USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 30
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Politically, Mr. Hoff is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Church and has been secretary of the official board of formerly Kimber and now what is known as the Saint James Methodist Episcopal Church for twen- ty-seven years. He is president of the Board of Trustees of Lake View Hospital, Danville, and was one of the organizers of the Hospital Association of Illinois. He was active in the founding of the Vermilion County Farm Bureau and was one of the organizers of the Danville Real Estate Board and the Illinois Association of Real Estate Boards. Mr. Hoff is affiliated with Olive Branch Lodge No. 38, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree. He is one of the most public spirited citizens of Danville and is recognized as an able business man and excellent citizen.
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George Sedlmayr, well known as one of the leading and representative citizens of Danville, was born at Munich, Bavaria, September 15, 1868, and is of German origin. His parents, George and Anna (Stulberger) Sedlmayr, spent their entire lives in Germany. The father occupied an important position in the government employ, being in charge of the mails for a great many years, having succeeded his father in that business. He was born in 1840 and died in Munich May 23, 1889. His wife, who was born in 1845, died November 4, 1888.
Like most boys of German birth, George Sedlmayr was given good educational advantages and was graduated from the high school of Munich, August 8, 1885. It was on May 12, 1893, that he began his voyage to America to become a resident of the new world. He located at first in Chicago, where he spent five years as a brewer in the employ of the Peter Schoenhofen Brewing Company. On September 7, 1898, he was promoted to brewmaster, which position he filled until December 7, 1903, when he removed with his family to Danville, becoming financially interested in the Danville Brewing Company, which was later changed to the Fecker Brewing Company. Mr. Sedlmayr served as secretary and brewmaster of this company for a number of years and after the company was reorganized as the Fecker Company Mr. Sedlmayr continued as secre- tary, in which capacity he now serves. He is also vice president, and has been identified with the interests of this business for thirty-one years.
On January 7, 1899, Mr. Sedlmayr was united in mar- riage at Chicago, Illinois, with Miss Lydia Reisenegger, whose parents were residents of that city. Her father, now deceased, was at one time in the employ of the city map department as manager under Mayor Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Sedlmayr have three children, namely: George W., born March 23, 1900, died June 22, 1914, buried in Springhill Cemetery, Danville; Clara, born August 4, 1908,
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employed by the Palmer National Bank, lives at home; and Ernest Frank, born January 28, 1924, lives at home.
Prior to his emigration to America Mr. Sedlmayr served one year in the German army from 1888 until 1889. He was not compelled to remain in the service longer due to the fact that he had acquired a higher education than most young men were given.
On national issues Mr. Sedlmayr usually votes the Republican ticket, but at local elections he supports the man whom he believes best qualified to fill the offices. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church and he is identified with the Moose Lodge, Knights of Colum- bus, and Danville Turner Society, of which he has been secretary for the past twenty years. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and Loyal Order of Moose.
Mr. Sedlmayr is public spirited and progressive and supports every movement which he believes will prove of general good to the community. He has always been regarded as one of the leading citizens of Danville, the city in which he has spent so many years.
Thomas J. Wodetzki, president of the Danville Tent and Awning Company, is one of the leading figures in the business life of Danville. He was born at Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois, July 25, 1865, the son of Edward L. and Josephine (Davis) Wodetzki.
Edward L. Wodetzki was born in Germany and was sixteen years of age when he came to the United States and settled in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a carpenter by trade and also was a member of the first fire depart- ment in the City of Baltimore. Following his marriage in 1847 he came to Illinois and settled on a farm near Lincoln. He retired in 1884 and died in 1911 at the age of ninety-
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two years. His wife, born in Baltimore, died in 1923, age ninety-five years. Both are buried at Lincoln, Illinois. They had the following children: Edward, lives at Dan- ville; Mary, married William McCoy, lives at Decatur, Illi- nois; Julia, died in 1929, was the wife of George Larison; John, who died in 1882; Katheryne, married Alex Steward, lives at Peoria, Illinois; Thomas J., the subject of this sketch; L. L., lives at Peoria; and C. C., lives at Lincoln, Illinois.
Thomas J. Wodetzki received his education in the schools of Lincoln, Illinois. When twenty years of age he went to Rawlins County, Kansas, where he took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres and where he remained for three years. From there he went to Forth Smith, Arkansas, where he farmed and raised cotton for two years, after which he located at Saint Joe, Missouri. While in that city he was employed by the Seick Manufac- turing Company, makers of awnings and tents. After two years he returned to Lincoln, Illinois, where he engaged in business for himself as a manufacturer of awnings and tents. In five years he sold his business inter- ests and located at Peoria, Illinois. In 1902 he came to Danville, where he established his present business. It was formerly located on College Street and in 1906 was moved to 423 East Main Street. In 1911 the business was again moved to 202 West Main Street, and in 1916 to its present location, 248-50 West Main Street. The Danville Tent and Awning Company are specialists in canvas, the slogan of the company being, "If it is made of Canvas, we make it." Branch stores are maintained at Kankakee and Mount Vernon.
On December 29, 1896, Mr. Wodetzki was united in marriage with Miss Kathryne Crain, of Lincoln, Illinois, the daughter of William H. and Amanda (Stevens) Crain. The former, born at Dayton, Ohio, died in 1921. The latter died in 1924. Mr. and Mrs. Wodetzki are the parents of
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six children: Glen A., associated in business with his father, married Catherine Werner; Thelma J., graduate nurse, lives at Shelby, Montana; Kathryne, married Volanid Vaught, lives in Chicago; Lewis, lives at Tilton; Henry, and Ethel May, both at home.
In politics Mr. Wodetzki is identified with the Demo- cratic party and at the present time is serving his first term as mayor of Tilton. He and his family hold mem- bership in the Second Presbyterian Church and he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America.
Benjamin B. Taylor .- One of the outstanding citizens of Vermilion County is Benjamin B. Taylor, who is presi- dent of the Taylor-English Coal Company, of Catlin. He was born at Catlin, January 4, 1878, the son of Thomas A. and Mary C. (Acre) Taylor.
Thomas A. Taylor was born at Romney, Ind. He was a graduate of Millikin University, and for a number of years taught school. He became the owner of one thousand two hundred acres of land in Vermilion County, which he operated for many years. He was a director of the First National Bank of Catlin, a director of the First National Bank of Oakwood, and president for ten years of Lakeview Hospital, Danville. Mr. Taylor was widely known for his numerous deeds of charity and was a valuable citizen of the community in which he lived. He was a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, Catlin Lodge, No. 285, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Danville Con- sistory, thirty-second degree, Royal Arch Mason, and Knights Templar. Mr. Taylor died May 27, 1924, and his wife died October 28, 1927. Both are buried at Catlin. They had the following children : Clemmer, married C. C. Andrews, who is president of the First National Bank, Oakwood, Illinois; Gail H., farmer, lives at Catlin; Elvessa,
BENJAMIN B. TAYLOR
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lives at Catlin; Joseph, retired, lives at Catlin; Benja- min B., the subject of this sketch; Robert, lives at Catlin; Margaret, deceased, was the wife of C. W. Wherry, Catlin; Catherine, married H. E. Douglas, a sketch of whom ap- pears elsewhere in this history; Lois, married Lawrence Church, lives at Catlin; Thomas W., lives at Catlin; and Harriet, married Conrad Howard, lives at Wilmington, Illinois.
Benjamin B. Taylor obtained his education in the pub- lic schools of Catlin and after his graduation from Catlin Township High School in 1898 he entered the store of G. W. Tilton as a clerk, in which capacity he served for five years. In 1903, in partnership with his brother, Joseph, he en- gaged in the general merchandise business. Mr. Taylor or- ganized the Danville Collier Company in 1907, with mines at Catlin, and he became president of the company. He organized the Indiana Semi-Block Coal Company in 1911 and operated mines at Cates, Indiana, also becoming presi- dent of that company. Mr. Taylor organized the Taylor- English Coal Company in 1918 and the company purchased the interests of the Catlin Coal Company, as well as other coal lands in this section. He became president of the Chi- cago Colliers Company, which was organized in 1920, and this corporation owned 2,000 acres of land, known as the Keisler Hill, near Catlin. It became a $600,000.00 corpora- tion and was sold in 1925 to the United Electric Coal Com- pany. Mr. Taylor was also one of the organizers of the Shipps-Timber Company in 1921, of which he became president.
September 19, 1900, Mr. Taylor married Miss Cora Partlow, the daughter of George and Irene ( English) Part- low, the former a native of Joliet, Illinois, and the latter of Perrysville, Indiana. He is deceased and his widow lives at Catlin. Mrs. Taylor is the granddaughter of J. G. Eng- lish, who was the founder and president of the First Na- tional Bank of Danville. Mrs. Cora Taylor was born in
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Danville, where she graduated from the high school and taught school in Danville until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have one daughter, Josephine. She is a graduate of Catlin Township High School, Ward-Belmont College, Nashville, Tennessee, and the University of Illinois. She is now employed in her father's office.
Mr. Taylor is a Republican. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 332, and Danville Country Club. The Taylor residence at Cat- lin, situated on twelve acres of land, is among the most beautiful homes in the county. Mr. Taylor also is the owner of a fine farm of 260 acres.
John F. Shimkus .- As postmaster of Westville, Mr. Shimkus, a veteran of the World War, is numbered among the representative young men of Vermilion County. He was born in Lithuania, October 23, 1896, the son of Frank and Ursula (Warnagis) Shimkus.
Frank Shimkus, who died January 31, 1925, was a native of Lithuania. His wife, also born there, died in 1927. Both are buried at Westville. Mr. Shimkus was a farmer in early life and after his arrival in this country he worked in the coal mines of Pennsylvania and Illinois. He met with an accidental death in the mines. To Mr. and Mrs. Shimkus eight children were born, two of whom survive: Lean, married Michael Ranktis, lives at West- ville; and John F., the subject of this sketch.
John F. Shimkus received his education in the public schools of Chicago and Westville, and after his gradua- tion from Westville High School he attended Brown's Business College, Danville. Mr. Shimkus was employed in the coal mines near Danville and later entered the offices of the Bunsen Coal Company, Westville, as assistant pay-
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roll clerk. After three years he became assistant cashier of the First National Bank, Westville, and two years later was engaged as payroll clerk for the United States Fuel Company, formerly the Bunsen Coal Company, at Benton, Illinois. In June, 1918, he volunteered for service in the World War and enlisted in the United States Navy at Great Lakes Station, Chicago. He was discharged Decem- ber 22, 1918, and upon his return to Westville became interested in business. He was appointed postmaster of Westville in January, 1920, and has since held that office.
On September 25, 1917, Mr. Shimkus was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Possolt, of Westville, the daughter of John and Emma (Stark) Possolt, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Georgetown, Illi- nois. He died November 1, 1925, and his widow lives at Westville. To Mr. and Mrs. Shimkus have been born two daughters: Emma Lou, born December 8, 1921; and Phyllis Jane, born December 1, 1925.
Politically, Mr. Shimkus is a Republican. He holds membership in Saint Peter's and Saint Paul's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Loyal Order of Moose, and American Business Club, Danville. He was active in the organization of the Martin F. Vutrick Post No. 51, West- ville, of the American Legion, and served as its first Commander.
L. H. Mennel is prominent in business circles in Dan- ville, where he is superintendent of the Illinois Power & Light Corporation. He was born at Quincy, Illinois, November 12, 1898, the son of Adam and Emma (Timpe) Mennel.
Adam Mennel, who died in 1914, was a native of Illi- nois. He was born at Burton and when ten years of age went to Quincy with his family, where he was educated.
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He became a well known building contractor and was engaged in that work until his death. He met with an accidental death during the building of a bank in Quincy. His widow lives in that city. Their children were: L. H., the subject of this sketch; Clarence and Adelia, who live at Quincy.
L. H. Mennel attended the public schools of Quincy and Gem City Business College. He began his business career with the S. M. Willmer Company, chain store oper- ators. The business was subsequently sold to L. R. Steele Corporation of Buffalo, New York, and Mr. Mennel re- mained in the employ of the new concern. He became store manager in Danville and in 1924 accepted a posi- tion with the Illinois Power & Light Company as assistant to F. A. Tucker. In August, 1928, he became superin- tendent.
Politically Mr. Mennel is a Republican. He is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church and Fraternal Order of Eagles, Lodge No. 535.
Henry Bireline, of Henry Bireline Company, Inc., sheet metal and roofing specialists, is recognized as one of the substantial business men of Danville, and is a member of one of the oldest families of Vermilion County. He was born in this city, June 8, 1864, the son of John Adam and Catherine (Stickler) Bireline.
Both John Adam Bireline and his wife were natives of Germany. He was a butcher by trade and in 1858 emi- grated to the United States and settled at Circleville, Ohio. He later removed to Williamsport, Indiana, and in 1860 came to Danville, where he entered the mercantile business. About 1876 Mr. Bireline sold his interests in this city and went to Dewitt, Arkansas, where he purchased a large farm. He died October 1, 1877, at the age of fifty years.
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His wife, born in 1830, died in 1917, and is buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville. They were the parents of four children: Andrew, lives in Florida; Henry, the subject of this sketch; Anna, who died in 1917, was the wife of Charles Brady; and John, who died in 1917.
Henry Bireline grew up in Danville and attended the public schools. He was twelve years old when he went to Arkansas with his parents. He returned to Danville, how- ever, after several years, and as a boy was employed in a local restaurant, where he received wages of one dollar and fifty cents per week and board. He later was employed as an errand boy by J. G. English, banker. At an early age he became interested in roofing and tinning and was employed by Haven, VanSickel & Barker for about ten years. In 1892, in partnership with John W. Orr, Mr. Bireline engaged in business for himself on the present site of the Adams Building on North Vermilion Street. After three years the company purchased property at 121- 23 North Walnut Street where they erected a building. Mr. Bireline became sole owner of the business in 1915 and remained at the former location until 1924, at which time he purchased property at 615 North Hazel Street, where he erected his sheet metal and roofing plant. The business was incorporated in 1916 and since that time his sons, Robert and Leo, have been identified with the business.
Mr. Bireline was married September 6, 1886, to Miss Emma Diehl, of Danville, the daughter of Frank and Fred- ericka Diehl, natives of Germany, both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Bireline were born five children: 1. Kate Ellen, born July 13, 1887, married on June 10, 1912, to Walter Meck. She died in 1918. 2. Robert Franklin, born March 6, 1890, lives at Danville. He was married April 5, 1916, to Nell Porter, of Danville, and they have a son, Henry Porter Bireline. 3. Leo Henry, born June 19, 1894, lives at Danville. He was married April 4, 1916, to Ruby
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Dot Bodine, and they have two children, Margaret Emma, and Robert Allen. 4. Florence Charlotte, born November 29, 1897. She was married in 1919 to Harry Bennett, of Danville, and they have two children, Billie and Barbara. 5. Emily Louise, born September 23, 1908, lives at home.
Mr. Bireline has always been a Republican. He is an active member of Saint James Methodist Church and is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Olive Branch Lodge, No. 38; Danville Consistory, thirty- second degree; Athelstan Commandery; Medinah Shrine, Chicago; Gao Grotto, Danville; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Red Men; and Ben Hur.
Mr. Bireline is the owner of large tracts of land in Florida and has four hundred acres planted in pecans near Gainesville, where he and his family spend the winter months. A beautiful home was built on the plantation there by Mr. Bireline several years ago.
Fritz Schriever .- One of the well known young busi- ness men of Rossville is Fritz Schriever, who is identified with the Shell Petroleum Company as manager of the Shell Service Station at Rossville. He was born in Hamm in Westfallen, Germany, March 29, 1883, the son of Theodore and Elizabeth T. Schriever.
Theodore Schriever was born in Germany, where he spent his entire life. He died in 1900 and his wife died in 1917. Mr. Schriever served in the German Army and was identified with the railroad service for a number of years as a conductor. He later was employed as superin- tendent of a wire manufacturing company. To Mr. and Mrs. Schriever were born four children: Henry, lives in Germany; Elizabeth, died at the age of sixteen years;
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Fritz, the subject of this sketch; and Walter, who lives in Germany.
Fritz Schriever was reared and educated in Germany and shortly after his marriage went to Brazil, South America, where he took up a tract of three hundred and fifty acres of government land. After a year he accepted a railway position and engaged in construction work throughout the mountain regions of that section of South America. He served in this capacity for two years and endured continual hardship in that primitive country, being in contact with Indians, and wild animals. On numerous occasions the men found it necessary to build bonfires around their camps to keep away the hostile Indians. After his return to Brazil, Mr. Schriever became interested in the lithograph business and in 1912 went to Germany. He came to the United States in July, 1913, and located at Collison, Illinois, where he operated a black- smith shop for two years. He then entered the employ of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad and in 1921 came to Rossville, where he was employed in the com- pany's shops until 1924. He has since been identified with the Shell Petroleum Company in Rossville, and manages one of the largest stations in this section of the State.
In August, 1902, Mr. Schriever was united in marriage with Miss Wilhelmina Weidili, of Germany, the daughter of John and Walburga Weidili, both deceased. They have two children: Elizabeth, a graduate of Rossville High School, now studying piano and voice at Danville; and Walter, born in 1913, attends Rossville High School.
Mr. Schriever is a Republican, a member of the Meth- odist Church, and is affiliated with Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 714; Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree; Danville Shrine; and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is serving his second term as a member of the Rossville School Board and is especially
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interested in education. It was largely through his efforts that the commercial department was introduced into the Rossville school system.
Samuel C. Crispin, M. D., is one of the young and capable professional men of Danville, where he is engaged in the practice of medicine with offices at 916 East Fair- child Street.
Doctor Crispin is a graduate of the School of Medicine, Loyola University, Chicago, class of 1922. He served his interneship in Saint Anthony's Hospital, Terre Haute, Indiana, and came to Danville in 1923. He has since engaged in general practice in this city.
Doctor Crispin was united in marriage to Ethel Ann Lenning, of Coal City, Indiana, after completing his interneship in 1923 and has two sons, Samuel Byron and Robert Stanton Crispin. Their residence is located at 1902 North Gilbert Street, Danville, Illinois.
Doctor Crispin is identified with the Vermilion County Medical Society, Illinois State Medical Society, and Amer- ican Medical Association. He is also a member of the Aesculapian Society of Wabash Valley, and the Association for the Study of Internal Secretions.
J. M. James, M. D., is one of the representative physi- cians and surgeons of Vermilion County, successfully engaged in the practice of his profession at Henning. He was born in Champaign County, Illinois, August 24, 1877, the son of John A. and Mary (Beauchamp) James.
John A. James was born in Vigo County, Indiana, as was also his wife. He was a farmer. He died in 1919 and his wife died in 1914. Both are buried in Mayview Ceme- tery, Mayview, Illinois. They were the parents of five chil-
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dren: Frank M., lives at Conway, Arkansas; Albert R., lives at Henning; Rosa Winchester, lives at Urbana, Illi- nois; Chester A., lives at Indianapolis, Indiana; and J. M., the subject of this sketch.
J. M. James was educated in the public schools of Champaign County and then entered the Medical Depart- ment of Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In the same year he established his resi- dence in Henning, and here he has built up a most sub- stantial general practice.
On March 6, 1907, Doctor James was united in mar- riage with Miss Aural C. Lane, of Henning, the daughter of Alonzo W. and Mary (Lewis) Lane, natives of Illinois and Wales, respectively. He died in 1925 and his wife died in 1927. Doctor and Mrs. James have no children.
Doctor James is a Republican and is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Scottish Rite, Danville, and Moham- med Temple, Peoria, Illinois.
Judge David C. Ade is among the most substantial and representative citizens of Rossville, where he is serving as police magistrate and justice of the peace. He was born at Dayton, Ohio, January 10, 1859, the son of Chris- tian and Mary (Funk) Ade.
Christian Ade was born in Stuttgard, Germany, where he was reared and educated. At the age of twenty-two years he came to the United States and settled at Indian- apolis, Indiana, where he was married. He went to Day- ton, Ohio, in 1858 and subsequently moved to Danville, Illinois, just before the Civil War. About 1866 he became an intinerant minister of the German United Brethren Church. After the death of his wife in 1873 he retired
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from the ministry and settled on a farm of forty acres north of Denmark, Illinois, on the site of the present Ver- milion Lake. In 1883 he removed to Cherryville, Kansas, where he purchased a farm and where he lived until his death in 1892. He is buried at Cherryville, Kansas. To Christian and Mary (Funk) Ade were born seven chil- dren, as follows: David C., the subject of this sketch; Amanda, who died at the age of thirteen years; Ella, who died at the age of fifteen years; Emma, married J. W. Tremble, lives at Oakwood, Illinois; Edward, lives at Cherryville, Kansas; Mary, the widow of Samuel Sanford, lives at Indianapolis, Indiana; and Lilly, married Fremont Beady, lives at Cherryville, Kansas.
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