Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 136

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 136

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

by any other dramatic production and none has received more universal favorable connnent. The War of Wealth, which followed In Old Kentneky, has been presented in both England and Australia, as well as America, and has proven equally popular. The Suburban, produced by Jacob Litt, was another great suc- eess, and ITome Folks, Mr. Dazey's latest play, bids fair to wymal or surpass the record of In Old Kentucky.

Mr. Dazey has always been a contributor to various leading periodicals and was the author of several poems which appeared in the Cen- tury. A contemporary biographer has said : "In his dramatic and literary work Mr. Dazey is conscientious and painstaking to the highest degree. A close and remarkably successful stu- dent of human nature, dominated by the highest motives, his writings are not only pure and wholesome, but appeal strongly to the people. touching a responsive chord in every heart. He has not been influenced by the constant demands of great actors and successful managers, but writes with care and deliberation and everything that comes from his pen is characterized by the same completeness and elegance of finish. Among the dramatic writers of the day there is none more eminent or successful and his name will be honored in future years."

Mr. Dazey married Miss Lucy Harding and they have one son. They made an extended trip abroad in 1896, visiting England, France and Italy and everywhere were received with dis- tingnished honor, especially in theatrical and lit- erary wireles. Personally Mr. Dazey is a gen- tleman of broad culture, strong intellectual de- velopment, marked intellectuality and unfail- ing courtesy -- qualities which render him a de- lightful companion in cultured society circles. He has had the honor of an election into several famous elnhs of New York, including the Lotos, the Dramatists and the Lambs.

II. H. EMMINGA.

Prominent among the business men of Adams county is II. H. Emminga, who has been closely identified with the industrial and commercial interests of Golden since attaining man's es- tato. and his name has beeome inseparably con- nected with its financial records. He was born in Wiesens. Ostfriesland. Germany, December 25, 1850, and can trace his ancestry back through many generations. ITis forefathers seem to have been largely connected with the so-called learned classes of olden times and made them-

selves prominent in church, school and other matters of public interest, signing themselves Enmius, which is the Latin form of Emminga. Ubbo Emmius, who lived from 1547 to 1625, was a renowned historian, whose publications are taken as authority on the history of Ostfries- land, a small country on the North sea across from Great Britain, whose people never mixed with the other Germans and absolutely held their identity for over a thousand years. They were never successfully subjugated by other powers but governed themselves and did not pay any taxes until later times. The people of Golden and surrounding country are largely the de- scendants of emigrants from that particular lit- tle corner of Germany. Hinrich R. Emminga, the father of our subject, was born in Ostfries- land in 1829 and was a millwright by occupa- tion, reaching perfection in his chosen calling by study and close application. In his native land he married Miss Margaretha II. Franzen, who was born in 1824. Her father. Harm II. Fran- zen, for whom our subject was named, fought in the Franco-Prussian war as a cavalryman and was in the battle of Waterloo, June 18, 1815, where Napoleon I. was finally defeated. While a poor, unassuming man, Mr. Franzen was held in the highest respect as a quiet, honorable gen- tleman who never made an enemy. Accompa- nied by his wife and children. Hinrich R. Em- minga crossed the Atlantic and landed at New Orleans, whence they made their way up the river to Quincy, arriving at Golden in Febru- ary, 1852, at which time this region was all wild prairie. On reaching his destination Mr. Em- minga had only one piece of money left-a gold coin worth seven dollars and eighty cents-but through industry and economy he soon became independent and well-to-do. He never desired to be rich, for he did not believe that wealth and happiness would harmonize. IIe built several mills for himself during his lifetime and engaged in their operation. becoming a practical miller as well as millwright. Never overcoming his love and devotion for the fatherland, he returned to Germany in 1863 and while there his wife died in 1868 and was laid to rest at Iloltrop. Ostfries- land. In 1872 the father again came to America, bnt seven years later returned to Germany, where he passed away in 1888 and was buried by the side of his wife. He left to his son the priceless heritage of an untarnished name and the following advice: "Learn to he contented and manage to quit this world's work when you are fifty years old like I have done."

H. H. Emminga received a good practical edu- cation in the common schools but only four months of his school life were devoted to the study of English. Although quite a lover of na- ture, he could never become interested in agri-

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culture and matters pertaining thereto. He never learned to hitch up a horse and does not enjoy driving even if the finest horses in the country were at his command. Commercial pur- suits. however, have always had a great attrac- tion for him and he enjoys dealing with the out- side world. finding channels of his own without competing or becoming unfriendly with others. Without asking advice or assistance he found a way of dealing directly with foreign lands as readily as within our own country.

On his arrival in Golden at an early hour in the morning. May 11, 1870, direct from the fatherland, Mr. Emminga had but small means and was unable to speak the English language. He had spent his boyhood in this section up to the age of twelve years when the family returned to Germany, and he well remembers wading through the prairie swamps looking after lost cows where Golden is now situated, although it is the dividing point between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, thus necessarily forming a ridge. A system of drainage, however, was an easy matter to prepare for a town site. On Mr. Emminga's return in 1870, it was with the de- termination to locate, live and die in Golden and he has never changed his intention.

As an old-fashioned miller he knew how to grind meal and flour on millstones, but owing to ill health he was finally forced to give up that occupation and seek other employment. Ac- cordingly in 1879 he commeneed dealing and shipping grain of all kinds. He met with such success in his new venture that at the end of ten years, in 1889, he built a modern flour mill with the full roller process, which had a capacity of two hundred barrels per day and to which he gave the name of the New Era Mills. In order to escape our own overloaded markets he opened direct communication with the West Indies, Great Britain, France, Holland and other for- eign markets, with satisfactory results and pleas- ant connections. The little village of Golden having no bank, he decided to enter that busi- ness and on the 1st of July, 1894, opened the People's Exchange Bank, which he at first con- ducted in the same room with his milling and grain interests. This brick building, erected for office purposes in 1891 and fitted up with vaults and a strong safe for his own use, an- swered all needs for some years, but unfortu- mately it was located too far from the business center of the growing little city. Besides this the banking business had grown to such an ex- tent that it equalled that of any country bank in the county and it required better quarters and a more convenient site for the public, so that Mr. Emminga is now (in 1905) erecting a mod- ern structure, forty by fifty-two feet, to be a

model of its kind in finish and convenience. In connection with banking, he has also become in- terested in the real estate business, buying and selling property. examining records and furnish- ing loans. This department of his business is liberally patronized and his office has become a busy place.

In 1872, Mr. Emminga was united in marriage to Miss E. Maria Gembler, who was born in San Antonio, Texas, December 12, 1854, and is a daughter of Johan Jacob Gembler, an old Texas pioneer and ranchman who emigrated from Ger- many and landed in Galveston in 1847. Two children bless this union: Margaretha, who was born April 5, 1873, and was educated at St. Mary's Convent of Quincy; and John -Jacob, who was born May 30, 1875, and is a graduate of the Gem City Business College of Quiney. he- ing now cashier of the People's Exchange Bank of Golden.

When Mr. Emminga located in Golden that village contained only a few houses. He has always been deeply interested in matters of local improvement and has taken a very important part in building up the town. In 1898 a fine new public schoolhouse was built of brick and stone and of modern design. The people, being afraid of heavy taxation. were opposed to the plan at first. but when Mr. Emminga took up the matter. calling attention to the feasibility of issuing long time bonds at a low rate of interest, they changed their views and are now glad that they did so for they have never felt the burden of increased taxation. Mr. Emminga was ap- pointed notary public on the 21st of April, 1879. and has filled that office ever since to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Since attaining his majority he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party and its principles, as was his father and as his son is at present. He be- lieves that government is a business concern with no room for amateurism or hobbies of any kind. He also advocates the doctrine that edu- cation and intelligence without the services of the church are entirely insufficient and that only Christianity ean bring np mankind to the high- est sphere of life. A prominent member of the Lutheran Protestant church of Golden. he had the rebuilding of the church in 1904 principally in charge and in regard to its inside finishings it is now one of the finest to be found anywhere. Mr. Emminga has always taken a very active and prominent part in church work and recently offered ten thousand dollars if the proper au- thorities would establish a theological seminary in Golden. He finds his chief source of pleasure and recreation among his books, his library con- taining about two thousand volumes, and he makes a special study of history, biographies and

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natural science. ITis fondness for travel has led him to visit nearly every state in the Union and also much of Europe, taking a deep interest in different nationalities and their customs as well as the works of nature. As a financier ho ranks among the ablest in AAdams county, being a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment, and his executive ability and untiring industry have brought to him excellent success. As a citizen he ever stands ready to discharge any duty de- volving npon him and no man in the community is more widely or favorably known.

WILTON EPHRAIM WHITE.

Wilton Ephraim White, vice-president of the Gem City Business College, and hence connect- ed with the leading educational institution of this character in this country, was born Febru- ary 14, 1866. on a farm near Marion, Linn conn- ty, Iowa. ITis parents were James A. and Nancy ( Ellis) White. The father's parents removed to Ohio from Virginia. The mother's people were from Vermont, whence they went to Ohio, and in the latter state she gave her hand in mar- riage to Mr. White. Later they removed to lowa, where Mr. White engaged in farming and also followed his trade of carpentry. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-first Iowa Infantry, under Colonel Wil- liam Smith, July 6, 1862, and served contin- uously until the end of the war, taking part in over sixty important engagements, including the siege of Vicksburg, the battles of Lookout Mon- tain, Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga and At- lanta, and followed Sherman in his celebrated march "from Atlanta to the sea." After the war, Mr. White continued working at his trade and farming in fowa until 1872, when he emi- grated to Jewell county, Kansas, and is yet resid- ing with his wife upon a farm there. The chil- dren of the family were as follows: Basil, who died in 1890 as the result of an accident; Wil- liam B., twin brother of Wilton E., is a farmer in Kansas; Thompson S., who with his family resides in Quincy and is traveling salesman for the Quincy Casket Company; Charles D. is a traveling salesman residing in Portland, Ore- gon : lyda, the wife of J. B. King, resides in Oklahoma: Imey is the wife of C. Davis, of Washington, Kansas: Mary is the wife of Ed- win Kent of Jewell county, Kansas: Clara and Celia are still at home, the latter now pursuing a course in bookkeeping and stenography in the Gem City Business College.

Wilton E. White, the subject of this sketch, was but six years of age when his parents re-

moved to Kansas. Jewell county, in 1872, was on the extreme border of settlement ; passing In- dians were of daily occurrence ; and vast herds of buffalo roamed over the prairies. Amidst such seenes and conditions of hardy pioneer life the boy grew up, sharing the hardships and pri- vations in common with his brothers and sisters, and with the other settlers. During the summer of 1873, the grasshoppers completely destroyed the growing erops, which misfortune was fol- lowed by a very severe winter, so that the set- tlers were almost wholly dependent on "aid" sent by sympathizing citizens of neighboring states. The whole community of pioneers were at the point of starvation many times during that winter. The family first lived in a "dug- out" and afterward in a commodions sod house. The first school he attended was built of sod, the seats being slabs of native cottonwood lumber supported at each end by blocks eut from logs of the same wood: the desks were made of slabs with the flat side up, supported by stakes driven into the dirt floor. The first church there also was of sod; but the settlement gained a foothold and gradually emerged from its dugouts and sod houses, and is now dotted with cities and vil- lages, while the settlers dwell in modern houses, and schools and churches abound. The boy was a diligent and dutiful student at the district school which he attended every winter, when he could be spared from the farm work and from assisting his father in his carpenter work, until about his sixteenth year. At this time occurred a circumstance which, although trivial in itself, changed the whole course of his desires and am- bitions. W. C. Palmer, an old schoolmate hay- ing gone away to college, had learned the print- er's trade and was employed in the printing of- fice at Jewell. Wilton observed him at work at the case one day, and after watching the process of typesetting for a time, his friend presented him with a few broken types from the "hell- box." These were taken home and used in stamping the characters in every conceivable formation, on envelopes, fly-leaves of books, and every other place capable of receiving the im- pressions. This proved so interesting to him that the young man resolved also to become a printer. His printer schoolnate had been ad- vanced to local editor, in addition to his duties as compositor, and young White found no trou- ble in getting a chance to play the "devil" and try the art of typesetting in the same office, and was accordingly apprenticed to the Jewell Conn- ty Republiean, then owned by Benjamin Mus- ser, a banker and business man of Jewell. His salary was $2 per week, and at the end of the first year he had $104 to his credit in the bank, having supported himself by doing chores before and after working hours. While engaged in this

IV. E. WHITE

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work he applied himself so diligently that he was rapidly advanced and soon was hokling the most responsible position in the office. Hle fol- lowed his chosen vocation for several years, and during a great part of this time he resided with the Musser family, who are still pleased to call him "Our boy." Here his association with edu- cated people brought him to a realization of his own need for higher educational advantages than he possessed. He accordingly resolved to edu- vate himself if possible. Carefully saving his earnings, he took up a course of study at the State Agricultural College, at Manhattan. Kan- sas, supporting himself mainly by working at his trade while pursuing his studies. In 1889 he entered the Kansas Wesleyan University, at Sa- lina, where he also supported himself by editing and doing the mechanical work on a school and conference newspaper. After completing his studies at Salina, he engaged in public school teaching. hnt finding the wages in this line of work too low, he determined to fit himself as a commercial teacher. He accordingly entered the Gem City Business College, taking the full course. After graduation he was employed for a time in a bank in the capacity of expert book- keeper and anditor. In January, 1892, he was employed by Professor Musselman as teacher in the college, where he has served continuously since, being promoted from time to time un- til he now holds the position of professor of mathematics, commercial law, business corre- spondence, and punctuation-the principal chair on the faculty of the institution. Pro- fessor White is a favorite with his students and is noted among them for his great patience as an instructor, and for the clearness of his demonstrations. Ile takes a great interest in the eanse of commercial education and keeps himself carefully informed on the advanced thought of his profession. He is a regular at- tendant at the sessions of the National Com- mercial Teachers' Federation, and was elected president of that body for 1905 by unanimous consent of the members.

The professor is one of the heavy stockholders in the college corporation, is a member of the board of directors, and has served as viee-presi- dent since 1898. He also owns a one-half inter- est in the elegant five-story building at the cor- ner of Seventh and Hampshire streets (the col- lege home), the finest business block in Quincy. lle is also interested financially and as an author in the Musselman Publishing Company. publish- ing a celebrated line of commercial text-books. which have a large sale throughout the United States.

Professor White was married Angust 21, 1893. to Miss Dora A. Cooley, daughter of P. D. Cooley, a retired farmer, then living in Quiney.

but now residing in Colorado. Four children have been born to them : Clarence Cooley, born July 8, 1894, died November 11th of the same year: Wilton Parker, born July 27, 1898, and now a pupil in the public schools of Quincy; Dorothy Mildred, horn March 27, 1902, died March 25, 1903; and Virginia Ellis, born July 26, 1904. The family residence is at 803 Sixth avenue north, Quincy.

Politically Mr. White gives his support to the republican party. He is a member of Lambert lodge, No. 659, A. F. & A. M., in which he is one of the faithful and active workers, and is now serving as senior deacon in that body. Pro- fessor White has brought to bear on his educa- tional labors that fidelity and persistence which have characterized his progress from the first- patience, perseverance, an ambition to master what he undertakes, and a desire to move for- ward rather than to stand still, which in this age is another name for going backward. He has made for himself an enviable name and repu- tation, and has ably seconded the efforts of President Musselman in building up and main- taining in Quincy the leading commercial col- lege of America, which enjoys a national reputa- tion and enrolls its students from every state in the Union and from many foreign countries. Quincy is proud to note the success of Mr. White and to number him among her substantial busi- ness men and prominent educators.

ERDE W. BEATTY.

Erde W. Beatty. a resident of Quincy, is one of the native sons of the city, his birth having here occurred in May, 1859, his parents being Thomas and Sarah (Owens) Beatty. In early life the father followed the occupation of farm- ing in Ellington township, which was the place of his birth, but in later years took up his abode in Quincy, where he worked at the carriage- maker's trade and at the same time engaged in general repairing. He married Miss Sarah Owens, who was born in Melrose township, Adams eounty. and was a daughter of John Owens, one of the pioneer residents and progres- sive farmers of this county.

Erde W. Beatty is indebted to the public- school system of Adams county for the educa- tional privileges which were afforded him in his youth. In early manhood he learned the carriage-maker's trade under the direction of his father, to whom he gave his assistance until he had attained his majority. A partnership was then formed between them. which existed until 1887, when the father retired and was suc-

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ceeded in business by his three sons, Erde W., John E., and Thomas M., under the firm name of Beatty Brothers. In the meantime the busi- ness had been developed into a large and pros- perons carriage manufacturing enterprise and the sons, being practical and skillful workmen, wore well fitted to continue the business. Their establishment was located at the sonthwest cor- ner of Twelfth and Hampshire streets and was well equipped with all modero machinery. Men skilled in the trade were employed to do the work of the shops and an excellent line of car- riages was annually sent out, the product of the honse being such that it found a ready sale on the market. Their trade constantly increased, bringing to them a good financial return, and Mr. Beatty of this review was thus connected with the industrial interests of Quincy for many years. The reputation which the house sus- tained was unassailable and the business methods followed wonld hear the closest inspection and scrutiny.

In 1893 Erde W. Beatty was united in mar- riage to Miss Anna C. Wild, who was born in Quincy. They now have two children: E. C. Obert and Sarah Margaret. Their circle of friends is extensive and the hospitality of many of the best homes of the city is freely aceorded them.

Mr. Beatty is a prominent democrat, deeply interested in the success and growth of his par- ty. yet he has no political aspirations for him- self. Ile belongs to Bodley lodge, No. 1, A. F. & A. M., and also has membership relations with the Modern Woodmen and other fraternal socie- ties. Ifis life record has at all times been com- mendable, being characterized by integrity in business, and honor in all relations and his his- tory is but another illustration of the fact that in America, where effort is not pampered by caste or class, labor brings its sure reward.

EARL II. TOOLE, M. D.

Well known as a man and practitioner of medicine is Dr. Toole, one of the successful yonng physicians of Quincy, having been in general practice for the past seven years. He was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, July 28, 1875, his parents being Octavius B. and Christina (IIansen) Toole. The father was born in Weston, Missouri, near St. Joseph, July 18, 1847, and his wife was a native of Copenhagen, Denmark, born in 1857, coming to America when a child with her parents, who settled in a Danish community in Jackson county, Kansas. Christina Hansen was married to Octavius B. Toole at Atchison. Kansas, August

14, 1871. Her death occurred, January 16, 1881, when she was twenty-four years of age. Oetavins B. Toole was in the money order department of the post office at St. Joseph, Missouri, for several years, previous to his appointment as railway postal elerk, running between Quiney, Illinois, and Kansas City, Missouri, which later position he filled for nearly thirty years. He died Feb- rnary 21, 1904, while yet in active service. had been a cattleman in Montana, in the early '60s, in the same district of which his cousin, the Hon. J. K. Toole, is now governor. He was one of the first men to take an entire outfit over- land from St. Joseph to Montana, the journey by ox-teams consuming six months.

In the family of Octavius B. Toole, which moved to Quincy in 1876, were three children. one of whom, Roy, died in infancy. Nellie. the only daughter, became the wife of Dr. P. T. Chadwell. of Quincy. Many years following the death of his first wife Octavius Toole married Miss Alice Mclaughlin, who had come from St. .Joseph with the family and had cared for his children since the death of their mother. Through her efforts the son and daughter were enabled to have musical, literary and medical educations. One child, Florence, who was born in October, 1902, is living with her mother.

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Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 136

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