USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois > Part 41
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Mr. Danzeisen, whose name introduces this review, has long resided in Decatur and the residents of this place have watched his progress from a humble financial posi- tion to one of prosperity. He is numbered among the worthy citizens that the father- land has furnished to the new world, for his birth occurred in Baden, Germany, on the 21st of October, 1834. Ile is a son of George and Sophia (Loser) Danzeisen, who were people in moderate circumstances in Germany, where they spent their entire lives. In accordance with the laws of his native country George J. Danzeisen attend- ed school between the ages of six and four- teen years and at the latter age he put aside his text books in order that he might pre- pare for a business career, which he did by learning the butcher's trade. On the com- pletion of the three years' apprenticeship in 1854 he sailed for America.
Favorable reports concerning the business opportunities of this great country had reached him and he believed that he would have better advantages in the United
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States, where competition is not so great and where privileges are broader in the bus- iness world than in the old country. The vessel in which he sailed dropped anchor in the harbor of New York and from that city he proceeded to Sandusky, Ohio, where he was employed on a farm. Subsequently he spent a year in the service of the San- dusky & New York Railroad Company and on the expiration of that period went to Minnesota, where he was employed in a brickyard for one season. In the following year he secured employment at the butcher's trade in St. Louis, Missouri, and there his faithfulness and capability led to his contin- uance in the employ of one firm for fifteen years. He had the entire confidence of those whom he represented and well mer- ited this trust. While thus employed he managed to save some money which gave him a start in life.
Mr. Danzeisen was residing in St. Louis at the time of the inauguration of the war of the Rebellion in 1861. He then joined the home guards known as the Third Regi- ment of Missouri Home Guards and served in different parts of the state until honorably discharged. He then returned to the same establishment and remained there until 1871. In that year George J. Danzeisen arrived in Decatur and has since been a fac- tor in business circles of this city. He first opened a butcher shop and meat market, entering into partnership with Adam Blenz. Their business was begun on a small scale, but gradually they increased its scope in order to meet the growing demands of the trade and for twelve consecutive years the partnership was maintained, at the end of which time Mr. Blenz purchased his partner's interest, Mr. Danzeisen open- ing the place of business now occupied by him at 130 Merchant street. As his sons became old enough to enter business life he instructed them in the trade which he had learned in his youth and gradually
admitted them to a partnership. As his means accumulated he enlarged his business and also commenced the packing business, the curing of meats and the manufacture of sausages of all kinds, until now he has an extensive plant and a constantly increas- ing patronage that has already reached large and profitable proportions. His is the best equipped retail market in this city and his packing house, which is situated in the southern part of Decatur, has been supplied with the latest improved machinery neces- sary to carry on the extensive business. He has erected a large business block in which his retail market is located and his enterprise proves not only of value to him- self. but to the surrounding agricultural community for it furnishes a market for the local stock dealers. Much of the meat which he sells is secured through the butchering of stock raised in Macon and ad- jacent counties. He has a very large local trade and also sells to other cities and towns in Illinois, doing both a retail and wholesale business. It furnishes employ- ment to thirty men and the firm of G. J. Danzeisen & Sons is to-day the most im- portant in this line in Decatur.
In October, 1860, Mr. Danzeisen was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bercher, of St. Louis, Missouri. She, too, was born in Germany and by her marriage has be- come the mother of the following children : William, Oscar J., and Alfred, all of whom are associated with their father in business. The first named wedded Miss Louise Blenz and has three sons, while Oscar J. married Miss Mattie Banth of Decatur. In 1892 Mr. and Mrs. Danzeisen crossed the At- lantic to the fatherland and after an ab- sence of thirty-eight years he renewed the friendships of his youth and visited again the scenes amid which his boyhood days were passed. Two or three friends accom- panied them on the trip and this visit abroad was a most enjoyable one. Mr.
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Danzeisen and his family hokl membership in the First Lutheran church and contribute generously to its support. His life record is indicative of the opportunities afforded in America to young men who are willing to work, who have determination to over- come obstacles and whose business methods are in harmony with the strictest com- mercial ethics. He has achieved a success of which perhaps he did not dream in his youth and at the same time he has won in trade and social circles an honorable name.
WILLIAM M. BUNDY.
For twelve years William M. Bondy has been engaged in business in Decatur as a dealer in sand and gravel, and. moreover, has been prominent in affairs pertaining to the city's welfare and progress, while in political circles he is recognized as an active and influential worker. At the present time he is representing his ward as a mem- ber of the city council and Decatur has profited by his interest in her behalf along many lines of progress and improvement.
He was born October 9. 1856, in Decatur township in an okl log house standing near the southwest corporation line of the city. This is an old historic landmark, especially interesting because Abraham Lincoln is said to have aided in its erection. Far back from the road it stands, almost hidden from view by vines in the summer time and for a quarter of a century it has been too old and broken down to be occupied as a human habitation, although for long years after it was deserted by the family it served as a shelter for stock. It was built fully seventy-five years ago and information is authentically given that the martyred presi- dent of Illinois assisted in raising this pio- neer home. The present residence of Mr. Bundy is within sight of the old house which served as his birthplace.
Ile is a son of Elijah and Eliza Ann (Wray) Bundy. The father removed from Ilendricks county, Indiana, to Macon coun- ty. Illinois, in early life and for thirty years was engaged in the operation of a sawmill, being a well known representative of indus- trial interests in this part of the state at an early day. Ile also engaged in farming to some extent. Ilis father, Alfred Bundy, spent his life in Hendricks county, Indiana, where he died in 1897, at the advanced age of ninety-eight years. The son, Elijah Bundy, survived him for only about two years and departed this life in 1899, at the age of sixty-five. In early manhood he had wedded Miss Eliza Ann Wray, a daughter of Hampton Wray of Kentucky. She is still living and is a most estimable lady who fully performed her mother's part in caring for her eleven children, doing everything in her power to promote their happiness and enhance their welfare. The members of the family are John, William M., Frank, Willis, Laura, Margaret, Roy, Ira and three who have passed away-James, Etta and Louis.
llaving spent his entire life in this city William M. Bundy has a wide acquaintance in Decatur and we feel sure many of his friends will receive with interest this rec- ord of his career. His boyhood days were quietly passed in the enjoyment of the pleasures of the playground and in the per- formance of the duties of the schoolroom. Ilis business training was received in his father's sawmill and he assisted there in the manufacture of lumber for some time. Ile also worked upon the home farm, perform- ing his full share in the labors of plowing, planting and harvesting. llis fitness for leadership in public affairs has long been recognized and has led to his selection for important public service. In 1885 he was elected overseer of highways and continued to fill that position for twelve consecutive years or until 1897. He was also highway
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commissioner from 1897 until 1900 and in 1901 he was elected alderman of his ward in Decatur, being at the present time a mem- ber of the city council. He exercises his official prerogatives in support of every measure for the welfare and progress of the city and his loyalty to the general good is above question. He has always been an earnest Republican, more or less active in local elections, and he believes it the duty as well as the privilege of every American citizen to cast his ballot in support of the measures which he believes will contribute to state and national prosperity. During the past twelve years he has been engaged in the sand and gravel business in Decatur, having a large local market as well as making extensive shipments to other towns.
In 1875 occurred the marriage of William M. Bundy and Miss Margaret Godett, a daughter of Joseph Godett, who was a native of Nova Scotia. Their children are Nellie, now the wife of John Perl; Jessie I .: William Guy; and Walter Samuel. The social relations of Mr. Bundy connect him with Chevalier Bayard Lodge No. 189, K. P .; and Decatur Lodge No. 8, of the Loyal Americans. His life has been de- voted to his family, his friends, his political interests and his business affairs. His un- swerving purpose, his unquestioned fidelity, his unfaltering honesty and his unchanging will have commanded the highest respect of all.
J. T. STUART.
From pioneer times down to the present the Stuart family has been represented in Macon county and the name figures on the pages of history in connection with agricul- tural interests and with many lines of prog- ress and improvement which have led to the substantial upbuilding of this portion of the state. J. T. Stuart, of this review, was born July 23, 1836, in a log house on the old
homestead in Whitmore township where lie now resides, his parents being David H. and Sarah (Florey) Stuart, of whom more extended mention is made in the sketch of Oliver Stuart on another page of this vol- ume. He is the fourth in order of birth in a family of eight children and the second old- est now living. The family was established here in 1829.
During his boyhood J. T. Stuart attended the subscription schools, the little temple of learning being a log structure supplied with slab benches and desks and a large fire place at one end. Leaving school at the age of eighteen he then devoted his entire time and attention to the work of the home farm, having previously become thoroughly fa- miliar with the same while aiding his father in the operation of the place. He has passed through all of the pioneer experiences, being forced to endure many hardships and pri- vations in common with the other early settlers. He remembers distinctly when the old wooden moldboard plows were used and in the cultivation of his corn he used the single shovel plow for many years. He has cut grain with a sickle and has used the cradle many a day. Later the old fashioned McCormick reapers came into use, these being operated by horse power. Although there were many hardships to be endured, the pioneers also had many pleasures and hospitality reigned supreme in their little cabins. The latch-string of the Stuart home was always out and it became a favorite stopping place for those traveling between Decatur and Monticello, no one ever being turned away. The Methodist people also held services here, the little congregation being seated on slab benches arranged around the room. Decatur at that time was a mere village and the county was but sparsely settled. Game was very plentiful and deer was often seen. Much of the coun- try was covered with ponds and sloughs and near the Stuart homestead on section
John A. Keck
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13, Whitmore township, was much swamp land, but it has since been tiled and drained and converted into well improved and valu- able farms. After the death of his parents our subject purchased the interest of the other heirs in the home farm, and has since bought forty acres more, making a good farm of one hundred and thirty acres, which lie has placed under a high state of cultiva- tion and improved with good and substan- tial buildings, which stand as monuments to his thrift and industry. He is a very in- dustrious and energetic man and still car- ries on the farm with the assistance of his sons.
In 1860 Mr. Stuart was united in mar- riage to Miss Minerva Young, a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Shaw) Young, who were natives of Pennsylvania and carly set- tlers of Whitmore township, this county. Both her parents are now deceased. Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stuart seven are still living, namely: Addie, the wife of Charles Hedges, now a resident of Nebraska; William, who married Belle Funk, now deceased, and lives in Oakley township, this county; Emily, at home; Samuel, who married Effie Williams and resides in Iowa; Amanda, wife of James Evans, of Marion, Indiana; Frank, who married Nellie Reed and makes his home in Macon county ; Robert, who wedded Mary Shank and lives with his father. James died at the age of sixteen years. The chil- dren all had good educational privileges and the family is one of prominence in the com- munity where they reside.
For twelve years Mr. Stuart held the of- fice of constable and was school director in Whitmore township for ten years. He has always done all in his power to advance the interests of his locality along educational, moral and social lines, and is accounted one of the leading and valued citizens of the community where he has now made his home for over sixty-six years.
JOHN A. KECK.
As a representative of the manufactur- ing interests of Decatur John A. Keck has become well known. The avenues of activ- ity in which he has sought an outlet for his abilities and aspirations have invariably profited by his sterling worth and common sense methods. Ile is numbered among Decatur's native sons, his birth having oc- curred here on the 25th of January, 1861. His parents were Adam and Mary (Filser) Keck, both of whom were natives of Ger- many and in the early 'sos they came to Decatur. The father was a brewer by occu- pation and for twenty years he conducted a restaurant in this city, becoming well known to the business public, his genial manner, obliging disposition and honorable business methods gaining for him the good will of the public and therefore a large share of the public patronage. lle passed away in 1872 at the age of fifty-nine years and his widow, surviving him for some time, died in 1886. They were the parents of eight children, of whom five are living: Jacob; Mary, who is the wife of Adolph Schlick; Adam; Anna, who is the wife of William Young; Salina ; and John A., whose name introduces this record. The other children died in infancy.
In his youth John .A. Keck attended the public schools, but at the age of sixteen years he put aside his text books and began learning the tinner's trade. Six months later he entered the printing office of the firm of Kimball & Lindsay as an apprentice, but afterward he became an employe of the firm that is now the Mueller Manufacturing Company, and later he was employed with the Decatur Furniture Company where he learned the trade of cabinet-making. With a knowledge of various business interests he started out upon an independent ven- ture in 1882. He purchased a cigar box manufactory in connection with Jacob and John Dipper and afterward he purchased
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the latter's interests and moved the estab- lishment to East Main street, where he con- tinned in the manufacture of cigar boxes, the enterprise being attended with success, there being a good demand for the product of the factory. It was necessary to enlarge the plant in order to meet the growing de- mands of the trade and in 1886 it was in- creased to its present capacity. It was also supplied with a new steam engine and mod- ern machinery was added. In that year the business was removed to the present loca- tion at the corner of Wood and Church streets and in 1886 the scope of the business was extended by adding a department for the manufacture of paper boxes, jewelry trays, sample cases and numerous other manufactured articles along this line. The output of the house is now sold in a number of states and seventeen employes are in the factory at Decatur.
In 1886 Mr. Keck was united in marriage to Miss Louise Young, a native of Baden, Germany, and their children are: Olga E., Arthur J., Werra L., and Elba E. Socially Mr. Keck is identified with Decatur Lodge No. 65. I. O. O. F., of which he has been a member since 1883. He also belongs to Coeur de Lion Lodge No. 17, K. P., and while he takes pleasure in attending the meetings of this organization and in ex- tending his social acquaintances his time is most largely given to his business affairs and his enterprise to-day stands as a monu- ment to his capability and untiring energy. His career has been successful chiefly by reason of his natural ability and his thor- ough understanding of the business, in which as a young tradesman he embarked. It requires something beyond ordinary business capacity to manage a large force of employes and to secure a profitable in- come on the invested capital. This Mr. Keck has done and to-day he is enjoying the well earned distinction of being what the public calls a self-made man.
WILL L. SMITH.
Will L. Smith is now practically living a retired life, making his home in Decatur. It is probable that no resident of this city outside of political circles is so well known throughout the country as is Mr. Smith. Ile was for many years identified with one of the most prominent musical organiza- tions of the United States-the Swiss Bell Ringers-and in the interest of the business he traveled not only in this country, but also through Canada, Mexico and Nova Scotia.
Mr. Smith is a native of Newark, New Jersey, born on the 19th of September, 1835, his parents being Johnson and Emily (Townley) Smith. His maternal grand- father, Moses Townley, was also a native of Newark, New Jersey, and was a shoe- maker by trade. He followed that occupa- tion through his entire life in supporting his family and always remained a resident of the state of his nativity. Johnson Smith, the father of our subject, was born in Springfield, New Jersey, in 1805 and after leaving the east went first to Cincinnati, Ohio, and afterward to Louisville, Ken- tucky. In 1841 he took up his abode in St. Louis, Missouri, and still later he resided for a time in Carrollton, Greene county, Illinois. In December, 1855, he arrived in Decatur and spent his remaining days in this city, passing away in 1870, when sixty- five years of age. In early life he had learned the shoemaker's trade with his father and followed that pursuit for some years in the various cities mentioned. After removing to Illinois, however, he engaged in the nursery business.
Like most American boys Will L. Smith obtained his education in the public schools and when quite young he began assisting his father in the nursery business, in which he gained good practical knowledge. Since 1855 he has lived in Decatur and for three years was proprietor of a grocery store here,
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carrying on the business with a fair degree of success. He had early developed un- usual musical talent and on the 19th of Sep- tember, 1857, he organized the Decatur Band, which afterwards became the famous Goodman Band, which is one of the best known bands of the Mississippi valley. He acted as its leader for five years and made it an organization creditable alike to the city and its founder. He is to-day one of the valued members of this band and one of its oldest representatives. In 1864 Mr. Smith became connected with the concert business as amusement manager and one of the performers of the company known as the celebrated Swiss Bell Ringers. This company was at first called the Ladies' Sil- ver Band and was composed of eight mem- bers. Subsequently, however, the name of the Swiss Bell Ringers was taken and its title became known throughout North America. Accompanied by his wife, Mr. Smith conducted this company and traveled for twenty-nine consecutive years, covering practically all of the states of the Union, together with the countries of Canada, Mex- ico and Nova Scotia. The company was most prosperous between the years 1878 and 1888. It terminated its trips and con- certs in the year 1892 and the company then disbanded. Returning then to Decatur Mr. Smith established his home and has since practically lived a retired life.
On the 11th of February, 1862, occurred the marriage of Will L. Smith and Miss Sarah Elizabeth Coleman, an adopted daughter of John W. Coleman, of Louis- ville, Kentucky, who was the first principal of the first high school of Decatur. One child was born of this marriage, Charles Ellsworth Smith, who died in 1896 in his thirty-second year. On the 11th of October, 1887, he had married Miss Jennie Agnes Palmer, of Chicago. His widow and one son Lybrand Palmer Smith, who was born
January 24. 1891, survive him and make their home in this city.
In his political views Mr. Smith has been a stalwart Republican since the organiza- tion of the party. His first presidential vote, however, was cast for Scott. Hle is a member of lonic Lodge, No. 312, F. & A. M .; Celestial Lodge, No. 186, 1. O. O. F .; Chevalier Bayard Lodge, No. 189, K. P .; Fern Temple, No. 18, Rathbone Sisters; and is likewise a member of the Eastern Star and of the Columbia Rebekah Lodge, No. 199, 1. O. O. F. His wife is also a member of the Rebekahs.
Mr. Smith is a most entertaining and companionable gentleman, and traveling broadly throughout the continent, his mind has been stored with many interesting in- cidents concerning places he has visited, people he has met and humorous situations he has encountered. Ilis mind has also been broadened by contact with the world and its people and he is a genial, courteous gentleman, one whom it is a pleasure to know and meet under any circumstances.
CHARLES U. DOWNEY.
Charles U. Downey is the junior member of the firm of Downey & Sons, dealers in fine monuments in Decatur. He is a young man, possessing energy and ambition and is a prominent factor in the successful con- duct of the enterprise, with which he is now connected. He was born in Taylorville, Illi- nois, on the 8th of October, 1873, his pa- rents being M. L. and Martha (McCool) Downey. His father was a son of Jacob Downey, a native of Guernsey, Ohio, and a farmer by occupation. It was in the year 1875 that Jacob Downey left the Buckeye state and came to Decatur, where he spent his remaining days, passing away at the age of seventy-four years. His wife, who was born in 1816, is still living. The maternal
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grandfather of our subject was Henry Mc- Cool, a native of Canada, who spent sev- eral of his last years in traveling through the west. In 1899 he died at the White Pass in Klondike.
M. L. Downey, who is the senior member of the firm of Downey & Son, is a native of Ohio. He came to Macon county thirty- four years ago and located in Macon town- ship, where he followed farming until 1871. He then entered the employ of J. S. Culver, proprietor of marble works in Taylorville and in 1890 he came to Decatur as an em .. ploye of Mr. Culver, acting as a stone-cutter in the Decatur Monument Works. In 1901, associating with him his son, Charles U., he established his present business on North Water street, where all fine grades of monu- ment work are prepared and exhibited. In early manhood he wedded Miss Martha McCool, a native of Canada, and unto them have been born five children, of whom Charles U. is the oldest. The others are Myrtle, the wife of William Junkens ; Laura, Louis and Hazel.
Charles U. Downey has spent his entire life in Illinois. His youth was passed in Taylorville and his education was acquired in the public schools. He began learning his trade in 1890 as an employe of J. H. Cul- ver of Decatur and he there remained un- til 1898. when he went to the west. Lo- cating in Denver, Colorado, he worked at his trade there for two years and on the expiration of that period located in Butte, Montana, where he had charge of the monu- mental work, belonging to L. F. Prescott. For two years he filled the position of su- perintendent and then in October, 1901, he returned to Illinois and has since been in Decatur. Here hie opened monumental works in partnership with his father at No. 344 North Water street under the firm style of Downey & Son. They do a general line of monumental and cemetery work and have secured a good patronage because of
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