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 39
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Theodore died in infancy; Jacob Theophil died on the 2d of February, 1850, when six years of age; Ilelena Dorothea died January 22, 1850, at the age of four years; Ilillegonda, single, resides with the mother in Summerfield, this county; Gysbert died in infancy.
The original of this notice remained in Fred- ericksstadt up to 1868. Ile was educated in the best schools of his native country, and was a stu- dent at the gymnasiums in Husum and Weilburg. In 1870, when the Franco-Prussian War broke out, he went to the University of Basle and remained there two years, taking one year at Tubingen and half a year at Halle, thus completing his theological education. Ile traveled over Europe, visiting Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France and Holland, and took this trip to broaden his views and his education. He came to America in 1874, landed in New York, and went from there to Wadsworth. lle was ordained a minister of the Mennonite Church October 15, 1874, being or- dained by his father and Rev. E. Ilunsberger, in a church near Hayesville, Ohio, where he then en- tered actively on his ministerial duties. Ile preached for three years on alternate Sundays in Cleveland. Ohio, from 1875 to 1878, and in 1880 went to Coshocton, Ohio, where, in connection with preach- ing, he taught German. There he remained until June, 1881, and in July of that year he took charge of the Mennonite Church at Upper Milford, near Zionsville, Lehigh County, Pa., where he remained nine years. Ile came to Summerfield, St. Clair County, Ill., as minister of the Mennonite Church in 1890, and here he has continued since. lle is an earnest worker in the vineyard of the Lord, and much good has he accomplished by his earnest words and profound reasoning.
Mr. van der Smissen was married on the 12th of October, 1881, to Miss Mary E. Knight, a native of New Castle, Coshocton County, Ohio, born on the 19th of November. 1845, and the daughter of George and Keziah JJane Knight. Her father was a farmer and tanner, and her childhood and youth were spent, with the exception of a few years, on a farm near New Castle. In this home, around which cluster so many cherished memories of happy days, she received her early training-a
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training that was in every way normal, laying a broad foundation for her later unexeeptionable fitness for the varied duties of life. Though con- stitutionally weakened by a severe attaek of scarlet fever when six years of age, she was always fond of work, and her naturally skillful hands were early trained in such work as sewing and other house- hold duties, while at the same time her intellectual and religious eulture were with equal care provided for by her parents, who appreciated the value of a good education founded in a knowledge and fear of the Lord. At an early age she became a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, of which her father was an Elder.
Having improved all available school advantages at home, Miss Knight afterward attended college at Ilayesville, Ohio, and still later, having taught several terms in Utiea and Muskingum County, she took a full course in the Steubenville Ladies' Seminary, graduating from that institution with honor in 1869. Being compelled to abandon her intention of becoming a missionary on account of her health, she again turned her attention to teach- ing. She taught various terms in the academy of her brother, Prof. L. Knight, at Ft. Madison, Iowa; in the academy at Mt. Pleasant, lowa, where her brother-in-law, Rev. L. M. Belden, was teaching; in Morgantown, W. Va .; and in the publie schools of Coshocton, Ohio. While teaching in the last place, during the winter of 1880-81, she became acquainted with her future husband, who came there as a teacher of German. They were married in October, 1881, Mr. van der Smissen having in the meantime accepted a eall to the pastorate of the Upper Milford congregation at Zionsville, Pa., and entered npon his ministry there. Immediately after their marriage she was, at her request, received as a member of the church of her husband, and from that time until her death, which occurred at Summerfield, Ill .. on the 13th of February, 1892, she was his devoted. faithful and efficient helpmate in his pastoral labors.
While living at Zionsville, two children were born to our subject and his wife, a son named Karl Christian, and a daughter named Jennie Alida, upon whose lives the mother's early influence will always be felt. She was a loving, faithful and in every
way accomplished Christian wife and mother, a true helpmate to her husband in Sunday-school, Christian Endeavor Society, Ladies' Missionary Society and Young Girls' Mission Band. Her memory will be blessed by many and most by those who knew her best.
Mr. van der Smissen is a member of the Christian Endeavor Society, served as Seeretary in Pennsyl- vania, and recently here. In politics, he affiliates with the Republican party. He has a genealogieal tree extending back to the year 1444, and a family history printed in pamphlet form. Ile is a man of fine intellect, wonderful reasoning powers, and one who has won the esteem and respeet of every one. lle has a fine and complete library, and is regarded as an able and eloquent preacher.
E LIJANI CANNADY, JJ. P. In this sketch we present to the attention of our readers a short record of the life history of a man who is well known in the city of Belleville. His father, Stephen Cannady, came from his native State of Tennessee when only ten years of age, and became a farmer in Washington County, this State. In 1867. he moved to Jasper County, Mo., and in 1868 he settled near Marionville, in Law- renee County, Mo. He married Miss Tabitha Harry- man in Washington County, and nine children were born to them. There are but three of this family liv- ing: Charles, the Superintendent of Schools; our subject and Douglas. At the home in Marionville, Mo., the father, who had always upheld the prin- eiples of the Demoeratie party, and who was much respected, passed away November 17, 1877; the mother also ended her days there.
Our subjeet was edueated first in the district schools, and later embraced the opportunity of at- tending the Normal Sehool at Normal, Ill., after which he became a teacher, and for seventeen years was an efficient instructor. Hle was then still a young man, his birth having oceurred August 7, 1849, in Washington County, and he decided to take up the study of law. For this purpose be en-
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tered the office of Frank Perrin, of Mascoutah, and in 1887 he was admitted to the practice of his profession by examination at Mt. Vernon. Ilis first location was at Hutchinson, Kan., where he practiced four months, and then he came here, where he was fully occupied until his election to the office of Justice of the Peace, January 2. 1891. Ile has engaged in some real-estate and in- surance business matters, and owns property in the city. He has a fine farm in Washington County of two hundred and twenty-six acres, and both improved and unimproved city property.
Mr. Cannady was married September 4, 1873, to Miss Diana M. Sackett, a daughter of Henry and Jane Sackett, of Washington County. Four chil- dren have come into this pleasant household: Jane; Stephen Ilenry, who died in 1881; Elijah and Philo. Our subject is a member of the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias and also of the Independent Order of Mutual Aid. Mr. and Mrs. Cannady are pleasant people, and have many friends in the city and county.
6 HEODORE J. KRAFFT, whose residence is located at No. 229 High Street, Belleville, Ill., was born in Rhenish Bavaria, January 15, 1813, a son of Lewis Job Krafft, Vicar of the parish of Alsenborn, in the Rheinpfalz. The moth- er's maiden name was Margareta Hilgard, and her brother Theodore was a .Idge of the Supreme Court. Theodore J. Krafft was reared and edu- cated in the land of his birth, and from his early manhood was a stanch supporter of Republican principles. Hle entered Heidelberg University at the age of eighteen years, having prior to that time attended the Lyceum at Zweibrucken, the home of an uncle, and while pursuing his studies in Heidelberg he became well versed in law.
In 1832, after a family consultation, his uncle sent him and a consin, Edward Hilgard, to the I'mited States to find a location where the family might settle. They started on their journey in May,
1832, in a sailing-vessel from Bremen, and landed on American shores the following July. They at once went to Rochester, N. Y., on the Erie Canal, where the cholera was at that time raging, but left it behind them at that city, and pursued their journey Westward. They remained on a farm in the vicinity of Pittsburgh the following winter, and the next spring they traveled over Illinois and Missouri, and finally selected St. Clair County, Ill., as the scene of their future operations. At that time there were a few scattered German settlers, but no regular colony, but as they all liked the out- look, they here located. They were afterward joined by others of their nationality, among whom may be mentioned Gustavus Heimberger, and Mr. Ledergerber, whose son Frederick is a distin- quished attorney of St. Louis. They reached this country the same year as the Englemanns. Edward Hilgard afterward returned to Germany and mar- ried his cousin, a daughter of Judge Ililgard, and in the year 1835, returned to this country in com- pany with his father-in-law and family. Mean- time, Theodore Krafft had selected a farm for the Judge near Belleville, a portion of which is now West Belleville.
Mr. Krafft engaged in general merchandising, which business he continued until 1840, when the great financial crash of that year swept his prop- erty away. Judge IIilgard, having lost his wife, reared his family in this country, but in 1865 re- turned to the Fatherland and made Heidelberg his home until his death in 1879, at about the age of eighty-three years. Ile was a land speculator, and was a man of exceptionally sound judgment and business acumen. Although Mr. Krafft failed in business in 1840, he did not take advantage of the bankrupt law, and for fifteen years thereafter was busily employed in paying off the debts which his house had contracted. For six years succeeding his failure, he resided on a farm south of Belle- ville, then returned to the city and began the study of law, which he began practicing after two years spent in the mercantile business. He served as Justice of the Peace for twenty years. at the same time continuing his law practice. Politi- cally he is a liberal Republican, holding Democratie ideas on the tariff question. During the war, when
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the President called for men for the one hundred days' service, although he was over sixty years of age, he enlisted to give younger men the example, and the needed courage. lle was taken sick at Camp Butler and returned home. Later on, he rejoined his regiment. the One Hundred and Sev- enteenth Illinois, at White Station, near Memphis, Tenn., but on account of his age was not mustered into the service.
Mr. Krafft has since conducted a law and insur- ance business with good success, but has transferred the heavy part of the work to the shoulders of his son, Walter Krafft. Our subject was married Oeto- her 31, 1838, to Miss Mary E. Mitchell, daughter of Capt. James Mitchell, but June 16, 1890, was called upon to mourn her death, she having borne him five sons and one daughter: James F., of Minneapolis, Minn .; Lewis, an attorney at San .Jose, Cal .; Walter, who is associated in business with his father; Theodore, a merchant of Spring- field, Mo .; George, a manufacturer and painter of Belleville; and Louise, wife of D. HI. Murray, a grocer of Minneapolis, Minn. The daughter died in California, August 5, 1891. Edward Hilgard, after spending five or six years in this country, returned to Germany, and there was called from life.
F RANK W. ABERLE. The village of Fay- etteville is indebted, to no small extent, for its steady progress and growth to the in- defatigable labors of Mr. Aberle, well known as the proprietor of the Okaw Hotel at that place. His entire life has been passed there, and he is thor- oughly identified with its varied interests, contrib- uting his efforts to the promotion of its welfare and doing all in his power to advance its material growth.
As stated above, Mr. Aberle was born in Fay- etteville, the date of his birth being January 18, 1860. Ile is the son of Marcus and Margaret (Pfiffner) Aberle, the father a native of Wurtem- berg, Germany, and the mother born in Switzer-
land. Marcus Aberle spent his boyhood years in a village of Germany, where he gained a limited education in the common schools. By trade he was a plasterer, which occupation he followed until he emigrated to the United States in the year 1818. Coming to this country and locating in St. Clair County, he was here engaged at his trade until the opening of the Civil War. At that time, he embarked in the fruit distillery business, in which he continued actively engaged until his death, which occurred at Fayetteville in 1883. In his religion, he was a devoted member of the Catholic Church, and was ever ready to contrib- ute generously of his means to forward the inter- ests of his church. In his political affiliations, he was a strong Republican and took an intelligent interest in affairs of national importance. llis wife passed away m 1869, at the family home in Fayetteville.
The paternal family consisted of six children, as follows: Elizabeth, Frank, Amelia, Marcus, Dena and Antone. The eldest daughter is the wife of William Brueckner; Amelia, Dena and Antone are deceased. Marcus is a resident of Fayetteville. The subject of this sketch attended the schools of Fayetteville in his boyhood, and the education there gained has been of great assist- ance to him in his business transactions, as well as in his social life. When twenty-one years of age, he commeneed in the world for himself by renting a farm of Louis Kuntz, where for a few years he conducted agricultural operations with fair suc- cess. Afterward, he commenced in business as a fruit distiller, which he continued until he opened his hotel in 1889. Hle still owns a farm of sixty- six acres near Fayetteville, where he is interested in raising fine horses, as well as in general farm- ing.
In 1881. Mr. Aberle was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Laux) Fietsam. This estimable lady was born in St. Clair County, Ill., and is the mother of two children, Frank and Theodore, bright and intelli- gent lads, in whose training and education the parents take deep interest. The Catholic Church is the religious home of the family, and Mr. and Mrs. Aberle are among its most active members,
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Our subject is identified with the Catholic Knights of Illinois, and is otherwise prominent in religious enterprises. Politieally, he is a Democrat, casting his ballot for the candidates of that party.
h ENRY BRUEGEL. The gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch is one well known in the city of his residence, as his father was in business there many years and he now holds the honorable position of Mayor of the city.
Henry Bruegel is the son of Valentine Bruegel. who was born in Germany and came to America about 1848 or 1849, and located first in Missouri, after which he came to Belleville, 111 .; in 1856, he located in Mascoutah and engaged in the manu- facture of wagons. Hle was married in Missouri to Miss Maria Hohmann, a resident of that State, who was also a native of Germany, and from this union came seven children, of whom our subject was the third in order of birth.
Mr. Bruegel operated the wagon business for a long time, but he was finally induced to dispose of this, and then went into the saloon business, which he followed until the time of his death. in 1872. The mother of our subject lived until five years later.
The birth of our subject took place September 14, 1857, in the city of Mascoutah. He was edu- cated in the publie schools of this place and was a bright pupil, being one who easily led others to think as he did. After his father thought his education had gone on sufficiently, he took him into business with himself and taught him the principles of trade. When the father was removed by death, the whole responsibility fell upon his young shoulders. Every lad of his years could not have discharged his duty to his mother as did this young man, but he felt the necessity, and until the death of his beloved mother he remained her stay and support.
After the death of his mother, which took place in 1877, our subject went to St. Louis and re-
mained in business there for a year. He ther went West and traveled through Colorado for about four years, when the old homesick feeling came over him and he returned to Mascontah. Ile reopened his father's place of business and has continued there ever since.
The domestic affairs and home of Mayor Bruegel are presided over by his charming wife, whom he married in 1883. She was formerly Miss Annie E. Christ, daughter of Henry Christ, of St. Joseph, Mo., and her father still resides there. Mr. and Mrs. Brugel have one little lad, Valentine Theo- dore by name.
The Evangelical Church is the one in which Mr. Bruegel finds a home, and in this connection he is regarded with much respect. Ils purse is always ready to assist in anything looking toward im- provement, and many of the best enterprises that have been carried out in Mascoutah were put under way during his term of five years on the City Council. His election to the honorable and responsible office of Mayor of the city of Mascou- tah took place in 1890, and he still serves his fellow-citizens to the satisfaction of his constit- uents, and covers himself with glory in his wise administration of the affairs of the beautiful little city of Mascoutah, where the name of his family has been known for so many years.
Mr. Bruegel is a man who takes pride in being a Republican of the strongest type, and allows noth- ing to interfere with his political views. Ile sup- ports the platform of his party with pleasure and is considered one of the burning lights of Repub- licanism in Mascontah. No local party measures can be carried out withont his aid, and he is the first man to be consulted in all such matters.
G EORGE EBERLEIN, a dealer in boots and shoes, is one of the prominent business men of Mascoutah. Il. ITis business is conducted under the firm name of George Eberlein & Son, the father of our subjeet, who also hears the name of George Eberlein, being the senior partner.
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il bey do an excellent business and their large and constantly increasing trade is but the just reward of their industrious efforts.
George Eberlein, Sr., is a native of Germany. Ile was born in Ilesse-Darmstadt on the 14th of January, 1827, was reared to manhood in the land of his birth, and in 1854 emigrated to Illinois, lo- cating in Lebanon. He soon afterward, however, removed to Mascoutah and began working at his trade of shoe-making, which he has followed con- tinuously since. Ile began here by working as a journeyman; in course of time he became proprietor of a shop of his own, was successful in his under- takings and his financial resources having increased. he opened the boot and shoe store in 1863. Ile was married in 1852 to Miss Catherine Engelter, and unto them have been born two children, a son and daughter: George, whose name heads this record, and Anna, wife of John Rausch, who travels for the Pauly Jail Building Company. Mr. Eberlein is a supporter of the Evangelical Church and is a prominent and influential citizen, who takes an active part in all that pertains to the welfare of the community and its upbuilding. For two years he has served as one of the Alder- men of the First Ward.
George Eberlein, Jr., has spent his entire life in this city, having the honor of being one of its na- tive citizens. He was born on the 8th of August, 1855, and acquired his education in the public schools, after which. under his father's direction, he learned the trade of a shoe-maker, and to that occupation devoted his energies until he went into business with his father. The present partnership of Eberlein & Son was formed in March, 1881, and has existed ever since without an interruption.
In 1881, Mr. Eberlein was united in marriage with Miss Catherina Mann, daughter of Jacob Mann, who resides near Mascoutah, and is one of the early settlers of St. Clair County. Two chil- dren grace the union of our subject and his wife, Annie and llenry. The Eberlein family is one of prominence in the community and its members rank high in social circles.
Among the leading business firms of Mascontah is numbered that of Eberlein & Son. To the ex- perience and mature judgment of his father our
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subject added the enterprise and progressive spirit of a young man, and prosperity has crowned their efforts. They own the store building which they occupy and which is well stocked with everything in their line. They have a large trade and by cour- teous treatment and fair dealing have secured the confidence and high regard of their many patrons. Mr. Eberlein, Jr., is a member of the Independent Order of Mutual Aid, and is also Financial Secre- tary of the lodge. Hle belongs to the Fire Com- pany and is at present a member of the Board of Education. In politics, he is a supporter of Republican principles but has never been a politi- cian in the sense of office-seeking. llis high repu- tation as a business man is certainly well deserved.
DAM FRIES was born across the seas in Ilesse-Darmstadt, Germany, February 24, 1837, and was brought by his parents to this country when but an infant six months old. He was the son of George Fries, who settled on Turkey Ilill, where he remained until 1859, when he moved to New Athens. At Turkey Ilill our subject received what educational ad- vantages the public schools of the township af- forded.
Adam Fries took for his wife Miss Margaret Fries in 1861. and located on Turkey Hill, where he lived two years, when he moved on section 12, Engelman Township, and there still makes his home. The farm comprises one hundred and forty broad acres of well-improved land, which yield him excellent crops, and forty-seven acres of tim- ber land. He also pays considerable attention to stock-raising, making sheep a specialty. Ile has provided his farm with neat, substantial buildings, all indicating that he is a thrifty, careful man- ager and has a clear understanding of the best methods of conducting his work.
By the union of our subject and his estimable wife three children have been born, who are as follows: Adam J., who is serving his second term
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as Assessor of this township; Eliza, who is the wife of John Bischoff and lives in Mascoutah; and Louisa, who is yet under the parental roof. Mrs. Fries was called from this life in 1878. Our sub- ject married again, this union being with Miss Mary Lischer. a worthy woman and a daughter of Peter Lischer, who lived in Mascoutah. Two children were born to this couple to gladden their lives, Anna and Johnny, both living at home. Mr. Fries is a member of the Lutheran Church. Socially, he is a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. Politically, he is a stanch Republi- can, finding the breadth of the platform elaimed by that party to agree with his views of equity and freedom. He has served as School Director twelve years, and is an honored member of the society in which he lives.
OIIN BONNEMEIER. One of the successful and prosperous farmers of this portion of St. Clair County is the subject of this sketch, who resides on his fine farm of one hundred and thirty aeres, located on section 23. Sugar Loaf Township, St. Clair County, in the State of Illinois.
The enterprising and thrifty father of our sub- jeet bore the name of Francis Bohnemeier, and was born in West Bohrdhouse, in Germany, on the 6th January, 1821, and there grew to stalwart manhood. When he had reached the age of ma- turity, he left the country of his birth, resolved to acquire name and fortune in the land across the sea. He reached America and in the year 1842 made his first home on a farm near St. Louis, where he hired out to work. Here he remained for three years and then went into the city and followed teaming, which he continued for some three years longer, during which time he acquired some property. He was united in matrimony to Miss Erfman.
After marriage, our subjeet made the city of St. Louis his home for a space of seven busy years and at the expiration of that time he was able to pur-
chase the farm where he now lives, and removed from the city to it. Hle has made this place his home for the past thirty-eight years. When he first came only thirty of the one hundred and ten acres of the place were cleared, but the sturdy owner went right to work and in an astonishingly short time great fields of grain took the place of the wilderness. He was the father of four children, George, Fritz, an infant deceased, and our sub- ject; but only the latter remains of the family; his wife was taken away in April, 1892. He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, as was she, and both have long been highly regarded members there. Ile has been so highly regarded in this relation that for eleven years he was Trus- tee of the church; he has also served his district for six years as School Director. He is a perfect type of a self-made man, for he had no help either to get to this country or after he came here. He had to work to pay his passage money after his land- ing on American soil, and now he owns two hun- dred of as fine acres of that soil as one need eare to see.
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