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 17
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Our subject remained in the last-named place three or four years, and then changed his business to a factory in Bridesburg, where he engaged in the manufacture of cotton machinery. At that place he remained one year, and then, returning to Kennett Square, worked one year in the drill fae- tory. In 1848, he came to St. Clair County, Ill., and in the fall of that year bought what was called the Mound Farm, in this township; but this he
afterward sold. Just about that time the Cali- fornia gold fever broke out, and he, with others. decided to eross the plains and try his fortune there. Six months were consumed in making this journey, and when he reached the Far West be im- mediately began working in the mines. More for- tunate than many, he was quite successful in oh- taining the precious metal, and in 1851 he started for home, via the Pacific Ocean. This latter trip almost became his last, as through some misman- agement of the officers, the ship drifted out of its course, their provisions gave out and for thirty days the whole ship-load were obliged to exist on a scant pint of water and a biscuit per diem.
Things began to look very serious at this time, for even civilized men will commit barbarous erimes under the spur of thirst and hunger. It had been decided among the most savage of the crew that if no help reached them the next day, lots should be drawn to see which one of their number should be sacrificed to preserve the rest. At this critical time land was discovered and as- sistance was obtained, which was sorely needed. This is an experience which does not often oeeur in civilized countries in the nineteenth century, and those who are called upon to endure such strains upon mind and body ean never forget them.
After his return from his Californian trip, Mr. Richardson stopped with Mr. Rentehiler, afterward his father-in-law, where he made a dozen wheat- drills, which were the first made in the State of Illi- nois, and were sold for $100. There our subjeet remained through the summer, after which he bought the place where he now resides, and in 1852 sowed the first grain on his farm. In that year he married Miss Maria, a daughter of Jacob Renteh- ler, who was an early settler of this county. Eleven children have resulted from this marriage, and the seven living are: Mary Jane, the wife of Jacob Bachmann, of Mascoutah, Ill., a teacher by pro- fession; Sarah, who resides at home; Frank, who lives on one of his father's farms; Ellen, Annie, John D. and Laura, who remain with their parents. The family home is a beautiful brick residence, one of the finest in the county. It was ereeted in 1876 after modern plans and is beautifully located.
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Politically, Mr. Richardson is a believer in the principles promulgated by Thomas Jefferson and has served his district as School Director. Ile has had a life of more adventure than many of his neighbors. During his trip to California in 1849, he became better acquainted with the Indian char- acter than he had ever been before. Just at this time the Pawnee and Shawnee Indians were at war, and they often visited their enmity upon the innocent emigrants, who were invading their eoun- try. Our subject was one of those sent forward to open the way for the trains, and they made him captain of the party. At a place called Seott's Bluff there is a deep cut through the mountains, and as he rode through here, he came upon an encamp- ment of Pawnee Indians. Ile was in, and the question was how to get ont. Knowing if he re- treated it was certain death, he finally decided to ride right up to the camp. This he boldly did. and advanced to the Chief, who regarded him very angrily, but offered him no personal violence. Our subject remembered Pocahontas, and seeing the Chief's beautiful daughter in the tent, he ap- pealed to her, and with a woman's ready wit she succeeded in extrienting him from his predicament. Our subject relates many other interesting adven- tures of the trip, which it would be a pleasure to relate if the limited space in this RECORD did not forbid.
DOLPH SCHLERNITZAU'ER, M. D. The little city of Millstadt, Ill., has among its highly respected citizens none more greatly esteemed than the subject of this sketelı. His father was Joseph Schlernitzaner, who was born in Lorraine, France, February 28, 1795, was reared there and at that place was married to Miss Catherine Wassaraw. A farmer in his native land, when he came here he immediately began to search for a suitable Joeation in which to carry on agri- cultural pursuits. The year was 1842, at which time there was much fine land to be had, and he first located two miles north of Belleville, which so
pleased him that he continued at the same place until the time of his death, which occurred in November, 1870. The father left a family of four sons and two daughters, three of whom are still living. The mother of these children died in 1873. Their names are as follows: Joseph, a farmer in Texas; and Mrs. Philip Herr and her sister, Mrs. Stoltz, both living in Belleville.
The subject of this notice was born in Lorraine, under the sunny skies of France, November 9, 1837, being five years of age when his parents brought him to this country. Growing up to manhood in this county, he attended the district schools and there received the rudiments of an education, which was finished in Belleville and at Charles Stewart's school in St. Louis. After his school days were over, our subject went into a book store in Belleville as a clerk, and it was while here that he began the study of medicine under Dr. Roman, of Belleville, through whose encour- agement he entered the medical college in St. Louis, from which he graduated March 4, 1864. After this success, Dr. Schlernitzauer came to Mill- stadt, and has been in practice here ever since.
The happy marriage of our subject took place June 1. 1865, to Miss Mary Ball, daughter of Champness Ball, Postmaster of the city of Belle- ville under the administrations of Presidents Pierce and Buchanan. This lady lived but eight years after her marriage. Our subject was again married, in 1878, this union being with Miss Mary Palmer, whose father, Andrew Palmer, of Janes- ville, Wis., was the founder of the Toledo Blade and one of the foremost newspaper men of this country. The family of our subjeet consists now of Ins charm- ing wife and their son Robert; William C., a rising druggist of this city; Leon, in the same business in Chicago; and Miss Nellie, who has been educated at a convent in Belleville.
Dr. Schlernitzauer has built up a large prac- tice in this eity and county, great reliance being placed upon his skill. He is ealled into consulta- tion all over the county and is a successful practi- tioner in his profession. The gentleman of whom we write is a prominent member of that influential order known as the Knights of Pythias, and his face is familiar at their meetings, unless kept away
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by professional duties. Ile is an active member of the Democratic party and gives his vote and in- fluence to advance its interests. Socially. the Doctor and his pleasant family take a foremost place in Millstadt and deservedly so, for none could be better fitted educationally and by tem- perament for such duties than Dr. and Mrs. Schler- nitzauer.
L D. TURNER. LL. B. The distinguished gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketeh has the honor of being the Master in Chancery for the St. Clair Court, having been appointed to this important office in December, 1891. IJe a member of the firm of Turner & Ilolder, one of the leading law firms of the city of Belleville. This gentleman is a native of St. Clair County, having been born on a farm near the city of Freeburg, October 5, 1849. IJe is named for his father, a distinguished pioneer of this county, who came here from Virginia in 1830, when about twenty-seven years of age.
Mr. Turner was educated in the University at Ann Arbor, Mich., being graduated in the Class of '73, having previously read law for some months. After graduating, he located in this eity and prae- tised alone until 1885, when the present firm with Mr. Holder was established. These gentleman have built up a fine practice and are very successful in the handling of their cases. In addition to their other business they are attorneys for the Cairo Short Line, the Vandalia, and the East St. Louis & Carondelet Railroads.
Besides his law practice, Mr. Turner has been an Alderman, serving with great credit to himself and honor to this city; he has also been Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors and is now Director of the Belleville Savings Bank. In all of the po- sitions of trust and responsibility he has held, Mr. Turner has acquitted himself in a masterful man- ner, worthy of mention.
Mr. Turner was united in the holy bonds of
matrimony to Miss Josephine Eckert, of Waterloo, Monroe County, Ill., in August, 1875. To this happy union have come five children, the eldest of whom, Waldo, is deceased Those living are: Don, Zylphia, Josephine and Mary, all bright and intel- ligent children who are a joy and comfort to their parents. Mr. Turner takes an important part in the Old Settlers' Society and is one of the leading, influential men of the community, enjoy- ing the respect and esteem of all who know him. Public confidence in him is based upon his honest merit. llis scholarly attainments, studious habits, faitliful devotion to the interests of his clients, able and masterly handling of cases, united with sterling qualities of heart-all these combine to stamp Mr. Turner as a mau deserving of the place he holds in public favor.
B ENJAMIN HIGGINS was a man of most noble character and of many good qualities, whose name will long be held in reverenee by his fellow-citizens, by whom he was considered a most excellent neighbor. He was a native of St. Clair County, born one mile south of Georgetown, and during his life remained in this county, where his father lived on a farm which was cleared by his grandfather.
The grandfather of our subjeet, Timothy Ilig- gins, was a native of Maine, but removed to Ohio in 1816, and settled in that State about twenty miles north of Cincinnati. lle remained there, however, but two years, when he removed to Illi- nois and located on the farm where Benjamin af- terward lived. Ile married Miss Susan Smith, who was also a native of the State of Maine, and after building a log house and reelaiming a home from what was then a wilderness, he brought his family hither. Here he helped to make this country what it is at present, and even assisted in driving the "red skins" from the territory, suffering all the privations incident to pioneer life. Of his four children, all are now deceased. One son, Robert, was born in Maine in 1805, and was but thirteen
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years of age when his father settled in Illinois. Ile served as a soldier in the Black Hawk War and was a very patriotie man, as he enlisted three dif- ferent times. lle settled on the farm left by his father, and lived there until his death. Ile mar- ried Miss Sarah Carr, daughter of one of the pioneers of the county, and they lived on the home- stead for fifty years.
Of the family of Robert Higgins, which con- sisted of five daughters and one son, the latter, Benjamin, is the subject of this sketeh. Here Robert died September 9, 1879, while his wife survived him until May 1, 1890, when she passed away, aged eighty-five years. Benjamin Higgins grew to manhood's estate upon the home farm and received a very liberal education. In his early manhood he married Miss Louisa, daughter of the late .Jerry Phillips, one of the worthy pioneers of the county. But he was not long to enjoy the blessings thus found, as in four short months death robbed him of his helpmate, and although he sur- vived her for forty years he never sought the hand of any other woman in marriage, which bespeaks his love more plainly than could be told by pen. Ile was very generous with his wealth, and always kind to those in need of assistance and ready to extend what aid he could to his brother man. When his death occurred, March 13, 1892, the community suffered a loss from which it will not soon recover.
OSEPH R. PADFIELD, J. P. The follow- ing sketeh is of one of the best-known men of Lebanon Township, who has lived here many years, and is identified with the vari- ous interests of the neighborhood. The family record is an interesting one, and we give it in full. .Joseph R. Padfield was born September 24, 1820, in Mascoutah, St. Clair County, Ill., and was the son of William Padfield, Jr., and of Mahala Barnes. llis father was born about 1786, near Hopkins- ville, Ky., and died there in 1849. The paternal grandfather was William Padfield, Sr., a good okl
Methodist, and the religious meetings were held in his house. He was a native of Maryland, and died about 1835, aged seventy-five years. The ma- ternal grandfather of our subjeet was Joshua Barnes. a native of Maryland, from which State he moved to Kentucky; he was a Methodist preacher, who came to St. Clair County about 1814, and settled in Lebanon Township. Death came to him about the same time as to the paternal grandfather. when about the same age. An earnest worker, he was the first Methodist minister in this section, and helped to establish the first meeting-houses among the early settlers. A full account of the life and labors of this good man would be very interest- ing
Our subject was one of ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity. Susan died when about forty-five. She was the wife of Sampson Briggs, and left no family. Mary Ann died in 1884. Her tirst husband was Jesse Berry, by whom she had two children. Her second husband was Isaac Hall, by whom she had also two children. Mr. Hall is also dead. James R. resides in Clinton, Henry County. He married Elizabeth Anderson, a na- tive of St. Clair County, and has two children. William N., who died at the age of thirty-five, mar- ried Elizabeth Lunsford, and left one child, Mrs. Marie Campbell, a resident of Belleville. John B. married Susan Harrington, and lives in St. Louis. Evan B. married Amanda Bell, and died about the same time as his brother William, leaving one son, now living in Clinton, Henry County, Mo. His widow married John Curtis, since deceased, and re- sides in Clinton, also. . Joshua died when about twenty-one years of age; Mahala; and Sarah, who first married William Iluff, and at his death was again married, is now deceased.
The boyhood of our subject was passed on a farm, where he had the advantages of a common- school education. ITis marriage to Miss Susan 'Tip- ton occurred April 23, 1844. She was a native of Carter County, East Tennessee, and was the daughter of James I. Tipton. Her parents lived and died in Tennessee, and she came to Illinois with her aunt. Mr. and Mrs. Padfield became the parents of seven children: Martha, wife of Joseph Utley, residing in Boone County, Mo., the mother
Site, Seibert
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of six children; Thomas, who died at the age of six years; Matilda, living at home, single; John C., living in Trenton, Ill., a school teacher, who married Miss Addie Shaffer, and has two children ; Henry L., who married Rebecca Ghene; Mahala and James, who died in childhood.
1
Our subject lived in Mascontah Township until 1857, when he moved to Summerfield and engaged in the collecting business. In 1864, he bought eighty acres of land which are included in his present place, where he has two hundred acres. Mr. Padfield has followed farming most of his life, and has been very successful. Ile has occupied the offices of Township Collector, Constable and Justice of the Peace, which latter office he has held for the last eight years. Our subject is a member of the masonic fraternity, being connected with Summerfield Lodge No. 344, A. F. & A. M., of which he has been Treasurer for the past sixteen years. The principles of the Democratic party are adhered to by him. The Methodist Church holds him as one of her most valned members, and his position throughout the neighborhood is one of importance, he being held in highest esteem.
b ON. PETER SEIBERT, one of the most influential and prominent men of St. Clair County, resides on section 30, Engleman Township. For many years he has been before the publie, and is now serving as Senator from the Forty-seventh Senatorial District, a posi- tion which calls into use his distinguished abilities and keen judgment.
The father of our subject, Balthaser Seibert, was a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and came to America with his family in 1852. He first lo- cated on a farm near Belleville, this county, and re- mained there for twenty-five years. At the end of that time he removed to Mascoutah, where he resided until the time of his demise. After he came to America and became acquainted with the political issues of the day, he joined the Republican party
and voted that ticket until 1872, when he became identified with the Liberal movement, and east his ballot with the Democrats until the time of his death. He left a family of six children, of whom our subject is the fourth.
The birth of the distinguished gentleman whose sketch now occupies our attention took place in HIesse-Darmstadt, the home of his forefathers, April 24, 1844. He had reached the age of eight years when his parents came to this country, and he was educated in the district schools and at Belle- ville High School. Ilis schooling completed, he returned to his father's place and engaged in farming until his marriage, which occurred in 1868. llis wife was Miss Catherine, daughter of Martin Eidmann, who was one of the pioneers of this county, having settled in Turkey Ilill, this township, in 1832. After his marriage, Mr. Sei- bert located six miles east of Mascoutah, but since 1876 he has resided on the farm which is his pres- ent home.
Eight children comprise the family of Mr. and Mrs. Seibert, viz .: Louisa, Amelia, Bertha, Julius, Emma, Rudolph, Ella and Henry George. The farm of our subject consists of one hundred and sixty acres of well-improved land, on which he carries on general farming, and in connection with this he engages in stock-raising and dairying. Ile has made all the improvements on this place, and has a home most beautifully located, where his wife assists him in the hospitable entertain- ment of their friends.
Senator Seibert is a member of the organization of Knights of Honor, and is also one of the most prominent members of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. Politically, he is a Democrat, al- though previous to 1880 he voted the Republi- can ticket. He was led to become a Democrat be- cause that party better expressed his views on the tariff question. He is a very strong advocate of free trade, and is opposed to all indirect taxation. lle is a man of strong convictions, who always does what he believes to be right, regardless of consequences, and has always been a strong worker in the ranks of the party. Although he has never sought office, office has sought him, and he served as Supervisor of the township for three
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years, and School Director for over twenty years. So entirely has he gained the confidence of his fellow-citizens that in 1890 they elected him to the honorable position of State Senator from this senatorial district. lle has ably represented his constituents, and is as strong a worker in publie life as he always has been for his party in private life. Ile is a great admirer of Henry George, and believes thoroughly in the principles advocated by that political economist. Ile has named his young- est son after the distinguished leader.
U'LIU'S REUSS has the honor of being a na- tive of St. Clair County. He resides on section 3, Shiloh Valley Township, and his birth occurred on a farm near his present home in 1845. His parents were Dr. Adolphus and Caroline (Raith) Reuss. The father was born in the city of Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany. received a college education and was graduated from one of the noted medical schools of his na- tive country. After practicing there for a few years, he determined to seek his fortune in Amer- ica, and in 1834, in a sailing-vessel, erossed the briny deep to the I'nited States. Ile made his first location in Shiloh Valley Township, this county, near where our subject now resides, and the old homestead is still occupied by members of the family. Here Dr. Reuss continued his practice in connection with farming for a period of nearly a half-century and became one of the most promi- nent and influential citizens of the community.
The Doctor was twice married. In Germany he wedded Rachel Jucho, who died soon after coming to this country, leaving no children. Ile then wedded Caroline Raith, and unto them was born a family of nine, as follows: Henry, Julius, Caro- line: Rosa, deceased: Albert; Augusta, wife of Charles Fisher; Johanna, Mary and Ferdinand. The father of this family was a member of the Masonic fraternity in Germany, but never identi- fied himself with that order in this country. He was a stalwart Republican in polities, ardently ad-
vocating the principles of that party. In his prac- tice, he was very successful and won a high repu- tion as a skillful physician. As his financial re- sources, increased he added to his possessions until he owned four hundred acres of land. Ile was a great student, an extensive reader, and owned the largest and finest library in St. Clair County. This is still in the possession of the family.
Julius Renss grew to manhood upon his father's farm and no event of special importance occurred during his youth. The common sehools afforded him his educational privileges and he remained with his father, aiding him in the labors of the farm until after the death of the Doctor. Ile is now a substantial and progressive agriculturist. who thoroughly understands his business. The neat and thrifty appearance of his farm indicates his enterprise. He owns seventy-four aeres of land and devotes his entire energies to the raising of grain.
· In 1874, Mr. Reuss was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Engelmann, daughter of Louis and Mary A. Engelmann. Four children grace their union, namely: Caroline, Josephia, Theodore and Erna. The family resides on the farm in Shiloh Valley Township, where they have a pleasant home. Mr. Reuss exercises his right of franchise in sup- port of the Republican party, but has never sought or desired the honors or emoluments of publie otliee, preferring to devote his entire time and at- tention to his business interests, in which he has met withi signal sneeess.
6 HOMAS. A. STOOKEY is a prominent and suecessful grain farmer and stock-raiser of St. Clair County, residing on section 14. Smithton Township. He was one of the sons of Daniel Stookey, Jr., who was born in St. Clair County in 1805, and a grandson of the well-known Daniel Stookey, who came to this county from Bedford County, Pa., in the year 1800. The lat- ter made his first trip through here in 1797 on horseback, and in 1800 located at New Design,
.
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in Monroe County, and lived there several years, when he located near Belleville and entered Gov- ernment land. Ile reared a large family, and died in 1835, at the age of sixty-four years. His son Daniel was reared and educated in this county and married Margaret McGuire, the daughter of Thomas MeGuire, who came to this county in 1818 from Crawford County, Pa.
After marriage, Daniel entered one hundred and sixty aeres of land on section 13, in Smithton Township, where he stayed until his death, in 1844; his wife followed him September 2, 1862. At the time of his death, he owned three hundred and twenty-seven aeres of land, the most of which had been acquired by his own efforts. Of a family of seven children, six grew to maturity and five are still living, as follows: Our subject; George II., who lives on the old homestead; Susan, the wife of Eli Green, who lives in Florida and runs au orange plantation; Barbara E., married to Robert W. Lemon, living in Freeburg Township, where they own a farm; and Margaret, the wife of Will- iam Pitts, living in New Athens Township. Mary Emeline (deceased) was the wife of George B. Short, and at her death left a daughter, who mar- ried Peter Boler and now lives in California.
The subject of this notice was born June 9, 1828, on the old homestead in Smithton Town- ship, on section 13, St. Clair County, Ill. Reared and educated there, he remained until twenty- four years old, when he married and removed to the place where he now lives. Mr. Stookey was married September 2, 1852, to Cyrena L. Short, daughter of William B. Short, who was born in this county in 1803, and whose parents eame here about 1800, being very early settlers. Mr. Short was a prominent farmer of this county. Mrs. Stookey was born October 17, 1834, on the old homestead that her father entered from the Gov- ernment. After his marriage, Mr. Stookey moved to this place on the 25th of October, 1852, and has lived here continuously ever since. lle has made all of the improvements on the place, eutting and burning the brush, cultivating and enriching the land, and now has one of the finest farms in the neighborhood, together with a handsome house and capacious barns, and lives in great comfort.
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