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 28
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Mr. Ewing married Miss Ann Allen, a native of Connecticut. She died one year after her mar- riage. He was married a second time in Madison, Ind., to Miss Abbisenia Runyon, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. She died in 1856, leaving four children, two of whom are yet living: Charles W .. who is a railroad engineer; and J. Frank, who is General Freight Agent of the New York & New England Railroad, and resides in Boston. Mr. Ewing's third marriage took place in Jefferson- ville, Ind., in 1862, with Miss Eliza B. Dryden, who was born in Louisville, Ky., and of this union there are four living children: James K., who is a salesman for the Michigan Salt Company, of East St. Louis; Ida, who is Mrs. Thomas J. Zook,
resides in Sioux City, Iowa; George W .. Jr., is a clerk with the Jacksonville & Southeastern Rail- road; and Lettie, who is a hook-keeper for her father.
Onr subject and the President of the United States were reared boys together, and Mr. Ewing is a strong supporter of the party to which Mr. Harrison owes his election. Mr. Ewing is one of the men who has built up East St. Louis by taking part in every reform and assisting by presence, purse and influence all the improvements for the benefit of the city.
C ASIMIR ANDEL. The pleasant and oblig- ing Cashier of the First National Bank of Belleville is the gentleman whose life it is our pleasure to call attention to in this brief sketch. Mr. Andel is a native of historic Bingen on the Rhine, celebrated in song and poetry, hav- ing been born there in November, 1840. When lie was eighteen years old, he made the journey across the ocean, coming direct to Illinois, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits until the out- break of the great Civil War, when he, like so many of our German-American citizens, enlisted, and served his country until the close of the war. He first served in Company A, Ninth Illinois In- fantry, and remained at Cairo during his three months' enlistment; but at the expiration of that period he re-enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Mis- souri Infantry, enlisting as First Sergeant, but being promoted through the ranks of Second and First Lieutenant to be Captain, serving as Aid-de- Camp to Gen. Peter Joseph Osterhaus until No- vember, 1864. During this time, he was wounded twice, but was always noted for his bravery in the charge of battle. After his term of service was over, he returned to St. Louis, and served in the offices of the Assessor and Collector. In 1866, he came to this city and engaged in the wholesale liquor business, under the firm name of Andel & Weber, for eight years.
When the First National Bank of Belleville was
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organized, in July, 1874, with a capital of $100,- 000, Dr. Julius Kohl served as the first President, and Van L. Runyan as first Cashier, the last- named gentleman serving only two months, when he was succeeded by Mr. Andel, who has contin- ued in that important position ever since, giving entire satisfaction to all parties concerned. This bank is the leading one in Belleville, having the capital stock mentioned above and a surplus of $95.000.
In 1870, Mr. Andel was united in marriage to the lady of his choice, Miss Louise Kircher, daughter of Joseph Kircher. These two are the happy parents of five children, who have proved themselves worthy of the father whose name they bear. They are Josepha Johanna, Gisela Sophia, George K., William C. and Coleman E.
In the strike of 1874. Mr. Andel was chosen Captain of Company A. Belleville Guards, and on account of the military skill he exhibited he was made Colonel of the Eleventh Regiment Illinois National Guards during the railroad strike of 1877.
h ENRY F. BADER. The subject of this sketch is the representative of an old and prominent family of East St. Louis, and is the efficient Vice-president of the East St. Louis Electric Street Railroad. Ile is one of the most reliable pharmacists of the eity, and is lo- eated on the corner of Broadway and Main Street.
Mr. Bader is the son of John G. Bader, who was born in Baden, Germany, where he car- ried on the business of cabinet-making. John had heen apprentieed for seven years to that trade, | and had become a fine workman. In 1841, he came to America and began business in St. Louis. He married in this city in 1844, and after this went into contracting and building. Ile contin- ued in active business until his death, in 1876, when about fifty-six years of age. lfe had al- ways been a Republican in his political opinions. The mother of our subject was Margaret Hartmann,
who came from the banks of the storied Rhine. Iler father came to America and engaged in farm- ing in St. Louis County. Mrs. Bader now lives in East St. Louis.
Our subjeet is one of ten children, but now he and his oldest brother, Louis, a merchant of this place, are the only survivors. He grew up here and was educated in the publie schools of this city, and when fourteen years old he engaged as clerk for James L. Brackett, a druggist on Broad- way, remaining with him for three years. In 1875, he went to Memphis and was there engaged as a druggist, but in about eight months he re- turned to the store of Mr. Brackett, which was now conducted by C. E. Neubert. In March, 1881, he bought Mr. Neubert out and then located on Broadway, where he continued until 1883, when he came to his present. excellent location. lle devotes himself strictly to pharmacy, and makes a specialty of prescriptions. In 1890, he thought he saw an opportunity and opened a branch store on Collinsville Avenue, but there were so many inconveniences that he sold it.
Our subjeet is the owner of considerable real estate in this city, and is a stockholder and Di- rector in the Workingmen's Bank, and a stock- holder in the First Mutual Building and Loan Association. Ile was an organizer, and is Vice-pres- ident of the East St. Louis Electric Railroad. He is also a stockholder in the American Galvanized Iron Car Roofing Company, and a stockholder in the Landsburg Air-Brake Company, of St. Louis. He is a member of the State Pharmaeist Association, and is an honored member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal Arch Masons, of the Knights Templar, of Tancred Lodge No. 50, of Belleville, and of the Consistory at Chicago. He has been much interested in school matters, and was School Trustee from 1889 to 1892, and has been President of the Board. He has been a Knight of Pythias since 1879.
Our subject selected as a life companion the daughter of Nicholas Spannagel, who was a native of Alsace, France, and came to this eoun- try with his parents when quite young. lle was the founder of the Heim Brewery, which he sold, and then engaged in the manufacture of mineral
Yours Truly David Perrottet
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water. Ile was very successful in this enterprise, and made a fortune before his death, in February, 1892. His wife was Johanna Jahns, who was born in Germany, and died in 1883. Of their seven children, Lonisa, Mrs. Bader is the eldest. Her marriage to Mr. Bader took place in 1881, and four lovely children are the jewels of their home: Edna, Walter, Henrietta and Louisa.
Mr. Bader is a conspicuous member of the Re- publican ranks, and has served his fellow-citizens in the various conventions. He is of sneh a pleas- ant, genial nature that his friends who wish him well are not to be counted.
ON. LOUIS PERROTTET, who owns a splendid farm on section 27, and also a finely improved estate on section 23, Shiloh Valley Township, was born in a French Province of Switzerland in 1843. His parents, John and Mary (Pantillon) Perrottet, were both born in the same province as their son. The father's birth occurred in 1809, while the mother was born two years later. The former was reared in the village, where he received his education and remained until reaching mature years. When twenty-one years of age, he enlisted in the Swiss army and was a faithful soldier during a serviee of seven years.
On leaving the army, then being twenty-eight years of age, John Perrottet married and started in the oeenpation of farming, which he continued during the remainder of his life. In 1855, with his family he set sail for America, coming directly to St. Clair County, III. As his means were limited, he rented property for twelve years, which he op- erated. IIe then removed to Macoupin County, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. There he lived engaged in the duties of farm life until the time of his death, which oe- curred in 1888. His wife had died four years previous. They reared a family of five children: Mary, the wife of Adam Royer; John, August; Sophia, wife of John McGee; and Louis, the
youngest of the family. In religion, Mr. Perrot- tet was a Lutheran. Politically, he was a supporter of Republican principles. The grandfather of our subject, John Perrottet, and his wife, whose family name was Derron, were natives of Switzer- land.
Lonis Perrottet, the subject of this sketch, re- mained with his parents until twenty-five years of age. At that time occurred his marriage to Mary Knobeloch, who is a daughter of John and Eliza- beth (Hardy ) Knobeloch. Mrs. Perrottet was born in St. Clair County, where her parents were num- bered among the very early pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Perrottet are the parents of eight children: Elizabeth, the wife of Michael Plab; Emma, the wife of Fred Clark; Sophia, Charles, Alvena, Ida, Ililda, and one who died in infaney.
In 1863, responding to the call of his adopted country, our subjeet enlisted as a member of the Forty-third Illinois Infantry under Gen. Steele. lle was stationed at Little Rock and never took part in any engagement. After his marriage, Mr. Perrottet came to his present farm, where he has since lived. Ile now owns a tract of three linn- dred and eighty acres on section 27, all under a good state of cultivation and which returns to him a golden tribute for his many years of industry and labor. Now fields of grain meet the eye on every hand, and everything about the place be- tokens the care and cultivation of a careful mana- ger. He is also the owner of two hundred and forty acres on section 23, this township.
Mr. Perrottet has occupied many official positions and has always discharged the duties ineident to them in such a trustworthy and efficient manner that he has won the approval of even his political opponents. Hle was County Supervisor for a term of five years and was Tax Colleetor for a period of two years. Educational measures have always re- ceived his earnest co-operation and hearty support, and for sixteen years he has been one of the School Direetors. His ballot is always cast in favor of the Republican party, of whose principles he is a strong advocate. In 1890, he was elected as a Representative to the State Legislature on the Republican tieket. In his capacity as Legislator, he took a very prominent part in trying to have
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the present school law of Illinois repealed. Ile was also a member of the Finance Committee and served on the Committee of Agriculture. In his official position, he has always kept the welfare of the people in view and has done all in his power to forward the best interests of his county and State. The cause of right and truth always finds in him a friend, and to those canses he devotes his heartiest sympathy and aid. He isa member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Belleville. As a soldier, he was always found at h+ post of duty and was ever to be depended up n as a man of fidelity to his trust.
3
ICHOLAS J. BIEBEL. The prosperous and intelligent farmer whose name opens this article possesses one of the finest farms m the county. Ile was born near Sargemunde, Lor- raine, France, October 18, 1836. His parents came to America in 1843, and landed in New York and the same year settled in St. Clair County. They bought two hundred and forty acres of land three miles due south of Millstadt, and made that their home for about twenty-five years. Mr. Biebel then disposed of that place and bought another near Mascoutalı, where this worthy couple lived for the remainder of their lives. The birth of the father took place April 3, 1805, and he died Feb- ruary 9, 1875. The mother was born in 1811, and was removed by death November 4, 1864.
In the sunny land of his birth, Mr. Biebel, Sr., was a farmer, and when he came to this country he continued to till the soil. Ile was a Demo- crat in politics, but he never wanted office. A brother of his was a soldier in the French army under Napoleon I. The children of this couple were: Agnes, who was born May 30, 1833, and died May 15, 1875. She married Charles Schneider, also now deceased, and lived on the home place near Mascoutah. She left three boys and two girls, all of whom are living. Maggie was born March 5, 1835, and died December 26, 1886, leaving a large family. She married John Grundlach, a farmer
residing in this township. Christian lives two and one-half miles from Mascoutah and was born September 26, 1838. Ile married Josephine Moll and has four children. Mary Magdalena was born August 8, 1846, and married Nicholas Staub, who resides one and one-half miles southwest of Mascoutal.
Our subject was reared on the old home place and attended the common school in his boyhood and the Christian Brothers' School in St. Louis in 1855, acquiring a good English and German education. He was married in September, 1860, in Belleville, to Magdalena Miller, and they have been blessed with a family of nine children, as follows: Rosamond Magdalena, Edward Oliver, Julius Arthur, Ida Isabella, Einma Matilda, Albert Allen, Elinor, Walter Nicholas, Richard Roy and Julius. The children have all received an English education and are living in this county, being much thought of in their neighborhood.
Mr. Biebel has been Ilighway Commissioner for three years, and is a Democrat of no uneer- tain tone. He has lived on his present farm since the fall of 1862, where he now has three hundred and fifty-five aeres. He carries on a system of mixed farming and raises stock. He has a very fine farm, and is a man of education and well in- formed on all questions of the day. Ilis manner is genial and friendly, and he is regarded as being very liberal.
AUL W. ABT, President of the First Na- tional Bank of East St. Louis, is of foreign birth, having been born in Wurtemberg, Germany, near Stuttgart, April 25, 1845, and his father, William Abt, was also born near Stuttgart, Germany. Our subject stayed in school until fourteen years old, and was then apprenticed to learn the mercantile business, continuing in this for four years. In the summer of 1864, he came to America, sailing from Bremen to New York, and first located in Cincinnati. Later, he was in Chi- cago for a short time, also in Omaha and St. Louis.
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In 1873, he came to East St. Louis, where he was engaged in the wholesale liquor business for about fifteen years, and met with substantial results.
In 1887, Mr. Abt became Cashier of the old East St. Louis Bank, which in 1890 was con- verted into the First National Bank, he becoming President. The bank has a capital of $100,000, and bows to none either in enterprise or solidity. Mr. Abt laid out the Paul W. Abt First, Second and Third Additions to East St. Louis during the last five or six years.
Our subjeet was married in East St. Louis to Miss O. I. Buettner, a native of Germany, and the daughter of Dr. Buettner, of St. Louis, Mo. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Abt. Mr. Abt is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and is a Knight Templar in the Masonic fraternity. Ile holds membership in the German Evangelical Church, and in politics, advocates the principles of the Democratic party, being a delegate to county and State conventions.
SAAC EYMAN. The homestead owned and occupied by the subject of this sketch is one of the most desirable and attractive within the limits of Stookey Township. It is pleasantly lo- cated on section 35, and embellished with fine resi- dence and farm buildings of ample proportions. The place indicates in a marked manner the hand of thrift and industry, and portrays to even the casual observer the fact that it is the abode of those who belong to an old and distinguished family.
Long before Illinois was added to the number of States in the Union, Abraham Eyman, the grand- father of our subject, settled in what was then a wild and desert-like portion of Illinois, now known as St. Clair County. Ile was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1767, his father being Abraham Eyman, who emigrated from Germany to America when fourteen years of age and became identified with the pioneer history of Pennsylvania. Abraham
Eyman, grandfather of our subject, removed from Pennsylvania to Virginia, where he married Miss Susannah Whetstone, a native of Hardy County, Va. In 1796, this sturdy forefather of the Eyman family came to what is now Monroe County, Ill., selected a portion of land, and, after planting a crop, returned home for his family, which then consisted of his wife and two sons. The year fol- lowing, he p weed all his earthly effects on a flat- boat, and with his small family started down the Ohio River to his new home. The spot on which he had chosen o locate was a veritable wilderness, its native poj lation consisting of Indians and wild beasts, t hostile nature of the former and the abundance . the latter offering no very great possibilities for a quiet, uneventful life to him who sought to make a home in their midst. Ile pur- sued Ins journey toward his new home until reach- ing a point on the Ohio River where he encoun- tered a caravan of whites, who were traveling in the same direction, and, concluding that his wife and children would be more comfortable for the rest of the way on horseback, he took the boat and supplies up the river alone, expecting that on reaching his destination the party on horseback would have arrived there before him. His sur- prise at not finding them there soon gave way to anxiety, and he started back across the country to look for his lost ones, who, after many days' search, he found on the open prairie, where they had been abandoned to make their way as best they could.
In 1800, Abraham Eyman moved from his first home in Illinois to the farm in St. Clair County which is now owned by his grandson. At that time, the nearest neighbor except one was twenty miles away. The discomforts, inconveniencies and limited resources of a wild, unsettled coun- try seem to have had no appalling effect on the man whose history we are writing. His in- domitable will and never-failing energy mark his career as one of the most marvelous of his time. He was a man of wonderful ability, and one gifted with a genius which made all things that he de- sired to accomplish not only possible, but certain of the most satisfactory achievement.
In his early days, Grandfather Eyman learned the trade of blacksmith, which craft he never
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allowed himself to forget, always having a shop on his farm, Nature endowed him with the attri- butes of a general mechanie, in addition to which he added the trades of cabinet-maker, shoemaker and weaver. Some of the chairs and furniture made by his hands are in use at the home of his grandson today, le built the first wool-carding machine produced in St. Clair County. He served in the War of 1812. When Illinois was admitted to the Union, he was chosen by the Whig party to represent his district in the first State Legislature of Illinois. In religion, he and his wife were Dun- kards. Their family originally consisted of twelve children, three of whom died in early infancy, hine growing to mature years, as follows: Jacob, Daniel, Abraham, John; Isaac, the father of our subject; Nancy, Mrs. McClintock; Catherine, wife of Jacob Stout; Susannah, wife of James MeClintock; and Mary, wife of Benjamin McGuire. Abraham Ey- man departed this life June 8, 1831, his wife sur- viving him until the 10th of Angust. 1852. she then being eighty-two years old.
Isaac Eyman, the father of our subject, was the youngest of Abraham's family, and was born De- cember 14, 1812, Ilis education was received in the common schools of the county where he lived. The death of his father, which occurred when he was yet a boy, threw him on his own responsibilities. lle and another brother, how- ever, remained with their mother, farmed the place and operated the wool-carding machine, which was the product of his father's genius, but which he had only lived long enough to sec com- pleted. In the year 1841, Isaac Eyman married Miss Evelina Lacey, who was born in St. Clair County, September 11, 1820, daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Primm) Lacey. Stephen Lacey was born about 1793, his wife also being born in May of that year. He was drowned March 15, 1821. Ilis wife survived him. was again married, and died November 28, 1880, Seven children were born to Isaac and Evaline Eyman, two of whom died in childhood, the rest being Nancy; Minerva, wife of Abraham Gooding; Theodore; Walter; and Isaac, with whom this biography more particu- larly deals, Isaac, Sr., lived the life of a farmer in its strictest sense. His sympathies were with the
old Whig party, but he never took an active part in politics. Ile departed this life January 24, 1858, and his wife died .lune 20, 1863.
Isaac Eyman, the subject of this sketeli, received his education in the public schools of Belleville, and afterward attended the University of Cham- paign, Ill. He was married November 12, 1884, to Miss Josia Stookey, daughter of John D. and Mary (Carr) Stookey, and to them have been born three children: Jerome, A. Irene and Warren. Politi- cally, our subject is a Republican and has served his township three times as Collector.
There are but few families in any community who can trace their lineage back so far, and enjoy the proud consciousness of belonging to such a distinguished ancestor. The sturdy manhood and strong principles of the grandfather, Abra- ham Eyman, have descended from the second to the third generation, and his achievements in all branches of industry, and his regard for the welfare of his country and the community in which he resided, are matters of more than local history. Ilis mantle has fallen on the survivors of his house, and it is to be hoped that his family will always have a representative in the community so freighted with reminiscences of this grand pioneer character.
S IMON BAUM. This gentleman is the gen- ial proprietor of the Republican House, on the corner of Illinois and Second Streets, where he has a large brick hotel, with eighteen sleeping apartments in addition to the other rooms of a hotel. The hotel has a fine bar and office, and the building is two stories high. He has had charge of the Republican House since 1885. At that time he furnished and fitted it up with all the modern improvements, and he has since condneted a good business here. Ile is one of the most enterprising of landlords. and has been very successful in his business, as he gives it his undivided attention.
Mr. Baum was born in Wurtemberg, Germany,
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March 2, 1856, being the son of Patritze and Mary Baum. When he was five years old he came with his mother to Lebanon, IN., where he grew to manhood, and was educated there in the public schools. In that town be learned the trade of a blacksmith, going through an apprenticeship. He then engaged in the saloon business at Leb- anon, engaging in that business for six years. From there he went to Kinmundy and engaged in the same business for one year, and then removed to Belleville, Ill., where he operated a saloon from 1879 to 1885, on the corner of Main and Jackson Streets,
Mr. Baum was married to Miss Johanna Spies, of this city. Her father had been the proprietor of the Republican House, she being born in it, and has lived here since her birth. The marriage took place November 10, 1885. They have two chil- dren, Carl and Cecelia.
Mr. Baum is a member of St. Peter's Cathedral, also of the Turnverein, and of the Krontheler Phil- harmonie society, and is a prominent man in all musical circles. He has educated all his children in music, as he has always regretted that he had no such opportunities himself. Mr. Baum's aged mother still lives at Lebanon, well known and highly respected.
LEXANDER RUEMMLER. As a worthy representative of the intelligence, the in- tegrity, and the moral worth of the people of Darmstadt, St. Clair County, the sub- ject of this sketch occupies no ordinary position. lle is widely and favorably known in his native county, and the fact that he is well spoken of by high and low and rich and poor is sufficient indi- eation of his character. Mr. Ruemmler should de- rive muel satisfaction from the contemplation of the part which he has played in life, building up a record which his descendants may look upon with pride, By a course of industry, prudence and good management, he has become well-to-do financially, and his fine residence and thriving business indi-
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