Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 74

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 74

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"Mr. Browning did all in his power to se- cure the nomination of Mr. Lincoln in 1860, and his success afterwards at the polls, when the newly-elected president came to make up his cabinet-as difficult a piece of political joinery as ever a president had-he consulted freely with Mr. Browning and was desirous that he should himself become a member, as attorney general."

Hon. Isaac N. Arnold, in presenting the reso- lution of the Illinois State Bar Association be- fore the supreme court of the state. says:

"It would be interesting to follow Mr. Browning in his brief but brilliant career through the senate.

He took his seat by appointment of Gov- ernor Yates as a successor to Douglas on the Fourth of July, 1861, and was succeeded by Richardson, who was elected by the legislature and took his seat on the 26th of January, 1864. Disregarding the custom usually followed by new members, Mr. Browning took an active and conspienous part in the discussions from

the beginning. The great topies growing out of the war, slavery, confiscation, emancipation, finances and the policy of the president were the subjects of constant and most earnest de- bate, and upon which he spoke with great ability. Hle spoke and voted in favor of ex- pelling from the senate Polk of Missouri and Bright of Indiana for disloyalty. He met in these great debates Powell of Kentucky, Bright of Indiana and Saulsberry and Bayard of Delaware, and was, I think, fully their equal.

"He was recognized as an especial friend of Lincoln, and as one who was as likely to ex- press the sentiments of the executive as any man in the senate.

"His social relations at the White House were very intimate. I remember at the time of the illness and the death of Mr. Lincoln's son Willie, Mr. Browning stayed at the White House like one of the family.

"Let it then be recorded in history and in- scribed on the granite which shall rise above the remains of Browning as they repose on the banks of the mighty river which murmurs by his grave :

" 'Here rests the ever faithful, ever true, ever efficient friend of Abraham Lincoln.'

Mr. Browning was a member of the Illinois House of Representatives for two years, and of the state senate four years, ran for Congress against Stephen A. Douglas in 1843 and against William A. Richardson in 1852, was appointed United States Senator in 1861, on the death of Douglas, and was succeeded as senator by William A. Richardson. In 1866 Mr. Browning was appointed secretary of the interior by President Johnson, which position he filled until the inauguration of President Grant.

Mr. Browning erected three dwellings in Quiney, each of which he occupied. The first was a log cabin. which stood on the south side of Hampshire street, at the northeast corner of what is now St. Boniface school yard. His second dwelling was the mansion just north of St. Boniface school, near Seventh and Hamp- shire streets, which was destroyed by fire in 1904, being then occupied by the Conservatory of Music. The third residence erected by Mr. Browning was at Eighth and Sycamore streets, the spacious house and grounds and improve- ments costing about $50,000. The property was bought and occupied by the late Henry F. Joseph Ricker, after Mr. Browning's death.

Among the people of Quincy, his home for half a century, to the general admiration and esteem for Mr. Browning, there was added the feeling of warm personal regard and affection

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for his lovable and beautiful traits of charac- ter, so well known to his neighbors and friends. Mr. and Mrs. Browning were noted for their hospitality, and their home was often crowded with guests, including many distinguished per- sons. They had no children of their own, but had an adopted daughter, whose marriage was not fortunate. Mrs. Browning, nee Eliza Hick- man, was born near Richmond, Madison Coun- ty, Kentucky, in October, 1807, and died in Quincy, January 23, 1885.

CHRISTIAN H. AUMANN.

Christian IT. Aumann, deceased, whose busi- ness identifieation with Quincy, eovering many years, made him one of the representative men connected with its trade relations, was born in ITanover, Germany, July 9, 1835, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Aumann, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to America in the '50s, settling in Quincy, but they were not long permitted to enjoy their new home for both died soon afterward.

Christian Il. Aumann acquired a good educa- tion in the schools of his native country and en- tered upon his business career as an underwriter in the king's court in Ilanover, being in the ser- vice of many prominent men there. He was thus engaged until he emigrated to the new world. Attracted to this country through the favorable reports which he heard concerning its business conditions and opportunities for ad- vancement, he landed in New Orleans and made his way direct up the river to Quincy. Here he began learning the tailor's trade and fol- lowed it for some time as a journeyman. Ile was employed at different places for a few years and afterward turned his attention to handling ready-made clothing, opening a clothing store in the public square in Quincy. He conducted the business until about 1860, when he sold out and accepted a position as cutter for the gov- ernment at the beginning of the war, making suits for the soldiers. Ile was thus employed for a year, when he again entered the clothing store. After a brief period, however, he sokl ont and turned his attention to the saloon busi- ness, purchasing the old Jo Adams saloon, which he conducted with success until 1886, when he once more disposed of his business and then joined his son-in-law, Mr. Barnard, in establish- ing and conducting a photographic gallery. Mr. Aumann continued in that business for a year or up to the time of his death, which occurred in July, 1887.

Mr. Aumann wedded Miss Amelia Smith, a native of New York city, born May 7, 1836,

and a daughter of Frederick William and Fred- ericka ( Keis) Smith, both of whom were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. He was also a tailor by trade and after crossing the Atlantic to the new world worked at his trade in New York «ity until 1841. He then removed to Wheeling, West Virginia, and opened a grocery and cloth- ing store, which he conducted until 1844. In that year he arrived in Quiney, bringing with him his stock of clothing and here he embarked in business. However, he largely worked at his trade to the time of his death, which occurred in 1859. Ilis wife also passed away in this city. Mr. and Mrs. Aumann were the parents of three children: Clara, the widow of Fred Barnard, is now employed in the Duker dry-goods store and makes her home with her mother, Mrs. Au- mann. She has three children. Ora is the wife of Allen Schuntz, a resident of Chicago, who is employed as a salesman in the Marshall Field dry-goods store. Alwin Arthur died at the age of three weeks.

Mr. Aumann voted with the republican party and socially was connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Mas mie frater- nity, the Brewers Association and the Turner's Society, all of Quincy. He was a member of the German Lutheran church and always was a leader in the musical circles of the church, possessing a fine voice that rendered him a fa- vorite not only as a church singer but also in social circles. His life was characterized by marked industry and in all of his business deal- ings he was successful. Ile was very prominent among the German people of Quincy and proved a worthy son of his native land and of his adopt- ed country as well. Mrs. Aumann and her daughter are members of the Presbyterian church of Quiney. She owns a nice residence at No. 515 North Third street, where she and her daughter reside.

CHARLES W. LINN.

Charles W. Linn, who is condneting a black- smith and wagon-making shop in Liberty, was born in this place, February 28, 1859. Ilis father, Amos J. Linn, is a native of Indiana, born December 5, 1836, and was brought to Illinois in 1840, the journey being made across the country in wagons. The family located in Hancock county and in 1841 came to Adams county, their home being established about two and a half miles east of Columbus. There Amos J. Linn remained until 1857, when he was mar- ried and came to Liberty. He wedded Angie C. Caldwell, who was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, and came to Ilinois with her parents. They

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made the trip by way of the water route, pro- ceeding down the Ohio and up the Mississippi rivers to Quincy. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Linn was blessed with six children, namely : Charles W .: Ida May, the wife of E. S. Graff, of Plainville : James A., who is living at Camp Point, Illinois: Rolla E., a resident of Qniney ; Eva Blanch, now deceased : and Elsie W., the wife of W. E. Plowman, of Quincy.

Mr. Linn acquired his early education in the public schools of Liberty and afterward attended school at Abingdon, Illinois. When his educa- tion was completed he returned home and en- gaged in farming for a time with an unele, but after a year. desiring a still better preparation for life's practical and responsible duties, he entered the Gem City Business College, which he attended in 1877-8. Later he went to Great Bend, Kansas, where he remained for a short time and following his return to Liberty he learned the trade of blacksmithing and wagon- making. which pursuits he has since followed. still condneting a shop of his own, in which he has acquired a good patronage because of his excellent workmanship and reasonable prices.

On the 29th of December. 1880. Mr. Linn was married to Miss Priscilla Naylor, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Naylor, of Carthage, Illinois, who were among the pioneer residents of Adams county, coming to this part of the state sixty years ago. U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Linn have been born eight children: Gertrude D., who is the wife of Edward Husaken. of Quincy : David II .. who is living in Marion, Ilinois: Jennie (., Samuel A. J., Angie G .. Carl W., and A. Fay, who are all at home.

Mr. Linn exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republi- ran party and keeps well informed on the ques- tions and issues of the day so that he is able to support his position by intelligent argument. Ile is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge at Liberty. and is also a member of the Presbyterian church. He is a worthy representative of a pioneer family and his own commendable characteristic also en- title him to representation in this volume.

JAMES T. REDDELL.

James T. Ruddell, who is manager of the Ursa Creamery Company, was born November 4. 1855, and is a son of J. M. and Martha A. ( Dunlap , Ruddell, the former a native of Bour- bon county. Kentucky, and the latter of Mercer county, that state. His parental grandfather. Stephen Ruddell, removed from Kentucky to Pike county, Missouri, in 1817, and in 1829 he

came with his family to Adams county. Ilinois. settling in Ursa.

J. MI. Ruddell, the father of our subject. ac- companied the family on their removal to Mis- souri and later to Illinois. He was reared to farm life. early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agri- culturist. He entered land frem the govern- ment on section 18. Ursa township, and after living on that place for a short time removed to section 16. Later he bought land on section I, where he and his wife resided for half a century, spending their last days upon that farm. It was in 1832 that he married Miss Martha A. Dunlap, whose parents removed from Kentucky to Callaway county, Missouri. in 1826 and soon afterward came to Adams county, Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ruddell were born eleven children but only three are now living : Margaret R., who was born November 22. 1838, and married Jacob W. Wiester: George H., who was born May 2, 1840, and was married in 1866 to Josephine Featheringill: and James T .. of this review. Those deceased are William D., and John D., who were both soldiers of the Civil war. the former dying in 1884 and the latter in 1877: Mary C., who died in 1898; and five who died in infancy. The mother of these children died April 28, 1896, and the father survived her only three months, passing away on the 25th of Angust of the same year. He was an eller in the Christian church for about forty years and officiated at many funerals. At his death he left one brother. Dooley Ruddell. who passed away shortly afterward.

James T. Ruddell was born on section I. Ursa township, and remained there until the death of his father. No event of importance occurred to alter the routine of farm life for him in his youth, attending the public schools and working in the fields when not busy with his lessons. He was married December 20, 1876, to Miss Sarah E. Jenkins, a daughter of William A. and Rachel Price ) Jenkins, who came to Adams county at an early date. She was born November 30, 1858. in this connty, and has four brothers and one sister living: Charles Jenkins, who resides at Marcelline : William, who is living in Lima town- ship: JJ. M., who is living at Marcelline: Mrs. Martha Orr, a resident of Lima township; and Ilarry, who makes his home in California. Mr. Jenkins died in July, 1894, and his wife died in May, 1900, both passing away on the old home- stead farm.

James T. Rnddell continued to engage in farming until his father's death and then re- moved to Ursa, where he conducted a store for two years. For several years he has been manager of the U'rsa Creamery, and as an enter-

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prising business man has built up a good trade here and has made this one of the profitable en- terprises of the town.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ruddell have been born five children : Charles A., who was born in Oc- tober, 1877, and was married, in December, 1898, to Miss Louise Andrews, is now living on a farm in Ursa township and his two children, James D. and Ennice, J. M., born in September. 1880, married Edith Smith and is now engaged in mer- «handising in Ursa: Frank, born in December, 1884. Maggie, born in November, 1889, and Martha, born in April, 1897, are the younger members of the family.

Politieally, Mr. Ruddell is a democrat, be- lieving in the principles of the party. He has held the office of assessor for nine years, collector for four years, and has continuously served as school director since he attained his majority with the exception of a brief period of one year. Ile has been very loyal to the public interests entrusted to his care and his official record is above reproach. He belongs to several fraternal organizations, being a member of the Modern Woodman camp No. 995; the Court of Honor; and the Marcelline lodge No. 127. I. O. O. F .; and he is a past noble grand of the last named and has twice been representative to the grand lodge. Ile and his wife are members of the Christian church, with which they have been identified from early life. They have a fine home in Ursa, noted for its generous hos- pitality, and their circle of friends is very ex- tensive. In his business career Mr. Ruddell has advanced steadily and the success which he now enjoys is due entirely to his capable manage- ment and his business ability.

HERMAN HEIDBREDER.

Herman Heidbreder, known as the "south side banker," has been connected with the business interests of Quiney for a half century, and his record has been such as any man might be proud to possess. Labors crowned with success and business methods that have gained him an un- tarnished name, have been the salient features in a career that is well worthy of enmulation.

Mr. Heidbreder was born on the 7th of March, 1842, upon a farm in the vicinity of Herford, Westphalia, Germany, he being one of a family of eight sons and one danghter. In 1852 the parents eame with their family to America, set- tling at Quiney, and a month later the Father purchased a tract of land covered with a dense growth of timber. This land, then about a mile south of Quiney, now borders Twelfth street.

On it the father erected a small house, which was soon occupied by the family. There he and his wife and three of their sons died within a brief period of three months.

Herman Heidbreder was then but a youth and up to this time had remained with his parents, assisting them, in as far as possible, in the work of the home farm. When but ten years of age he drove an ox team for about three months and was very proud that the work was entrusted to him. At the time of his parents' death C. Il. Bastert, then proprietor of a store on State street and who had been appointed administrator of the estate, adopted Mr. Heidbreder, who re- mained with him until 1856, when Mr. Bastert sold his store, but Mr. Heidbreder remained as an employe in the store through three successive changes in ownership, working for six dollars per month until 1860, when he entered the em- ploy of F. D. Kehlenbrink, as clerk, at thirty- five dollars per month. This was a grocery and dry goods store, in which Mr. Heidbreder was employed for two and a half years, when he bought out the business, on the 1st of September, 1863. Thus he became a merchant of Quincy, and for twenty-seven years was thus connected with commercial pursuits in the eity, maintain- ing an unassailable reputation by reason of his straightforward methods. In 1885 he engaged in the real estate business at Eighth and State streets, and five years later, with other prominent men, he established the State Street Bank, which from the beginning has had a successful eareer, winning soon an extensive patronage because of the reputation which Mr. Heidbreder has always sustained in the business community. ile has continuously served as eashier, and his executive force has been an important factor in the sie- cessful control of the enterprise.

In October, 1866, Mr. Heidbreder was married to Miss Anna Junker, a niece of F. H. Kehlen- brink, his former employer. They became the parents of seven children. William, the eldest son, is assistant manager and director of the Gem City Foundry : Clara is the wife of H. C. Sprick, part owner and assistant cashier of the State Street Bank: Walter and Harry are engaged in elerking in the bank: Minnie and Aha are at home ; and Arthur is at Midland College at Atchi- son, Kansas.

An interesting event in the life of Mr. Heid- breder was his celebration of the fortieth anni- Versary of the commencement of his business career, held on the 1st of September, 1903, at which time he held a reception for all his old- time patrons who were still living. There were thirty present, their average age being seventy- seven years and five months. After an appropri- ate address by Mr. Liese and a response by Mr. Heidbreder, they all talked over old times while

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partaking of a bountiful repast, and it proved a most enjoyable occasion to all.

Deeply interested in public affairs relating to the welfare and progress of Quiney, Mr. Heid- breder has given support to measures for its ma- terial upbuilding and its intellectual and moral progress. Ile is one of the directors of the public library and was one of the founders of the Young Men's Christian Association, of which he has served as a director for many years, contributing most generously toward the erection of its fine building on Ninth and State streets. One of his salient characteristics has ever been his deep in- terest in young men and the helpful attitude which he maintains toward them. He is always ready to counsel or advise them when his opin- ions are sought, and to many he has given more substantial assistance. remembering the unfavor- able conditions of his own youth, when, without capital or friends, he had to start out to make his own way in the world. His life record is a splendid commentary on the fact that labor- persistent and honorable -will eventually win success, and such a course also develops a char- aeter that commands uniform respect and ad- miration.

JOHN S. CRETTENDEN.

John S. Cruttenden, who is engaged in the real estate and loan business. has through ex- tensive operations contributed in large measure to the material improvement of the city of Quiney, which is the place of his nativity, his natal day being February 8, 1858. His parents, .J. Smith and Frances (Noakes) Cruttenden, were natives of England, whence they came to the new world, establishing their home in Quin- cy, where they now reside.

John S. Cruttenden pursued his education in the public schools of this city and entering upon his business career at the comparatively early age of thirteen years was for four years in the employ of Binkert Brothers, grocers. He spent the succeeding year in the service of the firm of Kingsbury. Blasland & Company, wholesale dealers in boots and shoes and when but nine- teen years of age he accepted a position as deputy county treasurer, continuing in the of- fice for five years. Ile was then elected county treasurer in 1852 for a term of four years, being the only republican elected on the county ticket that year, his majority being 1698. This fact certainly indicates in unmistakable measure his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens.

In the same year of his election to office he en- tered into partnership with Anton Binkert and John JJ. Siepker, under the firm name of

Binkert. Cruttenden & Siepker. They began dealing in loans and real estate and de- veloped a constantly growing business, with which Mr. Siepker was connected until four years had passed, when he retired. The firm of Binkert & Cruttenden had continuous existence until 1897, after which Mr. Crut- tenden was alone until August, 1898. He was then joined by Gustave A. Bauman under the firm style of Cruttenden & Bauman, a rela- tion that has been maintained until the present time. Theirs is mostly a real estate and loan business and they have negotiated many im- portant realty transfers which have contributed to business activity and have had direct bearing upon the permanent improvement of the city. In the placing of loans Mr. Cruttenden has also conducted a business of considerable extent and importance. lle has been interested in building several additions to the city, including the Binkert & Cruttenden addition, Riverview, Lawndale, Park Place, Walton Heights, Lin- roln Heights and Poling and Crittenden's first and second additions. Thoroughly in- formed concerning realty values, with ready recognition of business possibilities com- bined with an earnest desire for the city's sub- stantial improvement as well as his individual success, he has so operated that his labors have been a factor in Quincy's growth and develop- ment and in the beautifying of various residence portions. He is a director of both the Gem City Building Association and the Ricker Na- tional Bank.

On the 14th of December. 1882, Mr. Crutten- den was married to Miss Anna A. Williams, the eldest daughter of John H. and Rebecca (Wal- ton ) Williams, of Quiney. They have one son, John W., and they occupy an attractive home on the corner of Maine and East avente.

Mr. Cruttenden is a communicant of St. John's Cathedral, the leading church of the Episcopal diocese and socially he is connected with the Royal Areanum and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Politically he en- dorses republican principles and has for two terms represented the fifteenth congressional dis- triet on the board of equalization and has been elected for a third term. Active in the manage- ment of the political interests of the county he is now serving as a member of its central com- mittee and his opinions carry weight in the party councils throughout this portion of the state. He has been the promoter and supporter of various publie enterprises, was one of the organizers of Graceland cemetery and his prom- inence in the business circles of Quincy is in- dicated by his election to the presidency of the chamber of commerce in May, 1904, as successor to JJ. W. Emery. Entering business life when

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but thirteen years of age without special qual- ifications for any particular line of endeavor he has carved out an honorable name and place for himself. winning success that classes him with the leading representatives of the business life of his city.

ALBERT HUGHES.

Albert Inghes, who is now one of the most venerable citizens of Adams county, now lives at Ursa, is ninety-five years of age, and until about the last two years remained actively engaged in business. Hle was for many years a leading agriculturist of his township, and his well-managed farming interests brought to him success. Ile was born in Jefferson county, Kentucky, January 20, 1810, a son of Robert and Elizabeth ( Strother) Hughes, the former cf Scotch descent, born May 21, 1769, and the latter of Welsh lineage, born about 1774. They were born, reared and married in Culpeper county, Virginia, and soon after their marriage removed to the vicinity of Louisville, Kentucky, where Mr. Ilughes was engaged in farming. The mem- bers of the family were as follows: Benjamin, born July 15, 1795: Sarah, who was born March 19, 1797, and married George Howard: Nancy, who was born December 15, 1798, and became Mrs. Applegate : JJohn, born September 4, 1800; Drucilla, born June 2, 1802; Lorenzo, who was horn July 17, 1805, and married Elizabeth Wright: Covington, born December 15, 1806; Minerva, born April 18, 1808: Albert, born Jan- mary 20. 1810: Adelaide, born September 12, 1811 : Azarias, born April 24, 1813: Robert, born September 10, 1815; Eliza, born Angust 14, 1820; and one that died in infancy.

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Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 74

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