USA > Illinois > Peoria County > Peoria > Peoria city and county, Illinois; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 26
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His youthful days were spent upon a small farm in the fatherland and at the age of twenty years he crossed the Atlantic to America, attracted by the favor- able reports which he had heard concerning the business conditions and oppor- tunities in the new world. He did not tarry on the Atlantic seaboard but made his way at once to Peoria, arriving here sixty-three years ago. His financial condition rendered it imperative that he secure immediate employment and he began working in a hardware store conducted by Moore & Cooper. That he was a diligent and faithful employe is indicated in the fact that he remained in that establishment in the capacity of assistant for several years and then pur- chased the interest of Mr. Moore, becoming a partner of Mr. Cooper. A num- ber of years passed in that connection, after which he entered into business with the firm of Culter & Proctor, hardware merchants. Still later he established an independent business under the firm name of H. Sandmeyer & Company, the location of the store being on South Adams street. Their establishment became one of Peoria's noted commercial enterprises, enjoying a large and profitable trade for many years. The business methods of the house were such as com- mended them to the confidence and respect of the public. Straightforward dealing, careful management and a progressive spirit were the salient features in the business, resulting in the development of a large and gratifying trade. A disastrous fire overtook the firm in 1905, since which time Mr. Sandmeyer has not reentered the trade but has concentrated his energies and efforts upon the management of his invested interests. In 1906 Mr. Sandmeyer, in connection with his son, Henry Sandmeyer, Jr., erected the Sandmeyer apartments, the larg- est and most exclusive of the kind in the city, located at the corner of Monroe and Fayette streets. All of the attractive features of the modern apartment
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HENRY SANDMEYER
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house have been introduced and the interior finishing vies with the pleasing style of architecture which has been employed in the construction of the build- ing. Mr. Sandmeyer is at present connected with the building interests of the city as president of The Peoria Stone & Marble Company and he also occupies an important place in financial circles, filling the position of vice president of the Merchants National Bank.
In 1855 Mr. Sandmeyer was united in marriage to Miss Mary Deitwig, also of German lineage, and for a long period they traveled life's journey together but were separated by the death of the wife in 1896. Of their four children, George, the third, is now deceased, the others being Elizabeth, Mary and Henry.
Mr. Sandmeyer has given his political allegiance to the republican party and while he has not been active as an office seeker he has always been deeply in- terested in whatever has pertained to the welfare and progress of his adopted city, cooperating heartily in various movements for the general good. He is one of the oldest Masons of Peoria and his life has been an exemplification of the beneficent spirit of the craft. While his success has been such as to place him upon a plane far above the majority of his fellowmen, he is thoroughly demo- cratic in spirit and has never allowed the accumulation of wealth to in any way affect his relations toward those less fortunate. Indeed, he is a broad, liberal- minded man, generous in thought, considerate in spirit and kindly in action, and Peoria honors him as one of her representative and valued pioneer citizens.
JOSEPH MILLER & SONS.
No history of Peoria's industrial and commercial progress would be complete and satisfactory were there failure to make reference to the enterprise long conducted under the name of Joseph Miller & Sons. This firm manufactures and handles lumber and building materials. its plant being at South Washing- ton, Walnut and South Water streets. The yards extend from South Wash- ington to South Water at the corner of Walnut and the office is at No. 530 South Washington. This business was established in 1848 by Joseph Miller, one of the pioneer lumbermen of the city. Later his two sons, Joseph and Frank J., joined him in a partnership under the firm style of Joseph Miller & Sons, but all three are now deceased, the business being conducted as a part of the estates of Joseph and Frank J. Miller. It is in active charge of Joseph Mil- ler, a son of Joseph Miller II, and Frank J. and Frederick C. Miller, who are sons of Frank J. Miller, Sr. All three are grandsons of Joseph Miller, the founder of the business, which stands as a monument to the enterprise and progressive spirit of the promoter.
Joseph Miller was a native of Baden-Baden, Germany, and came to America in the '40s. He resided for a short time in Cincinnati, Ohio, and about 1846 came to Peoria, where two years later lie established a lumberyard and also entered upon the contracting business. His elder son, Joseph Miller, was born in Cincinnati and the younger son, Frank J. Miller, in Peoria. They were reared and educated here and on attaining manhood entered the lumber and contracting business with their father, forming the firm of Joseph Miller & Sons. Joseph Miller, Jr., became very prominent in industrial and banking circles and was a director of the Commercial German National Bank of Peoria at the time of his death, which occurred October 4, 1905. Frank J. Miller was also a leading figure in business circles here and passed away January 24, 1904. Both are mentioned at length elsewhere in this volume.
The three grandsons of the original proprietor, who are now active in the management of the business, are also well known as leading factors in trade circles in Peoria. Of these Joseph Miller married Theresa K. McDermott, of
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Elmwood, Illinois, and they have two children, Joseph and Helen E. Joseph Mil- ler III is a member of the Creve Coeur Club, of the Illinois Valley Yacht Club and also a prominent member of the Knights of Columbus. Frank J. Miller II married Anna R. Prenger and his brother, Frederick C. Miller, wedded Alice Yingst. Like their cousin, they are members of the Knights of Columbus and all three hold membership in the Roman Catholic church. They are all active, enterpris- ing, energetic young business men, who were born and reared in this city and who have made for themselves a substantial and creditable position in its busi- ness life. They are now proprietors of one of the most extensive lumberyards of central Illinois, the volume of their trade having reached a large figure annu- ally. They possess the same stable and creditable business characteristics which characterized their grandfather and their fathers, and in the further develop- ment of their business are proving their right to rank with the leading young men of the city.
COLONEL JOHN E. STOUT.
Colonel John E. Stout needs no introduction to the readers of this volume and, indeed, is widely known throughout the country as one of the leading auctioneers. In this connection he has gained a reputation which extends almost from coast to coast and manifests ability that has given him preeminence in this field. For six years he has made his home in Peoria and is a native son of Taze- well county, Illinois, having been born and reared on a farm about three miles from Tremont, his natal day being May 19, 1857. His father was the Rev. Isaac Stout, one of the oldest settlers in this part of the state. At the time of his death in 1900 he had been a resident of Tazewell county for seventy-four years. He was born in Ohio but removed to Illinois in early manhood and took an active and helpful part in the work of reclaiming the wild region for the purposes of civilization. Much of the land in this district was still unclaimed and uncultivated at the time of his arrival and with its agricultural development he was closely associated. He was equally active and his labors were equally resultant in connection with the moral progress of the community. He became a pioneer preacher of the Christian church and his labors and teachings did much toward influencing many to choose the better path of life. He erected the Concord church, took subscriptions for its building and then utilized his own skill as a carpenter in the erection of the house of worship. There were, indeed, few things which the Rev. Stout could not do. He was a man of marked ingenuity and was the inventor of the first riding cultivator. Whatever he undertook he seemed to carry forward to successful completion and his life was, indeed, a servicable one in the world's work. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rebecca Smith, passed away in 1882, and, like her husband, she was held in high esteem because of her many sterling traits of character.
Colonel J. E. Stout was reared upon the home farm and in early manhood supplemented his public-school education by attending Eureka College at Eureka, Illinois, working his way through college for two years. He then entered the grain business at Mackinaw, Illinois, where he conducted an ele- vator for four years, after which he removed to Pekin, Illinois. While living in that locality he was appointed deputy sheriff of Tazewell county and served for four years. On the expiration of that period he was elected sheriff and con- tinued in the office for a similar period, discharging his duties with prompt- ness and fidelity. Again he was called to public office in his appointment by Governor Yates as live stock inspector, with headquarters at the Peoria Stock Yards, which position he filled for a part of two years, making his home. how- ever, during that period in Pekin. In early manhood he entered the auctioneer-
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ing field and of late years has more and more largely concentrated his efforts upon this business. He became well known as a crier of land sales and has won a reputation as one of the best known auctioneers of the country. He is apt, ready, resourceful and the success that has attended his labors has placed him in a foremost position among the auctioneers of Illinois. He cried the Russell sale, which was the largest ever held in Illinois. He also made the record on that occasion for the best prices and shortest time, his sales amount- ing to twenty-two thousand, one hundred dollars in three hours and fourteen minutes. This was held in 1908. He has always made a specialty of farm sales and has auctioneered many farms, together with their equipments. His high standing in the profession is shown by the fact that he was elected the first secretary of the Auctioneers Association of the State of Illinois and was continued in that position for ten years. He also served as treasurer of the organization and was elected treasurer of the International Auctioneers Asso- ciation of the World, filling that position for four years. Since 1906 he has been secretary and treasurer of the congressional committee of the International Auctioneers Association and it would be difficult to find one in his line of busi- ness who has a wider acquaintance throughout the country.
Colonel Stout was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Chapman, of Mackinaw. Illinois, and they became the parents of three children, Velde E., and Lola Ruth and Lela Clara, twins. Lola is now the wife of Harry Giblin, treasurer of the Orpheum Theater of Peoria. The son, Velde, has a wide reputation as a bowler, having made first record in the state bowling contest of 1908, while in 1910-1911 he was accorded first place as Peoria's best bowler. He is now a member of the Leisy League. Ilaving lost his first wife, Mr. Stout has been again married, his second union being with Miss Nettie Brown, of Brimfield, Illinois, a daughter of Clark and Nancy Brown, of that place. Their wedding was celebrated in November, 1906.
Colonel Stout is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Court of Honor, being affiliated as a charter member with the local organization at Pekin. The title of "Colonel" which he bears is an honorary one, expressive of the high regard and good-will entertained for him by those with whom he comes in contact. On various occasions Colonel Stout has been called upon to render his services in political campaigns and he has given valuable assistance in the campaigns of such prominent men as Colonel Smith, Governor Deneen and Governor Yates when they were running for office. In this way as well as through his business relations he has naturally become one of the best known men in the state and wherever he is known he is highly esteemed and appre- ciated. He possesses a social, genial nature, has a faculty of placing any one at ease in his presence, always has ready the apt word and the fitting answer and at the same time he possesses a marked executive force and business abil- ity that have enabled him to far outstrip many others in the race of life on the same road on which his course has been run.
LLEWELYN OWEN.
Llewelyn Owen is superintendent of the electrical department of the Peoria Gas & Electric Company, with which he has been connected since its reorgani- zation. In 1899 he became assistant superintendent of the Peoples Gas & Elec- tric Company, which in 1900 was merged with the General Electric Company under the name of the Peoria Gas & Electric Company. Mr. Owen became assistant superintendent of the new company and acted in that capacity for several years, when he was given the position of superintendent. He is well qualified by thorough collegiate training for the responsibilities and onerous
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duties which devolve upon him in this connection, and in the management of the office he displays most careful systematization, together with keen sagacity in the control of affairs.
Mr. Owen is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His boyhood and youth were spent in that city and he attended the public schools, after which he entered the University of Wisconsin, wherein he pursued the electrical engineer- ing course, which he completed with the class of 1897. He has since been engaged in the electrical business and practical experience has constantly pro- moted his skill and ability. He came to Peoria in 1899 and has since made this city his home. He is, therefore, well known as a representative of electrical interests here, acting as assistant superintendent of the Peoples Gas & Electric Company and continuing in the position after the merger with the General Electric Company. He is thoroughly acquainted with every phase of the elec- trical engineering and is yet an interested student of the literature of the pro- fession, keeping in touch with the rapid strides that are being made in the electrical field.
Mr. Owen was united in marriage, in 1905, to Miss Abigail Blair, of Peoria, a daughter of Richard M. Blair, of this city, and they now have two children, David Blair and Robert Llewelyn. Mr. Owen belongs to the Delta Upsilon, a college fraternity. Something of his social standing is indicated in the fact that he is a valued and popular member of the Creve Coeur Club. He also belongs to the Peoria Association of Commerce and is in hearty sympathy with its pro- jects and purposes for the benefit of Peoria and the development of its growth along progressive and substantial lines.
THOMAS ATHERTON GRIER.
Thomas Atherton Grier needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for his long connection with the grain trade of Peoria has made him well known and his efforts have ever been of a character which have contributed to public progress and prosperity as well as to individual success. He has done much to give Peoria its present standing as one of the leading grain markets of the great Mississippi valley and in all his business affairs has followed constructive meth- ods, never seeking success at the cost of another's failure but winning advance- ment through fair competition and straightforward dealing. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, March 1, 1850, and the following year his parents, John C. and Elizabeth (Perkins) Grier, left the Keystone state and made their way westward to Illinois, settling in Peoria. The father was a son of the Rev. Isaac Grier, a Presbyterian clergyman who at one time was president of the Northumberland College in eastern Pennsylvania, where he died in 1814. John C. Grier was born in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, in 1808, and in 1819 went to Danville, that state, where he entered a mercantile house. With knowledge thus acquired and as his capital permitted he entered that line of business on his own account, continuing in active connection with mercantile interests in Danville until 1846, when he removed to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, remaining there until 1851. In the latter year he removed westward, settling in Peoria, where he engaged in pork packing and in the lumber trade. From the time of his location in this city he took an active part in its upbuilding and improvement. He was also prominent in advancing its moral and financial interests and manifested an extraordinary earnestness and zeal in whatever he undertook. He served the city for two terms as a member of the county board of supervisors, actuated only by his public spirit and with no desire for public prominence. He was a thorough Christian gentleman and practiced his religion seven days in the week. He is a devoted member of the Presbyterian church and with his family
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took a keen interest and active part in its work. He served as one of the original directors of the Northwestern Theological Seminary, now the McCormick Theo- logical Seminary at Chicago, Illinois, and for years was a member of its board. He married Elizabeth Perkins, of Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of five sons and six daughters.
In the local schools of Peoria Thomas Atherton Grier pursued his education to the age of sixteen years, when he put aside his text-books that he might become a factor in the business world. He secured a clerical position in the Mechanic's National Bank, and six years later he left that institution to enter the employ of his brothers, Robert C. and David P., grain merchants. The name of Grier has been inseparably interwoven with the history of the grain trade in Peoria and with the development of the local board of trade. The brothers erected the first elevator here. It was a small concern but constituted the nucleus of the immense grain business which has been developed in this city, making Peoria one of the prominent grain markets of the United States. Entering the employ of his brothers, Thomas A. Grier became a factor in developing the vast business which eventually crowned their labors. He continued with the firm for ten years, spending a part of the time in Boston, looking after the eastern interests of the business. He made a close study of the grain trade in every possible relation, acquainted himself with the markets of the east and the west and eventually embarked in business on his own account, in 1886 organizing the present firm of T. A. Grier & Company, for the conduct of a grain trade, commission, shipping and elevator business. From the outset the new undertaking prospered and has grown steadily year by year until it is now the largest of the kind in Peoria. In this connection the name of Thomas A. Grier has become known throughout the country. He is also the president of the Burlington Elevator Company, which owns and operates one of Peoria's largest grain elevators. He is likewise the vice president of the Peoria Railway Terminal Company, which owns and conducts the traction line running between Peoria, South Bartonville and Pekin, Illinois. Whatever he undertakes is carried forward to successful completion. He carefully considers his plans and then executes them with determination. He seems to realize the possibilities of any undertaking and to use his advan- tages in the best manner. Moreover, his name is recognized as a synonym for reliable dealing as well as for mammoth operations and in the past few decades he has done much to establish the grain trade of the state.
On the 6th of January, 1876, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Grier and Miss Ella Bancroft Clarke, and unto them have been born five children, of whom four are living, Caroline King, Isabel Hooker, Thomas Perkins and Samuel Clarke. The elder daughter was graduated from Smith College with the class of 1900 and in October, 1901, was celebrated her marriage to Herbert B. Jami- son, of Peoria. The second daughter. Isabel, was married in February, 1910, to William A. Jack of this city. The family is very prominent socially and at their home are held many of the most attractive social functions of the city. Mr. Grier has been honored with the presidency of the Creve Coeur Club, acting as its chief officer in 1899-1900, and also of the Country Club. His aid is always counted upon where the public interest and welfare are involved. He cooperates heartily, willingly and liberally in various projects for the general good and his efforts have been a tangible element in the city's improvement and adornment in many ways. He was the president of the Corn Exposition in 1900 and he has been very prominent in promoting a taste for and love of music in this city. being widely recognized as a patron of that art. His own love of music is inherent. He holds to the religious faith of his ancestors who for generations have been loyal members of the Presbyterian church, to which Mr. Grier also belongs. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he was appointed by Governor Yates as commissioner from Illinois to the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo in 1901. and by Governor Deneen as one of the board of three trus- tees of the State Hospital for the Insane at South Bartonville in which capacity
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he served until the state institutions were all placed under a board of control. Political honors and offices, however, have had no attraction for him, as he has preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and in their de- velopment he has shown himself to be capable of managing mammoth interests which are alike of benefit to the city and to the individual.
WILLIAM FREMONT WOLFNER.
No matter in how much fantastic theorizing one may indulge as to the causation of success the conclusion must eventually be reached that unabating energy, straigtforward dealing and industry that never flags are the indispensa- ble concomitants in attaining prosperity. These have figured largely in the life of William Fremont Wolfner, a prominent representative of the distillery inter- ests of Peoria and the first vice president of the National Cooperage & Wooden- ware Company, which is undoubtedly one of the largest concerns of its kind in the world. As these connections indicate, Mr. Wolfner has attained to a posi- tion among the foremost representatives of trade and manufacturing interests in the city and at the same time he has figured prominently in charitable work, few men realizing more fully than he the obligations and responsibilities of wealth.
Mr. Wolfner was born on the 10th of March, 1862. His parents were Isaac and Josephine (Saxel) Wolfner, who were natives of Bohemia, Austria, which was also the birthplace of his grandparents, Carl and Bertha Wolfner, and Joseph H. and Francesca Saxel. In his life record William F. Wolfner has dis- played many of the sterling characteristics of an ancestry noted for industry and enterprise.
He acquired his education in the public schools of Chicago and St. Louis, and in 1881, when a youth of nineteen years, came to Peoria. Even then his business ability and capacity had been recognized, for he became assistant secre- tary of the Great Western Distilling Company and also the local representative of the cattle interests of Nelson Morris, the well known Chicago packer. As the years passed by he increased in his business capacity and knowledge of the trade and in 1887 was made manager of the Great Western Distillery, which posi- tion he continued to fill for ten years, or until July, 1897, when he purchased an interest in the Mound City Distilling Company of St. Louis. A year later, or in July, 1898, he became associated in the same capacity with the Standard Distilling & Distributing Company of Peoria and has since been recognized as a foremost factor in connection with the distillery interests of this city, which are a chief source of revenue here. Into other fields, however, he has extended his efforts and as vice president of the National Cooperage & Woodenware Company he is the second executive officer in what is one of the largest con- cerns of its kind in the world, its output being represented by mammoth fig- ures. Mr. Wolfner is also financially interested in other business concerns and corporations and his sound judgment has proved a valuable asset in their suc- cessful management. He is a director of the Commercial German National Bank of Peoria, the largest bank in the state outside Chicago. He readily recognizes the opportunities of a situation and never passes an opportunity by in a heedless manner. He has concentrated his energies upon his business affairs in such a way as to insure success and gradually has advanced in his trade and financial connections until he stands as one of the foremost residents of his adopted city.
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