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 56
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78
Our subjeet is the possessor of a fine farm num- bering some one hundred and thirty-seven acres, of which one hundred and seven are all well im- proved, and in a good state of cultivation. Ilis principal crop is wheat, and he is known through- out the country as a very successful raiser of this commodity. Ile is a member and liberal supporter of the Lutheran Church, and is also a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and Treu- bund of Smithton.
Our subjeet is a stanch Republican, and renders unstinted assistance to his party both in municipal and National elections. Ile is at present School Director of this district, and also Collector of the township, to which latter office he was elected in the fall of 1891. Ilis principles are those of a true American, and he believes that every man onght to vote according to his own convictions.
Adam Pfeiffer inspires a warm interest in all with whom he comes in contact. He is a man of
genial and kindly disposition, one whose friend- ship is sought, and with whom an acquaintance al- ways develops into a kindlier feeling. Ile is one of the solid men in the vicinity of his home, and a true American citizen in the fullest sense of the term.
RED B. MERRILLS. The original of the present sketch is one of those pleasant and energetic gentlemen of whom it is safe to predict success. Mr. Merrills opened a law office in Belleville in 1889, and has been for some time with the law firm of Koerner & Koerner. Ile was born August 20, 1864, in this county, and was the sou of Fred and Catherine ( Bayakin) Merrilis. The father was also born in this county, in what is now St. Clair Township, April 14, 1818, was educated here in the common schools and succeeded his father on the old farm.
The mother of our subject was born in Gites County, Tenn., and in 1845 came here, having spent her early life in Mississippi. The father of our subject hved on the old farm until December 5, 1885, when he was removed by death. leaving three children and his faithful wife to mourn his loss. The children are Alfred, living in Jackson County; Catherine, the wife of Theodore Ashlock, of this county; and our subject. The mother of our subject died December 9, 1889, mourned by all who knew her as a good woman and true friend.
Sylvester Merrills, the grandfather of our sub- jeet, came unaccompanied to Illinois in the year 1812. being a clock-peddler by occupation. Ile had worked his way from his native State, Connecticut, and, upon reaching the new country, took up Government lands, which he held to his death, passing them down to his son Fred, and in time they reached our subject. The eighty-acre homestead is now in the possession of Mr. Merrills and will not deteriorate under him. The grand- father married Susan Varner, of Virginia. At one time he held the office of Superintendent of Schools, at another JJustice of the Peace, and was
Respectfully Bouro Chris. Griffen
489
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a prominent man in all local affairs. When made Assessor, it was for the whole county. This well- known man passed away in 1852.
The subject of this sketch obtained his educa- tion at Carbondale, in this State, and at the Normal University there. He then went into the office of Dill & Schaefer, and was admitted by the Appellate Court to the practice of law at Springfield, in No- vember, 1889, after which he immediately went enthusiastically into the practice of law here and has done well. His political preference is for the Democratic party, and he has been honored by it by being sent as delegate to the congressional and county conventions. Our subjeet was mar- ried to Miss Virginia Badgley, the daughter of S. P. Badgley, of this county. This marriage took place December 28, 1887, and two children, Fred and Marshall, fill their home with happiness. This family is one of the oldest in this section, and a representative of it established the first Baptist Church in the State.
C HIARLES GRIFFEN has spent his entire life upon the farm which is still his home. It is located on section 14. Shiloh Valley Township. He was born in 1845, of the union of Joseph and Sallie A. (Collins) Griffen. Ihis father was born in Clinton, Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1796, and was one of the four sons of Jacob Griffen. The mother of our subject was born in Greenville. Greene County. N. Y .. December 1, 1805, and was one of twelve children.
Joseph Griffen went to Albany County, N. Y., with his parents when quite young. He attended the common schools, but was mostly educated by extensive reading. At the age of nineteen, he went to Western New York. secured a horse, fitted out a wagon and on his own responsibility began ped- dling, continning as far West as the Mississippi River. A few years afterward he came down the Ohio River by boat, and located in Randolph County, Il. This was in 1817. While on the river he met his first wife, Mrs. Mary ( Foulkes)
Shepherd, daughter of Christopher and Margaret Foulkes. She was the widow of Thomas H. Shepherd and had one child by her first husband.
I'mto Mr. and Mrs. Griffen were born eight chil- dren, but only three grew to manhood and woman- hood: Joseph, now deceased; Sarah 1. and Maria. The brother first married Maggie Shaw and after- ward wedded Anna B. Murdough, by whom he had six children: Alice, deceased; C'ora A., Henry B., Maggie B., Walter and Charles II. Sarah A. became the wife of James II. Alexander and they had three children: Joseph II., Edgar II. and Ottie F. Maria became the wife of George Lemen, and unto them was born a son, George C. Her second hus- band was Benjamin Rentehler, and they became the parents of three children: Chester L., Charles E. and Albert G. Iler third husband is W. D. Howard, and unto them were born four children: Mary, Joseph, Carrie and Leroy.
After a few years spent in Randolph County, Mr. Griffen, the father of our subject, removed to St. Clair County, locating first on Turkey Hill. Ile soon afterward bought the farm on which Charles resides and made it his home until his death. Ile was truly a self-made man, as he started out in life empty-handed and accumulated about thirteen hun- dred acres of land. After the death of his first wife, he wedded Salle, daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Silkman) Collins, who were natives of Connecticut and were of Dutch and Irish descent, respectively. By the second marriage were born four children : Boone, who died at the age of nine- teen years; Alletta, who died at the age of eleven months; Charles, and Jane who died at the age of seven months. The father of this family died in October, 1874. in the faith of the Baptist Church. In politics, he was first a Whig and afterward a Republican. He served as Justice of the Peace several years and was a prominent and influential citizen, highly respected in the community. His wife, who was a member of the Presbyterian Church, died in April, 1876.
Our subject remained on the home farm with his parents until their deaths. He attended the com- mon schools and completed his education in the Commercial School of St. Louis. He entered upon huis business career by taking charge of his father's
23
490
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
farm. As a companion on life's journey he chose Miss Martha, daughter of James and Julia (Clark) Park. Their union was celebrated in 1873. The lady is a native of this county, and her parents were born in Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. The Clark family is of Scotch descent. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Griffen have been born four children: Cyril A., Myrtle A., Joseph B. and Charles L. C.
Mr. Griffen is a member of the Grange of the county. In politics, he is a Republican and has filled various public offices with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He is the efficient Postmaster of Grassland, appointed to that position in November, 1890, and is one of the extensive land-owners of the county, his possessions aggregating seven hundred acres. His farm is a valuable one, and in connection with this he owns a store at Grassland. Mr. Griffen is a man of ex- cellent business ability, is sagacious and far-sighted. systematic and methodical, and his excellent suecess is the result of his own well-directed efforts, enter- prise and perseverance. lle has a wide acquaintance throughout the county, and is held in the highest regard by all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact. His example is well worthy of emulation, and with pleasure we present to our readers this record of his well-spent life.
G EORGE F. RITTER. This gentleman is a native of the village of St. Libory, St. Clair County, Il., and was born in the house he now lives in, twenty-seven years ago, his birth occur- ring November 18, 1865. Mr. Rutter's father and mother were Henry and Gertrude (Glassmeier) Rutter.
Henry Rutter was born in Austinbrook, Prussia, in the year 1817. He received a common-school education in accordance with the strict laws of his native country, but his parents being poor they could give him but limited educational advan- tages, and he had to begin very early in life to assume the responsibilities of his own livelihood.
In 1835, he, to better hisown condition, came to the I'nited States and located at St. Louis, where he occupied himself as a teamster and drayman until the year 1845. He then moved from St. Louis and came to St. Libory, St. Clair County, and there earned his living as a peddler of vari- ons wares in the surrounding country. By his diligence and economy he was able to buy a piece of property, and his first purchase in the real-es- tate line was the homestead which his son now oc- cupies. Through industry and thrift he was soon able to open a store for general merchandise, and. although having only small capital, his persever- ance and strong business ability have aided the suecess with which his name is coupled in the com- munity. He was quite successful from the begin- ning of his mercantile career and was soon able to enlarge his stock. Ile continued to buy property and added farming to his mercantile enterprise.
The year 1845 marked an era in his life, as the one in which he took a life partner, one who should make him the wife and helpmate needed to con- summate his already assured success. To this union were born the following children: Louisa, wife of Fritz Lager; Katie, wife of llenry Wessel; Bernard, partuer of the subject of our sketch; Mary, wife of Nicholas Mayer; Anna, wife of Theodore Poelmann; Gertrude, and George F., whose bio- graphy we here sketch. In addition to the above- named children were August and Mary, two chil- dren who died young in life.
Henry Rutter was a Democrat in politics, and an ardent follower of the Roman Catholic relig- ion. Ilis ability and integrity were thoroughly appreciated by his fellow-citizens, and, as an evi- dence of their confidence in him, they bestowed on him the office of Justice of the Peace, which he held for several years, to his own credit and the satisfaction of the community. Mr. Rutter, Sr .. died in the year 1880, on the 10th day of August, and was mourned in the community where he had passed the greater portion of his life as a worthy eitizen, a kind and generous father and husband, and a man who had always enjoyed the respect of all with whom he came in contact. His estimable wife survives him and makes her home with her son, the subject of this sketch, where her kind.
491
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
womanly sympathies are sought by all the com- munity in which she has dwelt so long. and to whom she has become dear.
George F. Rutter, with whose name we com- mence this sketch, finished his education in the I'niversity of St. Louis, and after completing his course there entered into the mercantile life. Ilis ability was such that the year in which he attained his majority found him the possessor of a bus- iness all his own. Inheriting the ambition, in- dustry. thrift, and ability of his father, he has gone steadily forward, acquiring not only the confi- dence of his patrons, but the esteem of the com- munity in which he has grown from boyhood to manhood.
Following in the footsteps of his father, he is one of the prominent members of the Roman Catholic Church, to which body he gives liberal support, and is known as a strong exponent of its teachings. He is also a member of the ('athohe Knights of Ireland, a Roman Catholic order.
Politically, he is a Democrat, and takes an ac- tive part in all municipal elections, as well as the Presidential campaigns, standing loyally by his party, and aiding its nominees to the best possible interests of the country. Young, popular, ambi- tions and deserving, this son of an exemplary father has achieved a great deal in life, and we trust there is a future before him which will be adequate to his abilities and highest ambitions.
6
ETER FRIES, one of the prominent farm- ers of Engelman Township, St. Clair County, IH., resides on section 13. Here Mr. Fries owns a beautiful farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he has put in a fine state of cultivation. The subject of this sketch is a native of the county in which he re- sides, and his birthday occurred January 31. 1813, he being the son of George and Elizabeth Fries. He was reared in his native county, and received his education in the public schools of his district. The latter were conducted in a very creditable
manner, and the teachers were generally those who had attended some higher school of learning, hence the opportunities for acquiring an education were much better than those enjoyed by his par- ents, and our subject was not slow in embracing all the advantages offered him.
At the age of twenty-four years. our subject be- gan to think of founding a home for himself. To this end he selected Miss Dorothea Wever to be- come the partner of his joys and sorrows. She was the worthy daughter of Mr. Fred Wever, a resi- dent of Clinton County, III. After this happy event, which took place in 1865, Mr. and Mrs. Fries looked about them for a pleasant location for their future residence. The village of Turkey Hill seemed to present all the requirements neces- sary for the enjoyment of country life, and he re- mained there until 1867. At that time Mr. Fries decided to purchase a farm of his own, and he selected his present place, located in Engelman Township, and here he and his family have resided ever since.
Mr. and Mrs. Fries have three living children, one of whom has left the parental roof for a home of her own. This is Eliza, who became the wife of Adam Larch, an engineer of New Baden. The two other daughters, Susan and Emma, remain at home. The beautiful farm of our subject consists of one hundred and twenty aeres of well-improved land, on which are found fences, neat outbild- ings and big barns, all in good condition, and a fine orchard, where are to be found a choice variety of apples. Mr. Fries understands all kinds of farming, but has discovered that grain is his most profitable crop, and the yield is sometimes simply remarkable. Within the neat farmhouse that shel- ters this family can still be seen evidences of the skill of the notable housewife, Mrs. Fries, who man- aged the establishment ever since she changed her name of Wever for that of Fries, although the willing hands that ministered to her family have been laid to rest these many years, she having passed away in 1879, leaving her husband and three children to mourn her loss. Her memory is still tenderly cherished by her husband, who has never filled her place, but is content with the min- istrations of his two good daughters.
492
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAFHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Fries is a strong advocate of the principles of the Republican party. He is also much inter- ested in the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. Our subject is a devoted member of the New Memphis Lutheran Church. He has always been an industrious man, and now reaps the reward of his labors.
OHIN W. GRISWOLD. The prominent gen- tleman whose name opens this sketch is an ex-county official of Montgomery County, and a successful real-estate man, who now is the efficient Superintendent of the agents of the Safety Homestead Building and Loan Association, of East St. Louis. He is an Alderman of the city of Litchfield, where he resides, and is the owner of three fine farms in Montgomery County.
The grandfather of our subject was born in Vermont, and in 1824 moved with his family to Greene County, Ill., and they were the pioneer settlers there. This assertion may not mean mueh to the casual reader of this RECORD, but there are many among the older generation who will have no trouble in calling up memories of the long journey by team; of the storm and accidents by the way: sometimes of the little graves which were watered by tears and then left alone on the wide prairie; of the unbroken forests, from which must come house and home; of the want of the merest conveniences of life; and of the dreadful home- siekness which attacked the bravest at times.
The father of our subjeet was Ambrose Gris- wold, a native of Vermont, who was only four years old when he was brought to Greene County. where he followed a farmer's life until in 1857. when he located in Montgomery County, in Nash- ville Township, and there bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He soon began to put money in fine stock, and in time raised the best thorough-bred horses in the State and made a great success. In time, he bought more land and now owns live farms, including in all one thousand arres, His residence is in Litchfield, where he
is much esteemed as a prominent member of the Baptist Church. The political opinions of Mr. Ambrose Griswold are in accordance with those of the Democratic party. The deceased mother of our subject bore the name of Sarah Williams, and was born in Greene County; she was the daughter of a former pioneer, and her death occurred in 1877.
Mr. Griswold of this notice was born in Kane, Greene County, Ill., April 9, 1853. Ile has one sister, who is now Mrs. Jones and lives near Litch- field, and one brother, who resides in Tacoma, Washington. Our subject was reared on the farm, was early taught to work, and lived the usual life of the farmer lad; going to the dis- triet school in winter for a short time and working in the summer at the plowing and sowing of grain, the planting of corn, the hay-making, and all the other agricultural labor, which is pleasanter to read about in after years than to push forward in youth. Our subject early developed a fondness for dumb brutes, and at the age of seventeen he began to deal in cattle and hogs and soon was shipping them to the I'nion Yards at St. Louis and to the Stock Yards of Chicago. He continued this for eight years, and because of his fondness for the animals he was a kind master to them, and was very suc- cessful in his raising of them. He became one of the largest stock-men in the county ot Mont- gomery.
About this time Mr. Griswold started in the livery business in Litchfield and kept at this for five years. In 1880, he was made Deputy Sheriff under L. G. Fath for two years, and then under W. A. Pyle, for four years. In 1886, he was elected to the office of Sheriff by a fourteen hundred and fifty-six majority, which was the largest majority ever polled for any county office. Ile remained at Hillsboro to fill his term of office, but returned to Litchfield in April, 1892. He was then nominated for Alderman, although he had not passed a day except Sunday in Liteh- field for five years. The ward is ninety votes Republican, but Mr. Griswold was elected by a majority of fifty-four votes. He is Chairman of the Police Committee and that makes him Chief of Police. He is also on other committees, In
JOHN PERRY.
495
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
December, 1890, he came to East St. Louis and began to deal in real estate, and the firm of Me- Lean & Griswold was formed on Broadway and there the business is at present carried on. He is the agent for the Safety Homestead Building and Loan Association, and is a valued member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the religious membership of his family is with the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Griswold is too fine a gentleman not to be a family man, and his marriage to one of the maidens of Litchfield took place February 23, 1878. The young lady's name was Miss Gertrude Brokaw. Bessie, Mamie and Ross are the names of the three children of the happy household. Mr. Griswold is a stanch and out-spoken Democrat, and has represented the citizens in the State Con- vention. The family is one of prominence in this section, and is among the most respected in the county.
OHIN PERRY, a retired broom manufacturer and formerly one of the enterprising busi- ness men of Belleville, ocenpies a comfort- able residence at No. 601 East C' Street. - brief sketch of his eventful life will undoubtedly be of interest to his many friends in the county. He is the son of William and Phoebe (Sprinkle) Perry, natives respectively of New York and Pennsylvania. The father was a member of the Thirtieth New York Regiment during the War of 1812, where he served with bravery. About 1829, he came West to Ilinois and became one of the pio- neers of this State, where he engaged in farming operations until his death.
Our subject's father was married May 9, 1829, and three children resulted from this union: John, of this sketch; Hannah, Mrs. Oliver, of Silver Lake, Kan .; and Mary, wife of Henry Mccullough. Our subject was born in Monroe County, Ill., near the village of Waterloo, April 11, 1830, and when six years old was orphaned by the death of his father. Ile received his education in the schools
of Monroe County, where he grew to manhood. During the war with Mexico, he enlisted as a member of Company G, Sixth Ilinois Regiment, which he joined in July, 1847, at the age of seven- teen. During his service, he marched over the sandy country from Vera Cruz to Mexico and back again, and the exposure so injured his eyes as to cause total blindness. After an absence of one year, he returned to his home, and was soon sent to the blind school at Jacksonville, Ill., where he pursued his studies and also learned the trade of broom-maker.
For a time, Mr. Perry followed his calling at Waterloo, Ill., whence he removed to Monroe City, ten miles distant. In September, 1861, he came to Belleville and engaged in the same business until about 1875, when he retired from active labors. A man of untiring industry, he did not allow his blindness to furnish him with an excuse for idle- ness, but worked steadily at his trade until he was able not only to comfortably support his family, but had acenmulated sufficient of this world's goods to insure him from further want. Hle is one of the few survivors of the brave soldiers who fought during the Mexican War, and is in receipt of a pension for his services.
In August, 1860, Mr. Perry and Miss Nancy Harrison were united in marriage, and for thirty years they have resided in the pleasant home at Belleville which they now occupy. Mrs. Perry was born in St. Clair County, February 25, 1824, the daughter of George and Rhoda (Quick) Harri- son, natives of Pennsylvania. She is a descendant of Thomas Quick. who emigrated from Holland to America in 1733, and settled in Pennsylvania. Her grandfather, Isaac Quick, was a distiller and a stock-broker. George Harrison came to Illinois at an early day and engaged in farming operations until his death in 1833; his wife survived him for thirty years. They were the parents of ten chil- dren, of whom four now survive, namely: Eliza- beth, who resides in Colorado; Lucretia, wife of Jesse Davis, of Washington, Cal .; Mary, Mrs. Henry Dagner Randolph, and Mrs. Perry, who was the fifth in order of birth.
Mr. and Mrs. Perry took into their home her nephew David S., the orphan son of Isaac Harrison,
496
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and they gave him the same affectionate care and training they would have bestowed upon a child of their own. He remained with them until he was seventeen years old, and is now successfully following the carpenter's trade in St. Louis. In their religious connections, Mr. Perry and his wife have for many years been identified with the Baptist Church, and they are honored wherever known as upright. kind-hearted and thoughtful people.
b ENRY ROEWE. Few men fill a greater want in the city than Mr. Roewe, who deals in flour and feed, and has a well-con- dueted establishment. In flour a saving can be effected by buying from him, for he buys by the ear-load, and can therefore afford to make a reduction from what is usually charged by the small retail stores. Hle pays close attention to his business and has a good, steady trade, which is well merited, for he has always shown the utmost honor in his business transactions. He was born in Han- over, Germany, August 14, 1840, to Herman and Lena (Ilanneke) Roewe, both of whom were born and spent their lives in Germany. The former was a well-to-do farmer and was the Tax Collector of his district for years. Ile died in 1874 and the mother in 1876, both having been earnest and worthy members of the Catholic Church. To their union seven children were born, five sons and two daughters, five members of which family are still living. One son was in the Holstein-Danish War of 1848.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.