Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 86

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 86

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On the 12th of October, 1881. Dr. Montgom- ery married Miss Agnes Cox, a daughter of the late Richard Cox, a hardware merchant, who died in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1897. Of their chil- dren Amelia, Elizabeth, Eleanor and Hosmer are living, while Edna died in September. 1898, at the age of ten years. Dr. and Mrs. Montgomery are members of the Unitarian church of Quincy. In politics he is independent, while fraternally he is connected with several organizations, in-

cluding Quincy lodge No. 296, A. F. & A. M., and Quiney chapter, R. A. M. Interested in the social life of the city the demands of his profession, however, leave him little time for social enjoyment and it is therefore well for him that he derives genuine pleasure from the con- scientious performance of the duties of his pro- fession and from scientific investigation.

J. W. CASSIDY.

J. W. Cassidy, who in his extended busi- ness career has wrought along modern com- mercial lines, and who in each transition stage has found opportunity for greater activity and still other advance steps, stands to-day in a prom- inent position in the trade circles of Quincy, as president and manager of the Cassidy Commis- sion Company. A western man by birth, train- ing and preference. his birth occurred on a farm in Kankakee county, Illinois, January 20, 1865. His father was a native of New York, but eame to the west to benefit by the rich agricultural re- sources of this great prairie state, and upon the homestead farm in his native county the son was reared, being trained to the labors of the field and meadow when not occupied with the duties of the schoolroom. He did not enjoy the advantages of a collegiate education, and at the age of nineteen entered upon his business career by selling nursery stock. For three years he remained upon the road as a traveling sales- man, securing many patrons and developing a large trade for the house, so that he was enabled to command an excellent salary, that enabled him within three years to purchase an interest in the business, with which he was continuously con- nected until his removal to Quincy to enter the commission field.

Organizing the Cassidy Commission Company, of which he became president and general man- ager, his marked energy, business discernment and unremitting diligence have conserved the interests of the enterprise until in the extent and importance of its operations it stands to-day second to none outside of the great commercial centers of the country. At the time of the estab- lishment of the business the offices were equipped with direct private wires to the grain. provision and stock exchanges of Chicago, St. Louis and New York, and the business proved profitable from the start, so that the company was soon enabled to extend its field of activity through the establishment of branch houses in a number of other cities. In 1900 the Cassidy Commission Company was incorporated with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, some of the leading business men of the city being shareholders, while

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J. W. Cassidy still remains at its head as the leading member and manager. He has studied closely the trade conditions of the country, is thoroughly informed concerning the markets of the world as affecting trade conditions, and at the same time his executive foree enabled him to manage the financial interests of the house until it has developed into one of the profitable com- mereial enterprises of the eity.

Mr. Cassidy is also a member of the Chicago Board of Trade and the St. Louis Merchants' Exchange, and has an extensive interest in the great "Egg-O-See" Company, whose goods are known and sold over the entire civilized world.

In matters of citizenship public-spirited and progressive, his substantial aid, wise counsel and foresight have proven valued factors in the pro- motion of many publie measures, and notably has he contributed to the successful establishment of the park and boulevard system of Quiney. ITis benefactions to charitable and benevolent in- stitutions, although unostentatious, are frequent and liberal. He is pre-eminently a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence; and, although he has hardly yet reached the prime of life, he is aecorded a distinguished position in the business eireles of one of the leading trade centers of the Mississippi valley. The palatial home of Mr. and Mrs. Cassidy is one of the at- tractive residences of central Illinois, while its gracious hospitality is enjoyed by a cultured so- ciety eirele.

REV. LESTER JANES.

Rev. Lester Janes, for many years a Metho- dist minister of Quiney, recognized as one of the leading divines of the city. settled here in 1861, at which time he took charge of the old Trinity Methodist Episcopal church. He was a native of Delaware, Ohio, born in December, 1812. Ilis parents were natives of New York, whence they afterward removed to Delaware, Ohio. where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. His wife also died there.

Rev. Janes received no exceptional education- al privileges. Ile attended the common schools in his early youth and when but a boy joined the Methodist Episcopal church and became imbued with a strong purpose of becoming a minister of the gospel. His reading and study was directed to that end and after a few years he went to Erie, Pennsylvania, where he took charge of a Methodist Episcopal church, remaining at that point for some time. He afterward went to Lynn. Massachusetts, where he occupied a pas-

torate for several years but the coast winds proved detrimental to his health and he re- turned to Delaware, Ohio. He was among the founders of the Methodist Episcopal institution of that eity, which is now one of the large educa- tional eenters of the district. He remained there for about two years and in 1842 he went south, settling in St. Augustine, Texas, where he took charge of a Methodist Episcopal educational in- stitution, acting as its president for four years. He was afterward transferred to Aurora, Illinois, where he had charge of the Methodist Episcopal church for a year and later went to Champaign, Illinois, where he again became a teacher in the school conducted under the auspices of his de- nomination. He remained at that point for three years and subsequently engaged in preaching for a short time in both Warsaw and Mendon, Illi- nois.

In 1861 he came to Quiney, arriving here only a short time prior to the outbreak of the Civil war. After hostilities had begun he offered his services to his country, enlisting as a chap- lain in the army and serving therewith for four years. He still made Quincy his home. but after the close of the Civil war he went to Abingdon, Illinois, afterward to Galva, later to Monmouth, Illinois, and subsequently to Knoxville. serving as pastor of Methodist Episcopal churches in all of these places. He finally returned to his home in Quincy, remaining there a short time, but as he had a daughter residing in California he made his way to the Pacific coast. He and his wife spent the seven years in the Golden state at Orange and at Pasadena. In 1864 he returned to Quincy and retired from the active work of the ministry, entering superannated relations with the church.

Rev. Janes was married in Danville, Missouri. to Miss Sarah Hall Smith, a native of South Had- ley. Massachusetts, and a daughter of Rodney and Sarah ( Richardson ) Smith, both natives of Massachusetts. They made their home in North- ampton county throughout their entire lives. the father being there engaged in farming. Ile was a most prominent and influential factor in publie affairs, holding all of the county offices, including that of sheriff. Both he and his wife died in Northampton county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ianes were born ten children, of whom five are yet liv- ing. namely: George, who married Caroline Bennison and is a prominent attorney residing in Quincy : Pliny S., who wedded Caroline Yocum and resides in Quincy, where he is engaged in the book and stationery business at No. 635 Ilampshire street: John Lester. who married Miss Connor and is a merchant residing in Fort Davis, Texas; Edmund, who married Harriet Wilkins and is now attorney residing in Marys-

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ville, Missouri; and Robert Kennedy, who mar- ried Nona Wilkins and is engaged in the practice of dentistry in Pasadena, California. Those de- ceased are Sarah Martha, David Rodney, a see- ond child named David Rodney, Willie and one who died mmamed.

After his return from California Mr. Janes retired from the ministry and continued to make Quiney his home until his death, which occurred December 18, 1886. He gave his political allegi- anee to the republican party and was an ardent advocate of the cause of temperance, both he and his wife belonging to the Good Templars So- ciety of Quincy. He reared his family in the faith of the church and all of his children united with the Methodist Episcopal denomination. ITis sons have become prominent in business cir- cles and the family was well known and highly respected in Quincy. Rev. Janes' life was one of untiring activity, devoted to the intellectual and moral development of his fellow men and the extent of his influence and labors cannot be measured by any known standard. His memory, however, remains as a blessed benediction to those who knew him and his life work yet bears fruit in the character and lives of many with whom he was associated.

Several years ago J. R. Smith, a brother of Mrs. Janes came to Adams county and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres three miles east of Quiney, whereon he resided for fourteen years or until his death when the farm was inherited by his sister. Miss Apphia HI. Smith, who now resides in Quiney with her sis- ter, Mrs. Janes, they making their home together for several years. Mrs. Janes owns a large resi- dence at No. 1310 North Sixth avenue. She also has other residence property on North Sixth ave- nue between Spruce and Sycamore streets, and still other realty on Spruce street near Sixth avenue. She always shared with her husband in his ambitions and efforts for the church, largely aiding him by hard work and inspiring him by her council and encouragement

HENRY BORNMANN.

llenry Bormann the well known editor-in- chief of the Germania, published at Quincy, has risen by consecutive steps and through close application and the development of his native talents from an apprenticeship at the printer's trade to his present position in connection with one of the leading journals of this city. He was born at Quiney, May 1, 1846. llis father, John Bornmann, was a native of Ilatzfeld, Grand Duchy of Hesse Darmstadt,

born on the 14th of July, 1816. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Catharine Bald, was born October 3, 1820, near Berleburg in the cir- enit of Wittgenstein, Prussia. They came to America by way of New Orleans, arriving in Quiney on the 12th of November, 1845. The father engaged in the manufacture of soap for many years and was thus closely associated with the business development of the city. He died April 21, 1901, while his wife passed away May 5. 1894. Daniel Mizz, a great-unele of Henry Bornmann, was one of the five hundred thousand men who took part in the memorable march of Napoleon on the Moscow campaign and never returned. Another great-unele, Henry Mizz, en- listed when eighteen years of age in the English army, serving for two years. He then joined the Ilolland army, with which he was connected for thirty-four years or until 1826, achieving the rank of general.

Ilenry Bornmann finished his education in a parochial school in Quiney in the year 1859. After putting aside his text-books he entered upon an apprenticeship in the office of the Quincy Tribune, a German paper founded in 1852 by John Wood, the father of Quincy, who secured Gustav Adolph Roesler as editor and manager, Mr. Roesler coming from New York to take charge of the paper. On the completion of his third year of indenture Mr. Bornmann decided to relinquish his plan of devoting his energies to the printing business and was apprenticed to a tinner, with whom he learned the trade. Later he worked for a year as a journeyman finner, but in the meantime became convinced that the printing business was more congenial to him and resumed work at the case in February, 1868. He was employed for six years in the job print- ing office and he became foreman in the com- posing room of the Quiney Tribune. Subse- mently he accepted a similar position in the office of the Quiney Germania and for the past twenty years has been connected with the edi- torial department of the latter paper, acting for a number of years as its editor-in-chief. For the past four years he has been engaged in writing the history of the German Pioneers of Quincy and Adams County in the interest of the Ger- man American Historical Society of Illinois, which society has had an existence since 1900 with headquarters in Chicago and of which the Hon. William Voeke, of Chicago, is the president.

During the progress of the Civil war Mr. Bormann enlisted on the 14th of February, 1865. as a member of Company I, Forty-third Illinois Infantry, and served as corporal until the 20th of December, following, when he re- ceived an honorable discharge. Ile was a mem- ber of John Wood post, G. A. R., for about five years and then withdrew from the organization.

HENRY BORNMANN

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY

Ilis political allegiance was given to the repub- liean party until the year 1892, when on account of the Edwards school law, which he considered an infringement on personal rights and religious liberty, he became a democrat. Ilis religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Luth- eran church.

On the 16th of May, 1872, Mr. Bornmann was married to Miss Katherine Uebner, who was born in Fall Creek township, Adams county, her parents having come to this county from Ger- many in 1840. Mrs. Bornmann died March 20, 1881, and Mr. Bornmann was married again May 10, 1883, Miss Johanna Niehans becoming his wife. She was born in Quiney, where her parents are located, emigrating from Germany in 1852. Mr. Bornmann has eight children : Rosa, the wife of Hermann Stork: Clara. the wife of Henry Budde: Ida: Hilda: Ilenry; Alma: Irene: and Ruth.

WILLIAM H. GOVERT.

William H. Govert, holding distinctive preced- ence as a member of the Quincy bar, was born in Fort Madison, Iowa, September 10, 1844 When very young he came to Illinois and spent his boyhood upon a farm, attending a country school for a few months each year until he entered Illi- nois College at Jacksonville, where he was grad- uated with high honors in 1867. Preparing for the bar as a student in the law department in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, he was graduated with the class of 1870. and upon ad- mission to the bar in that year immediately lo- cated for practice in Quincy. Here he entered into partnership with Joseph N. Carter. the firm name being Carter & Govert, and upon the ad- mission of Judge Joseph Sibley. some years later. being changed to Sibley. Carter & Govert. Upon the retiring of Judge Sibley. Theodore B. Pape in 1988 became a member of the firm. and as Carter. Govert & Pape they practiced until Judge Carter's elevation to the supreme bench of Illi- nois in 1894. The present name of the firm is Govert. Pape & Govert, a firm which enjoys a practice in extent and importance second to none in the city.

In 1872 Mr. Govert was chosen by popular suf- frage to the office of city attorney. occupying the position for two terms and was then elected states attorney. as the successor of Judge W. G. Ewing. in 1876. He also acted in that capacity for two terms, but the major part of his atten- tion has been devoted to his private practice of law. He is, indeed, regarded as one of the bril- liant members of the Quincy bar and ranks with

the eminent representatives of the legal profes- sion in Illinois.

The zeal with which he has devoted his ener- gies to his profession. the careful regard evinced for the interests of his clients, and an assiduous and unrelaxing attention to all the details of his cases have brought him a large business and made him very successful in its conduct. ITis arguments have elicited warm commendation. not only from his associates at the bar, but also from the bench. He is a very able writer: his briefs always show wide research, careful thought, and the best and strongest reasons which can be urged for his contention, presented in co- gent and logical form, and illustrated in a style unusually lucid and clear. In his careful prepa- ration of cases he reaches the very root of the matter and is particularly noted as a counselor -this characteristic element in his praetice be- ing. therefore, of great value to those who seek legal advice upon matters of deep concern. When a legal decision is desired. his influence has often been the means of producing a settlement outside of the courts.

With keen business discernment he has made extensive investments in industrial and financial interests of Quiney and has been an important factor iu the development and control of many of these. Ile is now the president of the Collins Plow Company, of the JJ. R. Little Metal Wheel Company and the Quincy Corn Planter Com- pany. and a director of the Gem City Stove Com- pany. the Quincy Engine Works and of the F. W. Menke Stone & Lime Company. He is also one of the proprietors of the State Street Bank and holds stock in the Ricker National and the Quincy National Banks.

On the 25th of September. 1873. William H. Govert was married to Miss Rosa F. Wood, of Jacksonville. and their home at 1433 Vermont street, is one of the pleasantest in the city. They have one son and two daughters. George. Anna and Edith. The son, following his graduation with honors from Illinois College and Yale Uni- versity, pursued the study of law in the Univer- sity of Michigan and is now a partner in the firm of Govert. Pape & Govert.

HOMER D. DINES.

Homer D. Dines, engaged in the practice of law in Quincy and also one of the active workers in democratie ranks in his district, was born in Shelbyville. Missouri, in 1877. a son of Henry B. Dines. In the public schools of his native eity he began his education, which was continued in the schools of Quincy. where he attended the high school and completed the literary course in

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Chaddock College. Ile next entered the law department of Chaddock College and also read law in the offices of Homer M. Swope and MeCarl & Feigenspan, and was admitted to the bar in October, 1900, at Springfield. He then entered the office of Akers & Swope, where he served as Jaw clerk for three months, after which he formed a partnership with Judge C. B. MeCrory. in Jannary, 1901. this being maintained for two years or until Judge MeCrory was called to the bench, in December, 1902. Mr. Dines has since been alone in practice, and is continually ad- vancing in his profession, having now a clientele which many an older man might well envy. De- veloping his latent powers through energy, elose application and diligent study, he has, in the courtroom, demonstrated his ability to cope with intricate legal problems. lle is now private secretary to Judge Scott of the supreme court.

On the 10th of October. 1901, Mr. Dines was married in Quiney to Miss May Diekson, a daughter of John T. and Agnes ( Rash) Diekson. She was born in Lewistown, Missouri, in 1878, and they now have a little son. Ralph, born Or- tober 31, 1903. Fraternally Mr. Dines is a Mason and he belongs to the Quincy Bar As- sociation. In his political views he is a demo- erat and for several years has taken an active and helpful part in polities, serving as secretary of the Adams county democratie executive and central committees. Ile has also been secretary of the Park and Boulevard Association and is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of the city in which he las resided ever since his boyhood days. his aid in its behalf being of a practical and bene- ficial character. Personally he has the traits of character that win popularity, and he has a very large circle of friends in Quincy.

FREDERICK W. JANSEN.

Frederick W. Jansen, deceased, was numbered among the men who have contributed to the de- velopment of Quincy, not along one but along various lines, having been active in the promo- tion of politieal, material and moral interests in the city. He was, perhaps, best known in a business light as the president and founder of the F. W. Jansen Furniture Company. He ar- rived in Quiney in 1835, being at that time twen- ty years of age, his birth having occurred in Prussia, Germany, July 19, 1815. His parents were also natives of Germany and were farm- ing people, spending their entire lives in the fatherland.

Frederick W. Jansen attended the common

schools of his native country until fourteen years of age, when he began learning the cabinetmak- er's trade, which he followed for about six years. He then embarked for America and going to St. Louis, Missouri, was for a brief period a resident of that city. The same year, however, he came to Quiney and in the winter of 1835 he went to Natchez, Tennessee, where he worked at his trade until the following spring. He then returned to Quincy and secured a position at cabinetmaking with a Mr. Wood, one of the pioneer furniture dealers of the city. He continued in his employ for several years and found that his diligence and enterprise had brought to him sufficient capital to enable him to embark in the Furniture busi- ness on his own account. This was the begin- ning of a prosperous career mo ked by steady development. IFis trained efficiency in the line of his chosen calling proved one of the strong basie elements of his success and he was a splen- did representative of industrialism in Quincy. At the time he embarked in the retail furniture business he also built a large furniture factory on Jersey street between Sixth and Seventh streets and employed a number of men in the manufacture of furniture. Hle was a man of great industry and marked energy and his time was devoted between the factory and his store at No. 434 Maine street. Ile was thoroughly fa- miliar with every detail of the business as well as its principal operations and owing to his careful supervision, thorough understanding of the trade and capable management he met with snc- ress that numbered him among Quincy's substan- tial citizens.

Mr. Jansen was twice married. He first wed- ded Pauline Pfanselidt, a native of Germany and a daughter of Godfrey and Eva Elizabeth (Kleinschmidt > Pfanschmidt, both of whom were natives of Milhousen, Germany. The fath- er was a tanner by trade and in 1834 emigrated to America, settling in Adams county. where he purchased a farm in Ellington township, there carrying on agricultural pursuits until his death. Ilis wife, surviving him, died at the Jansen resi- dence in 1877. Mr. Jansen lost his first wife on the 9th of July. 1851, and afterward married her sister, Miss Johanna Matilda Pfanschmidt, also a native of Germany. There were six children born of the first marriage, of whom four are living: Frederick G., the eldest, is now presi- dent of the F. W. Jansen Furniture Company, controlling the largest retail furniture trade in the city, and he married Amanda K. Elliott. Charles C., who wedded Mary Livingston, is now living retired in Quiney at No. 2006 Prairie ave- mne. Albert W., also retired, makes his home in Lincoln, Nebraska. Amelia E. is the wife of Chris. Schultheis, a retired drugzist, and they reside with Mrs. Jansen. The deceased children

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of the first marriage were Matilda and Henry. There were four children born of the second union : Madora T., the wife of George Postel, a. large mill owner at Mascontah, Ilinois; and George, Laura and Ella, who are deceased. The father died Jannary 28, 1871.

In the early years of his residence in Quincy Mr. Jansen served as allerman. He always took a very active interest in politics and his early political support was given to the whig party, while later he became a stanch republican. So- cially he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Quincy He held mem- bership in the Methodist Episcopal church, being a devoted Christian gentleman, zealous and ear- nest in the church work. He served as a local preacher at an early day and subsequently filled the pulpit in various country churches. Ile was, moreover, one of the best known business men of Quiney and his success came as the direct re- sult of his own efforts. As his financial resources increased he made judicious investments in realty and became the owner of a large valuable prop- erty. His life stood in exemplification of the faet which many deny, that a successful man may be an honest man. His widow now resides at 639 JJersey street. She has in her possession a number of boxes and other relies of her hus- band's early work as a cabinetmaker. Her home is a pleasant and attractive one and she has a wide and favorable acquaintance in Quincy, where she has so long resided. She, too, is a member of the Methodist church.

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Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 86

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