Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 107

Author: Collins, William H. (William Hertzog), 1831-1910; Perry, Cicero F., 1855- [from old catalog] joint author; Tillson, John, 1825-1892. History of the city of Quincy, Illinois. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1228

USA > Illinois > Adams County > Quincy > Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois > Part 107

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

WILLIAM B. DUNCAN.

William B. Duncan is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and ten acres of land, a part of which is in Ursa township, and the re- mainder in Ellington township. He was born May 9, 1863. in Adams county, and is the son of John W. and Mary (Booth) Duncan. The father, also a native of this county, was born July 16. 1830, and died here, April 2, 1890, he- ing at that time the oldest native son living within the borders of the county. His parents were Gavin V. and Elizabeth ( Frazin) Dunean, who came to this state from Kentucky and were pioneer residents of this part of Illinois, taking an active part in promoting the early upbuild- ing and progress of the county. John W. Dun- can was a farmer and died upon the farm now owned by his son William. At the time of his demise he had one hundred and thirty acres of good land, which had been acquired through his own labor and which he had placed under a high state of enltivation. His wife survived him for

677

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

several years and died on the old homestead in 1898. They were the parents of three children : Mrs. W. H. Putnam, who was born December 5, 1861, and lives in Ellington township; Wil- liam B., of this review; and Mrs. R. A. Chase, who was born December 26, 1867. and is also living in Ellington township.

William B. Duncan was educated in Quincy, spending one year at high school and two years in Chaddock College. Ile is living on the home farm and early in life gained practical experi- ence of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. Ilis home is about four miles southeast of Ursa, on section 32, Ursa township. Ile owns eighty acres of the old homestead and thirty acres in Ellington town- ship, adjoining this place. Here he carries on general farming and his land is highly culti- vated, bringing him good erops in return for the care and labor he bestows on the fields.

On the 16th of Jannary, 1896, Mr. Duncan was married to Miss Cora Perkins, a daughter of W. H. and Mary (Felt ) Perkins, of Melrose township. She was born March 23, 1874, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children : Johnnie W., born October 16, 1899; and Richard P., born April 10, 1904, Mr. Dun- can is a republican in his political views, but never seeks or desires office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his farm interests, in which he is meeting with well merited sucress.

AUGUST J. NIEMEYER.

August J. Niemeyer, a partner in the Modern Iron Company, manufacturing plumbers' sup- plies, in Quiney, was born in this city August 6, 1857, his parents being Ilenry and Carrie H. ( Altheide) Niemeyer. The father came from Herford, Germany, while the mother was a na- tive of Duhlfeldt, Germany. He came to Amer- ica about 1850, when twenty-nine years of age. He was a stone-mason by trade and followed that pursuit for a long period but retired from active business life in his later years and en- joyed a well earned rest until his death in 1874.

August J. Niemeyer attended the parochial schools until eleven years of age, after which he entered the employ of the firm of Joseph & Nelke, retail dealers in dry goods and hats and caps. He was with that house for about six and a half years, during which time he gained an intimate and comprehensive knowledge of the business and the best methods of condneting mercantile interests. Ile then left the farm and embarked in business on his own account as a dry-goods merchant on State street, where he conducted his store for seventeen years. having

a well equipped establishment and seenring from the public a liberal patronage. He dealt in dry goods exclusively and owned his own building. At length he retired on account of ill health and for several months was connected with no business enterprise, but indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature and not liking this enforced idleness he again entered the field of commercial activity in December, 1901, organizing the Modern Iron Company, which opened its plant for business in March. 1902. The company manufactures phimbers' supplies and sewerage equipments and employ- ment is furnished to about sixty men, while the house is represented upon the road by traveling salesman. Mr. Niemeyer is treasurer of the company.

On the 12th of February. 1880, Mr. Niemeyer was married to Miss Carrie J. Bostert, of Quin- ey, a daughter of J. Il. Bostert, who is one of the oldest pioneers of the city and of Adams county, and who is yet industrionsly engaged in the fire insurance business. Mr. and Mrs. Niemeyer are the parents of four children: Charles H., who was born in 1882 and is agent for the John Hancock Insurance Company. of Boston : Arthur B., who was born June 2, 1895. and is attending the public schools; and Clara I., who was born December 25. 1881, and is now the wife of a Mr. Rickerd, manufacturer of Noah's arks in Quincy.

The parents attend the Congregational church and Mr. Niemeyer gives his political support to the republican party, of which he is a most stanch advocate. Fraternally he is connected with Red Cross lodge, No. 44, K. P., of Quincy. His has been a successful and honorable busi- ness career, marked by steady progress and the wise utilization of opportunities. ITis judgment is reliable, his opinions upon business matters seldom at fault and upon his untiring labor he has builded the superstructure of his prosperity.

JOHN WILLIAM BOLT.

John William Bolt. born October 5, 1860. in Adams county, Illinois, is engaged in general farming and fruit-raising in Lima township. He is a son of David and Nancy A. (Howes) Bolt. the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Kentucky. The father arrived in Adams county in 1844, locating near Quincy. He made his way to the middle states down the Ohio river and up the Mississippi from St. Louis and he took up his abode in Lima township ahont 1859. For many years he carried on gen- oral agricultural pursuits but for the past thir- teen years has lived retired in Lima, enjoying

678

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

a well merited rest. Ile has reached the age of seventy-six years. while his wife is sixty-five years of age.

William Bolt is indebted to the public-school system of Lima for the educational privileges he enjoyed in his youth and which fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties. In his early manhood he engaged in general merehan- dising in Lima, establishing a store in 1880. lle was also postmaster of that town, conducting the affairs of the office in addition to the con- duet of his store. In 1886, however, he removed to his farm on section 11, Lima township, and here he has forty acres of fine land, which is well enltivated and improved. He has an or- chard covering ten acres, largely planted to apple and peach trees. Everything about his place is neat and attractive in appearance, indi- rating the careful supervision of the progres- sive owner.

On the 3d of October, 1883, Mr. Bolt was mar- ried to Miss Carrie M. Jacobs, a daughter of Franeis M. and Celatha (Crenshaw) Jacobs, who were living south of Lima. Six children have been born to this marriage: Eva E., born Angust 8, 1887, and educated in Macomb, Illi- nois: Edward V., born September 23, 1888: Frank U., born October 5, 1893: Blanch, born October 8, 1895: Marvin .I., born September 22. 1892, and Cecil E., born October 2, 1901, are all at home.

Mr. Bolt and his wife are earnest and loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Lima, and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He has served as assessor for two years and as school director for nine years. Fraternally, he is connected with Lima lodge. No. 135. A. F. & A. M. and with Lima camp, No. 2510, M. W. A. Having always resided in Adams county, he has a wide acquaintance here and the fact that many of his warmest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time is an indication that his has been an honorable and upright life.

CHARLES W. SEYMOUR.

Charles W. Seymour, who was a farmer and stock-raiser of Fall Creek township and was mim- bered among the pioneer settlers of Adams county, was only twelve months old when brought by his parents to this part of the state. Ilis birth veenrred in West Hartford. Connecti- ent. August 23. 1834, and he was a son of Martin and Lney ( Butler) Seymour, who were also na- tives of West Hartford and resided there until the fall of 1835, when they came with their fam-

ily to the west, settling on a small farm in Fall ('reek township, this county. The father was then a poor man, but, by hard work and econ- omy, he was soon enabled to purchase more land, and ultimately became the owner of a large farm. There he carried on his agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, and both he and his wife died on the old homestead. Only one of their family is now living : Miss Eveline Seymour, who is eighty years of age and resides with the eldest son of her brother Charles on the old homestead.

Charles W. Seymour began his education in the district schools such as were common at that early day and afterward he enjoyed the advan- tage of instruction in the high school at Payson, AAdams county. In early youth he assisted in the work of field and meadow and he continued to aid his father in carrying on the farm until the latter's death. when he and his brother as- sumed the management. He was a lover of fine stock and carried on general farming pursuits and stock-raising, always having some high-grade animals on his place.

Mr. Seymour was married to Miss Emily Kay. a danghter of Robert G. and Cynthia M. (Bur- roughs) Kay, both of whom were natives of Ken- tueky, where they lived until 1833, when Mr. Kay and his brother, Gabriel Kay, came to Adams county with their families and settled in Payson township, where they carried on farming until their deaths. The Burroughs family were also pioneers of the county. There were five children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Seymour: Henry M., who married Lucy Nicholson, resides on the old homestead in Fall Creek township. Lyman K., who first married Mrs. Clara Robbins and, after her death, wedded Agnes Jaratt, of an old and prominent family of this county, also resides on the homestead farm in Fall Creek township. Julia A. died at the age of five years and six months. Loren Butler married Susan Jaratt, a twin sister of his brother's wife, and resides in California. Stella M. is the wife of J. A. Star, of Omaha, Nebraska.

While going to Pike county and driving across a narrow bridge near his home Mr. Seymour's buggy was overturned and he was instantly killed. This occurred October 11, 1898. and his family believe that it was an attack of heart trouble that caused his death. In polities he was a republican, but never an office seeker. Ile attended the Congregational church in Payson. while his wife is now a member of the Vermont Street Baptist church in Quiney. He was a very industrious man, successful in whatever he undertook, and he had many friends in Quincy and throughout the country. His wife is still in- terested in the old home farm in Fall Creek township, where she resided after her husband's death until her two oldest sons were married and

Ce, WeSaymon

681

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

took charge of the farm. She then removed to Quiney and purchased a residence at No. 333 North Twenty-fourth street at the corner of Broadway, while in the adjoining home resides her sister, Mrs. S. E. Hewes. Mrs. Seymour has a beautiful home and has gained many friends sinee taking up her abode here.

MRS. SARAH HAMRICK WILKES.

Mrs. Sarah Hamrick Wilkes, whose home is on section 33, Camp Point township, was born in this township, February 16, 1835, her parents being Farrow and Polly (Wilkes) Hamrick. Her grandparents were Virginian people and her father was born in Culpeper county, Vir- ginia, January 1, 1806. ITe came to Adams county, Illinois, in September, 1831, driving across the country in a wagon, and on the 3d of January, 1833, he was married to Miss Polly Wilkes, who was born in Jefferson county. Ken- tueky, July 24, 1811, and also came by wagon to this county in 1831. This was the year fol- lowing the "deep snow" and the county was a pioneer district, where everything was wild and unimproved, the work of development and pro- gress seeming scarcely begun. Mr. and Mrs. IIamrick began their domestic life on a farm and for many years he carried on general agri- cultural pursuits, but finally removed to Camp Point, where he died on the 1st of May. 1891.

Mrs. Wilkes, spending her girlhood days in her parents' home. acquired her education in the public schools and was trained to the duties of the household by her mother. She gave her hand in marriage to John Wilkes, February 16. 1853. lle was born September 15, 1830. in Kentneky, and was a son of Coleman and Mar- garet (Smith) Wilkes, the former born in Vir- ginia in 1794, and the mother in Pennsylvania in 1790. They came to Illinois in 1831, journey- ing by way of the water route to Quincy, Illi- nois, and they made their home in Columbus township. It was in that township that John Wilkes was reared and educated and there he engaged in farming, living on the old Wilkes homestead. Ile died March 7, 1904. after an active, useful and honorable career of more than seventy years.

Into Mr. and Mrs. Wilkes were born eleven children : Mary E .: Margaret A. who was born August 11, 1855, and is the wife of Josiah Tay- lor. of Columbus township: James M., who was horn April 30, 1857, and died December 20. 1894: George W .: William II. : Florence: Ar- villa MI .: Mattie E .: Johnnie and Sissy, twins; and Frank M., who was born July 12. 1876, and

married Ella Walker, their home being in Camp Point township.

In his political views Mr. Wilkes was a demo- erat, unfaltering in his support of the party. and took an active part in political affairs. He served as township commissioner, was also school trustee and was president of the county central committee of his party, his labors in its behalf proving effective in promoting its growth and extending its influence. Ile was always in- terested in public progress and improvement and never withheld his support from any meas- ure which he believed would advance the general welfare.

Mrs. Wilkes is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres on section 33, Camp Point town- ship, and one hundred and ninety-one acres on sections 29 and 32. Columbus township, where her husband first located. This property re- turns to her an excellent income, being now very valuable owing to the many excellent mod- ern improvements which have been placed upon it. She is numbered among the worthy pioneer ladies of the county. having for seventy years been a witness of its growth and develop- ment. and her mind bears the impress of many of the early historical events of the county, from the time when it was largely a region of log cabin homes, widely scattered over broad prai- ries, much of the land being still uncultivated.

FRED M. ELLIOTT. D. D. S.

Dr. Fred M. Elliott, deceased, who for many years was a practicing dentist of Quincy. settling here in 1863. was a native of Willimantic Con- necticut, born on the Sth of February. 1841, and was a son of George C. and Phoebe (Smith) El- liott, both of whom were natives of London. England, whenre they came to America in 1838. settling in Willimantic, Connecticut. The father was a merchant tailor and conducted business along that line throughout his remaining days. his death occurring in 1867, while his wife sur- vived him until 1880.

Dr. Elliott attended school in South Windham Connecticut, and after completing his prelimin- ary education entered college at Worcester. Massachusetts, where he studied dentistry and was graduated. He then came to St. Louis, Mis- souri, where he entered upon the practice of his chosen profession, residing there until 1863, when he came to Qniney. Here he opened an office on Maine street and was engaged in dental practice until his death. He had a well equipped office. kept in touch with the progress made by the profession and by his modern methods. his skill and mental ability in the line of his chosen call-

682

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

ing, he won a patronage which constantly grew until it reached large and profitable proportions.

Dr. Elliott was united in marriage to Miss Sallie F. Metcalf, who was born in Mendon, Adams county, and is a daughter of Western and Susan (Riddle) Metcalf, early settlers of Adams county, her father following the occupa- tion of farming in Mendon township, where he and his wife lived until death. Dr. and Mrs. Elliott became the parents of two children : Fred M., who is living in Jacksonville, Illinois, and Willie L., who died at the age of two years. Dr. Elliott's death occurred Angust 2, 1878, being occasioned by an accident at the Chicago, Bur- lington & Quiney Railroad station here. Mrs. Elliott has a nice home at No. 735 North Fifth street, where she and Mrs. Larkworthy are now residing. Dr. Elliott ranked high in professional eireles and was popular in social circles, his genial manner and social disposition winning him many friends.

CARL BECKER.

The German element in the citizenship of Quiney has been an important one. A native son of the fatherland, Carl Berker, now con- nected with the manufacturing interests as a member of the Wiebmer-Becker Machine Com- pany, was born in Rhine Pfalz, Germany, No- vember 27, 1860, his parents being Peter and Katherina (Bergmann) Becker. The mother died in 1883, but the father is still living in Germany, at the advanced age of eighty-two years, and throughout his business career he has followed the trade of millwright.

Mr. Beeker of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native eonntry. He was one of a family of nine children, eight sons and a daughter, of whom all are living with the exception of John, who died at the age of forty years. Of the surviving children three sons are in this country and the others have re- mained in Germany. One now lives in Missouri and is a wagommaker and millwright, while a second brother of our subject is a farmer of Nebraska.

Carl Beeker attended the publie schools of his native land until the age of fourteen years, when he became his father's assistant at the mill- wright's trade, being thus employed until he reached the age of seventeen years, when he learned the machinist's trade, following that pursuit until his emigration to America. He came to this country immediately after his mother's death. locating first at Warsaw, Han- cock county, Illinois, where he operated an en- gine for two years. He then removed to Quiney

in 1885, after which he was employed for three years in the Famous Hay Press works and for three years for the Collins Plow Company and the Smith Hill Elevator Company for four years. In 1898 he organized the Wiebmer-Becker Machine Company, which entered upon a pros- perons existence, its business steadily increasing until employment is now furnished to fourteen men. His partner is Anton Wiebmer, and they manufacture all kinds of machinery, having a well-equipped plant at the southeast corner of Seventh and York streets. They are general ma- chinists and also make a specialty of engine re- pairing. Mr. Becker has a thorough knowledge of mechanical pursuits and the great principles which underlie this department of activity, and his practical skill has been one of the features in the success of the business, enabling him to capably control the labors of his men.

On the 12th of October. 1885, Mr. Becker was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Heddrich, a danghter of Philip Ileddrich, who was a stone- entter by trade and died in 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Becker are the parents of two sons: Walter C., who was born December 2, 1888, and, having graduated from the public schools, is now attend- ing the Gem City Business College ; and Elmer L., who was born Mareh 4, 1894, and is now at- tending the public schools.

Mr. Becker belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek his fortune in the new world, for here he found the business opportunities he sought and his hopes have been more than realized, for, in this country where labor and energy are rated at their true worth, he has gained a comfortable competence, and he also has the esteem and admiration of many friends who recognize his valne as a business man and citizen.

BENJAMIN A. SMITH.

Benjamin A. Smith, who is now living a re- tired life upon the old home farm on section 14, Ursa township, was born December 12, 1830, his parents being Caleb B. and Mary Ann (Renck) Smith, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. The father eame to Illinois abont 1840, bringing with him his family and settling in Hancock county, seven miles east of Carthage. There he continued to reside until his death, which oc- curred about 1894. His wife died in 1884. They were worthy people, respeeted by all who knew them.

Benjamin A. Smith was a lad of ten years when he became a resident of this state. He

CARL BECKER

685

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

attended the public schools of Hancock county and came to Adams county in 1850, when a young man of twenty years. lle then settled upon the farm which has now been his home for more than a half century and where he has labored as the years have gone by, his efforts being attended with good results. He chose a companion and helpmate for life's journey, be- ing married on the 23d of JJuly, 1851, to Miss Delilah Spears, who was born August 7, 1828, and was a daughter of John and Catherine (Grimes) Spears of Adams county, who came to this state from Kentucky at the same time the Smith family removed to Illinois. Mr. Spears died in 1870. Ile is survived by one son, Abraham, who now resides in Ursa township.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith began their domestic life upon the old home farm where they are now living and which has been their place of resi- dence throughout all these years. Ile placed the land under a high state of enltivation, plow- ing and planting in the early springtime and harvesting good crops in the autumn as a result of the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields. His life has been a very useful one and he is now in possession of a comfortable compe- tence which supplies him with all of the neces- saries and comforts which go to make life worth the living.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born four children, three of whom are living : John T., horn April 18, 1854, who married Ella Campbell and resides two miles north of the old home; Sarah E., born October 22, 1856, who is the wife of Lorenzo Worley and resides near Ursa; Levi _1., who was born January 23, 1865, and married Alice Young, their home being upon the farm adjoining his father's land.

Mr. Smith rents his farm, which comprises one hundred and thirty-six acres, to his son, and is now enjoying a well earned rest. He gives his political support to the democracy, having always advocated its principles. IIe is still a very active and energetic man for one of his years, having passed the seventy-fourth mile- stone on life's journey, yet he possesses the vigor of a man in his prime and in spirit and interests seems yet in middle life. He com- mands the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been associated and is well worthy of representation in this volume.

J. H. RICE, M. D.

Dr. J. H. Rice, whose careful preparation and superior natural qualifications for the practice of medicine have gained him prestige among the members of the profession in Quincy, where his

identification with the medical fraternity dates from 1892, is a native son of Adams county, his birth having occurred upon a farm in Richfield township, on the 13th of April, 1856. In pioneer times in the history of this county, his father, William Rice, established his home here, and from 1834 until his death was engaged in agri- cultural pursuits in this county, winning suc- cess through well directed efforts. Reared upon the home farm and educaled in the public schools Dr. Rice supplemented his literary stnd- ies by a course in medicine in the Cincinnati Medical College, being graduated with the class of 1878.

Opening an office for practice in Niantic, Ma- con county, Ilinois, Dr. Rice remained there until his removal to Mendon, where he entered upon a very successful professional career, win- ning a patronage so extensive that his fame spread abroad throughout this part of the state and thus he did not come unheralded to Quincy, when in 1892 he removed to this city to join its medical fraternity. From the beginning of his residence here he has been accorded a prominent position as a physician and surgeon, and he is in close touch with the progressive spirit of the times as manifest in the marked advance made in the methods of medical practice. In order to still further perfect himself in his chosen life work he pursued a post-graduate course in the Chicago Clinical School of Medicine in 1900 and was graduated at Rush Medical College. He also attended surgical clinics at St. Luke's, the Chicago, Presbyterian and other leading hos- pitals in Chicago, gaining knowledge in theory and practice and thoroughly informing himself concerning the latest improvements in medicine and surgery. It has always been his wish and determination to give his patrons the benefits of the latest discoveries and researches of the medical fraternity. In addition to a large pri- vate practice he is acting as surgeon of the Quin- ey. Omaha & Kansas City Railway and a mem- her of the staff of Blessing Hospital, and is a member of the Adams County, the Tri-State and State Medical Societies, the American Medical Association, and the National Association of United States Pension Examining Surgeons.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 107

Author: Collins, William H. (William Hertzog), 1831-1910; Perry, Cicero F., 1855- [from old catalog] joint author; Tillson, John, 1825-1892. History of the city of Quincy, Illinois. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1228

Author: Collins, William H. (William Hertzog), 1831-1910; Perry, Cicero F., 1855- [from old catalog] joint author; Tillson, John, 1825-1892. History of the city of Quincy, Illinois. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1228