St. Clair County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1881 (part 2 of 13)

Is a native of St. Clair county, Illinois, born February 9th, 184 i. His father, John Halbert, was a native of Virginia, and of English ancestry. He emigrated west at an early day, and settled in St. Clair county, where he followed farming, teaching school, and subsequently engaged in merchandising, in which business he was engaged at the time of his death. He fell a victim to the cholera in 1849. He married Clarissa, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Cox) Carr. Jacob was the son of Joseph Carr, who was a native of Virginia, but left that state and settled in what is now St. Clair county as early as 1793. The subject of this sketch is the only offspring of the union of John aud Clarissa Halbert. His mother died in 1841, soon after his birth. He was taken into the home and reared by his maternal grandparents. He received a fair English education in the .schools of his neighborhood. At the age of sixteen he entered McKendrec College, at Lebanon, Illinois, and remained there three years; then left and entered tlu^ Minois College, at Jacksonville, and there completed his education, and graduated from that institution in 1861. After his return from school he engaged in teaching, taught six months, then enlisted as a private for three years. Upon the organization of the 117th regiment Illinois Volunteers, he was elected captain of company " H," a position he held during his entire term of service. The regiment, of which he was a member was, for the greater jtortion of the time a part of the 16th Army Corps, under command of Major General A. J. Smith, and participated in many of the battles in which the corps was engaged. The regiment also formed a part of the command under General Banks, and was in the disastrous Red liiver campaign, also in what is known as the "Meridian Kaid;" afterwards assisted in the capture of Mobile, the reduction of Fort Blakley and Spanish Forts. At the close of the war he was mustered out of the service the date of which was August 5th, 1865. After his return to Belleville he entered the law office of Hon. W. H. Underwood, and commenced reading law. At the fall term (1866) of the Supreme Court held at Ottawa, Illinois, he applied for admission to the bar. He passed a creditable examination and was admitted. He commenced the practice in Belleville, and has continued here to the present. In 1868 he was nominated by the Republican party for the office of State's Attorney for the Judicial District, which was composed of the counties of St. Clair, Bond and Madison ; and in November of the same year was elected. He held the office for four years, aud retired, in 1872, at the end of his term, having earned the reputation of an able, efficient and vigilant public prosecutor. In 1875, after the death of Judge Underwood, Captain Halbert formed a partnership with C. F. Noetling, Underwood's law partner, and together they have continued the practice to the present time. They have a very large and lucrative business, and as lawyers take front rank at the bar of St. Clair county. As a lawyer, Capt. Halbert is rewigni'/.ed as possessing a clear, logical mind. In the courts of this and surrounding counties he has secured for himself a most excellent and enviable reputation as a sound lawyer. His practice while State's Attorney was confined to the criminal, but afterwards embraced all branches of the law, both before the courts of the county and in the intricate litigation before the Supreme aud Federal courts. Before all these courts he has proven himself a man of sound legal learning, successful in the management of his cases, ready in resources, possessing much tact, and especially able m the presentation of a case to tlie court and j ury. He has earned the well-merited reputation of being one of the most successful lawyers m this Judicial District. Politically Captain Halbert is a stauch Republican, and most soundly indoctrinated in the principles of that political organization. His first vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln for president in 1864, and from that time to the present he has not swerved from his allegiance to the party of his first choice.

On the 4th of April, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma L. Underwood, of Belleville. Her father, Judge W H. Underwood, was a native of Schoharie county, New york, and was born in 1818, and came west to Belleville in 1840. He became prominent in the profession of law, ably filled the offices of Stat^ 's Attorney, Judge of the Circuit Court, and represented St. Clair county in the State Legislature, and two terms in the Senate, and was also a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1869. He was a man of marked ability, and his reputation as a lawyer was known throughout the Sute. He married Miss M. E. Smith, in 1841, and died September 23d, 1875.

Captain Halbert, in his manners, is a plain, unassuming gentleman, of fine social qualities, broad, liberal views, and most generous impulses.

Dr. Lyman P. Stookey

The Stookey family is an old one in the history of St. Clair county. Daniel Stookey, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Virginia. He removed with his family to the territory of Illinois in 1805, and settled near Belleville in St. Clair county, and there remained until his death. He married Barbara "Whetstone, who was also a native of Virginia. Of this union was Moses Stookey, the father of Dr Stookey. He was born in Virginia in January of 1789. He grew to manhood in St. Clair county, and died in 1857, on the farm were his father settled in 1805. He married Elizabeth ' Anderson, who was a native of Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, and was born in 1807. Her parents came to St. Clair county, Illinois, in 1812. Her marriage took place in 1824, and her death occurred March 9th, 1869. By this union there were eleven children. Four sons and three daughters have survived the parents. Lyman P. is the youngest of the family. He was born in St. Clair county, Feb I3th, 1846.

He was reared upon the farm, and attended the district schools, where he prepared himself for entrance to Shurtlefl^ College at Upper Alton ; here he spsnt two years, after which he returne.l home and commenced the study of medicine. After careful readiug and several years of study, he went to St. Louis and entered the Medical College, and took one full term. His health failing, he was compelled to suspend his studies, which he took up again in 1869. In the tall of the same year, he for the second time entered the St. Louis Medical College, completing the course, and graduating from that institution with the degree of M D. Immediately thereafter he commenced the practice in Belleville, where he has continued to the present time. In the practice of medicine Dr. Stookey has been eminently successful, and is in the possession of a large and lucrative business. He belongs to the progressive school of medicine, and keeps fully posted and abreast with the many new discoveries that are constantly being made in medical science. He is an active member of the State Medical, Southern Illinois, and St. Clair County Medical Societies.

Oil the 25th of October, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss A. M. L. Brumbaugh, of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. The marriage has been blessed with three children, one of whom is living, who is named Lyman B. Stookey, now in his third year. Dr. Stookey is a member of the Baptist Church, and his wife was reared in the faith of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

He is also a member of the ancient order of Freemas )nry, and belongs to St. Clair Lodge, No. 24, of BdUeville, Illinois. Some years ago he became a member of the I. O. O. F., and in that order has passed the different Chairs, as Past Grand, and also Past Grand Patriarch in the Encampment. Politically, he is a democrat. He simply votes and exercises his rights as a citizen, and further takes no active part in politics.

Few young men in the profession of medicine have attained the reputation and large practice now enjoyed by Dr. Scookey, which is in part attributable to his success in the treatment of diseases incident to this climate and locality ; and secondly, to the close attention which he gives to his business. Genuine love for the profession makes him a student, united with which, is industrious habits. The union of both are necessary to make the successful practitioner. In 1879 he opened a drug store in connection with his practice. His object was to have pure drugs, and that he might have his own prescriptions carefully compounded and prepared. Dr. Stookey is of pleasing and easy address conversational powers.

The pi-eseiit county clcl'k of St. ('lair counly is a native nf l'ia,i;uc, Bohemia, Austria, born Se]it. 1st, 1^39. His pari'uts eniii^rated to America in 1850, and first settled in Ohio. Louis ( !. was educated in the .schools of his native country and (Jhio. Ho rea<l niedieim^ and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Medicine and iSurgery, and in 1861 came west to St, Chiir C(junty, Illinois, aud couimenced the practice, in which he continued until December, 1860, when failing health compelled him to abandon the })rofession. Jletlien entered the county clerk's office as deputy, and remained in that position until 1873, when he was elected county clerk. In 1877 he became his own successor, and at present is discharging the duties therein imposed in a manner alike creditable to himself and those who honored him with their suffrages. In 1880 he was honored by being nominated for the office of State auditor, by tlie Democratic State Convention, but suffered defeat witli the balance of the ticket. He is active and prominent in Masonic circles. He belongs to all tlu' orders of Masonry, including Ancient Ilite iMasonry. He has been J'^niinent-Commander of Tancred Conimandery N.). 50, stationcl at Itclleville, since its organization. Politically he is a sound <l^''-iocrat. On the 18th of January, 1859, he was united in marnage to M,ss Anna Br,yant of Fayette county, Ohio. By this union there are hve cluldren living-all sons, and all of whom are yet beneath the jiarental roof

Socially Dr.Starkel possesses .|nalities of a high order. Liberally educated, a fine conversationalist, of polite and agreeable manners, he ,s the bie of the social circle. Moreover, he is a gentlen.an of nio.t generous nnpulses, sanguine in ten.peran.ent; whole souled and op.n.heartec, he attracts and secures confidence at first sight. Coupled w.th these traits of character his integrity and worth as a

James L. Perkyman, A.M., M.D.

The Ferryman family are of English ancestry on the paternal side, and German on the maternal. Three brothers, named James, John and David Ferryman came with Leonard Calvert, brother of Lord Baltimore, to America in 1632, and formed the colony of Maryland. One of these brothers was secretary to Calvert, another became a member of the Colooial Parliament, and the third was engaged in Indian wars on the frontier.

From these three brothers have sprung the present Ferryman family in this country. The great-grandfather of our subject held an appointment under the authority of the king of Englaud that required his residence in the colonies lying along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, which took him into the Caroliuas. There is no positive knowledge as to what kind of an appointment it was, but it is sufficient that it was one requiring courage, knowledge of the country and wants of the people over whom he was called to preside as their executive officer and military protector. While a resident of the Carolinas his son, James E. Ferryman, was born. He was bred to martial life in the camp under the instructions of his father. At the breaking out of the Revolutionary war he espoused the patriot cause, entered the service, and rose to the rank of Colonel. He was connected with the army under the command of General Wayne, and participated with that gallant hero in the hard-fought and historic battles of Saratoga, Germantown and Brandy wine.

Aftt r the close of the war he removed to Tennessee and settled in Claiborne county. He there married Nancy Condray, by whom he had a large family. Charles Mattison Ferryman, one of the sons, and father of the subject of this sketch, was born in the above named county and state in 1809, and there grew to manhood and married. In 1832 he came north to Illinois and settled^ near Lebanon, St. Clair county. He afterwards returned to.j Tennessee, then came back to this county and removed to Jefferson City, Mo., again returned here, where he remained uutil his death which occurred in 1851. He was a man of naturally fine tastes and considerable culture. In the use of choice language he was an adept and superior to most men. The ability to talk well or write well is a trait characteristic of the Ferryman family. Many of ihem have attained distinction in the form and in the general domain of oratory.

While yet a resident of Tennessee, and on September 1st, 1829, he married Miss Louisa J. Collingsworth. She « as born January 9th, 1814, in the same county and state, and yet survives her husband, and is, at present, a resident with her son, the subject of this sketch. Her father was also a soldier of the Revolution. By this marriage there were four children, all sons, of whom Dr. Ferryman is the eldest and sole survivor. The second son was named Frederick A. He died in his fifteenth year. Bluford Hamilton was the name of the third. He was born in St. Clair county, November 1st, 1835, and was educated for the profession of medicine, and was a graduate of the medical school of St. Louis. He married Miss Sarah Holmes, of Galena, 111., by whom he had two children, named Ida, who died in her nineteenth year, and Hamma, who was reared by Dr. Ferryman, and is yet an inmate of his home.

Bluford H. Ferryman died March 5th, 1860. Horace M. was the youngest son. He was born in Jefferson City, Mo., February 6th, 1838, and died September 20th, 1870. He was also educated by his eldest brother for the profession of medicine, and, in early life, gave evidence and promise of a brilliant career in the profession. He graduated with honors and entered upon his practice with great hopes of achieving success, and leaving the impress of his knowledge and skill upon the science of msdicine. But " mau proposes and God disposes." While yet in the full flush of manhood, vigor and strength, he was cut down and laid away in the silent chambers of death In his early demise the profession lost one of its brightest memberi. He married Miss Mary Belcher, a native of St. Clair county. She was an amiable and superior woman. She died January 1st, 1863. By this marriage there was a son and daughter, Edgar and Stella Ferryman. After the death of his first wife, he married Miss Mary Tertlington, by whom he had one son, named Jerome. The children of his first wife have also been reared by Dr. James L. Ferryman and his estimable wife, who have lavished on them all the affection of parents.

James L. Ferryman, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Claiborne county, Tenn., April 11th, 1831. He was yet in his infancy when his father removed to Illinois. His boyhood days were spent upon the farm and in the schools of his neighborhood, where he learned the rudimentary principles and received a fair English education,', He soon passed the limits of a common school instruction, and, in his sixteenth year, entered McKendree College, taking the full course. He remained there until his graduation, four years later. He had, previous to his entering college, determined to adopt the profession of medicine as the business of his life, and, with that idea in' view, became an ardent and enthusiastic student of books and literature, that led him in the direction of that science. After his graduation, in 1849, he entered the office of Drs. W. W. & J. A. Roman, of Belleville, and, under their direction, pursued his stadies uatil he had made sufficient progress to enter the Medical Ddpartment of the University of Missouri, where he took two full courses and graduated with the degree of M.D. He returned to the county and commenced the practice at Freeburg, where he remained for several years, then returned to St. Louis and entered the St. Lou^ JVIedical College and was graduated therefrom. At a later date, he attended lectures on medicine and surgery in Jefferson College, Fhiladelphia. From there he went to the College of Fhysicians and Surgeons in New York, and attended lectures for one term. His intention was to qualify himself for instructor in medicine in the University of Missouri, but the premature death of his father, whereby the cares of the family and their maintenance depended mainly upon him, disarranged his plans and prevented him from carrying out long-cherished designs. He took charge of the family, educated his brothers, prepared them for the profession and provided for their wants uutil they became self-supporting. This trying ordeal was attended with difficulties and embarrassments that would have broken down and discouraged many stronger men, but he had the courage and the will-power, and he struggled through, never uttering a complaint, steadily gaining in practice, and at last emerged from under the load, a strong man, with full confidence in his strength and ability to overcome any and all obstacles obstructing life's pathway.

In the profession of medicine. Dr. Ferryman belongs to the progressive school, as is attested by his active membership in the State Medical, St. Clair County, and Southern Illinois Medical Societies which are organized for the advancement of the science.

Folitically, he is a member of the dmocratic party, but seeks no office, nor takes further part than to express his sentiments through the right of the ballot. Sometimes, during exciting national campaigns, he gives expression to his sentiments from the hustings, where his voice is heard admonishing his friends, and pointing out the way that leads to national welfare, and the success of the political organization of which he is a member. On such occasions, the gift of oratory, bequeathed to so many of the family, does not desert him.

On the 20th of September, 1858, he was united in marriage to Miss Virginia, daughter, and only survivor, of Kichard A. Bradsby, an old and prominent settler of this county. Her parents were natives of Kentucky. Her grandfather, William Bradsby, and his brother, were soldiers of the revolution, and went from Virginia, their native State, to join Washington's command. After the war they emigrated to Kentucky with Daniel Boone, and took part with him in the tragic events occurring on the " dark and bloody ground." The family of Bradsbys emigrated to Illinois in 1804. Bichard Bradsby here accumulated large possessions and held honorable and responsible positions. He died September 5th, 1875.

In his manners. Dr. Ferryman is an urbane, pleasant and agreeable gentleman, possessed of fine conversational powers and a mind well stored with information upon history, literature and the current topics of the day. He is a pleasing talker and a companionable and entertaining friend.

William Winkelman

Among the prominent attorneys who have achieved success is Mr. Winkelman. He was born in Destel, Prussia, February 28, 1829. He is the son of Christian and Wilhelmiua Winkelman. His father was a practicing lawyer and a large property holder, and consequently a man of much prominence in his country. William is the second child in a family of ten children, of whom four are now living. One sister and brother yet remain in their native land, and one sister - now a widow - is a resident of Clinton county. 111. Mr. Winkelman's education was received in the public schools ; he also had fine opportunities of receiving an academic and university training, but he was of such a disposition that he could not submit to the dull and irksome routine of school-life. His knowledge, therefore, is not from books, but rather from actual experience and contact with the world. On the 25th of April, 1849, he left his native country and emigrated to America, coming direct to St. Louis, where he arrived July 2d following, without money, relations, or friends to apply to for help or assistance. He was a complete stranger in the city. He realized for the first time in his life that henceforth his success in life must depend upon himself. He looked around, and soon found work at teaming, for which he received $10 per month and board. He continued the occupation of teamster for six months, when his employer failed, and was unable to pay his employees. He next hired to drive a team at a saw mill in St. Louis, for which he received $25 per month. He remained at that place for eighteen mouths, when the men and teams were removed to Jefierson county. Mo. There he continued the san)e occupation. At the end of six mouths he bought a wagon and team, and hauled iron ore from the Filot Knob and Iron Moun ains to St Genevieve, a distance of twenty-five miles. After two years of tliis kind of labor he sold his wagon and traded his horses for a saloon in Caledonia, Washington county. Mo. While in the latter place he became acquainted with Miss Elizabeth Hanger, an American lady, to whom he was married on the 7th of I^ovemher, 1855, at the house of Judge Ferryman, in the s-ame county. The next day Mr. W. and his wife Uft for Illinois, and the lollowiiig day landed in

Monroe city, in Monroe county. There Mr. Winkelman opened a saloon, and carried it on with great success for two years. During this time he got hold of text books on law, and he concluded to study for the profession of law. He first purchased a dictionary and "Walker's American Law," and next "Haines' Treatise." His wife and the dictionary were frequently consulted with reference to the definition of words and their proper pronunciation, the latter being the most diflBcult thing for him to master. After he had obtained a fair knowledge of law, he commenced the practice before justices' courts, and was quite successful. While attending court in Waterloo, in September of 1862, he made application to Judge W. H. Underwood, a prominent attorney of Belleville, to read law in his oflice. His wishes were gratified, and one week later he had read Blackstone's Commentaries through In September following he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of the state. From the first outstart he had a paying business. The first year his fees amounted to $1,500. His practice increased from year to year. In 1868 he came in contact with the court - Judge Gillespie presiding. Mr. Winkelman at once promptly removed his case to the Supreme Court, and emerged from that tribunal of justice victorious. By this time the better class of citizens became fully acquainted with his merits, and, finding him deserving of their support, were not slow to put him in possession of their legal business. The result was his business increased, and his practice realized him from $8,000 to $10,000 per year. That practice he to a large exient retains, but of late years a great deal of his time is given to the management of his farm lands and city property. In the former he has invested largely in the last few years. He is now the owner of 4,600 acres of land, divided into twenty farms, all highly improved. They are located in the counties of St. Clair, Clinton, and Monroe. From these lands and city property he realizes from rents about $15,000 annually. The whole value will aggregate $200,000. Politically he has always acted and voted with the democratic party. Sometimes during the heated campaigns he has addressed his fellow-citizens from the rostrum. His speeches, we are told, are replete with good sense, and show a thorough knowledge of the political questions of the day. He is gifted with oratory, and whether in the hustings or on the forum, he commands the attention of his audience by his earnestness, logical statements, and fonible delivery. As a lawyer he is well read. In many of the criminal cases of importance, in this judicial district, he is retained for the defence, and very rarely fails to secure an acquittal for his client. He is aggressive, which sometimes subjects him to censure, as the following colloquy will show: The judge being troubled, and somewhat out of humor, remarked, " Mr. Winkleman, you cause me more trouble than any other lawyer at the bar." Mr. W. coolly replied, looking up at the judge, " May it please your honor, I have more business than any other lawyer at the bar." The judge smiled, and the business proceeded as usual.

The secret of Mr. Winkleman's success has been his self-reliant powers, industry, and indomitable will. Trained in the hard, rough school of adversity, he learned early to depend on himself. Few men have succeeded as he has. Self-educated, he mastered the pn - fes^ion, and lose side by side with those who had enjoyed early and thorough training in the best schools of the country, and he is now recognized as an able and successful lawyer. Success is the world's measure of a man. The world has no use for unsuccessful men.

The OLD ST 00 KEY HOMESTEAD is Represented by theLower Picture, as it Appeared Forty Years Ago. The House Was Built in 1802. The Views in The Upper Corners ShowsThe Remains of The Old Building As it Now Stan os.

The West family of St. Clair county are among the oldest American settlers and early pioneers of Illin(Ms. They are of Englis-h ancestry, and came with Leonard Calvert, brother of Lord Baltimore, in 1632, and formed the tirst settlement of Maryland. John West, the great-great-grandfather, lived and died in Maryland. His son, Benjamin, removed to Virginia at a date prior to the revolution, and during that memorable struggle served upon the staff of General AVashington. The family remained in Virginia nntil 1818, when they came west to the territory of Illinois, and settled in St. Clair county. Washington West, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Maryland, and, while in his infancy, the family removed to Virginia. He married Frances Mitchell, of Virginia. By this marriage there were three children - two sons and one daughter. Benjamin Hillerary West, the father of Dr. West, was born in Virginia in IS 17, aiid was but one year old when the family came to Illinois. He married Miss Maria Catherine Hiel, a native of King and Queen's county, Virginia. She was born in 1824. Both jMrents are still living, and residents of this county. By this union there was a large family - eleven children, yet living - all of whom have reached the age of maturity. Washingt(;n West is the third son, and fourth in the family. He was born near Belleville, St. Clair county, Illinois, February 9th, 1847. He was raised uj)on the farm, and received his primary education in the public schools of Belleville. At the age of seventeen he entered the city university of St. Louis, and remained there two years after which he entered the office of Dr. James L. Perryman, of Belleville, Illinois, and commenced the study of medicine. ' 28

He prosecuted his studies diligently, and soon prepared himself for entrance to the St. Louis Medical College, in which inttituti.m he took two full courses, graduating in 1868 with the degree of M D. He began the practice in Belleville, but .-oon after received tlie appointment of assistant Surgeon in the United States army, and \Aa3 assigned to active duty on the staff of Cnn. William E. Harney, then stationed at the Cheyenne River Agency, in Dakota Ten itoiy. He remained in the regular service two years, when he tendered his resignation, which was accepted, and he returned to Belleville and continued the practice. In 187G he attended lectures (clinics) in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, and there received much valuable medical infonnation in the different branches of the science. He is a member of the American Medical Association, State Southern Illinois, and St. Clair County INIedical Societies. At the last meeting of the American :Medical Association, held in Richmond, Virginia, in May, 1881, he was a delegate, and represented the Illinois State Medical Society in that convention. On the 30th of June, 1870, he was united in marriage to 31iss Mary Agnes Wolfe, a native of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, but a resident of St. Louis at the time of her marriage. By this union there are four children - one son and three daughters. His wife is a me-mber of the Presbyterian Church- Politically, he is a democrat. Dr. West takes great interest in the different secret organizations, and is particularly active in Masonic circles. He betongs to all the orders in ancient craft Masonry, and is a Sir Knight and member of Tancred commandery No. 50, stationed at Belle-ville, and is Recorder of the order. He is also a member <.if the Knights of Pythias, I. 0. 0. F., and the beneficiary order of Knights of Honor. In the practice of medicine Dr. West has been unusually successful, and is in the possession of a large and lucrative business. He is a man of fine medical attainment-*, and thoroughly in love with his profession. In his manners and habits he is a dignified gentleman, of scholarly mien, though possessing social qualities of a high order. He is temperate, and neat in person. It is with genuine pleasure that the writer of this article has the opportunity of paying this tribute to the character of one who stands high in the estimation of the good people of Belleville and vicinity.

Fred. K. Ropiequet

This gentleman was born on the Rhine, Bavaria, December 16, 1835. His father, Andrew Joseph Ropiequet, was a lawyer of high standing, and possessed ample means. He died in 1847- Fredcrick's youth was passed in the free schools of his native country, and therein he was fitted for entrance to the Latia schools. At the age of fourteen he entered the Polytechnical School at Kaiserlanturu, aud pursued his studies for three years, taking a full course in geometry, trigonometry and the higher grades in mathematics. He also studied mineralogy, geology, practical science and the science of mechanism, taking the full course and graduation from that school. His object was to prepare himself for entrance in the College of Mining, at Freeburg, Saxony, where he proposed to further pursue his studies, and fit himself for the profession of geologist and mineralogist. However, before going to Freeburg, he met Mr. Abend, a prominent citizen of Belleville, Illinois, who was paying a visit to his old home in Germany. He gave young Ropiequet a glowing account of the new world, and of the many advantages there attending the industrious youth, which so impressed him that he changed his rqind, gave up the plans made for entering the school, and, instead, prepared for immediate emigration to America. He landed in New York in December of 1862, and came direct to Belleville, where, soon after, he found employment in a general store as clerk. One year later he took up the profession of civil engineer, and surveying under Henry Holbrook. The next year he received the appointment of assistant engineer, and assisted in the construction of the Alton branch of the Belleville and Illinois-' town Railroad, now known as the Terre Haute, Alton and St. Louis Road. He remained in the service of the company one year, then returned to Belleville, where, soon after, he was appointed City Engineer, and held that position for two years. He then concluded to adopt the profession of law. He studied under George Trumbull, and continued until Geo. C. Hart was elected sheriff of the county. He appointed Ropiequet his deputy. After his term expired he resumed surveying, and continued until E. H. Fleming was elected sheriff, when he was again appointed deputy, and remained in the office until 1862. From that date until 1864, he compiled the St. Clair County Abstract Records, and sold them to Chas. P. Knispel, in 1867. In 1864 he was nominated and elected sheriff of St. Clair county by a majority of 1700, which was strong evidence of his personal popularity. By the then existing laws he could not become his own successor, and he retired from the sheriff's office in 1866. In December, 1867, formed the firm of Eslert & Ropiequet, founders and manufacturers of all kind of agricultural implements He continued in this business until 1876. In 1875 he was appointed County Treasurer and Assessor, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Hon Edward Rutz. In 1877 he commenced the compilation of a second set of Abstract Records, which, when completed, he sold to Mr. Sebastian Fietsara. In 1879 he was elected City Treasurer, and held the office until his resignation, in 1880, when he was nominated and elected sheriff of the county, a position he now fills to the entire satisfaction of the people who honored him with their suffrages. In addition to the offices named, he has filled others of local honor and trust. In 1868 he was elected Mayor of the city of Belleville. He has been a Republican in politics from the time of casting his first vote to the present. Mr. Ropiequet is very popular with the masses, as was evidenced in the late election, when he carried the county by 756 majority in excess of his party vote.

On the 13th of October, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna, daughter of Col. Hugo Wangelin, an old settler and prominent citizen of Belleville. During the late war he was Colonel of the 12th Regiment, Mo. Vol., and was breveted Brigadier General for gallant and meritorious conduct. Mrs. Ropiequet was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1841, but was a resident of Lebanon, in St. Clair county. 111., at the time of her marriage. By that marriage there are eight children, three son? and five daughters.

The present editor and publisher of the Belleville Republican is " to the manor born." His birth-place was Monroe county, Illinois, and the date November 6, 1840. His father, John Eekert, was a native of Pennsylvania, and emigrated west as early as 1818, and settled in St. Clair county. 111. He subsequently removed to Monroe county, where he remained until his death, in April, 1842. He was twice married. His last wife, who still survives him, and, at present, is a resident of Lebanon, in this county, was Arab Williams. She is a native of Kentucky, but was a resident of Monroe county, Illinois, at the time of her marriage By this union there were four children, all of whom are still living. Thomas W. is the youngest of the family. He came with the family to Lebanon in 1853. His early educational training was received in the common schools of Monroe and St. Clair counties. At the age of sixteen years he entered McKendree College, at Lebanon, and spent three years in further preparing himself for4;he bustle of life. After he left college he engaged in mercantile pursuits, in which he continued until 1863, when he took up the profession of dentistry. He practiced his profession in St. Louis for three years, then returned to Lebanon, and continued until 1872. His health failing, he was compelled to abandon the business. He concluded to try journalism, and made his first venture in that direction by purchasing the Lebanon Journal. The venture proved a reasonably profitable one. He continued the paper until 1878, with the exception of a short time, during th&se years, when it was in the hands of parties who had purchased it, but failing t6 meet their obligations, it fell back into Mr. Eckert's hands. In 1878 he sold out, and in February following, came to Belleville and established the Belleville Republican, now one of the recognized political organs of. this Congressional District. His connection with the Republican has continued without interruption to the present time. Mr. Eekert is a good newspaper man, because of his industry, close attention to business and desire to give his patrons a good, newsy paper, and one worthy of their support. The leading feature of the Republican is its local columns, which are always filled with bright, crispy news and home society events. That kind of management has reacted in a steadily increasing patronage and wide circulation. On the 30th of May, 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Viola M. Calhoun, daugh- ter of Dr. Calhoun, an old and prominent physician and settler of the northern part of St. Clair county. By this marriage there have been three children, one son and two daughters. Politically, Mr. Eckert has always been, from casting his first vote, a Republican. In 1874 he was appointed postmaster in Lebanon, 111 , and held the position for nearly two years when he nsigned.

Dr. Ferdinand Rubach

The subject of the following biographical sketch is a native of the Province of Nassau, Germany. The date of his birth was November 29, 1837. His father, Augustus W. Rubach was educated in the military schools and was an officer in the German army. He emigrated to America in 1841, and settled in Philadelphia, where he remained two years, then came west to St. Clair County, Illinois, where he engaged in farming, and subsequently in mercantile pursuits in Belleville. He died in 1871. He married Miss Wilhelmina Schenck, youngest daughter of President Schenck of the Duchy of Nassau. She still survives her husband, and is a resident of Belleville, and an inmate of the home of her son, the subject of this sketch. By this union there were two children, both sons, who lived to the age of maturity. William R., the youngest son, was a soldier in the late war. He enlisted in the 12th Regiment, Mo. Vols., under the first call for troops. After the term of the first enlistment expired he volunteered for three years' service in the same regiment, and was promoted to the rank of Adjutant of the regiment. He served through the war.

Ferdinand received his education in the Public Schools of Belleville and by private instruction At the age of eighteen he entered the ofiice of Dr. A. Hammer of St. Louis, and commenced the study of medicine. After making suitable progress in his studies he entered the St. Louis Medical College, taking two full courses, and graduated from that institution in March, 1858, with the degree of M.D. In May following he went to Germany, and entered the Medical Department of the University of Wiirtzburg, and pursued his studies there for eighteen months. From Wiirtzburg he went to Prague, Austria, and from there to Vienna, where he received special instruction from Professor Arlt. From the latter place he went to Berlin, where he studied the diseases of the eye, and their remedies, under the celebrated surgeon and specialist, Professor Von Graefe. He then returned to Belleville, having been absent three years, which time was employed in receiving more thorough instruction in Materia Medica and Surgery, and fitting him for the general practice. He commenced the practice in Belleville and has continued here to the present time. Dr. Ru bach's practice is large and his success as a practitioner all that could be desired. He belongs to the progressive School of Medicine, and readily adopts the new methods and discoveries that are constantly being made in the science of medicine. He is a member of the St. Clair County Medical Society. He was appointed U. S. Examining Surgeon in 1862, and still retains that position. He has been County Physician since 1866. On the 4th of February, 1864, he married Miss Sophia Maus, daughter of John Maus, deceased. By this marriage, there are four children, two sons and two daughters. Dr. Rubach possesses exceedingly agreeable social qualities, and is much respected by the citizens of Belleville, and also bears the reputation of being an honorable gentleman and good citizen.

Hon. Thomas Quick

Thomas Quick is a native of St. Clair County, and a representative of one of the early families and pioneers of Illinois. His father, Aaron Quick, was a native of New Jersey, and was a soldier of the war of 1812, and was also in the Indian wars on the frontier. His father, Isaac Quick, paternal grandfather of the subject of this memoir, removed from New Jersey to the western part of Pennsylvania soon after the close of the last century. He remained there until 1806, when he came to the territory of Illinois, and settled in what is now St. Clair county. His son Aaron followed him in 1809.

Isaac Quick married Lucretia Runyon, who was born February 14, 1761. By this union Aaron was born October 19, 1778. On the 9th December, 1800, he married Lacy Preston, who was born December 1, 1780. She was a native of the western part of Virginia. Her parents were natives of Maryland. By the union of Aaron and Lacy Quick there were twelve children, ten of whom lived to maturity. Our subject is the youngest of the family. He was born in St. Clair County October 13, 1823. He was educated in the pioneer schools of Illinois, and from those rude schools entered M'Kendree College at Lsbanon, Illinois. He remained in the latter institution for two and a half years, then adopted the profession of school teacher, and also read the standard text books upon law, under the direction of George Trumbull, an eminent lawyer of Belleville, and in 1846 was admitted to the practice. He was admitted to the bar of the United States Courts on motion of Abraham Lincoln, with whom Mr Quick was intimate, and both were strong personal friends. In 1847 he removed to Waterloo, Monroe County, Illinois, and continued his practice with varied success until 1855, when he returned to Belleville. While a resident of Monroe County, in 1850 he was elected to represent his district in the Legislature. After his return to Belleville he formed a law-partnership with Judge W. H. Underwood, which continued for a short time. In 1856, he and Hon. Jehu Baker, formed a partnership in the practice of law which continued until Mr. Quick was appointed Bank Examiner by Governor Bissell. He was reappointed by Govs. Yates and. Oglesby, and held that position until the law was abolished. In 1858 he purchased land in Washington County, where he farmed until 1874. In 1861 he was appointed one of the incorporators of the Illinois Agricultural College at Irvington, in Washington County. He worked faithfully for the instititution, and spent much time and a great deal of his private means in his efibrts to establish and build it up. He was a member of the first Board of Trustees of the Illinois Industrial University at Urbana, Illinois, and was active in its management during Gov. Oglesby's administration. He held the position until 1873. In that year he removed to Richview, in Washington County, Illinois, and from there went to East St. Louis, and in 1876 came back to Belleville, and here he has remained to the present. On the 1st of October, 1846, he married Miss Evilina S. Thrift, by whom he had six children, four sons and two daughters. Mrs. Quick died November 19, 1676. Orlando T., the eldest son, was a soldier during the late rebellion. He was a student at McKendree College when he enlisted in Co. "C." of the 72d Regt., 111. Vol , and died in the service from disease contracted while' in the line of his duty, the date of which was March 27, 1865. The youngest daughter named Eugenia Eloise, died in her eleventh year. Abram E., Judson Thrift, the latter a school teacher in this county. Edwin, another son, is a telegraph operator in Chicago, for the Western Union Telegraph Company, and is also a student in the Chicago Law School. Burton is a resident and school teacher in St. Clair County. On the 6th of February, 1881, Mr. Quick was united in mirriage to Mr,^. Mary E. Miles, nee Tyrrell, widow of Stephen W. Miles, jun. Politically, Mr. Quick was originally a democrat, but was opposed to slavery. During the Kansas-Nebraska difficulties he became a free soiler, and from that political position, he joined the republican party. He took a decided stand against the admission of slavery into the territories, and when that opposition culminated and crystalized into an organization he was found in its ranks, and heartily supported the election of John C. Fremont to the Presidency. Since that time he has voted the republican ticket. During the war he was a strong Union man, favorable to the most vigorous prosecution of the war. He was then a member of the State Republican Central Committee. He has been a member of the Baptist Church since 1868, as was his deceased wife, and his present one. He is also an honored member of the ancient and honorable order of A. F. and A.M., and belongs to St. ClairLodge, Billeville, Illinois. Personally and socially, Mr. Quick is a man. of rare and social qualities. He has given much attention to self-culture, and has contributed considerably to newspapers and periodicals.

Tins gentleman, who is engaged in the mercantile and coal busiue^s at Reutchler's station, is a native of the state, and was born at Jacksonville, Morgan county, December tenth, 1837. His ancestors emigrated at an early date to America from Wittenberg, Germany, and settled in Pennsylvania. The family is said to have been originally of the same stock as the Van Rensellaers of New York. The name was formerly spelled Reutschler. John Reutchler, the grandfather of D. Reutchler, was born in Pennsylvania

His father, Jacob Reutchler, lived in Union county. Pa., and in the fall of 1837 immigrated to Illinois^ reaching Morgan county the last of October of that year - the journey, which was by wagon, occupied five weeks. They remained in Morgan county about three months ; the greater part of the winter was spent at Upper Alton ; and in the spring of J 838 they came to St. Clair county, and settled on section thirty-three of township one north, range seven west. When he came west, Jacob Reutchler was a man of considerable means. He had been eugaged in farming and milling in Union county. Pa., and on leaving that locality sold his farm and mill for twenty-one thousand dollars, a much larger sum in those days than now He brought this amount with him to Illinois. He was unfortunate in losing a loan of about fourteen thousand dollars, which he made to a man in Upper Alton. With the balance he purchased eight hundred acres of land, paying for the improved part twelve dollars and a half an acre. At the time he purchased this land the improvements on the place were among the best in that part of the county, the original settlement having been made by James Mitchell in 1817.

Jacob Reutchler was a man of great energy and superior business qualifications. He gave his personal attention to farming, but was also occupied largely in trading in stock, by which he accumulated considerable means. His trading expeditious monopolized a great part of his time, made necessary a great amount of rough traveling over the country, and was the source of much hardship. He had a fair education, which had mostly been acquired by his own efl'orts, was a good judge of human nature, a successful trader and a capable business man. At the time of his death he owned nearly twenty-five hundred acres of valuable land, covering the site of Reutchler's station. He died on the 9ch of January,

1853, from a congestive chill, supposed to have been brought on by exposure. His widow -still lives on the old homestead, aud enjoys good health, though at the age of seventy-seven. Mrs. Reutchler has been a member of the Lutheran Church ever since her marriage, and her husband, while a resident of Pennsylvania, was also an active member of that denomination. She has warmly at heart the interests of the church, and has built with her own means the church at Reutchler's station, and in every other way has done all she could to forward the cause of Christianity. She raised a family of ten children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Five - three sons and two daughters - are now living.

Daniel Reutchler, whose name appears at the head of this sketch, was born about six weeks after the arrival of the family in Illinois, and was about six months old at the time his parents settled in St. Clair county. He was raised in that part of the county, and attended the common schools. In 1855 he went to Pennsylvania, and during the winter of 1855-6 went to school at the Union County Seminary and an academy in Juniata county. He subsequently, during the winter of 1860-1, attended a commercial college in Pittsburg, Pa. He had his home on the farm in St. Clair county, though at intervals he was in Ohio and elsewhere till 1864, when he removed to Belleville and purchased of his brother, J. B Reutchler, an interest in the agricultural works which were conducted for four" teen years under the firm name of D. & H. Reutchler. During this time the establishment was eugaged in the manufacture of their well-known grain drills. Od the seventh of January, 18' 8, he met with a- serious misfortune by breaking one of his limbs in two places. This accident, which was occasioned by his being caught in the fly-wheel of the engine at the coal-shaft, which had been opened up at Reutchler's, unfitted him for any physical exertion foi about a year.

Since 1878, having disposed of his interest in the Agricultural Works, he has been engaged in the management of the old homestead farm, which is composed of over five hundred acres, and in operating the coal-shaft at Reutchler's, which was opened up at the time of the building of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. Since 1874 he has also had charge of a store at that place, and since June of that year has filled the office of post-master. He is a gentleman of enterprize and energy. He has never filled any public position. He began his political course by voting for Stephen A. Douglas for President in 1860, but in 1864 supported Lincoln for the presidency, and has since acted with the republicanparty, though in his political views he is liberal aud independent.

Charles F. Noetling

Is a native of Pennsylvania. William Noetling, his father, was of GLTmaii birth, and emigrated to America in 1824. He settled in Philadelphia, where he practiced medicine. He afterwards removed to Juniata county, in the same state, and there married Elizabeth Zulauf, who was a Penusylvauian by birth. Dr. Noetling subsequently removed to Union county, and remained there until the division of that county and Snyder, whereby he became a resident of the latter, and remained until his death in 1861. His wife still survives him. By the marriage of Dr. William and Elizabeth Noetling there were three children, all sons. William, the eldest, is at present Professor of Mathematics in the State Normal School in Bloomsburg, Pa. John, the youngest, is a physician, located in Mifflinburg, Pa. Charles P., the second son. was born in Union county. Pa., September 19, 1832. He received his education in the common schools and in the academy at New Berlin, and in the

Uaiou Ssminary in Union county. It was the wish of his father that he should adopt the profession of medicine, and with that idea in view hs read medicine in his father's office for several years, but it proved distasteful, and he abandoned the idea of becoming a physician, and came west to Belleville in St. Clair county, Illinois, and here he was induced to take charge of the public schools as principal. After a term he was engaged to teach in the Belleville German and English High School, which was select and composed of the children of prominent citizens, who desired that their children should be taught both languages, and have the advantages of an education superior to that obtained in the common schools. The profession of teaching like that of medicine was uncongenial, and he determined to study law. In November, 1856, he entered the law-office of Wm. H. & J. H. Underwood, prominent and well-known attorneys of Belleville, and commenced the study. In 1859, at the April term of the circuit court, he underwent an examination before a committee, composed of Judge Underwood, George Trumbull, and Nathaniel Niles, and upon their unanimous recommendation was admitted to the bar. On the 12th of June, 1860, he entered the office of Judge Underwood, and remained in his service for one year, when he formed a law partnership with his preceptor, which continued until September, 1875, or, until the death of Judge Underwood. On the 1st of November, 1875, he formed a partnership with R. A. Halbert, which still continues. The law firm of Underwood & Noetling did a large and lucrative practice, and was during its existence one of the most successful law firms in southern Illinois. The firm of Noetling and Halbert still continued the prestige achieved in former years, and still occupy the conspicuous position at the bar of St. Clair county.

Few cases of any prominence are tried in the courts but what they are retained for one side or the other. Their success and large practice is the best evidence of their ability as lawyers. Mr. Noet - ling politically is a republican. He joined that organization in 1856, and from that time to the present has been a staunch supporter of republican principles.

Notwithstanding, Mr. Noetling's life has been a busy one, his large law practice requiring much of his time, he has still found leisure to cultivate his mind, and add to his store of historical and literary information. He has also found time to make pleasure trips to difierent parts of the country. These journeys have embraced a visit to nearly every state in the Union. In 1879, he was one of a large party of men engaged in difierent callings and professions, who went south and to Mexico on a tour of information and observation. The party was known as the "American Industrial Deputation," whose object was to some extent, to establish more friendly business relations between Mexico and the United States. Their observations and impressions were published at the time in the leading journals throughout the country, and did much to correct false impressions, and give the people of the two countries a better knowledge of each other. On the 22d of December, 1858, he was united in marriage to Miss Julia M. Swyer, a native of Belleville. By this union there are three children, one son and two daughters. William F., the son, is preparing for the profession of law. He married Miss Anna Grant of Memphis, Tenn. Ella L., the eldest daughter, is the wife of Edward Swiaford, now a resident of St. Louis. Bessie N., the youngest, is yet at home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Noetling, are members of the Presbyterian church. During Mr. Noetling's long residence in Belleville, and connection with the business interests of the town and county, he has proved himself a man entitled to the respect and confidence of the people. In his

Charles Becker

The subject of the following biographical sketch was born in Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, June 21th, 1840. Urban Becker, his father, was by trade and profession an architect and builder, and carried on a large business in his native country. He there married Mary Spross, by which union there were thirteen children. In 1851 he left Germany and emigrated to America, and came direct to Belleville, where he continued his trade of builder, and where he remained until his death in 1874. His wife, and mother of the subject of this sketch, survived him, and died in Belleville, March 25th, 1881. Charles was in his eleventh year when the family came to America. His education was obtained, mainly, in the schools of Belleville, in which he continued until his fifteenth year, when he went to the Harrison Machine Works in Belleville, and commenced learning the trade of moulder. He remained at the trade until he was twenty-one years of age, when the war broke out. He then laid down his tools and with patriotic devotion to the country of his adoption he enlisted under the first call of the President for 300,000 men. He enlisted in company B, of the 12th Missouri Volunteers, and participated with the regiment in the battles and skirmishes until near the close of the battle of Pea Ridge, which commenced on the 6th of March, 1862. On the 8th, in the third day's fight, he was woumled in the right thigh, the ball shattering the limb so badly that in order to save his life it was necessary to amputate the leg above the knee while he yet lay on the field of battle. This desperate wound necessitated his discharge from the service, which was acjorJingly done on the 8th of March, 1862. He returned horns, and thiu went to school for a short time. He realized from the nature of his physical disability that he would for the future have to depend upon clerical labor for support He took a course in book-keeping, and afterwards returned to Harrison's Machine shops and clerked, and did such general work until he married. That event occurred January 23d, 1864, at which time he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Fleischbein, a native born lady of Belleville, and daughter oi Jacob and Louisa Fleischbein, who came to this country as early as 1833. After his marriage, he moved to West Belleville, where he engaged in hotel keeping;, in which he continued until 1866, when he received the nomination for the office of sherifif, and in the ensuing election was elected. He served two years, which, by the then existing law, rendered him ineligible for a second term. He then went into the Belleville brewery, in connection with Mr. Ehrhardt, under the firm name of Ehrhardt & Becker. They continued the brewing business until 1872, when he was nominated and elected circuit clerk. In 1876 he was again nominated, and became his own successor, and continued in office until the expiration of his term.

In all of the offiiies held by Mr. Becker his entire course was marked by close attention to business, a careful regard for the wants and wishes of other.-J, an accomodating disposition, obliging manners, and a proficiency in his duties, which had the efiect of making him exceedingly popular amo'ig the masses and those who came in direct contact with him. lie is emphatically a republican, and has never gone back on that [)arty. In 1872, when the great Liberal wave swept thousands of his countrymen from the republican into the liberal-democratic ranks he re.iiained firm. He was nominated for county clerk on the republican ticket, and was the only republican elected. In 1876 his personal popularity and worth asa man and citizen received still more flattering proof. He was nominated for the second time for circuit clerk, and notwithstanding his partywas defeated by 1183 majority, he was elected by 800 majority, which was 2000 in excess of his party's vote. This is the strongest evidence of his worth as a man, and his fidelity to public trusts. In the party he has been active, and has done much to sustain the organization in St. Clair county. He has been chairman of the Republican Central Committee for some years, and under his vigorous, wise and judicious management, the party owes much of its success in this county

In his manners Mr. Becker is a plain, unassuming gentleman. In his home, as well as abroad, he is hospitable and kind. In the former his generous hospitality is most readily attested by the writer of this article, who has been the recipient of it, and who wishes to bear testimony to this trait of character in him.

By his marriage with Miss Louisa Fleischbein there have been five children, four living, three sons and one daughter. Their names are Bertha, Casimer, Gustave and Arthur Carl Becker. Frederick died in his eighth year.

Mr. Becker is a member of the German societies in Belleville which are organized for social, musical and other purposes. He was president of the Philharmonic Society for five years.

James H. Thomas

The present editor and proprietor of the Advocate, the oldest established journal of St. Clair county, is a native of Belleville, and was bom Dec. 2, 1848. The Thomas family were originally from South Carolina. John Thomas, the great grandfather of James H., emigrated to Illinois as early as 1807, and settled near Shiloh, in St. Clair couiity. His sons, among whom was James D. , came several years later. James D. married Elizabeth Tozer, who was a native of Pennsylvania, but was a resident of this county at the time of her marriage. Her people came here about the same time as ihe younger Thomas. By this union there were four children, who reached the age of maturity, two of whom had families. One of these was Margaret, who was the wife of George E. Walker of Chicago, now deceased. John J. Thomas, the father of James H., is the sole survivor of the family. He was born near Shiloh, on what is now known as the " Glaser " farm, July 9, 1818. He there grew to manhood, and married Margaret Harrison, a native of this county, and daughter of James D. and Lucinda Harrison. On the paternal side the Harrisons were originally from North Carolina, and the maternal grandmother, whose name was Gooding, was a native of Kentucky. On both sides the family were among the pioneer settlers of St. Clair county. By the union of John J. and Margaret Thomas there were eight children, three of whom are living ; the others died in infancy. The mother died February 5, 1877 The subject of this sketch is the eldest of the children, and received his early education in the public schools of Belleville. At the age of seventeen he entered McKendree College at Lebanon, and graduated therefrom in 1869. After his return from school he entered the law office of Judge W. H. Underwood, and commenced the study of law. He pursued his studies until 1871, when at the August terra of the circuit court he was admitted to the bar. He commenced the practice in East St. Louis, and continued until 1873, when he abandoned the profession and engaged with his father in the drug business in Belleville, in which he continued until 1880, when he purchased the Advocate printing ofiice, and from that time to the present has been engaged in the newspaper busiiiess. As a newspaper man Mr. Thomas has been successful. He has made the

On the 30th of June, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie P., daughter of John L. Sargent of Lebanon, Illinois. He is a member of the order of A. F. and A. M., chapter and commandery. He is high priest and presiding officer of the Belleville Chapter No. 106. Politically he has always voted the republican ticket. He is a man whose influence is felt in all enterprises calculated to further the interests of Belleville and this county.

Benjamin J. West, Jr

Benjamin West, the great-grandfather of the subject of this short biographical sketch, was born in Maryland in the year 1 743. Tilghman H. West, his oldest son, was born in Montgomery co. Maryland, September 20, 1773. When but six years of age, his father moved to Virginia, and settled in Botetourt county, near Fincastle, the county seat. In 1803 Tilghman H. West married Mary Mitchell. Having accumulated considerable property in Virginia, he determined to move westward, and in 1818 came with his family and slaves to Illinois, and settled in St. Clair county. Benjamin J. West, his son, married Louisa A. Mitchell, June 7th, 1836 settled in Belleville, the county seat, and engaged in the mercantile business in 1834, and continued business until 1879. Having accumulated a competency, he determined to retire from busisiness. Benjamin J. West, Jr., was born on his father's farm, one mile south of Belleville, in July, 1846, where he remained until 1860. At the age of fourteen he entered McKendree College, remaining two years. He then entered the St. Louis University, and remained until 1864. About this time the call was made by the President of the United States for one hundred-day volunteers. At the age of eighteen he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fortysecond Regiment Ills. Volunteers in the company of Captain D. H. Porter, but was immediately transferred to the quartermaster's department, and remained until his regiment was ordered from Tennessee to Chicago. Upon the arrival of the 142d Regiment in Chicago, Governor Yates called upon the troops to go to Missouri, as that state was threatened by invasion of Gen. Price's armies. Mr. West, » ith about two hundred of his regiment, although their term of service was over, volunteered to return to Missouri, and remained in that state until the confederate armies were driven out. Returning to his home, he engaged in the mercantile business. June 12, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Lora Kinney Gere, of Alton, Ills. In 1877 he was elected city register ; in '79 was elected, without solicitation, a member of the city council ; and in 1881 was elected, over the Convention nominee, mayor of the city.

William Kempff

Is a native of Prussia, and was born Dec, 25, 1811. He served in his youth a regular apprenticeship to the drug trade, and successfully passed a rigid examination in pharmaceutical science. In 1848 he emigrated to America, and came the same year to Belleville, and in March, 1849, formed a partnership with Dr. Birchelmann in the drug business. The partnership continued until 1873 - or, until the d( alh of Birchelmann. Since that time Dr. Kempff" has continued alone in the business. He is now the oldest druggist, and has been longer in the business than any other druggist in Belleville. He started in the same building where he now is, and has continued at the same place for nearly thirty-three years.

Inventor, mechanic, and one of the enterprising men of Belleville, was born in Cronberg, Germany, February 27th, 1824. His father was a man possesssing ample means; consequently, Mr. Brosius, in his youth, enjoyed all the advantages of a liberal education. He early exhibited a taste for mathematics and mechanism, and for the purpose of developing the latter he was sent to the schools where it was made a special study, and where he had opportunities of learning mechanism practically. In 1849 he concluded to come to America. He landed in New York the same year, and came direct to Belleville. He tried farming for a short time ; then, in connection with Jacob Geiss, commenced the foundry and manufectory of all kinds of agricultural implements, in all of which they were very successful. During his connection with this business he contracted to build and do all the iron work on the new court-house, which was completed in 1862. In 1866 he started the oil works. The machinery and works were built by him, and were of an entirely new and novel construction. He was the inventor of what is now known as the Water Clear Cold Pressed Castor Oil. The construction of the machinery and kind used was a secret, but in time the process was discovered, and now it is in general use throughout the country. While in the manufacturing of agricultural implements he also made a number of useful inventions, among which may be mentioned the "Atmospheric Radiator " for heating, which takes the foul air by means of suction, carrying it to the heater, where it is consumed. In 1879 he built the works for heating the city. He adopted the "Holly " system, heating with steam, which has proven to be all that is claimed for it. It stood the test last winter, which was one of tlie longest occurring in many years, and of unusual .severity. In the matter of heating and the adoption of the best method of conveying the steam to different parts of the city so as to prevent rapid condensation, called forth the exercise of Mr. Brosius' inventive genius. He came to the conclusion that air itself was the very best nonconductor of heat. He therefore constructed two boxes, placing the pipes in a box and enclosing the same box in another, leaving a space of one inch all around the inside box for the free circulation of the air. By the use of the two boxes, two air spaces are obtained ; one between the pipe and the inner box, and the other between the inner and outer box, the two air rooms thereby insulating the heat as completely as possible. The insulating boxes are much cheaper, and save a large amount of money usually expended for asbestos and otlier material used for packing the pipes to prevent them from frci zing. His system of Insulating Boxes has attracted much attention and called to the city a number of scientific men, who have made a thorough examination of the system, and universally pronounce it a valuable invention, and the best in use. It will no doubt go into geneial use wherever steam is used for heating cities, or where it is to be conveyed in pipes for any great distance. He is also the inventor of the " Electric Clock," which is placed in the tower of his private residence, and which, by the means of wires, is connected with the public clocks of the city. They all register the exact time of day and night. The clock and connectioi;s with others was constructed from his private means, which proves him to be a public-spirited, as -well as a useful citizen. In 1852 he was united in marriage with Miss Maria Annie Weingaertner, a native of Germany, but a resident of Belleville at the time of their marriage. This union has been blessed with twelve children - nine of whom are living - six sons and three daughters. John, the eldest son, was married on the 2lEt of April, 1881, to Miss Lizzie, the accomplished daughter of August Teimann, of Belleville.

In his home Mr. Brosius is a true Geiman gentleman, dispensing to all who gather around his hearthstone a genuine hospitality. In 1876 he erected a fine, large, palatial residence in the eastern part of the city, known as " Cron-thal," which is a credit to the city of Belleville. Mr. Brosius has been very successful in life, particularly since he has made Belleville his home, all of which has betn the result of industry, energy, and the exercise of sound judgnienl, and gdod management of his business.

Curt Heinfelden

Among the enterprising young German-AnKrican citizerjs of Belleville is Mr. Heinfelden. He is a native of Prussia, and was born October 3d, 1848. He comes from a family of soldiers and land owners. His grandfather held the rank of Colonel in ihe army. His father was also trained to arms, and retired from the service with the rank of first lieutenant. After his retirement he married and took charge of the lands and family estate, and superintended their cultivation, and so continued until his death, which occurred in 1851, while the subject of this sketch was still in his infancy. After the death of his father Curt became an inmate of his grandfather's home, and by him was educated and prepared for entrance to the College at Liege, Belgium, where he remained three years. From 1865 to 1869 he visited the Gymnasiums of Cologne and Duren. In October, 1869, he entered the University at Bonn, where he proposed to prepare himself for the profession of law. In 1870, a short time after his entrance in the university, the Prussian- Franco war broke out, and in July of the same year he entered the service in the King's Hussar Reg't, which was garrisoned in Bonn. In a short time after his enlistment he became an ofiicer, and at the close of the war he determined to remain in the army and abandon the study of law. In the fall of 1872 he was transferred from the Hussars to one of the new regiments of dragoons of Hurttenberg. He remained with the latter command until the close of 1874, when he resigned and quit the service and emigrated to the United States, landing in New York where he engaged in working for the New York Stoats Zeitung, and the Belletridische Journal. He remained in New York until 1876, when he went to Philadelphia as Exposition correspondent for the German newspapers. From Phila. he went to Cincinnati and became assistant editqy of the Volksfreund. He remained with the latter journal until May, 1877, when he went to Chicago and became a dramatic critic for the Illinois Staaig Zeitung. In October of 1878 he left Chicago to accept a position on the editorial staff of the Anztiger des Wedens, of St. Louis, which position he held until the editorship of the Belleville Zeitung was offered him. He came to Belleville in October, 1879, and assumed editorial control of the Zeitung. On the 21st of June, 1880, he purchased Mr. Sebastian Feitsam's half interest in the paper, and from that time to the present has been half owner and editor-inchief of the Zeitung, which is recognized as the leading German newspaper of Southern Illinois. Politically, Mr. Heinfelden has been a republican since he first landed in America. In the spring of 1880 he was elected Alderman of the 5th ward of Belleville. On the 9th of November, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa W.Weber, eldest daughter of Herman G. Weber, an old and prominent citizen of Belleville. Mr. Heinfelden posesses social qualities of a high order, and is a frank, out-spoken gentleman. Liberally educated and of considerable experience for one of his years, he brings to the profession of journalism a mind well stored with information, and being a fluent writer he has in a short time made the Zeitung the most popular German newspaper in Southern Illinois.

Lucius Don Turner

Lucius Don Turner, the father of Don Turner, was born in Nelson county, Virginia, May 5th, 1803. On the paternal side, the family is of Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. Turner came west, to Illinois, in 1831, and settled in St. Clair county, and, soon after, married Miss Matilda V. Stuntz. She was borii in St. Clair county, Illinois, in 1811. She is the youngest daughter of Captain John Stuntz, who was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, of German parents. He was a man of much prominence in his day, and held many important positions in the county, and was a member of the County Board for many years, and also represented this district in the Legislature. He received his title of Captain from having commanded a company in the Mexican war. Mr. Turner, after his marriage, engaged in farming, north of Belleville, and remained there one year, when he exchanged for a farm midway between Belleville and Freeburg, where he moved, cultivated his farm and continued to reside until 1857, where he abandoned farming and removed to Freeburg, of which place he is still a resident. By the marriage of Mr. Turner and Matilda V. Stuntz, there were seven children, six of whom are still living, two sons and four daughters. Don is the youngest of the family. He was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, October 5, 1849. He received a liberal education, first in the common schools of his neighborhood, where he prepared himself for entrance in McKendree College, at Lebanon. He remained at McKendree for three years, then entered Washington University, at St. Louis, where he remained one year. He had determined to study for the profession of law, and, during vacations, read law in the ofiice of G. & G. A. Koerner, of Belleville. After having read the text books, he entered the Law Department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and remained there two years and graduated iu the class of 1873. Upon motion, he was admitted to practice in the courts of Illinois in June, 1873. In 1875 he formed an arrange nent with the Messrs. Koerners by which he has an interest in the practice. That arrangement still continues. As a lawyer, Mr. Turner possesses the necessary qualifications, which are, industry and a natural aptitude for the profession. He prefers the real estate law practice to any other. Politically, he is a democrat at present, but was, originally, a republican. He is uot a firm adhereut of any political organization, but votes for principles, and men who are worthy, without regard to party ties or affiliations. In short, he is independent in politics. On the 14th of August, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Eckert, daughter of Leonard Eckert, of Waterloo, Monroe county, Illinois. She is of German parentage, through a native of Monroe county. She was educated and graduated from the Normal School at Bloomington, 111., several years prior to her marriage, and was employed as a teacher in the public schools of Belleville. This union has been blessed by four children, one son and three daughters. Mr. Turner is not a member of any church organization, nor does he subscribe to any of the formulated creeds or dogmas, yet, withal, he is not ready to condemn or rail against church or Christian organizations, until something equally as good is substituted.

Is one of the successful business men of Belleville. His history demonstrates that a man possessing industry, energy, and perseverance can succeed despite the difficulties which frequently hedge around life's pathway.

He was born in Martzaum, Hesse Catsel, Germany, May 10, ]844. He is the third in a family of tw-o sons and two daughters, children of Frederick and Mary Eeinecke. The family emigrated to America in 1857, landing in New Orleans in June of that year^ and from there came up the river direct to Belleville, where Fred-' erick, the father, found work in a distillery. He was a miller by tiade, and followed that calling in Germany. He was a man who at one time was pofsessed of large means, but he made some unfortunate ventures and lost all of his savings excepting sufficient to bring him and the family to America- When he arrived here he as pennilef s. This loss was a serious blow to the family, as it compelled all the members of the family to become self-supporting at a very early age. He died in 1871. His wife survived him and died May Sd, 1879. The result was Conrad had but little opportunity for receiving an education. He attended the public schools until his thirteenth year, when he hired out to a man by the name of Waid to work on a farm, for which he received seven dollars per month and board. He was faithful, and remained with Mr. Ward for six years. He then learned the blacksmith trade, and did work in that line for coal miners, which gave him some idea of the business. He then worked at the mines and became superintendent; then went into partnership with his brother-in-law in the business^ which latter undertaking was very unprofitable, as the* conteru failed, owing to the unwise action of his partner. Mr. Eeinecke con- eluded for the future to avoid partners, and start alone in the bui-iness. In 1872 he had but a small sum of money, but he invested it in coal and commenced buying and selling, and was exceedingly fortunate, and made money rapidly. At the end of six months he sunk a shaft of his own, and after he got it in working order he began going upward to prosperity. By his speculation in coal the iirst winter in St Louis he made $7000. He then with that money leased land, sunk a shaft, and when completed he was $6000 in debt. It was not a very encouraging outlook, but he knew just what he was doing, and never doubted his ability to soon pay off every dollar he owed, which he did in a short time after he commenced operating his mine. He has now two of the best mines in the county, which are certain sources of wealth under such experienced management as his. A fine view of the mine and also of his i-esidcnce can be seen on another page of this work. On the 22d of October; 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Reeves, daughter of John and Eliza Reeves. She is a native of Staffordshire, England. Her parents emigrated to America and settled in St. Clair county, where both remained until their death. By this union there were seven children, three of whom are living. Their names are Caroline, Clara and Freddy Reinecke. Both he antl his most excellent wife are believers in the Protestant religion He is a member of the beneficiary order of A. 0. U. W. Politically he is a democrat, but his life has been too busy to take any further part than to express his sentiments and choice through the ballot.

He started in life witii nothing to aid him but a strong, rugged frame, an industrious disposition, energy, and a determination to succeed, and gain for himself, an indejsendeuce and compe- teiicy. That he has succeeded in doing, and at the same time he has made for himself an honorable name which is the best heritage he can leave to his posterity. In early life he learned that without correct principles as the basis upon which to build a business reputation no man could reap permanent success. He therefore made it a rule to meet every obligation promptly. If he made a bad bargain he did the best he could, and was careful in the future to steer clear of the same difficulty. His reputation, therefore, in the community is that of an honorable business-man, whose word is as good as his bond. In his home and abroad he is a courteous and , hospitable gentleman.

William J. Underwood

WILLIAM J. UNDERWOOD Was born in Abbeville county, South Carolina, in 1833. Moved to Alabama in 1851, read law and was admitted to the bar in 1855. Imbued with the political teachings of John C. Calhoun, he became an advocate of secession upon the election of Mr. Lincoln to the presidency, and acted with the ultra wing of the southern party. Upon the breaking out of the war, he promptly joined the confederate army as a private, and was stationed the first year of the war in the vieiuity of Norfolk, Va., in the brigade of Gen. Mahone, the now famous Virginia Senator. He was afterwards transferred to Braggs army in Tennessee, and became captain of a volunteer company of cavalry. He served with that command until detailed for the secret and special service. At the close of the war he removed to Louisville, Ky., and engaged in commercial pursuits. In 1872, he removed to Belleville, and continued commercial business in St. Louis until 1876, when he returned to the profession of law and located permanently in Belleville. In 1879, he was elected city attorney and re-elected in 1881, without opposition. In 1879, he became editor of the Belleville Demociat. He is a liberal and progressive democrat, accepting the new era of political and national affairs in good faith, and is now much devoted to the state of his adoption. Mr. Underwood is a man of ability, being a versatile and vigorous writer.

Adam Gintz

One of the enterprising business men of West Belleville is Adam Gintz, the proprietor of the Western Brewery Company. He was born in Rhenish Bavaria, July 10th, 1850. His father, Jacob Gintz, was a land-owner and farmer, and Adam's youth and boyhood were therefore passed- upon the farm. He is the fourth in a family of seven children. He attended school and also received private instruction from a Protestant minister. At the age of fourteen years he was regularly apprenticed to the cooper's trade, and served two years. At the end of that time he came to America in company with Peter Gintz, his uncle, who was then a resident of Belleville, but was on a visit to the home of his birth. He and Adam came direct to Belleville, and here the latter found work in the brewery of his uncle. He remained at work there for five years, then went to St. Louis and worked six months, when he came again to Belleville. In 1873 he, John Kloess, William Brandenberger and Valentine Steig purchased the Western Brewery. Some of the parties soon retired, and the firm became Kloess & Gintz, which continued until February, 1881, when Mr. Gintz became sole owner and proprietor of the Western Brewery Co. This brewery manufactures and ships from 15,000 to 20,000 barrels of beer annually. It is the chief industry and manufactory of West Belleville. In Nov- 1875, Mr. Gintz married Miss Rosa, daughter of Peter and Catherine Gintz. She was born in Belleville. There are three children, two sons and one daughter. Mr. Gintz is a member of Archimedes Lodge, No. 377, of A. F. and A. M. In the city where he has long resided, few men are more respected for their liberality, enterprise and worth as a man than Mr. Gintz. Hia business qualifications are of a high order, as is attested by bis successful management of the brewery. It is with pleasure that we here have the opportunity of speaking for one of West Belleville's most useful and valuable citizens.

Franz F. Metschan

The present able and efficient manager of the "Stem," the leading German democratic newspaper of -scuthern Illinois, was born at Eiterfeld, Hessen Kapel, where his father practiced law. He visited the gymnasium at Eschwege and then at Herspeld, then came to America, landing in New York Sept. 20, 1840. He came west to (Jincinnati, where he learned the printers trade in the office of the " VolkMatt," of which Stephen Molitor v. as publisher. He also worked in the office of the " Hoehniechter," Frederick Hassaureck, editor. In 1853 he and August Korsch established "Die Menschenrechie,' (Rights of Men). When Rothacker took the 'complete control of the paper Mr. Metschan came to St. Louis and worked on different papers there and at Alton, Illinois, and in 1854 went to Chicago, where he became foreman in the office of the " Deuteh Amerskanet" (German-American). From there he went to Milwaukee, and afterwards returned to Chicago and had charge of the office of the " Illinois Staats Zeitung," as foreman. Sometime after he returned to Milwaukee and was foreman of the Corsar, the first German Republican paper in that city, of which Bernhard Domschcke was editor. From there he went to Madison, AVis., then to Burlington, Iowa, where in partnership with Heinrich Binder he took charge of the " Burlingion Freie Presse," in 1856. In 1857 he went to Peoria, Illinois, and organized and started the " Westllche Blaetter." He failed in the business and came back to St. Louis and worked in the offices of the " Revue del Quest," a French Journal " Westliche Post," Wiebusch's job office, " Ameiger des Westens," and then in the autumn of 1860 came to Belleville and was made foreman of the "Belleville Zeitung." When the war broke out he was one of the first to enlist under the first call for troops by Abraham Lincoln. He entered as a private in Co. A of the 9th Regiment 111. Vols., and remained in the service for three months, when his time of service expired. He then returned home, and in August, 1861, re-enlisted in Co. " B " of the 12th Mo. Vols., and on the organization of the company was elected sergeant, and afterwards promoted to the first lieutenancy of the company. He commanded the company during the Georgia campaign, and at the battle of Kenesaw mountain he was slightly wounded in the leg. He was mustered out of the service in Oct. 1861, after which he was engaged as clerk in the office of the Provost Marshal of the 1st Dist. of Mo., until after the close of the war, when he accepted the situation of foreman at the office of the " Ameiger des Westens." He also started a job office. On the 23d of Sept., 1866, he married Miss Emilie Stauber, daughter of Rudolph Stauber, late teacher at Wetzicon, Canton Zurich, Switzerland. He came back to Belleville, and on the 29th of Oct., 1870, took charge of the "Stern des Wedens " as foreman and continued in charge until it was sold to Messrs. Fietsam hnd Semmelroth. Soon after a stock company was formed, who started the"*S/eTO," which has been published regularly up to the present time, of which Mr. Metschan has been, and still is business manager.

^ The ancestry of the McCouaughy family on the paternal side is Scotch-Irish, on the maternal Irish. John McConaughy, the greatgrandfather, was a native of county Antrim, Ireland, and of Presbyterian stock, which denotes his Scotch origin. He emigrated to America, and settled in Pennsylvania about the close of the last century. He married Jane Eiley, who was also a native of Ireland. David McConaughy, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was the offspring of that marriage. He was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and there married Hannah Britzer. One of the children by that union was named John B. McConaughy, the father of Franklin. He married Miss Elizabeth Martin, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He is a physician, and has practiced his profession for many years. He commenced in 1854, and settled in Olney, Illinois, where he remained for three years. Then removed to Trenton, Clinton county, then back to Olney. When the war broke out he was appointed Regimental Surgeon of the 17th Regiment Mo. Volunteers, and was afterwards Medical Director of tiie Department of Louisiana. When the war closed he came to Belleville, and continued the practice of medicine until August, 18S0, when he removed to St. Louis, where he yet resides.

The subject of this biograi^hy is the only son. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, December 25th, 1849. He received his education in the public schools until his thirteenth year. He entered the preparatory department of McKendree College, in the fall of 1862, and at the end of two years he entered the Collegiate department, taking the full classical course, and graduating from that institution in June 10th, 1869. In 1870 he received the degree of A. M. In June, 1869, he commenced reading law in the office of Judge W. H. Underwood and Charles F. Noetling. He pursued his studies diligently until 1871, when at the March term of the Circuit Court he was admitted to the bar. He commenced the practice in Belleville, and has continued there to the present.

Mr. McConaughy is one of the rising attorneys of the bar of St. Clair county. He possesses in an eminent degree those qualities necessary to the successful lawyer, which are a thorough education and scholastic preparation, industry, a love for the profession, and a determination to succeed. To the possessor of these necessary requisites, the problem of future success is easily solved.

In the short time in which he has been in the practice, he has built up a reasonably lucrative business, which is increasing as his success and ability becomes known. In 1877 he was elected City Attorney, and held that position for two years. He is a staunch republican, of undoubted stalwartism. In 1876 he was nominated by the republican party for the office of States Attorney, for St Clair county, but the county being largely democratic, he was defeated, although he ran five hundred votes ahead of the ticket.

On the 28th of October, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucie Wait Thomas, of Belleville, daughter of W. S. Thomas, an old settler and prominent citizen of St. Clair county. By this union there are two children, both boys.

Mr. McConaughy possesses social qualities of a high order. He is an entertaining friend and most excellent companion, and is very popular among his acquaintance.