USA > Illinois > Macoupin County > Portrait and biographical record of Macoupin County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with biographies of all the governors of the state, and of the presidents of the United States > Part 26
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The Behme family first settled in Ogle County, and from there went to St. Louis, and thence to this county, where they settled in Clyde and lived there for two years. There the mother was called away from a life of toil to a better land. The family afterward lived for one year in Polk Township, and then located in Brushy Mound Township, where they have since made their home. They had two children, William and Julius.
Our subject. Julius Behme, lived at home until his marriage when he instituted a home and hearth for himself in Brushy Mound Township. He re- mained there for two years and then came to Nil- wood Township, where he purchased one hundred acres of land. Ilere he has since resided having built himself a pleasant home.
Mr. Behme was married in Carlinville, June 23, 1868 to Miss Sophia Blothe, who was a daughter of Conrad HI. and Sophia (Brummer) Blothe, both natives of Hanover, Germany. The mother's de- cease took place in her native land before her hus-
LIBRARY OF THE UNIV-DOIT! P-
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Yours Truly 1 6. J. Sheiser,
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band and family emigrated to America. Their settlement in this country was made in 1866, the father died in Nilwood Township, leaving two chil- dren, Sophia, now Mrs. Behme, and Ilenry. Mrs. Belime, like her parents, is a native of Hanover, Germany, being there born December 13, 1849. She and her husband are the parents of seven chil- dren. They are: Lena W., who was married Feb- ruary 22, 1891,to George Klaus of Nilwood Town- ship, Emma B., Julia M., Anna S., Katie, George J. and Albert F.
Our subject has made many improvements on his farm and he now owns. one hundred and forty acres. His attention is exclusively engaged in the care of his farm and stoek-raising. Mr. Behme is a Republican in his politieal preference, and he and his wife and family are attendants of the German Lutheran Churelı. Like most of his country men who are engaged in the agricultural pursuits in this country, Mr. Behme has brought an energy and vim to bear upon his business that has insured him a success in the line that he had adopted.
C OBUS J. KEISER. The name which our subject bears is inseparably connected with the history of the thriving town of Mt. Olive in which he makes his home. Indeed, no one has done so much for the place as he, for every enterprise of any importance that has served to aid in the upbuilding of the community has found in him a supporter. We therefore with pleasure present this sketch to our readers, as well as the lithographie portrait on the opposite page.
Mr. Keiser was born in Hanover, Germany, Sep- tember 4, 1811, and comes of a good family, the members of which are characterized by temperate, industrious and enterprising habits. His father, John J. Keiser, and his mother, whose maiden name was Geske Heien, were born, reared and mar- ried in Hanover, where their children were also born. In 1854, with their family they sailed for America from Bremen, and on landing in New Or- leans, proceeded up the Mississippi to Alton, spend-
ing the succeeding winter in Madison County, III. In the spring of 1855, they settled on section 14, Mt. Olive Township, the one hundred and twenty acre farm being then in its primitive condition. 'The father died soon afterward, on the 6th of Sep- tember. He was a noble man, and died in the faith of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. His widow, who long survived him, was a lady of many marked characteristics. She possessed excel- lent executive ability, and managed to keep her children together, provide them with good educa- tions, and lived to see them all prosperous in life. She died at the home of her daughter Anna in 1889, at the ripe old age of seventy-eight years. She, too, was a member of the Lutheran Church.
The subject of this sketch, after acquiring a good education in the public schools and the State University, entered upon his business career. We feel safe in saying that none other has done so much to make Mt. Olive one of the busiest commercial points in this part of the State. By so doing he has not only secured a fortune, but has become one of the most prominent men of the county. Since 1866 Mt. Olive has grown to its present propor- tions. In that year, Mr. Keiser with his father-in- law, J. C. Nieman, established a small mercantile house, and the next spring embarked in general merchandising. That was the beginning of the business which has grown and developed until it occupies several of the largest store rooms of the place, and represents every branch of merchandise known, except drugs and lumber. Their business houses are model structures, and the stock of goods contained therein, whatever it be, is com- plete.
When the Wabash Railroad was built through Mt. Olive, in 1870, Mr. Keiser assumed control of all of the business at this point, and was thus con- nected with the road until 1877, when more im- portant and pressing business interests caused him to resign. He gave a decided impetus to the growth of the town by opening up a coal mine and organ- izing the Mt. Olive Coal Company. Ile became one of the most extensive stockholders, and was made Superintendent and active Business Man- ager, continuing as such for some years. A shaft was sunk four hundred feet to a rich vein of eoal,
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seven feet thick and of superior quality. The out- put was about sixty carloads per day, and a second shaft was completed in 1879, but after some years, owing to a delinquency and a lack of energy on a part of some of the stockholders, the business was transferred to the hands of the Consolidated Coal Company of St. Louis, which has realized a hand- some profit therefrom. However, the transfer was made much against the will of Mr. Keiser.
Seeing the need of a flourmill, and anxious to aid in the upbuilding of industries, in 1876, Mr. Kei- ser and Henry Prange erected the large Anchor Mills, which have proved of such value to the city. After some years of successful operation, the firm title was changed in 1881 to Keiser Bros., Andrew J. Keiser succeeding Mr. Prange. The mill under- went a radical and important change in 1887, and is now supplied with all the modern and best mill- ing machinery. The capacity is about two hun- dred barrels per day, and is run to nearly its full extent. The shipments are both foreign and do- mestic, and the leading brands of flour which they manufacture are the "Patent Loaf" and "Triumph.', To the mill is attached an elevator with a capacity of twenty-five thousand bushels, and the firm also does considerable grain-buying at Warden and Gib- son City, Iil.
The increase of business connected with the mer- cantile firm of Keiser, Niemeyer & Co., awoke the owners to their need of a bank, and in 1882 C. J. Keiser established and located the bank in his large brick building, at the corner of Main and Poplar streets. It is a private bank and is supplied with all the appliances and appointments for doing a gen- eral banking business, including a fine vault and burglar-proof lock-safe for the accommodation and safety of their depositors. Mr. Keiser is President and General Manager, with Theo. Koch, Cashier, a model young man. Mr. Keiser has also been instru- mental in securing excellent railroad facilities to Mt. Olive. He was the prime mover in building the branch of the Peoria & St. Louis Railroad, from Mt. Olive to Alhambra, Ill., where it connects with the Clover Leaf, running into St. Louis. In this undertaking it was necessary to make large expen- ditures of money and time, and the successful com- pletion indicates the business ability and energy
which has marked the career of Mr. Keiser through life. Again, when the Jackson & Southeastern Road decided to run a branch through Mt. Olive, the com- pany found Mr. Keiser at the front with his money, all eagerness to assist. Ile gave valuable lots for depot purposes, and in other ways aided in the es- tablisment of the road.
In every good cause Mr. Keiser is equally liberal, and when the magnificent German Lutheran Church was built-the finest edifice of the kind in the city, and one of the largest in the county-he gave the beautiful lots on which it is located, together with $3,000 for the building. Ile also gave to the city the lot on which the City llall and Public Library are located.
After having marked out his business career, Mr. Keiser, on the 9th of November, 1866, led to the marriage altar Miss Mary C. Nieman, the accomplished daughter of John C. Nieman, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. She was born January 21, 1848, and until her marriage lived with her father and stepmother, for she had lost-her own mother when young. She has been a true helpmate to her husband, taking a deep interest in all his business, and aidling him by her words of encouragement and sympathy. U'nto them were born several children, of whom the following sur- vive: Paulina, Amanda, Adolph, Edward and Bertha. Mrs. Keiser adheres closely to the Lu- theran faith, and is a true Christian woman. She neglects no opportunity for doing good, and in so- cial circles is a leader. When doing so much for public interests, Mr. Keiser did not negleet his fam- ily. He has been ever watchful for their welfare and happiness, and provided for them a palatial residence, which is built of brick in the latest style of architecture, and is complete in all its appoint- ments. It possesses every feature for comfort and enjoyment, is heated by furnace and supplied with hot and cold water, is beautifully and tastefully fur- nished and adorned with many works of art, which indicates a cultured and refined taste.
In local political circles, Mr. Keiser is also a a leader. He was for seventeen years Postmaster of Mt. Olive, has been President of the Town Board for six years in succession, from 1877 to 1883, and elected again in 1891. When the new
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township was formed out of the north half of Staunton Township, he was elected its first Super- visor in 1883, and held that office until 1891, dur- ing which time he did much toward reducing the enormous courthouse debt by securing a large re- (luction of interest that was being paid. As before intimated, he is a Lutheran in religious belief, and for a long while he has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school. Ile is also an officer of the church and one of its most active workers, Ilis frank, open countenance bespeaks a life above reproach, and his friends are found not only in Illinois, but in adjoining States as well. Although his life has been a busy one, his time is never so occupied that he cannot greet his acquaintances with a gentle- manly courtesy, and the poor as well as the rich, if their lives are deserving, receive his kindly recognition. His fortune has been acquired in the legitimate channels of business, and his posses- sions he has generously shared with those in need of aid.
ILLIAM HALLIDAY. A whole-souled open-hearted native of the Emerald Iste, our subject emigrated at an early day to this Mecca of Irishmen, where can be found the liberty and freedom which they do not enjoy under British rule. Ilaving no flag of its own, the sub- jects of Ireland become the most devoted and loyal adherents under our American banner. Mr. Halli- day who is loyalty itself to American principles is a resident on section 34, of Shipman Township.
Our subject's father was William Halliday, who died in Ireland. llis mother was Martha (Clark) Halliday, who was born in Ireland, and emigrated with her son to this country, now making her home with him. William Halliday was born August 28, 1842. He came to America in 1859 and soon after proceeded to Shipman Township, arriving here the 10th of June, 1859.
For some time our subject was engaged as a farm laborer hiring himself by the month and gaining but small remuneration for his work, but thrifty and prudent, in 1863 he was enabied to rent a tract of land which he farmed for himself. He then
purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Brigh- ton Township, which he afterward sold and now owns two hundred and forty acres in this township. Upon this tract he has placed good improvements and has a pleasant and comfortable home.
Like most young men Mr. Halliday looked for- ward to having a home of his own, over which the choice of his heart should preside. His dream was realized, his marriage taking place June 6, 1876 in Ililyard Township to Miss Ida Moore, who was a native of the place in which she was married, be- ing there born, July 17, 1852. The lady's father was Benjamin Moore. Her mother was Harriet Scofield Moore. The latter died in Hilyard Towu- ship.
The original of this sketch and his bright and attractive wife are the parents of seven children. They are: Annie, Dollie, Fannie, Alice, Amanda V., Grover C. and Ifattie M. In his political views like so many of his countrymen Mr. Halliday is a Democrat, the theories harmonizing with his ideals of personal freedom and the platform being that which in bis estimation tends to the advancement of national aggrandizement. Since coming to this country he of whom we write has always been en- gaged in farming and stock-raising. In the latter branch of industry he has been very successful, having bred some animals of which he may well be proud.
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D R. EDWARD C. ELLET, who for thirty years engaged in the practice of medicine in Bunker Ilill but is now living a retired life, was born on his father's farm near Bristol, Bucks County, Pa., September 25, 1819, and is one of fourteen children who were born unto Charles and Mary ( Israel) Ellet. Ilis father, a native of Salem, N. J., born March 4, 1777, was descended from an old English Quaker family, tracing his ancestry in a direct line back to Samuel Carpenter, who was the private secretary of William Penn. He was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends but by his mode of life severed himself from that body. When a young man he went to Philadelphia,
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where he established a hardware store and married Miss Israel, who was descended from Hebrew an- cestry on the paternal side and was of Irish lineage on the maternal side. After several years they left Philadelphia and removed to Bucks County, Pa., where Mr. Ellet purchased a farm near the old homestead of William Penn. However, he did not dispose of his home in the city of Brotherly Love and after some years. returned to Philadelphis, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1847. His wife long survived him. She was born June 17, 1780, and died November 3, 1870, at the age of ninety years and six months. Both were members of the Universalist Church and were highly respected citizens. Of the family only three are now living. Two brothers of our sub- ject served in the late Rebellion ; Charles Ellet, Jr. was a Colonel of Engineers and had command of the ram fleet which collided with the Rebel boats off Vicksburg. The collision proved very destruc- tive and in the melee which followed Col. Ellet received a wound in his knee which caused his death. Alfred, his brother, also became a Lieuten- ant-Colonel and was second in command of that fleet.
We now take up the personal history of the Doctor, who since 1839 has resided in Illinois. In that year he located about ten miles north of Bun- ker IFill, where he and his brother Alfred, although neither were then of age, established the village which was called Plainview. They lived in true pioneer style in that will and unbroken region, giving their time and attention to agricultural pur- suits but Edward followed this business only as a means for preparing himself for the practice of medicine, which he determined to make his life- work. As soon as he had accumulated sufficient funds he entered the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1849. Immediately thereafter he opened an office in Bunker Hill, where he continued practice for the long period of thirty years. Ile associated with himself Dr. E. Howell and their connection continued for twenty years, proving mutually profitable and pleasant to them. Dr. Howell is still living at the age of eighty-two years, now making his home in MeLean County. After their partner-
ship was dissolved Dr. Ellet continued business alone until his retirement from active life. His skill and ability soon won him a liberal patronage and gained him a high rank among his professional brethren such as he justly deserves. His practice extended over a wide range of territory and he never refused to respond to the call of the sick and suffering, but often at great personal incon- venience he would drive for miles across the coun- try to relieve some one in need of medical aid. The poor found in him a friend and his pleasant and genial presence was very welcome by the side of the sick bed, where his cheery sympathy often proved a great help to the medicines which he had ministered.
In February, 1850, in Bunker Hill, Dr. Ellet was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Little, who was born in Freehold, Monmouth County, N. J., November 19, 1824. While yet a young maiden she came to Bunker Hill, Ill., on a visit to friends. Her father, William Little, was a native of New Jersey and there spent the greater part of his life and died at the age of forty-seven years. He wedded Mary Knott, who survived him some time but passed away in 1856, dying in the faith of the Methodist Church, in which she was a firm believer. Mrs. Ellet by her graces and many excellent char- acteristics soon won her way to a proud position in the social world and gained for herself many valued friends. The marriage of the Doctor and his wife was blessed with five children but three died in youth-Charles, Alfred and Mary. Anna is now the wife of A. R. Robinson, who is a com- mercial traveler for a Cincinnati clothing house but resides in St. Louis; and Lily E. is the wife of E. M. Dorsey, who formerly traveled for life in. surance companies in Texas, but now is engaged ir the coal business in Alton, Ill.
In political sentiment Dr. Ellet is a stalwart Republican but has never sought public office, pre. ferring to devote his attention to his business inter. ests, which he has done with excellent success About twelve years ago he retired from active practice, having by industry and close attention to his business secured a large and lucrative practice which yielded him a sufficient income to keep hin comfortably throughout his remaining years; il
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addition to that he has fallen heir to different lega- cies through his father, mother and an aunt on his mother's side, she being the widow of Col. Daven- port of Philadelphia. His long residence in the community has made him widely known and no one is held in higher regard. Although now sev- enty-two years of age time has left few marks upon his countenance. llis fine, yet prominent features are not marred by the ravages of age and his snow-white hair seems to rest as a halo upon his brow.
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AMES L. FOSTER. The subject of this sketch is a member of a family, the heads of which have been successively pioneers in in three States, and if there is anything in the early discipline of pioneer life to develop the the sturdy fiber of men that are especially wanted in our country, certainly Mr. Foster should be so qualified, and the nice attention paid to details on his farm, which is located on section 5, Nilwood Township, would seem to prove that thoroughness at least has been ingrained in his character, both by inheritance and experience.
The father of him of whom we write was a native of Nicholas County, Ky., there born in 1794. The paternal grandfather was James Foster, who was probably a native of North Carolina. Ile removed to Kentucky in an early day with his family. Ilis advent into the State where fraternity and equality are supposed to be the password was at the time of Daniel Boone's settlement in the State. James Foster died in Nicholas County, Ky., where he had pursued his calling as farmer and blacksmith, doing the blacksmith work for the company with which he emigrated to the Blue Grass State. David Fos- ter was his eldest son, and grew to manhood among the virgin forests and wild beautiful scenery along the Kentucky River. He selected his wife from among the women whose beauty is so famous throughout the world as being a production of the Blue Grass country.
Soon after marriage the family emigrated to Greene County, Ill. in the year 1834, where they lived until the death of the father, whose decease
was caused by the falling of a tree upon him. Ile passed away from this life in 1835. Our subject's mother was Priscilla G. Pipper, who was also a na- tive of Nicholas County, Ky. She also died in Greene County in 1878. Both David Foster and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church and took an active part in the organization and support of religious work; he was an Elder in the church of which he was a member.
Our subject is one of seven children, the family numbering six sons and one daughter. James Foster was the second ebild and second son. His birthplace was in Nicholas County, Ky., his advent into the world being made February 28, 1822. IIe passed his childhood days in his native county, and came to Greene County, this State. when he had reached years of manhood. He continued to live with his mother, adding to her means of sup- port as opportunity afforded until he became of age; as his eldest brother died while he was young, our subject was the main support of the family and he in consequence remained at home.
Mr. Foster on April 8, 1845 returned to Nich- olas County, and was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Brown, who was a native of the county in which her marriage took place, her birth having occurred July 22, 1827. The lady's parents were Milton and Elinor ( Allison) Brown. The former was a native of South Carolina, and the latter of Niclio- las County, Ky. Mr. Brown was born July 17, 1797, and died November 22, 1878. He was an Elder of the Presbyterian Church for forty years. His wife died September 1, 1881 at the advanced age of eighty-one years. They were married February 18, 1821. The father was a farmer by occupation and both parents died in Nicholas County. They were both active members of the Presbyterian Church and were consistent and conscientious Christians.
After marriage our subject settled in Kentucky and lived there until the year of 1864, when he came to Macoupin County and settled in Nilwood Township, where he has since resided. He owns a farm of one hundred and sixty-one aeres and has erected thereon a comfortable and commodious dwelling and good outhouses. His property with the improvements he has put upon it and the ex-
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cellent management he has given it made one of the most desirable places in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Foster are the parents of ten children. They are: David M., Tabitha A., James W., Mary N., Charles A., Elizabeth J., Luther J., and three other children who died in infancy. The eldest son is a farmer in Nilwood Township. Tabitha is the wife of Jolm P. Robb. James W. assists his father on the home farm; Mary N. is the wife of R. McGhce ; Charles A. is a resident of Missouri; Luther J. devotes himself to agricultural pursuits.
The original of this sketch was nominated on the Prohibition ticket in the Seventeenth Congressional District as a member of the Board of Equalization. Mr. and Mrs. Foster have both been members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for many years and Mr. Foster has held the office of Elder in the church for a long time. The children are also all connected with the church. The beautiful arrange- ments of the farm with its fine buildings, all be- speak a care for home comforts that is a guarantee for the character of any man, and although Mr. Foster is so devoted to domestic comfort he is a public-spirited man, ready to give a helping hand to any enterprise that seems for the advantage of the locality in which he resides.
S IDNEY T. HARRIS, whose pleasant resi- dence and beautiful farm constitute one of the landmarks of section 11, North Pal- myra Township, is a son of Thomas R. Harris, who was born in Virginia May 8, 1804. Ilis mother, Eliza Fry, was a native of Fayette Coun- ty of the Blue Grass State and was born there in March, 1801. This couple went to Missouri at a very early day and were there married and after- ward removed from that State to Morgan County, 111., making their home there in 1835, and living there until about the year 1851, when they came to Macoupin County and settled in North Palmyra Township. The mother of our subject died while on a visit to a brother near Jacksonville, passing away in October, 1866. Her bereaved husband
who is still living, at the age of eighty-seven years, makes his home with his children. They had six children of whom our subject was the second.
Sidney T. Harris was born near Palmyra and in Marion County, Mo., February 19, 1833 and was a little fellow of only about two years when his par- ents removed from that State and made their home in Morgan County. There he passed his early years and took his education in the district schools which he supplemented by attendance in Mc Kend- ree College one year and when about eighteen years old, came with his parents to Macoupin County. where he has since been a resident of North Pal- myra Township. Farming and stock-raising have fully occupied his energies with the exception of the time which he has spent in the school-room, as he taught seven winters after coming to North Pal- myra Township.
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