Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 115

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 115

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Professor Rawlins acquired his early education in the public schools of his native city and, enter- ing the Northwestern Academy. was graduated from that institution with the class of 1891. De- sirons of further promoting his educational at- tainments, he then entered the Northwestern Uni-

versity at Evanston, Illinois, from which he was graduated in 1895 with the Bachelor of Philoso- phy degree. He pursued the study of history, philosophy, law and English, his course being selected with a view of eventually becoming a member of the bar, but, changing his mind in regard to a profession, be devoted the last two years of his college course to the study of peda- gogy. Ile was reared as a typical farmer boy, early manifesting a marked love of live-stock and of mechanies, and, after completing his school course, he worked at the carpenter's trade in or- der that he might have immediate employment. Within a month, however, he was chosen to the principalship of the Duquoin high school, filling that position in 1895-6. From 1896 until 1901 he was superintendent of the schools of Duquoin and in the latter year accepted the principalship of the high school of Quiney, which position he resigned in 1903, when chosen superintendent of the city schools. These changes made in his pro- fessional career have indicated a promotion in his profession and has been a public acknowledg- ment of his marked capability as an educator. Few men of his age have advanced to so promi- nent and responsible position in educational cir- eles as Professor Rawlins has done ; yet, under his guidance, the various schools of which he has had charge have made consecutive advancement, the standard of education has been raised, and the improvements which he has inaugurated have been of a practical and beneficial character.

Professor Rawlins was made a Mason in June, 1896, and has since affiliated with the craft, be- longing to Quiney lodge No. 296. In polities he is an independent democrat and is a member of the Methodist church. On the 14th of August, 1895, he was married in Milledgeville, Illinois, to Miss Mildred A. Bigbee, who was a graduate of the Milledgeville high schools and was a student at Northwestern University. Of their children, the eldest, Lemmon Parker, born June 24, 1896, died in infancy, and the others are Edward Big- bee, born May 26, 1898 : Benjamin Wade, Novem- ber 15, 1899; Herbert LeGrande, January 4, 1901, and Albert Leander, born April 6, 1902.

Personally, Professor Rawlins displays those traits of character which mark the student and scholar rather than the active business man, his temperament is of the judicial type, and he has always found his chief source of recreation in his reading. He cares little for society, is intensely democratie in feeling and is much opposed to show or parade of any kind. Ben dling every en- ergy to the accomplishment of the task on hand. his labors have uniformly been attended with a desired measure of success, and as an educator he ranks among the leaders of his profession in Illinois. He has an extreme love for country life, with the highest appreciation of nature in its

D. B. RAWLINS

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

various phases, and his deepest interest centers in his home, the chief ambition of the labors of both Mr. and Mrs. Rawlins being for their four sons.

ADAM SPECKHART.

Adamı Speckhart, a very prosperous farmer and extensive land owner of Fall Creek town- ship, whose possessions aggregate nearly one thousand aeres, much of which he rents, was born on his present farm on section 9, his natal day being October 1, 1849. His parents were John and Eva (Furniff) Speckhart, both of whom were natives of Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger- many. The father came to America in 1840 and after spending a few weeks in Quincy removed to the farm now occupied by Adam Speekhart. He at first owned only a small tract of land but as his erops returned to him a good ineome, he was enabled to make further investment in land and ere his death his realty holdings were exten- sive. Ile took an active interest in the early development and npbuilding of the county and his efforts were particularly helpful along agri- eultural lines. He died March 16, 1894, at the age of eighty-one years, while his wife passed away .Inne 25. 1884, at the age of sixty-eight years, her birth having occurred in 1816. In their family were five sons and six daughters, of whom four sons and three daughters are yet living.

Adam Speckhart spent his youth in a manner not unlike that of most boys of the period. IFe attended school in Craigtown and when not busy with his text-books assisted in the labors of the home farm. He has always lived upon his pres- ent place, has carefully managed his business affairs, has prospered in his undertakings and is now the owner of nine hundred and seventy acres of land. lle is one of the most prosper- ons farmers in Fall Creek township and he has considerable bottom land. He has engaged ex- tensively and successfully in the raising and feeding of hogs and cattle. Much of his land he now rents and a characteristic of Mr. Speek- hart's is indicated in the liberal terms on which he leases his property. lle believes in the old motto, Live and let live, and he has always been fair and just in his business transactions, so that his path has not been strewn with the wreeks of other men's fortunes.

Mr. Speckhart was married in March, 1878. to Miss Mary E. Buek, a daughter of Daniel and Frederieka (Gasser) Bnek, who were natives of Waldeck, Germany, while Mrs. Speckhart was born in Melrose township. Adams county, Ili- nois. She is the ellest of nine children, the others being as follows: William, living on the

old home farm in Melrose township, is married and has four children, and has lost one son ; Fred, employed in the wheel factory in Quincy, is married and has three children ; Philip, living in Fall Creek township, is married and has three children : John, working at bridge building for the railroad, was killed while thus engaged and buried in Fall Creek cemetery ; Minnie is the wife of Fred Reich, of Fall Creek township, and has one son ; Henry, a farmer of Fall Creek township, is married and has one son: Katie makes her home in Quincy; and Henry died in childhood. The father of this family is yet liv- ing at the age of seventy-six years, and the mother died in 1880, at the age of forty-two years.

Mrs. Speekhart was reared and edueated in Melrose township. By her marriage she has become the mother of eight children : Katie, born December 5, 1878, is the widow of George Beil- stein and resides at home; Elizabeth, born in November, 1880. is the wife of Nicholas Ka- lentz and lives in Fall Creek township: Fred- erick, born January 29, 1883: Anna, born May 22, 1885: Minnie, horn November 7, 1887, are all at home; llenry, born Angust 1, 1890. died January 29, 1891: Emma, born September 7. 1892, died January 6, 1893; and Karl, born January 25, 1894, is attending the Craigtown sehool.

Since age conferred on Mr. Speckhart the right of franchise he has been a stalwart demo- erat but never an office seeker. le and his fam- ily are members of the Bluff Ilall Congregational church, and they are well known in the county. the members of the household enjoying the warm regard of many friends. Mr. Speckhart, through industry, honesty and economy, has amassed a handsome fortune, and moreover he commands the trust and respeet of his fellowmen because his business methods have ever been straight- forward.

GERRY W. VANDEN BOOM.

Gerry W. Vanden Boom, manager at Quincy for the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company, was born in Germany in 1864, his parents being An- ton and Mary ( Freehouse) Vanden Boom. The father, who was a manufacturer of furniture, spent his entire life in Germany. The mother. who was born in that country, came to the United States in 1878 with her son Gerry and located in Quincy, where her remaining days were passed, her death ocenrring in 1900, when she had reached the advanced age of eighty years. In the family were nine children, of

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

whom six are living. Both parents were mem- bers of the Catholic church.

Gerry W. Vanden Boom acquired his education in the place of his nativity and in St. Francis College of Quincy, having come to the new world in 1878, when about fourteen years of age. Com- pleting his education, he traveled on the road selling furniture for a Quiney house and in 1893 became manager of the Quiney branch of the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company. At that time the business here was carried on on a small scale, there being but one wagon. It has so in- ereased under the management and direction of Mr. Vanden Boom that five large wagons are now in constant use in the delivery of the prod- net of the factory. His territory extends over an area of one hundred miles around Quincy and also into Missouri. The business was first conducted on Front and Maine streets but in 1901 new buildings were erected at the corner of Sixth and State streets, consisting of a hand- some pressed brick edifice, containing shipping rooms and cooling rooms. The plant also com- prises the finest barn in the city, which was erect- ed at a cost of three hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Vanden Boom now employs ton people and is conducting a most successful business.

In 1883 ocenrred the marriage of Mr. Vanden Boom and Miss Margaret Wand, a daughter of William Wand, who was a farmer and came from Germany in 1848, accompanied by his wife. Mrs. Vanden Boom was born in Melrose, Adams county, in 1865, and by her marriage has become the mother of three children : Grace, Ralph and Gerry. They are members of the Catholic church and Mr. Vanden Boom has fraternal re- lations with the Elks, the Eagles, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen, the Mu- tual Aid, the Wagon and Carriage Makers' So- ciety, and Firemen's Benevolent Association. In polities he is a democrat and has served as supervisor of Quincy township. He owes his snecess entirely to his unremitting diligence and perseverance, which are the basis of all indus- trial and commercial prosperity. He has a wide acquaintance in Quiney and is popular with an extensive circle of friends.

SETH SHAAILOR ARNOLD.

Seth Shailor Arnold, now deceased, was a man whom to know was to respect and honor and dur- ing the period of his residence in Adams county he won many warm friends. He was born March 12. 1830, and was a descendant of an old New England family. The history of the Arnold an- cestry is most interesting. They were among the

founders of the town of Haddam. Connecticut, early in the seventeenth century. Mr. Arnold's paternal and maternal great-grandfathers were both officers of the Revolutionary war. The former lived to be one hundred and one years of age and became a church member at the age of ninety years. lle served throughout the war for independence, his name being one of the first on the Lexington alarm roll. He was under Wash- ington at the battle of White Plains and was captured and confined on a British prison ship in New York harbor, but, making his escape, he returned to New England. Later he purchased, or rather rented, land for nine hundred and ninety-nine years, as was the enstom at that time, paying his rental of one measure of barley corn per year if called for. The maternal great-grand- father likewise espoused the cause of the colonies, and aided in throwing off the yoke of British oppression. He reached the very advanced age of one hundred years. The father of Seth S. Arnohl was a Congregational minister and re- moved with his family to Westminster, Vermont.

Seth S. Arnold spent the days of his boyhod and youth in Colchester and Waterbury, Con- nertient, and acquired an academie education. His brothers were afforded the privilege of at- tending college, and several of them entered pro- fessional life, but Mr. Arnold thought he ought to be a breadwinner at an early age, and, while he was quite young, he went to Baltimore, where he learned the machinist's trade, there building and testing one of the first engines in use by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. When twenty-four years of age he came to the west, going first to St. Louis, Missouri, and thence to Keokuk, lowa, where an older brother was pro- fessor in a medical college. Not long after, how- ever, he came to Mendon, where another brother. John Arnold, resided. In 1858 he went to C'ali- fornia and spent several years on the Pacific roast, sharing in the hardships and dangers inei- dent to the development of that region and also in the pleasures which are common in a frontier district. Ile was engaged in prospecting in the west, and in 1865 returned to Ilinois. Not long after this he established a file and sewer pipe fac- tory at White Hall, and was interested in that enterprise until his latter years.

On the 31st of December, 1869, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Arnold and Miss Sarah JJ. Benton, the eklest danghter of Abram and Sarah D. (Chittenden: Benton, the former now de- ceased. They established their home at White ITall, but when the year had passed yielded to the solicitation of Mrs. Arnold's parents and re- turned to the village of Mendon, where Mr. Ar- nold continued to reside until called to his final rest, and where Mrs. Arnold still makes her home. For several years he had charge of the mercan-

of Armored

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tile business established by his father-in-law. His enterprise and activity made this a prosperous business concern, and he figured prominently in commercial circles. having the entire confidence and trust of the business community.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold was blessed with two daughters: Sarah L., born October 1, 1878, was married September 5, 1900, to R. V. Clark and died January 15, 1902, leaving one child. Alma J., who is now with her grandmother, Mrs. Arnold; Franees B., born October 28, 1880, was married April 29, 1903, to Lawrence Boogher, of St. Louis, Missouri, and they have one child, Sarah, born October 8, 1904. Mr. Arnold was a most genial companion, kindly in manner, social in disposition, and in matters of citizenship he was always publie-spirited, and his deep interest in the welfare of the community was shown in the tangible support which he gave to every measure that tended to benefit his town or county.

For many years he was connected with the Congregational church, and his life was in har- mony with his professions. While to his friends he was considerate, his best traits of character were reserved for his family. his wife and daugh- ters knowing him as a most devoted, tender and loving husband and father. He passed away January 11, 1900, when about seventy years of age, and his death was deeply deplored by all who knew him, but most of all by the members of his own household.

BERNARD AWERKAMP.

Bernard Awerkamp, assistant cashier of the Rieker National Bank of Quincy and the presi- dent of the Evers Produce Company, was born in Cosfeldt. Germany. October 6, 1849, his par- ents being Frank and Theresa (Grasmeter) Awerkamp. The father, who was a cabinet- maker in Germany, died when his son Bernard was two years old, and the mother afterward came to America with her sons. William and Bernard, in 1854, landing at New Orleans, whence they made their way up the river to St. Louis, arriving at Quiney in the spring of 1855. The mother's death occurred about 1888.

Bernard Awerkamp, a youth of five years when he came with his mother to the United States, attended St. Boniface parochial school until eleven years of age, when in 1861 he started out to make his own way in the world, becoming a clerk for George Shardon, proprietor of a gro- cery store. Ile worked for him about three years, after which he entered the employ of George Laage, with whom he continued for about four years. At the age of eighteen he accepted a clerkship with A. J. Lubbe, dealer in dry goods,

at the corner of Eighth and Hampshire streets, continuing there for two years, when, in De- cember, 1869, he became a clerk in the bank of Rieker & Hoehne, but in 1872 Mr. Ricker be- came sole owner of the banking business. The correspondence and remitting parts of the busi- ness were entrusted to Mr. Awerkamp until he was made teller, in which position he rendered capable service for some time. Upon the re- organization of the business under the name of the Ricker National Bank, in 1881, he was chosen assistant cashier and has since served in that capacity. lle is well known in banking circles and to the business public, and as an official he has ever been found courteous and obliging in his dealing with the patrons of the bank, while the institution recognizes in him a most trust- worthy representative of the house. He is finan- cially interested in the Evers Produce Company. an incorporated stock company, of which he is the president, while William F. Awerkamp is serving as treasurer and Theodore F. Awerkamp is secretary. They carry on a produce commis- sion business amounting to over fifty thousand dollars per year. The business was organized in 1900 and the company occupies a position in business circles most creditable.

On the 9th of May, 1876, Mr. Awerkamp was married to Miss Louisa Diefenbach, a daughter of Captain Michael Diefenbach, who was the first man to build an ice house in Quincy. He was a river captain and was well known in Quiney at an early day. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Awerkamp were born seven children, all of whom are living: Theodore F., who was born in 1877, is secretary of the Evers Produce Company and also teller of the Ricker National Bank; William F., who was born in 1879 and is treasurer of the Evers Produce Company, married Miss Edna Steinbach, a daughter of Philip S. Steinbach, a brick contractor, and they have a little daugh- ter. Phyllis: F. A., who was born in 1881 and is bookkeeper for the Evers Produce Company. married Miss Nora Wand; Engenia, born in 1883, is at home: Carl, born in 1885, is a ma- chinist : Arthur A., who was born in 1887, is plumber for the Gardner Plumbing Company ; and Walter, who was born in 1890, is now a public-school student.

The family are communicants of St. Francis Catholic church, and in his political views Mr. Awerkamp is independent. He displays many of the sterling characteristics of his German an- cestry, having the indefatigable energy and reso- Inte purpose of the Tentonie raee. With a just appreciation of the value of labor and capable management, he has so performed his duties in the business world as to find in each transition stage opportunity for further progress and ac- eomplishment, and thus he has advanced from

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hunble clerkships to a position in financial and commercial eireles that is creditable and honor- able, winning him an enviable name among the leading business men of the city which has been his home throughout almost his entire life.

ALBERT W. LARIMORE.

Albert W. Larimore is the owner of valuable farming property in Payson township. He was born December 11, 1839, in Hampshire county, West Virginia, and is a son of John W. and Elizabeth ( Fahs) Larimore, both of whom were natives of West Virginia, born near Romney, in Ilampshire county. The first representatives of the Larimore family in America came from Ire- land and as far as is known settled first in West Virginia. There were five brothers who crossed the Atlantic to the new world and one of these became a resident of Ohio. His paternal grand- parents were James and Susan ( Wolverton) Larimore. His maternal grandparents both died in West Virginia. The grandfather was a black- smith by trade and followed that pursuit throughout his entire business career.

John W. Larimore was a farmer by occupa- tion and thus provided for his family, which numbered six children, Albert W. being the eld- est. The others were : Isaac M., James A., Mrs. Rebecca Price, William and Naomi. The last named died when twenty years of age and was buried in Shiloh cemetery. William was wound- ed in the battle of Shiloh. April 6. 1862, and died just a week later. His father went south for his remains and the interment was made in Shiloh cemetery, in Adams county.

Albert W. Larimore in 1842 accompanied his parents on their removal to Macon county, Mis- souri, where they remained for three years. His father then started to return to West Virginia on account of illness but on the way he heard of the Payson windmill and knew that a MIr. Baker lived near that windmill so that when he reached the vicinity of Payson he imired for Tacob Baker, who was a cousin of his wife and had settled here some time previons. Mr. Baker induced Mr. Larimore to remain until spring and during the winter the latter purchased eighty acres of land, which was afterward owned by flugh Rutter and now belongs to the Seymour estate. On disposing of his original property he bought land where James A. Larimore now re- sides. Bringing his family to this county he carried on agricultural pursuits for many years and prospered in his undertakings. At the time of his death he was the owner of three hundred

and forty acres of valuable land. Both he and his wife have passed away.

Albert W. Larimore was only about six years of age when brought by his parents to Adams county and was educated in the Whitcomb schoolhouse, which was a frame building with slab seats, while desks were around the wall. There were no backs to the seats and the entire building was a erude. primitive structure. Later he attended the Hinckley school and when not engaged with his school books he devoted his time and attention to the work of the farm. The occupation to which he was reared he has always made his life work and he began for himself on section 24, Payson township, where he How re- sides. Practical and progressive in his methods, managing his business interests with great care, he has through his diligence and perseverance been enabled to become the possessor of extensive landed interests. He was at one time the owner of seven hundred and twenty acres of land but has given the sons three hundred and twenty aeres so that he now retains possession of Your hundred acres.

On the 6th of May, 1862, Mr. Larimore was united in marriage to Miss Julia F. Pottle, a daughter of Brackett and Mary ( Woodruff) Pottle. The father was a native of New Hamp- shire and the mother of Connecticut, her birth having occurred near West Ilartford. When a boy Mr. Pottle went to Boston, where he worked for six dollars per month and out of that sum he had to pay for a hogshead of molasses which he had spilled when draying. Not long after this several men spoke to him about coming to Illinois. These were John Wood, Willard Keyes and a Mr. Kimball. Mr. Pottle accepted their proposition and came overland with them in covered wagons to Quiney. They entered land from the goverment by pre-emption at one dol- lar and a quarter per acre. John Wood after- ward became governor of Illinois. It was in the year of 1833 that Mr. Pottle arrived in Quincy and in partnership with John Wood and Deacon Kimball he entered nine hundred acres of land, including a part of the town site of the village of Payson, and when the land was divided this por- tion fell to Mr. Pottle's lot and he afterward sold it to Dracon Scarborough, who laid ont the town of Payson. Mr. Pottle settled on a farm three miles east of Payson and for many years carried on agricultural pursuits, being one of the pioneer farmers of that county and a man whose labors contributed in large and important measure to the substantial improvement and ma- terial upbuilding of the county. In 1870 he re- moved to Payson, where he owned considerable property, and his efforts there also proved an important feature in the npbuilding of the town. Hle was a prominent and valued member of the

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Congregational church and was the last surviv- ing charter member among those who organized the society at Payson. Mr. Pottle, who was born May 18, 1804, passed away January 3, 1893. in the eighty-ninth year of his age. He was one of the most respected and honored of the pioneer settlers and his name should be inseribed high on the roll of the early residents of this part of the state. ITis wife bore the maiden name of Mary Woodruff, and was a daughter of Darins and Rnby Woodruff. They became the parents of four children : Julia F., Elijah Lovejoy, Ra- chel and Albert. Two of the mimber are now living,-Mrs. Larimore, and Elijah L. Pottle. who is married and engaged in merchandising in Chicago.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. barimore has been blessed with four children : William O. married Blanch Humphrey and they have three sons and three daughters. Annie died at the age of one year. Edward N. married Winnie Hartshorn and lives south of the old home farm. Mary N. is the wife of Frank Penick, a lawyer of Quincy. and has one son, Albert Mark, at home.

In his political views Mr. Larimore is a stal- wart republican. Ile is a man of strong tem- perance principles and is himself a total ab- stainer, having nsed neither tobacco nor intoxi- eants. His wife belongs to the Congregational church. They usually spend the winter in the south, largely in Florida. Their home property is a well improved place, where they live comfor- tably. Mr. Larimore has also visited California, Colorado and Texas, usually leaving Adams county during the inclement weather seasons. He is the possessor of a handsome competence that has been aequired entirely through his own labors and as the years have passed he has not only won snecess but has also gained the unquali- fied regard of his fellowmen. The greater part of his life has here been passed and he has been a witness of Adams county's wonderful trans- formation through more than half a century.

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Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 115

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