USA > Illinois > Adams County > Quincy > Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois > Part 77
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Mr. Echols owns a nice home in Loraine. where he has five and one-quarter acres of good land. The grounds around his house are well kept and it is one of the attractive residences of the town. Mrs. Echols is now teaching in the primary school in Loraine. She is a member of the Methodist Church, while Mr. Echols belongs to the Christian church. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America. Ilis political allegianes is given to the republican party and his fellow citizens recognizing in him the value of his labors in promoting publie in- terests, have called him to office. For four years he occupied a position under the appointment of Governor Tanner, and is now representing his district in the state legislature, having been
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elected in November, 1904. He has a broad and comprehensive knowledge of the political ques- tions and issues of the day and his course in the legislature has been marked by unswering fidel- ity to the best interests of his constituents and of the commonwealth at large.
ROBERT W. GARDNER.
Robert W. Gardner, the well known founder and proprietor of the Gardner Governor Works, of Quiney, is mimbered among the leading American inventors. No country on the face of the globe has made such rapid progress along inventive lines or has given the world as many useful devices as has the United States. In fact, the machinery and mechanical devices which she has placed upon the market have revo- lutionized the world of trade, and her pre-emi- nence in this regard is acknowledged in all coun- tries. Among those whose inventive genius has been a factor in bringing about this condition is Robert W. Gardner, of Quincy.
A native son of London, England, Mr. Gard- ner was born February 18, 1832, a son of James Gardner, of Edinburgh, Scotland, who for many years was prominent and influential in the gov- ernment serviee of Great Britain and was the associate of many of the leading scientific men of his time, including such eminent personages as Robert Stevenson, Colonel Cubit, Sir Roderic Murchison and also Lieutenant Maury, of America. He had charge of the first complete trignometrieal survey of Great Britain, and later was agent of the ordnance department of the gov- ernment, with headquarters in the Tower of Lon- don. He was also employed on scientific work by the French government during the reign of Louis XIX., and was universally acknowledged one of the greatest scientists of his day.
Robert W. Gardner, although born in London, largely spent his youth in Scotland, and his pre- liminary education was supplemented by two years' study in the University of Edinburgh, his attention being given to scientific branches. Dur- ing that period he was also a student in the Royal School of Design. In 1849, having been disap- pointed in receiving an expected appointment, he came to this country, hoping that the new world would afford better business opportunities. Advised to go west, he made his way to the vicinity of Rushville, Illinois, where he secured a position as teacher in a district sehool, and thus he began life in America. In 1851 he re- turned to Scotland, but soon came again to the United States, bringing with him little money and but one recommendation, this having been given him by the professor of mathematics in
the University of Edinburgh. It was dated May 13, 1849, and read as follows: "Edinburgh, May 13, 1849 .- I hereby certify that Mr. Robert Gardner attended my mathematical classes from May, 1847, until August, 1848, during which period he prosecuted his studies very diligently and successfully. Ile is well acquainted with the elements of geometry and algebra and with their more important application to mensuration, surveying and engineering. His abilities as draughtsman are of the highest order, and eon- sequently his plans of surveys are executed with great acenraey and elegance. It is also consistent with my knowledge that he has shown promise of becoming an able landscape painter, from the specimen I have seen in the exhibition of painting in the Royal Institute here. He therefore in my opinion cannot fail to be suc- eessful in any profession where a knowledge of such branches of a finished education are re- quired. I can only add that I have every reason to be satisfied with his general good conduet while he was under my tuition, and wish him that success in the world to which his abilities justly entitle him.
"WILLIAM GALBRAITH, M.A., F.R.A.S. "Teacher of Mathematics, Etc."
Mr. Gardner has resided continuously in Quincy since September 1, 1852, but was, on reaching the city, unsuccessful in his efforts to obtain a position as draughtsman or teacher of art, and necessity demanding that he find imme- diate employment. he determined to master the practical side of mechanics and entered upon an apprenticeship to Edward G. Turner, who was conducting a small machine shop in Sixth street. Thus it is that fate seems to play at cross pur- poses with what nature seems to have intended, and yet, in almost every instance, as in the case of Mr. Gardner, what appeared to work a hard- ship at first, has turned out advantageously, and latent powers were developed whereby he has won both fame and fortune.
In 1854 Mr. Gardner secured an excellent position with an engine-building firm in Alton, but soon returned to Quiney and with Henry Mitchell purchased the Turner shops. Ilis sec- ond partner, following the death of Mr. Mitchell, was John Robertson, and eventually Mr. Gard- ner became sole proprietor of the business, which formed the nucleus of the present extensive gov- ernor works. His love of scientific research and experimenting were continually alert for oppor- tunities of improvement, and in 1859 he coneen- trated his attention upon the task of improving the governor of the steam engine, securing his first patent August 14, 1860. He continued his labors in this direction, each experiment bringing him nearer perfection, and since 1870 he has made a specialty of the manufacture of steam
R. V. Gardner
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engine governors. In 1883 the Gardner Gov- ernor Company was incorporated, and there is in the company's offices a complete record of every governor sold, with full details of particu- lars. These governors have been introduced and sold in nearly every country in the world, and even some of the less civilized districts of the globe, while large agencies are maintained in the leading eities of Europe. The plant in Quincy is the largest of the kind in the world, is fully equipped with the latest improved machinery and a large foree of workmen is employed.
In many directions has Mr. Gardner's ability as an inventor been demonstrated, while each machine that leaves his shop is a proof of his skill and his mechanical and business ability. His position as one of the foremost American in- ventors is widely recognized, and because of this he lias been elected to membership in some of the leading mechanical societies of Europe.
Important as have been the life work and business interests of Mr. Gardner he has yet found time to devote to public interests and those ameliorating the conditions under which many unfortunate classes labor. He has been president of the Blessing Hospital, a trustee of the Wood- land Orphan Home and the Associated Chari- ties, and has also been connected with other char- itable societies and organizations, to the support of which he has contributed unostentatiously but liberally. He aided in founding the Free Public Library of Quincy, and has been particularly active in encouraging and aiding all movements having for their object the welfare, substantial improvement and material, intellectual and moral progress of the eity. An earnest church worker, his membership is with the Vermont Street Baptist church, of which he has long been an officer, while in its Sunday-school he has served as superintendent for almost forty years. His life has been an important element in the in- dustrial and commercial development of Quincy, but no less important in those departments of activity which uplift mankind and work for the upbuilding of character.
MRS. NELLIE SEALS.
Mrs. Nellie Seals, who is the owner of a fine farmi comprising fifty-two acres on section 22, Keene township, was born September 26, 1865, in Lincoln county, Missouri. She is a daughter of Joseph L. and Julina ( Pollard) Woodson. Her father was born in Virginia, June 11, 1818. and her mother's birth occurred in the Old Dominion, June 14, 1823. Mr.
Woodson was a farmer by occupation and re- moved to Missouri at an early period in the de- velopment of that state, spending his remaining days there. He died December 24, 1900, while his wife's death occurred August 13, 1898.
Mrs. Seals spent her girlhood days under the parental roof and obtained her education in the public schools of Lincoln county, Missouri. On the 19th of February, 1885, she gave her hand in marriage to James N. Seals and with him eame to Adams county, Illinois, where she has sinee lived. Mr. Seals was born April 1, 1856, and was a son of Joseph and Catherine ( Cecil) Seals, the former horn March 27, 1819, and the latter 'March 4, 1830. Both were natives of Ohio. They came to Adams county, however, at an early day, settling in Keene township among the pioneer residents of this portion of the state and the father bore an active and use- ful part in the early development of what was then a frontier region. In 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he made the overland trip to the Pacific coast, where he spent some time. He was very successful while in the far west and with a goodly sum of money he returned to Illinois. Ile afterward worked in Quincy at the stonemason's trade, which he had learned in his early manhood and he erected several of the stone houses that are still stand- ing in Quiney. Later, however, he returned to Keene township, purchasing a large tract of land and continued to engage in farming throughout his remaining days. He died Sep- tember 5, 1902, but his widow is yet living and makes her home with her daughter in Quincy.
James N. Seals was indebted to the public schools of Adams county for the educational privileges he enjoyed in his youth and when he had put aside his text-books he turned his at- tention to the tilling of the soil, gaining practi- cal knowledge of the best methods of carrying on a farm so that when he began business on his own account he was well qualified for the work which he undertook. He was the owner of a farm in section 22, and made it a valuable prop- erty, placing the fields under a very high state of cultivation and added all modern equipments to his farm. He was also prominent in local po- litical circles and he served for several years as collector, while for a long period he filled the office of school director, the cause of educa- tion finding in him a warm friend, who was the champion of all progressive measures for in- tellectual development. His fellow townsmen were endeavoring to get his consent to nomi- nate him for supervisor at the time when he was thrown from his horse and killed. His death occurred April 7, 1892, and the community mourned the loss of a valued citizen, his neigh- .
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bors a faithful friend, and his family a devoted and loving husband and father.
Unto Alr. and Mrs. Seals were born four chil- dren : Joseph C., the oldest, born March 27, 1881, was the first grandchild in the Seals fan- ily in Adams county and was born on the anni- versity of the birth of his parental grandfather. Ile is now engaged in teaching school. Glenn W., born November 21, 1883, is at home and as- sists in the operation of the farm. Lillian D., born May 23, 1884, died April 11, 1904. Julina M .. horn January 29, 1891, is at home.
Mrs. Seals resides in Loraine and is the owner of a good farm of fifty-two aeres on section 22, Keene township, in addition to her residence property. She is a member of the Christian church and is held in high regard by a large cirele of friends.
GEORGE W. SMITH.
George W. Smith, who owns and operates a farm of forty aeres on section 19. Keene town- ship, where he is engaged in the raising of fine blooded horses and good stock, was born in Han- rock county, Illinois, in 1846, and became a res- ident of Adams county in 1865, settling in Keene township. His Father. Dennis Smith, was a na- tive of Clermont county, Ohio, whence he came in an early day to Illinois. He married Miss Mary A. Gillham, a native of this state. They settled near Warsaw, in Hancock county, being among the early settlers of western Illinois. There were only a few white settlers in this part of the state when they located here and the greater number of the now thriving towns and villages had not yet sprung into existence, and the district was almost an unbroken wilderness and uncultivated prairie. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born nine children: Armilla, the wife of G. W. Ewing, of Hancock county ; George W .; Sarah, the wife of John Riley, of Keokuk, Iowa; Gertrude, the wife of Mr. Bird, of Keokuk, lowa: Emma, deceased: Jane, the wife of Mr. Parsons, a native of Minnesota; R. D., resident of Loraine : and Delia, wife of John Moore, of Warsaw, Ilinois; and one who died in infancy.
George W. Smith was educated in the public schools of Hancock county and after putting aside his text-books began farming on his own account at the age of sixteen years. He has always carried on agricultural pursuits and his practical methods and business activity have resulted in making him one of the substantial agriculturists of his community. As before stated, he became a resident of Adams county in 1865 when nineteen years of age and has since
made his home in Keene township, where he to- day owns a farm of forty aeres on section 19. Ilis fields are well tilled and he gives much of his attention to stock-raising, having some fine blooded horses and also some high grades of cattle.
Mr. Smith was married to Miss Charity 11. Medlung, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1847. and came to Illinois with her pa- rents in 1851, the family settling in Mendon township. ller parents had a family of six children: Sammel H., now living in Mendon, Ilinois ; Mrs. Smith ; Clara B., the wife of Henry Zeru, of Colusa, Illinois: and three sons who have departed this life. The father died in 1896, and the mother passed away in 1904.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born nine children : William, who was born in 1869 and lives in this county ; Mary C., was born in 1871 and is the wife of John Lee, of llancock county ; Etta B., who was born in 1875 and is the wife of IT. J. Chant, of Burlington, lowa ; Cassie L ... who was born in 1873 and died in 1874; Gertie E., who was born in 1879 and died in 1880; Charity Florence, who was born in 1882: George Francis, in 1884; Clarence M., in 1887; and Orville R., who was born in 1890 and died in 1894. The younger living members of the fam- ily are at home. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are highly esteemed in the locality where they reside.
JUDGE CHARLES B. MCCRORY.
Charles B. Me Crory, present judge of the Adams county court, was born February 7, 1874, on a farm near the village of Payson in this county. The ancestry of the MeCrory family in America is traceable to three brothers, who being in sympathy with the American colonists, emigrated from the northern part of Ireland to Charleston, South Carolina, and engaged with the American army until the close of the Revolution. The Judge's parents, Brice and Amy MeCrory, came to this county from the east, the former being a native of Pennsylvania and the latter a native of New York. The father was an extensive and successful farmer and his son had the good for- tune to be reared in the pure and wholesome atmosphere of country life, where like most farmer hoys, he learned the value of labor and perseverance, a lesson so essential to success and development in professional life.
His early educational advantages were such as were furnished by the local public schools. After graduating from the Payson high school in May 1894, he entered college, in preparation for his study of law. Ilis professional education was
JUDGE C. B. MCCRORY
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obtained in the Chaddock Law School of Quincy and as a student in the law offices of Judge John C. Broady. He was admitted to the bar of the state of Illinois, June 16, 1897, and subsequently to practice in the United States courts.
Mr. MeCrory, at the age of twenty-three years, began the practice of law as a member of the firm of Coffield & McCrory. Two years later he became associated with Homer D. Dines, under the firm name of MeCrory & Dines, which firm rontinned successfully until Mr. MeCrory was elected to the bench of the county court, Novem- ber 4, 1902, and Mr. Dines was appointed secre- tary to Judge Guy C. Scott, of the Illinois su- preme court. It was while a member of this lat- ter firm that Indge MeCrory was married, April 22, 1901, to Miss Lena C. Johns, of Quincy.
Judge MeCrory is a good citizen, a successful lawyer, and an able judge. As a lawyer he is studious and industrions, and his success in the courts has proven him an attorney of ability. He is loyal to his clients' interests and honest and frank in his counsel. In politics he is a demcerat and has always been loyal to his party. As a judge he displays a thorough knowledge of the principles of law and such qualities of honor and fairness that he commands the respect and confidence both of the public and the pro- fession.
CHARLES II. ACHELPOHL.
Charles II. Achelpohl is proprietor of a drug store in Quincy and in the conduct of this en- terprise his business capacity and energy are constantly manifest. While he thus figures prominently in commercial circles he is also a valued citizen of Quiney because of his activity in public affairs along lines of practical improve- ment and progress. Especially as a member of the conneil his energies have so constantly been exerted in behalf of the general good that his fellow citizens have come to regard him as a faithful enstodian of the public interests and one in whom they may place explicit trust and confidence, knowing that his labors are char- acterized by publie spirit and unfaltering de- votion to the general good.
He was born Angust 13, 1872. in Quiney and is a son of August I. and Fredericka i Behrens- meyer) Achelpohl, the latter the daughter of 11. P. Behrensmeyer. August Il. Achelpohl, a native of Germany, came to America with his parents when thirteen years of age, arriving about 1855, at which time he became a resident of Quincy. In early life he learned the wagon- maker's trade and after completing his appren- ticeship he turned his attention to the grocery
business, which he conducted on Jersey street, between Fifth and Sixth streets. At length re- tiring from that field of labor he formed a pack- ing company. of which he was president and treasurer, his partners being Chris Tuffi and 11. P. Behrensmeyer. Mr. Achelpohl was en- gaged in that business for about eight years and then disposed of his interests on account of ill health. About two years later he joined his son Charles II. in the establishment of a drug store at No. 1005 State street under the firm style of A. H. Achelpohl & Son. They opened the store in 1893 and contimted its management up to the time of the father's death, which occurred November 20, 1902. Ilis long connection with business affairs in Quincy had gained him a wide acquaintance in trade circles and his straightforward dealing had commanded for him the unqualified confidence of all with whom he was associated. His wife came to America with her parents at an early day and is now living in Quincy.
Charles II. Achelpohl was a public-school student in his early boyhood days and put aside his text-books when fifteen years of age, after which he served an apprenticeship in a drug store of H. Germann, there remaining for four years. He received a certificate from the Chi- rago College of Pharmacy at the age of twenty years, after which he went to Chicago and when twenty-one years of age he purchased a drug store on the north side of that city, continuing its conduet from 1891 until 1893. In that year he sold out and returned to Quiney to enter into partnership with his father under the firm style of A. II. Achelpohl & Son, with headquar- ters at 1005 State street. Following the father's death the son became sole proprietor of the store, which is now conducted under his name. The business is carried on in a handsome two story pressed brick building at No. 1201 State street, where he located October 25, 1903. Ile has a well equipped store, tastefully arranged and the large stock of goods which he carries is indicative of the liberal patronage which is accorded him. In addition to his other business interests Mr. Achelpohl, who is a man of marked enterprise and resourceful ability, is now serv- ing as vice president of the Quincy Regalia Com- pany and is president and manager of the Lahan Stove Company, which has recently been organ- ized for the purpose of manufacturing a soft coal base heating stove. The business has al- ready been placed upon a good basis and the factory is on Payson avenue between Third and Fourth streets. He likewise conducts the Physi- cians & Surgeons Supply House at No. 1201 State street and has three salesmen on the road. He is also interested in the International
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Leather Company of St. Lonis and several other enterprises which have profited by his wise con- sel and sound judgment in business matters.
Mr. Achelpohl is active in politieal cireles in his native city and in 1902-3 represented the fourth ward in the city council, being elected on the republican ticket. He was elected by the largest republican majority ever given in the fourth ward, having a plurality of over three hundred. While in the city council. on Feb- ruary 15. 1904, Mr. Achelpohl introduced the following resolution :
Whereas, the modern and most improved methods for conducting electrical currents in cities from place to place have demonstrated that the underground service is the best and safest means by which electricity can be deliv- ered to the citizens: and
Whereas. The electrical wires stretched overhead along and in the streets and alleys of the city of Quiney and the large poles along and over which said wires are attached. mar the beauty of the city and greatly annoy the public and often interfere with the convenience of pedestrians and such wires greatly increase the danger of fire. and very often hinder the fire- men while trying to perform their duty at a fire: and. whereas, such overhead electrical wires increase the danger of communicating the electrical power and force contained in live wires to persons passing along or near such wires and poles ; therefore, be it
Resolved by the city council of the city of Quincy that the ordinance committee be and the same is hereby instructed to draft an ordinance compelling any company or companies, person or persons owning or controll- ing an overhead light, telephone, or telegraph wires in the city of Quincy to remove them all and any wire or wires, pole or poles, that are now in and along and over the streets and al- leys of this city, within the fire limits, within one year from April 1, 1904: and also providing that no company or companies, person or per- sons shall hereafter be permitted to stretch electrical wire or wires overhead in and along the streets and alleys of the city, nor be permit- ted to ereet any such poles in and along such streets and alleys within the fire limits; and that all such electrical wires be laid under- ground, and that said ordinance contain a proper and sufficient penalty for its violation to insure its observance.
Alderman Achelpohl moved that the ordi- nanee committee be instrueted to prepare and present an ordinance in conformity with the resolution by the second meeting in March.
In his social relations he is an Elk and is prominent in Masonry, belonging to Lambert
lodge, No. 549, A. F. & AA. M., while in the Seot- tish rite he has attained the thirty-second de- gree, belonging to Quiney eonsistory. Ile also belongs to Pruexblioiler lodge, K. P .. to Min- newawa chapter. No. 159, 1. O. R. M., the Court of Honor and the Knights of the Maccabees. Ilis religious faith is indicated by his member- ship in the German Methodist church.
On the 20th of May, 1897, Mr. Achelpohl was united in marriage to Miss Medora Miller, a daughter of Christopher Miller, one of the old- est settlers of Quincy. Her mother is still liv- ing and she has two brothers and one sister. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Achelpohl are: Wal- ter J., who is cashier for the Galesburg Gas & Electric Light Company, of Galesburg. Illinois, and married Laura Hagen, a daughter of Wil- liam Tagen, of Quincy; and Selma, at home.
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