Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 94

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 94

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Into Mr. and Mrs. Cort were born six children : Byron, who married Eleeta Wilson and

is living in Lynn county, Missouri; Sarah, the wife of Fred Ward, a resident of Reno county, Kansas; Sophia, who married Elijah Clair and after his death became the wife of John Flack, who is living on Honey creek; Frank, who mar- ried Alice Swaw and resides in Saline county. Missouri; Elizabeth, the wife of Jacob Weaver of the same county; and David, who married C'ora Paine and lives in Marion county, Mis- souri. There are several grandehildren, Mrs. Ward having six children. Mrs. Flack five chil- dren. Frank four, Mrs. Weaver two, and David five.

Mr. Cort died April 26, 1865, and his death was deeply regretted by many friends as well as his immediate family. Ile had come to the west a poor man but his perseverence and labor wrought a change in his financial condition and at his death left his widow in comfortable eir- rumstances. Mrs. Cort is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good land on sec- tion 28, Mendon township. She has been a wit- ness of the development and growth of this rounty through more than sixty years and has seen many changes as the county has emerged from its pioneer conditions to take its place with the best improved counties of the middle west.

Charles F. Clair, a grandson of Mrs. Cort. resides with her on the farm and cultivates the fields. He was born December 25, 1878, and pursued his education in the public schools. Af- ter putting aside his text-books he worked on his grandfather's farm and now cares for his grandmother. He has planted five acres of fruit trees and carries on general farming and stock- raising, his land being valable and productive. 1Te is a wide-awake and energetic agriculturist and is regarded as a reliable young man. whose career cannot fail to prove honorable and she- ressful. In polities he is a democrat.

WILLIAM T. DUKER.

William T. Duker. proprietor of the largest retail dry goods house of Quincy. entered the field of merchandising in 1883 and in twenty- one years has gained success, prominence and an honorable name in business circles that many men spend an entire lifetime in seeking. His excites the admiration of his contemporaries. proving as it does that success is the outcome of clear judgment and experience, and that its basic elements are unremitting diligence and a close study of the trade conditions of the time.

Mr. Duker is numbered among the native sons of Quiney, of whom the city has every reason to be proud. He was born December 14. 1861. a son of Theodore and Elizabeth ( Brinkhoff )

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Duker, natives of Germany. The mother is now deceased but his father still resides in Quincy. In the publie schools the son began his education and later pursued a thorough course in St. Fran- eis College and the Gem City Business College, thereby being well equipped for the onerous du- ties which devolved upon him as he entered the field of business activity, with all its complex- ities and competition. lle formed a partner. ship with It. B. Menke, in 1883, under the firm name of Menke & Duker, retail dealers in dry goods at 711 Maine street, in a small building only twenty feet wide. Five years later the busi- ness having ontgrown its limited quarters, they removed to 704-706 Maine street. In 1893 Mr. Duker became sole proprietor of the business, which has steadily expanded until it is to-day the largest retail dry goods emporium in Quincy. In 1901 Mr. Duker removed his business to his present fine building at Nos. 614-616 Maine street, where he ocenpies three stories and base- ment. The store is thoroughly modern in its equipment and in its business methods and the patronage is constantly increasing. The business poliey of the house has ever been in harmony with the old time-tried maxims, such as "honesty is the best policy." and "there is no excellence without labor." and in a business career, wherein his plans and purpose are such as neither seek nor require disguise, Mr. Duker has come to be rated among the most prosperons and prominent mer- chants of his native city.

On the 15th of February, 1887. Mr. Dnker was married to Miss Elizabeth Bowles, a daugh- ter of John Bowles, and they have a danghter, Edna, and one son, who was born on the anni- versary of his father's birth, was called Wil- liam T .. Jr. Mr. Duker, in his citizenship, is publie-spirited, practical and progressive, identi- fying himself with every movement to further the city's welfare, and his aid has been a valued factor in fostering many measures that have had direct effect upon the permanent improve- ment and npbuilding of Quincy.

HENRY A. WILLIAMSON.

Henry A. Williamson is one of the vita! forces in the commercial and industrial devel- opment and upbuilding of Quiney, possessing that keen business discernment which recog- nizes possibilities, combined with the sagacity which renders mistakes or errors of business judgment of the most infrequent occurrence. Ilis co-operation has heretofore been much songbt in the establishment and control of im- portant industrial and commercial enterprises, and. while largely promoting his individual

success, he is also a representative of that class of citizens who promote publie progress and prosperity in advancing their personal inter- ests.

A native of Freeport, Pennsylvania, Henry A. Williamson was born in 1828, a son of Dr. Thomas B. and Harriet ( Weaver) Williamson. The father died in 1840, when his son Henry was twelve years of age. There were four children in the family, two sons and two daughters.

Entering the public schools of Freeport, Henry A. Williamson pursued his education un- til fourteen years of age, when he entered upon his business career as a clerk in a general store, being thus employed for three years. In 1846 he became interested in the Imber and gen- eral merchandise business in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania. In 1847 he returned to Free- port. where he also engaged in merchandising for some ten years, and in 1859 he came to Quiney, where he turned his attention to the oil business, in which he has since engaged. In 1860 he was made agent for the Aladdin Oil Company, manufacturing oil out of cannel coal. Ile continued in that business until the com- pany began the manufacture of oil from the product of the oil wells, when he severed that connection and began dealing in oil on his own account. He now does a wholesale oil business, handling the prodnet of the Standard Oil Company, his territory covering that part of Missouri north of the Hannibal & St. Jo- seph Railroad ; in Illinois as far north as Dal- las City, east to Beardstown and south to Pike county. following along the Illinois river. Ie has his own stations all over the district so that the supply can be readily obtained and the oil is largely delivered in bulk. mostly by wagon.

Mr. Williamson is now conducting an exten- sive business, nor are his efforts confined alone to this line. Resourceful and enterprising, he has aided in the snecessful conduct of other business interests and is now a director in the Quincey Engine Company, the Quincy Foundry & Novelty Company, the Sommer Drug Com- pany. and is a stoekholder in other manufae- turing enterprises. He is likewise the presi- dent of the Quiney Building & Homestead As- sociation, the oldest institution of the kind in the city. and has served as its highest official from the beginning, covering a period of thirty years. during which time continuons sneeess has attended the enterprise, which, at the same time has proven of the utmost value to the city, permitting many to seenre homes of their own when otherwise they would have been unable to do so.

Hawilliamson

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Nor has Mr. Williamson confined his ef- forts to enterprises from which personal bene- fit and success accrue. Ile has been the pro- moter of many publie movements and measures for the general good and was one of the origi- nal incorporators of Blessing Ilospital, and has sinee had much to do with its npbuilding. He is likewise a trustee of the Anna Brown Home and is a member of St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, of which he was vestryman for many years. He also attended its general con- ventions for many years and has ever been gen- erous in his contributions to church and char- ity.

Mr. Williamson was first married in 1851 10 Catherine E. Robinson. She died leaving one son, Thomas B. Williamson, who died at Racine College at the age of fourteen years. In 1858 Mr. Williamson was married to Eliza M. Robin- son. She had five children. two of whom died in infancy. One daughter, Ilelen M. William- son, lived to be a young woman and died in 1894. Two sons only are living. Charles II. Williamson, who is engaged in the wholesale produce business, and Walter E. Williamson. who is associated with his father in the oil bus- iness.

Mr. Williamson supports by his ballot the men and measures of the republican party and fraternally is a Mason. Ilis attention, how- ever, is chiefly directed to his business interests. The growth of his business has been steady and rapid. He may truly be called a self-made man, for his prosperity is the crown of his own labors. Industry has been the golden key that has opened to him the portals of success. Perseverance. hard work, mastery of the details of his business and a determination that has overcome all obstacles, are numbered among his chief characteristics. Success is something to be proud of. and the world is better for the life of every successful man.

CHARLES HENRY WILLIAMSON.

Charles Henry Williamson, a wholesale pro- duce dealer of Quiney. who has also been eon- nected with a number of enterprises having im- portant bearing upon the development. progress and stable prosperity of the eity, ranks to-day with the representative men whose labors have formed the history of Adams county. He is of Scotch lineage in the paternal line and Scotch- Irish deseent on the maternal side. Ilis parents were H. A. and Eliza MeAllister ( Robinson) Williamson, both of whom were natives of Penn-

sylvania, in which state they were married, com- ing thenee to Quincy in 1859. Here the father engaged in the wholesale oil business, in which he still eontinnes, with offices at the corner of Seventh and Hampshire streets. In the family are two sons, the younger being Walter E., who is now connected with his father in the oil busi- ness.

Charles Henry Williamson was born in Quincy, September 1, 1862, and acquired his primary education in the schools of that city, while later he became a student in the Racine College, where he spent four years and was then graduated with the valedietorian honors of the class of 1882. He then worked in his father's office for two years and subsequently pursued a post-graduate course in the Columbia Univer- sity in New York city. Returning to Quincy he here engaged in business with his father for two years, after which he embarked in business for himself at his present location, where he has been for sixteen years conducting a wholesale prodnee business. He has a large and constantly growing trade and is meeting with the prosper- ity which is the legitimate reward of earnest. persistent labor.

Mr. Williamson was married, in 1887, to Miss Emily Glover, who is a daughter of Hon. John M. Glover. They have two children: John Glover and Katherine MeAllister, both of whom are attending school. Mr. Williamson is now a republican in his political views. having sup- ported that party since the second election of President MeKinley. He was alderman of the seventh ward of Quincy for four years and in 1896 he was chairman of the state central com- mittee of the gold democratic party. He was president of the Chamber of Commerce for three terms and he organized and was first president of the Quincy Freight Bureau. He was also first viee president of the Upper Mississippi Water Ways Association and he was president for two terms of the International Apple Ship- pers' Association and is now vice president of the Apple Growers' Congress. He is also presi- dent of the Mally Orchard Company of Quincy. owning two thousand acres of land in this lo- cality. His efforts directed into these various channels of activity have proved a valuable ele- ment in furthering trade conditions and thus promoting the general prosperity. Ile is like- wise secretary of the Quincy Foundry & Novelty Company and is a man of resourceful business ability, who carries forward to successful com- pletion everything that he undertakes. Ener- getic. prompt and notably reliable. he has the entire confidence of the business community not only in his integrity but also in his business capacity to form and carry forward practical plans.

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Mr. Williamson is prominent socially and has been the president of the Quiney Country Club. He is a member of EL Aksa commandery, Knight Templar, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has twice been exalted ruler of the Elks at Quiney and has twice been a dele- gate to its grand lodge. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal church and their home is a renter of a cultured society circle.

WORTHY E. FROST.

Worthy E. Frost is a representative early set- tler of Adams connty, who for almost a half cen- tury has resided in Honey Creek township. while his entire life, covering sixty-three years, has been passed in this conty. He was born at York Neck on the 10th of April, 1842, and is a son of Elias Frost. In the year 1833 the grand- father, Elam Frost, and the parents of our sub- jeet all came to Adams county from Ohio. The grandfather settled on a farm now occupied by Worthy E. Frost and which was later purchased by Elias Frost. He took an active interest in the early development and progress of the county and assisted materially in its pioneer improve- ment.

Elias Frost was born and reared in Ohio and was married in this county to Miss Dina Frost. who. though of the same name, was not a rela- tive. On coming to Adams county he secured one of the pioneer farms of this part of the state and devoted his energies to the tilling of the soil, developing a good farm property. Ile afterward purchased the farm upon which his father had located and which in turn came into possession of Worthy E. Frost. Ento Elias and Dina Frost were born two children, the younger being Edgar, who was born in 1844. He lived for a time with his brother in Adams county, but in later years left the farm and turned his attention to railroading. He died in the west but his remains were brought to Adams county for burial. The father and mother both died upon the home farm on section 34, Honey Creek township, and the grandparents, the parents, and the brother now sleep in the family burying ground on this place.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Worthy E. Frost in his boyhood days. He was reared amid pioneer environments and shared with the fam- ily in all the hardships and trials incident to life on the frontier. There were also many pleas- ures to be enjoyed, such as are unknown at the present time. He was educated in Honey Creek township schools and when a boy he would go with his father to Quincy, following a path

through the high grass which grew to such an extent that one could hardly see the head of a man as he walked through it. They drove oxen to Quiney and Mr. Frost can well remember the building of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, which was the first line to enter that city. The engines were then all named and not numbered and the engine which made the run to Quiney was called " Adams." The homes of the settlers were largely constructed of logs, but as civilization was advanced and the settlements became more numerous these primitive homes gave way to the substantial and attractive farm residences which now dot the county.

In 1871 Mr. Frost was married to Miss Har- riett Richardson, who was born in Athens county, Ohio, and when a child came to Illinois with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Richardson. Her father was a farmer and preacher and he died in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Frost have but one child, Elfra, who is at home with her parents.

At the time of the Civil war Mr. Frost demon- strated his loyalty to the government by enlist- ing as a member of Company K. Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry, and was in the service for one year. He is a hale and hearty man for one of his years, and has never sought a pension, feel- ing that it was not necessary for his support, his aid being freely given to the government at the time of the country's hour of peril. Through- ont his entire life he has followed agricultural pursuits and since 1856 has lived upon the farm which is now his home. This is under a high state of cultivation and the fields ammally re- turn rich crops. In all of his farm work he is practical and progressive and through his labor and untiring diligence in former years he has become one of the leading citizens of the county.

GERHARD G. ARENDS.

Gerhard G Arends. a director and assistant washier of the Quincy National Bank, was born April 8. 18544. in the city which is yet his place of residence. His father, Gerhard G. Arends. Sr., was born in 1824 and died May 14. 1899, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Jantje Taaties, was born in 1818 and died February 20, 1895, at the age of seventy-seven years. The father came to America in 1846, when twenty-two years of age, from Norden. Ostfriesland, Germany, which was also the birthplace of his wife. They were married in St. Louis, Missouri, soon after the close of the Mexican war, in which Mr. Arends had served, having been a member of Company E, Barnes' Missouri Battalion of Infantry. serv-

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

ing under General Stirling Price. Following the close of hostilities he received an honorable dis- charge at Independence, Missouri. Ile removed from St. Louis to Quincy and here followed his trade of carpentering. becoming foreman for John Brimson, in whose service he remained for fifteen or twenty years. a most trusted and capable employe. He then retired to private life. having acquired a comfortable competence through the years of his business activity. HIe also received a pension from the government in recognition of his services in the Mexican war. Unto him and his wife were born three children. but two died in childhood.

Gerhard G. Arends, of this review, the only surviving member of the family, was a public school student until seventeen years of age, when he entered upon his business career as of- fice boy in the employ of Richard Jansen with the Germany Insurance Company. He served in that capacity for two years and afterward spent a similar period in the employ of George W. Brown, also a representative of the insur- anee business. He then entered the Ricker Bank as assistant bookkeeper and after two years be- came head bookkeeper, being at that time but twenty-three years of age. He served in that capacity for nine years. having the full con- fidence of the banking company, but when thirty- two years of age was obliged to resign on account of ill health and for two years thereafter was connected with no active business enterprise. In 1887 the Quiney National Bank was organ- ized and he became connected with the institu- tion as one of its original incorporators and was appointed assistant cashier, in which capacity he has since served. He is also one of the di- rectors of the band. An able accountant and thoroughly familiar with the banking business, his efforts for the upbuilding of the institution have been beneficial and far-reaching. He also deals in real estate and his sound judgment has enabled him to so direct his efforts in that direr- tion as to gain therefrom a very gratifying com- petence.

In 1886 Mr. Arends was married to Miss Caro- line Bitter, a daughter of J. H. Bitter, of the firm of F. W. Menke & Company. Her father died about 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Arends have two children : Henry Gerhard and Antoinette .L., both of whom are students in the high school.

Mr. Arends is quite prominent in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Lambert lodge No. 659. A. F. & A. M .: Quincy chapter. R. A. M .: and Beanseant commandery, K. T. He likewise he- longs to Salem church of the German Evan- gelical denomination. In his political views he is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. Having spent his entire life

in Quiney and having been connected with its business interests for more than a third of a century he is well known in commercial and financial eireles and his fidelity to every trust reposed in him has not only gained for him ad- vancement but has also won for him an honored name among those with whom he has lived and labored throughout the period of his business career.

W. L. SMITH

W. L. Smith, living on section 36, Northeast township, was born in Adams county. March 2. 1856. his parents being David A. and Margaret Alexander Smith. His maternal grandfather, William Alexander, came from Virginia to Illi- nois and settled in Adams county among its pio- neer residents. David A. Smith was a native of North Carolina and at an early period in this portion of the state he, too. came to Adams county, where he secured a tract of land and followed farming for many years. He died January 22, 1891, and his wife passed away An- ernst 19, 1897. They were the parents of four children : W. L., of this review: Matilda J., the wife of J. M. Stover, of Schuyler county, Illinois: A. J .. of Adams county. and Robert W., of Schuyler county.

W. L. Smith is indebted to the public school system of Adams and Schuyler counties for the educational privileges he enjoyed in his youth, which fitted him for life's practical and respon- sible duties. He turned his attention to farming in Schuyler county and later took up his abode in Adams county, his home being now on ser- tion 36, Northeast township, where he is devot- ing his time and energies to agricultural pur- snits. Ile was married in 1884 to Rebecca E. Burke, who was born March 6. 1852, a daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Burke. The father came from Virginia and settled in Clayton town- ship. Adams county. In that family were five children : Elizabeth, the wife of J. T. Alex- ander, of Northeast township: Mrs. Smith: G. W. of Northeast township: Minnie, the wife of R. M. Hackney, of Northeast township: and Olive, the wife of John R. Hackney, of Hunts- ville, Illinois.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one child, George W., who was born May 7, 1890. The parents are well known in Adams county and their circle of friends is extensive. Mr. Smith is a supporter of the democratic party and has helt the offices of assessor and road commissioner. discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. Fraternally he is connected with the

PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Odd Fellows lodge and his religious faith is in- dicated by his membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

AUGUST II. ACHELPOHL.

Starting out in life for himself at a very early age. August Il. Achelpohl worked his way stead- ily upward and for many years controlled im- portant and profitable business interests in this city. He was first engaged in the grocery busi- ness and later in pork packing for a long period, and was afterward associated with the drug trade. When a youth of only eleven years he came to America, accompanied by his sister and two brothers. He was born in Germany, June 6, 1843. and his parents died when he was but a child. His mother passed away when he was seven years of age, and three years afterward the father's death occurred. The children then decided to come to the United States, and three of the brothers and two sisters started for the new world, but one of the sisters died while on the voyage. After landing in this country the four children eame direet to Quiney, and some of them are now living here.

August II. Achelpohl had attended the com- mon schools of his native country and, after ar- riving in Quiney. he became a college student. thus acquiring a good education. After com- pleting his education he started in the grocery business, opening a small store on Jersey street near Fifth street. He was there engaged in the business for fifteen years and was very success- ful. Subsequently he entered into partnership with his father-in-law, C. Henry Behrensmeyer, and they began pork packing, their first location being at the corner of Tenth street and Broad- way. There they remained for several years, and their business began to increase until it demanded larger facilities : so they removed to the present site of the old city hall, there conducting a pack- ing business for several years, during which time Mr. Achelpohl also went into partnership with W. S. Knapheide, another relative. Eventually. the business was removed to the packing-honse district. Mr. Achelpohl was at different times associated with other partners and owned and controlled a large plant, carrying on an extensive business. For many years he was a representa- tive of this department of industrial and com- mercial activity, but eventually retired. and for a few years had no active business connections. Hle and his son Charles Il. then embarked in the drug business together at No. 1201 State street, and this relation was maintained until the death of August II. Achelpohl, who died November 20, 1902.

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Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 94

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