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 58
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The marriage of Mr. Metelmann took place in 1884. his wife being Miss Margaret Schaeferle, daughter of George and Anna ( Keim) Schaeferle, and one of seven children. Mr. Metelmann has by his own work and perseverance made a place among the solid business firms in this community, and if the prosperity of coming years inereases in proportion to that of the years he has already passed in busi- ness, St. Clair County will have good cause to be proud of this enterprising merchant. Ile now car-
ries a full line of merchandise, which as standing stock will invoice in the neighborhood of $6,000 or 87,000. Hlaving achieved so much, and being able to enjoy always the confidence and respect of his neighbors and patrons, Mr. Metelmann will un- doubtedly soon reach the goal of his highest am- bition.
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FG RANK GUNDLACHI. The original of the following sketch is a member of the firm of Gundlach, Gauch & Muren, prominent in the livery and undertaking business in the city of Belleville. Their place of business is located at the corner of A and High Streets, where they oe- eupy 60x 160 feet.
The father of our subject was Philip Gundlach, of German birth, who came to Belleville in 1844, and first engaged in farming; he then went into the malt and brewery business, and later condueted a grocery business; he finally returned to farming in Carlyle, Clinton County, Ill.
The mother of our subject was Josephine Wein- gartner, a daughter of an old settler here. She was born in Germany, came here about the same time as her husband, and now lives at Carlyle. They reared a family of eight children, as follows: Henry, de- ceased; Frank and Mary; Katie, wife of Thomas Sharp, of Clinton County; Josie. deceased; Anna, wife of Ralph Hirschfield, of Clinton County; Ed- ward, and Ella. Our subject was educated in the public schools of this city, after which he settled in Clinton County: he there learned the trade of carriage-smith, worked at that until twenty-one years of age, and then went on his father's farm for seven years.
After this Mr. Gundlach went into the undertak- ing and furniture business in Carlyle, and carried that on for three years, and then came to Belle- ville to enter this firm. It was first started as Gundlach & Gauch, and continued successfully un- til March 23, 1892, when Frank C. Muren was ad- mitted, and now it is the most complete establish- ment of its kind in the southern part of Illinois. They deal in all kinds of metallic and rosewood eas-
Yours truly Herm. Paremnicht
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kets, patent and walnut coffins, and also in all kinds of trimmings, shrouds, etc. In the livery business, they have twenty-five horses, besides vehicles of all kinds-landaus, carriages, wagons, hearses and everything that their extensive business requires. The head of the firm is a practical embalmer, hav- ing received instructions in common and arterial embalming under Sullivan, and can take entire charge of bodies, giving the best of satisfaction, and preserving the beloved features often absolutely lifelike. Our subject was married May 1, 1889, to Miss Pauline Ganz, the daughter of John Ganz, of Carlyle, III. She was born in Belleville, March 23, 1859, and removed to Carlyle in 1860. Mr. Gundlach has made a success of his business by close attention to it. lle began without means, but now is one of the wealthy business men of Belleville.
ERMAN SUEMNICHIT. The fine farm that impresses the traveler so favorably on sec- tion 11, New Athens Township, belongs to the gentleman whose name opens this sketch. The father of our subject was Frederick Suemnicht, a Prussian by birth, who was born in 1818, and married in his native country. le came to America in 1856. and located in the State of Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming and re- mained until 1859. At that time he came to St. Clair County, Ill., and located on Turkey Hill, where others of his nationality had settled.
After remaining there for three years, Mr. Suem- nicht went to Ingham Township, St. Clair County, and there resided until 1867, when he removed to this place. Ilis death occurred here in 1873. Hle left a family of four children, three of whom are yet living, namely: Gustavus, who lives in New Athens, this county; Louisa, who is the wife of Dr. Saltemberger, a physician at Millstadt, III .; and our subjeet. Born February 28, 1814, in Prussia, Germany, Herman Suemnicht was eleven years old when he accompanied his father to this county. His marriage took place in the year 1873, to j
Miss Lisette Saltemberger, of this county. Af- ter this important event lie located on the place where he has lived ever since. He has seen hon- orable service in the army, and was a member of Company B, Ninth Illinois Infantry. In October, 1862, he was mustered out of the army on account of wounds received at the battle of Shiloh. Ile was in the thickest of that terrible fight, and also took part in the battle of Ft. Donelson, and for bravery there he was promoted to be a Corporal. On that bloody ground his company left a lieuten- ant and several corporals.
Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Snem- nicht, namely: Mary, William, Bertha, Alvin and Lizzie. The devoted wife and mother departed this life February 19, 1890. The family occupies a high position socially, and its members are prom- inent in their community.
One hundred and sixty acres of land, all well improved and cultivated, comprise the homestead where Mr. Suemnicht and his family live in com- fort. He carries on general farming, and may justly be classed among the most prosperous resi- dents of the county. Ile has served his district as School Director, and takes great interest in all im- provements. In politics, he affiliated with the Re- publican party until 1872, and since then lias sup- ported the principles of Democracy.
G EORGE B. MOC. ROGERS. The Excelsior Foundry Company, which was incorporated January 1, 1892, with a capital stock of $10,000, has for its officers E. P. Rogers, Presi- dent, and George B. MeC. Rogers, Secretary and Treasurer. This enterprise was established on the Ist of January, 1891, under the firm name of Rog- ers Bros., at Third South and Spring Streets, cov- ering one-fourth of a block. They have one furnace, and melt about five tons per day, manu- facturing country hollowware and general east- ings. They give employment to a force of about thirty men, three-fourths of whom are skilled
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workmen. thus making a pay roll of from $1,200 to $1,300 per month. The work turned out by this foundry is always first-class, and enjoys a reputation for the superiority of its materials and excellence of workmanship. This high standard is obtained by close supervision over all the details of manufacture.
George B. MeC. Rogers first saw the light of day in Hamilton, Ohio, on the 10th of September, 1862, and is a son of Robert and Laura (Fairchild) Rog- ers, the former a native of Ireland, born in July, 1834, and the latter of Dayton, Ohio, born in 1837. The elder Mr. Rogers, although a native of the green isle of Erin. was of Scotch origin, and while growing up learned the moulder's trade of his fa- ther, William Rogers, who was a foundryman. Ile was but three years of age when he came with his parents to the States, and was reared in Hanover, Ind., whither his parents had removed. In the year 1856, he was married to Miss Fairchild, and after his marriage began working at the foundry business in both Cinemnati and Hamilton. In March, 1876, he came to Belleville, Ill., and here established the first foundry in the city. This subsequently became known as the Rogers Foun- dry and Stove Works, and at its incorporation he : was President until selling out on the 1st of Jan- mary, 1892. After selling out, he established the Standard Foundry Company for the manufacture of stoves near the Louisville & Nashville Passenger Depot. Ile is one of the representative business men of the city, and is thoroughly alive to all en- terprises of moment. He has held the office of Alderman, and has filled other positions of trust. His wife is still living. To their union were born six children, who are as follows: Eddy, Presi- dent of the present company; George B. McC .; Charles G., with the Standard Company; Robert D) .. . Jr., formerly with the Rogers Foundry Company but now with the Cairo Short Line Railroad; Ida, wife of Samuel Ilyde, Sedalia, Mo .; and Bessie .J. Mr. Rogers is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Knights of Pythias.
Eddy Rogers was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 27th of May, 1860, and secured good educa- tional advantages in Indianapolis and Cincinnati. Later, he learned ornamental plastering and decora-
ting, and then the moulding and foundry busi- ness with his father and an uncle at Erie, Pa. Ile was Superintendent of the Rogers' Foundry and Stove Company from its organization until Janu- ary 1, 1891, a period of twelve years, with the ex- ception of two years, when he was engaged in the same business in St. Louis. Ile was married to Miss Lillie Bauman, daughter of G. F. Bauman, of Belleville, in the year 1881, December 15, and two children have blessed this union, Harry Eddy and Frank B. Mr. Rogers is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and an attendant and supporter of the Presbyterian Church.
George B. MeC'. Rogers was educated in Cincin- nati and Indianapolis, and attended the Bryant and Stratton Business College at St. Louis. Later, he entered the foundry and learned the whole busi- ness by serving his time. Afterward, he entered the office as Secretary, and continued to fill that po- sition until they sold out. Then, with his brother, he established the business here. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is an exemplary and much esteemed young man, both in a business and social point of view. He was married on the 1st of December, 1885, to Miss Anna E. Rentehler, daughter of J. B Rentchler, and this union has been blessed by the birth of one child, Georgianna Renteliler. Mr. Rogers, like his brother, shows a decided liking for secret organizations, and is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias.
APT. FREDERICK DILG. The subject of this sketch resides in the city of Mascoutab, St. Clair County, Ill. Ile is the son of John Nicholas Dilg, who was born in the same place that afterward became the birthplace of his son, Bolanden, in Germany, and was an inhabi- tant of that place when his marriage with Miss Catherine Ilowenstein was solemnized. ller birth occurred at this place June 24. 1806, and after she had become the happy mother of four children she agreed with her husband that America would be the best place in which they could make their
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home and give their offspring a proper start in life. Therefore, in 1815, the father, mother and four children made the long journey, and finally reached this county, and here located one and one-half miles south of Mascoutah, where the family lived until 1852, when they moved into Mascoutah and the father went into the manufac- ture of briek. Ile had been a carpenter in Ger- many, but now followed the brick-making trade until 1862, and in 1876 he moved to New York.
All three of his sons were brave soldiers during the Civil War. George Philip was in Texas at the breaking out of the war and was forced into the Confederate service, but he managed to escape and join a Union cavalry regiment. He is now living in Williamson County, IH., and is engaged in farming there. Nicholas was in an artillery regiment of Missouri Volunteers, and both he and his brother were warrant officers during the war. Nicholas died in 1869. Katherine is the wife of John Arndt, of this city.
Our subject was born February 3, 1840, in Bo- landen, Germany, and was five years old when he came to this country. fle grew to manhood here in Mascontah and was edueated in the schools of this place. In 1856, he was apprenticed to learn the drug business in Belleville, Ill., where he re- mained until 1859.
On the Ist of June, 1860, a paper was started in Mascoutah called the News-Letter, on which our subject set the first type. At the elose of that year the News-Letter was consolidated with the Belleville Advocate, and our subject remained with the new paper until President Lincoln issued his call for seventy-five thousand patriots, when he volunteered and joined Company D, Ninth Illi- trois Infantry, the regiment known to history as the "Bloody Ninth." He remained a part of this regiment until the close of the war, and was mus- tered out of the service July 10, 1865. This regi- ment was in one hundred and ten battles, and some of the most bloody struggles of the war.
Our subject was with Sherman on his march to the sea and up through the Carolinas, and was in the triumphal parade in Washington on Pennsyl- vania Avenue at the close of the long season of strife, The regiment was re-enlisted in 1862,
and did both infantry and cavalry duty. Our subjeet was appointed Corporal at Carro, IN., and was promoted again at Paducah, Ky., to the rank of Sergeant, and while the siege of Atlanta was going on he was made First Lieutenant. He was close to the spot where the brave MePherson was killed. The Captain of his company was killed in the swamps of South Carolina in February, 1865, and he was then promoted to the rank of Captain, remaining with that rank until the elose of the war. He was in the battles of Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, the siege and battle of Corinthi, and the battle of Atlanta, and also in front of Savannah, Ga.
No doubt one of the proudest moments in the life of this hero was when he was shown a mark of appreciation and affection in Louisville, Ky., June 27, 1865. As a token of the high regard in which he was held, the members of Capt. Dilg's company presented him with a handsome sword with appropriate ceremonies to commemorate the occasion. This gift is among his most precious possessions, and will be kept as an heirloom of priceless value to hand down to future genera- tions.
Immediately after peace had settled over the land again, Capt. Dilg came home and opened a book and stationery store in Mascontah in August, 1865, and followed it until June 1, 1869, when he was appointed Postmaster of the town. At this time he connected a job print- ing office with his business, and in 1876 he es- tablished the Maseontah Anzeiger. This paper he sold out in June, 1889, but it is still conducted by other parties, who also run the store. He was Postmaster from 1869 until the Cleveland admin- istration, and was re-appointed in May, 1889, under the Harrison administration.
The marriage of C'apt. Dilg took place in June, 1868, when he wedded Miss Sophia Hauser, the daughter of Frederick Hauser, of St. Louis, and eight children have been added to the family, of whom seven are still living, viz: Eugene, who is attending college at Jacksonville, Ill .; Lilli L., Theodore, Fred, Rosamond, Pearl and Elma. Al- fred died in 1878.
Our subjeet is a popular member of the Knights
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of Honor, and is also Senior Post Commander of Mascoutah Post No. 682, G. A. R. Politically, C'apt. Dilg is a strong Republican and very fear- lessly speaks his mind. Socially, he is a favorite, as his generous impulses and his genial manners in society win him regard, as they cemented the affections of the veterans of war times. llis ae- complished wife assists him in all the duties which fall to his share as a public man, and in the town of their residence none are more highly regarded.
ENRY WAGNER. Numerous instances might be cited of men in St. Clair County who, by dint of persevering application and energy, have risen from a position of poverty to one of usefulness and influence. They furnish proofs of cheerful, honest labor, and a zealous determination to make the most of every advantage offered. Among this class of successful men, mention belongs to the gentleman with whose name we introduce this sketch, and who is well known as a prominent farmer of Marissa Township.
In tracing the lineage of our subject, we find that his grandfather was John Peter Wagner. who , ried in 1889 to Miss Katie, daughter of Charles
was born, reared and passed his entire life in Ger- many, where he learned the trade of a linen- weaver, although his principal occupation through- out life was that of a farmer. The father of our subject, Ilenry Wagner, was reared on the home tarm, and early in life gained a thorough knowl- edge of agricultural pursuits, which he followed during the most of his active life. By trade he was a linen-weaver, but never devoted much time to that occupation. Ile never left his native land, but there closed his eyes to the scenes of earth in 1843. when in the prime of his useful and honor- able life. llis marriage, which united him with Miss Anna M. Kern, resulted in the birth of ten children, two sons and eight daughters, of whom Henry and two sisters are now the only surviving members.
Born in Germany in 1836, Henry Wagner was
there reared to a sturdy manhood, receiving his education in the excellent schools of that country. In his youth he learned the trade of a shoemaker, but after coming to the U'nited States did not actively engage in that occupation. laving re- solved to seek a home m America, where better advantages were offered to the poor, he emigrated hither in 1854, at the age of eighteen years, and came at once to St. Clair County, where he settled on a portion of his present farm. llis means were quite limited and it was only after great exertions and ceaseless economy that he was enabled to pur- chase and improve his estate. Hle is now the owner of a splendid farm consisting of three hun- dred and fifty-eight acres of as fine land as is to be found in Marissa Township, and upon the place he has erected the necessery buildings and made first- class improvements.
The lady, who on March 6, 1860, became the wife of Mr. Wagner, was Miss Anna Mary. daughter of Peter and Cornelia Steinheimer, and unto them have been born the following-named children: Anna Maggie, whose marriage to Michael Triefebach occurred September 14, 1886, has one child. Michael, two years of age; llenry, Adam, Anna; Peter, George, Conrad and Katie are all deceased. llenry, who resides with his father and superintends the home farm, was mar- and Katie Rice, and they have become the parents of two children, Michael being the only one now living.
The Lutheran Church finds in Mr. Wagner a devoted and consistent member, and all religious enterprises receive his hearty support. In his political connections, he is a Democrat and is numbered among the influential members of that party in Marissa Township. His fellow-citizens have elected him to various positions of trust and honor, and he has always served with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. For six years he filled the position of Highway Commissioner and for eighteen years served as School Director in his district. The respeet ac- corded him by his children, in whose esteem and affection he enjoys the solace given after years of toil for their welfare, and the confidence which he
yours truly Chas. Svaember
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inspires in all with whom he comes in contaet, all prove that St. Clair County has in him a citizen of whom it may be justly said that he is a credit to the community in which he lives,
C HARLES KAEMPER, a popular and ener- getie citizen of Millstadt Township, was born in Monroe County. Ill., in 1856. In the county of his birth he was reared to mature years within the home of his parents, Frederick and Katharine (Sehroeder) Kaemper. In the dis- triet schools the fundamental principles of his education were acquired, and afterward he pursued his studies at the C'entral Wesleyan College, at Warrenton, Mo., where he applied himself with great diligence to the acquirement of knowledge.
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At the age of twenty-one years, Mr. Kaemper removed from Monroe County to St. Clair County and settled upon the place which is still his home. lle has never married, but makes his home with his mother. Ilis landed possessions consist of three fine farms in Monroe County, which he rents, and which are among the most valuable estates of that county. A man of broad intelligence and general information, he is always interested in the issues, both national and local, before the people of to-day, and is identified with many progressive measures on behalf of his community.
The father of our subject, Frederick Kaemper, was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1824. Of his early life we know little, but his parents must have been wise and kind; otherwise, their son would not have displayed the traits of character which render his memory dear to his surviving relatives. In 1845, having reached the age of twenty years, he enii- grated to America, and, after landing, proceeded directly to Ilinois and settled in Monroe County. By industry and thrift he became the owner of considerable land in that county, where he re- mained engaged in agricultural pursuits for twen- ty-two years.
About ten years after emigrating to America,
Frederick Kaemper married Miss Katharine Sehroe- der. Her father, Renke Schroeder, was born in Oldenburg, Germany, and emigrated to America in 1841. where he located near Waterloo, Ill., his farm being near that of Mr. Kaemper. The father of our subject was a member of the Evangelical Chureli, and. is still remembered as a valued and active worker in that denomination. His death occurred July 2, 1876, and was regarded as a publie loss by his fellow-citizens generally.
The mother of our subject was a second time married, becoming the wife of Charles F. Kaemper, a brother of Frederick, her former husband. This gentleman had previously been married to Miss Schaefer, who died in 1872, leaving eight children, five of whom are now living, viz .: Henry, Charles C., George and Fred, who live in FrankIm County, and Philip, who resides in St. Clair County. Charles F. Kaemper, who died in 1884, was a na- tive of Germany, and for many years resided in section 34, Millstadt Township. By his second marriage, he became the father of one child, Ida, who is at home. The mother of our subject is the owner of a finely-improved and highly-cultivated farm of two hundred and twenty acres, from the rental of which she receives a good ineome.
M ARY ANN SCHMISSEUR. The name that opens this sketeh is that of one of the wealthiest ladies in the State. She occu- pies one of the finest and largest resi- dences in Southern Flinois outside of a city, and is surrounded by every comfort that money can procure. The home place contains six hundred and ten acres of land, and the mansion is sur- rounded by extensive and beautiful grounds.
Mrs. Schmisseur is a native of Lorraine, France, having been born in that country in 1820, but came to America with her parents when she was only ten years old, so is essentially an American. The family landed in New Orleans and settled in French Village near East St. Louis, where the father and mother died. When our subject was twenty
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years old she became the bride of Nicholas Lonis, who died in 1850. By this marriage she became the mother of six children, two of whom are living, namely: Margaret, wife of George Bauer, a resident of Clinton; and Nicholas Louis, a resi- dent on a farm adjoining that of his mother.
In 1853, Mrs. Louis married John N. Schmis- seur, who was born in Toulon, France, in 1814, and who died in 1863. By this husband Mrs. Schmisseur became the happy mother of four children, three sons and one daughter: The eldest resides with his beloved mother on the home place. Helena is wife of Peter Vocllinger, a farmer living near Reed's Station, in this town- ship. Mary Ann, wife of Anton Pfeiffer, resides near ('Fallon and has a family of six children. Mary, is the wife of Joseph Rieb, a merchant in ()'Fallon.
Mrs. Schmisseur is a very wealthy person, own- ing eighteen hundred acres of fine land, worth 8100 an acre. Although possessing so much prop- erty, she is a very modest and pleasant lady and never fails to respond to any and all demands upon her that she deems worthy of support. Mrs. Schmisseur is a lady who enjoys the respect and esteem of the entire neighborhood and is the pos- sessor of many fine traits of character.
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ULIUS KNOBELOCH, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits on section 19. Shiloh Valley Township, was born in 1855, on the old homestead in this county, where his father is yet living. His parents, Baltzer and Elizabeth (Liebrock) Knobeloch, are mentioned in the sketch of Henry Knobeloch on another page of this work.
The subject of this sketch acquired his early education in the common schools and it was sup- plemented by study in the Belleville schools. He also was a student in a German school in Mas- contah. This well prepared him for the duties of life and he is a successful business man. llis fa- ther was well-to-do, and so he remained at home un-
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