USA > Illinois > Adams County > Quincy > Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois > Part 104
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Mr. Vanden Boom was married in Quincy to Miss Annie A. Forke, a native of St. Louis, Mis- souri, and a daughter of Henry JJ. and Margaret ( Labin) Forke, who were natives of Germany and became early residents of Quincy, where the father engaged in the manufacture of brick until his death, which occurred October 10, 1900. Mrs. Forke now resides at No. 427 North Eighteenth street. Mr. and Mrs. Vanden Boom became the parents of two children: Matilda, who is the wife of Phineas Yearick, a tailor, located at the corner of Sixth and Hampshire streets in Quincy ; and Charles IT., who married Frances Merman, resides on Vine street and is conducting the sa- loon which was established by his father.
Mr. Vanden Boom gave his political support to the democratic party. He held membership in the St. Rose of Lima church on North Eighth street, in Quincy, to which his wife also belongs. lle was very successful in his business engage- ments here. The Vanden Boom family is well known all over Quincy, several of its members being represented in this work. Mrs. Vanden Boom owns an attractive home at No. 1021 Oak street, which stands as a visible evidence of her husband's thrift and ability.
SYLVESTER P. BARTLETT.
Sylvester P. Bartlett, who is serving as fish commissioner of Illinois and agent for the United States commission at Quiney, was born in this city, January 2. 1842, and has con- tinuously resided here identified always with its interests and taking just pride in what has been accomplished in the permanent improve- meut and development of the city. He is a son of Sylvester MI. Bartlett, who for many years occupied the position of editor of the Quincy Whig. He was one of the founders of that paper, which was established in 1838 by the Arm of Bartlett & Sullivan. Ile was thus identified with journalistic interests until 1852, when his death occurred and was deeply deplored throughout the entire community, for he had been the cham- pion and stalwart supporter of all progressive measures and his influence had been far-reaching and beneficial. In early manhood he had wedded Julia Odell, a danghter of John Odell, who was one of the pioneer residents of Adams county, arriving in this locality soon after Ex-Governor John Wood had established his home here. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett became the parents of seven children, but only two are now living: Sylves- ter P. and Loring S .. the latter a resident farmer of Adams county.
Sylvester P. Bartlett spent his boyhood days in Quiney and when not engaged with the duties
of the schoolroom learned the printer's trade in his father's office. On starting out in business on his own account he opened a grocery store and conducted the enterprise snecessfully until 1876. He next turned his attention to the fruit busi- ness, beeoming an extensive shipper, and to that commercial enterprise devoted his attention until 1879, when he was elected a member of the board of fish commissioners. A few years later he be- came agent for the United States in charge of the distribution of indigenous fish, which position he has since held with offices at the corner of Second and Oak streets in Quincy. In this connection he has gained a national reputation, his opinions being received as authority on all matters re- lating to the propagation, preservation and dis- tribution of fish. His work in this state is of first importance from the fact that the Illinois river is one of the finest and most productive streams in the entire country and each year hun- dreds of carloads of young fish are reclaimed and saved under his direction from the shallow lakes and sloughs along the line and distributed throughout the state and country. Mr. Bartlett has eondueted his work for the state and national commissions with a zeal and energy possessed by very few men. He has comprehensive knowledge of the nature and habits of all the native fish and his success in this work has gained for him unusual distinction. Fish propagation and dis- tribution has become an important field of activ- ity, claiming government attention because of its value to the general population, and Mr. Bart- lett in the positions he fills is recognized as a com- petent officer and has become widely and favor- ably known, having an extensive acquaintance among publie men.
Mr. Bartlett is a stalwart advocate of the re- publican party, over giving his support to its principles and upholding his poliey by his ballot. Socially he is a Mason and one of the prominent members of the order. He is one of the most highly respected citizens here with a large circle of friends. This manner is genial and affable and his qualities of companionship render him a favorite in all circles.
JOHN A. AUSMUS.
John A. Ansmus, living on section 29. Keene township, is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of llinois, and his birth of- enrred in Clayton. Adams county, on the 13th of December, 1852. Ere Illinois was admitted to the Union his grandparents became residents of the territory, arriving in St. Clair county in 1817. They settled twenty-seven miles east of St. Louis and there began life in true pioneer
S. M. BARTLETT
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.
style, for the country was largely wild and un- improved, only a few homes having been made within the borders of the county.
Peter Ausmus, father of our subject, was born in Tennessee, May 30, 1811. and was. therefore a youth of six summers when brought by his parents to Illinois. He was reared upon the old homestead farm in St. Clair county, amid the scenes and environments of pioneer life. After arriving at years of maturity, he was married on the 9th day of July, 1829, to Miss Martha Bal- low, who was born in Tennessee, February 11, 1811. and was also a representative of one of the pioneer families of this state. Following their marriage, they removed to Brown county, Illi- nois, and in 1832 came to Adams county, where they spent their remaining days. They lived in a little log cabin, in which curtains served instead of doors, and in such an insecure abode Mrs. Ausmus would remain alone with her children for two or three weeks at a time when her hus- band would go to Morgan county, where he could secure employment that would bring him ready money and enable him to provide the necessities of life for his little family. The journey to Adams county had been made with an ox team and wagon, the wheels of which were made from blocks sawed from a log. Mr. and Mrs. Ausmus possessed the true spirit of the pioneers, meet- ing all dangers and hardships with courage and resolution, and, in the course of time. they were enabled to enjoy more of the comforts and con- veniences of life. Mr. Ausmus worked for Gov- ernor Wood, splitting rails in order to pay for the land which he entered at the land office in Clayton. As his financial resources improved to some extent, he purchased a cook stove for his wife. this being the first in use in or near ('lay- ton. On the 3d of August, 1835, he was elected eonstable for the Clayton distriet and was sworn in by Henry IT. Snow, then clerk of the board of county commissioners. He was also a farmer and a minister of the Hard Shell Baptist church. Mr. Ausmus continued a respected resident of Adams county until his death, which occurred August 5. 1875. His wife, surviving him for a quarter of a century, passed away February 5. 1900, at the age of eighty-nine years. Her brother. Hon. Charles Ballow, who now resides in the Anna Brown Home, has voted for seven- teen presidents, casting his ballot for sixteen of these in Clayton.
John A. Ausmus pursued his education in the public schools of Adams county, gaining a prac- tieal knowledge which fitted him for life's duties. He was reared to farm work. early becoming familiar with the best methods of caring for the fields, and, after attaining his majority, he went to Smith county. Kansas, where he carried on farming for three years. He then returned to
his native county and settled in Honey Creek township, whence he removed to Keene township in 1897. TIere he has one hundred and ten acres of land on section 29, about two miles south of Loraine, and his place constitutes one of the best farms in the locality because of the care and labor he has bestowed upon it. When he re- turned from Kansas, in 1876, with his wife and three children his eash capital consisted of only four dollars and fifty-five cents, and all that he now possesses has been acquired sinee that time, a fact which indicates that his has been an active and useful career.
On the third of September, 1873, Mr. Ausmus was married to Miss Mary Johnson, who was born in Adams county February 12. 1853, a daughter of William and Mina (Lewis) Johnson, the former born in Ohio, July 31, 1820, and the latter in the Buekeye state on the 11th of June, 1825. They became residents of Adams county in 1840. The father passed away October 3. 1867, and his widow now resides near Paloma, Adams county. Mr. and Mrs. Ausmus have three chil- dren who are yet living and have lost one, namely: Alberta, who was born September 12, 1875, and is the wife of William Reece, a resi- dent of Keene township: Anna May, who was born March 4, 1878, and is living at home : Mabel, who was born May 21, 1880, and died March 6, 1901 ; and Blanche, who was born January 29, 1894, and is with her parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Ausmus are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his political support is given to the democraey. His fellow- townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office, and he served for two years as collector, for three terms as town clerk. for four years as super- visor and has been sehool director almost eon- tinuously sinee attaining his majority. He has discharged his duties in a eapable and able man- ner, with a conscientious understanding of the obligations that have devolved upon him, and at the same time he has never neglected his busi- ness affairs, but has successfully carried on his work as a farmer and stock raiser. He has also raised some fruit, and the various departments of his farm work have brought him a good and gratifying financial return.
FREDERICK THOMASMEYER.
Frederick Thomasmeyer. deceased, who was engaged in the trunk manufacturing business in Quincy for several years and whose sueeess came as a legitimate reward for his own well-directed and earnest labor, was born in Germany, May 18,
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.
1852, his parents being John and Louisa Thomas- meyer, both of whom were natives of the father- land, whence they came to America, in 1862, set- tling in Quiney. Just one week later the father was taken ill with smallpox and died here. The mother afterward made her home with her chil- dren until her death, which occurred when she was fifty-six years of age. Only one of the fan- ily now survives. Lonisa, who is the wife of Con- rad Smith and is a resident of Corder, Missouri. Those deceased are: Henry II., John, Elizabeth and Frederick.
Mr. Thomasmeyer, of this review, received thorough educational training in Germany up to the time when he came to the new world and afterward broadened his knowledge through ex- perience, observation and reading. His brother, Ilenry H. Thomasmeyer, was the first of the family to come to America, and, settling in Quiney, turned his attention to the trunk manu- facturing business, in which he prospered so that he sent for his parents and the others of the fam- ily to join linn in the new world. After reach- ing this city Frederick Thomasmeyer began working for his brother, mastering the business in principle and detail, becoming a practical workman in addition to understanding the finan- cial management of the concern, and at the age of twenty-one years was admitted to a partner- ship, purchasing one-half interest in the bnsi- ness. This relation was maintained successfully until the brother's death, when the business was incorporated under the name of the Gem City Trunk Manufacturing Company, and Mr. Thomas- meyer eontinned in this line until his own de- mise. The business grew with rapidity and brought excellent financial returns. He had a well-equipped plant, supplied with all modern machinery, and the product of his house was such that a ready market was secured.
In Quiney Mr. Thomasmeyer was married to Miss Minnie Lagemann, a native of this city, born dannary 8, 1854, and a daughter of Herman HI. and Elizabeth ( Knester) Lagemann, both of whom were natives of Germany, whence they came to the new world in 1836. Establishing his home in Quiney, the father here embarked in business, owning the first corn mill in the city. Ile engaged in the mill business and also in gen- eral merchandising until his latter years, when he retired from active life. Both he and his wife remained residents of Quiney until called to their final home. The Lagemanns were among the pioneer settlers of Quiney and were prominent and influential in early days, and the father con- tinned an active factor in business life for many years. His sons are now engaged in the hard- ware business under the firm style of The Lage- mann Hardware Company. Both the Lagemann and Thomasmeyer families are prominent and
influential here. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas- meyer were born seven children, three sons and four daughters. The daughters are yet living and are at home, namely: Ella E .. who is a stenographer: Louisa C .. a milliner ; Nettie; and Frida. Those deceased are: Henry, who died at the age of five years: Albert, who died at the age of three and a half years ; and Franklin, who died in infaney. The father's death occurred January 17, 1896.
Mr. Thomasmeyer was influential and active in affairs relating to the city's welfare and up- building. lle served as alderman of his ward for two terms, filling that position at the time of his death. He was a stauch republican, firm in his convictions, yet never bitterly aggressive. Ife belonged to the Masonie fraternity and also the Modern Woodmen camp of Quincy and he held membership in St. Peter's Evangelical church. Ile displayed in his life many of the sterling characteristics of the German race, in- eluding their perseverance, strong determination and unfaltering energy, and, because of his un- tiring efforts in the business world, he built up an excellent business, becoming one of the lead- ing representatives of industrial interests here. After the death of Mr. Thomasmeyer his widow was made president of the Gem City Trunk Manufacturing Company, at No. 642 Maine street, while E. Il. Kuhlo aets as manager. Mrs. Thomasmeyer owns a nice home at No. 830 Ken- tucky street, where she and her children reside. She has spent her entire life in this city and has a wide acquaintance and many warm friends.
SAMUEL W. MCCLINTOCK.
Samuel W. MeClintock, living on section 7. Clayton township, is one of the active and thrifty farmers of his part of the county, owning and operating a farm of two hundred and forty aeres of rich and productive land. He also farms other lands and, through the careful management of his business affairs, is meeting with well-merited success. He was born in Adams county in 1849. his father, William MeClintock, having been one of the early settlers here, coming from Kentucky. He opened up a farm here in the midst of a pio- neer district and continued active in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred when his son Samnel was only about five years of age. Ilis wife survived him and reared a family of five children, of whom three are living.
S. W. MeClintock remained with his mother until he had reached man's estate and then he- gan farming on his own account, renting land, which he operated for several years. He inher-
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.
ited a part of the old homestead and bought eighty acres where he now resides. This he placed under the plow and. through modern farming methods, has developed it into a rich and productive tract. He has also purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead and now owns two hundred and forty acres of valuable land. His farm is splendidly improved. for he has erected a large and substantial resi- dence in attractive architecture and has also built good barns and all the necessary ontbuildings for the shelter of grain and stoek. His improve- ments are of a most substantial character, and everything about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance, indicating to the passerby the careful supervision of a practical and progres- sive owner. In connection with the tilling of the soil, he is also raising and feeding good grades of stock, and both branches of his busi- ness are proving profitable.
Mr. MeClintock was married in this county in 1876 to Miss Lydia Bontorff, a native of Adams county. They now have four children : Charles, Albert, Lottie and Irvin, all at home. The par- ents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Golden. Politically Mr. MeClintock is a staneh democrat, but has never desired or sought office. preferring to give his undivided attention to his farming pursuits. He is known as one of the honest yeomen of Adams county. enjoying the confidence, and good will of all with whom he has been associated.
GEORGE AARROWSMITH.
George Arrowsmith, now deceased. was for many years a prominent farmer of Ellington township and one of its early settlers, taking an active and helpful part in the work of pioneer improvement. He was born in New York state March 20, 1818. and was a son of Edward Arrow- smith, also a native of New York. The paternal grandfather came from England to America and settled in the eastern metropolis, where Edward Arrowsmith eventually became a snecessful busi- ness man, engaging extensively in the manfac- ture of sails. Ile was also the owner of several large schooners and was thus closely connected with shipping interests. He wedded Miss Mary (Smith ) Glentworth, who was born in New York.
George Arrowsmith was reared in the city of his nativity. His father died when George was fourteen years of age and in 1836, when a young man of eighteen years, he came to Illinois. His father had purchased a half section of land in Adams county, and it was to take charge of this property and improve it that Mr. Arrowsmith came to the west. He was accompanied by his
brother JJohn and they settled upon this land, devoting their time and energy to its enltivation and improvement. The deed to this property was signed by James Monroe, then president of the United States, and this valable old paper is now in possession of Mrs. Arrowsmith.
In 1847 George Arrowsmith was married in Quiney to Miss Ann Eliza Berrian, who was born in New York city May 19, 1821, and is a dangh- ter of William AA. and Sophia ( Riker | Berrian, both of whom were natives of New York. Hler unele, Washington Berrian, and her great-uncle, Richard Berrian. drove to Illinois in 1819, visit- ing the present site of the city of Quincy, but did not settle here at that time. Her father, William A. Berrian, was a merchant of New York, and in 1883 he came to Illinois with his family, being six weeks in making the trip and arriving at Ins destination on the 7th of Novem- ber. 1833. The following year he purchased a farm seven miles east of Quiney, and there he lived until his death, becoming one of the en- terprising and successful agricultorists of the community. De owned one hundred and sixty acres of land which. responding to the cultiva- tion that he bestowed upon it, became very pro- ductive and valuable. In his political views he was an old-line whig. and he died at the age of seventy years, while his wife passed away at the age of seventy-seven years. Their living chil- dren are: James T. Berrian, who resides in Mis- sonri: Mrs. Josephine Slaight, of Missouri: Mrs. Anna E. Arrowsmith: and Mary, who is living on the old Berrian farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Arrowsmith began their domestic life upon the farm which is still their home. It is located east of Quiney and comprises sixty- nine acres of land. He at once began its develop- inent, laboring earnestly for its improvement and cultivation, and, as years passed, he trans- formed it into a valuable property, on which he raises general crops and stock. Here he con- tinued to reside until his death, which occurred January 31, 1886, when he was sixty-eight years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Arrowsmith were born six children: Georgie. Mary, Charlotte, Louisa, James and George.
Mr. Arrowsmith was an advocate of repub- lican principles and kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day although he was never an office seeker. For a number of years he served as school director and was always in- terested in anything that tended to improve the mind. He was reliable in his business, faithful in friendship and won the respect and good will of all with whom he was associated. Mrs. Ar- rowsmith still resides upon the old home farm, where she has now long resided. The place is operated by her sons and is devoted to the raising
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of hay, grain and stock. There is a dairy of eighteen cows and this branch of the business is proving profitable. Mr. Arrowsmith was one of the early residents of the county, coming here when it was a wild, unimproved district, few set- tlements having been made upon the prairies, and his own labors along agricultural lines con- tributed in substantial measure to the improve- ment of Ellington township.
GEORGE THEODORE FEATHERINGILL.
George Theodore Featheringill, who for the past seven years has been overseer of the poor at Quincy, was born in Oldham county, Kentucky. on the 17th of March, 1845, his parents being William and Ellen ( Dale) Featheringill. The father was of English lineage and was born in Kentucky. He was one of a family of four children : John. Elias, Elizabeth and William, all now deceased. William Featheringill died in Adams county, Illinois, on the 14th of April, 1860, when he was fifty-nine years of age. His wife was of French lineage and was born near Dover, Missouri. Her death occurred May 3, 1894, when she was seventy-four years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Feathergill were born seven children : Mary E., the deceased wife of George H. Walker; Frances Ann, who is the widow of Jacob Carter and resides in Augusta, Illinois; George Theodore: Montroville E., deceased ; Adeline L., the wife of S. T. Carr, of Oakwood, Missouri : Louisa Ellen and Laura Dale, both deceased. Jackson Featheringill, a nephew of William Featheringill, left the United States at the age of sixteen years, received a military education and became famous and wealthy.
George T. Featheringill spent the first eight years of his life in his native state and then ac- companied his parents on their removal to Adams county, Illinois, the family home being established first at Quincy, where he began his education in the public schools. The family afterward removed to Fall Creek township but after a brief period the father sold his farm there and bought a tract of land of one hundred and sixty aeres in Ursa township, upon which he continued to carry on agricultural pursuits until his death. In his youth George T. Featheringill was early trained to the habits of the farm and following his father's death he assisted his mother in the conduct of the home property. He continued at home until his mother's second marriage to Jonathan Inman, a prominent citi- zen of Adams county, at which time he removed to Mr. Inman's farm in Fall Creek township and operated that until the death of the owner. Mr. Featheringill then purchased fifty aeres of land
which he cultivated and improved in addition to operating the farm of the Inman estate. He was thus engaged for two years, when he dis- posed of his interests in Illinois and removed to Texas. There he turned his attention to the grocery and feed business, being for a time a representative of mercantile interests in Dallas. In 1876, however, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife and following her death he returned to Quincy. Ilere he became proprietor of the Missouri House, which he condueted for three years and then sold out. He afterward removed to Kansas City, Missouri, where he re- mained for a few months and upon his return to Quiney he conducted the Franklin House for a year. He next accepted a position on the po- lice force, serving as patrolman for four years, afterward as city detective and later in various other positions in connection with the depart- ment. his entire service covering thirteen years. In 1897 he was appointed overseer of the poor and has since filled that position, covering seven consecutive years.
On the 13th of February, 1873. Mr. Feather- ingill was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Gant, of Quincy. a daughter of J. F. Gant. Fol- lowing their removal to Texas she went to San Antonio for medical treatment and died in that city in 1876, at the age of twenty-two years. On the 24th of March, 1880. Mr. Featheringill was again married, his second union being with Miss Olive Sammons, a daughter of Isaae Sam- mons, of Adams county. The children of this marriage are: Orin T., now living in Hester, Missouri : Ora Mabel, Zola Olive, and Roy Isaac and Ray Williams, twins, all of Quincy. Mr. Featheringill is one of the best known men of Adams county. He is obliging in manner, pos- sesses a kindly disposition and is known as a good neighbor and an honest and reliable citizen. Ile belongs to the Christian church and his many good qualities of heart and mind have gained him the esteem of those with whom he has been associated.
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