Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 125

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 125

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When George P. Heller was killed he left his family, consisting of wife, two sons, John A. and George, and three danghters, Sophia, Ma- tilda and Emma, in straitened financial eireum- stances, and John A., then eight years old, had to stay at home and take care of the younger children, while the mother went out every day in the week to wash, iron or serub to support her little ones, and lohn A. went out to work in June, 1854, to help his mother. The went to work for D. W. Miller at the Quincy House, starting in as knife shiner. He worked at the Quincy House until the Tremont Hotel (then the C'ather Honse ) was ready to open. He was the first employe hired by Mr. Z. Cather to go to work in that hotel. He began by eleaning windows before the house was furnished. He worked there about two years and then went back to the Quiney House, learning to cook. He worked in this hotel off and on about nineteen years : at Tremont two terms, about four years ; and at the Pacific Hotel five years, all Quiney hotels, and two years at the Commercial Hotel. Memphis, Tennessee, working his way up from knife shiner to proprietor during this time. HIe was cook on the St. Louis and Memphis packet. steamboats from 1859 to 1860. Then he went to sea as cook, first on the James Bryant. of Beverly, Massachusetts, joining that vessel at New Orleans, Louisiana. He next joined the Bosphorus of Bangor, Maine, under Captain Finnis Pendleton. Mr. Heller says that Mr. Pendleton was the finest gentleman he ever met in the world and the healthiest and happiest days of his life were spent on this ship. sailed around the world three times and visited every continent on the globe, except Australia. He returned to Quiney after four years' life at sea and went back to his ohl home, the Quincy Tlonse. In 1872 he went in partnership with late Mayor Frederick Reariek as the Eagle Pack- ing Company on South Sixth street at the head of Maiden Lane, canned goods and pickles, and in the fall of 1873 they lost about everything in the fearful panie, a year which involved many in financial ruin throughout the country. He next, January 1. 1874, opened the then new Pacific TTotel, European plan, opposite the old Quiney depot on Front street, in partnership with Her- man Moecker, Sr. le was there until 1879 and in the spring of 1880 hegan raising early vege- tables and chickens. This paid him well until they began shipping early vegetables in refriger- ator ears from Texas and when he found that the business was losing he started in the florist

business in 1882 at No. 1117 North Eighth street, where he has secured an excellent patronage and by his strict attention to business and by always trying to give satisfaction has met with gratify- ing success. Hle never lost over sixty days' time by sickness or idleness in the last fifty years, always being employed at such work as required his time and labor every day in the year. Dur- ing the twenty-five years he served as employe he never had to hunt for work but once and that was in New Orleans, Louisiana, just before the war when everything was at a standstill. Ile always made it a strong point, as employe, to attend strictly to his work, always prompt and endeavoring to make his employer feel as if he could not do without his service, but never getting the notion in his own head that he could get along without his position.

In April. 1868, Mr. Heller was married to Miss Martha J. Weidenhamer, who has been a good and faithful helpmate to him throughout these many years. They have never had any children but they are very much devoted to their happy home.

JOHN A. STEINBACIL.

John A. Steinbach, now for the fifth term serving as mayor of the city of Quincy, his re-elections standing in incontrovertible evi- dence of his personal popularity, his efficient service and devotion to the general welfare, was born in Bethel, Missouri, January 28, 1847. The family of which he is a representative is of Ger- man lineage. ITis paternal grandfather, JJohn Adam Steinbach, served as a soldier under Na- poleon and was one of only three of his company of three hundred that returned from the terrible expedition to Moscow. John A. Steinbach, emi- grating from the Fatherland to the new world, became one of the pioneer residents of Quincy, where his death occurred in 1854. He had re- moved from Missouri to this city six years pre- vious, when his son John A. Steinbach was but a year old.

At the usual age John A. Steinbach. JJr., en- tered the public schools and when a youth of thirteen began his business career by learning the brieklayer's trade. Ile has achieved an hon- orable name, secured a handsome competency and has long been recognized as one of the lead- ing, influential and representative men of Quiney, and his advancement has come entirely in recognition of his ability and loyalty to the general good. He was but fourteen years of age when the Civil war was inaugurated and at once offered his services, but on account of his youth

JOHN A. STEINBACH

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

was rejected by the recruiting officers. In 1865. however, he was more successful in an attempt to enlist and was assigned to duty with Company D. of the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, soon afterward being chosen first lieutenant of his company. He continued with his command at the front until after the close of hostilities, when he received an honor- able discharge.

Resuming work at his trade John A. Stein- bach. Jr., was employed as a journeyman until 1871. when he began a brick contracting busi- ness in connection with his stepfather. Ilis labors in this direction were interrupted by ser- vice as a member of the fire department of Quiney. Ile had from his boyhood days taken an active interest in the department, holding various positions therewith and in 1875 he was appointed chief engineer, in which capacity he served for a decade, when he declined a re-ap- pointment. Under his control the department was advanced to the highest state of efficiency. New steam engines were purchased, the swing- ing harness introduced and improved devices for saving time and for fighting fires were adopted. The consensus of public opinion names him as perhaps the most efficient fire chief that Quincy has ever had.

On resigning his position in connection with the fire department service Mr. Steinbach again began briek contracting, forming a partnership with his brother Philip under the firm style of Steinbach Brothers. They secured almost imme- diately a profitable patronage and their business has constantly inereased in extent and impor- tance until the firm stands at the head of its con- tract work in this section of the state. To the Steinbach Brothers have been awarded the con- tracts for the brick work on nearly every impor- tant public building, business block and fine resi- dence erected in Quiney in recent years and un- der contract they have built many of the finest structures in neighboring cities of Illinois and also in Missouri and Iowa.

The rise of Mr. Steinbach in the business world would alone entitle him to distinction as a repre- sentative man and his example is certainly worthy of emmilation, showing what can be ac- complished through persistent, earnest effort, guided by sound judgment and promoted by landable ambition. It would be impossible almost, however, to ent off Mr. Steinbach's con- nection with the public service, first because of the efficiency of the aid which he has rendered in promoting progress and improvement here, and second because of the patriotic citizenship that promotes active and practical labor in be- half of the city which has been his home continu- onsly from his second year. In 1895 the high- est honor within the gift of his fellow townsmen

was conferred upon him by his election to the mayoralty and by re-election he is now serving for the fifth term, giving to Quiney an adminis- tration that has promoted its interests along many lines of material npbuilding and substan- tial progress. Since he has been chief executive the bonded indebtedness of the city has been re- duced nearly two hundred and fifty thousand dollars and the credit of the city has been ad- vanced until refunding bonds have been floated at four per cent interest. Over twelve miles of brick and novaeulite paving have been put down and the sewerage system has been largely ex- tended. Many questions of far-reaching impor- tance have been presented and settled, including the re-organization of the city government under the general law, the questions affecting the re- building of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway terminals here, the introduction of steam heating and the extension of the water works and street railway systems. A new fire department district has been organized in the northern part of the city and a spacious and thoroughly modern engine house built. A new engine house has also been recently completed in the southern part of the city.

In his political views Mr. Steinbach endorses the democratic party. His position on any ques- tion is never an equivocal one, for he stands firm and open in support of his honest convictions and positive opinions, which, however, are not formed until he has carefully considered every question bearing upon the publie welfare. Progress and patriotism might well be termed the keynote of his character, leading to business success and a splendid mayoralty administration, his career thus proving an honor to the city which has hon- ored him.

GEORGE W. OMER.

George W. Omer, living on section 19, Clayton township, where he is engaged in general farm- ing and the raising of fine stock, was born in Camp Point township. Adams county, April 3. 1851. Ilis father. Simpson Omer, who is a na- tive of Jeffersonville, Kentucky, was born in 1825. He came to Illinois at an early day, lo- cating in Camp Point township, and hore he followed the occupation of farming and stock- raising. Ile wedded Mary Walker, a native of Indiana, and they became the parents of eleven children : Susan, the wife of Josiah Brown, of Nebraska : two who died in infancy : Thomas J .. and Jacob, who are residents of Camp Point : Lney A., the wife of Arthur Earl, of Camp Point : Sarah E., the wife of F. Ripple, at Camp Point : Abraham L., of Nebraska: JJohn W., of

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Oklahoma; William S., who is living at Camp Point : and George W.

George W. Omer was a student in the schools of Camp Point and Clayton townships and also attended the high school in the city of Camp Point. During the periods of vacation he as- sisted in the labors of the home farm and after putting aside his text-books permanently he gave his undivided attention to agricultural pur- snits. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 19, Clayton town- ship, and there he is engaged in the raising of polled Angus cattle and Poland China hogs. Ile has splendid stock upon his place and every- thing about his farm is kept in excellent con- dition, the buildings all being in good repair, while the fields are well cultivated.

Mr. Omer was married in 1873 to Miss Mary E. Durbin, a daughter of Cornelius Durbin, who came from Maryland to linois. Two children have been born of this union: Mary K., who was born in Camp Point township and is the wife of Harry Blood of Camp Point: and Cor- nelius S., who was married to Jessie Chin, Jan- nary 28, 1903. Mr. Omer holds membership rela- tions with the Odd Fellows society, being a mem- ber of both the lodge and encampment. His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party and religiously he is a member of the Christian church. He is inter- ested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of his community and advocates every measure for its material, intellectual and moral upbuilding.

AUGUST G. SIBBING.

August G. Sibbing, deceased, a representative of one of the old pioneer families of Quincy, was born in this city, July 1, 1862, a son of Anton and Theresa (bnegering) Sibbing, both of whom were natives of Germany, whence they came to America at an early day. They esta- lished their home in Quincy and Mr. Sibbing engaged in coopering throughout his remaining days. His widow now resides on Oak street in this city. Only two of their children are yet living: Herman, a cigar manufacturer at No. 1116 North Tenth street, Quincy : and Henry .J., who is engaged in the grocery business at No. 1201-3 North Tenth street.

Angust G. Sibbing pursued his education in the common schools of Quiney and afterwards engaged in the dairy business for some time.

He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth M. Broeker, a native of Germany, born June 26. 1863, and a daughter of Bernard and Christina ( Maas) Broeker, who were likewise born in the

fatherland. On crossing the Atlantic to the United States they made their way into the in- terior of the country, settling at Quincy, where Mr. Broeker engaged in the grocery business until his life's labors were ended in death, and his wife also died here. Mr. and Mrs. Sibbing became the parents of seven children, all of whom, with one exception, reside with their mother.

Mr. Sibbing gave his politieal support to the democratie party, believing firmly in its prin- eiples and taking a deep and active interest in its success. He held membership in the St. John's Catholic church, of which his wife is also a communicant. He was quite sneeessful as a business man and had a wide acquaintance, especially among the German-American citizens of Quiney, who esteemed him for the qualities that everywhere command respect. Ile died Jume 12, 1896, and his loss was deeply regretted by many friends as well as his immediate family. Not long after his death Mrs. Sibbing sold the grocery store but she and her children still re- side at the old home near the store, at No. 903 North Twelfth street.

JACKSON R. PEARCE.

Jackson R. Pearce, who for the second term is serving as county elerk, and whose connection with the office, ineluding his service as deputy and to the elose of his present term, will cover sixteen years, is one whose public and official record makes him worthy of mention among the representative men of his native county. He was born in Houston township, October 28, 1862, his parents being Augustus F. and Mary E. ( Woods) Pearce. The father. a native of Kentucky, fol- lowed farming in Adams county for many years, eventually gaining the success which comes through persistent, earnest labor. The mother, a native of this county, died September 5, 1904.

At the usual age Jackson R. Pearce began his education, the "temple of learning" in which he received instruction being a little yellow school- house, in which the common branches were taught: but, being ambitious for further educa- tion than could be obtained in the regular classes, his teacher instrueted him in more advanced branches through the noon hour and in the even- ings. Ile had so thoroughly qualified himself that at the age of eighteen years he was granted a teacher's certificate and seeured his first posi- tion as teacher at what is known as the Ruddell schoolhouse, three miles northwest of Ursa, in Adams county. He afterwards returned to his home locality and for three consecutive terms was engaged in teaching in the Glenwood sehool

J. R. PEARCE

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

in Houston township, after which he directed his energies into other channels of business and professional activity.

In the spring of 1882 he engaged in merchan- dising at Chattan, Adams county, continuing in that business until the fall of 1890, when he accepted a position in the office of the county clerk, under Willis Haselwood serving in the capacity of deputy for eight years, or until 1898, when he was elected county elerk, his previous duties having well fitted him for the administra- tion of the affairs of the office. So acceptable was his first term's service that he was re-elected in 1902 and his present ineinbeney will continue until 1906-covering sixteen consecutive years of connection with that office. He has also held minor political positions, including those of jus- tice of the peace, town collector and town clerk, and from 1881 until 1890 he was postmaster of Chattan. His political allegiance has always been given the democracy, and he is recognized as one of its leading advocates in Adams county, putting forth strong and effective aid and influ- ence for the furtherance of the cause.

On the 15th of September, 1884, Mr. Pearce was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Me- Ginnis, and they have three children: Warren F., Nina M. and Edna R. The elder daughter was married in May, 1904, to Bert E. Chattan, Ilaving spent his entire life in this county, Jack- son R. Pearce is widely known and enjoys the favorable regard of many members of the opposi- tion political party as well as of the democracy, while his personal worth has gained him warm friendships in social eireles.

GEORGE H. BALDWIN.

George HI. Baldwin is a leading farmer and stock-raiser of Honey Creek township, who is also engaged in the dairy business. He was horn in MeDonough county, Ilinois, July 16, 1845. and is a son of Henry B. Baldwin and a grandson of Benjamin Baldwin. The grand- father and father eame to Adams county in 1833 and settled in Honey Creek township. The grandfather lived upon the farm now known as the Edgewood property. Wild and unim- proved was the entire district. There was no town where Mendon now stands and the nearest market was Quiney. One could ride for miles over the prairies without coming to a fence or other sign of habitation. There were few roads laid out and the land was vet in possession of the government. There was much wild game. including deer and many wild fowls, and it was not an unusual thing to hear the wolves howling at night. The timber was unent along

the streams and the prairie grass grew to an immense height. Only here and there would be seen the smoke, rising from a little log cabin, thus giving evidence of some settlement. Ilenry B. Baldwin, the father, was born in North Guil- ford, Connecticut, December 5, 1813, and was, therefore. a young man of twenty years when he came to Adams county. Here he and his father purchased land and for a number of years he continued a resident of this part of the state.

George II. Baldwin was eighteen months old when brought by his parents to Adams county. HIe was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life with its incident pleasures and hardships and he has been a witness of almost the entire growth and development of the county. Great changes have occurred and a wonderful trans- formation has been wrought during the years in which he has lived in Honey Creek township. In his youth he assisted his father in the opera- tion of the home farm, aiding in the ardnous task of developing new land and transforming it into richly cultivated fields. Ile is to-day the owner of one of the best farms of his township, having six hundred acres of land on seetions 18, 20 and 9, Honey Creek township, and see- tion 13. Mendon township. Here he raises fine stock in addition to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate and is also engaged in the dairy business. Ile raises full blooded Duroe Jersey hogs, Angora goats, and good eattle and horses. Perhaps the most prof- itable branch of his business has been his dairy. He began the dairy business in 1880 and carried it on extensively for many years hnt for the past seven years has delivered his milk to the rreameries in Quiney. Ile has a fine herd of Jersey cows and was awarded first premimm at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago and by the Illinois State Dairymen's Association on several occasions. At one time he was the largest but- ter-maker in the county and the business brought him a profitable income. One-half of his farm is that which was originally owned by his grand- father, who entered the land from the govern- ment in 1833 and the original patent, signed by Martin Van Buren, is now in possession of George H. Baldwin.

On the 2d of April. 1865, Mr. Baldwin was married to Miss Mary Bartlett, a native of North Guilford, Connectiont. He lost his first wife in 1876, and in 1877 he was married to Miss Martha Hewett, of Mendon, Illinois. He has seven children living and has also lost three. Those who still survive are : Edwin G .. a teacher of Latin in a university at Deland, Florida: W. H., a farmer: Abraham, a traveling salesman, making his home in Sedalia. Missouri : John, who is attending the National Normal College, at

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Lebanon, Ohio: Thomas G., Benjamin, and Sarah, who are at home, Henry Ward, the oldest child, was studying for the ministry in Trinity College, at Hartford, Connectient, and while visiting an unele in North Guilford, Con- nectient, was taken suddenly ill and died Jan- mary 1, 1892: Melinda C. is also deceased; and Gilbert S. was killed by being thrown from a horse when about six years of age.

Ilis neighbors and business associates speak of Mr. Baldwin as a man worthy of trust and respect, who has never sought to figure in a publie light but has given his undivided atten- tion to his business affairs with the result that he has control of important agricultural inter- ests and is to-day one of the leading represen- tatives of his line of business activity in Honey Creek township. In polities he is a stalwart re- publican and he has served as school trustee of his township but otherwise has held no public office. Ile belongs to the Congregational church. while his wife is a member of the Episcopal church. In all that pertains to the public wel- fare he is deeply interested and his aid has been a co-operant factor in promoting general im- provement.

JOUN CRAWFORD.

John Crawford, of Mendon, is now one of the oldest citizens of Adams county, having attained the age of ninety-one years. He was born in County Cavan. Ireland, in April, 1814, his par- ents being Thomas and Margaret ( Hill) Craw- ford, also natives of County Cavan, where they spent their entire lives, the father being a weaver of fine linens.

John Crawford received but limited educa- tional privileges, owing to the poor condition of the schools in Ireland, but he realized the value and need of education and gave his children the best advantages in that direction that he could command. He came to America May 5, 1850, and settled at Mendon, Illinois, where he has sinee made his home. Having no trade, he worked at general labor until obliged to retire from active life on account of his advanced years. When he arrived in Mendon he built a log house and. after a few years, erected a frame house, in which he still resides.

On the 10th of April, 1844, in County Cavan, Ireland. Mr. Crawford was married to Mary Ann Heaney, a daughter of Edward and Margaret (Noble ) Heaney of the same county. The par- ents came to the United States in 1849 and, after a tempestuous voyage on a sailing vessel, landed

at New Orleans. They started northward with Illinois as their destination, but Mrs. Heaney and her daughter Jane died at St. Louis, Missouri, as the result of the exposure and strain brought on by the hard voyage.

U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Crawford were born ten children : Margaret, horn February 18, 1845, married Captain Asbury Tout and is living in Ursa, Illinois; Jane, born December 6, 1846, and now living in Mendon, is the widow of George Davis, who died in 1903, leaving five children, John. Emery, George. Lawrence and Lillian A. ; Matilda, born January 17, 1849, is living with her father; Mary A., born March 28, 1851, was married to James MI. Hedges of Mendon and died October 30, 1882, leaving four children, Maggie, Annie, Gertrude and Harry : Edward, born Feb- mary 14, 1853, married Ella Mackey, lives in Rockford, Illinois, and has four children, Emma and Ethel, twins, Francis and Fred ; Susan .I., born October 3, 1854, is a muse in Galesburg, Illinois; Thomas W., born June 23, 1856, when last heard from was in Colorado; John F., born April 6, 1858. married Estella Daniels, lives in Mendon and has six children, Marvin, Cecil, Ha- zel, Alma and Paul, who died at the age of six years. and Genevieve, who died at the age of two years; Sophia A., born May 13, 1860, is the wife of Richard L. Battell of Galesburg, Ilinois, and has one child, Leroy ; and Samuel R., born Feb- ruary 24, 1862, was married to May Brentner, lives in Mason City, Iowa, and has four children, May, Samuel, and Ruth and Ruby, twins.

Mrs. Mary Ann Crawford, the mother of this large family, passed away November 15, 1889, at the age of sixty-seven years. Having come to this country with her husband in the spring of 1850, she here experienced the hardships of pio- neer life. She had always been an earnest and indefatigable worker, a faithful wife, a devoted mother and a kind neighbor, and she was a de- voted member of the Protestant Episcopal church, of which she became a member when about fifteen years of age, having been confirmed by Bishop Mant of the diocese of Cavan. The funeral services were held in Zion church and many friends gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to her whom they had long known and esteemed, while her immediate family deeply mourned the loss of a loving wife and mother.

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Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 125

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