Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 95

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 95

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On the 17th of October, 1851, Mr. Achelpohl was united in marriage to Miss Fredericka Beh- rensmeyer, who was born in Germany, October 17, 1851, and is a daughter of C. Ilenry and Fredericka ( Diekmann) Behrensmeyer, who were likewise natives of the same country and came to Quiney in 1862. The father engaged in the pork- packing business here until his demise. and Mrs. Behrensmeyer now resides at No. 33216 Sonth Seventh street, near the home of her daughter, Mrs. Achelpohl. The Behrensmeyer family has been prominent and influential in Quincy for many years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Achelpohl were born four children : Charles, who is now engaged in the drug business at No. 1201 State street ; William J., who married Laura Hagen and re- sides in Galesburg, Illinois, where he is employed by the street car company: Anna, who died at the age of ten months: and Selma F., who re- sides at home with her mother.

Mr. Achelpohl passed away November 20, 1902. Frate wally he was connected with the Knights of Columbus and other insurance orders. In polities he was a republican, and religiously was connected with the German Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is a member. Ile was prominent, active and successful in business, hav- ing earned the money with which to pay his passage to America when but eleven years of age. From that time forward he was dependent en- tirely upon his own resources and. as the years advanced. he worked his way upward. achieving success through the determined energy and ear- nest labor that brook no obstacles and are de- terred by no difficulties that can be set aside through persistent, earnest purpose. Mrs. Aehel- pohl and her danghter reside at No. 330 South Seventh street and. in addition to this property, she owns other realty in Quiney and still retains her interest in the packing house.

JOHN S. FRASER.

John S. Fraser, who is engaged in general farming and is also serving as clerk of Ellington township, was born upon the old family home- stead on section 33, March 21, 1873. The family is of Scotch lineage and was founded in America by John O. Fraser, a native of Scotland, who came to America in early life. He afterward married Margaret Dougherty, whose birth of- enrred in the same house in which Robert C. Fraser, father of our subject, was born. The grandfather engaged in the livery and grocery business and he died when his son Robert was only five years of age. The latter was born in

A. H. ACHELPOHL

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY

New York city. October 14, 1826, and when ten years of age started with his mother and two sisters for Quincy. They went by way of the canal from New York to Buffalo, thence to Cleveland, Ohio, by boat, on by stage to Cinein- nati, and continued their journey to Quincy by boat. After locating in this county Mrs. Fraser married again, becoming the wife of John Sharp. who arrived here in May, 1837, while Mrs. Fra- ser came in September of the same year. Mr. Sharp had erected a log cabin on section 33. Ellington township, and had begun the develop- ment of a farm. As the years passed he con- tinued his labors until the fields were placed under a high state of cultivation and many sub- stantial improvements were added to the place. In the course of time he became one of the well- to-do farmers of the county. His death occurred in 1888, when he was about eighty-eight years of age, for he was born October 8, 1800.

Robert C. Fraser pursued his education in the early schools of Adams county and was reared to farming life, assisting in the arduous task of developing a new farm. When he had attained man's estate he married Miss Reka Spilker, who was born in Germany and is now deceased. The children of this marriage are: John S., of this review, and Margaret, also living on the old homestead farm. Throughout his active busi- ness career Robert C. Fraser carried on general farming but is now living a retired life. lle still lives on the old homestead, where he has remained for more than sixty-seven years, and is now enjoying a well-earned rest.

lohn S. Fraser is indebted to the public school system of the county for the educational privi- leges which he enjoyed in his youth and which fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties. He was also carly trained to the work of the fields and throughout his entire life he has carried on farming, assisting his father in the work of the fields in early life and in later years relieving him of the management and active labor of the farm. The place comprises one hun- dred and sixty acres of good land on sertion 33. Ellington township, northeast of Quiney, and is devoted to the raising of wheat and corn, sheep. cattle, horses and hogs. He has good grades of stock upon the place and everything about the farm is kept in good condition, all the fences and buildings being in repair. The house is a good two-story frame residence.

John S. Fraser was united in marriage to Miss Alice C. Smyth, a native of Melrose township, Adams county, and a daughter of William Smyth. In his political views Mr. Fraser is an earnest republican, active in support of the party. Ile has served on the school board and is now clerk of Ellington township. lle is a popular and enterprising agriculturist, wide-

awake and enterprising, and his activity is bring- ing to him business success, while his labors for the general good are resulting beneficially for the county.

FRED P. TAYLOR.

In the promotion and conservation of advance- ment in all the normal lines of human progress and civilization there is no factor which has ex- erted a more potent influence than the press, which is both the director and the mirror of public opinion. Quincy has been signally favored in the character of its newspapers, which have been vital, enthusiastic and progressive, ever aiming to advance the interests of the city, to establish the foundations of an enlightened com- monwealth and to promote the welfare of the people at large. It has been along such lines that Fred P. Taylor has directed his efforts as a journalist. lle is well known in Quincy as an editor and founder of the Journal of ludus- try. a paper whose influence is widely recognized. llis birth occurred in Louisville, Kentucky, March 15, 1858.

llis father. W. T. Taylor, was a soldier of the Mexican war and after the inauguration of the Civil war he enlisted. together with his eldest son at Princeton, Caldwell county, Kentucky, for service in the Confederate Army. Neither father nor son returned. the latter falling in battle at Shiloh, while the former died in camp from ex- posure and hardships. The widowed mother was left with seven children. with whom she removed from Princeton to Bowling Green, Ken- tricky, and in 1867 she came to Quincy to make her future home. The elder children began work and the mother through her careful economy and industry soon secured a home. She put forth every effort possible to provide for her sons and daughters, counting no personal sacri- fice on her part too great if it would promote their welfare.

Fred P. Taylor was a youth of about ten years at the time of the removal of his mother and the children to Quincy. Here he began work in a restaurant as a waiter and was thus employed for four or five years. Ile afterward clerked in grocery stores and did every service that brought to him a good living and enabled him to make a start in life. Thinking, however, that he would prefer to follow the printer's trade, he entered upon an apprenticeship in the office of the Quiney Daily Herald in 1874 and there learned the business of setting type, and in fact familiar- izing himself with all departments of the busi- ness. His apprenticeship was followed by a western trip, during which time he was employed

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

at newspaper work at Hannibal and was also connected with newspapers in Burlington. lowa, for a year or more. Returning to Quincy he was for some time connected with the Quincy Whig and later his energies were concentrated upon political service in behalf of his trade and as an officeholder.

Deeply interested in polities from his youth Fred P. Taylor, having thoroughly informed himself upon the questions of the day, began 10 exert a local influence in political eireles, which. in addition to his effective service in behalf of his party. ultimately led to his selection to the office of supervisor of Adams county in 1885. Prior to the expiration of his term of service in that position he was elected on the democratic ticket to the Ilinois legislature and was a par- ticipant in the memorable Logan senatorial con- test. Ilis votes were always given on the demo- eratie side and he was true to his constituents. He did everything in his power to promote legis- lation that he believed would prove of general benefit to the state and opposed that which he deemed would work to the detriment of the general welfare and was known as an active member of the house, being recognized as one of the leaders of the democracy.

Upon his retirement from the legislature Mr. Taylor became again an active factor in journal- istie circles, beginning the publication of a small monthly paper which was known as the Journal of Industry. lis capital was small, but he pos- sessed determination and woukl brook no ob- stacles that conkl be overcome by persistent ef- fort and honorable dealing. He often delivered his own paper when subscribers were asleep. Gradually he progressed and won snecess and soon his paper appeared as a little weekly, but from time to time it has been improved and en- larged and to-day the Journal of Industry is the leading weekly paper in the western part of Illi- nois, while few weekly papers in the state enjoy a better patronage or are more largely ciren- lated. At times it has been the champion of good men strongly opposed by other press and papers and at times it has been effective in elect- ing its candidate.

Mr. Taylor is also recognized as an active fae- tor in other business cireles and in connection with public affairs. He is a director of the Gem ('ity Building & Loan Association, a stock- holder in the State Savings, Loan & Trust Com- pany and vice president of the Park & Boulevard Association. He has been supervisor for the past six years and is a member of the county democratic central executive committee. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Modern Wood- men of the World. the Firemen's Benevolent Association and the Fraternal Tribunes.

When twenty-one years of age Mr. Taylor was

united in marriage to Miss Jennie Bloom, and they are now the parents of four children: Ad- dison L., Louis W., Newton C. and George A. The personal traits of Mr. Taylor's character have given him a standing in publie regard that many men might well envy. His business career has been characterized by steady progress as the result of his own industry and perseverance, and he is ever ready to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate. He is one of the world's workers who accomplishes much, yet in disposition and manner he is quiet and unassuming. He holds friendship inviolable and his real friends can count upon him to any extent. In his writings and in speech he is the opposite of verbose, ex- pressing himself clearly yet concisely and his position is never an equivocal one. In his busi- ness he has aceumulated a competence and placed the Journal of Industry upon a strong financial footing.

DAVID STERN.

David Stern, managing partner of the large clothing honse and tailoring establishment of J. Stern & Sons, Quiney, and also one of the partners in the wholesale house of Stern, Was- serman & Company, New York, is a man whose business career presents many striking and commendable qualities. It is true that he en- tered upon a business already established but in controlling and enlarging this many a man of less resolute purpose and keen discernment would have failed, but Mr. Stern's connection therewith has been marked by steady progress along business lines which are in strictest har- mony with a high standard of commercial ethies.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, May 9, 1855, David Stern is a son of Joseph and Minnal ( Rosenheim) Stern, who were married in Rich- mond in 1849. The father, a native of Ger- many. emigrated from Wurtemberg in 1845 and for a time was employed as clerk in a clothing store of Richmond, but in 1847 em- barked in business on a small seale on his own account. He prospered from the beginning and remained in business at Richmond until a short time before the close of the ( ivil war, when owing to the death of his wife he dis- posed of his interests there and removed to New York city. He was a private in the Con- federate Army and an intimate friend of Jef- ferson Davis, being the only man who had a pass to cross the lines and this was given to him by the president of the Confederacy.

David Story

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Ilaving lost his wife in 1862, Mr. Stern re- moved to New York in 1863 and there em- barked in the manufacture of shirts, in which he continued for three years, when the busi- ness was removed to Quincy, Illinois, under the firm name of Rosenheim & Stern. After a brief period, however, the health of Mr. Rosenheim failed and Mr. Stern purchased the business which was conducted under his own name until 1872, when he admitted his son Charles to a partnership. The store in Quincy was then managed by the son, while the father made his home in New York city. Charles remained here from 1866 until 1901, when owing to the death of the father. on the 30th of January, 1901, returned to New Yory city to take charge of the wholesale house, while David Stern, who had become a partner in 1876, beeame active manager of the Quincy establishment. In the family were two sons and a daughter. Charles Stern was married February 10, 1851, to Miss Rosa Frank, of New York city, where they now make their home. The daughter, Ilenrietta, died in New York in 1902.

David Stern attended the public schools of Richmond, Virginia, until nine years of age and then continued his studies in the schools of New York until in his sixteenth year when he came to Quiney and entered his father's store as a clerk. acting in that capacity until 1876. when he was admitted to a partnership. and the firm style was changed to J. Stern & Sons. At that time he took an equal share in the management of the business. and has since concentrated his energies upon the building up of the trade and the enlargement of the business, which is now one of the leading re- tail houses of the middle west. The New York house is situated at No. 458 Broadway, where a large wholesale business is conducted under the management of Charles Stern. In Quincy employment is furnished to twenty-two sales- men and twenty-five tailors, and both branches of the business are growing in volume and in profit. The firm owns a fine four story and basement building, fifty by two hundred feet. and with their stock they ocenpy the basement and first floor and one half of the remainder of the building. The house is one of the most important business enterprises of the city and David Stern occupies a most prominent posi- tion in commercial circles here. displaying marked enterprise. keen sagacity and a reso- lute will-qualities which are always indis- pensable in the acquirement of prosperity. He has long been accounted one of the representa- tive and influential business men of Quincy and was one of the charter members of the Young Men's Business Association and its successor.

the Chamber of Commerce, of which he is now one of the directors. He also belongs to the Retail Merchants Association.

David Stern was married May 14, 1885. to Miss Miriam Weil. a daughter of E. A. Weil. a wholesale merchant of Savannah, Georgia. and they have two sons and a daughter: Elvin W., born in March, 1886, spent two years in the University of Chicago and is now attend- ing business college in Quincy : Lester A., born August 19, 1890, is attending high school; Madelane, born in April. 1895, is attending the public schools.

Mr. Stern is one of the leading Masons of Quiney, holding membership in Bodley Lodge. No. 1. A. F. & A. M .. while in Quiney Consistory he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite. He also belongs to the Inde- pendent Order of B'nai Brith and has been the local president for a number of years. lle is likewise vice president of the Jewish syna- gogue. and in politics he is independent. II. has taken a prominent part in the improve- ment of Quincy for a third of a cenutry, and his record as a business man and citizen ranks him with the best residents of the city. Throughout this entire time he has so conduct- ed all affairs entrusted to him as to merit the confidence and esteem of the entire community and no word of censure has ever been uttered against him. Ilis career is in keeping with the spirit of the times, when marked energy leads into large undertakings and when the utilization of opportunity results in the man- agement of extensive and important commer- eial or industrial interests.

IIENRY F. SPRINGER.

IIenry F. Springer, who owns and operates an exeellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres of fine land on section 15, Iloney Creek township. was born in Gihner township. Adams county. November 5, 1863. Ilis father. Frederick S. Springer, was a native of Prussia. Germany, and came to America in 1858, landing at New Or- leans. He thence made his way up the Missis- sippi river by boat to St. Louis and was eight days on this trip. For a short time he was a resident of Quiney and then took up his abode in Gilmer township, where he resided until 1862. In that year he became a resident of Honey ('reek township, where he was well known as a worthy and respectable farmer for many years. Ile died in February. 1897. His wife, who bore the name of Ida Paymour. was born in Hanover.

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Germany, and they were married in the father- land ere coming to the new world. The wed- ding trip of the young couple constituted their voyage to America. They became the parents of five children : Henry F., of this review : Mrs. Mary Wiegmann, of Quincy: Frank, who died March 21. 1905: Mrs. Ida Dinkage, at home : and Mrs. Minnie Bowers, who lives in Missouri.

Henry F. Springer pursued his education in the schools of Honey Creek township and in the German school at Coatsburg, Ilinois. His youth was quietly passed and he gained practical knowledge of farm work, assisting in the opera- tion of the old homestead through the summer months, while in the winter seasons he pursued his studies. He has always followed the oceu- pation to which he was reared and is now a sue- cessful and enterprising farmer, having a val- nable tract of land, covering a quarter section. This he has placed under a high state of eulti- vation, the fields ammally yielding him good erops and his products find a ready sale on the market.

Mr. Springer was married in November 18. 1896, to Miss Mary Linkerman, who was born in Honey Creek township, where her parents, who are natives of Germany, now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Springer have one child, William Henry. at home. They are members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Springer gives his political sup- port to the democratic party.

CHARLES R. MeNAY.

Charles R. MeNay, a stock dealer of Ursa who is now conducting a business that brings to him very gratifying returns annually, was born dan- mary 28, 1859, and is the son of John and Aman- da (James) MeNay. The father was born in Kenton county, Kentucky, October 15, 1818, and came to lllinois with his brothers at an early date. settling in Mendon township, Adams coun- ty. Here he was married to Miss Amanda James, who was born Jannary 18, 1832, in Boone county, Missouri, and came to Adams county in 1847 with her parents, who settled in Ursa township. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. MeNay pur- chased a farm two miles from Marcelline, where they lived until the father's death. The mother still owns the farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty arres of rich and well culti- vated land. Mr. MeNay continued to enltivate that property up to the the of his death, which occurred in 1895. In 1896, his widow removed to the village of Ursa, where she now resides. Three of their children are still living, namely : Charles R. : M. M. MeNay, who lives in the vil-

lage of Ursa ; and D. F. MeNay, who resides in St. Louis, Missouri.

Charles R. MeNay, having acquired his ele- mentary education in the public schools of Adams eonnty, continned his studies in the state normal school of Kirksville, Missouri. lle loft home at the age of twenty-one years and bought a farm in Lima township, comprising one hun- dred and sixteen acres of land, npon which he resided for four years. He then embarked in merchandising at Mareelline, where he remained for four years, after which he returned to the farm and continued the enltivation of the land until October. 1897. At that date he took up his abode in the village of Ursa, where he has since been engaged in stock business. For many years he has handled stock and now he gives his undivided attention to that business, making extensive shipments each year. He is an excel- lent judge of live stock and is thus enabled to make judicions purchases and profitable sales.

Mr. MeNay was married to Miss Olive Miller. who was born February 7. 1863, and died Novem- her 5, 1888, leaving one son who is now in Kan- sas City, Missouri, and is employed by the South- ern Pacific Railway Company. For his second wife Mr. MeNay chose Mary Welshons, their marriage being celebrated December 21, 1892. Mrs. MeNay is the daughter of John and Martha ( Thranp ) Welshons, who were natives of Pen- sylvania. The former was born May 3, 1818, and the latter October 20, 1822. Both are now de- ceased. By the second marriage Mr. MeNay has two sons, Rue Wayne, born November 5, 1894; and Carl F., born January 17, 1900. The family have a beautiful and pleasant home in Ursa and in addition to this Mr. MeNay owns other prop- erty here. He is an active member of the Mar- colline lodge, No. 127. 1. O. O. F. : the Modern Woodman camp of Ursa. He has been assessor of his township for three years, filling that posi- tion at the present time as he was recently re- elected for another term, and he was also con- stable for two years. His political support is given to the democratic party and he is regarded as one of the representative men of Ursa. His entire life has been spent in Adams county and he enjoys in a large measure the respect and con- fidence of those with whom he has been asso- ciated. His warmest friends are among those who have known him longest.

JESSE E. WEEMS.

Jesse E. Weems, dealer in ice, coal and wood in Quiney, was born in Prince William county, Virginia, Angust 21, 1831, a son of Jesse E. and Nancy (Ofis) Weems. The Weems family is of

JESSE E. WEEMS

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Scotch descent, and the grandfather, the Rev. Mason L. Weems, was one of the early friends of George Washington and was the rector of the Episcopalchurch which Washington attended. He was the author of the first " Life of Washington." and first told the story of the cherry tree. His son Jesse also became a minister of the gospel. The mother of our subject, a native of England, was brought to this country during her infancy.

Jesse E. Weems of this review pursued his education in the schools of Virginia and also of Baltimore, Maryland, continuing his studies until about sixteen years of age. After putting aside his text-books he worked upon his father's farm until nineteen years of age, when he joined a gov- ernment surveying expedition, engaged in mak- ing the survey of the boundary line between the United States and Mexico in 1850. He later spent some time in Washington, D. C., and in 1853 came to Quincy. That year he had charge of a division of the survey for the Northern Cross Railroad, the line extending from Quincy to Galesburg and now forming a part of the Chi- cago, Burlington & Quiney Railroad. He made the original surveys with headquarters at Au- gusta. Illinois, and was thus engaged from 1853 until 1855, when he abandoned surveying and turned his attention to farming at Augusta. He also operated a sawmill there and continued to re- side at Augusta until 1859, when he removed to Carthage and served as deputy county surveyor of Hancock county for two years. He was next employed as a surveyor and built the branch of the Wabash Railroad from Clayton to Carthage, this occupying his time from 1861 until 1865. The road was then consolidated with the Wabash, and from 1866 until 1869 he was conductor on the Keokuk branch. He then went upon the main line, running between Quincy and Danville, Fli- nois, until 1892.

In the latter year he went to Texas and oper- ated an iee plant at Long View, but in 1894 sold ont and organized the Purity Ice Company at Quincy, doing business at 1500 Front street. where they have a factory with a capacity of forty tous in twenty-four hours. In connection with this plant they conduct a cold storage, han- lling the goods of other houses, and they also deal in coal and wood, having a coalyard at Fourth and Delaware streets, while the main of- fice is at 718 Jersey street. Mr. Weems is man- ager of the business, which, under his capable guidance, has enjoyed a period of constant ex- pansion and is now one of the leading manufac- turing and commercial enterprises of the city.

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Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 95

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