Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 109

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 109

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In his political views Mr. Chittenden was an earnest republican, giving hearty support to the party and its candidates, yet never seeking or desiring office for himself. lle was a member of the Congregational church throughout almost his entire life and gave a strong. helpful and liberal support to all matters pertaining to the welfare of the church and its kindred interests. Ile was very active in Sunday-school work and for a number of years served as superintendent of the school, while at all times he was known as a con- sistent Christian man, his religion forming a part of his carly existence.

On the 10th of June. 1852, in Mendon, Illi- nois, Mr. Chittenden was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth P. Frisbie, who was born at Bran- ford, Conneetient, December 25, 1831. and was a daughter of Lyman and Ann (Barker) Frisbie, of Mendon, who came from Connectient to Adams county in the spring of 1837. settling in Mendon. where they spent their remaining days.

Three children were barn unto Mr. and Mrs. Chittenden, as follows: Charles A., born April 7. 1857, was married December 24. 1884, to Fran- ces E. Young, who was born August 4, 1861, a daughter of Dr. Peter and Virginia C. (Miller) Young. Emeline F., born October 23, 1860, mar- ried Lewis L. Allen, who was born October 3,

BA Chillerden

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1856, and was a son of L. L. L. and Corinne Allen, and they live in Pierce City, Missouri, and have a daughter, Elizabeth C., who was born December 25, 1892. Elizabeth R., born January 21, 1864, is living with her mother on the old Chittenden homestead, where Mrs. Chittenden has resided continuously sinee her marriage in 1852.

John A. Chittenden died October 26, 1872, in the forty-fifth year of his age, his family thus losing a devoted husband and father, his friends a loyal and entertaining companion and his com- munity a valuable and representative citizen. He lived his life in discharge of the duties which grew ont of the varied relations he sustained to his fellowmen. In business he was a pattern of moral integrity, every trust being safe in his hands, and as a citizen he was public-spirited, placing himself on the side of religion, good order and philanthropy. Such was the life bis- tory of John A. Chittenden-a record that is worthy of emulation and causes his memory to be cherished by all who knew him.

JACOB CUPP.

Jacob Cupp was born in Pennsylvania and was a representative of one of the leading Pennsylvania German families. He was mar- ried in Ohio to Dorcas Ann Smith, who was of French and English lineage and was born in Maryland and removed from that state to Ohio. They became the parents of seven chil- dren, namely : Catherine, who was born Novem- ber 18, 1839, became the wife of William Cook, who was born in 1824, and died in 1876. His parents were Richard and Mary Cook, natives of Yorkshire, England, whence they came to America during the early boyhood of their son William, establishing their home in Indiana, not far from Sturgis, Michigan. They were farming people and owned land there. William Cook was educated in the public schools of In- diana and in 1860 he married Catherine (upp and settled at Newark, Missouri, where he con- dneted a grocery store until the breaking ont of the Civil war, when he located on a farm. Ile also became a mail contractor at Palmyra. Missouri, where he remained for eight years and then removed to Macon City. Missouri, where he resided until his death, his remains being interred in the cemetery east of Macon City. Mr. and Mrs. Cook became the parents of eight children, of whom seven are living : Lewis S., a farmer of Saline county, Missouri, who is married and has four children: Jacob E., a farmer of Saline county, who is married and has two children: Fred. a farmer of Fall

('reek township, who is married and has two children : Frank, who is a twin brother of Fred, and lives upon his mother's farm with his wife and two children; Ed T., at home; Ulrick H., who is mail clerk on the Burlington road be- tween Quincy and Kansas City ; Annie, the wife of Benjamin Boring, who owns a farm in Sa- line county, Missouri, and has one child ; and William, who died in infancy.

The other children of Jacob and Dorcas (Smith) Cupp are: Louis, deceased ; John S .. who is a farmer, residing in Kansas and has five children; Theodore, a farmer living near New London, Missouri, who is married and has three children; George, who died at the age of thirty years, leaving one child, Wilmer, who is living at Spokane, Washington; Henry C., who is a resident of Fall Creek township, Ad- ams county, and Frank, who married and lives near Philadelphia, Missouri, where he is fol- lowing farming.

It was about 1858 that Jacob Cupp removed with his family from Steuben county, Indiana, to Shelby county, Missouri, and there he car- ried on farming for some time. He was living there during the period of the Civil war and was a staunch abolitionist at a time when it required great personal courage to advocate that canse. In fact his life was many times threatened by his secessionist neighbors but he was not killed undoubtedly from the fact that General McNeal said that if the life of Mr. Cupp was taken he would exeente ten of his rebel neighbors. He gave his political support to the republican party and his sons have fol- lowed in his footsteps in this direetion.

Mr. Cupp died in 1874 in Shelby county, Mis- souri, and his remains were interred at the cemetery at Benbow. Missouri. His wife died in 1859, her remains being buried by his side. He furnished three sons for the Union army : Lewis C. and John S., both members of Com- pany B, Third Missouri Cavalry, and Theodore. a member of the Thirty-ninth Missouri Infan- try.

GEORGE IHRIG.

George Ihrig, who is living on section 1. Camp Point township, was born January 3. 1855, in Melrose township, four miles south of Quincy, his parents being Henry and Elizabeth (Dingledine) Ihrig, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father, who was born De- cember 24, 1828, died March 24, 1893. He had become a resident of Adams county in 1852 and for more than forty years was engaged in agrienltural pursuits here. ITis wife, who

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

was born May 27, 1830, died in January, 1903. George Ihrig has one brother and one sister in Adams county : Henry, who is living in Hons- ton township; and Mary, the wife of William Boyer, who is living in Burton township, near Newtown.

Mr. Ihrig of this review was edneated in the schools of Melrose township and was reared to farm life, working in the fields with his father during his boyhood days. Having arrived at Years of maturity he was married February 7, 1582, to Miss Susan Ann Lummis, who was born Angust 1, 1849, and is a daughter of John and Ann (Bridge) Luminis. Her father was born January 30, 1804, and her mother, October 1, 1809. They were natives of Ohio and came to Adams county in 1844, living in Gilmer town- ship. Here Mr. Immmmis died January 1, 1863, while his wife survived him thirty years, pass- ing away May 14, 1893. Mr. Lmmminis aided in building the first Methodist church in Gihner township, nine miles east of Quiney and was class-leader for forty years. The family took a very active part in church work and the great-grandfather of Mrs. Ihrig was a Metho- dist preacher of Ohio. She has one brother. B. B. Lummis, of Qniney. Mr. and Mrs. Ihrig had two children: John Henry, born July 11, 1883; and Anna Belle, who was born March 5, 1887, and died on the Ist of August following.

The family home comprises one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 1. Camp Point township, and is a well improved property, all of which has been acquired through the untir- ing labors of Mr. Ihrig and the assistance of his estimable wife, who has indeed been a help- mate to him. He is a general farmer and stock- raiser and his persisteney of purpose and un- faltering energy have been the foundation upon which he has buikled his success. De is now well known as a representative farmer of the county. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church and well merit the unquali- fied esteem in which they are held.

URI S. PENFIELD.

Uri S. Penfield, who rose from a humble posi- tion to prominence through the open door of opportunity, which is the pride of our Ameri- can life, and who is yet held in loving remem- brance by many of the most prominent citizens of Quincy, although more than two decades have passed since he was called from this life, was born in Harpersfiehl, Delaware county, New York, June 22, 1822, his parents being David and Boadicea Penfiekl, while his pater-

nal grandfather was Peter Penfield. His edn- cation was acquired in the place of his nativ- ity, where he remained until sixteen years of age, when the family removed to Quincy, arriv- ing here in 1838. They found a little village of minor commercial and industrial importance, Vet it was a good shipping point and the future seemed to hold in store for it excellent busi- ness possibilities.

Soon after his arrival Mr. Penfield entered upon a elerkship and Lorenzo Bull, also a pio- neer settler, was employed in the same store about the same time. A strong and enduring friendship sprang up between them which last- ed through the passing years and through all the changes of their business career, being ter- minated only by the death of Mr. Penfield. They were together in clerkships for several years, and while thus employed Mr. Penfiekl gained a comprehensive and accurate knowledge of commercial methods and laid the foundation for his success in later life. Following the period of his service as a salesman, Mr. Pen- field turned his attention to the milling busi- ness, forming a partnership with John R. Brown, in connection with whom he erected the Star Mills, which stood near the corner of Front and Spring streets, but were removed when the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail- road bought that distriet for its depot yards. The next change in the business interests of Mr. Penfieldl occurred when he accepted the position of cashier in the First National Bank of Quiney, which position he ereditably filled for twenty-eight years or until his death, be- coming one of the leading representatives of the financial interests of the city. His sonnd business judgment, keen foresight, accuracy in judging men, and his unfailing courtesy to the patrons of the bank were qualities which con- tributed in no small degree to its success. He had the entire confidence of the business com- munity and was justly regarded as a man whose business integrity was imassailable.

Mr. Penfield was married on the 7th of April, 1853, to Miss Amanda Ward, of Quincy, a daughter of Eber and Sarah Ward. Mrs. Pen- field was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and her parents were natives of Hartford, Connee- tient. Mr. Ward was in the employ of the government during the greater part of his life and traveled all over the workl. He was a government inspector of arms during the Revo- Intionary war, a position which he held for several years, discharging the duties connected therewith for some time at Valley Forge. HIe was a patentee of gun barrels in Massachusetts, which were used during the war with Great Britain. Eventually he and his wife became residents of St. Louis, Missouri, where he died.

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while Mrs. Ward afterward came to Quincy and spent her last days with Mr. and Mrs. Penfield.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Penfield were born six children, and with the exception of Mary E .. the eldest, all are yet living, namely : Charles, of Quincy; Fannie IL., at home: Julia : Jennie, the wife of E. P. Fassett. of Chicago; and Uri. Mr. Penfield was very devoted to his family, counting their happiness his, and he put forth most earnest effort to promote their welfare. In politics he was an unfaltering advocate of republican principles, and fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Royal Arcanum. He held membership in the Congregational church, tak- ing a helpful part in its work and contributing generously to its support. He died in that faith March 25, 1883, after a residence o" forty- five years in Quiney, during which he had ever enjoyed the trust and respect of his fellowmen. In his business career he had gained consecu- tive advancement through close application and earnest purpose. guided by correct judgment. His path was not strewn with the wrecks of other men's fortunes, and others benefitted by the ever-widening circle of his effort. Without special advantages in his youth he constantly developed along moral and intellectual lines, and the breadth of his nature and the growth of his humanitarian spirit was indicated by his considerate and kindly treatment of all with whom he was brought in contact. HIe held friendship inviolable and was never known to betray a trust or forget a kindness. Ilis con- versation was refined, his sympathy unbounded and all who knew him spoke of him as a trne and upright man.

There was great congeniality of taste and temperament between Mr. and Mrs. Penfield. so that his death came as a great blow to the wife. They were not only mutually interested in their home and their children, but also in the church work and Mrs. Penfield still retains her membership with the Congregationalists here. When she came to Quiney the meetings of that denomination were held in what was known as the "Lord's Barn." During the war nearly every business house in Quiney was used for hospital purposes and Mrs. Penfield carried food to the injured soldiers each day and when- ever the news of victory was received she would unfurl a flag from her housetop. She was a member of the Needle Picket. which was the first society organized in Quiney after the war. She has been a witness of the growth and development of Quiney from pioneer times, her memory forming a connecting link between the village with its primitive conditions and few

improvements and the enterprising city of the present. with its varied interests and great commercial, industrial, intellectual and reli- gious activity. When she came with her hus- band to her present home it was all surrounded by hazel brush. The home was built by Mr. Penfield fifty-two years ago and has since been ocenpied by the family. Improvements and additions have modernized it until it is now one of the fine residences of that part of the city- situated at No. 1427 Hampshire street. She has been active in many events of prominence here, both socially and otherwise, and she and her children have a very wide and favorable acquaintance in Quincy.

GEORGE A. YENTER.

George A. Yenter. an honored veteran of the Civil war and one of the valued citizens of Loraine, was born June 8. 1839, in Buffalo. New York, and is the son of John and Eliza- beth ( Boteman) Yenter. The father was a con- tractor and builder and died in 1900, at the age of seventy-one years, while his wife passed away during the early childhood of their son George.

Mr. Yenter of this review was but six years of age when the father removed from Buffalo. He left home when only fifteen years of age. starting out in life on his own account. The previous year he had accompanied his father to Iowa and has since been identified with the middle west. exemplifying in his life its spirit of enterprise and progress. He acquired his education largely through his own efforts, working in the summer months at farm labor. while in the winter seasons he attended school. In May. 1861. he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a member of Com- pany C. Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, with which he served until July 24, 1865, proving a vahi- able soldier and one who was always true to the old flag and the cause its represented.

On the 16th of April. 1866, Mr. Yenter was united in marriage to Miss Nancy J. Murray. who was born January 10, 1838, in Tennessee. a daughter of John and Mary (Fike) Murray, the former a native of Kentucky, and the lat- ter of South Carolina. Mr. Murray was born August 8, 1803, and died September 11, 1872. while his wife, who was born in 1805. passed away August 23. 1881. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Yenter have been born three children: Ellis, the eldest, born August 11. 1868, was married to Laura Dearwester and lives in Rock Creek, Adams county ; Charles A., born February 3, 1870, married Laura Kennedy and lives near

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Lewiston, Missouri; Mary Emma, born April 7, 1874, is the wife of William Gimlock and their home is at Lima, Adams county.

Mr. and Mrs. Yenter now reside in Loraine, where he has an attractive residence. Ile is engaged in the operation of a sawmill and does a contracting business, furnishing railroad tim- her. He supplies timber used by the Chicago, Burlington & Quiney Railroad Company and thus does an extensive and profitable business. He has always been energetic and enterprising and has carried forward to successful comple- tion whatever he undertakes. In his political views he is an earnest republican and although he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is interested in the suc- ress of his party he has never sought publie office. He belongs to Mendon lodge, No. 449, A. F. & A. M., and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft, while in all mat- ters of citizenship he is as true and loyal to his country as when he followed the starry banner of the nation upon southern battlefields.

JULIUS LOUIS, KLEMME.

Julius Lonis Klemme, the present well known secretary and manager of the Quiney Stove Manufacturing Company, was born in this city, July 6, 1867, his parents being John Phillip and Fredericka ( Kickert ) Klemme. The father came to America when about twenty years of age, arriving in 1854. His future wife was also a passenger on the same vessel and they were six weeks in making the voyage, eventually reaching the harbor of New Orleans. Mr. Klemme at once made his way direct to Quiney. He learned the trade of brick-laying in this country and after- ward became a contractor, following that busi- ness until 1890, when he retired to private life. He is living in Quiney at the age of seventy years and is well known and highly respected as one who has contributed in substantial measure to the improvement and upbuilding of the city. He built the Huffman block, the Cottre] block and many other substantial structures here. Ilis wife also survives. In his political views he has long been a republican and at one time he served as city commissioner, but has never been an active politician in the sense of office seeking. Unto him and his wife were born six sons and three daughters, but three of the sons are now de- ceased. The family record is as follows: Emma, the wife of Peter Strenger, of Quincy: Martha, the wife of William Tenhaus. of this city : Clara, the wife of John Huseman, of Quincy : William, Albert and John, all deceased ; Julius L., Charles and Harry, living in this eity.

Iulius L. Klemme attended the public schools until twelve years of age and thus spent a year and a half as a student in the German parochial schools. At the age of fourteen years he ac- cepted a position with the Jensen Furniture Company at a dollar and a half per week and was in that employ for seven months, when he seenred a position as clerk in a retail grocery store, where he remained for two years, being in the employ of C. D. Behrensmeyer at the corner of State and Tenth streets. At the age of six- teen years he entered the employ of H. L. Lageman, with whom he continued for two years and later he took charge of the retail department of the Tenk Hardware Company, acting in that capacity for four years, after which he spent six years as a traveling salesman, his territory being Illinois and Missouri. In 1895 he became con- nected with the Simmons Hardware Company of St. Louis, Missouri, with which he continued un- til JJanuary 1, 1900, traveling through Illinois and Missouri. On severing his connections with that house he assumed the management of the Quincy Stove Manufacturing Company and at the present time is one of its leading stockhold- ers and its secretary. This company was organ- ized on the 17th of May, 1899, and began opera- tions on the 11th of October of the same year. Mr. Klemme became manager on the 1st of Janu- ary, 1900. and under his capable direction the expansion of the business has been very satis- factory and substantial. Sixty-five men are em- ployed in the plant in Quincy and five salesmen are upon the road and there are branch houses in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their trade covers the entire coun- try and is constantly increasing. The policy of the house is such as commends the company to the confidence and business support of the pub- lie and the trade is being gradually extended until it has reached extensive and profitable pro- portions.

Mr. Klemme was married to Miss Minnie Korte on the 14th of April, 1887, a daughter of Henry Korte, one of the pioneer settlers of Adams county, originally from Germany. Her parents are still residents of Quiney. Mr. and Mrs. Klemme have two children : Frieda, born April 19, 1888 : and Elwood, born August 24, 1896. The former finished the junior year work in the high school in 1893 and is now attending the Gem City Business College.

Mr. Klemme is one of the trustees and direet- ors of the German Lutheran Evangelical church on Ninth and York streets. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to Lambert lodge, No. 659, A. F. & A. M .; to Quiney chapter, No. 5, R. A. M .: El Aksa commandery, No. 55, K. T .; and Quiney consistory. He is senior warden of the lodge, captain of the host in the chapter, and

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senior warden in the commandery. He is like- wise a member of Red Cross lodge, No. 44, K. P., of which he is past chancellor, and is in hearty sympathy with the principles these fraternities have for their basic element-mutual helpful- ness and brotherly kindness. In polities Mr. Klemme is a republican. He was elected a mem- ber of the board of education in 1901 and in 1904 was again chosen for his second term of two vears. Among the enterprising and publie-spir- ited citizens of Quiney he is numbered, taking a deep interest in its material. intellectual and moral advancement, and he manifests in his career the qualities which contribute to the im- provement of his home community and which have won for him high regard and warm friend- ships.

JOHN SPECKHART.

John Speckhart is an extensive land owner of Adams county, living on section 8. Fall Creek township. He owns seven hundred and seventy-eight acres of rich land, all of which has been acquired through his own labors and he may well be called a self-made man, deserv- ing of all the credit and praise which that term implies. He was born July 4, 1848, in the township where he yet lives, his parents being John and Eva (Furniff) Speckhart, both of whom were natives of Germany, born in Hesse- Darmstadt. The father came to America in early life and settled in Fall Creek township. Adams county, where he purchased land. He was married in this eounty and took his bride to his farm, continuing its enltivation for many years. He at first bought one hundred and twenty acres but as opportunity offered he added to his property until his landed posses- sions aggregated eleven hundred aeres. He suffered many hardships and trials at an early day, however, and his financial resources were so extremely limited that he faced starvation on more than one oeeasion but he was willing to do any work that would yield him an hon- est living and in the course of time gained a fair start. He could not speak English at the time of his arrival and was the first German settler in Fall Creek township. He acquired a knowledge of the language through contact with his fellow townsmen and as years passed he learned the business methods and customs of the people among whom he had east his lot. Quincy at that time was but a small village, to which he would haul a load of wood, selling it for seventy-five cents, and then he had to

take the amount out in trade. He plowed his land and did his hanling with oxen, his market being Quincy, to which he had to take all his products and there make all his purchases. He cradled his grain and received thirty-five cents per bushel for his wheat. His life record should serve as a source of inspiration and encourage- ment to others, showing what can be aeeom- plished through determined purpose and unre- mitting diligence. He was a democrat in poli- ties and both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. They have passed away but are yet remembered by many of the pioneer settlers of Adams county.

John Speckhart, whose name introduces this review, received very limited educational privi- leges but in the school of experience has learned many valuable lessons. He was one of a large family of ten children : Lizzie, who mar- ried Nick Macker and is deceased : Mary, who married George Keil and is now a widow, liv- ing in Fall Creek township; Barbara, who mar- ried William Meyer and both are now deceased but six of their children are living: Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Heithold of Fall Creek town- ship : Katherine, who became the wife of Henry Kaufman. a farmer of Melrose township, and died leaving seven children ; Lena, who lives on the old home place with her brother Adam; Fred, who married Lena Harms and resides about a mile and a half north of Quincy : John, of this review: Adam, who wedded Mary Buck and lives in Fall Creek township; and William. who married Margaret Reich and is living in Fall Creek township.

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Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 109

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