Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 152

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 152

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Mr. Rieker was at one time the choice of the democratic party for state treasurer, a position for which his financial ability would have well qualified him. The nomination came unsolicited, for he cared not for the honors or emoluments of public office, preferring to do his service for the publie as a private citizen. No measure of prac- tical value to Quiney sought his co-operation in vain. Hle furthered every moment for the public good and his endorsement thereof furnished an example that others followed. His wealth was so honorably won that the most envious could not. grudge him his success, and he stood as a splendid type of the American citizen who in the utiliza- tion of opportunity and the strength of his man- hood conquers an adverse environment and wins respect and honor no less than prosperity.

HENRY OTTMAN.

Henry Ottman, for thirty-eight years a resi- dent of Quiney, where he was engaged in the engraving business, was born in Germany, July 4, 1833. His parents spent their entire lives in that country and the father and all of his broth- ers were engravers and artists. In the public schools of the fatherland Henry Ottman was edneated, pursuing his studies until fifteen years of age, when he sailed for America to join an unele, an engraver of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Ott- man proceeded directly to that city and began learning the trade with his unele, continuing in his employ for a few years, after which he re- moved to Chicago, where he was similarly em- ployed until 1866.

That year witnessed his arrival in Quincy and here he began business on his own account as a designer and engraver in a small room on Fourth street, between Hampshire and Vermont streets. In 1896 he purchased the present building in which the business is now carried on and in which his widow yet resides, the upper floors being made into flats. Mr. Ottman succeeded from the beginning and with the growth of his patron- age he employed twelve men, making all kinds of badges and doing all kinds of engraving, be- ing the first and only manufacturer in this line

HENRY OTTMAN

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in Quincy. Himself a practical and proficient workman, he was enabled to intelligently direct the efforts of those whom he employed so as to produce the best results for his customers and at the same time secure a fair profit from their labors. Mr. Ottman continued the business until his death, which occurred October 11, 1904, when he was succeeded in the management by. his grandson, August H. Meyer, his widow yet re- taining a financial interest in the enterprise.

Mr. Ottman was married in Cincinnati to Miss Adelaide Wilzbacher, a native of Ger- many, where her parents resided until their deaths. Seven children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Ottman, of whom four are living: Agnes H., the wife of August S. Meyer, a resident of Qniney; Elizabeth, the wife of William Ilasse. who is sole agent in Qniney for Joseph Schlitz beer: Mrs. Pauline Glaser, who is a graduate nurse and with her three children. Adelaide. Emil and Elsa, reside with her mother ; and Rose, also at home. Those deceased are Henry, Antoi- nette and Annie.

In the early days of his residence in Quincy Mr. Ottman held several local offices and was al- ways a stanch republican. He belonged to HInm- boldt Lodge. A. O. U. W., and his family belong to St. Boniface Catholic church. He was a very industrious, energetic and successful business man, reliable in all his dealings and his pros- perity was well deserved. He left as the visible evidence of his life of industry the Ottman building, located at Nos. 615-617 Maine street, where the business is still carried on, while Mrs. Ottman and her daughters occupy the second flat.

MAJOR JOSEPH L. MORGAN.

Major Joseph L. Morgan, deceased of Quincy. -a man of spotless integrity and worthy of the highest honors --- an opinion voiced by many and shared by all who knew him, left the impression of his life and efforts for good upon the material and moral development of the city in which he long made his home. He was born in Alton, Illinois, March 8, 1843. His father, James Mad- ison Morgan, was a representative of one of the old and honored families of Maryland and emi- grated from Baltimore to Alton, Illinois, in 1836. taking an active and helpful part in the develop- ment of the latter city. It was there that Major Morgan acquired a thorough education, well pre- paring him for life's responsible and practical duties and his entrance into the business world was in the capacity of a clerk, bnt ambitions to benefit by further intellectual instruction and training, he entered college in Quincy in 1861.

Events of greater importance, however, crowded ont his desires in this direction and he put aside his text books on the 10th of Angust, 1862. in order to respond to his country's call for assist- ance to ernsh out the armed rebellion in the south.

Major Morgan was then only nineteen years of age but no veteran of twice or thrice his years was more loyal to the stars and stripes. He be- came a member of Company H, Seventy-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was appointed sergeant, while, on February 28, 1863, he was elected first lieutenant. and in April following was commissioned captain of his company in re- cognition of meritorious and faithful service. In June. 1864, he was detached from his command and detailed as assistant inspector general, serv- ing in that capacity during the Atlanta campaign with the Second Division, Fourth Army Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. In December, 1864. he was brevetted major by President Lincoln, in recognition of his courage and efficient service at the battle of Nashville. IIe served at different times on the staff of General John Newton, Gen- eral Wagner and General Washington L. Elliott and continued at the front until after the close of the war. His service was particularly arduous, his command being frequently in the fiercest campaign. He had been a soldier only four months. when, on the 12th of December, 1862, he took part in the five-days sanguinary conflict at Stone River under General Rosenkranz, and in the succeeding March he participated in the spe- cial campaign around Franklin, Tennessee, while on the 16th of June he started with his troops in an advance which was to drive Bragg's army out of the state. He participated in the hard fought engagements of Chickamauga and Lookout Moun- tain, and in the former engagement Colonel Castle, who was by his side was wounded five times, Major Morgan's command was in the ad- vance at Mission Ridge, proceeding up the moun- tain side immediately in front of General Bragg's headquarters and capturing a part of his staff. Not long afterwards the division to which he was attached was ordered to Knoxville to relieve Burnside, and in that campaign he was in com- mand of the regiment. Major Morgan served throughout the Atlanta campaign, taking part in the engagements of Rocky Face Creek, Dalton. New Hope Church. Peach Tree Creek, the seige and capture of the city of Atlanta and the cam- paign to Jonesboro. He was almost constantly on active duty from May 3 until September 8. getting little rest night or day and the service was fraught with much peril. In the fall of 1864 his division was ordered to Pulaski, Tennessee, to check Hood's progress and also impede the rebel advance and from Pulaski to Nashville-seventy-

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two miles --- there was almost constant fighting for four or five days. Major Morgan's division formed the rear guard of the army until Frank- lin. Tennessee was reached, and at that place, November 30. 1864, his division bore the brunt of the battle. At midnight following the battle his command marched to Nashville where General Thomas reorganized the army, and on the 14th and 15th a hard fought battle occurred there, Ilood's army being completely routed the second afternoon. In winter quarters at Huntsville, Al- abama, with the opening of spring, in 1865 Major Morgan's command participated in the campaign in eastern Tennessee and on the 12th of June, 1865 was mustered ont at Nashville. Major Mor- gan's entire service was marked by unfaltering loyalty, by unquestioned performance of every duty assigned him by his superior officers, and by unwavering fidelity to the cause which he espoused, and yet he was no more faithful to his country in times of strife than in days of peace.

Following the elose of hostilities Major Mor- gan accepted a clerkship in Quincy and was thus employed until April, 1871. when he joined James Il. Clark in the establishment of a bakery and confectionery business, which under the firm name of Clark & Morgan was conducted with success until 1903. They became leaders in their line in the city and they also dealt in imported fruits, enjoying a constantly growing trade which brought with it a rich financial return. So closely did Major Morgan apply himself to the upbuilding of the business that his health began to fail and this led him to sell his interest to his partner. September 25, 1903, although the busi- ness was continued under the old firm name. Major Morgan then turned his attention to the insurance business and only the day before his death was preparing for the opening of a local office for the Northwestern Mutual Life Insur- ance Company. The energy and integrity of Ma- jor Morgan were valuable assets in the business enterprises with which he was connected. Ile con- centrated his entire attention, for the time being, upon anything which he undertook, and his busi- ness judgment was sound, his methods above question. The city also profited by his labors and his co-operation proved an effective factor in many public measures whose results were far- reaching and beneficial.

In politics, earnest and enthusiastic, he never wavered in his allegiance to republican principles but he was never bitter in his opposition. In his personal life he proved that one could be a gen- tleman, with high ideals and lofty purposes, and vet be actively connected with politieal and com- mercial life. Indeed he took his high ideals into these relations, and they were purified or elevated thereby. He did not care for office, although

many positions were proferred him, but he worked with unfaltering loyalty in support of a friend who was a candidate. At the time of his death many were urging his appointment to of- fice under the new state administration and over their signatures many of the leading citizens of Quincy said he "was worthy of the highest public honors." He belonged to the Royal Arcanum and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and he was for many years a devoted member of the Congregational church. a service of which he at- tended the night before his death.

In his home Major Morgan largely displays the relations of the ideal husband and father. He was married, February 7, 1867, to Miss Helen Van Doorn, the eldest daughter of John K. Van Doorn. at one time prominent in Quincy. They became the parents of two children: Jessie A., wife of Dr. Herman F. Goetz, of St. Louis, and Frederick D. Morgan, clerk in the Gibson House, at Cincinnati. Death came to him suddenly, oc- casioned by a stroke of apoplexy on the morning of December 16, 1904. No word of criticism could be said against him in any relation of life, for his motives were always the highest, prompted by a regard for his fellow men that had its root in Christian teaching. A Quiney paper said of him : "It would be difficult to designate a man in the city of Quincy more thoroughly re- spected than was Major Morgan. He fought a good fight and he kept the faith. In his business career he was tireless, and always an example of commercial probity. He faced many obstacles in his time, but always with courage and cheer and he was ever ready to sacrifice his own efforts for the good of others. He was therefore a shin- ing model in both civil and domestic life." Fight- ing the battles of his country as he entered upon manhood, the soldierly qualities which he there developed were manifest throughout his career, and the willingness with which he undertook every service which came to him, was an inspira- tion to those with whom he was associated.

PETER HENRY MUEGGE.

Peter II. Mnegge, who is engaged in the up- holstering business at No. 609 Maine street. has been a resident of Quincy since the fall of 1865. and throughout the intervening years has been actively connected with the industrial inter- ests of the city. He is a native of Germany, his birth having occured near Herford in West- phalia, on the 1st of July, 1851. His paternal grandfather was Frederich Christoff Mnegge, in whose family were the following children : Franz Christoff, David, Minna, Hanna and

P. H. MUEGGE

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Frederika. Our subject's father, Franz C. Mnegge, was born in Germany, June 27, 1819, and served for three years in the German army. He first married a Miss Jiemann, by whom he had one child, J. Ilenry, and after her death he wedded Miss Louise A. Koch, who was born April 18, 1822, and they became the parents of six children: Peter Henry, Au- gust, Frederika, who died at the age of nine years; one who died in Quincy during infancy ; Louise and IJanna. The father brought the family to the United States and located in Quincy, Ill., in the fall of 1865. He secured employment in a brickyard, where he remained until a short time prior to his death, which occurred on the 9th of December, 1891. His second wife died in Quincy, January 6, 1894.

In the schools of Germany Peter H. Muegge acquired his early education and was a youth of fourteen years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. lle attended private school in Quincy for a time, and after putting aside his text-books worked in the brickyard with his father for two years. Later he learned the trades of upholstering, mattress-making and carpet-lay- ing with Charles Hanbach, and at the end of three years took charge of F. W. Jansen's up- holstering department, remaining with the firm for seventeen years, when they discon- tinued business. Mr. Muegge then embarked in the upholstering and wall paper business on his own account as a member of the firm of Muegge & Garrett, but this partnership has since been dissolved and he is now alone. He has directed his efforts toward the develop- ment of a business which has now reached ex- tensive proportions. He has a good patronage and his labors are proving profitable, so that he is now numbered among the substantial business men of the city. He is a worthy representative of industrialism here, and his life record proves the force of energy and de- termination as resultant factors in the world of trade. He has a thorough, practical knowl- edge of the business and the excellent work which he does insures a continuation of patron- age from those whose trade he once secures.

Mr. Muegge was married October 17, 1874, to Miss Mary Sickman, who died September 14, 1888. The children born of this union were Franz H., who was born December 21, 1875, and died July 24, 1877; J. F. Oscar, born No- vember 3, 1877; H. L. Amelia, horn August 18, 1880; J. Louis, horn May 10, 1883, and John H. A., horn Jannary 9, 1886. On the 7th of April, 1889, Mr. Muegge was united in marriage to Mrs. Julia Prante, a widow, who had one child. Karl Prante, by her first mar- riage. The children by the second union are

George A. P., who was born December 17, 1889; G. P. Albert, born January 26, 1891; Lidia, who was born February 17, 1892, and died August 23, 1892; Lorenz, born June 1, 1893; Gilbert H., who was born September 16, 1895, and died June 1, 1896, and Edwin P. H., born July 13, 1900.

In his political views Mr. Mnegge is a stanch republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but is not an office seeker. He and his wife are members of St. Paul's Evangelical church, with which he has been connected since 1874, and has taken a very active and prominent part in its work, serving as trustee for twelve years and superintendent of the Sunday-school for eighteen years. IIe does all in his power to promote the moral interests of the city and was the organizer of the German Young Men's Christian Association. He is a member of the National Union. T. O. M. A., and of other so- cieties. For many years a resident of Quincy, he has a wide acquaintance here and has al- ways been a champion of progressive move- ments in the city.

IION. ALBERT W. WELLS.

Hon. Albert W. Wells, at one time a leading member of the Quincy bar, was born in Wood- stock, Connecticut, May 9, 1839, his parents being John Ward and Maria (Cheney) Wells. The father was a farmer by occupation and was a man of sterling integrity and a quiet Christian char- acter. His ancestors came to Massachusetts in 1633 and representatives of the family have since been found in New England with the succeeding generations. The ancestry of the Cheney family came to the new world on the Mayflower and both names were represented in the Patriot army dur- ing the war of the Revolution.

Ilon. Albert W. Wells began his education in the district schools of his native county and con- tinned his more specifically literary education in Woodstock Academy, where he was graduated about 1869. He prepared for his chosen profes- sion in the Columbia Law School of New York city and in early life he engaged in teaching in New Jersey. It was in his early manhood also that he became a soldier of the Civil war. enlist- ing with the New Jersey regiment soon after the inauguration of hostilities. On the expiration of his first term he enlisted and remained in this command until the close of the war, participating in a number of important engagements.

Mr. Wells became a resident of Quincy. and here entered upon the practice of law, where he was destined to achieve success, owing to his care-

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ful preparation for the profession, his landible ambition and his devotion to his clients' interests. He carefully studied his cases so that he entered the court-room well equipped to meet any attack of his adversary and in his reasoning he was log- ical, his deductions following in natural se- quence. He presented his case clearly and co- gently and the force of his argument seldom failed to convince. He was. therefore, aecorded a distinctively representative clientage and the publie as well as the profession acknowledged his right to rank with the leading members of the Quincy bar.

On the 27th of July. 1876, in this city he was married to Miss Amanda Pomeroy, and they be- eame the parents of a daughter and two sons: Ruth, Albert W. and Edward P. In early life Mr. Wells became a member of the Baptist church and he was deply interested in the welfare and progress of his adopted eity. becoming the champion of measures which he deemed would prove of public good. His life was one of con- tinuous activity in which was accorded dne reeog- nition of his labor and talent. His interests were thoroughly identified with those of the west and at all times he was ready to lend his aid and co- operation in every movement caleulated to benefit this seetion of the country or advance its won- derful development. In private life he gained that warm personal regard which arises from true nobility of character, deference for the opinions of others, kindliness and geniality.

MRS. MARGARET J. WILLARD.

Mrs. Margaret Jane Willard, whose home is pleasantly located abont five and a half miles from Golden, in Houston township, has resided in Adams county since early pioneer times, hav- ing been brought to the county in 1834. Quincy was then a small village with little promise of rapid development in the near future. The ma- jority of towns in the county that are now flour- ishing and enterprising centers of trade had not then sprung into existence, and much of the land was still in its primitive condition, being covered only by the native prairie grasses. There have been many pictures hung upon memory's wall by Mrs. Willard as the years have passed, bringing many changes to the county and its people.

Born in Kentneky. November 23, 1832, Mrs. Willard was a daughter of Samnel and Amanda (Morrow) Woods. Her father was born in Ken- tueky. November 27, 1800, and his wife's birth occurred December 9, 1812. They came to Illi- nois when Mrs. Willard was only six months old and spent two years in Sangamon county, after which they came to Adams county in 1834 and

assisted materially in the pioneer development of this part of the state, Mr. Woods aiding in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present development and progress of the county. Ile lived to see wonderful changes here, passing away July 24, 1885, while his wife's death oc- curred on the 21st of September of the same year.

Their daughter, Margaret Jane, was reared un- der the parental roof. sharing with the family in the privileges, privations and pleasures which formed the lot of the settlers in frontier districts. After reaching womanhood she gave her hand in marriage to Thomas O. Willard on the 24th of .Inne, 1855. Tle was born February 11, 1825, his parents being Tennessee people. He was edu- cated in the common schools, was trained to farm life, and throughout his business career engaged in the tilling of the soil. The young couple be- gan their domestic life on a farm, and at the time of his death Mr. Willard was the owner of five hundred and ninety-eight acres of rich land in Adams county. All this indicated much labor on the part of Mr. Willard and capable management of the household affairs on the part of his wife. Ile possessed good business judgment, untiring energy and determination and, as the years passed by, his unremitting diligence and judicious investments made him the owner of valuable property interests.

Mr. and Mrs. Willard became the parents of three children, but all are now deceased, and the husband and father passed away February 10, 1900. TIad he lived a day longer he would have reached the age of seventy-five years. Men re- spected him for his straightforward business deal- ing, and his friends entertained for him warm personal regard. Mrs. Willard is now the owner of one hundred and seventy acres of land on see- tion 27. lTonston township, and this valuable farming property returns to her an excellent in- come. She is a member of the Methodist church at Golden, of which she has long been a repre- sentative, and her life has been in keeping with the teachings of the church. She is liked by young and old, rich and poor, and is, indeed, one of the worthy pioneer ladies of the county.

W. T. CRAIG.

W. T. Craig, who carries on general farming on section 5, Concord township, where he owns and cultivates an excellent farm of two hundred and eighty aeres, was born April 21st. 1860. in Liber- ty township. his parents being Henry and Vir- ginia Craig. The ancestory can be traced back to Ireland, whence his great-grandfather came to Ameriea. His grandfather, John Craig, was a native of Kentucky and served in the war of 1812.

MR. AND MRS. T. O. WILLARD MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL WOODS

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being stationed most of the time at Jefferson Barracks, at St. Louis, and holding the rank of first lieutenant. Removing to Indiana, he became one of the prominent settlers of Scott county and assisted in founding the town of Vienna, where he conducted a hotel for a number of years. He married Lulu Crampton, and among their chil- dren was Henry Craig, whose birth occurred in Seott county, Indiana, in 1818.

Henry Craig acquired his education in the sub- seription schools of Indiana and accompanied his parents to Adams county, Illinois, the family starting by boat. The vessel on which they took passage, however, sank, and although the parents and children escaped, their goods went to the bottom of the river and when they arrived in Adams county their cash capital consisted of only fifty dollars. The father, however, secured a farm, devoting his attention to its futher im- provement throughout his remaining days. Henry Craig assisted in its development and later he carried on farming for himself in Liberty township for a number of years, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land for which he paid two hundred dollars. When thirty-two years of age he took up his abode in Kingston, where he engaged in the purchase and sale of horses and cattle until 1853, when he went to Brown county, Illinois, where he purchased a tract of one hundred and ten acres of land. He made many improvements upon that farm and at length sold it for five thousand dollars. He then returned to Liberty township, Adams eounty, where he engaged in speculation and through careful investment and well directed business efforts he accumulated a handsome com- petence. Later he lived retired in Clayton, where he passed away September 20, 1897. He was mar- ried in 1837 to Virginia Palmer, who was born in 1820 and died December 8, 1897. Their children are as follows: John W., who was born in Adams county, January 4, 1839, and died in 1852; Rob- ert A., born October 14, 1840, and died March 20,

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Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 152

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