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 70
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J. Br. Bertelsmann
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genial man of superior executive ability, he has won his way upward and is now one of the lead- ing men and prominent factors in the enterprises of East St. Louis.
O1IN R. BERTELSMANN. The hospitable owner of the finely-improved farm on sec- tion 2, Smithton Township, has made his home in this place since 1882. He is a son of Casper Bertelsmann, who was born in the pro- vince of Bavaria, Germany, and came to this country when a young man. Having resolved to settle in St. Clair County, he bought land here and engaged in farming. Ile married Clara Beul- man, whose father, a farmer by occupation, emi- grated hither from Germany, but died after being liere but a short time. Mrs. Casper Bertelsmann had one brother, Henry, and one sister, Mary Catherina. The former made his home with her until his de- cease at an advanced age, and the latter still lives with her.
Casper Bertelsmann lived in this county until the time of his death. He had a family of five children, all of whom grew to maturity: our sub- ject; Mary, who married Nicholas Boul; Gertrude; Annie, the wife of Frank A. Louis; and Henry. Mr. Bertelsmann, Sr., owned several well-improved farms in this country and was well-to-do at the time of his decease. In his religious connections, he belonged to the Catholic Church.
Born March 18, 1845, in St. Clair County. our subject was here reared, and received a common- school education. Beneath the parental roof, he grew to a sturdy manhood, and his home remained with his father until his marriage. That important event took place January 31, 1882, and united him with Miss Louisa Lewis, who was born at the | old Karlskind homestead January 27, 1854. Iler father, Henry Lewis, a native of France, eamne to this country when a young man, and here married Miss Mary Ann Karlskind, youngest daughter of Sebastian Karlskind. Both are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bertelsmann have been
born three children, all of whom are living, and are particularly intelligent and attractive. Cecelia Mary is nine years old; Irene Rosabelle is six, and the pride of the house, the sturdy little heir, Edward L. J., is four years old.
After his marriage, Mr. Bertelsmann located on this place, and has resided here ever since. His farm of one hundred and sixty acres is finely im- proved, and ranks among the best in the county. In the raising of the cereals, he has been especially snecessful, and each year he harvests large crops of wheat, corn and oats. Ilis farm has the advantage of natural drainage, which renders it valuable for general farming and stock-raising purposes.
Mr. Bertelsmann and his excellent wife are mem- bers of St. Peter's Catholic Church at Belleville. lle holds political views in accordance with those of the Democratic party, and is regarded in the neighborhood as a man of the finest business ability and integrity.
8 ILAS P. CHAPIN, proprietor and editor of the daily and weekly Signal, was born at Somerville, Butler County, Ohio, on the 6th of June, 1855, and is a son of Daniel O. and Ilannah (Blossom) Chapin, both natives of Ohio, the father being born in Sidney, Shelby County, and the mother in Butler County. The paternal grandfather. Roswell Chapin, was born in New England and was a shoemaker by trade. When seventeen years of age, he came to the Buckeye State, making the trip overland, and lo- cated at Sidney, where he followed his trade at first but later became a dancing master and boxing teacher. During the latter part of his life, he set- tled on a farm in Wayne County, Ind., and died there when lacking six months of being one hun- dred years old.
Daniel O. Chapin was reared in Sidney, Ohio, and after reaching mature years he went to But- ler County, where he met and married Miss Blos- som. Later, he located on a farm there and was
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one of the pioneers of Milford Township, tilling the soil until he retired. The father of Mrs. Chapin, Perry Blossom, was a native of the Old North State, and was one of the first pioneers of Ohio. He came to that State with his parents, who brought with them the first four-wheeled wagon in the county. There he resided, engaged in the active pursuit of farming, until his death. Mrs. Chapin passed away in 1882. She was the mother of fifteen children, ten of whom grew to mature years.
The original of this notice, the seventh child in order of birth, passed his boyhood and youth on the farm in Milford Township, and, unfortunately, received but a limited education. When sixteen years of age, he was thrown on his own resources, his father having lost considerable of his means, and he worked on farms until he had obtained sufficient money to enable him to attend school. Ile entered West Elkton Academy and completed the course there. after which he attended the Nor- mal, at Lebanon, Ohio, for two years. Later, he took up the study of theology, and in 1876 came to Salem, HI., to join the South Illinois Methodist Episcopal Conference. Ile preached at Salem for three years, Xenia two years, St. Elmo one year, Altamont two years, Farina one year, and in the fall of 1886 he came to East St. Louis, HIL., and was pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church for three years. During this time, the old church was torn down, and, with 820 in the treasury, Mr. Chapin began building a new church. This structure is now one of the finest churches in the city.
In 1889, Mr. Chapin retired from the ministry to enter the journalistic field, and was engaged on reportorial work for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. His spare moments were closely devoted to a study of law, and he was graduated as a student of law at Mckendree College, after which he engaged in its practice, and in a short time his ability was made known and he now controls a fine practice. As a public speaker, he is well known, is earnest, and his words carry conviction to his hearers. Ile is, of course, well read, and is the possessor of one of the most complete and best-selected libra- ries in the county. As an orator, he has no su- perior in the county. Ile is a Royal Arch Mason,
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, the Knights of Honor, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen, and other secret societies. In politics, he is a Republican and his services are much sought for. His wife bore the maiden name of Fannie Johnson, and is the daughter of Maj. L. M. Johnson, Supervisor of the city of East St. Louis.
b ON. ALONZO S. WILDERMAN. Through- ont this portion of Hlinois there is perhaps no resident of St. Clair County better or more favorably known than the gentleman with whose name we introduce this sketch. He is at present serving as Judge of the Third Judicial Circuit of Illinois, which consists of the following nine counties: Bond, Clinton, Madison, Marion, Monroe. Perry, Randolph, St. Clair and Washing- ton. To this responsible position he brings talents of an unusually high order, and the judicial bent of his mind renders his labors highly successful, his decisions impartial and just.
Judge Wilderman is a descendant of one of the oldest families of St. Clair County, and traces his ancestry to Germany. George W., the great- grandfather of our subject, was a native of Wash- ington County, Md., and in 1805 settled in the Territory of Indiana (now Hlinois), the place of settlement being now known as Freeburg, St. Clair County. Here he remained until hus death, which took place a few years later. His son, Dorsey, was born in Washington County, Md., in 1793, and was twelve years old when he accompanied the other members of the family to the West. In 1812, he married Miss Phoebe Carr, who was born in Virginia in 1790. Her father, Joseph Carr, was likewise born in the Old Domimon, his birth occurring March 21, 1752. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and after the close of the struggle came West and settled in Illinois. lle died in this county March 6, 1817.
Dorsey Wilderman, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was connected with the military department on the
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frontiers during the Indian Wars. He died in this county in 1857. Michael J. Wilderman, the . father of our subject, was born in this county October 10, 1814, and was one of five children who survived their parents. His marriage, April 24, 1838, united him with Miss Theresa Patterson, who was born in Guilford County, N. C., March 21, 1818. She was the daughter of Greene B. and Rebecca Patterson, who were of Seotel deseent, members of their families being among the early settlers of North Carolina. Mr. Patterson came to Illinois in 1818, and settled at High Prairie. Mr. and Mrs Wilderman became the parents of seven children. The wife and mother departed this life April 27, 1868.
The subject of this sketch, the eldest son, was born at the parental home near Freeburg, Decem- ber 1, 1839. His boyhood days were passed upon the home farm, and he acquired a good common- school education in the schools of the neighbor- hood. However, his advantages were meagre in comparison with those enjoyed by the children of these days. Possessing an inquiring mind and a love for reading, he made the most of every op- portunity which presented itself, and at maturity bis mind was well stored with valuable informa- tion.
In 1864, having resolved to enter upon the study of law, he entered the office of Hon. S. M. Kase, of Belleville, and two years later was admitted by examination at Mt. Vernon to practice in the courts of the State. In 1868, he formed a part- nership with his preceptor, which continued for four years, when it was dissolved. He then en- tered into partnership with James M. Ilamill, a connection which continued until June 15, 1891, a period of mineteen years lacking twenty days. In 1876, our subject was nominated and elected to represent St. Clair County in the Thirtieth General Assembly of the State. While a member of that body, he sustained his reputation as a care- ful and prudent conservator of public interests, and his service as a member of the Judiciary Com- mittee was efficient and satisfactory.
September 15, 1871. Judge Wilderman mar- ried Miss Amanda, daughter of James Affleck (of whom see sketch on another page of this volume).
Four children have been born of the union: Hes- ter, Augusta A., Emma E. and Blanche. Socially, the Judge is a member of the Masonic order and a Knight Templar. His career as jurist and citizen has developed those noble traits of character alike commendable in private and public life. His ser- vice as Master of Chancery, extending from Sep- tember, 1883, over a period of four years, was emi- nently satisfactory, as indeed have been his labors in every position he has been called upon to fill.
P ETER J. ROSS. An excellent farm located on section 27. in Freeburg Township, is owned by the gentleman whose name opens this article. The father of our subject was John Ross, who was born and reared in Brandan, Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, and was there married to Kath- erine Dasher. He came to this county in 1835, and located for a while on Turkey Hill, and then at the place where our subject now resides, dying at the age of forty-five Ile left a family of seven children, three of whom are now living: Katherine Schneider, who lives in New Athens Township; Mary Erbe, and our subject, who was born January 5, 1830, in Germany, and was about five years old when he came to this country. He was reared on the place where he now lives, and was sent to the best schools of those early days. His father died when he was fifteen years old, and he became the support of the family.
Our subject was married May 13, 1856, to Lou- ise Wilhelmine Loescher, who was the daughter of Benjamin and Johanna Loescher, who were born in Schleitz, in Vogtland, Germany, and came to this country in 1849, dying soon after of the cholera. After his marriage our subject brought his wife to the old place, and here he has lived ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have eight children, as follows: Emma Frances, who is the widow of Samuel Shook; Edmund, who married Sophia Din- telman, and lives in St. Clair County; Philip lives at Turkey Hill, and after the death of his wife, Catherine Mueller, married Clara Barthel; John
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Gottlieb Louis, who is at home; Laura Elizabeth is the wife of Charles Goetz, and lives in Belle- ville; Caroline Catherine Georgina, Carl, and Louise Emma Ross, are all at home.
Mr. Ross has a fine farm of two hundred and twenty-nine acres of land, of which there are about one hundred and fifty improved and in a good state of cultivation. Ile is a good farmer, and his land shows it. He is a member of the Evan- gelieal Lutheran Church, and has been elected to the office of School Director in this district. In his political convictions, he is an Independent, voting for the best man. Ile saw some service in the army, and belonged to Company C, Forty-third Illinois Regiment, and was mustered out of the service in July, 1865. The family and its con- neetions are much respected in this neighborhood.
OMINICK DEKUM, one of the most prom- inent general farmers of St. Clair Town- ship, is a native of this county, where he has spent his worthy life, helping to make the community what it now is by his industry and thrift, and setting an example of what persever- ance and honesty can accomplish. His father, Michael Dekum, was a native of Bavaria, who married Mary Ann Kloek, of Lorraine. In 1810, he emigrated to America and located near Birkner Station, where he followed farming until his death in 1855, when he was only thirty-seven years of age, of the dreaded cholera.
Five children were born unto Michael and Mary Ann Dekum: Rosa is the wife of John J. Schmis- seur, a retired mechanic, residing in Belleville; Catherine was taken away by death in infaney; Frank, a carpenter in Belleville, married Joseph- ine Louis, and they have four children; Jacob died when only six years of age; Dominick, our subject, was the third child in order of birth. Michael Dekum was a good man, and his death was deeply mourned by his family and friends. Mrs. Dekum was married a second time. her hus-
band being Nicholas Sontag, by whom she had four children, as follows: Louis, who died when a child of three years; Emily, who resides on the old farm; Edward, a carpenter, residing in Belle- ville; and Nicholas, who resides on the old home- stead, and is married to Rosa Davenroy. Mrs. Sontag, the loved and revered mother, died Oc- tober 28, 1882. when in her sixtieth year, and her loss was deeply felt throughout the entire commu- nity.
Dominick Dekum was born February 7, 1851, near Centerville Station, St. Clair County, Ill. Ile was reared at Birkner Station, and was twenty-six years of age when he left the home that sheltered him for so many years to found a household of his own. At Belleville, April 17, 1877, he married Miss Louis Schmisseur, the sister of Frank Schmisseur (see his sketeh), and the pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Dekum adjoins the farm of Mr. Schmisseur on the east. Mr. and Mrs. Dekum have no children. They are well-known throughout St. Clair Township, and their hospita- ble dispositions render a visit to their home an event always to be remembered with pleasure.
Mr. Dekum carries on general farming and has been very successful in agricultural pursuits. Ile has never desired office, but has been content to use his influence in a quiet way, upholding the principles of the Democratic party in a loyal man- ner. In rehgious matters, he and his wife are members of the Catholic Church and they carry the teaching> of the Divine Master into their daily walks of life, making all who know them respect the faith they so earnestly uphold. If the citizens of Illinois were of this type, our State, that we all love so dearly, would soon increase in prosperity tenfold.
REDRICK VOGEL, SR. The German-Amer- ican citizens form a very important ele- ment in the population of St. Clair County, where they are known as law-abiding and progres- sive men, devoted to the interests of their adopted
RESIDENCEOF DOMINICK DE KUM, SEC. 7., ST. CLAIR TP., ST. CLAIR CO., ILL.
RESIDENCE OF FRIEDRICH VOGEL, SEC. 34., STOOKEY TP., ST. CLAIR CO., ILL.
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home. One of the number is the subject of this sketch, who is a successful farmer, owning and operating a well-improved tract of land on section 34, Stookey Township. The farm is one of the best in the county, the improvements first class, and the soil under good cultivation.
The parents of our subject were, like himself, natives of Germany, and were by name Conrad and Christina Vogel, the father born in 1796, and the mother in 1790. The former was reared in a German village, where he learned the trade of a tinner, and was thus occupied until he came to America in 1833, accompanied by his family. Ar- riving in St. Louis on the 4th of July, that year, he remained there only a few weeks, but during his short stay had the misfortune to lose one of his children hy cholera, which was raging in the city at that time.
Coming to St. Clair County, Conrad Vogel pur- chased a farm of eighty acres in Stookey Town- ship, and then went to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he sojourned a few months. Returning to this county, he bought two hundred acres where our subject now lives. He survived his wife many years, his death occurring in 1879, at an advanced age. IIe was identified with the Lutheran Church, of which his wife was also a faithful member. They were the parents of three children, but the only sur- vivor is Fredrick, who was born in Germany in 1827.
At the age of six years, our subject accompanied his parents to the United States, and grew to man- hood in this county, the progress of which he has witnessed, and assisted in for many years. When ready to establish a home of his own, he was mar- ried in 1849, to Miss Johanna, daughter of John Philip and Mary Wirth, and unto them have been born nine children, four of whom died in infancy. The following is noted of the surviving members of the family: Louis married Catherine Miller, and they have four children, viz: Louisa, Carrie, Louis, Jr., and Edward; Conrad is at home; Louisa is the wife of Benjamin Zintg, and the mother of two children, Nettie and Conrad; Fredrick married Mary Wirth, and they have three children: Freda. Matilda and Meda; and Emil is at home.
After his marriage, Mr. Vogel rented his father's
farm, where he has since resided, and which be- came his property upon the death of his father. Ilere he has since labored in tilling the soil and harvesting the grain, and through economy and industry has become well-to-do and prosperous. lle is not particularly interested in political mat- ters, preferring the quiet enjoyment of domestic life to public affairs. He nevertheless votes the Republican ticket, and upholds its principles with fidelity. In his religious views, he is a member of the Lutheran Church, and the cause of morality and progress finds in him a stanch adherent.
G USTAV J. SCHEVE. Among the promi- ment and well-established business men of Maseoutah, stands the name of Gustav .J. Scheve, who has been engaged in the real-estate business in this city since 1879. This business im- mediately took a very important hold upon the community, for in the very nature of things it was impossible that a man of such caliber as Mr. Scheve could engage in any business without making an indelible impress upon the favorable opinion of the residents and business men of the locality. Ilis business is far-reaching in nature, and he has on his list many choice lots for investment. In insur- ance matters he is also well to the front, for he has special agencies for some of the leading companies of the United States, and can always quote premiums at lowest rates.
In 1878, our subject was commissioned Notary Public, which office he is still filling. About five years ago he branched out into the banking business, which line of his business has been steadily increas- ing, and he is now having an office and bank vault constructed, which, if completed, will be an orna- ment to the city, and one of the safest and best arranged, equipped with all modern improvements. including safe deposit boxes, etc., and, judging from the well-merited confidence placed in him by the people of Maseontah, he will soon enjoy one of the best patronages of a country bank.
Mr. Scheve was born in Mascontah on the 18th
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of September, 1846, and is a son of Julius and Amelia (Lang) Scheve, natives of Germany, the father born in Heidelberg, and the mother in Southern Prussia. In 1833, the former braved Neptune'> tender mercies and crossed to America, landing in New Orleans. Ile came with a com- pany of young men, and settled in Shiloh Valley, St. Clair County, Ill., being one of the founders of Lateiner Settlement, so named on account of the number of students located there. Mr. Scheve remained there until 1836, when he returned to his native country to settle up his affairs there. While there, in 1839, he was married to Miss Lang, and in 1840 he returned to his adopted country. He and his wife settled near Edwardsville, where he bought land and was actively engaged in tilling the soil. In 1844, he came to Mascoutah, St. Clair County, Ill., and was engaged in merchandising, being one of the earliest merchants. This business he continued until 1863. when he sold out and re- tired from the active duties of life. Ilis death or- curred on the 6th of July, 1884, at the age of about sixty-nine years. The mother passed away on the 16th of October, 1873, when about sixty- four years of age. Both died in Mascoutah. The father was Postmaster under Lincoln, and held that position until about 1868. Ile was Township School Treasurer from 1856 until 1875, and also held the position of Notary Public. Formerly a Whig in polities, he later joined the Republican ranks, and was a stanch advocate of that party. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Fred Scheve, passed his entire life in Germany, as did also the maternal grandfather. dlaeob Lang.
The original of this notice was one of four chil- dren, as follows: Alvina, Charles, Fred J. and Gustav J. Alvina was born in Germany, married Mr. J. P. Postel, and is the mother of five children. She is now a resident of Mascoutah, Il. Charles was born in Madison County, IN., and is now a widower. Ile has two sons, and was the first vol- unteer to offer his service in defense of his coun- try, April 5. 1861, from Mascoutah. During the Civil War, he enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Infan- try. and was Second Lieutenant of Company C. He was wounded at Corinth and this crippled him for life. Fred J., born in Madison County, III.,
married Miss Sophia Schenrer, and for many years was engaged in merchandising. He is now re- tired. During the war he enlisted in Company (', Ninth Illinois Regiment, and was in active service for three years. Ile was quite severely wounded at Shiloh.
Our subject received the advantages of a good common-school education, and subsequently at- tended the German Institute in St. Louis for two and one-half years. Ile was educated in the German
1 language, and also beeame quite proficient in the French and English languages. Our subject was but fourteen years of age when the war broke out, and this interrupted his schooling to some extent, for, his elder brothers having enlisted, he came home to assist his father. His brother Fred came home from the army in 1864, and he and our sub -. ject conducted the store until 1875, and in 1877 embarked in the lumber business. In 1879. the latter embarked in his present business, real estate and insurance, in which he has met with flattering success. From 1879 to 1886, he was Justice of the Peace. In politics, he is a firm Republican. Mr. Scheve was married on the 10th of September, 1877, to Miss Emma Dauber, daughter of Lonis D. and Elizabeth (Merck) Danber, and a native of Mascontah. Iler parents were born in Germany, and are still living. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Scheve, Louis and Elmer. Mr. Scheve is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been Secretary of his lodge for ten years.
OIIN KNOBELOCH, of Shiloh Valley Town- ship, where he resides on a farm situated on section 26. was born in 1839, on the same farm where he now lives. Ile is a son of John and Elizabeth (Hardy) Knobeloch. The father was born in Darmstadt, Germany, in 1809, and his wife in Switzerland in 1811. Mr. Knobeloch grew to manhood in his native coun- try, and after reaching manhood, learned the trade of a glazier. Believing that better opportunities were afforded to young men of energy and indus-
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try in the New World, he accordingly set sail for the United States in 1832. Ile located in St. Clair County. Ill., and then sent for his parents. He returned to Baltimore. where he met them on their arrival, and brought them to Illinois, where they made a settlement on the farm adjoining the one which he had purchased. For about one year he carried on farming under the supervision of his father, and then bought land of his own, a tract of three hundred acres in St. Clair County, and later, two hundred acres in Washington County.
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