Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 88

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 88

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On the 3d of October, 1869. Mr. Urechi was married in Payson, Illinois, to Miss Amy Smed- ley Wharton and they have two children, Charles II., who married Lydia Flaek; and Amy W. UTrech.

ALMERON WHEAT.

Almeron Wheat, deceased, was for many years one of the prominent attorneys of Quincy and a man of influence in the community. He was born near Auburn, New York, on the 7th of March. 1813, and was a son of Luther and Ehnira (Alarvin) Wheat. His father was a native of the same state, being born near Albany, and from that place removed with a brother to a farm near Auburn, where they carried on agricultural pur- suits until his death.

Ahneron Wheat began the study of law in Au- burn. New York, but shortly afterward removed to Columbus, Ohio, where he made his home until 1839, his time being devoted to the profes- sion which he had chosen as a life work. In the latter year he decided to locate in Springfield. but on hearing of his intention Drs. Hiram and Sammel Rogers, who were pioneer physicians of Quincy, went to see him and induced him to settle in this city. Here he successfully engaged in the practice of law up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 12th of July, 1895.

In early manhood Mr. Wheat was united in marriage to Miss Laura A. Harris, who was born in Old Vincennes, Indiana, June 13, 1825, her parents being Amos Westeott and Hannah ( Gold) Harris, the former a native of New Jer- soy and the latter of New York. Not long after the birth of his daughter Mr. Harris took his family to Louisville, Kentucky, and from that place removed to Quiney, Illinois, in 1833. At that time there was but one small frame build- ing in the town, it standing on the present site of Christie's drug store at the corner of Fifth

and Hampshire streets. Mr. Harris, who was a carpenter by trade, died in the '50s, while his wife died in the '40s.

At the time of his death Mr. Wheat was the oldest member of the Adams county bar both in age and practice and always ranked with the highest in the profession. It was said of him that he was possessed of a powerful, analytical and logical mind and indefatigable industry. These qualities made him a strong character, an excellent lawyer and a formidable opponent in the management and trial of a case before either conrt or jury. In all his dealings with the pro- fession he was fair and courteous but unyielding so Far as the rights of his elients were concerned. Hle was both as a lawyer and man actuated by the strictest integrity and had no patience with any kind of dishonesty, frands or shams. Mr. Wheat's practice in the courts of this state ex- tended through a period of more than half a century, all of which time he devoted exclusively to his profession, eschewing all other pursuits and especially politieal preferment. Ile never songht nor held any office except that early in his career he was elected to the legislature and by his efforts in that body the removal of the county seat from Quincy was prevented. It was a well known fact that Mr. Wheat spent hun- dreds of dollars of his own money to do this and when on account of the decision that Quincy was to continue as the county seat the county was divided, it was due principally to his efforts and expenditures that the county was again united. Subsequently, although a member of the dominant party, which could and would have given him any position he sought, he always refused to be a candidate for any office, pre- ferring to devote his energies to his profession. He was, however, county attorney here for over twenty years.

CARL HEIMANN.

Carl Heimann, living on section 35, Honey Creek township, was born in Westphalia, Ger- many, in 1863, and came to America in 1884, set- tling in Honey Creek township, in November of that year. He is the son of Henry Heimann, who is still living on a farm in Germany. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Wilhelmina Ohr- man, was also a native of Germany, and both parents died in that country.

Carl Heimann was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the schools of the fatherland. Thinking that he would have better business opportunities in the new world he crossed the ocean and arrived in Honey Creek township, Adams county, Illinois, in November,

ALMERON WHEAT

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

1884. Ile settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty aeres on section 35 and here he has since lived, having made his property valuable through the improvements he has placed upon it.

In 1892 Mr. Heimann was married to Miss Marie Rohe, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rohe, who came to Honey Creek township in 1860 Her father was a farmer and fruit-grower and propagated the apples known as the Rohe and Baird varieties. The most of the orchards in this county are largely planted to trees of those varieties. Mr. Rohe has passed away, but his wife, Mrs. Johanna Rohe, is still living upon a farm in Adams county. She was born in Ol- denburg, Germany, and came with her husband to America in 1860. One son also survives, Henry Rohe, who is a mail clerk and resides in Chicago. Ile married Miss Renchel and they have two children : Arena and Walter. The is interested in the Wheeler & Tappin Steam Pump Works. Chicago.

The home of Mr. and Mrs Heimann has been blessed with four children : Minnie, Emma, Henry and Hulda. They are well known in Honey Creek township and Mr. Heimann is classed among the enterprising farmers there.

JOHN F. GARNER.

Lientenant JJohn F. Garner, well known in musical. military and legal circles in Quincy, was born October 6, 1878, upon a farm two miles east of West Point, in Hancock county. Illinois, the only son of James R. and Helen A. (Finlay ) Garner, of West Point. The Garner family was established in Hancock county at a pioneer epoch in its history. The great-grandfather, who died at Bowen. Illinois, at the age of ninety-nine, was prominently identified with its early develop- ment. William Garner, the grandfather, a na- tive of Kentucky, spent a portion of his life in Indiana and then came to Ilinois, following the ocenpation of farming until advanced age cansed him to put aside the ardnons labors that de- volve upon the agriculturist. He died in 1890, at the venerable age of four score years. His son, James R. Garner, also followed the occu- pation of farming and during President Harri- son's administration served as postmaster of West Point. He married Helen A. Finlay, a daughter of William B. and Charlotte ( Best) Finlay. He was a native of County Monaghan. Ireland, while his wife was born in County Clare, Ireland. Emigrating to America they settled first in Adams county, where Mrs. Garner was born, and later they removed to Hancock connty. where they spent their remaining days. Mr. Finlay was a Methodist clergyman. belonging

to the Illinois conference, and he died at the age of eighty-nine years, while his wife passed away at the age of eighty-six years.

John F. Garner, spending his early youth upon his father's farm, acquired his preliminary edu- cation in the public schools of West Point, com- pleted his literary course in the high school of Carthage, Illinois, and then, preparatory to ad- mission to the bar, entered upon a course of study in Chaddock College, at Quiney, from which in- stitution he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Law, in the class of 1898. He was admitted to the bar October 3. 1899, and open- ing an office in Quincy, has since remained in practice here, gaining a good clientage that many an older practitioner might well envy. The pro- fession of law, no less than the industrial or commercial pursuits, demands close application, thorough preparation and unfaltering energy. and possessing all these requisite qualities, Mr. Garner has gained for himself an enviable place as one of the strong and able members of the Quiney bar.

Interested and active in politics Mr. Garner was secretary of the Adams county central com- mittee in 1904 and an effective worker in the ranks of the party. He also has considerable local prominence in military circles, with rank as lieu- tenant in the Illinois Naval Reserves. command- ing the Quiney division. Ile has been in the service for ahnost seven years. entering as a seaman and holding all non-commissioned and commissioned offices, up to and inehiding that of commanding officer. His fraternal relations are with Quincy lodge, No. 296. A. F. & A. M., the Royal Ar- eaumm, the Red Men and the Fraternal Trib- nnes. He is a well known figure in musical cir- eles and popular with the music loving people of the city, well known as a tenor of the Congrega- tional Quartette and as first tenor of the Imperial Male Quartetto of Quincy.

Mr. Garner was married March 31, 1903, to Miss Cora K. Jansen, a daughter of H. H. Jan- sen, of Quincy. and to leading social circles of the city their personal worth gains them en- trance.

WILLIAM S. MARTZ.

William S. Martz, who is engaged in farming on section 23, Fall Creek township, was born in Louisiana, Missouri, September 5, 1859, and was the fifth child in the family of William A. and Drusilla (Davis) Martz. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, born February 24, 1823, and the mother's birth occurred in Louisiana, Missouri, February 11, 1827, and they were married October 27. 1847. In early life the fath-

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er learned the carpenter's trade and in 1847 emi- grated westward, settling in Louisiana, Missouri, where he worked at carpentering for many years, becoming actively identified with building inter- ests there. In 1876 he removed to Pike county, Illinois, and later retired from active business life. Ile is still living in that locality in the en- joyment of a well earned rest Unto him and his wife were born seven children who reached ma- ture years, while three are yet living.

William S. Martz, the fifth in order of birth in that family, obtained his education in the pub- lie schools of his native town and in Alton and Grafton, Illinois. After arriving at man's estate he began farming on his own account in 1875. When he had completed his education, however, he worked by the month as a farm hand and continned in that labor for about seven years. when he began learning telegraphy and in due course of time became a telegraph operator at New Canton, Ilinois. Following the completion of his telegraphie course he worked at all the stations between Louisiana and Qniney on the Chicago, Burlington & Quiney Railroad

It was while living in New Canton that Mr. Martz was married in 1882 to Miss Estella M. Uppinghouse, of New Canton, and unto them were born two children, Herman W. and Lowell A. The former is at home. while the latter died on the 12th of May. 1896, at the age of ten years. The mother died February 23, 1886, and on the 24th of October, 1888, Mr. Martz was again mar- ried. his second union being with Mrs. Sadie Thompson, a daughter of John and Martha Dearen) Bennington. Her father was born in Boston. Lincolnshire, England, June 24. 1819, and her mother's birth occurred in Virginia, April 30, 1833. Ile followed the occupation of farming throughout his entire life and in 1850 he came to Adams county, where he established his home upon a farm, his place being four miles north of where Mrs. Martz now resides. There he lived until 1881, when he sold his property and removed to Saline county. Missouri, where he resided for some time upon a farm. He still owns that property but is now living with his daughter, Mrs. Martz, his wife having died No- vember 9, 1904. They were the parents of nine children. Mr. Bennington was in such limited finaneial cirenistances when he came to Adams county that he had to pawn his watch in order to pay the expenses of his trip, but he is to-day worth twenty thousand dollars, all of which has been acquired through his own well directed labors. Ilis life has certainly been well spent and he deserves much credit for what he has accomplished.

Mrs. Martz spent her girlhood days in her parents' home and was first married on the 11th of March, 1880. becoming the wife of Samuel

Thompson, of Adams county. His health fail- ing, he went to California, hoping that he might be benefited thereby, but his death occurred in that state March 15, 1887. Mrs. Martz had three children by her first marriage: Arthur, who is twenty-four years of age; Ahna, twenty-three years of age, and Lney, twenty years of age. All are now engaged in teaching school in Adams county.

Mr. and Mrs. Martz were married October 24. 1888, and they now have a pleasant home built in modern style of architecture. It stands upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of good land, which is well improved with substantial buildings, richly cultivated fields and consider- able fruit. Everything about the place is kept in excellent condition and the farm is now one of the best properties of the kind in this section of the county. Mr. Martz is recognized as an en- terprising, practical and progressive agrieultur- ist. Fraternally he is connected with Miller lodge, No. 872, I. O. O. F .. at Payson, and also belongs to Quiney Aerie. No. 535, F. O. E., and to Fall Creek camp, No. 6999, M. W. A. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Method- ist Episcopal church at Payson.

In polities he is a staneh republican, taking an active interest in the work of the party, and has served as a member of the executive committee of his county. Although the township's polit- ical ratio is about that of three to two in favor of the democracy, he was elected supervisor in 1902 and again in 1904 -a fact which indicates his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen, who recognize his ability and have thus shown appreciation for his fidelity and promptness in executing the duties of the office.

REV. SAMUEL HOPKINS EMERY. D. D.

Rev. Sanmel Hopkins Emery. who from 1855 until 1869 was pastor of the First Congregational church at Quiney, and who during the Civil war was most active in this city in behalf of the Union soldiers, was born August 22, 1815. in Boxford. Massachusetts. He was the son of Joshua Emery, who gave him the name of Hopkins in honor of Dr. Samuel Hopkins, of Newport, Rhode Island.

The family is descended from John Emery, of Newbury, Massachusetts, who came with his brother Anthony from Ramsey, England, in 1635. Joshua Emery was married to Elizabeth Welch. a daughter of Colonel JJoseph Welch, of Plaistow, New Hampshire, who was commander of a regi- ment of New Hampshire troops in the Revolu- tionary war and a personal friend of George Washington. In 1824 Joshua Emery was of-

Samuel Aoptions Emery

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

fered a position in connection with the adminis- tration of the Andover Theological Seminary, which he accepted, and retained the office for twenty years.

Before the Rev. Samuel II. Emery was quite eight years of age he became a student in Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachusetts, where he began the study of Latin and Greek. Although prepared to enter Amherst College at thirteen years of age, on account of his youth he remained as a student in the academy for some time longer. pursuing advanced studies until 1831, when he became a sophomore in Amherst College, being graduated in 1834 as the youngest member of his class and with second honors. Ile was ime- diately offered a professorship in the state insti- tution for deaf mutes in New York city, but de- elined the offer and began preparation for the ministry as a student in Andover Theological Seminary. In his last year at the seminary he delivered the master's oration at Amherst and received the degree of Master of Arts. The first Sunday after leaving Andover he preached for the Spring Street elmirch in Taunton, Massachu- setts, and the church then extended him a unani- mous call. He accepted it and became its pastor about the time that he reached the twenty-second anniversary of his birth.

On the 7th of March, 1838, Mr. Emery was umited in marriage to Miss Julia Reed, a daughter of Deacon William Reed of his parish. Three years later he went to Bedford, Massachusetts, where he acted as pastor for five years and then returned to his old church in Taunton. During his ministry there, which covered ten years, he prepared and published a vohune called The Min- istry of Taunton, with incidental notes of other professions. This work was published in two volumes. In 1855 Rev. Emery accepted a call from the First Congregational church of Quincy. Illinois, and entered upon a work there which proved of marked valne in the moral development of the city.

It was while Rev. Emery was residing in Quincy that the Civil war broke out, and Presi- dent Lincoln and Secretary Stanton furnished him a pass to go anywhere within the Union lines and also take others with him. With the consent of his congregation he made several trips to the south. taking with him nurses, food, supplies and varions hospital stores. Six hospitals were after- ward established in Quincy and Rev. Emery and Rev. Foote, also of Quincy, were appointed chap- lains and served until the close of the war. Dnr- ing that time Rev. Emery's son Frank was lying ill in Andersonville prison, but the father and his friends were unable to locate him.

During his residence in Quiney Rev. Emery was for ten years registrar of the general asso- ciation of the Congregational church of Illinois.

Under his guidance the church maintained a healthful growth and he had the sincere love and affection of his own congregation and the respect of people of all denominations. After a pastorate extending from 1855 until 1869, he left Quincy and returned to the east. On his way he stopped for three months at Chicago, where he preached for the New England Congregational church, which was waiting for its pastor, who was at that time completing a course of study in Andover Theological Seminary.

On again reaching New England Rev. Emery accepted the pastorate of the Congregational church at Providence, Rhode Island, where he remained for two years, and while there he com- piled a history of the Richmond Street church but never published it. On resigning that pastor- ate he made a trip to California and, subsequent to his return, he was for two years pastor of a new church in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was then called to North Middleboro and, during the two and a half years there passed, he wrote a history of that church, which was published. At the earnest request of the various churches of Taunton he returned to his old home to take charge of the charity work of that city, which he continued to do until he accomplished the organi- zation of a Board of Associated Charities. Ile spent the remaining years of his life in Taunton as Pastor Emeritus of the Winslow church, which was the successor of the Spring Street church, of which he was the first pastor. He is the author of a large volume, The History of Taunton, which was published in 1893.

Rev. Emery received from his ahna mater the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. He was a man deeply interested in all the vital questions of the day-those great problems which affect the welfare and happiness of mankind and prove either a detriment or an impetus to the civiliza- tion process of the world. He felt that it is the duty, as well as a privilege, of every American citizen to keep well informed on the issues of the times and support the principles which he he- lieves will contribute most to the public good. lle represented his district in the state legislature of Massachusetts in 1890-91. He was always deeply interested in historical matters, and it was through his efforts that the Old Colony ITis- torical Society of Massachusetts came into exist- ence, and for more than a quarter century and until his death he was its president. During one of his visits to his sons in Quiney he was instru- mental in the organization of the Quincy Histori- cal Society. Ile was a most lovable character and, because of his charity, his philanthropy, his untiring efforts in behalf of his fellowmen along the lines of material, intellectual and moral pro- gress, the world is better for his having lived. His active work in the ministry and in behalf of

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

the Union soldiers brought him into contaet with many of the leading men of the conntry, and he was their peer in all that tends toward character building. Gifted by nature with strong intel- leetnal force, he utilized his talents and powers for the benefit of his fellowmen and left the im- press of his individuality upon his age,

He passed away October 3, 1901. and his body lies in the cemetery at Taunton, as he desired. One of the Taunton newspapers concluides its re- port of the funeral services as follows:

"All elasses, all creeds, prominent professional and business men. little children, in whom the deceased took special delight: young men and young women, the glow of youth and health de- picted upon their faces, and people with gray hair and burdened with the weight of years, com- posed that vast assembly which had gathered to pay their respect to the memory of this good man. who had, throughout his prolonged life, given to the world an unexcelled example of Christian virtne and true brotherly love. Such an out- ponring of the people has never been recorded at a public funeral in Taunton."

ALFRED A. WHIPPLE. M. D.

Dr. Alfred A. Whipple, successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Quin- ey, and especially prominent in Masonic cireles, being one of the two in this county who have attained the thirty-third degree in Masonry, was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, Oc- tober 31, 1845. llis father, Henry F. Whipple, was born October 20. 1819, was a farmer by oc- cupation and at the time of the Civil war en- listed in 1862 as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth New York Infantry. lle par- ticipated in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and at the battle of Gettysburg he was captured and sout as a prisoner of war to Richmond, where he remained for six months. after which he was transferred to Andersonville and died in the prison there July 9, 1864. His Family knew nothing of his death or what had become of him until after the close of the war. when news of his demise was received. His wife, who was born March 19, 1825, bore the maiden name of Martha A. Hatch and was a daughter of Stephen Hatch, of Cattaraugus county, New York. They were married March 19, 1844, be- came the parents of six children, namely : Alfred A .: Sally G., who was born September 27, 1848, and is the widow of Andrew J. Harkness: Steph- en Joseph, who was born May 5. 1850, and was married August 14. 1875, to Florence M.

Seaver, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where since her death he has married Lottie E. Bletchley, of Cuba. New York. November 5, 1885; James Spencer, clerk of the New York senate, who was born October 1, 1852, and was married Novem- ber 25, 1875. to Sarah R. Dean, his home being at Salamanca: Fred D., who was born Novem- ber 9. 1855, and married Lois Bailey, of Cedar Springs, Michigan. June 3, 1879, but she has since passed away and he has married again: and Willis W., who was born August 21, 1859, and is now married, his home being in Salaman- ca, New York. The mother died in 1895.

Dr. Whipple attended the public schools and following his father's death heavy responsibili- ties devolved upon him. It was necessary for him to care for the family and he worked upon the home farm until nineteen years of age, when he entered a railway offiee at Salamanca, New York, there remaining from 1865 until 1873. when he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he be- came a student in the Eclectic Medical Institute. from which he was graduated in 1876. For two years of that time he also gave his attention to hospital service and following his graduation he removed to Randolph, New York, where he eu- tered upon the active practice of his profession. Later he was at Cuba, New York. until 1879. when he went to Chicago and entered the Hahne- mann Medical College and Hospital, being grad- vated therefrom in the spring of 1880. Soon afterward Dr. Whipple came to Quiney and has remained here continuously since, having a large practice. He is a member and at one time was president of the Ilinois Homeopathie Associa- tion and also belongs to the American Institute of Homeopathy.

On the 6th of October, 1869, Dr. Whipple mar- ried Miss Lydia E. Learned, of Salamanca, New York, a daughter of Dr. Henry Learned, for- merly of that place, but now of Pomona. Putnam county, Florida. Dr. and Mrs. Whipple had four sons and one daughter, but the latter. Grace MI., who was born October 17, 1872. died December 29, 1876. The eldest son, Dr. Henry L. Whipple, born JJanuary 3, 1871. married Al- ice C. Reed. of Quiney, a daughter of Warren Reed, deceased. lle attended the public and high schools and was graduated from the Chi- cago College of Dental Surgery, April 13. 1894. since which time he has practiced in Quincy. Ile has two children, Reed and Grace, who are attending school. He was a member of the Na- tional Gnard for fifteen years and belonged to the Fifth Winois Infantry during the Spanish- American war. lle is at present inspector of rifle practice on the colonel's staff for the Fifth Regiment. Merritt P. Whipple, born April 22. 1875. married Stella Durfee, of Quiney, and

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Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 88

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