Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 129

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 129

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Mr. Thietten, the father of this family, was a soldier of the Civil war, responding to his coun- try's call for troops in 1862 and serving until the close of hostilities as a member of Company B. Seventy-eighth linois Regulars. He was a republican in his political views, and his sons have followed in his footsteps. Ile left his fam- ily in comfortable financial circumstances, Mrs. Thietten now owning one hundred and ninety- fonr acres of very rich and productive land. which is located two miles north of Loraine. She also has a fine home and twelve acres of land in the village. TIer son Andrew resides upon the old home farm, and in connection with its opera- tion is engaged in the coal and grain business with Charles Wheaton and also buys a large amount of stock.

FRED HOLTMAN.

Fred Holtman is the owner of valuable landed interests comprising four hundred and sixty-four acres, and is actively engaged in the operation of two hundred acres of this property, his home being on section 32. Ursa township. He was born October 24, 1826, in Germany, and is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Better) Holtman, who were also natives of Germany. The mother died

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in that country when the son was very young. The father afterward came to America in 1866 and remained a resident of Adams county until his death.

Fred Holtman was reared and educated in his native land, and in 1865 sought a home in the United States, landing at New York, whence he made his way to St. Louis. There he remained for a year and a half, after which he came to Quincy, where he lived until twenty years ago. At that time he took up his abode in Ursa town- ship. where he rented land for seven years and then purchased the farm upon which he now resides. He owns altogether four hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, and, while renting a part of this to his sons, he yet actively operates two hundred aeres, which is very productive and yields good erops in return for the eare and labor he bestows on the fields. He raises much stock, including both hogs and cattle. His home is pleasantly situated about one-half mile east of Marcelline, on section 32, Ursa township. Mr. IIoltman was married, in 1862, to Miss Hannah Stocksick, whose parents became residents of St. Louis, Missouri, at an early day. Her mother died soon afterward of cholera, and later her father removed to Quincy, where he lived with Mr. and Mrs. Holtman until his death. which occurred in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Iloltman have nino children : Angust, born in 1865; Henry, born in 1866 and now living near the old home- stead: William, who was born in 1875 and is married and lives near his father's farm; Han- nah, who was born in 1877 and is married and lives near Lima, Illinois; Minnie, who was born in 1879 and is the wife of Henry Beckman, a farmer. living near Lima: Lulu, who was born in 1881 and is the wife of William Markwood, a resident of Ursa; Emna, who was born in 1876 and is the wife of William Ippensen, who re- sides in Mendon : Amanda, who was born in 1878 and is married and lives in Missouri; and Edith, who was born in 1880 and is the wife of August Ippensen, of Mendon.

Mr. Holtman and his family are all members of the German Lutheran church of Ursa, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is a self-made man, having started out in life as a poor boy, but by hard work and economical living he has gained a valuable prop- erty.

MARTIN JOSEPIL.

Martin Joseph is one of the most prominent representatives of commercial interests in Quincy. It would seem trite to those familiar with his ca- reer to say that he has arisen from an obscure

position in the business world to rank with the most successful merchants of this eity and the middle west, but it is just to say, in a history that will descend to future generations, that his name has been a record which any man might be proud to possess, for, without special advantages at the outset of his business life, he has arisen through the improvement of opportunity, com- manding uniform respect and confidence because of his faithfulness to every obligation and duty that have devolved upon him.

Like many of the leading citizens of Quiney, he is a native son of the fatherland, his birth having occurred in Hanover, Germany, in 1834. Ilis parents were Solomon and Johanna Joseph. The father was a merchant, controlling a large trade, and he also dealt quite extensively in real estate. In his later years he removed to IFam- burg. where he lived retired until his death, which occurred in 1856, when he was sixty-eight years of age. His wife died in 1857. They were the parents of seven children, and three of the sons, Wolf, Emil and Martin, came to America. Wolf Joseph crossed the Atlantic in 1848, set- tling in Augusta, Maine, where he was joined the following year by Emil and in 1855 by Martin. Their sister, Rosa, was married to Ferdinand Nelke and came with her husband to the United States in 1854. Mr. Nelke was associated with Wolf and Emil Joseph in a dry goods business in Angusta.

Like his brothers and sisters, Martin JJoseph acquired his early education under private in- struction at home, and when he was thirteen years of age his father sent him to a military college, from which he was graduated in 1850. Ile came to the United States in 1855 and began working for his brothers in their store in Au- gusta, Maine. In the fall of 1857 he came to Quiney and associated himself with Isadore Nelke under the firm style of Joseph & Nelke. dealers in dry goods. Abont 1858 or 1859 Wolf Joseph and Ferdinand Nelke sold ont their business in Angusta, Maine, and came to Qniney, where they joined the firm of Joseph & Nelke, the new part- nership being formed under the name of toseph, Nelke & Company. Emil Joseph had died in Augusta in 1859. The new firm, in addition to their store in Quiney, opened a millinery store in St. Louis, which they conducted until the Civil war broke out, when they removed their stock of goods to this city, consolidating the two stores in one large mercantile enterprise. At that time they were located on Ilampshire street, in the middle of the block between Fourth and Fifth streets. A few years later they removed to a building near the corner of Fifth and Hampshire, adjoining the First National Bank, where they were loeated for eight years, when they located

MARTIN JOSEPH

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on the west side of Fourth street near Maine street. When five years had passed they secured a store at the northwest corner of Fourth and Ilampshire streets, and in 1900 removed to their present fine store, occupying the entire build- ing, three stories in height, with a frontage of fifty feet, at Nos. 407 and 409 Hampshire street. In 1900 they retired from the dry goods trade and have since devoted their entire time to the millinery business, which is largely conducted along wholesale lines, the retail department being only a small feature of their business. From the time of the establishment of the store in Quincy the business has continually grown in a most gratifying manner, and the house now enjoys a very large trade. Changes have occurred in the partnership, I. Nelke retiring in 1884 and F. Nelke in 1892. At that time the firm style he- came Joseph Brothers & Davidson. Wolf Joseph died in 1901, but Martin Joseph has maintained continuous connection with the business since its establishment in 1857. This is one of the oldest and most reliable mercantile houses of the city.

Martin Joseph was married, in Berlin, Ger- many, in 1864, to Miss Emma Cohen. They had one son, Solomon Joseph, who was born in 1865 in Quiney and advanced through successive grades in the public schools until he had become a high school student. He died in 1893 at the age of twenty-eight years, when in Cannes. France, and his remains were brought back to Quiney and interred in the Valley of Peace ceme- tery.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph are members of the Jewish synagogue and he belongs to Bodley lodge, No. 1, A. F. and A. M., and the Royal Arch chapter of Quiney. His political views aceord with repub- lican principles. His business career is a notable one, and his prosperity has been gained through such old and time-tried maxims as "there is no excellence without labor" and " honesty is the best policy."

WILLARD P. UPHAM.

Willard P. Upham, a leading representative of the commercial and financial interests of Quincy and therefore one of its upbuilders. was born in Melrose, Massachusetts, in 1841. ITis ancestry, both in direct and collateral lines, has for many generations been represented in the new world. It includes those whose names fig- ure in connection with the colonial and Indian wars of New England, as well as heroes of the Revolution. The first of the Upham family in America arrived in 1635. Only fifteen years be- fore had the first settlement in New England

been made and successive generations of the fan- ily aided in monlding the public policy and shap- ing the annals of that part of the country.

The acquirement of a public school education on the part of Mr. Upham was followed by his initial step into the business world. He made this as an employe in a large wholesale dry- goods house of Boston, Massachusetts, but the opportunities of the rapidly developing west at- tracted him and in the early '60s he became a resident of Washington, Iowa, where he became a boot and shoe merchant. Thus Mr. Upham be- came connected with a line of trade which has since claimed his attention and in which his un- faltering energy and keen sagacity have been crowned with the success that makes him one of the representative and prosperous merchants of the middle west. After three years spent in Washington he removed to Keokuk, Iowa, and there he continued in the same line of merchan- dising, but conducted his store as a wholesale as well as retail concern.

Since 1878 Mr. Upham has been identified with commercial circles of Quiney. - to the betterment of the city as well as to his individual success. Here he became a member of the firm of Upham, Gordon & Company, and they purchased the old established boot and shoe house of C. Brown. Fr .. withdrawing from the retail trade in order to give their undivided attention to the constantly growing wholesale branch of the business. This is to-day one of the largest wholesale enterprises of the city, with a trade that is annually repre- sented by a large figure and which extends over a wide western territory. The executive force and sound judgment of Mr. Upham have been the salient features of his success. His plans are carefully formed, vet he is prompt in their ex- eention and the policy of the house has ever been such as will bear the closest investigation.

Hlad Mr. Upham been connected with no other line of business, the development of his shoe trade alone would entitle him to rank with the leading business men of the eity. ITis wise coun- sel and ready understanding of a business situa- tion. however, have proven valuable factors in the safe control of other enterprises and he stands to-day as one of the foremost figures in commercial and financial eireles in Quincy. Ile was for many years a director of the First Na- tional Bank of Quiney. and when it was con- solidated with the State Savings, Loan & Trust Company, he was elected a director of the con- solidated banks.

ITis publie labors have resulted beneficially to the city and his philanthropie and benevolent work commend him to the respeet of his fellow- men, giving evidence of a nature that is not self- eentered, but is permeated by a broad humani- tarianism that is manifest in practical result and

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tangible efforts. He is one of the trustees of Blessing Hospital and has been a generous sup- porter of many worthy objects for the relief of the unfortunate, but it is never Mr. Upham who speaks of these, the knowledge of such coming to the world through other avenues, as he is ex- tremely reserved in mentioning anything which he does along these lines. Ile is an avowed champion. however, of all that promises benefit for the city in the line of improvement and up- building and the work which he has done in con- nection with the Quiney Chamber of Commerce has resulted in permanent benefit to the city. Ile was active in the organization of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce and was elected its first president. He bent every energy to make this a means of material good to the city and through the instrumentality of this organization,-pro- moted by Mr. Upham and his associates,-there are now in Quincy a new Chicago, Burlington & Qniney Railroad terminal, a new wagon bridge, the public market, and other substantial evi- dences of improvement. Mr. Upham has always been a stanch republican, but prefers to do his public service as a private citizen, rather than in political office. Any one studying the history of Quiney and its upbuilding will soon find that Mr. I'pham has figured largely in publie prog- ress. and is to-day a typical business man of the west, alert and enterprising, reaping the reward of capable management and unfaltering labor, and at the same time so directing his energies that the community at large is benefited.

JOHN BATSCHY.

John Batsehy, whose developed powers as an architect have gained him standing with the foremost representatives of the profession in the middle west, was born in Filisur, Switzer- land, March 8, 1855, his parents being John and Ursina (Schmidt) Batschy, also natives of Swit- zerland. AAbout the second generation back there was a mixture of French blood introduced into the family, but it is not known on which side. The paternal grandfather was a farmer and owned considerable property, being regard- ed as well-to-do in his native land. Following his death the estate was sold and the family went to live on the estate of the mother's father, which property is still in possession of his de- seendants, being now owned by Martin Batschy. a younger brother of our subject. The father was a teacher in the public schools of his native country and died in Switzerland in 1867, while his wife passed away there in 1891. The mem- bers of their family are: John Martin, who was born September 13, 1857, and is married and

living on the estate left by his mother; Anna Verena, who was born March 5, 1861, and is the wife of Michael Mettier, a farmer living in Stuls, Switzerland.

John Batsehy pursued his early edneation in the public schools of his native city, being grad- nated with the class of 1870. He was desirous at that time of attending the art schools but the laws prevented him doing so until he had learned the carpenter's trade. Accordingly he served a two-years' apprenticeship in that way and later developed a natural talent for architecture by careful study and preparation in the art school at Zurich, where he completed a two-years' course by graduation. Later he entered the school of design at Winterthur and was again graduated when he had completed a two-years' course. He displayed particular aptitude in the line of his chosen vocation, his standing in school being greatly above the average, at Win- terthur his scholarship being ninety-four per cent and at Zurich eighty-nine per cent, when only eighty-one per cent is required for gradna- tion. For about a year Mr. Batschy was con- neeted with a Mr. Hartman in St. Moritz as as- sistant architect and afterward entered the ser- vires of Rapatz Brothers in Samaden, Switzer- land, with whom he continued until 1884. Dur- ing that time he worked on plans for the famons Hotel Victoria at St. Moritz, which is patronized only by wealthy English lords and people of the highest class. Ile also worked on the plans for the Hotel Dubac, which is patronized only by wealthy business men and prominent travelers, many from America.

In the spring of 1884 Mr. Batsehy left his na- tive country and spent much time in traveling through Europe, visiting France, Italy, Austria, Germany and England, during which time he studied art and spent many hours in inspecting the fine works of old masters not only in archi- tecture, but also in painting and seulpture. Thus he gained an experience only to be obtained in the art cireles of the old world where every tree and stone seems to breathe forth the genius of the old masters. Ile thus had advantages pos- sessed by few architects in this country and splendidly qualified he came to the new world late in the fall of 1884. here to win prominence because of his splendid equipments for his pro- fession. lle went first to St. Louis, Missouri. and in the summer of 1885 spent some time in Camp Point, Illinois, with relatives. In Septem- ber, 1885, he received a letter from Architect Frey, of Dubuque, lowa, with whom he accepted a position, working there until March, 1886. when he came to Quiney. He spent some time in studying the modes of this country and since 1886 he has been continuously practicing

JOHN BATSCHY

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his profession in his city, his superior skill and ability being demonstrated in many of the most prominent buildings here, including the Soldiers and Sailors Home buildings, Woodland Home for Orphans Friendless, the Musselman build- ing, which is the largest business block in the eity, the Schott office building, the George Ertel block, which is a four-story stone structure, the large buildings for the pump department of the Gardner Governor Company, the Quincy Show C'ase works, the bottling works of J. J. Flynn & Company, the Washington, Berrian and Irving publie-school buildings, engine houses Nos. 4 and 7, and a number of fine residences. lle also re- built the Wells Building. He was architect of the Soldiers and Sailors flome from 1887, his appointment coming from the trustees being ap- proved by the governor. He acted in that capac- ity until 1898 and erected all of the fine build- ings that constitute one of the most beautiful soldiers homes in the country. The high school building at Fort Madison, erected at a cost of fifty thousand dollars was designed by him, also the Odd Fellows hall, built at a cost of eighteen thousand dollars. He was likewise the architect of the Chandler Hotel at Macomb, Illinois, one of the most neat and comfortable hotel buildings in the smaller eities of the state. Other notable buildings in both business blocks and private residences in this and neighboring vities have been erected by him and his genius as an archi- teet is unquestioned.

On the completion of the Gem City Business College, the finest office building in this section of the country. the following letter was written to Mr. Batsehy by the president of the college, D. L. Musselman :

"Allow me to tender you my sincere congratu- lations on the thorough and complete plans of our new college building. The thousands who have visited the Gem City Business College all marvel at its completeness, even to the slightest details.

"Its beanty of architecture must surely stand as a monument of your genius, while the arrange- ments as to space, light and ventilation, are all that could be desired.

"To those who contemplate the erection of educational institutions, I can heartily recom- mend Mr. John Batschy as a most thorough, painstaking and reliable architect-one who has made a study of, and understands the require- ments and necessities of public schools and buildings."

Mr. Batschy belongs to the Masonie frater- nity, holds membership with Bodley lodge, No. 1. A. F. & A. M., at Quincy ; Quiney chapter, No. 5. R. A. M. : and EI Aksa Commandery, No. 55. K. T., in which he is now eminent commander. Ile has attained the thirty-second degree of the

Scottish rite and is thus prominent in both branches of Masonry. He belongs to the First I'nion Congregational church, and in politics is a staneh republican. He became a naturalized American citizen August 21, 1895, and is most loyal to the interests of his adopted land, de- lighting in its principles of government and tak- ing just pride in the appreciation shown in this great and growing country for the true worth and character of the individual and his possi- bilities and accomplishments in the business world.

Mr. Batschy wedded Miss Louisa Schoeneman, a daughter of John M. Schoeneman, one of the early settlers of Quiney who came to this city from Germany and died here. Mr. and Mrs. Batschy were married Angust 4, 1891, and Mrs. Batschy died May 29, 1898. They had one son, John Martin, born January 1, 1893, and now a student in the public schools. The family home is a beautiful residence at 316 South Twelfth street. Mr. Batschy stands to-day pre-eminent in his profession in Quincy and his life record is an illustration of the fact that capability and elose application fail not to seenre the substan- tial rewards of the business world.

JOHN RICKART.

John Riekart was a native of Ohio, born July 12, 1812, and came to Illinois in 1838, first lo- cating in Chambersburg, Pike county. Sub- sequently he removed to Jacksonville and later to Quiney, afterward taking up his residence in Kingston. In all of these eities he was en- gaged in merchandising, continuing to follow that pursnit until 1860, when he located on a farm in Richfield township and turned his at- tention to agriculture. flere his death oc. curred in 1896, when he was eighty-three years of age. Ile was married three times and is still survived by his third wife, who continues to reside in Richfield township. She bore the maiden name of Hannah S. Meacham, and by her marriage became the mother of six chil- dren. The children of John Riekart are as follows: John W., now living on a fruit ranch near Seattle, Washington, was a captain in the Fiftieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war and served until the elose of hostilities. Eliza J. is the wife of E. C. Harris, of Anburn, Kansas. David is a resident of Stanislaus county, California. Mary A. is the wife of R. D. Likes, of Ness county, Kansas. I. Dow is also a resident of that county. Ida O. F. is at home with her mother. Omie is the

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widow of George W. Young and is also at home. Turner S. is the next of the family. Dennison JJ. died in 1895. Claudia B. is the wife of Frank Bowers, of Richfield township. Erma Il. resides at home and is now teaching school in Camp Point.

Turner S. Riekart received a good educa- tion, which has well fitted him for life's prac- tical duties. Ile also studied law and was graduated at the law school of Ann Arbor University in 1899, but has never practiced his profession, preferring to devote his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. In his farming operations he has met with excellent success and now operates a good farm of one hundred and sixty aeres on section 35, Rich- field township. He raises both grain and stock. His political support is given the democratie party and its principles, and socially he is a member of the blue lodge of Masonry and the Eastern Star. His father was also a Mason, being one of the charter members and first master of the lodge at Kingston, and he was also a charter member of the Royal Arch chap- ter at Barry. Ile belonged to the Christian church at Beverly, and his wife now holds membership in the Liberty Christian church. The family is one of prominence in the com- munity where they reside and its members have ever taken an active part in promoting the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the county.

FREDERICK E. MOLLER.

Frederick E. Moller, treasurer of the Moller & Vanden Boom Lumber Company, of Quincy, was born in this city, December 10, 1879. His grandfather, Bernard D. Moller, was born in IFanover, Germany, November 29, 1819, and in 1847 was married to Mary Massman. The same year they started for the United States, landing at New Orleans, where they remained for six months. In 1848 they removed to St. Louis, and there on the 29th of May, 1848, a son was born to them to whom they gave the name of Henry II. Moller. The following year the wife and mother died of cholera. Bernard H. Moller re- mained a resident of St. Louis for eight years and was engaged in teaming. In 1856 he re- moved to Quiney, where he followed the same pursuit. Ile reached the advanced age of seven- ty-nine years, passing away September 15, 1898.

Henry H. Moller acquired his education in St. Francis College, of Quincy, which he attended until fourteen years of age, when he entered upon his business career as a clerk in the II. F. J.

Rieker Bank. IIe was the first one to ocenpy that position in the institution and was also its first teller. For about four years he was con- nected with the bank and then became book- keeper in the Keene Parking House, where he con- tinned for two years, after which he spent a simi- lar period as bookkeeper in the Menke & Grimm Planing Mill. He was afterward clerk for Wen- dalin & Weber, railroad contractors, and two years later he became shipping clerk for the Dick Brewery, acting in that capacity until 1875, when he entered the Inmber business as a member of the firm of Moller & Vanden Boom. This con- nection was maintained until his death, which occurred August 19, 1900. Each change he had made in his business life was for the better and gradually he worked his way upward until his diligence and economy enabled him to engage in business on his own account. From that time forward he enjoyed gratifying success, the lum- ber business constantly growing until it reached extensive and profitable proportions. As he found favorable opportunity he also made invest- ment in other business enterprises and became the president of the Knittel Show Case Company, president of the Highland Park Company and a director of the Germania Publishing & Printing Company. Ile formed his plans carefully and was then determined in their execution and the fact that he possessed sound judgment and nn- faltering diligence are indicated in the fact that although he started ont in life at an early age without capital, he became one of the foremost business men of Quincy.

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Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 129

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