USA > Illinois > Montgomery County > Past and present of Montgomery County, Illinois > Part 52
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FRANK W. NIEFT.
Frank W. Nieft. who follows farming on see- tion 9, Witt township. was born in Jefferson county, Kentucky, Anne 15, 1864, his parents being Carl and Henrietta ( Ernest ) Nieft. both of whom were natives of Germany, whence they came to the United States about 1845. They located in Kentucky, where they remained for several years, and thence came to Montgomery county, Illinois, in the spring of 1866. The father purchased a farm from the railroad com- pany and he is still living upon a tract of land, which he there developed and improved, making
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it a good and productive property. He is now seventy-six years of age, but his wife passed away in 1892 at the age of sixty years.
Frank W. Nieft is indebted to the public- school system of this county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth. At the age of twenty-one years he began farming on his own account on the old homestead and in 1895 he purchased one hundred acres of land where he now resides on section 9. Witt town- ship. His entire life has been devoted to agri- cultural pursuits and he now has a well in- proved property. his land being highly culti- vated and returning to him good harvests.
On the 29th of October. 1895, occurred the marriage of Mr. Nieft and Miss Anna Hochn. a daughter of Bernard Hoehn, who is now liv- ing retired in Paisley. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Nieft have been born four children : Clarence. Irene. Mattie and Walter. aged respectively eight, six. four and two years. The parents are members of the Catholic church of Nokomis and Mr. Nieft belongs to the Mutual Protective League, No. 90, of Witt. He is a Republican in his political views and served as collector of his township for two terms, while for seven years he was assessor and for three years town- ship trustee. He has also been a member of the school board for three years and is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the sub- stantial upbuilding and improvement of the locality, in which he has so long made his home. his residence in the county covering al- most the entire period of his life
GEORGE W. FESSER.
George W. Fesser, numbered among the suc- cessful and enterprising farmers of Nokomis township, was born on the 8th of September. 1865. in Rountree township, and has always lived in Montgomery county. His parents, Henry and Mary ( Westphal) Fesser. were na- tivos of Germany and the father, on emigrating to America, established his home in Sangamon county. whence he afterward removed io Mont- gomery county during the period of its early settlement and development. lle purchased four hundred acres of land and afterward
added to his property. He arrived m this country ere he attained his majority and in its business conditions he found the opportunity for success which he desired and which led him from humble financial conditions to one of affluence and he died in 1894 upon the farm, where his son George was born and upon which his widow is still residing. In their family were ten children, of whom George W. is the eldest. The others are Minnie, who died when about six years of age: Emma, who died at the age of one year : Charlie J .. who married Louisa Meyers and resides in Irving township: Henry F., of living: Frank H., who is living with his mother: Etta M .. Lewis H., Jesse and Joseph- ine, all at home.
George W. Fesser, having acquired his edu- cation in the district schools, has followed farming throughout his entire life. having gained practical knowledge of the work in early boyhood by assisting his father in the labors of field and meadow. He has one hundred and sixty acres where he resides. a part of which he has rented and the other part he farms him- self. He has bought improved land. has built three barns and has otherwise carried on the work of improvement until he now has an ex- cellent farm property and is meeting with a merited degree of success as a farmer and stock-dealer.
On the 224 of September. 1899. Mr. Fesser was united in marriage to Miss Minnie L. Morain, a daughter of James M. Morain, of Irving township, who came from Ohio in an early day and purchased land in Montgomery county. Both he and his wife are now do- ceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fesser have been born five children: Elta M .. born May 15. 1890; Lester H., January t. 1893; Viola i ... November 3, 1892; George W .. November 12. 1901; and Ivan, June 4, 190t. The family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death and the first three children are attend- ing school. it being the desire of Mr. and Mrs. Fesser to provide their children with good educational privileges and thereby fit them for life's practical duties. In politics he is a Ro- publican. Ite has served as highway commis- sjoner and school director and manifests a helpful interest in matters pertaining to the
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general good and the welfare of his community. In addition to his farming pursuits he has pro- vided for his family by carrying a policy in the New York Life Insurance Company. In his business he is manifesting the sterling traits of character which always lead to success and he is accounted one of the able and enterprising farmers of Nokomis township.
CHARLES A. TOLLE.
Charles A. Tolle, who is closely associated with business interests in Litchfield as manu- facturer of soda and mineral waters, his busi- ness having reached extensive and profitable proportions, so that it is a valued factor in the commercial life of the city, was born in llan- over. Germany, in 1863. his parents being Lonis and Caroline Tolle, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was a miller by occupation, who conducted that business in his native land until his death, which occurred in 1881, when he was forty-seven years of age. He had served his country in the German war of 1866. His wife, who still survives him, is now living in Hanover at the age of seventy- three years, and Charles A. Tolle paid a visit to her in the winter of 1903-4. In their fam- ily were seven children, of whom five are yet living, and with the exception of the subject of this review all are yet residents of the fatherland.
Charles A. Tolle acquired his education in the schools of Germany and there learned the miller's trade, but the opportunities of the new world attracted him and. hoping that he might benefit by the business advantages of America, he came to the United States in 1880 when seventeen years of age. locating in St. Louis, Missouri. He there worked at the miller's trade for two years and on the expiration of that period removed to Greene county. Illinois. where he was employed in a mill for one year. He afterward spent three or four years in a similar way in Carlinville, Illinois, and subse- quently went to Mount Olive, where he worked at his trade for six months. Ho next located at Union, Missouri, where he also spent six months as an employe in a mill and in 1888
he turned his attention to the grain trade, con- ducting his own business on his own account for two years.
In 1890 he came to Litehtield and estab- lished a bottling business for the manufacture of soda and mineral waters, ginger ale. cider and vinegar. He also has a distilled water plant, which is one of the important depart- ments of his business. He has been very sue- cessful in this new undertaking and his trade covers a large territory, extending over a ra- dius of sixty miles from Litchfield. This is the only enterprise of the kind in the city. tte has a well equipped plant and his mann- Factures are absolutely chemically pure and are recommended by physicians because of the ex- cellence of the quality and the fair dealing of the proprietor. The business has continually increased and Mr. Tolle is realizing therefrom a very gratifying profit.
In 1889 occurred the marriage of Mr. Tolle and Miss Kate Houser, a daughter of Christian and Virginia Houser. She was born in Walsh- ville May 4, 1869. Her father was a harness- maker and also owned considerable land. Mr. and Mrs. Tolle were the parents of three chil- dren, of whom two are now living, Florence and Julia. They are members of the Intheran church and Mr. Tolle belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity. the Modern Woodmen camp and the Mutual Protective League. the Fire Association and the United States Com- mercial Travelers. Ile is interested in all that pertains to the city's progress and his political allegiance is given to the Republican party. Ile has served as alderman of the fourth ward, has acted as treasurer of the fire department and Litchfield numbers him among her enter- prising business men.
MICHAEL J. BUSCHER.
Among the more enterprising and capable young business men of Montgomery county is numbered Michael J. Buscher. the secretary and assistant cashier of the Litchfield Bank. He was born April 13. 1825. in Atlanta, In- diana, his birthplace being his father's farm, on which he spent the first seventeen years of his
CHARLES A. TOLLE.
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life, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agricul- turist. During that period be acquired his edu- cation in the public schools and he afterward began teaching in the country and city schools, following that profession for five years, during which time he gave excellent satisfaction be- cause he had the ability to impart clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. He. in 1894. came to Illinois and entered the services of the Mundy-Settlemin Grain Company, of Litchfield. in the capacity of secretary and bookkeeper. He was thus en- gaged until 1902, in which year he entered the services of the Litchfield Bank & Trust Com- pany, and is now secretary and assistant cashier. His position at first was practically that of office boy, but his business capacity and faith- fulness won ready recognition in promotion and le has been advanced from time to time until he is now occupying a responsible pos tion in connection with the institution.
On the 15th of July. 1903, Mr. Buscher was married to Miss Eliza (. MeElligott, a daugh- ter of John MeElligott, of Litchfield. They have one son. John Paul, whose birth occurred April 22, 1904. The parents are members of the Catholic church and Mr. Buscher is a Democrat in his political views, but is not bit- terly partisan. He belongs to the Elks lodge: of Litchfield, and also holds membership re- lations with the Knights of Columbus. He has steadily worked his way upward by study. close application, by intelligent effort and by cour- teous treatment to those with whom he is as- sociated in the business world. He is well l'ked by all and he and his accomplished and amiable wife ocenpy an enviable position in the social circles of their adopted city.
F. MARION JONES.
F. Marion Jones is the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and is also con- ducting a dairy of twenty cows. Ile is alert. enterprising and farsighted in business affairs and his strong determination has enabled him to overcome difficulties and obstacles such as come to every individual in a business career.
He was born in Calhoun county, Illinois, and when he was but eleven months old his parents removed to Douglas county, settling near Tus- cola, upon a farm. There he remained until sixteen years of age. At that time he lost his father and he began earning his own living by working as a farm hand by the month in Doug- las county. After a short time he removed to Montgomery county, settling in Litchfield town- ship, where he was employed as a farm laborer by the month until he attained his majority. On the expiration of that period he began ront- ing land. thus starting out upon an independent business career. Not leng afterward he went to Springfield, where he remained for sixteen years and, during that time, he was engaged in carpentering and in conducting a meat mar- ket and grocery store. He continued a resident of that city until 1889, when he took up his abode upon the farm which he now occupies, and to its development and cultivation he has since devoted his energies with good encess. lle has one hundred and sixty acres of land. which is arable and productive, situated on section 1. Grisham township. In addition to general farming he is also engaged in the dairy business and milks about twenty cows.
1. Marion Jones was married to Catherine Lovely, and they have two children. Laura B. and Ray S. After losing his first wife he wedded Mrs. Laura B. Beck, the widow of George Beck, and a daughter of Hiram Long. who was one of the early pioneer residents of Montgomery county, born in Kentucky, whence he came to Illinois, settling first near Litch- field. Ile afterward removed to Hillsboro township, where his remaining days were passed. By her first marriage Mrs. Jones had three children: Jessie T., G. Clarence and lola G. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jones has been born a son. Harold F. In his political affiliations Mr. Jones is a Republican and has served as con- stable and as school director. He is also con- nected with the Red Men and his brethren of these fraternities esteem him because of his fidelity to the principles of the organization. Dependent upon his own resources from the age of sixteen years, his advancement in life and his success in business are attributable to his own efforts.
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WILLIAM A. ALLEN, M. D.
Dr. William A. Allen, who is interested in the practice of medicine and in agricultural pur- suits as well, resides two miles south of Don- nellson and in the town and throughout the surrounding district has acquired a large patronage which is indicative of the confidence reposed in his professional skill by his fellow citizens. Ile was born in East Fork township, January 28. 1856, his parents being Robert S. and Harriet ( Ohmart ) Allen. The father was born in North Carolina in 1832 and was a young man of abont twenty-two years when in 1854 he emigrated westward to Illinois, set- tling in East Fork township, Montgomery county. Developing a farm there. he reared his family upon that place and William A. Allen spent the days of his boyhood and youth there and attended the district schools of the town- ship. He afterward engaged in teaching school for two years. but regarded this merely as an initiatory step to further professional labor. Desirous of making the practice of medicine his life work, he began reading with Dr. Haynes and subsequently he attended the Mis- souri Medical College of St. Louis, in which institution he was graduated with the class of 1828. ]Ie then located where George Allen now resides and practiced there for many years. In 1882 he opened an office in Donnellson. where he maintained his home, until 1899. when he removed to his present location. He has been very successful in practice, for he is eare- ful in the diagnosis of a case and in the admin- istration of medicines, and his knowledge is proven by the excellent results which have at- tended him in his professional labors. H+ also continues farming and stock-raising in Montgomery county and in addition to his property here he has twelve hundred acres of land in the northern part of Bond county.
On the 5th of May, 1881, Dr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Clara Clotfelter. of Hillsboro, who is a most estimable lady, hav- ing many warm friends in Montgomery county She is a daughter of James W. Clotfelter, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. She belongs to the Presbyterian church and hy her marriage she has become the mother of one daughter, Rubie. Dr. Allen affiliates with the
Knights of Pythias fraternity and with the Masonic lodge at Sorento. In polities he is a Democrat. but has never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his attention to his professional labors and other business interests. Anything that tends to bring to man a more comprehensive knowledge of the science of medicine and thus render his labors more ef- fective in checking the ravages of disease is of interest to Dr. Allen, who is continually broad- ening his knowledge by reading and investiga- tion. Ile belongs to the Bond and Montgomery Counties Medical Societies and also to the Dis- trict Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He is now numbered among the prosperous residents of the county and yet all that he has acquired has been won through his own un- aided efforts during a quarter of a century.
JOHN H. LOUCKS.
John H. Loucks, a lifelong resident of Mont- gomery county, whose activity as an agricul- turist has led to substantial success, was born in Hillsboro township. December 31. 1866. his parents being William and Louisa ( Langford) Loucks, who removed from Indianapolis, In- diana, to Montgomery county in 1864. They located on a farm two miles west of Hillsboro. and at the old home place John H. Loneks was reared. flis education was acquired in the connnon schools and when twenty years of age he began earning his own living. He has made agricultural pursuits his principal occupation since attaining manhood. He is very indus- trious and is both practical and progressive in his methods of farming. The farm consists of two hundred aeres in Montgomery county, of which one hundred and thirty acres is the home place. Mr. Loueks has made many improve- ments upon the farm. which is now a model property. supplied with all the equipments and accessories needed to facilitate farm work and render his efforts more effective in gaining a good living from the soil. He raises various vervals and is also raising stock of good grades. The farm is located abont five miles southwest of Hillsboro and its neat and thrifty appear
UNME I
JOHN HI. LOUCKS AND FAMILY.
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM LOUCKS.
UNIVER ITWIE BLANCOIS
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ance renders it one of the attractive features of the landscape.
On November 30, 1892, at Litchfield, Illi- nois, Mr. Loucks was united in marriage to Miss Lavina Atterbury, a daughter of William Atterbury, and they have two children, Omar and Paris. The parents are members of the Woodsboro Methodist Episcopal church and take a helpful interest in many of the church activities. Mr. Loucks is now serving as super- intendent of the Sunday-school and he con- tributes generously to the support of the church and does all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. Ile is also church treasurer and clerk of the board of trustees. Politically a Democrat, he has never held office and is yet a public-spirited citizen. His life shows the power of industry in achieving sue- cess, and of honesty in winning an untarnished name.
M. D. HOLMES.
M. D. Holmes. now living in Hillsboro, is a representative of the farming interests of Montgomery county, owning and operating a tract of land on section 31, East Fork town- ship. He is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having here occurred in 1848. his parents being Joel D. and Miranda D. Hohnes. The father was born in Maine and at an early age was left an orphan. He was then reared in New York, where he remained until twenty-one years of age, when he came across the country and purchased what is now known as the old family homestead. Ile was one of the earliest settlers in East Fork township, and though he had to endure hardships and trials incident to pioneer life in early days he gradu- ally won success through his enterprising labors and was enabled to secure the advantages and conveniences known to the older east. He was a progressive man, a fact which was mani- fested in his business career as well as in citi- zenship, and he became an extensive farmer. owning about nine hundred acres of land at the time of his death. He was accounted one of the leading men of his community. respected for his fidelity in citizenship, his interest in
business transactions and his loyalty to his home ties. In his political views he was a Republican. He died in 1871. while his wife, surviving him for about twelve years, passed away in 1883. They are survived by three liv- ing children, but M. D. Holmes is the only one residing in Montgomery county.
On the old family homestead M. D. Holmes spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He was reared to farm life, early becoming fa- miliar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of an agriculturist. His prelimi- mary education was acquired in the schools of his township and when he had mastered the branches of learning therein taught he entered the Hillsboro Academy, where he spent one winter. He began business life upon a farm which his father gave him when he was twenty-two years of age and there car- ried on agricultural pursuits for five years, at the end of which time he traded the prop- erty to his brother, who was living on the home place, and since then Mr. Holmes has resided upon the old family farm. He has given most of his attention to stock-raising, feeding cattle for the market for many years. At the present writing he is practically living retired, while his sons conduct the farm. llis rest is well earned because he has been a busy man, diligent in his business affairs and conducting all interests so as to merit the esteem and confidence of his fellow men.
In October. 1871, occurred the marriage of Mr. Holmes to Miss Amanda Barnett, a daughter of Jesse Barnett. Their marriage was blessed with eight children, but only three are now living: Fred D., who lives at Raymond; Chester D., who is living on the home place: and Hiram Marshall. who resides in Missouri. Mrs. Holmes was born in Mis- souri. lut was reared in Montgomery county and her death occurred here in August, 1898. She was laid to rest in Waverly Cemetery minid the deep regret of many friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Hohes held membership in the Presbyterian church and he is a Republi- can in his political views. The home farm comprises two hundred and twelve aeres of land, well equipped with modern conveniences and accessories, the buildings being substan-
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tial and modern. Mr. Holmes has worked earnestly and persistently year after year to obtain a comfortable competence. He has realized that there is no royal road to wealth and that there is no excellence without labor and by his persistent industry he has grad- ually advanced financially, at the same time gaining the trust of his fellow men by his honorable business methods.
W. F. BOTE.
W. F. Bote, who is tiding the position of check weighnan with the Montgomery Coal Company, was born in Madison county near Bethalto, Ilinois, on the 17th of May, 1871. He is a son of Adam and Mary ( Zolzar) Bote, both of whom were natives of Germany. whence they came to America in 1845. locating at St. Louis, Missouri. There the father conducted a blacksmith shop for eighteen years and on the expiration of that period removed to Madi- son county, Illinois. in 1863. He purchased two hundred and forty acres of land and en- gaged in farming thereon until February. 1812. when he sold that property and came to Mont- gomery county, purchasing a farm of two hun- dred and twenty acres a half mile southeast of Witt. IL is now located within the corporation limits of the town and a portion of it has been subdivided and sold as town lots. Adam Bote was for almost a quarter of a century a ro- spected and valued resident of Montgomery county and his death here occurred November 21. 1900, at the age of seventy-three years. His widow still survives and is now living in the town of Witt at the age of seventy-two years. the anniversary of her birth being June 8, 1901. Mr. Bote was deeply interested in church work, took a very active part in promoting the cause of Christianity in his community and was also influential in public affairs relating to the government of his township. filling varions township offices. In the family of this worthy couple were the following children: Katie. who died at the age of twenty-seven years ; Dan- iel, a resident of Nokomis: Mrs. Mary E. Bert. who is living in Nokomis, where her husband is filling the office of postmaster: Lizzie. who
Lecame the wife of George Never, of Nokomis township, and died in 1895; Bertha, who is the wife of N. 1. Pitgner and resides on the old homestead ; Liddie, the wife of Aaron Platt, of Witt: W. F .. of this review; and Sadie, the wife of John Anderson, of Nokomis township.
W. F. Bote was educated in the district schools of his township and at the age of nine- tren years started upon his business career as a brakeman on the Big Four Railroad, being tlus employed for six months. He later on- gaged in farming for two years and subso- quently he assisted in sinking the Montgomery coal shaft. He has been working there since that time and in 1900 he was appointed to his present position as check weighman. He has also conducted a restaurant in Witt and is one of the enterprising, industrions business men of his locality.
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