin, and came here by solicitation of his brother then living in Peoria.
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