Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 138

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 138

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In 1855 he returned to Quincy, where he em- barked in business on his own account at No. 519 Hampshire street, condneting a little hat store with a hat factory in connection. With the added impetus of controlling a business of his own, he applied himself with unremitting diligence to the development of the trade and the execution of his work, and gradually his business grew until he was enabled to purchase the building in which he had first opened his store. He after- ward enlarged the plant by making one addition after another. While engaged in this business he employed his brother, Joseph Broekschmidt, as his assistant and in 1860 admitted him to a part- nership under the firm style of John H. Brock- schmidt & Brother. This was continued until November 11, 1896, when the brother Joseph died. After his brother's death he resolved to retire from the trade and disposed of his store

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and factory. While engaged in active business he not only controlled the hat manufacturing en- terprise and the sale of his commodity but also became associated with William Cramer in con- dueting a distillery at Cedar Creek. He did not find this business congenial, however, and the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Broekschmidt re- tiring in 1875.

On the 10th of September, 1857, Mr. Broek- schmidt was married to Miss Caroline Epple, and unto them were born six children: Alfred John. Lorenzo Joseph, Ositha Maria, Louise Philomina, Frank, Joseph and Agatha Caroline. Of these Lorenzo, Joseph and Agatha died in infaney. Of the living children Alfred is en- gaged in the practice of law in Quincy, Ositha M., also resides in Quiney and Frank JJ. is now conducting a dry goods establishment under the name of the Boston store in Quiney. Lonise be- came the wife of Casper J. Dittmeyer and died August 23. 1903. in Quiney, leaving three sur- viving children, Herbert J .. Helen Ositha and Pauline Louise, but the last named died in in- fancy, January 24, 1904.

Mr. Broekschmidt, realizing the disadvantage under which he had suffered through lack of education, resolved that his children should have excellent advantages in this direction and in- sisted strenuously upon them attending school and thus becoming well equipped for life's prac- tieal duties. Both sons received college educa- tions and the daughters graduated from a con- vent. In 1876 Mr. Broekschmidt was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the sth of April, of that year, leaving to him the care of four small children. Hle survived her for twenty-one years, passing away October 21. 1897, after an illness of only thirty-six hours.

The history of JJohn Henry Broekschmidt con- tains many lessons that are worthy of emulation. his life record proving the value of industry and determination in the active affairs of life. With few advantages, educational or otherwise, he started ont to make his own way in the world and as the architect of his own fortunes he builded wisely and well. winning not only prosperity but also an untarnished name. For many years he figured as one of the leading business men of Quiney and is now numbered among its hon- ored dead.

JOHN SMITH.

John Smith, deceased, who settled in Quincy in 1837, was one of the first contractors of this city. Ilis business was mostly railroad con- tracting and he had a wide and favorable

acquaintance among business men in this part of the state. His birth occurred in County Donegal, Ireland, in February, 1812. His father, Robert Smith, was also a native of Ireland, and the mother's birth occurred in that country. During the greater part of his life the father carried on farming on the Emer- ald Isle and both parents passed away there.

John Smith acquired a good education in the schools of his native country and remained a resident of Ireland until twenty-five years of age, when he bade adieu to home and friends and sailed for the United States, believing that he might have better business opportunities in the new world. After landing he came direct to Quiney in 1837 and entered business life as a contractor, having become acquainted with that line of activity to some extent in Ireland. After engaging in general contracting for sev- eral years, he began as a railroad contractor and worked on many branches of the railroads in this part of the state. He followed that pursuit for a number of years, profiting by his labor, business management and executive force, and when he had accumulated a grati- fying competence he retired from active busi- ness life, enjoying a well earned rest up to the time of his demise.

Mr. Smith was twice married, his first wife being Miss Emily Smith, a daughter of William Smith, who was an early settler of Adams county. He located on a farm in Melrose town- ship, just southeast of Quincy, and there en- gaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days. Ilis wife also died on the old homestead. By his first marriage our subject had two sons who are still living: William J .. a traveling salesman ; and John A., a farmer of Monroe county, Missouri. After the death of the mother of these children, Mr. Smith mar- ried her sister, Miss Jane Smith, and to them were born three children, but two died in infancy. The surviving son is Robert G., who holds a responsible position as traveling audit- or of the Western Railway Weighing Associa- tion for the railroads of Chicago. He thus spends much of his time on the road but he still makes his home in Quincy with his mother.

Mr. Smith passed away September 27, 1873. He had made a wide acquaintance during his residence in Quiney, which covered more than a third of a century. He was alderman of his ward for two terms, being elected on the demo- cratic ticket. He held membership in the Pres- byterian church. to which his wife also be- longs. Although he came to America with no capital, the hope that led him to seek a home in the new world was more than realized, for lie found business opportunities that he could utilize and his persisteney of purpose and ac-

JOHN SMITH

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tivity in business won him sueeess. He had a wide acquaintance among the pioneer residents and is yet remembered by many of the leading citizens of Quincy. who counted him as a triend. Following her husband's death, Mrs. Smith gave up the old homestead and moved to No. 701 Broadway, where she and her son now reside.

THOMAS REDMOND.

Thomas Redmond, superintendent of public works in Quincy and connected with the public service for many years, has through his devotion to duty and his public spirit, gained a position in the regard of his fellow townsmen that is en- viable. He was born in Quincy in 1855, a son of Thomas and Mary ( Dunlevey ) Redmond. The father, born in Ireland in 1804, came to this country when about eighteen years of age and from that time forward was dependent entirely upon his own resources. He located first in Vermont and accepted any honest employment that offered. He spent a number of years in Boston and other points in the east and for a time was engaged in railroad contracting. Re- solving to seek a home in the west. he made his way to St. Louis and thence started up the Mis- sissippi. After a brief sojourn at Burlington, Iowa, and Galena. Illinois, he returned to Quin- cy, where he located in 1837. He had no cap- ital nor had he any acquaintances in this city, but he possesses determination, strong will and force of character. He at once obtained em- ployment here, being first engaged in contract- ing and later in railroad work. Industrious and energetic, success attended him and he soon accu- mulated enough capital to enable him to pur- ehase a few horses, earts and wagons and in company with Samuel Holmes and William Shannahan, he obtained a contract for grading on the old North Cross Railroad. between Quin- ey and Clayton. He continued in that business with success for a number of years, being at different times a member of the firms of Holmes, Redmond & Shannahan: Redmond. Donlery & Company : Redmond, Powers & Smith : and Red- mond and Holmes. He was employed on the old "O. K." railroad and also in making the grade for the approach to the Quincy bridge. As he found opportunity he invested largely in real estate in and adjoining Quiney, which prop- erty largely increased in value with the growth of the city and made him one of its substantial residents. He not only became a leading factor in business life, but also exerted wide felt in- fluenee in public affairs and his devotion to the general good, combined with his ability, well en-

titled him to public recognition and honors. In 1848 he was elected a member of the city coun- cil and with the exception of a period of two or three years served continuously for more than two decades. In 1866 upon the resignation of Mayor Woodruff, he was elected without opposi- tion to fill the vacancy and for three successive terms he was chosen to the office, resigning in 1864 in order to take his seat in the state legisla- ture, to which he had been elected. He was Iong the veteran member of the city council and while serving as alderman and mayor he did effective service for the city, his labors proving beneficial along many lines of progress and material im- provement. Coming to this country in limited financial circumstances he worked his way stead- ily upward until he became possessed of great wealth, and this he largely used to improve the rity. He added a number of fine struetures to the business seetion of the city and was ever ready to respond to a public eall for aid. Quincy numbered him among her distinguished men. he standing as a high type of the progressive citizen, the reliable business man and the faithful friend.

Thomas Redmond. Sr., had nine children of whom four are deceased. The others are : Mag- gie, wife of Jake Dick. of Quincy : Katie (., wife of H. J. Rieker. Jr .. of the Rieker National Bank. of Quincy; Mollie G .. wife of C. M. Fargo, of Springfield, Illinois: James, of Kansas City, Mis- souri ; and Thomas. Patrick II. died in Phila- delphia. in 1895. and is buried in Quiney.

Thomas Redmond, whose name introduces this record. attended the public and high schools of Quincy until eighteen years of age and from 1884 he has been connected with the city work. largely with the board of public works. He served first as inspector. later became secretary of that board and since 1901 has been its super- intendent. His public service, like his father's, has ever been characterized by unfaltering devo- tion to the public good and he brings marked business ability to the discharge of the duties that devolve upon him. His political support is given to the democracy. He is widely known and popular in the city and has a large circle of friends.

L. L. MYERS.

L. L. Myers, living on section 23. Gilmer town- ship. has for more than a half century made his home in Adams county. He was born in Penn- sylvania. in September, 1850, and the following year was brought to Illinois by his parents, who located in Mendon township. His father. Henry Myers, was also a native of the Keystone state and was a carpenter and farmer. He was mar-

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ried to Miss Anna Tinsman, a native of Pennsyl- vania, and they were much respected among the pioneer residents of Adams county, Illinois. In their family were fourteen children: Mary, the wife of Moses G. Worman, of Mendon township: Jacob T., of Gilmer township ; Mrs. Nancy Wor- man. living in Mendon township : Sarah, the wife of Dr. Gilliland, of Coatsburg: Mrs. Catherine Osborn, of Quincy; Mrs. Elvina Young, living in Oklahoma . Cyrus, and Jesse, both deceased : John IL., of Mendon: Mrs. Elvira Dudley, of Mendon ; Mrs. Izora Ogle, living in Gilmer town- ship: L. L., of this review ; Mrs. Vanette Evans, of Honey Creek township and L. C., who is liv- ing on the home place in Mendon township.

In taking up the personal history of L. L. Myers we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in this county, for almost his entire life has been passed within its borders. He was educated in the public schools of Mendon, devoting his time to the duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground. Since leaving school his time has been given to farming and stock-raising. and he is to-day the owner of a very rich and arable tract of land of one hundred and sixty aeres in Gilmer township. Here he raises fine stock for which he finds a ready sale on the market.

Mr. Myers was married to Miss Margaret Lin- mis. in 1875. The lady was born in Adams county and by her marriage became the mother of four children : Ada, Sarah. Leroy, and Mel- vin, all at home, Mr. Myers has served as school treasurer and is deeply and helpfully interested in the cause of education. His political allegi- ance is given to the democratic party and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. ITe has been found loyal in citizenship, reliable in business, and trustworthy in friendship.

S. R. MeANULTY.

S. R. MeAnulty, who is engaged in breeding and dealing in pure-blooded Poland China hogs and Percheron, Belgian and German coach horses, makes his home in Golden. lle is a native son of Adams county, his birth having occurred in Camp Point township, October 31. 1839. This father, Samuel MeAmilty, was a native of Penn- sylvania. born in 1800, and the grandfather, Joseph Me Anulty, was a native of Scotland but became one of the early settlers of Pennsylvania. In 1812 he removed with his family to Ohio, set- tling in Greene county, where Joseph Me Amulty was reared to manhood. Ile was married in 1826 to Uneinda MeFarland, a native of Greene county, Ohio, and in 1831 they came to Adams

county, Illinois, locating in Camp Point town- ship. Here he opened up a farm. becoming owner of nearly five hundred aeres of land. which he placed under a high state of cultivation. Upon this farm he reared his family but later removed to Camp Point. where he spent his re- maining days in honorable retirement from further labor. His death occurred there about 1888, and his wife died four years previons. In the family were two sons and four daughters, of whom three danghters are yet living.

S. R. MeAmilty, the only surviving son, was reared to manhood on the old homestead farm in Camp Point township, where he attended the com- mon schools through the winter months and in the summer seasons worked on the farm. After reaching man's estate he was married in Houston township, March 7, 1861, to Miss Mary M. Pierce, a native of Ohio, who came to Adams county when a child of three years with her father, Isaac T. Pierce. The young couple began their domes- tie life in Houston township, where Mr. Me- Anulty had eighty acres of land. This he at once began to cultivate and improve and as his rich erops brought him a good financial return he made further purchases until his farm com- prised four hundred acres. He has since, how- ever, sold much of this and now retains possession of a quarter section, on which is a substantial residence, good barn and all the necessary out- buildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He also planted an orchard and divided the place into fields of convenient size by well kept fences and added all the modern accessories of a model farm. In connection with general farming he is engaged in breeding and dealing in Poland China hogs, pure-blooded horses, constituting Perch- eron. Belgian and German coach horses. He has thus become well known as a breeder of both hogs and horses and this department of his business has proved a profitable one. Ile removed to Golden in October. 1902, and purchased an at- tractive residence there, which he remodeled and repaired. He also bought additional lots and around the place is an iron fence, concrete walks and well kept lawn, and in fact, is one of the attractive homes of Golden. Here Mr. and Mrs. MeAnulty reside. They became the parents of three children : Minnie J., is now the wife of Clarence Van Nosdell, who is operating the Me- Anuly farm and they have three children : Sammel Glen, Elsie and Ada : Eva M., is the wife of William A. Bottorff, also living on a part of the MeAnulty farm, and they have four children : Ruby. William A., Marion and Hazel: Lola 1. is the wife of Henry Reynolds, of Camp Point township, and they have two children, Samuel and Lola.

Politically Mr. MeAnulty is identified with the democratic party but was formerly a republican

MRS. S. R. McANULTY

S. R. McANULTY

ISAAC T. PIERCE

SAMUEL McANULTY

MRS. SAMUEL McANULTY

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and cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. While living on the farm he served as supervisor for one term and as road commissioner for seven years. He was also town- ship school trustee for six years and served on the school board for fifteen years, including a consecutive service of fourteen years. Ile be- longs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. MeAnnlty began life a poor man, working at twenty-five cents per day, but his untiring labor and enterprise, together with the assistance of his estimable wife, has enabled him to accumulate a large and valuable property and a good home, so that he is now one of the substantial citizens of the county.

HIRAN N. WIIEELER.

HIiram N. Wheeler, whose energies and activi- ties have for many years been concentrated upon the work of improvement in Quincy along many lines contributing to its general progress and upbuilding, and who, in connection with jour- nalism, has gained a wide reputation in the state, was born March 30, 1844, in St. Charles, Kane county, Illinois. Ilis parents, James T. and Jerusha A. (Young) Wheeler, were natives of New Brunswick and the former followed the occupation of farming. IIe was in limited finan- cial circumstances and the children therefore had no opportunities for educational advance- ment. Iliram Wheeler mastered the rudimentary branches of learning by study at home throngh the long winter evenings after the chores were done. His days and months were occupied by the arduous labors of the farm, his youth being a period of unremitting toil. He received no diploma as an indication of a completed school course, being taught only at home where he learned to read, write, to spell and cipher. Ilis early habits of life were those of work, especially in the summer months when there were no leisure hours: but occasionally in the winter seasons there came to the children of the household slight periods of recreation gained through skating and coasting.

Mr. Wheeler early displayed a love of books and eagerly improved every opportunity for reading that came to him; and. inheriting a taste for the better class of literature and an interest in scientific subjects, his reading proved of direct benefit to him as a preparation for the work which he chose as a profession in later years. When but seventeen years of age he entered the army as did most of the boys of his acquaintance in the neighborhood and served for four years as a defender of the Union cause.

From his boyhood days Mr. Wheeler has been

connected to a greater or less extent with the newspaper. Ile began writing when but a boy, first for the country weeklies and afterward for the Chicago dailies. In the school of experience he continually broadened his knowledge, eagerly reading such books and newspapers as he could secure, and his efforts as a journalistic corres- pondent developed his latent powers and brought to him an education that in its practical results is largely in advance of that acquired by many a college bred boy.

The occupation of farming proving uncon- genial, he directed all his efforts and energies into the field of journalism. He began regular work on a small country weekly and gradually won advancement in the field of newspaper writ- ing and ownership until through many years his name has been well known in journalistie cireles in Illinois. His dominant characteristic, per- haps, aside from the relations of the home, has been a sturdy patriotism that has prompted tire- less effort in behalf of the city of Quincy, of which he became a resident in 1881. For Quincy he has worked without rest and without pay. Ile has thought long and deeply upon the subject of public progress and improvement here and his writings upon this theme would fill many vol- mmes. They have been an influential force and important factor in the upbuilding of the city. Ilis hardest and best work has been devoted to the betterment of Quincy, in the promotion of its commercial and industrial advancement and of its material and intellectual interests. Mr. Wheeler has taken a deep interest in Quiney's public schools and has been their consistent, steadfast, loyal friend.

Mr. Wheeler's efforts have been strongly ex- erted in support of the political principles which he has doomed would work the greatest good to the greatest number. He is a democrat, earnest. sincere and outspoken. bis devotion to the party being prompted by patriotism that has never sought recognition at the hands of his party, but has done its service with a spirit of unselfish devotion. Though sometimes opposing an unfit nominee of his party, he has fought the battles of democracy unflinchingly and at all times, often to his social and financial detriment. He has never faltered in his support of its principles nor has he sought the least return at its hands, caring nothing for the rewards of office in recog- nition of party fealty. Next to his home city democracy has held a place in his thoughts and work.

Mr. Wheeler has been married twice. Hle first wedded Maria Ferson and unto them were born three children : Dean, John and Mary, but the last named died at the age of nineteen years. Ilis second wife bore the name of Bertha Little- field and their children are Gladys Elsie and

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Marian Bernice. An ideal home relation has been developed through his untiring devotion to wife and children, he counting no personal sacrifice on his part too great if it would enhance the happiness or advance the welfare of the members of his household.

An appreciative admirer of all the works of nature, he is especially a great lover of trees and for a quarter of a century he has preached the gospel of free culture in Quincy. He finds one of his chief sources of recreation and pleasure in working and living among his trees and plants and it is a pain and grief to him to see one of them injured. Naturally he has deep interest in the public parks and has been the champion of every measure or effort for their improve- ment. The animal creation also receives his effective championship, and recognizing that they are amenable to the physical conditions of pain and pleasure, of hunger and of comfort and warmth as is the human being. he has through his writings and in all possible ways advocated the spirit of protection for the brute creation.

BAKER O. SHELTON.

Baker O. Shelton, cashier of the Noxall Man- facturing Company. was born in Bates county, Missouri. in 1879, his parents being J. M. and Elizabeth ( Baker) Shelton. The mother's people were from Kentneky. I. M. Shelton was born near Decatur, Illinois, and went to Missouri in the late '50s, and bought about seven hundred acres of land and began stock raising and farm- ing in Bates county, where with his family he still resides Into him and his wife were born five children : Alice D., wife of Ed Thompson, who is connected with the postoffice service and lives in Quincy: Josephine T., the wife of Wil- liam Howard. a farmer of Bates county, Mis- souri: Nota, the wife of Ed Smith, of Bates roty; and Delbert, who is attending school.

Baker O. Shelton attended school in his native county, and afterwards entered the Warrens- burg Normal School, from which he was gradu- ated in June. 1897. In the fall of that year he came to Gniney and was graduated from the Gem City Business College in 1898, being thus well equipped for the practical and responsible duties of the business world. He then went to work for the Noxall Manufacturing Company as a clerk and in the fall of 1899 was promoted to the position of bookkeeper, in which capacity he served nutil February. 1903. when he became rashier, which is his present business relation, his advancement coming to him in recognition of his ability, fidelity, promptness and accuracy in all that he does.

Mr. Shelton is a member of Bodley lodge, No. 1, A. F. & A. M., and also the Royal Arcanum. He belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian church and in his political views is a republican. He has the laudable ambition and strong purpose which insure business progress and already he has won a creditable position since becoming identified with business interests in Quincy.

JOSEPH W. EMERY.

Varied business interests claiming the time and attention of Joseph W. Emery have demon- strated his ability to cope with the intricate conditions which exist in the world of trade to- day where complexity and competition are rife. He has carved out for himself an honorable name and desirable success and is to-day associated, through financial investment or in the active management, with several leading concerns of the city, being best known as the president and treas- urer of the Channon-Emery Stove Company.

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Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 138

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