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 23
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Elizabeth Miller was born June 12, 1802, on what is known as the Prim farm (now owned by George Muskoff) on section 32, St. Clair Township. Her parents, William and Mary (Huffman) Miller, were natives of the Old Dominion, born in Hardy County, near Harper's Ferry. They were of Ger- man descent. the mother having been educated in
Germany. In 1797, they came to Illinois and first made settlement near New Design, Monroe County, where they lived for about two years. Thence they came to St. Clair County and settled on the above-mentioned place, where our subject was born. At that time the country was in a wild state, and Indians and wild animals made life haz- ardous, while the many privations of pioneer life eaused much siekness and death. The children who were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller were: Solomon, who was born in Virginia, came with the family to Illinois, and died in 1854. Ile served in the Black Ilawk War in 1832. and was Colonel of a regi- ment. Kate died young. Nancy became the wife of James Smith, and died January 4, 1884, leaving three sons and one daughter: William, who is a farmer and resides in Perry County; Benjamin, who resides in Stookey Township, four miles south of Belleville. Mrs. Jane Gregg, lives in Kansas,
November 30, 1827, our subjeet became the wife of Conrad Bornman, and the house in which she was married is still standing across the road a short distance from the present residence. lIer husband was a native of Germany, from which country he bad come in 1817 to New York, and in 1819 to St. Clair County. He was a blacksmith and brickmason by trade, and not only made brick, but laid the walls of many of the best business bloeks and residences erected in this section during his lifetime. An industrious, energetie and public- spirited man, he was very prominent in his town- ship. lle carried on an ice business for several years. At the time of his death, he was President of the Nail Mill Company, and was also stock- holder in the People's Bank. Ile was one of the pure politicians who could be ardent in the in- terests of a party without desiring office. First a Whig, upon the formation of the Republican party he became identified with its principles and in- terests. In addition to briek-making, he success- fully carried on his farm, which, being underlaid with a rich vein of coal, paid him good returns. After a laborions, useful and successful life, he died, November 4, 1875, at Hot Springs, Ark., whither he had gone in the hope of recovering his health, which had become seriously impaired.
Mr. and Mrs. Bornman were particularly blessed
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in their family. The sons grew up brave and manly and the danghters affectionate and home-loving. William Henry married Mary Eckert, and is now a resident of New Design. Martha is the widow of Lucien Dons art (see her sketch). James A. served with credit through the last year of the war in Company F. Thirtieth Illinois Infantry, and was with Sherman in the march to the sea. Lonis en- listed at the breaking out of the war in response to President Lincoln's first call for three-months Inen. At the end of that time, he enlisted for three years, or during the war, in Company E. Ninth Illinois Regiment. Ile participated in the many engagements of his regiment, and was wounded in the left arm at the battle of Shiloh. After one year of service, he was promoted to be Second Lieutenant, and served in the army three years and four months. Daniel served three months under the first call in Company D. Ninth Illinois Regiment, These brothers are all Repub- licans, and are intelligent, genial men, of whom any mother could be proud. Her grief was great to see them go out from their peaceful home into the danger of the battlefield, but they were all mercifully spared to her. Frances. Adeline and Mary S. reside with the brothers at the home of the aged mother and vie with each other to make her comfortable. They watch over her with ten- der solicitude, and show the greatest devotion and affection. All of the children had the advantages of a good education, and Louis attended Mckend- ree College at Lebanon for three years.
The homestead comprises about one hundred and sixty-five aeres of land, partly within the cor- porate limits of the city of Belleville. The resi- dence is a comfortable brick edifice, and the sur- roundings are very attractive. None of the family are connected with any religious denomination, but their preference is the Presbyterian faith, and they all live good Christian lives.
The venerable lady of whom we write is the old- ext living person in St. Clair Township, and with the exception of Col. John Thomas, whose sketch appears elsewhere in these pages, is the oldest per- son in the county. Between herself and Elijah Badgley, whose sketch is elsewhere presented, there is a difference in age of three days, he being that
much her junior. Notwithstanding her age, Mrs. Bornman has a bright memory, and can give ac- counts of events and experiences which have es- caped those much younger. With the exception of deafness, she is still in possession of all of her faculties, and enjoys life, taking an interest in the welfare of those around her as if she were but be- ginning life instead of having climbed almost to the summit. So universally esteemed is she and so well known that these few lines will find many interested readers.
M RS. MARTHA DOUSSARD. The intelli- gent lady whose name heads this sketch is the widow of Lucien Dons-ard, and since the day that deprived her of her natural support, she has lived on the farm left her by her devoted husband, which her son operates for her. This estimable lady is the daughter of Conrad and Elizabeth (Miller) Bornman. (See sketch of Eliza- beth Borninan.) Mrs. Doussard was born on the 25th of January, 1x31, in the city of Belleville, being one of seven children.
Our subject was married November 29, 1855, to Lneien Doussard, a native of St. Louis, in the West Indies, who was born September 21, 1825. Ilis parents, Louis and Lucy Doussard, were natives of sunny France, who removed to St. Louis be- fore the birth of their son to engage in the busi- ness of sugar-planting. In addition to the latter employment the father held a Government office.
When still a young man. Mr. Doussard left his native island and went to North Carolina, settling in Raleigh, but not being satisfied there, he went north to Elizabethtown. N. L .. where he remained one year. From that place. he emigrated to St. Louis, Mo., but remained there but a short time. In May, 1849. he removed to Belleville and re- mained in that city for six months and then bought a farm in St. Clair Township, where he remained a year. when, his marriage occurring, he removed to the farm that his wife still occupies. In early life, Mr. Doussard engaged in elerking, but the latter
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portion of hi- days was spent in tilling the soil. In politics, he was an ardent Republican, uphold- ing the principles of hi- party whenever necessary. He lived and died in the faith of the Catholic Church. of which his family are also members.
Mr. and Mrs. Doussard were the parents of -even children. as follows: Joseph Rufus, a resident of East St. Louis. III .. where he is engaged in the liv- ery business. He married Catherine Schreck. and they have three children. Mary died when still vonng. James i- at home. as is also Lucy. Cor- rine bas renounced the world and its vain pleasures and i- a -i-ter in a convent at Roxbury. Mas -. Julian Morris is living at home. and Angu-ta died when only two year- of age.
Mrs. Doussard resides on her pleasant farm of sixty-seven arre- with her son and daughter. who endeavor to console their revered mother for her great lo -.. Mi-> Lucy Doussard is a refined. intel- ligent lady. whose sweet manner- win her friends wherever she goes. This is a family whose name deserves a place in every history of St. Clair County. for it is such men and women as belong to this household that make society better and purer.
C APT. CHRISTIAN INGOLD. There is a tradition somewhere. that the Mississippi River steamer- can blow up oftener and burn down quicker. and make more fuss about their demolition. than any other wat on the fare of the globe. and for that reason. perhaps. they have a fascination for the youth born along the bank- of the mighty river.
The plea-ant and entertaining gentleman of whom this notice i- written was born April 11. 1×56, on the corner of Boge and Second Street -. East st. Louis, when that part of the now pros- fx.rou- city was known as Bloody I-land. His father was Jacob Ingold. who came from his native town, Baden. Germany. to Philadelphia, Pa .. and. after making the trip to st. Louis, engaged as a laborer. and then went as a private in the Mexican War.
After his return. he came to East St. Louis and en- gaged as a teamster for the Wiggins Ferry Com- pany. Ile continued with this company until 1xx2. when they pensioned him and he now lives retired. The mother of our subject was named Annie M. Fletcher. and was born in Germany. and died May 6. 1x91.
The subject of thi- writing was the only child of hi- parents, and wa- reared on the Island and edu- cated in St. Louis at the Saxon and Douglas- Schools, attending the Jones Commercial ( o)- lege at night. When but a boy, he began to work for J. M. Jordan. of st. Louis, and remained with him until in 1871. when he went into the employ of the Wiggin- Ferry Company as weighinaster and as deck hand. He was licensed as Captain and Pilot in ]xxl. and took charge of the tug - JI. C. ( rew veling." and ran it about three years, when he took the tug " ( lubb" and after this had charge of other -. He has been either ( aptain or Pilot ou every boat since that ha- done much for the opening up and extension of development along the Mi-si -- ippi River in the Ja-t twenty voar -. Ile was Pilot for three year- on the " Napoleon Mulli- gan " under C'apt. Wick. In 1890. he became C'ap- tain of the " John Trundlev " transfer-boat. When the water is low. they make a run of fourteen miles from the landing here to ( hain of Rock -. at the new St. Louis Water Work -.
('apt. Ingold was married in East St. Louis. in 1xx6, to Mi -- Caroline Hentze. who was born in East St. Louis, and one charming little daughter has come to gladden the good Captam's heart. Her name is Ora Evelyn. He is a Democrat in his politics, and has served as Clerk of Elections here. le belongs to the social orders of Knights of Pythia- and the I'niform Rank of Knights of Honor.
The subject of this sketch handle, the helm with accuracy. born of long service in an employment for which he alway- ha- had a fondness, and he ha- the confidence of the people of Last st. Louis. for they know that he is thoroughly acquainted with every harbor and rapid and unexpected curve of the Father of Waters, along whose shores he has passed hi- useful life. He was only twenty- three years of age when he was first entrusted
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with a steamer, and many have been his exper- iences since then. He has seen the wonderful growth of East. St. Louis and takes great pride in showing it to the stranger.
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2 HOMAS MAY, JR. One of the most prom- inent citizens of East St. Louis, who has held here many official positions of trust and responsibility and is at present the most effi- cient Clerk of the City Courts, is Thomas May. Jr., who was elected to that position in Septem- ber, 1886. 1Ie was born in Baltimore, Md., on the 12th of July, 1857. and inherits from his Irish ancestors the quick wit, genialty and large-heart- edness for which his countrymen are known. His parents, Thomas and Bridget (McDermott) May, were natives of the Emerald Isle, the former born in County Mayo, and a snecessful farmer in that country. When a single man, the father decided that America was the land of promise for a strug- gling young man, and, after reaching this country, settled in Maryland, where he continued his former occupation. About 1858, he came to Ran- dolph County, Ill., and settled near Waterloo, where he purchased a farm, and cultivated it until 1869, when he sold out and located in East St. Louis.
Our subject was first in the employ of the Wabash Railroad, but subsequently was employed by the Eads Bridge Company, now the Terminal Railroad Association, with which he has remained ever since. In politics, he shows a decided preference for the Democratic party and has ever upheld its princi- ples. Ile is a member of the Catholic Church and his wife also held membership in the same. She died in 1861, and Mr. May was married the second time, six children resulting from the last union.
Thomas May, Jr., the only child living of the first union, remained in Randolph County, Ill., until 1869, and, unfortunately, his early educa- tional advantages were limited, as the nearest school was five or six miles away. However, he
came to East St. Louis at the last-named date and made up for lost time by attending the public schools until eighteen years of age. After this, he was employed by the Wabash Railroad Company, first as water-carrier and later as foreman in the switch yards. He was also employed in the latter capacity by the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis Rail- road until the strike of 1886, when he left and never went back.
In September, 1886, he was elected Clerk of the City Courts over two popular opponents, by a ma- jority of four hundred. He filled that position in so creditable and efficient a manner that he was re-elected in the fall of 1890 with no opposition. Mr. May owns considerable real estate in East St. Louis, and is a member of the Mutual Building and Loan Association and also of the St. Clair Associa- tion, in which he is a Director.
On the 28th of November, 1882, he was wedded to Miss Rosa O'Brien, a native of Memphis, Tenn., but who was reared and educated in East St. Louis. Her parents, Michael and Margaret O'Brien, were natives of the green isle of Erin, and the father was on the police force in Memphis, where he died during the cholera scourge. The mother finds a comfortable home with our subject. To Mr. and May has been born one child, Thomas M. Mr. May is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is Master Workman of East St. Louis Lodge No. 294. Ile and his wife are worthy members of St. Patrick's Church, and he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Demo- eratie party.
C HARLES L. WALRATH. The principal requisite in the success of the real-estate business, the safest and surest form of in- vestment, is to have reliable agents who are thor- oughly posted on their city and locality. Such a one has East St. Louis long possessed in Charles L. Walrath, who is now not only a prominent and successful real-estate dealer, but is also interested in the insurance business, for it is an acknowl-
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edged fact that insurance is among the most im- portant branches of business in any community. He is a native of the Empire State, born in Cana- joharie, Montgomery County, on the 19th of De- cember, 1851, and comes of sturdy German ances- tors. The first members of this family to settle in America were seven brothers, who came here at a period antedating the Revolutionary War, and served all through the struggle for indepen- dence.
The great-grandfather of our subject, Jacob Walrath, was born in New York State, and, after growing np, located on a farm in Montgomery County, where, in connection with farming, he followed the carpenter's trade. His son (the father of our subject), John J. Walrath, who was born on this farm in Montgomery County, N. Y., as he grew up learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade, and became a contractor, builder and finisher, do- ing very fine work in wood. Later, he took up the occupation to which he had been reared, and tilled the soil very successfully for some time. Ile then sold out and removed to Hillsdale, Mich., where he was engaged in carpentering for ten years. Since then he has resided with his chil- dren, and although seventy-nine years of age, holds his years well. He is a Repubhcan in politics and a Methodist in religion. He married Miss Mari- etta St. John, a native of Montgomery County, N. Y., and the daughter of Sylvanus St. John, who was born in Connecticut, and was one of the early settlers of Montgomery County. Mr. St. John was a very extensive farmer and was Captain of a State militia company. He was at Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Mrs. Walrath died in 1882, leaving four children: Rev. J. II., who resides in Chicago and is a Congregational minister; Louis E., in Texas County, Mo .; Charles L., our subject; and Emma F., wife of the Rev. G. C. MeClure, of Cooperstown, N. Dak.
The original of this notice was reared in New York until the age of twenty years, and from early boyhood delighted in handling tools, lle served his time at the carpenter's trade and was educated at Ames Academy, of national reputa- tion, When nineteen years of nge, he taught one winter term of school, and in 1871 went to
Hillsdale, Mich., where he lived for ten years, and there attended college, off and on, for six years. During this time, he taught school for several terms, and also followed contracting and building. About 1877, he embarked in merehan- dising in Hillsdale, and continued this until 1880, when, on account of his health, he sold out.
In November of the same year, our subject came to East St. Louis and assisted in settling the St. John property, left by his great aunt, and since then has been engaged in the real-estate business building up and developing the city as much as any other one man. ITis office is on the corner of Third Street and Broadway, where, in connection with the real-estate business, he is engaged in the life, fire and accident insurance business. He is a member of the American Building & Loan Asso- ciation, of Chicago, and is one of the substantial and popular men of the city. Ile owns property all over the city, has built many houses, and is building right along. Ile is the largest renter of houses in the city, and is doing a flourishing busi- ness.
Mr. Walrath was married in St. Louis, in De- cember, 1882, to Miss Georgia L. Miller, a native of St. Louis and a daughter of Dr. Samuel Miller, of St. Louis. Two children have blessed this union: Charles Herbert and Jessie A. Mr. Wal- ratb is a Republican in politics, but does not as- pire to political positions. Mr. Walrath was made Notary Public in 1887. Hle is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is Trustee, Secretary and Treasurer in the same. Ile was a member of the Building Committee of the new church, one of the finest in the city.
C APT. HENRY SACKMANN. Among the most noted and representative men of East St. Louis, Ill., stands the name of Capt. Henry Sackmann, whose high reputation and ma- terial prosperity eame as the rewards of imusual natural abilities, industriously applied, Ile is one of the old settlers of East St. Louis, coming here in 1846, when the city was called Illinois Town and
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when there was but one house on the Island. From that time to the present, he has so identified him- self with the affairs of the place that their history cannot be recorded without according him a con- spicuous and honorable part. Ile has assisted very materially in the progress and development of this city, and is entitled, with others, to feel a just pride over the result of efforts that have brought forth the flourishing East St. Louis of to-day. He is at present the veteran employe of the Wiggins Ferry Company, is the Superintendent of the large cor- poration, and holds a very responsible position.
Capt. Sackmann was born on the 8th of April, 1834, at llanover, Germany, and his parents were also natives of that country. The father was a carpenter by trade. and he and his wife passed their entire lives in the land of their birth. Our subject was the third youngest of the children born to his parents, and remained in Germany until ten years of age. In 1845, he left Bremen for America with a relative, and landed in New Orleans after an ocean voyage of sixty days. Ilis relative be- came a soldier in the Mexican War after landing, and four of five weeks later, or on the 3d of lan- uary, 1816, Capt. Saekmann eame to St. Louis. Some strangers bound him out to a baker in that city and he remamed with him three years, after which he became connected with Illinois Town. carrying and delivering bread on that side of the river. Ile became a practical baker and at the ex- piration of his time he worked one month for the Wiggins Ferry Company.
In 1849. he went South, and was a resident of New Orleans for two years, engaged in selling goods. In 1852, he came to Illinois Town, where Capt. John Trendley engaged him as a deck hand, and, although he began in that humble manner, he had any amount of energy and push and soon be- came pilot, afterward Captain and, finally, Super- intendent. He was Captain for many years. In 1871, he became Assistant Superintendent, but virtually Superintendent. and in 1884. when Capt. S. C. Clubb died, he became Superintendent. He is the right man for the right place and is thor- oughly familiar with everything connected with it. This company runs live ferry boats. three transfer- boats and one tug.
Capt. Sackmann is the first man who ever took a boat up the river and started the exeursion trade, about thirty years ago. During the war, he had to work in the Government service. Ile is the old- est captain on the river, and there is not a corpor- ation in the United States that can produce a set of as old men as the Wiggins Ferry Company. This is the largest ferry on the Mississippi, or west of New York, and the company employs in the river department about eighty men. The Captain has a comfortable home at No. 106 North B Street, and is surrounded with all the comforts of life. He was first married in 1858, to Miss Caroline Whipel, a native of St. Louis, and one child. Mary, was born to this union. She now makes her home with our subject. Capt. Sackmann's second marriage occurred in East St. Louis, in 1870, to Miss Chris- tine Barnard, a native of St. Louis and a daughter of John Barnard, who was one of the old ferrymen, and died here Six children were born to our sub- jeet's second union : Charles, a machinist; Amelia, Katie, Henry, Annie, and Robert E. Capt. Sack- mann has been a member of the City Council as Alderman from the First Ward ever since 1876, with the exception of four years. He is the oldest alderman on the board and has been President pro tem. Ile is at present Chairman of the Public Building and Grounds Commitee and a member of other committees.
A boat on the river, built in 1883, was named "Henry Sackmann" for him, and is a transfer, carry- ing fourteen cars. Another boat, the "George .A. Madill," a large transfer boat for sixteen cars, was built in 1891. Since the new admistration, he has been Mayor Stephens' right-hand man and has taken an active part in all public enterprises for the prosperity of the city. He is a member of the School Board of Township No. 2, N. R. 10 W., and has held that position for nine years. Ile is now the President of the Board.
Although he has had but limited educational ad- vantages, the Captain is a self-made and self-edu- rated man, and, being a man of observation and excellent judgment, is well posted on all the eur- rent topics of the day. He was Special Collector for the improvement of Front Street when it was built and collected $104,000, fle was an organizer of
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the Mutual Building and Loan Association in East St. Louis, and has been Vice-president since 1886. Socially, he is a member of Helvetia Lodge No. 480, I. O. O. F., and has represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge twice. He is also a member of Illinois Lodge No. 268, K of II., the first lodge in the State, and he was the first Past Dictator of the State of Illinois. He is a member of Cheva- lier Commandery No. 38, K. of II., of the Uniform Rank, and was the first past Commander in the State, this being the first lodge founded here. In politics, he has always been a Democrat, and has been a delegate to county and State conventions. He was a member of the County Democratic Com- mittee.
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b ENRY OEBIKE, grocer, brings to the de- tails of the business a thorough experience, united with pride in the quality of the goods supplied at his store, so that his name has become a synonym for excellence. In the va- riety of the goods handled by him, it is hard to enumerate any special feature, for all that enters into the line of staple and fancy groceries and food supplies are comprised in it. Mr. Oebike is the oldest grocer, in point of location, in the city, for he has been established here since 1858. He was born in Westphalia, Germany, July 23, 1836, in which country his worthy parents. Christof and Anna (Smaudt) Oebike, were also born, the former of whom was a merchant of Warburg, and a tiller of his own land. He was Alderman of his town for years, and died there in 1866, when over sixty- five years of age, after a useful and well-spent life. His father, Edmond Oebike, was a rope manufac- turer, and the mother's father was a tanner by trade.
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