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 68
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The marriage of Mr. West occurred in June,
H. Brandenburgen.
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1836, to Miss Louisa Mitchell, who was born at Liberty, Va., February 24, 1817. She was the daughter of James Mitchell, who was among the first men to settle in Belleville. The two living children of Mr. and Mrs. West are Benjamin .I., now of Minneapolis, and Robert ('., of this city. Mr. West has never been a politician. Ile became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, and has been President of its Board of Trustees for thirty years. There are many thriv- ing German farmers of this county who obtained their start by Mr. West's good advice and helping hand.
ILLIAM BRANDENBURGER. This prom- inent citizen of Belleville is a native of Prussia, born at Krentznach - Mandel April 17th, 1823. His parents, Andrew and Kath- rina Brandenburger, were upright and substan- tial residents of their native land. In 1849, William Brandenburger, with his wife, whose maiden name was Christina Marzi, and their two children, came to America in search of a home and at once located at Belleville, at which time they had only enough money to commence house-keep- ing with on a very modest scale. Mr Branden- burger, was without any knowledge whatever of the English language when he came to this country. There was at that time very little on which to base a prophecy of the suecess in store for him, but with characteristic energy and perseverance he at once set about finding work, securing a position in a distillery, where he was employed half the day and half the night. His spare moments were spent in doing various odd jobs, for which he re- ceived some slight remunerations.
After this work had continued for two years, the attention of Mr Brandenburger was called to the great veins of coal in the vicinity of Belleville, and the small operations of a coal mine there, which set him thinking. He began making some pri- vate calculations, learned what it cost to operate a mine, how much was paid for mining, and con- cluded that there was money in the business. By
dint of much economy, he managed to purchase two acres of land, by making a small payment, and at once began to sink a well, mainly by his own exertions. Ile was confident that the coal vein was there and that his labors would be rewarded. The eoal vein was successfully reached and an in- come was soon realized. lle got out a few wagon loads each day, and it being before any railroad had reached the field, hauled it away by ox- teams to St. Louis, Lebanon and such places as as would afford a market for what little was mined. A railroad was built soon after this and a market was at once opened for all the coal that could be got out. Ere the railroad had been finished, Mr. Brandenburger bought an additional seven acres of coal land and had three shafts in operation soon after its completion. He arranged for contraets with the Wiggins Ferry Company, the Lindell and other St. Louis hotels, and for various important manufactories that began to spring up when it was found that coal could be so easily obtained.
By giving striet attention to business, living economically, and, more particularly, meeting every obligation, either with his miners' wages or his store account, Mr Brandenburger soon became known among business men as a careful manager who paid cash for everything, and his credit was such that he could have obtained any favor or any sum of money had he so desired. Friends who had money, secing the fruits of his management, preferred to loan him their money rather than risk their own judgment in investing in coal lands. From time to time he continued to purchase coal lands to the extent of hundreds of acres, and prosperity was as- sured. Ile made no show or parade, as do many whose finances have been unexpectedly increased, but kept on in his own unostentatious way.
Some five years since Mr Brandenburger sold his coal shafts and business, including about two hundred and fifty acres of coal land, to the Consol- idated Company, and since then has lived a less active life and is enjoying his well-earned rest. The most of his attention is given to the con- duct of his farm, which contains about two hun- dred and fifty acres, all of which is underlaid with coal, and to platting and selling city lots in the various additions he has made to the city of West
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Belleville, near where he resides in a handsome and commodious brick dwelling. Probably no other man in this section has done so much to develop the natural resources of the immense coal fields underlying his section of the State, furnished so many men with employment or added so largely to the material wealth of Belleville as Mr. Branden- burger. The lesson learned from his life is a val- uable one and should be heeded by the young men of to-day who start out with no capital but a pair of willing hands.
Mr. Brandenburger was so unfortunate as to lose his wife soon after getting started in the coal business. Ile was left with a family of nine chil- dren to look after. He then found it doubly dif- ficult to make progress, but he determined to keep his family together and they all worked in har- mony and were accordingly of great assistance to each other.
Mr. Brandenburger's career has been a very honor- able and useful one and he is a model citizen, being persevermg, industrious, honest and patriotic. He is much esteemed throughout St. Clair, as well as the surrounding counties, and counts as his friends all with whom he has had business relations, which speaks in an eloquent manner as to his upright business methods. Ile is a Republican politically; in religion, he is an honored member of the Free Protestant Church.
H
ANIEL RENTCHLER, a prominent farmer residing on section 33, Shiloh Valley Township, St. Clair County, was born in Jacksonville, Morgan County, Iil. De- cember 10, 1837, was the date of his birth. lis parents were Jacob and Elizabeth ( Baker) Renteh- ler. The father of our subject was a native of the Keystone State, and was born in Union County in in the year 1799, being reared to manhood on a farm. He was a son of John Rentchler, who was also a native of Pennsylvania and a farmer by oc- cupation. The great-grandparents of our subject
emigrated to the United States from Germany in the eighteenth century. In the possession of our subject is an old chest which they brought to this country. At that early date the family name was spelled Rentschler. The spelling of the name has been changed by the descendants and in some famhes it has become entirely different.
Jacob Renteller received a limited education in the common schools of that early day, but by study and reading posted himself on all of the leading questions and issues of the day, and his experience in business also added to his knowledge and widened his view' of mankind. Ile was a mill- wright by trade, and in his native State operated a saw and grist mill and also carried on a store. His business qualifications may readily be seen in a brief sketch of his life career. In 1837, he went to Morgan County, Ill., and a few years later located in this county, where he purchased eight hundred acres of land, giving 812 per acre. Here for many years, he engaged in agricultural pursuits and also bought, sold and traded live stock. In this, as in all business undertakings, he was very successful and showed marked ability.
When about twenty-six yearsof age, Mr. Renteh- ler was married to Mis> Elizabeth, the daugh- ter of John H. and Elizabeth (Rickey) Baker, all of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Ten children blessed this union, all of whom grew to maturity: John, deceased; Jacob; David and Will- iam, deceased; Maria is the wife of James II. Richardson; Benjamin is deceased; Daniel, our subject; Ilenry and Levi have also departed this life; and Elizabeth is the wife of James IIobbs. The father of this family was a member of the Lutheran Church and in that faith brought up his children. Politically, he was a Whig. His death occurred in 1853, and his wife yet survives him and lives with our subject upon the old homestead.
Our subject was reared upon his father's farm and received his education in the district schools, which he completed by a course at Union Semin- ary. His health failed him before he had finished his studies and he then returned home. However, in 1861, he entered the Business College of Pitts- burgh, Pa., and received a thorough preparation for business life. In 1864, he went into the agri-
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cultural implement and machine business at Belle- ville, where he was located until 1878. In that occupation, he was rewarded by great success, but was obliged to return to the farm, where his and his mother's interests demanded his sole attention, In addition to his farm, which he has greatly im- proved and which on every hand shows the eare and attention of the owner, he for several years ran a store at a point known as Rentehler Station. About twenty years ago, he leased the coal on his land, but as the lease was dropped after a few years he has operated the bank himself during most of this time. Ile owns five hundred and sixty acres where he now lives and fourteen hundred and eighty-two acres situated in various States. Po- litically, he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party and its principles. For over fifty years, he has been an honored and respected resident of this community, where he is widely and favorably known. Ile is a well-informed man on all the leading questions of the day and takes an active part in all local and educational affairs.
OHN SCHALLER. A position of influence among the German-American citizens of St. Clair County is held by the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, and who is numbered among the wealthiest residents of Lenzburg Township. The large property of which he is owner, amounting to seven hundred acres, has been gained through his unaided exer- tions, and shows what may be accomplished by in- dustry and energy, when coupled with good bus- iness judgment and a determination to succeed.
The parents of our subject, Philip and Elizabeth (Hentzel) Schaller, were born in Germany, in 1805, and were married in the land of their birth. They became the parents of five children, three of whom died when young, the only surviving mem- ber of the family beside our subject being Lena, the wife of Peter Dichman. During his youth Philip Schaller followed farming pursuits and was quite successful in that occupation in his native
country. However, in his early manhood, he learned the trade of a shoemaker, at which he was occupied during the greater part of his life, al- though he also engaged in agriculture to some ex- tent after emigrating to this country. In the Fatherland he received an excellent education and prepared himself for the profession of a teacher, but, not feeling satisfied with it, abandoned the work after teaching for a short time.
In 1844. accompanied by his wife and children, Philip Schaller emigrated to the United States, and after landing at New York proceeded at once to Ill- inois and settled at Belleville. Ilis means were lim- ited, and for two years he operated as a renter, but at the expiration of that time he had accumulated sufficient money to enable him to purchase a small farm in Dutch Ilill Prairie. Thereafter, farming operations engaged his attention, and his time was devoted to farming on his place, which he brought to a good state of cultivation. In his politieal views, he was an adherent of the Republican party, the principles of which he always stanchly up- held by his ballot and influence. His death, which occurred in 1870, deprived the community of a good citizen and his family of a loving hus- band and father. His wife survived him ten years, when she too closed her eyes to the scenes of earth.
A native of Germany, the subject of this biogra- phical notice was born in 1837, and was therefore a lad of about seven years of age when he accom- panied his parents to America. His education, which was gained in the schools of St. Clair County, was quite complete and thorough, and by subsequent reading he has become a well-informed man. Ile remained under the parental roof, aid- ing his father in the farm work, until his mar- riage, which occurred April 19, 1863. The lady who then became his wife was Alwine, daughter of August and Renida Kunze, natives of Prussia. where she was born.
Seven children have been born to Mr. Schaller and his excellent wife, of whom we record the fol- lowing: Anna is the wife of Charles Skeer; El- vina married Charles Schneider; Philip, William, Katie and Lena remain at home and are bright, intelligent young people, of whom their parents
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are justly prond. The religious home of the fam- ily is in the Lutheran Church, of which they are active members. and their influence is ever given toward those measures which are calculated to promote the interests of the community, along moral, religious and educational lines. In his political preference, Mr. Schaller is a Republican of no uncertain tone, and he is regarded by the people of Dutch Hill Prairie, where he resides, as one of their most active and progressive citizens. He is a man of enterprise, zealous in his advocacy of the cause of justice and right, and ever fore- most in good works.
ILLIAM A. M.CASLAND, a successful dealer in real estate, located in East St. Lonis is widely known as a man of sterling integrity of character, and commands the confi- dence and esteem of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. Our subject is a native of Indiana and was born in Jefferson County, near Hanover. He came to Morgan County, Ill., with his parents when only six years of age, and was raised upon the farm of his father, James McCasland, and received his primary education in the little log schoolhouse, with slab seats and desks. Arriving at mature age, William McCasland married Anette Pemberton, born and raised in Oldham County, Ky.
Our subject began farming in Morgan County, Ill., but the breaking out of the Civil War inter- rupted the peaceful labor of agricultural life, and in February, 1862, he volunteered in the ser- vice of the Government, and enlisted in Com- pany A, Thirty-eighth Illinois Infantry, and after three years at the front, constantly exposed to the dangers of the prison pen and death upon the battlefield, he was mustered out of the service at Huntsville, Ala., in February, 1865. A citizen of courage and resolution and a true patriot, our subject bravely engaged in the siege of Corinth, was an active participant in the long march from Ripley, Miss., to Louisville, Ky., where the Union forces turned baek the advance of Gen. Bragg and
forced him to retreat to Crab Orchard, and was finally engaged in the battle of Remyville.
Mr. MeCasland took part in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and, in fact, was present in all the principal engagements of the Georgia Campaign. From Atlanta, returning to Nashville under Hood, our subject participated in the battles of Spring Hill and Franklin, and, be- ing upon the outer line of skirmishers, was con- stantly exposed to the rain of the enemy's bullets. The officer of the day had left twenty men on picket duty until the forces were all over and the bridge was burned. It was fully one hour before Gen. Schofield knew of the deadly perit of the faithful and courageous pickets, who were at last relieved from their post of duty by the officers de- tailed for that purpose by the General. Immedi- ately following the battle of Nashville, Mr. Mc Casland, honorably discharged from the service of the Government, returned to his home un wounded, although he had never lost a day from active duty. Few of the brave boys in blue can show a longer record of marches, skirmishes and battles, in which our subject fearlessly engaged, and no soldier of those troublons times can furnish a more honorable record of faithful and devoted service in behalf of National existence.
In 1869, Mr. MeCasland bought a one hundred and sixty acre farm in Morgan County, Ill., near Waverly, and there continued the pursuit of agri- culture until 1881. In the meantime, he dealt ex- tensively in stock, buying, feeding and shipping cattle. In 1881, he located in Waverly and re- mained there until 1889, when he made his home in East St. Louis, handling real estate exclusively. Our subject owns property in the Clearmont Addi- tion, which is rapidly increasing in value and has found ready sales, the location being one of the finest sites in the city. The convenient office of Mr. McCasland is in the Opera House Building, Room 46, and all desirous of investing in one of the finest pieces of property in East St. Louis should seek the services of our subject, who ac cords to all visitors the kindiy courtesy and prompt attention which their business demands.
Mr. MeCasland was, in 1879, deeply stricken by a succession of crushing bereavements. Ile had a
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devoted wife, and their hearth and home were blessed by the birth of nine children: Sarah Jane died at nineteen years of age; . Josephine died at three years of age; Rosa M. passed away when fourteen years old; Anna L. died at six years of age; Gracie B.and Ida live in Waverly, Ill .; Edith died when six years old; llenry passed away in November; one little one died in infancy. Edith died April 14, 1879; Sarah J., April 15, 1879; the beloved wife April 19, 1879: and Rosa, April 21, 1879. These victims of the dread searlet fever all passed away within ten days, and the other ebil- dren were also ill, Henry having been left deaf by this terrible and fatal malady. Our subject is a member of the Christian Church, and nothing but a faith in another and better world sustained him in these hours of bitter anguish. Mr. MeCasland is a Republiean in word and deed, but he is a "free silver" man. and mainly desires the prosperity and best good of the American nation, to whose ser- vice he gave the unswerving devotion of a true American citizen.
HOMAS II. WHITE, Vice-president of the Michigan Beef and Provision Company, of Detroit, Mich., stock-dealer at the National Yards, also representative of Swift & Co., of Chi- cago, and Alderman of the Seventh Ward of East St. Louis, is one of the most popular and well- known residents of the city. Ile is a native of the Empire State, born at Beekman, in Dutchess County, on the Ist of July, 1849, and is a son of Leonard T. White, who was also a native of New York State, as was the grandfather, Isaac White, A brother of the latter, William White, owned the Dutchess County Iron Works, The grandfather served in the Mexican War, and was an extensive farmer in Dutchess County, where his death oe- eurred when ninety-two years of age. Ilis wife, whose maiden name was Mary Doty, and who was of English desrent, died when ninety-three years of age,
The father of our subject became familiar with agricultural pursuits when a small boy, and it was but natural that when reaching mature years he should select farming as his chosen occupation. He died in 1857, when forty-seven years of age. lle was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in polities, supported the principles of the Republican party. He married Miss Char- lotte Wright, who was also born in Dutchess County, N. Y., and who passed away in 1856. Eight children were born to their union, seven of whom grew to mature years and are now living. The second in order of birth was our subject, who was left without the counsel of a father and the loving care of a mother when eight years of age. At that age his school days were practically ended, but being possessed of a naturally bright mind, and being a man of observation, he became well posted.
In 1858, Mr. White went to Dover, N. Y., to live with his uncle, William A. White, with whom he remained two years, and then returned to Beekman to learn the carriage-making trade with his unele, William Wright. At the end of eighteen months he went to Westehester County, and worked in a carriage shop for two years, after which he returned to his Uncle William Wright, and was in his carriage shop for some time. Later, he went to Amenia, Dutchess County, and worked in a grain-eradle factory for George Morgan, the greatest eradle manufacturer of his day. From there be removed to Beekman, remained there for one year, and in 1867 went to Albany to assist in building the West Albany Yards for Allerton, Dutcher & Moore, the organizers of the National Yards here. After finishing the yards he went to Buffalo, N. Y., reopened the yards after the fire. and became builder and Superintendent. Ile was in charge of a set of men as foreman during this time, and when the yards were completed he re- turned to Albany, and remained there until 1871, when he came to East St. Louis to assist in building the National Yards. He was in charge of excavat- ing and the grading of yards and of laying the sewers. He was actively engaged in this for two years, when the yards were opened for use,
At that time, Mr. White assumed charge of the
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cattle department as Yardmaster, filled this posi- tion for about three years, and then resigned it to ' engage in the cattle business for himself. lle em- barked in buying and selling for himself, but later became connected with Swift & Co. as a representa- tive and buys all their calves for them, amounting to over forty thousand last year. He also represents the Michigan Beef and Provision Company, of Detroit, buys all their stock, and still buys on his own account. He has been the largest individual stock buyer in this city. His office is in the Exchange Building, and he buys largely on orders. He built a fine residence at No. 816 Baugh Avenue, and also owns three other residences on that street and one on Summit Avenue. Ile is a stockholder in the First Mutual Building and Loan Association, and is prominent in all enterprises of importance.
In February, 1871, Mr. White was married at Pawling, N. Y., to Miss Fannie M. Griffin, a native of Connecticut, and they have one child, Clarence. Mr. White was Trustee of District No. 9, for twelve years and was President of the Board for six years of that time, holding the office until 1891, longer than any other man. In 1889, he was elected Alderman from the Seventh Ward on the Citizens' ticket, and was one of the first Aldermen elected under the new law, and one of the first from the Seventh Ward. He was re-elected in 1891 and has served on different committees, and he has been Chairman of the Streets, Alleys and Bridge Committees since 1889. Ile has always been in favor of the new reform government, and is a "true-blue" Republican in a Democratic ward. Socially, he is a member of the Masonie fraternity and the Owls, as well as of other orders.
8 AMUEL B. MALINEE. an enterprising and progressive citizen and valued member of the City Board of Education of East St. Louis, Ill., is the head roller at the well- known Tudor Iron Works, and as an expert and sei- entilie mechanic, commands one of the largest salaries ever paid in this line of work. Mr. Ma-
linee is a native of Kentucky, and was born May 26, 1855, in Newport. Ihis father, J. W. Ma- linee, born in Ohio, removed in adult life to New- port, Ky., but, being an iron-worker. afterward settled in New Albany, Ind., and there started the first iron works ever located in the vieinity, and which was known as the lloosier Rolling Mill. During the war the services of J. W. Malinee were required by the Government, who engaged him to iron the "Tuscumbia" and "Monitor." Af- ter having remained in business in New Albany for a number of years, Mr. Malinee retired and soon afterward died, passing away. deeply re- gretted, in the month of August, 1876.
The Malinees are of English descent, and the mother of our subjeet, Elizabeth (Simpson) Ma- linee, was born in England. Grandfather Simp- son was a man of leisure, and possessed means which enabled him to travel extensively. lle and his wife died and their daughter Elizabeth was afterward raised and educated in Indiana. She became the mother of ten children, four of whom are now living: Samuel, our subject; Ruth (Mrs. Fox), resides in New Albany, Ind .; Edward lives in St. Louis, and is a boss roller at the Tudor Mills; William is foreman at George- town, Ind. Samuel B. Malinee was raised in New Albany, and early attended the public schools, and when at the tender age of nine years he entered the iron mills, he availed himself of the night schools, and, ambitiously gleaning all the book learning within his reach, made progress in the practical knowledge of his trade, and swiftly climbed upward to a higher position and inercased salary.
After the death of his father, our subject worked in the old rail mill in New Albany, and at seven- teen years of age became boss roller: soon after this promotion he went East and found ready employment as boss roller in New York, Philadel- phia, Paterson, Pittsburgh, and finally settled in Louisville, Ky. In 1870, Mr. Malinee came to St. Louis and was employed in the Laclede Iron Works, remaining for nearly a half-score of years a valued employe of these mills. In 1880, he en- gaged as head roller in East St. Louis and re -. mained in the Tudor Works about three years;
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