USA > Illinois > St Clair County > Portrait and biographical record of St. Clair County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 16
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OHN PHILIP KELLER, whose biography we take pleasure in writing, is one of those worthy men who take no active part in public life, but pursue the even tenor of their way in their chosen vocation, accumulating by
thrift, industry and business ability not only the necessities of life, but the wherewithal to indulge in luxuries should they feel so inclined.
John Philip Keller, Sr., the father of him whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, on the 8th of October, 1807. He received his early education in the common schools of his native land, and, as soon as he was old enough, fitted himself for the responsibilities of life by learning the trade of blacksmith. After attaining his majority, he was married to Miss C'ath- erine Geisz, whose father held a Government posi- ition in his native province. The year 1844 marked an era in Mr. Keller's life, for in that year the golden opportunity of making a fortune in the New World presented itself to him in such glowing colors that he left his native land and emigrated to the United States, and on the 4th of July, 1844, landed in St.Clair County, Ill. In con- sequence of the high waters of that year, the steamboat landed Mr. Keller at the Bluff. One of the most striking incidents of Mr. Keller's journey transpired after he reached the portion of the country where he expected to settle. The year in which he arrived is memorable for the great floods which inundated all the Western country, and St. Clair County presented at that time any- thing but an attractive appearance to the tillers of the soil.
Mr. Keller located in Prairie du Long, where he immediately entered forty acres of land under the Government, the same being part of the tract now known as New Athens. The results of his native industry and thrift soon allowed of his adding eighty aeres more to his first possession, thus giv- ing him one hundred and twenty acres of good farming land in an almost incredibly short time after his settlement in this community. For the first three or four years of his residence in St. ('lair County, he lived in a rented house, but, after adding another eighty acres to the land already acquired, he built a home near Twelve Mile Prairie. His first purchase of land was constantly added to. and after the lapse of a few years he was the owner of three hundred acres of fine farming land. and a man favored by fortune in all his under- takings. Ils family consisted of five children, all
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of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, and four of whom are to-day respected citizens of this State. One son, Loomis Keller, died in early man- hood, leaving a wife and two children to mourn his loss; the next in succession was Elizabeth, wife of Ilenry Dintelmann, of Belleville, Ill .; then came Margaret, who is the wife of Conrad Dintelmann, of New Athens; and Barbara, wife of Michael Frees, of Twelve Mile Prairie, an old soldier in the late war.
One of the saddest afflietions that can be re- corded in the history of this family was that which overtook the wife and mother, who for ten years previous to her death had been blind. She de- parted this life March 7, 1880, mourned by a fam- ily who had learned much by her patience and fortitude, and beloved by a large and sincere cir- ele of friends.
Mr. Keller, Sr., was an active member of the Lutheran Church and a firm believer in its teach- ings. Ilis sudden and untimely death was an oc- currence that will ever be deeply regretted in this community. It occurred in the year 1891. On the 4th of September of that year, he had attended the County Fair, and, in crossing the track, was knocked down by one of the race-horses. Several ribs were broken, and he lingered but a short time after receiving the injuries. His name will be handed down to posterity as one of the best-known and highly-respected citizens of this community, and those of his immediate family who live in the community are respected for their connection with a citizen so highly esteemed and beloved.
John Philip Keller, our subject, was born in Ilesse-Darmstadt on the 12th of August, 1838, and was five years old when he came with his parents to America. Ile received his education in the schools of St. Clair County, and here he grew to manhood's estate. The vocation of farmer was the one that in early youth seemed most congenial, and he has spent his life as an agriculturist. The farm on which he now resides consists of one hundred acres of fine, well-improved and thoroughly- cultivated land. Ile has for years given time and study to the best methods of cultivating grain, and is rewarded for his efforts by knowing that no farm in the community yields a finer wheat crop ily was taken away by death in 1862.
than the one he harvests. lle is a man of progres- sive mind and a humanitarian in all that the word implies. lle is noted for many characteristics in- herited from his father, and stands high in the community as the representative of one of the old- est and best families in St. Clair County.
G EORGE II. STOOKEY. A traveler through the farming lands of St. Clair County will observe with pleasure that the signs of prosperity are on every side, and the well-improved farms far outnumber those which are neglected. The highly improved farm of the gentleman whose name opens this sketch will attract the notice of the visitor. It is located on section 13, Smithton Township. St. Clair County. . Mr. Stookey, of this notice, was the grandson of the Daniel Stookey who came to this county on a prospecting tour from Virginia, in 1797, and returned to settle in 1800. The old house which he built on the place in 1802 |> still standing. Daniel Stookey, Sr., en- tered considerable land, was one of the Presidential electors in 1828, in the canvass of Andrew Jack- son, and during his early settlement had many thrilling experiences with the Indians. The father of our subject was also named Daniel, and he was born two miles west of Belleville at the old Stookey homestead in 1806, where he was reared and edu- cated. Hle married Miss Margaret McGuire, the daughter of Thomas McGuire, an early settler of this county, who came here about 1816.
After his marriage, Mr. Stookey, the father of our subject, entered the two hunched and thirty acres where his son George now lives, and lived upon this place until the time of his death in 1814. The brother and sisters of our subject are: Thomas, who lives in this township; Susan. who is the wife of Eli Green, and is living in Florida; Barbara, the wife of R. W. Lemen, who lives in Freeburg Township, this county, and Mar- garet, who is the wife of William Pittx, living in New Athens Township. The mother of this fam-
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J.W. Renshaw
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Our subject was born October 25, 1833, on the place where he lives, was reared on the farm to manhood, receiving his education in the schools of the district, and in 1856 was married to Miss Elizabeth Wilderman. She was the daughter of Francis Wilderman, the son of George Wilderman, who was one of the first settlers of the county. After marriage, our subjeet began domestic life on the old place, and here he has since lived, every year making improvements, until now he has a very desirable property. Three children have blessed this household: Emeline, who married James G. Carr, a resident of East St. Louis; Owen V., who is a lawyer in Chicago; and Ida, who is at home.
Our subject has three hundred and sixty-three acres of excellent land, which produces wonderful yields of wheat and other grain. It is well located, and as the market facilities are of the best, he has no difficulty in disposing of his produce. In poli- tics, Mr. Stookey is, and always has been, a Demo- erat, but has desired no official recognition. The religious eonneetion of the family is with the Bap- tist Church, in which body they are highly useful and valued members.
C APT. JOHN W. RENSHAW. East St. Louis has no financial interest of more paramount importance than that of real estate, and at the present time, when the securities of the money market are so depressed, coupled with their di- minishing earning power, the investing public has turned its attention to the city real-estate market, as one absolutely secure, where, if judicious pur- chases are made, not only is a steady source of in- eome assured, but likewise inerease of values. Prominent among the active and enterprising real- estate and insurance men of this eity is Capt. John W. Renshaw. He is a native of Madison County, Ind., and was born at Anderson on the 24th of August, 1836.
Hon. John Renshaw, father of our subject, was born in Washington County, Pa,, in 1798, After the death of his father in the Keystone State, he came with his mother to Ross County, Ohio, when
but a small boy, and settled with her near Chilli- cothe, where he grew to manhood. In 1832, he removed to Anderson, Madison County, Ind., and there improved one thousand acres of land, on which he had a sugar camp of one hundred acres. Ile was quite a prominent man in his community, was Sheriff for some time, and also represented his county in the State Legislature. In 1844, he came with his family to Belleville, Ill., and located on a farm, where he remained for some time, but subse- quently moved to Belleville. Ile was elected Justice of the Peace in 1848 and discharged the duties of that position until he resigned, after which he devoted his time and attention to other enterprises. In 1871, he took a trip to California and remained there until fall, when he returned to Belleville. From there he removed to Bethalto, Madison County, Ill., in 1873, and made his home there until over mnety-four years of age. For- merly a Whig in politics, he became a strong Re- publican. Ile was of English descent, and from the year 1849 held membership in the Presbyterian Church. He married Miss Malinda Cissna, a na- tive of Pittsburgh, Pa., and of Scotch descent. She passed away in the year 1877. They were the parents of five living children.
The original of this notice, next to the youngest child, was reared in Indiana until eight years of age, and then with his parents came to Belleville by team. The first season he was on a farm and received his scholastic training in an old log school- house, built in true pioneer style. After remov- ing with his parents to Belleville, he attended school until 1852, when he was apprenticed to learn the plasterer's trade under his brother-in-law. Ile worked at his trade until 1856, when he went to Mississippi, settled in Warrington, and in 1860 was Judge of Election in that precinct. Being a North- ern Democrat, he cast his first Presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas. He was also engaged in merchandising at that place with a cousin, Jolin Fennimore, and continued with him until 1861, when he returned to his old home in Belleville. After settling here, he was engaged at his trade until November, 1864, at which time he raised Company C. One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ili- nois Infantry, and was at once made Captain of the
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company mustered in at Camp Butler under Col. Kuffner.
C'apt. Renshaw went South to Nashville; thence to Chattanooga, where he was engaged in guarding the railroad; from there to Atlanta, Ga., thence to Augusta, and spent the remainder of the time in the South, where his company was detailed to en- force the measures of reconstruction. In 1866, he was mustered out at Dalton, Ga., and discharged at Springfield, III. During the spring of the above-mentioned year, he located in East St. Louis as a wholesale and retail dealer in coal, which lie hauled by teams to St. Louis, having hundreds of teams on ferry boats across the river. Ile had offices in both cities, and continued in this busi- ness until 1872, when he was appointed Chief of Police by the City Council, and discharged the duties of that important position for nine and a- half years, or until 1881. During the dark days of East St. Louis, when riots were frequent, his name was a terror to evil-doers. But for his cour- age and promptness in quelling all disturbances, there might have been much blood shed. Per- haps no man in the city deserves as much credit for breaking up prize-fighting as he. In the face of great opposition, and when urged by friends not to take the step, he swore out the first warrant against prize-fighters, boarded the boat "Conti- nental," on which the roughs were taking passage to the head of the Island, and, by the aid of a few friends, cheeked the fray. The step was a hazard- ous one and boldly executed. Prosecutions fol- lowed which were successful and it soon termin- ated prize- fighting in this city.
The services of Capt. Renshaw in all publie af- fairs and positions have been meritorious and he deserves much credit for his efficiency and dis- patch. Ile is a large, well-built man, is genial and pleasant in disposition, and has won a host of warm friends. In 1881. he retired from the office of Chief of Police, and in the spring of 1882 em- barked in the real-estate and insurance business, Ile laid out Winstanley Park, which he added to East St. Louis, improved and sold. Ile has a fine in- suranee business and represents eight of the lead- ing insurance companies in the United States, His office is located at No. 106 North Main Street.
In 1873. Capt. Renshaw was united in marriage with Miss Caroline, daughter of Capt. John Trend- ley, who came to East St. Louis when a boy, and who was employed by the Wiggins Ferry Com- pany over sixty years. (See sketch of Capt. Henry Trendley.) Four children have been born to Capt. and Mrs. Renshaw: Ilenry, lohn, Eugene and Joseph. The Captain was appointed School Treas- urer in 1877, held that position for four years, and in 1887 held the position of City Treasurer for one year. In 1888, he was re-appointed to the office of School Treasurer and held that position until April, 1892. He is Notary Public, and is one of the representative men and old settlers of the city. Ile is a prominent member of the Masonic frater- nity, is a Royal Arch Mason in East St. Louis, and a Knight Templar in St. Louis. He is also a char- ter member of MeDowell Post, G. A. R., East St. Louis. In politics, he is an ardent supporter of Democratie principles, has been a delegate to county and State conventions, and was a member of the County Central Committee for a number of years.
OSEPHI LOUIS, one of the influential and wealthy farmers of Smithton Township. is the gentleman to whose sketch we now call attention. Our subject was the son of Jo- seph Louis, Sr., who was born in Germany, and came to this country with his parents. first loea- ting in French Village, this eounty. Here he lived a short time, and then came to this county, where the father bought the home where our sub- jeet now resides, which is the place where the grandfather lived and died. The father of our subject married in this county, the lady of his choice having been Miss Kolsken, and as she was taken away from him by death, he again married, and this time the union was with Miss Cloud. Mr. Louis was the owner of two hundred and fifty-eight acres of good land, on which he reared his family of fifteen children, ten of whom are still living. He was a consistent member of the Roman Catholic Church, and lived the life of a good
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Christian gentleman. Nearly all of the improve- ments, including the house, were made by the fa- ther of our subject, and he was one of the earliest settlers of this county.
Our subject was born April 2, 1862, on the old homestead, where he continues to reside. Here he was reared, and received his education in both German and English, in the parochial schools of Belleville. Mr. Louis has a fine farm of one hun- dred aeres in a high state of cultivation, where he raises both stock and grain.
Mr. Louis was married in 1889 to Miss Josie Heinrict, accomplished danghter of George Ilein- rict, a pioneer of this township, who has since died. Our subject brought his young bride to his pres- ent home on section 5, Smithton Township, where they dispense hospitality to their many friends in a pleasant manner. One child. Mary, has been born to them.
Our subject, like his father before him, is a con- sistent member of the Roman Catholic Church, and also like him endeavors to live up to the teachings of the Divine Master. Politically, Mr. Louis is a Democrat, and generally votes the ticket prepared by that party.
E MERY HOLCOMB. The subject of this sketch resides with his brother, William 11. Holcomb, on seetion 35, Millstadt Town- ship, in St. Clair County, III., where they have one of the finest farms in this portion of a State that has a national reputation for fine farms. Emery Holcomb is the son of William Holcomb, who was born in Union County, S. C., in the year 178t, and who was the son of Joel Holcomb, who lived in his native State of South Carolina, and is supposed to have been one of the soldiers in the Revolution- ary War.
William Holcomb was reared in his native State until nineteen years of age, when he went to Ken- tucky and from There to New Madrid, Mo., and was living in that place at the time of the great
earthquake in 1811. Removing thence to St. Clair County, III., he located near Belleville and entered land of the Government and lived there for several years; but finally coming to the place where our subject now lives and entering one hundred and sixty acres of land. William was one of the very earliest settlers here, for at that time the county was the home of the deer and of the Indian. Being an Indian fighter, during the War of 1812 he was the one selected for bravery to carry a message right through the savage coun- try at the risk of his life. While living near Belleville, he was married to Miss Polly Reather- ford, from which union sprang a family of eleven children, of whom there are but three living: Daniel C., who lives in Madison County; Mary, the wife of Michael Smith, who resides in Smith- ton Township; and Sarah, a widow, who now has her home in Greeley, Colo.
After the death of his first wife, William Hol- comb married Mrs. Catherine Stout, danghter of Abraham Eyman, who came to this county at a very early day from the State of Pennsylvania, and was of German extraction. By this union there were five children born, four of whom grew to maturity, and three of whom are now living: Emmalissa is with her brother at home; William Il. resides with his family on the old homestead; and Emery, the subject of the present sketch. llannah died November 23, 1882; she had been the wife of I. W. Thomas, by whom she had ten chil- dren, six of whom are still living. The father of this family was a remarkable man in his day, not only in war, where his record is remembered and cherished, but in many other respects. He was made Justice of the Peace on account of his good judgment, and for sixteen years served as constable; he acted as Deputy Sheriff under Anderson Beard, and was called upon to assist at the first hanging in the county. In the Baptist Church he was a valued member and for many years was an earnest and pious exhorter. The land which he bought was a wilderness, but he cleared and left one hundred and sixty-nine acres to his family at the time of his death, which occurred November 3, 1878.
William H. Holcomb, a son of the above prom- inent man, was born August 28, 1810, in the old
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homestead, and has lived here all of his life. Ile was married June 10, 1884, to Miss Margaret A. Eyman, who was the daughter of Jacob Eyman. Our subject was born December 23, 1844, here on the old place, and has grown up in the county, having attended the common schools. lle de- cided upon agriculture as his occupation in life, and settled down here with his brother William, and together they operate this fine farm of one hun- dred and sixty-nine acres. They confine their farming to grain, principally wheat, but have some stock, including some fine Berkshire and Poland- China hogs. Some very superior calves have been raised and sold by them.
Politically, these gentlemen are Republicans, as was their father, believing that the platform of that party has the right ideas concerning the proper policy in governing a great nation. Mr. Holcomb Sr., was formerly a Whig, and voted for Fremont and later for Lincoln. Socially, Mr. Holcomb of this notice is very popular in his neighborhood, is an active member of the Saxtown Debating Society, and has been called upon to hold the office of Township Trustee for some years, being still in that position.
OHN J. WIES. It sometimes seems as if much of mankind only lived to eat instead of eating to live, and to this class the gen- tleman whose name opens this sketch is the friend in need, as he conducts an eating house and lunch counter at the Relay Depot in East St. Louis, and in addition caters to the public by offering them the choicest soda and the finest fruit. Ile is so pleasant and affable that he has no lack of cus- tomers and is fast becoming one of the solid men of this portion of the city.
The grandfather of our subject was Emil Wies, who was for many years in the German army and served under the great Napoleon. He afterward became a carpenter and finished out his days in his native land. His son Louis, the father of our subject, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany,
and was a baker by trade. In the fall of 1857, he came to America, via New Orleans, and arrived in East St. Louis when but eighteen years of age. Before he had been in this new country long, he started a bakery on Main Street, and has contin- ued there to this day. Ile has always favored in- provement and reform and has done all he could to carry out his ideas. Mr. Wies, Sr., built the first high-grade block in the city, now the Workingman's Bank, and still owns the property and various other valuable pieces. As he believes that the Republican party carries out his ideas of Government, he votes that ticket. The mother of our subject was Julia Floch, who was born in Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany.
Mr. Wies, of this sketch, was the fourth of thir- teen children, of whom ten are living. lle grew up in this city, where he was born August 22, 1862, attended the public schools and from boyhood assisted in the bakery. From the age of fifteen to eighteen, he worked steadily at his trade, but, tiring a little, he engaged in the Workingman's Bank as Collector and remained two years. He then became clerk for another large house in St. Louis and then elerk in the Relay Depot lunch counter; he later became assistant ticket agent at the Relay Depot and remained there two years. In 1889, he bought out the whole lunch department of the Relay De- pot and has added the other features since. It has proved very lucrative, and is kept going all night, and under the management of Mr. Wies it has been well patronized.
Aside from this regular business, our subject has engaged in buying and selling real estate, dealing in lots. Ile has erected two residences on Kentucky Street and Findlay Avenue, respectively. In Dem- ocratie local polities, Mr. Wies is very prominent and has been a delegate to the county and congress- ional conventions, and is a member of the City Cen- tral Committee. He has taken an active part in the various enterprises intended to build up the city, and is a Director in the first Mutual Building and Loan Association; a stockholder and member of the Auditing Committee of the Second Mutual Building and Loan Association; a stockholder in the St. Clair Building and Loan Association ; a stock- holder in the St. Clair Land Association, and also in
Furnes Hb. Richardson
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIICAL RECORD.
the Workingman's Banking Company. Ile has shown his sagacity by buying land when low and watching the market and selling when high. He is a favorite among his neighbors and business ae- quaintances and may become one of the city mag- nates.
C
AMES II. RICHARDSON. On section 33, Mascoutah Township, lies a fine farm of three hundred and eighty aeres of fertile land, one of the most pleasant homesteads in the county. The owner, Mr. Richardson, has used great care and judgment in the cultivation of the soil, and has placed the entire estate under good improvements, with the exception of a small portion, which is in timber.
The father of our subject was John Richardson, an Englishman, who learned the printer's trade and followed it until his death. Our subjeet was born in Lanin, Staffordshire, England, June 28. 1825. Early bereft of his father, he was obliged to depend entirely upon the eare of his mother. The latter left England when her child was about one and one-half years old, and brought him to his grandmother, who lived in Philadelphia. In this pleasant home Mr. Richardson lived for some time, when circumstances occurred that made a re- moval to Westchester desirable. Wishing to learn a useful trade, when the proper age arrived he went to Marshallton, Pa., and there apprenticed himself for four years to a carriage-maker. Learn- ing that trade thoroughly, he left Marshallton and went to Kennett Square, where he helped make the first four drills that were made in the United States.
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