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 63
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AURICE F. TISSIER. A potent influence in all matters pertaining to the welfare of East St. Louis and vieinity is wielded by the Weekly Herald, a favorite paper among the citizens of St. Clair County. The editor, Mr. Tissier, is a foreible and pleasing writer, and pre- sents news from the world at large, as well as a complete report of local affairs. The paper is a five-column quarto, issued weekly, and was for- merly Democratie in its political affiliations, but is now independent, supporting those measures and men best adapted to promote the general progress of the community.
Mr. Tissier was born in Florisant, St. Louis County, Mo., on Christmas Day, 1853. His fa- ther, Franeis, was a native of the eanton of Valais, Switzerland, and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Tormaz, was also there born, of Swiss- French parentage. The father was a tailor by trade, and followed that oceupation in his native country, from which he emigrated to America in 1849, and sojourned for a time in Chicago. From that place he removed to Wiseonsin early in the '50s, and was there engaged first in the lumber business, but later came to St. Louis and began business as a grocer. At present, he is success- fully following mercantile pursuits at No. 1443 Biddle Street, St. Louis, and is a prominent and prosperous business man.
Of the eight children born to Francis and Mary Tissier, only two are now living, Maurice F., be- ing the elder, and Joseph, who is still single and remains with his parents. Maurice's boyhood days were passed in the city of St. Louis, and he was the recipient of an excellent education. Dur-
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ing 1865-67, he was a student at the Christian Brothers' College, later attended St. Vincent Col- lege at Cape Girardeau, Mo., for three years, and, lastly, entered St. Vincent's Seminary, German- town, Pa., where he completed the course of study, and graduated in 1871 with the degree of Bach- elor of Arts, It will thus be seen that he was af- forded splendid educational opportunities, and to say that he availed himself to the utmost of his advantages is but to state what actually occurred. Some years after graduating, the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him.
Returning to St. Louis at the close of his col- lege life, Mr. Tissier embarked in commercial pur- suits, and from the first success rewarded his efforts. In 1875, he commenced in the grocery business on the Island, and was thus engaged for a few years, his fair dealing and uprightness in busi- ness transactions winning for him a large trade, as well as a high place in the regard of those whom he met. The Mayor of East St. Louis in 1877 ap- pointed him City Clerk, in which place he ctlici- ated to the satisfaction of all. In 1877, he was also appointed Notary Public by Gov. Cullom, and has since held that position. Since the in- ception of the East St. Louis Herald in 1878, he has had charge of its editorial department, as well as of the general oversight of its business manage- ment. Its job office is now one of the best equipped in the county, and contains everything necessary for first-class work in that line. In ad- dition to his editorial duties, Mr. Tissier is serving as Justiee of the Peace, to which office he was elected in 1888. At that time his election was contested, but he brought suit and fought the case in the Supreme Court, the result being a de- cision in his favor.
At East St. Louis, August 18, 1875, Mr. Tissier was married to Miss Catherine Meyers, who was born in Carondelet, St. Louis County, her parents being August Meyers and Mary (Annette) Mey- ers. Of the marriage there have been born, as Mr. Tissier says, "one boy for every day in the week and one girl for Sunday." They are Louis, Mary, Maurice, Joseph, Frank, Charles and Paul. The children are all at home, and the eld- est son, Louis, is assisting his father in the man-
agement of the Herald. In religious matters, Mr. and Mrs. Tissier are identified with St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and he is a member of the or- ganizations known as the Catholic Knights of America and of Illinois. Successful in his busi- ness pursuits, Mr. Tissier has become the owner of some real estate, and has gained that which is bet- ter still-the esteem of his fellow-citizens.
ERMANN OTTEN. The subject of this sketch spends the days of his maturing manhood beneath the same roof under which he was born. Ilis parents were Her- mann and Anna ( Winekler) Otten, both natives of Ilanover, Germany. The father of Ilermann Otten, Sr., was Hermann Henry Otten. a native of Germany, in which country he pursued the trade of wagon-maker and remained until the time of his death.
Hermann Otten, Sr., father of our subject, re- ceived a good common-school education in his na- tive country, and after leaving school adopted the trade of his father and grandfather, that of wagon- maker. Ile inherited no small amount of skill, and with an aptitude for study, natural quickness and ability, he was recognized at the age of six- teen as one who had thoroughly mastered the trade to which he had devoted himself as a means of livelihood. Ilis natural ambition and laudable industry perceived in the possibilities of his Father- land but a limited field for enterprise, and soon after acquiring his trade and being pronounced a competent workman, he sought the shores of the New World as a better field for labor. It was in his sixteenth year that he started for America in a sailing-vessel and landed in this country at New Orleans, La. From New Orleans he sailed up the river to St. Louis, at which place he followed his trade for several years, and from there he went to St. Joe, where he worked as wagon-maker for two years. In 1852 he married, his bride being Miss Anna Winckler, also a native of Hanover, born there about the year 1820. The results of this mar-
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riage were seven children, namely: Rosa, deceased; Hermann, the subject of this sketch; William; Elizabeth, wife of Barnard Stumpler; Anna, wife of Barnard Lohmann; Mary, deceased; and Joseph. Three years after his marriage, Mr. Otten, Sr., moved with his family to St. Clair County and set- tled at St. Libory, where with but a small capital he opened and operated a general store. He proved himself as capable a merchant as tradesman, and with thrift, industry, prudence and foresight, con- tinued to build up his business and became recog- nized as one of St. Clair County's solid merchants. In addition to following his mercantile pursuits, he became one of the Grist Mill Company, of St. Clair County, and also operated a farm for five years with the same amount of success which char- acterized his other enterprises.
In religion, he was a member and strict adher- ent of the tenets of the Catholic Church, in which body he was respected and looked to for the as- sistance which he ever liberally bestowed. His po- litical sympathies were with the Republican party, and his support was counted on at all elections by the representatives of that body in St. Clair County. He departed this life in the year 1874, 1 being then fifty-four years old, and will always be remembered in the community in which he spent a greater portion of his life as a man of sterling characteristics, strong principle, and one ever ready to promote the interests and welfare of his fellow-men. llis wife survived him, and after- ward became the wife of llenry Nienaber. She is still living and recognized as one of the most esti- mable ladies in St. Clair County.
Hermann Otten, Jr., whose biography we are writing, was born March 16, 1857, and is now carry- ing on business in the house within whose walls he first saw the light. He received a good common- school education and profited by the educational opportunities afforded him in the township in which he was raised.
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In the year 1880, at the age of twenty -three years, he married Miss Katie Shoemaker, daughter of Henry and Katie Shoemaker, and the result of this union was one son, who is now dead. His first misfortune after assuming the responsibilities of wedlock was the loss of his wife, a most popular
and agreeable lady, who departed this life in 1881. After her death our subject married Miss Theresa Miller, daughter of Henry and Theresa (Ding- worth) Miller, and to them were born seven chil- dren, only one of whom is now living, their daugh- ter Mary.
Hermann Otten, Jr., commenced life in the year 1880 on a farm, and after a few years acquired enough by patient industry and economy to start in business for himself. He has kept saloon in St. Clair County for many years and is respected by all who know him. In politics he is a Republican, and both he and his wife are active members in the Roman Catholic Church. He is also a mem- ber of the Catholic Knights of Ireland, a Catholic order of Illinois. Our subject has held the office of Collector of the township and is now Township ('lerk.
L.
ACOB GAUCH. The subject of this mem- orial sketch has passed away from the scenes of life, but this record shows that a man of his Christian character is not forgotten. Jacob Ganch was born on the 11th of August, 1819, at Alpstein, in Germany, where he was reared un- til he came to America with his parents when a boy. They first located in New York, then went to Pittsburgh and later came to St. Clair County. Here the parents entered land and remained until their death.
The subject of this sketch was married on the 7th of January. 1849, to Miss Anna Maria Skaer, the amiable daughter of Jacob Skaer, who was born in Germany in 1827, and was nearly nineteen years old when she came to this country. After marriage, Mr. Gauch and his wife first located on seetion 14 and here Mr. Gauch resided until his death, which occurred February 27, 1871, lamented by all. He lived a life of peace and good- will and left ten of the twelve children born to him to mourn the loss of a good father. Mary died at the age of two years; Jacob lives in Belle-
Stephan Vahlkamp
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ville and is engaged in the livery and undertak- ing business; Henry lives at Rentchler Station and is a farmer; Lonisa died at the age of twenty- four years; Edward lives on a farm in Monroe County; John William died at the age of eleven months: Sophia Ilelena married Charles Gross, who lives at Waterloo, III .; Emma Lena married Ilenry Press, who lives in St. Louis; Matilda married Joseph Wilderman, who lives in Freeburg, and Philip Adam and Eliza Johanna at home. Annie Mary died at the age of eleven years.
Mrs. Gauch, the relict of the subject of this notice, has one hundred and forty-five aeres of land on which she lives. This is the old home place, and as her husband was a successful farmer, she has every- thing very comfortable around her. Jacob Gauch and family were all members of the Lutheran Church at Freeburg, of which Mr. Gauch was a Trustee. Ile was highly regarded in it, and his presence was always welcome, and now his absence is deeply felt. This testimony is given of a good man.
D TEPHAN VAHLKAMP, Mayor of Fay- etteville, deserves worthy mention as he- ing one of the most useful members of his community. He is a native of Prussia, and was born July 11, 1839. His parents, Theo- dore and Anna (Borgmann) Vahikamp, were born near the same place as our subject. the father's birth occurring in 1792, and the mother's in 1800. Theodore Vallkamp received his early training on a farm situated on the outskirts of a Prussian village. Ile received the education of his early boyhood in the common schools of his native vil- lage, and afterward was a pupil in a High School of the province. At the age of twenty-two he turned his attention to the trade of a stonemason, and became so proficient in this, his chosen line of work, that he soon added the business of con- tractor and builder.
Native energy, enterprise and true business ability bronght Theodore Vahlkamp success in his native land. and at the age of twenty-eight
years he had amassed a competence sufficient to qualify him in assuming the responsibilities of the head of a family. Ile and his wife became the parents of eleven children, three of whom died in early childhood, and eight grew to ma- turity. They are respectively: Henry; Chris- tina, wife of Albert Donewald; Gertrude, who is the wife of Matthew Diekamper; Bernard; Fred, deceased; Stephan, the subject of our sketch; George; and Mary, wife of E. Erhard. Theodore Vahlkamp amassed quite a fortune in his native land. but the tide of emigration set in near his native home, and in 1848 he concluded to try his fortune in other lands, and together with his wife and children embarked for America.
On his arrival in the United States Theodore Wahlkamp located in St. Clair County, Ill., and soon became convinced of its great possibilities as a farming country. Ilis first investment was one of several thousand dollars, with which he bought a large tract of land and turned his attention to farming. This venture was crowned with success, and the results of his keen judgment, great en- ergy, and executive ability, soon netted him a competence in this then new district. He became thoroughly absorbed in his farming interests, and never resumed his trade after settling in this country. lle is well remembered in the commun- ity as one of its solid citizens, a man of sterling character, and upright in his dealings with his fellowmen. Ile was a communicant in the Catho- lie Church, in which body Ins assistance could al- ways be relied on. His political sympathies were enlisted on the side of Democracy, and he was ever ready to do all in his power to promote the interests of his party. He departed this life in 1859, his wife surviving him twenty years.
The subject of this sketch, Stephan Wahlkamp, assumed the responsibilities of his own support at the age of twenty-one years. He had been reared on a farm and therefore turned to good account the intelligence gleaned under his father's surveil- lance by entering the arena of the working world as a farmer. Shortly after establishing himself, he married Elizabeth Rank, daughter of David and Katherine (Kocher) Rank. The result of their union was eleven children, live of whom are yet
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living. namely: Theodore; Ida, wife of Bernard Dressler; Sophia, who married Hermann Dressler; Ilenry and John. In the year 1889, Mrs. Elizabeth Wahlkamp, a lady of most excellent and endear- ing qualities, passed away. Some time after her demise Mr. Vahlkamp married Miss Angelica Geier, a daughter of Anton and Anna Geier.
The business life of Mr. Vahlkamp dates back to 1865, when he opened a store for the sale of general merchandise. ITis next enterprise was the opening of an hotel, this proving a success. lle again became interested in the vocation of his early manhood, and turned his atten- tion to farming and stock-raising. Ile is now the owner of five hundred aeres of fine farming land, and proves his ability as a 'stock-raiser by the line cattle seen grazing on his pasture. His political labors are devoted to the interests of the Demo- cratic party, and his ability as an exponent of party virtues has won for him the admiration of the community. He has been Mayor of Fayette- ville for many years, and has held many other lo- cal offices, all tendered to him as the hearty ap- preciation of his character as a man, and as tokens of esteem with which he is regarded by his fellow- citizens. Ilis religious support is given to the Catholic Church, of which body he is a member in good standing, and one whose faith in its teach- ings governs his daily life.
ILLIAM SOLOMON SCOTT, a well-known and representative farmer residing on section 32. ()'Fallon Township, was born on the old homestead in this county, December 8, 1836. Ilis grandfather, John Scott, was born in Maryland and reared in Washington County, Pa .. whence he removed to Licking, Ky. He there married Miss Wilson, and in 1797 removed to Kaskaskia, Randolph County, Ill. He afterward settled in the American Bottoms in the western part of Monroe County. His first wife having died, he was married, in 1798, to Polly Kinkade, who was
born in Pennsylvania in 1776, and came to Illi- nois in 1786. Two children were born of the first union, John and Solomon, and nine of the second marriage. The grandfather served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and died at the home of his son, Garrison Scott, in 1840.
Benjamin Seott, the oldest of the second mar- riage and the father of our subject, was born in Monroe County January 23, 1799, and acquired a common school edneation. September. 27,1821, he married Clarissa Garretson, daughter of James Garretson, one of the pioneer settlers of this State. He then settled in the American Bottoms, but the high water of 1824 drove him from that locality. In connection with his brother, William Henry Harrison Scott, he bought four hundred and eighty acres of land in Ridge Prairie, in 1828, and was there engaged in farming until his death. Hle was a prominent and influential citizen, highly respected throughout the community in which he made his home. In polities, he was a Whig until the dissolution of that party, when he became a Democrat. He held membership with the Bethel Baptist Church for many years. Ilis death oc- eurred September 1, 1877, when about seventy- nine years of age. His wife was born February 16, 1806. in the same locality as her husband.
In the family of this worthy couple were eight children: Dilyou, born December 7, 1825, is the wife of David Moore, a resident of Knobnoster, Mo. They have had eight children, of whom five daughters are yet living and all are married. Louisa, the oldest, married David Phelps; Edith is the wife of B. F. Taylor, of Oregon; Mary is the wife of Commodore Fewell; Edwin died in 1890, leaving a widow and two children; Ida, wife of lohn Elhs, died in 1888, leaving four children; Nellie is now Mrs. Hanna; Augusta is the wife of Albert Leake, of Sedalia, Mo .; and Martha died in infancy. Mary, the second child of the parental family, was born April 2, 1829. Sal- lie, born May 30. 1831. died in January, 1842. John G., who is now living a retired life in Jack- sonville, H1., was born April 24, 1834, and married Miss Beadle, by whom he has four children who sur- vive: Julian W .. his elde-t child, is a physician of Venice, Ill .; Ralph is a druggist of Jacksonville;
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Blanehe and Benjamin are living in the same city. William is the next younger of the Scott family. James Wilson, born Deeember 7. 1840, married Miss Sarah Wetherell, of Lebanon, 11., and resides in the West. They have one daughter. Lela. the wife of Fred Schwartz, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Micha Ann, born March 10, 1843, beeame the wife of E. F. Waite, of Bond County, and died at her home in O'Fallon Township, October 20, 1875. leaving one child, Olive Seott, who is now living with her father in Texas.
As before stated, William Solomon Scott was born on the old homestead which his father took possession of in 1828. Ilis education was acquired in the subscription schools, but he afterward at- tended Shurtleff College, of Upper Alton. Subse- quently, he was a student in Upper Alton and at Jones' Commereial College, of St. Louis, and while not in the schoolroom his time and atten- tion were given to farming. He remained on the home farm until twenty-one years of age, and then began life for himself. In March, 1858, he removed to the Stites farm, which he operated for about fifteen years.
On the 1st of November, 1857, Mr. Scott was married to Mary E. Rader, daughter of John Rader, who died in Lebanon. The lady was born May 29, 1838, in Monroe County, and came to St. Clair County in 1842, when only about four years of age. She had four sisters and a brother, but only two of the sisters are now living: Mrs. John II. Cook, of Lebanon. and Mrs. Richard Marshall, who resides near Golden City, Mo. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Scott have been born five chil- dren: Emma, born November 12, 1858; Lyman L., January 29. 1864; Edith C., November 30, 1869; Ruth Rader, December 29, 1875; and Ben- jamin G., January 15, 1881. The family eirele vet remains unbroken and the children are still under the parental roof.
Mr. Scott has led a busy and useful life. yet has found time to serve his fellow-townsmen in several official positions. Ile was Highway Com- missioner for two years, for two years was Town- ship Supervisor, and at this writing is President of the Board of Education of O'Fallon. He has long been a faithful member of the Missionary
Baptist Church, of Oak Hill, and in polities is a Democrat. Ile is classed among the substantial farmers of this community, owning three hun- dred and seventy aeres of valuable land, which yield to him a golden tribute in return for the care and cultivation he bestows upon it. Ile is a valued citizen and takes an active interest in everything pertaming to the welfare of the com- munity, and well deserves representation in this volume.
P ROF. FREDERICK MOESER. This gentle- man is one of the prominent men of Free- burg, and oceupies the responsible position of Principal of the Public Schools. He is the son of Henry Moeser, who was born in Ger- many August 12, 1807, and came to America when a young man. Ile brought with him energy and brawn, and hired out to a man as a laborer and helped to elear land where part of the city of St. Louis now stands. Later, he came to High Prairie, Smithton Township, where he located and bought land. He was satisfied with his choiee and remained here until the time came for him to resign earthly things, October 3, 1865.
Henry Moeser first married Catherine Weber and they had a family of four children: Elizabeth, the wife of Philip Skaer, of Twelve Mile Prairie; George, who lives in Wellington, Kan .; Catherine, Mrs. Charles Etling, now deceased; and Margaret, deceased. Mr. Moeser married for his second wife Mrs. Christine Long, nee Stephens. Six children were born of this marriage, five of whom are now living: Henry, who lives in Smithton Village; William, who resides on the old homestead, one and one-half miles west of Smithton; Mary. the wife of William Press, lives on a farm three-fourths of a mile east of Smithton; our subject; and Philip, who is practicing medicine in New Athens. Sophia died when young. Our subject was the next to the youngest of the family. The father started out in life with no means, but at the time of his death he had acquired considerable property,
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and was able to give all of his children a good start in life. Ile was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Belleville.
Our subject was born at the old homestead in Smithton Township, September 13, 1857. and there he was reared and received his early education. He was not satisfied with a limited fund of infor- mation, as he was of a studious and ambitious dis- position, and he attended the spring term of the Belleville Public School. Later, be entered Mc- Kendrec College, at Lebanon, III., from which he was graduated in 1882 with the degree of Bach- elor of Science. During that time, Mr. Moeser had not been idle, but in the intervals between terms he taught the Broad Hollow School on Twelve Mile Prairie. At the close of his first term of teaching, he took advantage of the Normal School at Valparaiso, Ind., and at the expiration of his second year he took a course in elocution with Prof. Brownley, at Carbondale, III. Ile then re- entered McKendree College and was graduated from there in 1882, as above stated. In the au- tumn of that year, he entered the law department of the Missouri State University, and upon exam- ination was admitted to the senior class. Ile was graduated from that institution in 1883. with the degree of Bachelor of Laws.
In the fall of 1883, our subject married Miss Melissa J .. daughter of William Smith, a prominent farmer of Smithton Township, who has since moved to Perry County, four miles west of Tamaroa, where he still lives. After bis marriage, Mr. Moeser located in Belleville, where he continued his law studies with Wildermann & Hamill. In the fall of 1884, he accepted the position of Prin- cipal of the Smithton school. Hle labored there one year and then was elected to the responsible position he has since held. Three children have come to bless the congenial union of Mr. and Mrs. Moeser. as follows: Ralph Eugene. Frederick Adolphus and Mary Ellen Geneva.
Politically. Mr. Moeser is a Democrat, and never fails to cast his vote for the principles in which he believes. Ile was elected Clerk of Smithton Town- ship, but could not qualify as he was a non-resident. Ile is identified with the Knights of Pythias and is Secretary of Lodge No. 418, A. F. & A. M., at Free-
burg. It is the wish of his friends that he may live long to instruct the youth of the county, and enjoy the fruits of the faithful labors of past years. Ite and his family are important factors in the social life of Freeburg.
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