Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 151

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 151

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Mr. Schermerhorn was married in 1859 to Miss Mary Emily Marsh, who died in 1865. They were parents of three children, but one only is now living, Mr. A. D. Schermerhorn, of Omaha, Nebraska. On the 7th of January, 1868, Mr. Schermerhorn was again married, his second union being with Miss Anna B. Burns, who was born in Payson, Adams county, Illinois, on the 10th of September, 1841. Six children were the result of this union, of whom four are living: Anna B., who is the wife of Addison N. Calkins of Quincy ; Francis D., Jr., of Omaha, Nebraska ; ITelen E., who is the wife of W. Leonard Smith of Dallas, Texas ; and William, at home.

The parents are active, influential and helpful members of the Presbyterian church. Politically Mr. Schermerhorn is a strong republican, nnfal- tering in his allegiance to the party which he has supported continuously since its organiza- tion : through more than a half century he has been familiar with Quincy and its history, has been acquainted with the men of prominence here, and has formed strong friendships with many of the leading citizens, a fact which is in-

I100

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

dicative of his own sterling worth. llis home is at 1326 North Eighth street.

JOSEPH EIFF.

Joseph Eiff, who is doing a contracting Insi- ness in plastering in Quincy, is minbored among the native sons of this city, his birth having or- enrred on the 1st of September, 1858, his parents being Barnard and Christina ( Terlisner) Eiff, both of whom were natives of Holland. They came to the United States in early life and were residents of Quincy until called to their final rest. In their family were twelve children, of whom four are now living: Joseph; Anna, the wife of Frank Ernst : Lona, the wife of George Manning; and Barnard.

Joseph Eiff is indebted to the parochial school system of Quiney for the educational privileges he enjoyed and which prepared him for life's practical duties. After putting aside his text- books he was employed as a general workman for about four years and then learned the plasterer's trade, which he followed for five years. On the expiration of that period he began business on his own account and has since taken contracts for plastering, being to-day one of the leading representatives of that line of business in Quincy. A good patronage is accorded him because of his excellent work, his faithfulness in the execution of a contract and his straightforward, honorable dealing. He has received some important con- traets and has made for himself an honorable name in business rireles.

On the 3d of May, 1882. Mr. Eiff was married to Miss Mary Vogel, who was born in Quiney, July 2, 1858, and they have become the parents of two children : Edward JI., who is now twenty- one years of age and is in the employ of the Quiney Grocery Company ; and Emilt M. C., who is nineteen years of age and is attending the St. Joseph Academy. The parents are members of St. Francis Catholic church and Mr. Eiff be- longs to the Firemen's Benevolent Association and the Western Catholic Union. As the archi- teet of his own fortune he has builded wisely and well, and his life record proves the force and value of unfaltering effort as a factor in winning prosperity.

ANDREW OBLANDER.

Andrew Oblander, deceased, was long a resi- dent of Adams county, identified at times with industrial interests in Quiney and at other times with agricultural interests in Riverside town- ship. Ile stood especially high in the regard of

the German-American citizens of his locality. He was a native of the fatherland, his birth having ocenrred in Baden, in 1831, and his parents spent their entire lives in that country, the father fol- lowing the ocenpation of farming in order to pro- vide for his family.

Andrew Oblander, reared upon his father's farm, was educated in the common schools of Germany and when a young man left his native country in the hope that he might find more fa- vorable business opportunities in the new world. Hle made his way direct to Quincy and was first employed in this city at wagon-making, following that trade here for two years. Ile then purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty aeres near Newark, Missouri, and, taking up his abode thereon, he engaged in general farming for about four years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Quincy, where he resumed work at the wagon-making trade; but after a time his health failed and hoping that he might be bene- fited by a business pursuit which would release him from the close confinement of the shop, he removed to a farm in Riverside township, near Quincy, and gave his attention to agricultural pursuits and gardening, but his health gradually grew worse and his life's labors were ended in death on the 5th of March, 1901.

Mr. Oblander had been married in Quincy to Miss Vassaline Bosmann, who was born in Ger- many, October 16, 1835. a daughter of Panl F. and Christine Bosmann. The father was a baker by trade and conducted a bakery in Germany until his death. His widow afterward married again in that country and later emigrated to America, settling first in New Orleans and after- ward coming to Quincy, where she and her see- ond husband died. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Oblander were born nine children, but only four are now living. Panline, the eldest, is the wife of E. llopke, a farmer residing in Riverside township ; George also owns and operates a farm in that township: Katie, living with her mother, is a milliner by trade and is employed in Quincy ; and Frederick, pursuing a course of study in the Gem City Business College, also resides with his mother.

Mr. Oblander gave his political allegiance to the republican party and was deeply interested in its snecess, for he believed that its platform contained the best elements of good government. llis life was pure and upright, in consistent har- mony with his professions as a member of the New JJerusalem church, of Quiney, and those qualities which awaken respect and confidence he possessed in an eminent degree. ITis widow is also a member of the New Jerusalem church, of this city. After her husband's death Mrs. Oblander sold the farm and removed to Quincy, purchasing her present home at No. 312 Sonth

MR. AND MRS. ANDREW OBLANDER

1103

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Seventh street, where she and her two children reside. She also owns other property in Quincy, which she rents, and thus has a good income, her husband having left her in comfortable circum- stances. All that he possessed and enjoyed was gained through his own labors, for when he came to the United States he had very little capital.

REV. WILLIAM SCHALLER.

Rev. William Schaller, pastor of the Evangel- ical Lutheran church of St. John in Quincy, and residing at No. 331 South Seventh street, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, March 23, 1868. His father, Gottlieb Schaller, was a native of Bavaria, born in Kirchenlamitz, February 12, 1819. He was educated in Germany for the ministry and was graduated from the Germany university at Erlangen, Bavaria. In Bremen he was married to Miss Bertha Volek, whose birth occurred in Augsburg, Bavaria, December 18, 1826. Almost immediately after their marriage they sailed for the new world, crossing the Atlantic in 1848. Here the father entered upon the active work of the ministry, his first charge being in Phila- delphia, and later he went to Baltimore and thence to Detroit, Michigan. Removing to St. Louis, Missouri, he was pastor of Trinity church from 1854 until 1872, when he accepted the chair of church history in Concordia Seminary. filling that position until his death, which occurred on the 19th of November, 1887. His entire life was devoted to the work of the ministry and kindred labors and the world is better for his having lived. He was a poet of no slight mark, who en- riched by his deep and well flowing verse the treasury of German sacred song. His poems were collected after his death by his son Adelbert and were published at St. Louis, in 1891, under the title of "Leider und Gedichte."

In his family were ten children. of whom six are now hving: Lucie, the wife of Professor Theodore Brohm, a member of the faculty of Concordia Seminary, at Addison, Illinois: Anna, the widow of Professor D. August Graebner, who died December 7, 190}; John, the director of the Dr. Martin Luther College, at New Ulm, Minne- sota : Iledwig, the wife of Rev. William Heyne, of Decatur. Illinois: Adelbert, who is assistant editor of The Herold at Milwaukee, Wisconsin : and William, of this review.

Rev. William Schaller obtained his primary education in the Lutheran parish schools of St. Lonis and continued his studies at Walther Col- lege in that city, where he was a student for three years. He next entered Concordia College at Ft. Wayne. Indiana, and later pursned his

theological studies in the Theological Seminary of St. Louis, from which he was graduated in 1889. His first charge was at Baltimore, Mary- land, and he became the founder of St. Thomas Lutheran church in that city. After remaining there for twelve years he came to Quincy and has since been pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran church of St. John. He has done an excellent work here and the different societies of his church are now in a flourishing condition. He has the entire respect and love of his people and the good-will of the representatives of other de- nominations. He is a man of strong intellectual- ity and high attainments and added to these is a broad, humanitarian spirit which is evident in his kindly sympathy for all.

CHARLES J. CORDSIEMON.

Charles J. Cordsiemon, manager of the Cord- siemon Implement Company of Quincy, was born in this city, on the 6th of July, 1866. His father, C. S. Cordsiemon, a native of Germany, came to America with his parents, the family home be- ing established in Quincy, where he has since re- sided. Ile was an iron monlder by trade and worked along that line of industrial activity for twenty-eight years, connected with stove manu- factories of Quiney. He is now farm superin- tendent at the Illinois Sokliers and Sailors Home in Quincy. Ile married Miss Francesca 11. Over- john, who was also a native of Germany and came to Quiney with her parents. Unto this mar- riage were born seven children, the three brothers and three sisters of our subject being : Rosa. Ida, Henry. Mary, Walter and Albert Cordsiemon.

Charles J. Cordsiemon pursued his education in the German and public schools of this city and on putting aside his text-books went upon a farm, where he remained until nineteen years of age. Ile then returned to the city and secured a position in an agrienltural implement house, act- ing as salesman for several years. In 1900 he spenred a position in a grocery store at the corner of Eleventh and State streets, where he remained for two years, when he became manager for the C'ordsiemon Implement Company. dealers in all kinds of farm machinery and agrienltural im- plements. His former connection with this line of trade well qualified him for the work which he undertook in his present position, and under his guidance the business is growing. He is enter- prising. possesses considerable executive force and business sagacity, and has made for him- self a creditable position among the young busi- ness men of the city.

In 1893 Mr. Cordsiemon was married to Miss Cora H. Burgdorff, who was born in Melrose

II04

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

township, Adams county, and has spent her entire life within the borders of this connty. They now have one child, Edith F. IL., who is now attending school. The parents are mem- bers of the Salem Evangelistie church and they have gained many friends, both within and ont of the church. In his political views Mr. Cord- siemon is a stalwart republican and, keeping well informed on the questions and issnes of the day, is enabled to support his position by intelligent argument. Ile belongs to several fraternal or- ganizations-the Knights of Pythias, Knights of Maccabees, the Mutual Protective League and the Sons of Veterans, acting as treasurer of the last named and past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias. Ile is in hearty sympathy with the purposes of these orders, shaping his life in ac- cordance with their beneficent principles. That his life is worthy of admiration is indicated by the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from boyhood and are familiar with his history from his youth to the present time.

AMOS SILARP.

Amos Sharp, who has now passed away, was for a number of years accounted one of the enterprising and prosperous farmers of Concord township. Tle was born, March 23, 1836, in Yorkshire, England, and pursued a good eduea- tion in the schools of his native land, thus being well equipped for life's practical and responsible duties. On the 24th of December, 1858, he was united in marriage to Miss Hylas Nelson, who was also a native of Yorkshire, born July 15, 1836, her parents being Richard and Helen (Michler) Nelson, natives of Yorkshire. She has two brothers and three sisters living, namely : William Nelson, who resides in Detroit ; Francis Nelson, who is still living in England: Mrs. Emma Mendiek, a resident of Canada; Mrs. Mary Ann Marflett and Miss Anma Nelson, both of whom are living in England.

Hearing favorable reports of America, its ad- vantages and business opportunities, Mr. Sharp strongly desired to come to the new world, but in this was opposed by his wife, who dreaded leaving her native land, so with a friend he sailed for the new world in 1872, withont bidding adien to his family, knowing that when he had come to the United States his wife would then be willing to follow him. He landed in New York, in May, 1872, and at once sent for Mrs. Sharp, who, accompanied by her fonr small children, made the voyage across the Atlantic, arriving in the eastern metropolis in the month of October. The family then made their way

into the interior of the country, and Mr. Sharp purchased a farm on section 20, Concord town- ship, Adams county, Illinois, where his wife now resides. With characteristic energy he began the development of his farm and within a few years had placed his land under a high state of enltivation, the fields becoming very prodnetive. lle used good farm machinery in operating his place and in all his work was practical as well as progressive. so that as years went by he gained a fair measure of prosperity. He was also active and influential in public affairs in his loeality and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to office, serving as town clerk and also as highway commissioner. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp became the parents of seven children, namely: John, who resides in Keller- ville. Illinois; Ellen, who is the wife of Theodore Kesting, and lives in Clayton, Illinois: Amos, who resides near the old homestead: Richard, who makes his home with his mother : Hylas, the wife of Charles Beekman, living in Concord township; Mrs. Eliza Childs, who resides in Ok- lahoma : and Emma, who married Charles Amen and lives on the home place.

It was on the 24th of May. 1886, that Mr. Sharp was called to his final rest, being then fifty years of age. Ile was a self-made man. owing his prosperity entirely to his own labors. He worked persistently and energetically year after year and his life record showed what could be accomplished through perseverance and dili- gence. Mrs. Sharp still remains on the old home farm and is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of fine land on section 20. Concord town- ship. This property is superintended and op- erated by her son-in-law, Mr. Amen. Mrs. Sharp is a most pleasant lady, courteous and kindly in manner, and enjoys the warm friend- ship of many with whom she has been brought in contact during the third of a century in which she has lived in Adams county.

WILLIAM APPENBRINK.

William Appenbrink, who has been chief en- gineer of Dick Brothers Brewery for many years, and whose residence in Quiney covers thirty-five years, is a native of Germany, his birth having there occurred on the 14th of February, 1846. Tle is a son of William and Hannah ( Brinkman) Appenbrink, both of whom were native of Ger- many, and they emigrated to America about 1873, settling in Quincy, where he lived a re- tired life. Both he and his wife died in this city. There were four children born unto them, as follows: Henry, William. August and Albert.

In the common schools of his native country the son William acquired his early education, re-

AMOS SHARP

II07

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

maining a resident of Germany until 1869, when, at the age of twenty-three years, he sailed for the new world, landing at Castle Garden, New York. Ile then came direct to Quiney, where he began work at the machinist's trade and at the same time learning the engineer's trade. He worked as a machinist for about three years and then accepted his present position as engineer in Dick Brothers Brewery, where he has re- mained for thirty-five years. a fact which indi- cates that he has given excellent satisfaction through capable service and fidelity.

Mr. Appenbrink was married, in 1875, in Quincy, to Miss Philipina Route, also a native of Germany, and they have become the parents of ten children, namely : Hannah, Aldrich, Wil- liam, Tom. Lena, Albert, Lizzie, Emma, John and Ida. The family home is at No. 1536 State street, Mr. Appenbrink having purchased this property in 1884. The parents are members of the Salem Evangelical church and Mr. Appen- brink gives his political support to the democ- racy, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. He is a busy man and it was his faithfulness to duty and excellent work that cansed his promotion in the brewery until he has long served as chief engineer in an estab- lishment which is one of the largest productive industries of this character in the country. Mr. Appenbrink displays excellent mechanical in- genuity, and in his leisure hours invented a fue seraper which he has patented and which he hopes will prove very remunerative. He has the entire confidence of the business community, and his success is the outcome of his unfaltering and earnest purpose.

FERDINAND KLENE.

Ferdinand Klene, who is engaged in business as the proprietor of a wholesale and retail cigar factory, having been a representative of this line of trade in Quincy since 1869 and now located at No. 127 South Fourth street, was born in Han- over, Germany, JJanuary 21, 1835, and was one of four children, only two of whom are now liv- ing, his sister being Mrs. Elizabeth Menke. He came to America in 1852, being then a young man of seventeen years, and locating in Quincy, he remained in this city for two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Califor- nia, crossing the plains with two ox-teams. IIe spent nine years on the Pacific coast. engaging in mining and cigar making. after which he re- turned to Quincy by way of the Isthmus of Pan- ama. Here in 1869 he began business on his own account as a cigar manufacturer and has since continued in this line, building up an excellent

trade. lle is conducting an extensive enterprise, in which are associated with him his two sons, J. Ferdinand and Harry A. Klene.

Mr. Klene was married to Miss Mary Lennert in 1871, who was born in Quincy, and the chil- dren of this union are the two sons mentioned. Mr. Klene is a self-made man, deserving much credit for what he has accomplished, for when he came to the new world he had no capital, but he placed his dependence in reliable qualities, elose application and untiring energy, and these have proved the basis of his success. Ile has given to the public a product from his factory that because of its excellence and his reasonable priees has won a large sale on the market and brought to him financial return that makes him one of the substantial citizens of Quincy. IIe built considerable property in this city.

HENRY F. JOSEPH RICKER, SR.

Ilenvy J. F. Rieker, Sr., banker, promoter and capitalist, rose from obscurity, to a position that commanded the attention of financial circles in America and that made him a recognized leader in the material improvement and the commercial and industrial upbuilding of Quiney. Honored of all men because his success was so worthily won and honorably used, he had been so closely con- nected with many measures of direct benefit to the general public that his death was the occasion of deep and uniform sorrow throughout Quincy. when on the 4th of March, 1904, he passed away.

Mr. Ricker was a representative of the Ten- tonie race which has planted the seeds of eiviliza- tion in many lands. He was born in Lotten, Han- over, Germany, August 31, 1822, and in the schools of his native land acquired his education, which was by no means superior to that given the average German youth. He was in his sey- enteenth year when he came with his parents to America, landing at New Orleans, whence they proceeded np the Mississippi river to St. Louis. On the 4th of March, 1840, they arrived in Quin- ey, then a town of small pretentions, but even early in his business career Mr. Rieker recog- nized its possibilities and labored for its devel- opment. Without financial assistance he entered upon his business career here, being first em- ployed as an ordinary laborer by Governor John Wood, in order to assist in paying for two town lots which his father had purchased of the goy- ernor. Not long afterward he secured a position as salesman in a retail grocery house belonging to Mr. Hunt, and his business capacity, integrity and energy won recognition and led to the offer of a position from the well known firm of Syl-

IIOS

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

vester & Thayer, with whom he remained for a period of years, being subsequently employed by Charles Holmes and Albert Daneke, early merchants of the city. The careful husbanding of his resources enabled him to become a factor in the commercial life of Quiney in 1849, when he formed a partnership with Leopold Arntzen, in a general store, under the firm style of Rieker & Arntzen. Success attended the new venture and the firm later extended its field of labor by engaging also in the produce business. As the years had passed Mr. Ricker had become well known in Quincy as a man of unquestioned pro- bity, of business capacity and sterling worth, and in 1858 he was elected to the office of police mag- istrate. being continued therein, by re-election, for four years. In 1859 he began selling steam- ship tickets, at the corner of Seventh and Hamp- shire streets, removing later to 508 Hampshire, and from this beginning he developed a banking and exchange business, beginning operations on a small scale as commensurate with his limited capital. The business, however, grew constantly and with rapidity and in 1865 he purchased the banking business of John Wood & Company, on Fifth and Maine streets, while not long after- ward Bernard II. F. Hoene was admitted to a partnereship. In 1875 ground was purchased and a modern bank building was erected on Hampshire, between Fourth and Fifth streets- the present home of the Rieker National Bank. In the meantime the business of the bank was constantly growing until Mr. Ricker was in con- trol of one of the largest private banks of the state. On the 4th of April, 1881 it was reorgan- ized as the Rieker National Bank, and through continued development became one of the greatest banking institutions of the west, with resources of more than three million dollars. In the mean- time the extent and importance of his operations had won for Mr. Rieker the attention and admira- tion of financiers throughout the country and his ability became recognized by all the great finan- cial leaders.

What Mr. Rieker accomplished in connection with the upbuilding of this splendid banking in- stitution would alone entitle him to distinction and class him with the foremost men who have ever made Quiney their home, and yet his efforts were extended to various other lines, which had direet bearing upon the welfare and prosperity of the city, while promoting his individual inter- ests. He became a financial factor in many en- terprises and his opinion also proved of value in their management. He was one of the organizers of the German Insurance & Savings Institution, a director in the Gas & Electric Light Com- panies, treasurer of the Menke & Grimm Planing Mill Company, and was active in the promotion

of the Quiney, Missouri & Pacific Railroad Com- pany, in which he owned a large amount of stock. Hle labored in another field that proved of de- cided advntage to the city as well as a source of large profit to himself-that of speculative build- ing. Under his direction unsightly parts of the city, lacking all modern improvements, were turned into beautiful residence districts or im- proved with industrial or commercial honses. Perhaps no man has done so much for Quincy in this direction.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 151

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