St. Clair County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1881 (part 5 of 13)

A few years later, probably 1810, Nathaniel Hill, Joshua Perkins, Reuben Stubblefield, James and Reuben Lively and Richard Beasley, senior, located in the same neighborhood. As a protection against the Indians, they constructed a block-house on Dosa creek, near the present site of Hillstown, (named for Nathaniel Hill.) It was built in the prevailing style of such structures, two stories high, the lower one provided with port-holes to shoot through, and a'so with strong puncheon doors, securely barred against entering from the outside. The second story projected over the first, enabling parties secreted within it to shoot down upon Indians attempting to gain access into the lower story. It was to this block-house that a son of Lively, who had been murdered in Washington county in March, 1813, and a hired man, made their escape before blood-thirsty savages. An account of this terrible tragedy may not be here amiss. Lively had left his home in this precinct to make a new one near Covington, Washington county, in company with David Huggins, a brother-in-law. They made one crop without being molested, in 1812. In 1813 Huggins returned to Monroe county. Friends importuned Lively to give up his place and join them at the block-house. He resolutely declined, saying, he had no fear of the red skins. His wife seemed to have a presentiment of the terrible scenes that were soon to be enacted. An account of the massacre, in the History of Washington county, is as follows : Lively had an enclosure into which he had his stock driven at night, to protect them from marauding bands of Indians. For several nights previous to the night that witnessed the fearful tragedy. Lively and his family were greatly disturbed. The stock gave evidence of their alarm by their unusual conduct ; the dogs barked continuously, and Lively began to realize the imminent danger of himself and family. He frequently, with rifle in hand, would go out and search for the cause of the alarm, but his efforts to discover the source were unavailing. He endeavored to calm his wife's fears by telling her it was nothing but wolves or other wild animals that created the disturbance. This, however, did not suffice to quiet her feelings, and she labored more assiduously to convince her husband that their safety depended on their immediate removal to the fort. The last night before the massacre was so exceedingly noisy that Lively began to lose his composure, and agreed to accede to the request of his wife and go to a place of safety. He began preparations for moving about two hours before sundown. He directed his son, hired hand and his nephew, to get up the horses while his wife and daughters milked the cows, and got things in readiness to start to the settlements. The young man and boy started in quest of the horses, leaving the old gentleman in the cow-pen with his wife and daughters, who were milking the cows. He was on the stump of a fallen tree with his loaded rifle across his knees ready for use, chatting with his wife and daughters, whose spirits were buoyant in anticipation of leaving that dreaded place. But alas ! their fond hopes were never to be realized ! The young man and boy had proceeded but a short distance in the direction of the horses, when they were alarmed at the report of fire-arms in the direction of the house. They hurried to the scene of the firing, and when they had come in sight, a scene met their gaze that was calculated to freeze their hearts ! The premises were covered with Indians ; the death-dealing tomahawk and scalping-knife were doing their work of destruction. All were found where they were slain, on the premises, scalped, and their bodies horribly mutilated, except one boy, who was found by a party that followed the Indians, beheaded and with a hole cut through his body, with his buckskin shirt drawn through it."

The } oung man and boy made their way on foot to the blockhouse, wading Little Mud creek, whose waters were so high, that they reached the boy's chin. They gave the alarm, and all occupants of the fort able to bear arms followed the savages, some of whom they killed.

Upon the abandonment of the block-hcuse its occupants scattered to various parts of the country, only two or three families remaining in the neighborhood.

There are yet living representatives of the Hills and Livelys in this county. These pioneers followed the usual avocations and endured the hardships incident to such life. One of the Livelys located on section 34, where he lived for a number of years. To him whilst living here was born Mary Lively, who first enlivened the humble cabin of the Liveiys in the spring of 1816. Peace had spread her fair wings, and when bands of Indians of the Tamarois tribe occasionally stopped at the house, they admired the little pale face, and bestowed on her presents more brilliant than useful.

In the fall of the same year, a man of great enterprise, who entertained, what at the time were considered extravagant ideas of the future of the country, a man among men, - a man whose love of liberty was learned amid the mountains of Switzerland, wended his way from the city of Philadelphia, where he'had landed, across the AUeghenies ; across the states of Ohio and - Indiana ; across Illinois until he halted upon the banks of the Kaskaskia, and looked upon a country fair to behold, a fit habitation for himself and friends. He determined on its possession, and lost no time in making his way to Kaskaskia, where he laid claim to a number of sections of land, paying earnest money on the same. The following year he returned to his native land, doubtless with fairy sounding stories of the wondrous land of his adoption. In 1818 Bernhardt Steiner, for that was the name of the Swiss Pioneer, returned, bringing with him several families, among them Jacob Hardy, the Wildys and others. His operations were all planned on a liberal scale. He commenced merchandizing on what is now called Dutch Hill. A great scarcity of salt was complained of throughout the scattered settlement. He in 1820 went to Kaskaskia, constructed a raft, loaded it with salt and goods, and by the aid of others, poled it up the river. A stroke of enterprise highly commended by the early pioneers. In 1822, through his persuasion, a nephew, Peter Baumann, a scholar and a gentleman of means, came from Switzerland, it is supposed, to form a co-partnership with him. Before his arrival Steiner died, or was killed. As related by those most likely to be conversant with the facts, he had started with considerable money in his possession, on horseback for Kaskaskia, to complete his payment on lands he had already selected. On his way he was intercepted and killed, his body being found, some time during the night, near a cabin where a dance was going on. His relatives and friends knew not of his death for several days, when his body was obtained and buried on section 10, near by, a mile from the present site of Dutch Hill. Baumann heard of this tragic death while on his way hither. Among the pleasant dreams of Steiner was that of founding a city on the river near his home. His untimely death for a time checked the prospects of the Swiss settlement, although the arrival of Baumann gave it fresh impetus. It is yet firmly balieved by many that Steiner buHed large sums of money near Dutch Hill, for which fruitless search has often been prosecuted.

There were no schools in reach, so Mr. Baumann determined to make the best of a bad outlook, taught his own children, giving them fair educations. He was (As scholar of the settlement ; an adviser in trouble. To him all looked for guidance, or for drawing up any papers. Often did he wish he had never left his native land, and as often picked up fresh courage to surmount the difiiculties which beset the pathway of a pioneer. To him was born Peter Baumann, Jr., June 23d, 1823, believed to have been the first born Switzer in the county. In 1825 he erected a horse mill, which was run for many years, each patron furnishing his own power for grinding his grist. He also was the first postmaster, appointed in 1840, to keep the office called Lively, which he did at his own house.

To the south of the Swiss settlement, in the immediate neighborhood of John Lively, already mentioned, there came- a New Englander, direct from the "land of steady habits (Connecticut)," Chauncey S. Burr in 1820, after a sojourn of two years at Kaskaskia. His conveyance hither was a singular Yankee combination of carriage and boat. Upon reaching a river he took ofi" the running gear, put it into the bed, and paddled or poled his way across the stream. It is related that on the banks of the Wabash he was thought by the inhabitants to be possessed of a spirit. So he was, but it was the indomitable spirit of enterprise which drives success before it. In his humble cabin, on sect. 27, he had a looking-glass, the first brought to the locality. Wyatt Stubblefield, then a lad, espied himself therein and rushed out of doors to find " that other boy." He was the first Justice of the Peace in his vicinity. The first wedding ceremony he performed was that of Jacob Hardy to Elizabeth Wildy, Aug. 2d, 1832. He was a conspicuous character at every sale that came off in his vicinity. His wife, Mrs. Permelia Burr, was the first elder of the Presbyterian church at Kaskaskia, to which point although it was twenty miles distant she rode horseback whenever the weather would permit. Norton's Presbyterianism in Illinois, says, " In 1819 or 20 she became the owner of a colored woman. But she was illy satisfied with the relation and often plead for her freedom, but could not prevail. At length they parted with her. After being owned by another for a time the poor colored slave woman was murdered. Mrs. Burr says she could never think of it, but with horror."

Another and very eccentric pioneer, was Reuben Lively. He bought the Athens ferry of Ira Manville, Sr., who first established it, and kept it for many years. He also furnished entertainment for travelers. In this capacity he was known for many miles around. As parties would stop to ask for lodging he would insult them, sometimes even going so far as call to his son to briug him his shot gun, to drive away the intruders, then as they would start away he would doff" his mask and say, "I guess the old woman has a crust of bread and a pile of straw in one corner for you, come in." No matter how rough he was, or how much incensed travelers became. Lively never neglected to make all right. To him a son,William Lively, was born in Dec, 1816, the second birth iu the precinct.

As early as 1831 a school-house, better than pioneer schoolhouses usually are, in that, to use the expression of a pioneer who attended there, " They did make out to have a pucheon floor," was erected in section 34. The teacher, Isaac Hill, contrary to custom had a regular boarding place at John Lively's. Several pupils from abroad likewise boarded there. In all there were as many as thirty scholars. It was a subscription school at $2.50 per pupil for three months' tuition. In the north-eastern part of the precinct in % 1836 a school-house was built on Mud Creek, a primitive log affair without a floor other than that furnished by mother earth, and yet it -was not without its pretensions, as there were four or five small panes of glass fitted in between the logs, by Mr. Wilson, the husband of Mrs. Martha Wilson, the first teacher. As the neighbors said, " Mr. Wilson was a handy man."

A Scotchman named Kirkwood was claimed to have been the first preacher, resident in the precinct. He preached in his own house to the neighbors who gathered to hear him. He was an Old School Presbyterian. This was in 1829. Prior to this there had been occasional services by traveling preachers.

As illustrative of the faithfulness of some of these pioneers, it is said that Mrs. Rebecca Greene, wife of Sir Francis Burdette Greene, who located on Sect. 27, T. 3 S. E. 6 W., 1826, walked to attend church near Sparta, ten miles distant, carrying an infant in her arms, that too, when life was endangered by wandering bands of Indians.

As early as 1837 a steamboat, called the "Wild Duck," steamed up the Kaskaskia as far as Carlyle, thus opening up a new era in the prosperity of this county. Athens, which had been laid out Sept. 21st, 1836, by Narcisse Pensoneau, took on city airs (on paper ) Plats of the " future great " showing churches, public parks, steamboats at the levee, and crowded thoroughfares were circulated through the eastern cities, and much property was exchanged for merchandise of various kinds.

Isaac Hill was licensed to keep a tavern at what is now the village of New Athens in 1816, paying into the County Treasury the sum of four dollars per annum for the privilege. This was the nucleus of the town itself. It drew to the vicinity other settlers, and trade demanded the location of the

Town Of New Athens

New Athens, or Athens, as it was first called, was laid off by Narcisse Pensoneau in 1836. It consisted of forty-eight blocks, comprising 461 lots and a public square. Streets were of a uniform width of 63 feet, save Water, which was 99 feet wide. It is beautifully situated, and at times has seemed destined to become a city of considerable size only to lapse again almost into a series of farms. At first ii grew rapidly, reaching as great a population, it is claimed, as 1,500 inhabitants. In 1851 there were only five inhabitants. The first business house was a general store of Narcisse Pensoneau. The first physician was Dr. A. Trapp in 1837, the second Dr. Edward Klinckhardt, who is still a re'sident. George Rock kept entertainment for travellers in 1838. During the same year the first mill (a saw mill and corn cracker) was built. John Irwin was the first teacher ; he taught in 1836. William Brock burned the first kiln of brick in 1838 or 9. A house built of some of the brick still stands a quarter of a mile south-east of New Athens. It was built and at first occupied by Pensoneau. The prospects were bright, but reverses came, and in fifteen years the town was quite deserted, when a fresh impetus was given it by the opening of a store by Baumann Bros.

Again it revived. The steamboat " Pearl" undertook to make regular trips, followed shortly after by the " Silver Lake." In 1852 a post-office was established and William H. Bennett was appointed Postmaster. Was succeeded in 1856 by William Baumann, who continued as such until near the close of Lincoln's administration. The Athens Mill Company was incorporated and mill built in 1857 at a cost of $18,000. The company also bought the steamboat " Wild Duck" to ply upon the river between Athens and Kaskaskia.

Great confusion resulted from the fact that there was another Athens in the State. Baumann Bros, had 14 casej of boots and shoes and other merchandize shipped from Boston during the winter of 1855-6 which reached its destination the following spring, having wintered at Athens, Menard county. A change was made in the name from Athens to New Athens, in 1868.

The first Board of Trustees was elected December 8, 1866. It consisted of William Darmstetter, John Einge, Joseph Flach, H. M. Perryman and Gustav Huelbig.

In 1868 an effort was made to improve the navigation of the Kaskaskia, in which citizens of New Athens were quite active. A company was organized. Subscriptions were made but the locks and dams were never put in ; the railroad superseded the movement.

New Athens, which a few years ago boasted from twelve to fifteen hundred inhabitants, had by the census of 1880 only 603. The destruction of the mill by fire in 1879, and competition with other railway towns have contributed to this result.

Hotels - " New Athens," by Peter Deichmann ; " Bennett," by Daniel Bert ; " Tremont," by Cristoph Heinnemann ; " Illinois," by Mrs. William Geiger.

The village of Marissa was laid oifby James Stewart; Dec. 12th, 1867, it being the east middle part of the west one-half of southwest quarter see. 22, embracing 39 lots. To the original plats additions have been made by John W. Hesker of 21 lots east of original plat, January 28, 1869, and by W. E. C. Lyons of 54 lots to the south, January 2bth, 1870. It now has a population of about sixty inhabitants. It contains a general store by Henry Strassinger & Co. ; blacksmith, Henry Hacket ; and two saloons. To the north one quarter of a mile are Coulter's mills, Henry Schlosstein, proprietor, built by Archibald Coulter in 1852; capacity 100 barrels per day ; three run of stone ; brick, with frame attachment. Original cost, $15,000.

Maeissa Station

One of the livest villages in the county, was laid out by M. E. and J. C. Hamilton, Jan. 5, 1871, on the Cairo Short Line Railroad, which divides into the north and south divisions. . It occupies the central part of the north-west quarter of section 27. Originally there were 99 lots, 50 north and 49 south of the railroad. To these additions have been made at various times to meet the demands of growth, which have been quite regular and steady. Its population is about 300.

The name Marissa was selected by James Wilson, the first postmaster appointed in 1846, who showed his love for ancient history by selecting a name preserved alone in Latin records. It was the name of a city destroyed and afterwards rebuilt by Gabinius, and is believed to be the only place in the world of the name. Messrs. Hamilton and Hayes opened the first store at the station in 1871.

John Hamilton, one of the founders of the town, a man of great energy, came to this county from South Carolina in 1834, and located on sec. 28. M- E. Hamilton built the first house, now used as a station-house. It was built for the storage of grain.

Business Houses

Marissa Mill and Elevator. - A. J. Meek builder and proprietor, was erected in 1877. The mill has a capacity for turning out 65 barrels of flour^er diem, has four run of stone, elevator; capacity 4,500 bushels.

Benevolent Societies

Here, again, we have old and new towns, not a half mile apart. The old town was laid off by T. A. Schneider, November 7th, 1862, it being the N. W. \ of the N. W. i of section 7, T. 3 S. R. 6 W.^ and the adjoining fraction of the S. W. i of section 6. Since the iron horse has superseded the old-fa,hioned mail coach, the town has lost its trade to a great degree. It uow has ^ general store by Adam Wesel, a blacksmith shop and saw-mill*. The name was bestowed by Peter Baumann in honor of his native village, in Switzerland.

Lenzburg Station

Population about 150, and rapidly increasing. Was laid oflf by P. J. Dreher, October 4th, 18'S6, on the S. E. i of the N. E. t of section 12, T. 3 S. R. 7 W., containing 81 lots.

Lenzburg post-office was located in 1866, P. J. Dreher, P. M who has ever since held the office. There is a neat German Evangelical church building, which was erected in 1879.

History 01 &T. Claib County, Illinois Dutch Hill

Was laid off and named by Fred Griebel, March 16th, 1867, on the S. W. i of the S. W. i of section 11, T. 3 S. R. 7 W. A brewery had been established on the site by Edward Griebel, in 1844 or 5. Long since destroyed.

Was laid off by Jacob Freeh, April 2d, 1855, on the east side of the S. E. i of the S. W. i of section 18, T. 3 S., R. 6. W., being the first town laid out in the congressional township.

Casualties And Crime

On the 10th of July, 1844, there occurred, near Athens, the drowning of five persons. As narrated by Otto Huelbig, one of the party : " Seven of us started to attend a wedding. Before reaching the Okaw we had to cross a slough. The waters were much swollen. Unfortunately the wagon upset, caused by the ladies rushing to the front, where my father and myself were seated. My mother, three sisters and a Miss Lena Williams, found watery graves, whilst my father and myself escaped a like death."

A Shocking Muedek

Snyder, section 3, T. 3 S., R. 7. One Valentine Klaus, it seems, loved his step-daughter, or so professed, and feigning illness, had her come to his bedside at Snyder's, where, after a short conversation, he shot her with a bullet that had been cast in a thimble ; immediately he sprang from the room, climbed a ladder leading to the loft, and shot himself with a pistol. Death ensued at once.

This precinct was organized June 5th, 1839, and embraced within its limits the precinct of St. Clair, which was stricken off in 1870. The first election was held in the fall of 1839, at the store of James Turkington. Reuben Lively, Adam McDonald and Isaac Rainey, were the first judges of election.

White Oak Mine, for the mining of coal, the second most extensive coal-shaft in the county, is located on section 35, nearly two miles south-east of Marissa. It is one hundred and seventy-fivo feet deep ; the vein is about six and a half feet in thickness ; gives employment to one hundred men ; is operated by steam-power ; its products are shipped to St. Louis. Proprietors are Donk, Tijou «& Co. Shipments amount to nearly twenty cars a day.

Agriculturally, Athens is an excellent body of land, producing luxuriant crops. Dutch Hill, on an elevation, surrounded by a fine expanse of prairie, overlooks nearly all the precinct. Few finer views are anywhere presented than this. Farm-houses, neat and comfortable ; barns good and substantial greet the eye on every hand. This precinct perpetuates a name handed down honorably for centuries as that borne by the Grecian capital and the world's seat of learning. The projectors of the village on the banks of the river, and from which it directly derives its name, had originally in mind to make it a seat of learning, as plats first named clearly show.

Among the rising young business men of the county none better deserve mention in this work, than Jas. H. iraniilton of Jfarissa. Being thoroughly identified with the interests of his own eoranuiiiity, he has done more than any other man to aid in its dovelopnicnt. He is the head of the firm of Jas. H. Hamilton & Co., who carry on an extensive business in hardware, agricultural implements, &c., both in Marissa and Sparta. He is also a member of the firm of Hamilton, Kunze & Co., bankers of Marissa.

His great-grandfather, Kobert Hannlton, was a Scotch Irishman who emigrated to this country in the latter part of the last century, and settled in Chester county, S. C , where he raised a large flimily, of which there were four sons : John, William, Samuel and Robert.

John Hamilton, the eldest of the family, and grandfather of Jas. H. Hamilton, the subject of this sketch, was born in 1794. He married the daughter of Mathew Elder, who with his young wife had come to this country in the same ship with the father and motliei- (if ]\lr. Hamilton. In 183'2, Mr. Hamilton left Carolina for the state of Illinois, arriving at the town of Columbus, (now Sparta) where he remained until the fall of 1835, when he came to this county, and settled upon what is now known as the old Hamilton homestead, near the present town of Marissa. There were then but a few settlers in that part of the county. The now beautiful farms with cozy homes, were then one vast plane of prairie grass, as high as the shoulders of a man on horseback, with deer and wolves its principal inhabitants. ]\Ir. Hamilton raised a family of three sons and four daughters, all of whom married and settled immediately around him. He died October 26, 1876, over 82 years of age.

His eldest son, Mathew E. Hamilton, the father of Jas. H. Hamilton, was only fourteen years of age, when they arrived in Illinois. At the age of twenty, he married Miss Jeanetta Gibson, who died in

1852, leaving three sons : James H., John M., and Robert G. In 1854, Mr. Hamilton married again, taking Miss Elizabeth Baumann, eldest daughter of Peter Baumann, Sen., who was one of the early settlers of the county. Mr. Hamilton was an energetic man, and did much to advance the interests of his own community. He was an earnest Christian, charitable to a fault, and it could be said of him that he had no enemy among men. He was postmaster of Marissa for twenty-five years, and township treasurer for an equal length of time. He was engaged for a number of years in the mercantile busiitess in the old town of Marissa, but upon the building of the railroad through his farm, he laid out the present town of Marissa, and through his energy and liberality did much to make the town what it is. By untiring industry Mr. Hamilton accumulated a considerable amount of property. But by that ever charitable disposition which led him to aid all who called upon hira, he was persuaded by misrepresentations to go security for large sums, which by the failure of P. Baumann & Bros, of New Athens he was compelled to pay. This swept away at one stroke his whole life's accumulation. This was more than his mortal part could stand : his health failed, he sought the most skilled of medical aid ; the recuperative powers of the most celebrated Mineral Springs ; the diversion of travel in the orange groves of the sunny south, and finally took a trip to England and Ireland, but all in vain. He returned home, arriving upon the morning of the 25th of October, 1876, to die the next morning surrounded by his family and friends.

Mr. Jas. H. Hamilton was born Oct. 11, 1844. He spent his minority in laboring upon the farm. His mother died when he was but eight years old. Being the eldest of the family, and his father engaged in a mercantile business, it devolved upon him early to take charge of the management of the farm, which he did with much success as long as he remained upon it. Having a desire for a more extended education than that alForded by the common schools, he entered. Monmouth College in the fall of 1866, where he graduated in 1869. He then went to St. Louis, where he attended two courses of lectures in the St. Louis Medical College. Studying with a view of being an oculist, but haviiig obtained an insight of the medical profession, he concluded that he did not like it, and formed a copartnership with Mr. Wm. M. Lyons, (then as now also of Marissa,) and embarked in the drug business upon the corner of Fifth street and Washington avenue in St. Louis. This venture not proving a success they sold out and removed to Marissa, and in the summer of 1873, began in the drug business there, to which they soon added a hardware store and a lumber yard, all of which they managed very successfully until the spring of 1876, when they dissolved copartnership, Mr. Hamilton taking the hardware, to which he immediately added agricultural implements. In the spring of 1880, Mr. Hamilton started a house also in Sparta, under the supervision of Mr. E. J. Rankin, a gentleman who had been with him a number of years as a clerk. They have since formed a copartnership under the firm name of Jas. H. Hamilton & Co., and carry a very large stock of goods in both places. In 1876, Mr. Hamilton married Miss Virginia Short, daughter of Mr. J. S. Short, formerly of the vicinity of Freeburg in this county.

Mr. Hamilton is a member of the United Presbyterian -Church, and superintendent of their Sabbath-school. He is a man of great self-reliance, and whatever success he may have achieved is due to his indomitable energy and perseverance.

George W. Guthrie

GEORGE W. GUTHRIE, Who was born January 15th, 1841, is a native of St. Clair county, and of Irish and German descent. His father, Joseph Guthrie, was born on Horse Prairie, Randolph county, Illinois. The Guthries were among the early settlers of this prairie. Guthrie grew to manhood here, and married Elizabeth Boyd, a native of Ireland, who was brought to America when an infant by her parents. Her father, Robert Boyd, settled in South Carolina, near Charleston, where he remained several years, and afterwards came to Randolph county, this being about 1828, where she subsequently married Joseph Guthrie. They raised a family of five children ; three now living, viz., Martha, now Mrs. John G. Fellers, who lives near Sparta, George W., our subject, and Samuel, who now lives in Marissa. During the life of Joseph Guthrie, he followed shoemaking, school-teaching, and farming. He was a soldier in the Black Hawk War, enlisting from Randolph county. After Mr. Guthrie's marriage, he came to St. Clair county, about 1835, and settled on section thirty-four, about two miles south of Old Marissa, where he improved a farm. In 1841, he sold out his improvements to William White, and moved further west, in the same township, near where George W. Guthrie now resides, where he lived until his death in 1848. He left his family in fair circumstances, and a farm of two hundred and forty acres. His widow survived him until October 6th, 1866. Joseph Guthrie was a kind and hospitable man, a warm-hearted and generous friend. Many of the old settlers who struggled with him to surmount the hardships of a new country, destitute of schools and churches, and beset on every hand with difficulties and trials, will join with his children and relatives in shedding a tear over his grave. The subject of our sketch remained at home, and assisted his mother on the farm, and attended the common schools of the neighborhood during the winter months, until he became of age.

March 2d, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss E. D. Johnson, a daughter of Isaac Johnson, of St. Clair county. Mrs. Guthrie died September 13th, 1865, leaving one son, John. Mr. Guthrie was married to his present wife, January 8th, 1867, who was a Miss Rebecca McClintock, a native of Ireland, but raised in Randolph county, and daughter of David McClintock. They have had born to them a family of four children, viz., David, Elizabeth, Joseph (now deceased), and George W. Mr. Guthrie has made farming his life occupation, and has a good farm of 179 acres situated on the county line, between St. Clair and Randolph counties, a view of which can be seen in another part of this work. The principal part of this place he has gained by his own energy, and practicing economical habits. In politics he has always been a democrat. The above is a brief mention of one of the prominent young farmers of Athens precinct.

Hugh Nairn

Among the prominent farmers of Athens precinct may be mentioned the name that heads this sketch. He was born in parish of Ayrshire, Scotland, in the year 1821, and was the son of James and Susan Nairn, who were natives of the same place. The family descended from the Highlanders of Scotland. Mr. Nairn was one of nine children, and brought up on a farm. He attended the schools of his native land, where he received the rudiments of a business education. He married Miss Margaret Watt, and immediately set sail for America, landing in New York, August 7th, 1842, coming directly to Randolph county, 111 , where his wife had three uncles. In the winter of 1842, he entered eighty acres.

where he now lives. Two years later he settled here, and began the improvement of the farm where he has since resided. His wife died in 1865. There were a family of eight children born to this union, six now living, vie : Margaret, now Mrs. Eobert Dixon ; James, Hugh, John, Jenette, now Mrs. Thomas Blasdell, and Robert Watt. All but the youngest are married and have families. September 7th, 1868, Mr. Nairn married Mrs. Jenette Kirkpatrick. They have two children, David and Samuel W. Mr. Nairn has a well-improved farm of 1 87 acres. A view of the residence and building we show in this work. Mr. Nairn is a member of the United Presbyterian church. Politically he is a republican. Such is a brief sketch of one of the much-respected citizens of Athens precinct.

Was born in Chester District, South Carolina ; was a son of John and Margaret White. John White was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to America, where he afterwards married Miss Margaret Kennedy, who was also a native of Ireland. John White improved a farm in South Carolina, where he resided until his death, leaving a family of seven children, John K. being the youngest of the family. After John White's death, his widow emigrated with her family to Indiana, where she remained only a short time, and then came to Illinois, and settled in St. Clair county, this being about 1842. She had two sons grown, William and Frank, who entered land and began the improvement of a farm in Athens township, south of Marissa. At this time John K. White was about eighteen years of age. He assisted his mother on the farm until he arrived at the age of maturity. Subsequently he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Hamilton, youngest daughter of John and Sarah Hamilton, who were early settlers here, and a much respected family, John Hamilton being a native of South Carolina, and is favorably mentioned among the old settlers of this township. Mr. White was a carpenter, but his principal occupation was that of a farmer, in which he was successful. At the time of his death, August 28, 1866, he owned a well-improved farm of near three hundred acres, two miles south of Marissa, where his widow now resides, a view of which can be seen in another part of this book. His farm residence was the original Marissa post-ofiice. Mr. and Mrs. White raised a family of five children, one son and four daughters, as follows : - Sarah C, now the wife of James A. Wylie ; Margaret J., now the wife of John T. Nixon, living in this township ; John K., Nancy J., and Martha E. The three latter are still beneath the parental roof. Mr. White, in character, was honest and upright ; ia disposition kind and charitable. He was an afiectionate husband, a loving father, a firm friend, and held in esteem by his neighbors.

One of the great problems of life is " For what calling am I fitted?" Many mistake their vocation and drag along forever in the wrong groove. Not so with Dr. Watts; nature especially fitted him in disposition, in energy, and in quick perception for the practice of his chosen profession. He was born near Nashville, Washington county, 111., Oct. 30th, 1843. His father was a farme r, and in common with farmers' sons generally the doctor labored upon the farm and attended the winter schools by turns. His common school training was supplemented by attendance at Nashville College, a school under Presbyterian guidance, near his home ; here he studied the classics and mathematics, and acquired a taste for scientific research that has ever followed him. In March, 1868, he graduated in the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. He had for four years prior to this studied medicine with Drs. Pierce, of Okawville. After graduation, not yet willing to fully trust himself in the practice, he continued his studies under Dr. Means and Carter, of Nashville, one summer, then located in Marissa, where he practiced two years, thence to his present home (a view of which may be found in this work) in New Athens. His ability as a practitioner is acknowledged on all hands, and few physicians are oftener called in consultation in the management of difficult cases by their professional brethren than he. When not actively engaged he may often be found in the quiet of home pursuing his favorite themes in science, in whose aid he invokes the microscope and applies chemistry. Politically the doctor is a sound republican, gets greatly warmed up during exciting campaigns, and " takes a hand " with a will. Was president of the Garfield club during the last presidential campaign. Some years ago he united with the Christian church, whose faith he yet avows. He was married to Eliza Ellen Boggess, May 29, 1864. His parents, Benjamin and Lucinda Watts, came from Georgia and first located on Turkey Hill, from whence they removed to Washington county. The doctor has a family of four children: Edward Ivy, Ernest Everett, Clara Viola, and Ada Ellen. Three are deceased. He is an active member of the medical societies of the county and of the Southern Illinois. He is also a member of Freeburg Lodge, No. 518 A. F. and A. M., in which order he is and has long been deputy, and is now its representative. Active in his profession, he richly merits success as his reward.

Fayetteville Precinct

J HIS precinct is irregularly shaped, located in the south-east central part of the county, bounded on the north by Belleville and Mascoutah ; on the east by Mascoutah, from which it is separated by Silver creek and St. Clair, from which it is separated by the Kaskaskia river ; on the south by Athens, the Kaskaskia river intervening, and on the west by Richland township. It contains an area of 58! square miles, or 37,680 acres. Has a population of 3,338.

The Kaskaskia river, and Silver creek, which enters the township on its northern boundary, flows a southerly course, emptying into the Kaskaskia, and their tributaries furnish water for stock and other purposes. The streams are skirted with a fine growth of timber. The surface is gently undulating, with considerable stretches of rich prairie. The noted Tamarois prairie, named for a tribe of Indians who, many years ago, occupied it, lies partially in this township. Coal is found in veins of extraordinary thickness, at one point, on Solomon Teter's farm, cropping out at the surface. The workable thickness of one of the veins, near Freeburg, exceeds nine feet. The soil is well adapted to all cereals, and produces abundant crops.

The First Land Entries

400 acres, by Larkin Rutherford, in 1799. About 500 acres of the celebrated Tamarawa claim, being survey 607, claim 2209, made by J. Edgar, November 20th, 1798, lies in this township; also claim 776, 200 acres, by same party, claimed in payment for services as Indian agent, made same time.

Two enterprising backwoodsmen, Jacob Short and Moses Quick, from a settlement to the south-east, penetrated the forests skirting the Kaekaskia, opposite the present site of Athens, in 1811, and, with an eye to business, at once commenced felling timber, preparatory to the construction of a raft. This was not a settlement ; no cabin was erected. With the broad skies as a canopy ; mother earth spread with furs as a bed ; game, brought down with their unerring rifles, for their subsistence, they worked with energy. Once completed, they launched their raft at a point about threequarters of a mile below Athens, and calmly floated down the tide in the month of March. On their way they bought beef cattle, corn, furs, etc., which th ey took on with them to New Orleans, where they disposed of their raft and " plunder," and returned to seek new homes in: St. Clair. This was the first boat built on the river in St. Clair county, and the first to disturb the waters of the Kaskaskia above Levens, save the canoes guided by Indians.

In 1797 Abraham Teter moved from Randolph county, Virginia, to New Design, Monroe county, this state. In 1803 or 1804, in company with Peter Mitchell, Barbara Shook, Isaac Grifien and families he came to this township, followed up the meanderings of Silver creek to section 33, T. 1 S., R. 7 W., where he found a double log cabin occupied by a Mr. Cook. He bought Cook's claim, agreeing to occupy one end of the cabin, and Cook the other, the first winter. Mitchell and Griffin located near by. Across the creek lived a family named Radclifie. So that Cook and Radclifie are believed to have been the first settlers. Among the early settlers was a rumor to the effect that a family of three - husband, wife and child had, prior to this, attempted to erect a cabin near the mouth of Silver creek, but, before its completion, had met their deaths. Their decomposed bodies were found by hunters from New Design, and buried underneath a large hickory tree which was often pointed out. This was about 1797, when militia claims were being selected. The names of the parties and all facts are matters of oblivion.

Mrs. Cook enjoyed the reputation of being bewitched. Neighbors in the vicinity of Turkey Hill (in those days ten, or even fifteen miles was looked upon as being in the neighborhood) verily believed her a witch. Mr. Radclifie, living on the other side of Silver creek, some two or three miles distant, laid claims to being a witch-master, and by a singular coincidence established his claim firmly in the minds of the people. Once Messrs. Teter and Mitchell had occasion to remain over night with him. At midnight

Ihcy mre aroused by loud laughter, and waking, saw Eadcliffe sitting bolt upright in a bed on the floor laughing heartily. Said he, " Mrs. Cook just came down the chimney, and I have kicked her into the fire. Imagine Teter's surprise on the following morning at hearing his wife's greeting him with a statement that Mrs. Cook had "just been in and said she came near burning up last night. Some coals had rolled out of the fireplace and burned her bed partially and awakened her by burning her feet." Therefore Radcliffe was authority in matters of witchery, and Mrs. Cook was more a witch than ever. The following spring they left the settlement. Laac Mitchell was born in the fall of 1805, being the first male child born there.

Solomon Teter was born Feb. 19, 1809, and is the oldest native born person now living in the precinct. He was one of a family of eleven children, ten of whom, five boys and five girls grew to years of maturity. His sister Eebecca was the first female child born. She was born in 1805.

David Hill, the oldest settler now living in this precinct, and among the oldest in the county, was brought an orphan boy from Pennsylvania in 1808, to what is now Richland precinct. He married Isabella Beunet, who was also an orphan brought to St. Clair county, from Kentucky, in 1815. Mr. Hill is yet in the tnjoyment of his faculties at the age of 88 years. He was a soldier from this county in the war of 1812, and is one of the few who draws a pension as such.

A child of Peter Mitchell was the first death, occurring in 1806. It was buried on section 34. The old burial ground thus set apart was used until some fifty or sixty graves were made, then abandoned.

Peter Mitchell was the first justice of the peace, and many were the hearts he caused to thrill with happiness as he tied hymeneal knots. As a justice he held high rank, and was for many years retained in that capacity.

On April 28th, 1813, Patrick Huggins and Elizabeth Mitchell, also William Huggens and Darter Barbary were married by Nathan Arnett, a preacher of the gospel. Thus the list of marriage^ commenced with a double wedding.

As early as 1815 John Boucher taught subscription school in the Silver creek settlement. The school-house had an open fire-place which occupied all of one end of the building. On dark days part of the roof was raised for admission of light.

The early settlers were a devoted people, conscientious and straight-forward in the observance of religious exercises. On the 21st day of March, 1811, they organized the Silver Creek Baptist Church, with seven members. Met from house to house until 1817, when a log church was built. At their first meeting they adopted a constitution which begins, " We agree to unite and be constituted on the Bible of the Old and New Testament, and to be known by the name of the Baptized Church of Christ, Friends to Humanity. Denying union and communion with all persons holding the doctrine of Perpetual, Involuntary, Hereditary Slavery." In their constitution was a clause to the eflJect that, " all persons failing to attend regular church meetings for three meetings in succession, shall be subject to be cited to attend and answer for neglect of duty." Such rigorous strictures now would soon deplete the church roll of many organizations.

On the east side of Silver Creek, sec. 3, Joseph McKinney put up the first mill in 1815 ; it was a band-mill. Each patron furnished his own power. It would grind from ten to twelve bushels of corn a day. When wheat was ground, they used what McKinney called "tarchers," or sieves, to sift it with. A great improvement on this was the mill built by William Whitchinck and his son in 1828. They did all the work themselves, except the blacksmithing. The stone, which they dressed themselves, was found in David Pulliam's branch, about three miles south-east of Fayetteville. It was a round rock about h\ feet in diameter. It was claimed by millers to be equal to any French burrstone. By changing teams, the mill would turn out seventy-five bushels per day. Oxen were mostly u^ed in grinding.

F , who was near-sighted, was placed on a stand when deerhunting. He shot at a deer, as he supposed, but the ball struck a rider and his horse, severely wounding the rider in the leg. For this accident, as he claimed, he was arrested and tried in a schoolhouse by a jury. The house was crowded to suifocation. The case was heard. All parties were requested to leave the house, to enable the jury to consult together ; whereupon some wags stuffed the chimney with prairie-grass, smoking out the jury, who adjourned procipitately without rendering a verdict.

The Cairo Short Line Railroad crosses the precinct diagonally through the western half from north-west to south-east, a distance of nearly ten miles.

Drum Hill, in this precinct, is one of the finest farming sections of St. Clair county. It is in the north-eastern part, and derived its name from the fact that a man named Carr, a drummer, settled there in an early day. So habituated was he to drumming, that morning and evening found him out in front of his cabin, beating the drum-call - hence the name.

In the south-eastern part are several lakes, the largest of which (Swan lake) covers an area of five hundred acres, and is nearly two miles long. It lies in sees. 11, 12, 13 and 14. To the east and near by are Bluff and Horse-shoe lakes, while to the south-west are Gimblet and Dry lakes. Hunting about these lakes has furnished rare sport. The precinct was established June 5th, 1839, and called Jefferson,' which name it held until by common consent the name Fayetteville was substituted. The first election was held at Marshall's store, Jefferson. The judges were Philip Land, Jas. Mason and William D. Ross. On petition, almost unanimously signed, the polling place was changed to Henry Douth's, on Silver Creek, June, 6th, 1843.

Town Of Freeburg

On Nov. llth, 1836, the town of Urbana, as it was first called, was platted by John T. Lemen. It comprised eight blocks, divided into 128 lots. Geographically, it was th* south-east quarter of the south-east quarter sectioa 19, T. 1 S., R. 7 W. A large public square was planned in the centre. Various additions have been made to the original town as follows : by Thomas Temple, 36 lots east of town, October 19th, 1853 ; by D. C. Wallace, 90 lots, Sept. 5th, 1853 ; by Reazin Thrifts, 8 lots, July 31st, 1857 ; by Philip Ranch, 14 lots north, Aug. 23d, 1854; by Geo. W. Smith, 3 blocks east, Sept. 1, 1853; by mill company, 12 blocks north of town, and others at a later date - in all fourteen different additions. The name was changed from Urbana to Freeburg in 1859, and Joseph Reichertmade the first addition of 42 lots Dec. 30th, 1859, to Freeburg. The post-office was located in 1851, with Geo. W. Smith as postmaster.

Prominent among the industries are the mills. The first built was what is now called Reichert's, in 1853-4, by Temple, Potter & Co. Its original cost was about $25,000. Has five run of stone. Capacity 250 barrels per day. It, together with the cooperage attached, gives employment to thirty men. The flour is shipped chiefly to St. Louis. Four different brands are made: No. 1, "Potter's Mills;" No. 2, "St. Clair;" No. 3, "Southern Star;" and No. 4, "Urbana." Joseph Reichert, proprietor.

Frederick Mills, in the northern part of the town were built in 1866, by Darmelatter, Meng & Co., at a cost of $40,000. Has five run of stone, with a capacity of making 200 barrels of flour per day. Is well equipped with first class machinery. W. H. Wildermann became proprietor in 1877.

A brewery was built by Heizmann and Barthel, in 1859. Now owned by Joseph Reichert, and operated only sufficiently to supply a local demand.

Leading Business Houses

A singing and literary society, which is in a very flourishing condition, having 38 members, and about 600 volumes in its library, was organized March 5th, 1867.

Freeburg Fire Co., No. 1, was organized April 12th, 1876, with forty-nine members. Have an engine manufactured in Philadelphia, costing $1000. Peter Etting, present captain. Have an engine house, the property of the company.

Upon the incorporation of the town Messrs. James Hill, Sr., Philip J. Koesterer, John Klingel, Christ. Barthel, and Fred. Koeberlin, were elected as Trustees. The present officers are Charles Weber, Pres., Joseph Koesterer, Jaoob Ratherni, Nich. Groh, Jacob Hoeder, Henry Serth, Otto Heizmann, Clerk ; William Barthel, Treas., and Val. Volz, Constable.

Situated on the west bank of the Kaskaskia, was laid ofi'by Abjiah Whiting and Thos. J. Pulliam, May 15, 1837, in 28 blocks, the central one of which is a public square. Each of the other 27 is divided into twelve lots. Thos. J. Pulliam made an addition of 180 lots April 26, 1855. It has a population of about 350 inhabitants. The first house was built by Thos. J. Pulliam, who for many years kept the ferry. This village has had its " ups and downs." When navigation of the river was thought to be an assured fact, property commanded good prices and trade was brisk ; mills were built ; many residences were erected ; stores were (eeming with piled up goods, and all seemed fair for the future. Fires contributed much to the destruction of business. Henry Voskamp was the first postmaster - appointed about 1840. He also opened the first store in 1836. L. Grossmann had the second store, opened shortly after Voskamp 's. J. Brannum built the first mill in 1854-55; it was subsequently destroyed by fire. A brewery, built in 1875 by Louis Hedwegwas, burned down the same year. Being well insured, it was rebuilt, but lack of business has occasioned it to stand idle for the pa3t year.

A large mill, having three run of stone, was built in 1863 by William Maguire. It sold at one time for $20,000. It has been idle for more than a year past.. Is owned by August C. Miller.

In 1856 a floating or pontoon bridge was built across the river here, supplanting the ferry. This bridge was carried off" by the high waters in February this year.

Was platted Sept. 13, 1836, some months before Fayetteville, by Pennington Power, Aaron Land, and Fielder Power. Its location is on the west bank of the Kaskaskia, about three miles above Fayetteville. A saw mill was built, two stores were opened - one by Francis Wilderman, the other by Marshall, and all seemed merry as a summer day. The destruction of the saw mill by fire destroyed all hope of making a city of Jefferson. July 29, 1865, it was var cated. Down the river, on the Tamarawa claim, being No. 2209, Survey 607, Adam Snyder (father of Judge Snyder), and James Semple, selected a town site, and located Tamarawa, May 21, 1836. Its location was sightly. It was on the great thoroughfare from the east to the west, at what was claimed to be the best ford on the river. For a time business bid fair to lay hold upon Tamarawa and claim her for her own especial pride. So sanguine were friends of the future of the infant city, which had already been planned on a most liberal scale, that an addition was made July 8, 1837. But how idle human speculations often prove! How are castles in Spain ruthlessly dashed to earth? Tamarawa is no more, and Crescent Place, now owned by Chauncy Hinckley, occupies the site.

Was platted July 9, 1874, by Edward F. Leonard, John T. Lemen,- and Robt. Moore. It is a small village, on the Cairo Short Line railroad, midway between Freeburg aud New Athens. It is surrounded by a rich agricultural district, and is quite a shipping point for grain and coal.

Coal Mi7ies. - Numerous veins have been opened in various parts of this precinct, many of which are now deserted. The Freeburg Coal Co. operate the most extensive, having a shaft 156 feet deep, with a 7 foot vein of coal, operated by steam power ; employs 20 to 30 men, and ships about six cars of coal daily to St. Louis. Reichert's shaft, owned and operated by Joseph Reichert, is of about the same depth, with a thicker vein, in places as thick as 10 feet, operated by steam power ; employs ten to twelve men. Ships 3 to 5 cars daily. (See chapter on Geology).

Attracted by stories of Americas wonderful fertility and the excellence of her free institutions, Joseph Rciehert, Sr.,and family, consisting of wife, three sons and five daughters, set sail for this country and reached New Orleans May IjOth, 1847, thence made their way up the Mississippi river to St. Clair county, already (piite thickly settled by industrious German people. He soon suited himself in a location, and bought land adjoining the town of Freeburg. His son, Joseph Reichert, Jr., the subject of this sketch, promptly offered his services to a neighbor farmer, John Wise, who engaged him for six dollars per month. Harvest being at hand he was shown how to wield a cradle, and, the second day, kept pace with others who were cradliug wheat, who were getting regular harvester's wages. On the principle that a boy, although he does the labor of a man, earns less, he continued for three months in the service of his employer. In the fall of the year he went to St. Louis, Mo., where he learned the cooper's trade, remaining there about two years. He then returned to his home, and on the 28th of October,

1850, was united in marriage to Maria Rauth. By this union there have been eleven children born, four boys and seven girls, of whom eight are living. For four years succeeding his marriage he followed liis trade, together with farming, when, in 1854, he opened a cooper shop in Freeburg. In 1857 he was elected constable for Faycttcville precinct, which office he held until 1862, when he resigned and bought, largely on credit, the mill property, which action laid the foundations for that success which has crowned his eftbrts in life. Nature seemed to have fitted him for this particular business. During the war he watched closely the fluctuations on the wheat and flour markets, and by taking advantage of the same, soon amassed considerable property. His practical knowledge of coopering enabling him to combine it with his milling business, aided in these results. Not to be dependent was a watchword governing his acts, hence he owns and controls a coal mine, a necessary adjunct to a mill, besides having an interest in another. As feeders to his mill he has bought several valuable farms. His eminent business qualifications led his fellow citizens to elect him a member of the town council, of which he was made president, and in which office he remained for seven or eight years, in fact, as long as he serve his constituencj'. He takes great interest in agricultural affairs, and was, for five years, a member of the Board of Directors of the St. Clair County Agricultural Society. Served one year as Vice-President of that organization, and, in 1879, was chosen its President, which position he yet holds.

In 1879, desiring to see his old home in Germany, Bargen, State of Baden, where he was born, November 17th, 1828, he made the trip only to return more fully impressed than ever with the value and worth of American institutions.

One of the pleasant memories of his life was the attendance upon the fiftieth anniversary, or golden wedding, of his parents, at the home of his brother, October 1st, 1868. There were gathered together upon that occasion eight children, thirty-four grand-children and nine great-grandchildren. The occasion was enlivened by music by the Belleville band. Speeches were made by friends present, among them Father Bartel, of Hanover ; Brefeld, of Hull ; Maurer, of Columbia, and Janssen, of Mud creek. Altogether it was an occasion of much good cheer. His father died July 22d, 1869, full of years, having been born January 24th, 1791. His mother, who was born December 14th, 1799, in Bargen, a village of Baden, yet lives. Politically, Mr. Reichert is a democrat. The. party, recognizing his sterling worth, and desiring his services in legislation, have twice nominated him as Eepresentative. As their standard-bearer, he has made for himself hosts of friends. Fortunate in his undertakings, prompt and energetic as a business manager, few men are more respected than he. Beginning life in humble circumstances, he has. steadily, step by step, by perseverance, won a good footing in worldly goods, and is a fitting example of what is in store as a reward for energy and directness of purpose in our loved country. He has reared a large and intelligent family of children who do him honor.

He has two brothers living in Freeburg: John, a hotel-keeper, and Jacob, proprietor of the Freeburg brewery. Of his children, several are married, as follows : Louisa, to Henry Serth, a miller in Lenzburg ; Mary, to John Convar, of Belleville; George, to Ida Friedlander, and Catharine, to Charles Becker, of Freeburg.

Dr. Charles H. E. E. Rembe

DR. CHARLES H. E. E. REMBE. Among the wide-awake, energetic young practitioners of medicine, none stand higher than Dr. Rembe. Thoroughly in love with his profession, vigorous in health, successful in practice, he has acquired, in the vicinity of Fayetteville, a large and lucrative business. He was born in Freis, Germany, February 9th, 1856. His father, Christoph Rembe, was a government ofiicial - an overseer of timber tracts, which position he has held for fifty years. His mother's maiden name was Eliza Plitd, of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. He received his education in the Gymnasium in Hersfeldt, completing the course of study laid out for him in 1871. The year following he determined to seek his fortune across the sea, and emigrated to America, landing in New York in the month of April, 1872, thence to the city of St. Louis, Mo , where he went lo Marthasville, and studied his chosen profession with Dr. L. Standinger, with whom he remained one and a half years. He entered the Missouri Medical College in 1874, and in 1878 graduated from that institution in the largest class ever sent forth from his alma mater. He was fortunate in his selection of a home, which he promptly found, soon after graduation, in May, 1878, in the village of Fayetteville. The Doctor's affability of manner, painstaking in practice, promptness in responding to calls, have won for him an enviable reputation. When the pontoon bridge, spanning the Kaskaskia, at Fayetteville, was washed away, he managed to keep relays of horses on the other side of the river, across which he was carried by a canoe. There was at that time nauch sickness, and he was compelled often to catch his rest as best he could whilst traveling from patient to patient. A constitution less robust would have broken down under the trials to which he was subjected. In 1880 he visited his old home in Germany, returning better satisfied than ever with his choice of a home.

Two of his brothers have followed him to republican America, whilst a married sister yet remains in the old country. The doctor has entered, with a will, into the spirit of American institutions, and takes an ardent hold upon politics. His first vote was cast for General James A. Garfield for President, and in his espousal of the Republican cause he is most earnest. Ambitious to excel in his profession ; a thorough student of ways and means presented to insure success, Dr. Rembe's efforts are being crowned with a full measure of success.

Rudolph W. Heimberger

RUDOLPH W. HEIMBERGER. Rudolph W. Heimbeegee, the present postmaster at Fayetteville, was born in Mascoutah, December 29th, 1838. His father, Gustav, a lawyer in Germany, came to America because of revolutionary troubles which convulsed his native land, and which contributed no little to the development of St. Clair County, in the year 1834. Being somewhat of a roving disposition, and dissatisfied with the outlook in and around Mascoutah, he went to Cuba in 1840, thence to Central America, subsequently engaged in the Mexican war as interpreter to Gen'l Shields, lost his left arm in a battle, and in 1856 he returned to Belleville, where he died in February, 1858. Thus closed a remarkable and checkered career of a man of distinction. Rudolph was married to Ann Hermann October 9th, 1866, by whom he has four children, Emma, Anna, Gustav and Hermann. He learned watch-making and gun-smithing in St. Louis, Mo., in 1858, and became a clerk in a dry goods establishment in Belleville, the next year, where he remained until the breaking out of the civil war, when he enlisted in Co. F., 9th Reg't, Illinois Volunteers, one of the first six regiments from that state. Remained in the army, in all three years and five months ; went out as color sergeant. His experience as a soldier was rough in common with all in his command ; his being one of the regiments that bore their part in all the battles from Cairo to the sea. After the war he resumed his clerical duties, engaging his services in the employ of S. P. Chandler & Co., then of Joseph Abend, with whom he remained four years, next that of Feuss & Hilgard, with whom he remained until his change of location from Belleville to his present home in Fayetteville, iu 1880. In all, he has filled the position of clerk, for various firms, for a period of twenty-six years. At present he is post-master at Fayetteville, and is engaged in the real estate business, with which he combines the duties of a Notary Public. His energy is meeting the success he deserves to win. He inherits the restless energy of his father and grandfather. Dr. Lafontaine (who located in in Mascoutah in 1836, and who was a physician and chemist of note in Germany), and being possessed of business tact will succeed. The same spirit of patriotism which prompted him to go forth and battle for his country, still actuates him to remain true to the Union he helped to preserve, and believing that the grand old republican party saved the Union, he is active in his support of its principles. A true friend, a genial companion, a live citizen, Rudolph W. Heimberger is respected of his fellow men.

"Was born 'ia the village of Ostenfelde, Prussia, July llth, 1839. His father, Theodore, was a prjminent contractor and builder in his native land, and many churches and public buildings stand as monuments to his skill as an artisan. He combined with this contracting for railroads to the importance of which as a lever of progress he was thoroughly alive, and in which business he was quite During the troublous times in Germany in 1848 he came to America, bringing with him his family of eight children, five boys and three girls, all yet living. The sons by name and in the order of their birth are Henry, Bernhardt, Frederick, Stephan, and George; the daughters are all married with names as fiilows, Gertrude Dickemper, Christina D,)enewald and Mary p]hrliardt. He located on an eighty acre tract of Ian I near Faycttcvillc, St. Clair county, Illinois, shortly after coming to this country. He brought with him about .$3,000, which at tluit time was considered a small fortune. Here, full of years and honor, respected of all men, admired of all for his urbane manners and kindly disposiiion, he died July 2, 1859. His wife, Mary Ann, survived him twenty years, dying February 11, 1879 Theodore Vahlkamp was liorn September 16, 1792, hence had witnessed many changes and great growth in his native land, and something of a greater growth and one filled with more promise in the land of his adoption. His wife was born in the year 1800. Thus it will be seen that Steplian Vahlkamp the subject of this sketch, came of a family of progressive spirit and rich in the endowments of nature. His has been an active life, chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits which have been varied, as his tastes dictated and restless energy demanded, by merchandizing and hotel keeping. His first experience outside of farming was in the management of a hotel in 1865-6. This was followed by merchandizing from 1867 to 1872, in which business his tact compelled success. In 1873 he took charge of the Okaw House in connection with his brotlier Bernhardt, which business he yet pursues. He skillfully manages a farm of five hundred and fortj' acres of excellent land and is rapidly amassing wealth by judicious investments and great painstaking. He was married to Elizabeth Raub, July 20, 1860, by the Rev. Rosenthal, in the Catholic Church in Fayetteville. By this union there have been twelve children of whom six are living. The names of the living are, respectively, Theodore, Ida, Sophia, Henry, John and Jacol). During the latter part of the war he was drafted, but the cares of a family devolving upon him he furnished a substitute, as did many others like situated, at no small cost to himself. When a youth he experienced his full share of the trials incident to ])ioiiecr settlement. During the first few years after coming to this country nuich sickness prevailed throughout the vicinity. He is an active supporter of tiie Citholic faith, and has contributed no little towards the success of the cause in his community. Every beneficial public enterprise finds in him a friend, and with means and voice he is ever ready to do his share. Politically, he is free in the expression of his sentiments and earnest in, their avowal. He has always affiliated with the democratic party, having cast his first vote for the " Little Giant," Stephen A. Douglas, in 1860, of which he is quite proud. Although eminently qualified to fill positions of trust, he uniformly declines any such honors, preferring the quiet of home life and the prosecution of his regular business. Energetic in business, affable in manners, generous in dispensing hospitality, no man stands higher in tlie esteem of his fellow-men in this vicinity than Stephan Vahlkamp.

Heney Baethel was born in the village of Langenselbold, Central Germany, August 28tli, 1827. His parents, Wm. and Catharine Barthel, emigrated from the Fatherland to America, lauding at New Orleans in 1840 ; thence they went to Belleville, one of the centers of German attractions, from which point they looked about them for a new home, and found it about a mile and a half east of Freedom, in Prairie Du Long. They lived but a short time in the enjoyment of this place, as William died in 1841, and his wife followed him in 1842. Henry thus left an orphan went to St. Louis, where he was apprenticed to the saddle and harness making trade, with Henry T. Ford. At the age of nineteen he engaged in the quarter-master's department of the government service, and was sent to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1846. Here the manufacturing and repairing of sad.lles and harness fell into his charge. The following year, most of the troops having been sent to the front, leaving General Price in command at Santa Fe, with but few men, civilians had to now and then stand guard, so that guard duty broke the monotony of his trade. Here he remained, in all, five year, and in 1851 returned to Illinois, and settled on a farm about three miles east of Freeburg. After three years of farm life he moved to Freeburg, where he has since resided. His early education was obtained in one of the rough school-houses on Prairie Du Long, where in company with Hon. Wm. R. Morrison, he attended a school taught by Matthew Donahue. His reader was the old Illinois form book, that of Morrison, a history of the United States. This reader indelibly impressed upon his mind forms of legal papers and documents, that have ever remained with him, aud which in his position of Justice of the Peace, to which he was first elected while liviug in Monroe county in 1852, and again soon after making a change of home to Freeburg, have been of great service. He held the office of Justice of the Peace continuously for a period of twenty-four years - years replete with interesting reminiscences of cases before his court, and " thank you " wedding ceremonies performed. He was elected a member of the Board of Commissioners for St. Clair county in 1876. During his term of service many public improvements were inaugurated ; the first iron bridge over the Kaskaskia at New Athens was built, macadamizing of Centerville and St. Louis road was done, the Court House Square was inclosed, and other like enterprises were consummated. In politics he has always been a consistent democrat, although his fir^t presidential ballot was cast for Scott. This vote, he says, was so cast because he knew of Scott and not of Pierce. In business afiairs Mr. Barthel has alway been energetic. He opened the first saddlery establishment in Freeburg in 1854. Sold out in 1858, and in company with others erected the brewery, from which he withdrew the same year. In 1861 he went into general merchandizing, which he yet pursues. He was married to Mai-garet Mohr April 12th, 1852, who died Jan. Hth, 1859. Was married to Anna Marie Bumb in June, 1850, who died Sept. 8th, 1872. His present wife is Gertrude Bumb, to whom he was married May 22d, 1873. In all he has six children living. An upright citizen, a straightforward business man, he is an honor to the community in which he lives, aud whose servant as a Justice he has so long been.

One of the present county commissioners, was born in Nassau, Germany, November 10th, 1834. His father, Henry Fietsam, was engaged for many years in the government service of his native land as a surveyor. As such he surveyed nearly all of Nassau. One of his duties was to make a division of timbered lands, belonging to the general government, between the various villages, alotting tracts to them proportioned to their population. This duty he discharged satisfactorily. This country olfcred better inducements than tlieir own to his growing family, so that the year 1850 found tliem all here. Sebastian first came in 1846, others in 1.S47, until eleven sons, in all, had made their home in America. He followed his family here, resigning his position, and once hercloentid in Shiloh valley, a few miles from Belleville. Three year.s afterwards he moved to Drum Hill, near Fayetteville, where he died January 1, 1872, at the age of eighty years. His wife Judilli i-urvived him more than four years, having died August '24ih, 187(1. He celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of wedded life at Lis home in ]8(i4. A notable occasi(m whose plea.^ant memories are treasured up in the minds of loving sons and friends. The subject of this sketch, Charles H. Fietsam, was the eleventh child in the fomily in the order of birth. He had heard of America iu boyhdod as a wonderland, and when he was sixteen, be was glad of his father's determination to cross the great sea and make a home in old St. Clair county, which was at that time attracting so much attention among German emigrants. Once here his first great necessity was to master the English tongue. In this he was quite backward, and many were the mistakes he would make, mistakes too very confusing to his sensitive nature. He had a tolerably good German education, which was supplemented liy but twelve hours attendance, all told at a writing school in his neighborhood. At the age of twenty-two he -nas crippled by falling from a wagon, drawn by a runaway team. This disabled him fir farm service, hence he was set to work in a store kept by an older brother, Sebastian, in Fayetteville. Here necessity compelled him to learn English. Calls for articles with whose names he was not familiar, caused ludicrous errors. This experience gained for him a practical business education, which has proved of great service. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Laux, Septend)er Oth, 18t)0. One child, a daughter, Ida, now the wife of Frank Abcrle, was the fruit of this marriage. His first wife dying, be married Philomena Zeller, Ajiril 4th, 1864, by whom he had seven children, all living. Mr. Fietsam has pursued farming all bis life, and combined with such pursuits as his qualifications have eminently fitted him -for, and to which his neighbors have re- ]H'atcilly called him. For twelve years he was retained as supervisiu- in his home precinct, for ten years the duties of deputy assessor were assigned him, and latterly he has been chosen Justice of the Peace. iMilarging his sphere of usefulness his fellow citizens last fall elected him county commissioner - a just recognition of his services in public life. To this position be has carried the same degree of energy, the same spirit of industry that has ever characterized him in oificcs of public trust. Exact and business-like in all his methods, judicious in all his actions, ever guardful of the best interests of the county, he is making for himself hosts of friends. His selection as commissioner is one of which his constituency is justly proud. In politics he is a democrat of the straightcst sect, as undeviating in his devotion to the principles of the party as the needle to the pidc. His first vote was cast tor Judge Wm. H. Snyder for circuit Judge under somewhat singular circumstances.

Whose portrait adorns this page, is a representative of oue of the pioneer families of this county. He was bora east of Belleville, January 6, 1807. His parents were Isaac and Rebecca (Jritien, nee Peter. Mr. Griffen always resided in his native township ]?y occupation he was a farmer. In agricultural jiursuits he took great delight. When it was proposed to organize and maintain a i''air Association in St. Clair county, ho was one of the first to lend his aid, and was for many years an officer and director. As jircsidcnt of the association in 1866, he won the apjirobation of all. He was married June 10, 1830, to 3[alinda J. Rains, by whom he had - in all - sixteen children, only three of whom survive. Politically, he was a democrat of the Jackson school. Not a seeker for office - he yet was active in the propagation of his political faith. He was a member of tlic ISaptist church, holding such membership with the oiliest organization of that society in Illinois. He died April 17, 187'.), within sight of his birth-place. He was esteemed for his virtues, honored i'or his talents, and loved for his social qualities.

showiug the difference between political elections nearly thirty years ago and now. There was no excitement. He accompanied his father afoot from Belleville to his home on election day. When they reached Freeburg, or Urbana as it was then called, they were informed for the first time that an election was being held, and voted. His first presidential ballot was cast for James Buchanan ; since then he has voted for the regular democratic nominees, although each time they have suffered defeat. He is of the opinion that they triumphed at the polls in 1876, but were defrauded out of their rights. He hopes for the eventual success of democratic principles. In religion Mr. Fietsam is an adherent to the Catholic faith. His business qualifications have fitted him for the various positions he has held, among them that of Financial Secretary of the Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance Society of St. Clair county, to which position he was chosen October 11th, 1868. Upright, honest and capable, he has hosts of friends. In the community where he has long resided and is Isnown by all, none are more respected for their worth as a man and citizen than Mr. Fietsam.

The Land Family

The above named family are among the early settlers of St. Clair county. Philip, son of Moses Land, was born in Virginia, March 2d, 1785. He removed to South Carolina, and there married Elizabeth Fike. The year of the marriage was 1805. He afterwards left South Carolina and went to Kentucky, and from that state came to Illinois in 1816, and settled in St. Clair county, at a point then and now known as Turkey Hill. About ths yeir 1818 he moved to a place on the Kaskaskia, near where Fayetteville now stands, and there he remained until his death, which took plac3 in April, 1857. His wife died on the old place or homestead, in 1841. There were six children born to Philip and Elizabeth Land. Their names were Aaron, Cynthia, Moses, Rebecca, Evaline, and Nathan. Aaron and Cynthia were born in South Carolina. Moses, Rebecca and Evaline in Kentucky, and Nathan in St. Clair county, Illinois. Aaron Land married Lucy Dial. Cynthia married Patrick Costello, who died about the year 1841, after which she married Edward McGarren. Moses Land married Louisa Dial. Rebecca died unmarried, about the age of eighteen years. Nathan was twice married; first to Sarah Curtis, in 1845. She died in 1853. He then married Minerva Benwell, daughter of Joseph Prim, in 1858. He was raised on a farm, and followed agricultural pursuits until after the death of his wife, when he engaged in merchandizing in the town of Mascoutah, in which he continued for three or four years, when he sold out and purchased an interest in the flouring mill in Mascoutah, which was built by Messrs. Postal & Eisenmayer, and is now owned and operated by Philip H. Postal. In August, 1862, during the war, he raised a company of volunteers, which were enlisted into the service, when they became a part of the 117th regiment Illinois volunteers. Col. R. M. Moore commanding. The regiment did gallant and meritorious service during the war. Captain Land contracted sickness, which compelled him to send in his resignation, and he was honorably discharged in September, 1864. During the last six months of his service, he was detailed as one of the members of the military court before whom offenders under the military law were tried. In the fall of 186.5 he moved to Warrenburg, Missouri, and engaged in mercantile business. On Christmas eve the year following, he suffered considerable loss by having his property destroyed by fire. In 1867 he built a flouring mill in Warrenburg, and from that time to the present has been engaged in milling business. Since

Aaron Land, the eldest brother, was a soldier in the Black Hawk War; and went out in 1831, and again in 1832. He was orderly - sergeant of his company both times. He also served a number of years as Justice of the Peace in St. Clair county.

Cynthia Land, as stated above, married Patrick Costello, who was a native of Tipperary county, Ireland. He died February 21st, 1842. By that union there wtre six children; two of whom are living, viz, Elizabeth, wife of William Shawn, farmer of Washington county, Illinois, and William Costello. Nathan died in his fourteenth year. William was born in St. Clair county, and grew to manhood, and married Miss Nancy S., daughter of Lucius Don, and Matilda V. (Stunz) Turner. The date of the marriage was February 9th, 1865. By this union there were four children ; three of whom are living. Their names were Mary H., Laura, who died in her fourth year, Don, and Elizabeth Costello. Patrick Costello was of an old family in Ireland. His ancestors were large land owners, at the time when Cromwell invaded the country. They were Catholics, consequently their lands and possessions were seized and confiscated to the Crown.

The Fike Family

Is probably of Welsh or German origin. Abel Fike, son of Nathan Fike, was the first person of that name who lived in that portion of Illinois now embraced in the bounds of St. Clair county. He was born in North Carolina, April 15, 1777. His first wife, whose maiden name was Rachel Crownover, was born in March, 1785, in the state of New Jersey. They were married in the year 1805, and settled in Pendleton county. South Carolina, where two sons were born - Ai, born March 28, 1807, and Benjamin, born December 13, 1808. The family removed to Hopkins county, Kentucky, where another son, John Jasper, was born, August 7, 1810. From Kentucky he moved with his family, and settled about the year 1811-12, in what is now St. Clair county, Illinois, near Turkey Hill, about six miles east of the city of Belleville. Here two more children were added to the family - Ansby, born July 10, 1812, and Narcissa, born November 1, 1813. His wife died in March, 1815. In December of the same year he was married a second time, to Mrs. Nancy Crownover (whose maiden name was Nancy Land), widow of Joseph Crownover, who died January 20th, 1815. The widow Crownover, who was born in Pendleton county. South Carolina, May 22, 1792, and whose husband was a brother to Abel Fike's first wife, had two children - Melissa Crownover, born in Pendleton county. South Carolina, January 14, 1810, and Garritt Crownover, born in Illinois, December 31, 1813.

So, when Abel Fike was married to his second wife, they had, in addition to the meagre domestic supplies of that early pioneer period in the history of the West, a joint stock of seven children with which to embark in the new enterprise of life. This family was increased by an addition of six more children, as follows : Nathan, born March 25, 1817 ; Permelia Ann, born January 25th, 1819; Moses Perry, born January 21, 1821 ; Charity Jane, born August 9, 1822 ; Sarah, born April 30, 1828, and Henry Clay, (who furnished this sketch), born December 21, 1832.

Abel Fike continued to live in the same neighborhood, where his family grew up and mostly married. In December, 1836, he sold the farm on which he was then residing, which is about one half a mile south of Reutchler's station on the South Eastern railro d, to Mr. Raith, who had just arrived with his family from Ger- many, and moved into Looking-glass prairie, and settled about two miles north-east of Mascoutah, where he continued to live till his death, which occurred February 10, 1852, in his seventy-fifth year. For many years of his life, Abel Fike held the office of justice of the peace, and was for several terms a member of the board of county commissioners. The oldest commission held by him, of which the family have any account, is one dated May 20, 1816, while Illinois was yet under territorial form of government, and Nathaniel Pope was governor of the territory.

The oldtst of Abel Fike's children, Ai, was married to Nancy Brown, daughter of Major H. T. Brown, about the year 1830. He was married asecondtime, to Mrs. Martha Swan, in 1855. He moved from St. Clair county to Clay county, Illinois, in the year 1864, from which locality he soon moved to Laclede county, Missouri, where he now lives. Ai Fike had five children by his first wife and three by the last. Of the first family, Andrew J. lives in Lompoc, California ; Williaoi H. lives near Clinton, Mo., and Abel lives near Ottawa, Kansas.

Benjamin, second son of Abel Fike, was married about 1830, to Maria Swaggard, sister of George Swaggard, Esq., now of Mascoutah, Illinois, and was married again to Margaret Chrisman, about 1 843. None of the children of the first marriage are known to be living. One child by second marriage, a daughter Emma, was married to P. McClelland, and was living in Marion county, Illinois, when last heard from. Benjamin Fike died in March, 1845, on his farm, five miles north-east of Mascoulah, on Looking-glass prairie.

John Jasper, third son of Abel Fike, was married to Elizabeth Howell about 1831. He had six children, all girls but one. He lived after marriage near Drum Hill, about half-a-mile west of the old town of Jefierson, on the Okaw river, till the year 1850, when he moved with his family to the state of California. They lost two children, David and Elizabeth, by cholera, while crossing the plains overland. . The only two children living are Mary, (married to William Hopps in 1848) now living near Joplin, Mo., and Rachel, (married to T. J. Pulliam in 1856) now living in south-west Missouri. John Jasper Fike died in California in the year 1852.

Ansby, the fourth son, was married to Mary Anderson, November 3, 1831. He had four sons and two daughters, who lived to maturity and married. Their names are Anderson Y., John W., Narcissa, Mary Jane, Doniphan and Corrington, who are all living at present. Ansby Fike was engaged in the mercantile business early in life, in Jefferson and Mascoutah ; went to California in 1849 ; returned in 1852; was a justice of the peace for a number of years, and member of the county court of St. Clair county, in 1854 and 1855. He now lives in Cliulon, Henry county, Mo., to which place he moved in 1866.

Narcissa, the fifth child of Abel Fike, was married to T. B. Davis about the year 1831, and lived on Turkey Hill for a few years, when the family moved into Looking-glass prairie, where she died, February 13, 1842. She had four daughters - Louisa, Nancy, Rachel and Maria, who lived to be grown and married.

Nathan Fike, the oldest of the second family of children, was married to Elizabeth Crouck, by whom he had one son, James A. 'who now lives in Ferndale, California. Nathan's wife dying, he went into the Mexican war, and at the close of this war, went to the state of California, where he engaged in mining and farming. He subsequently married again, and settled in San Francisco, where he now lives, engaged in metcautile pursuits.

Permelia, second in order, was married to Johan Bagby^^ho died near Mascoutah, on a farm. She was then married to Henry Amos. They moved to the state of Iowa, but returned to Mascoutah in a few years. Permelia had one daughter, Leandra, by the first marriage, and four daughters by the last -Joanna, Nancy, Martha and Josephine. The family moved to California about 1869. The daughters are all married, and the parents are now living at Napa city in that state.

Moses Perry was married to Sarah Howell in 1843. He went to California in 1849 and returned in 1851. He had four children- Delia M., Lffititia, AValter M. and El Dorado ; all lived to be grown and married. Moses was engaged in teaching in the common schools of his day prior to marriage. After his return from California he was engaged in merchandizing in Mascoutah, till his death, which occurred February 23, 1852.

Charity Jane was married to Charles Rayhill in 1841, and lived with her husband on a farm three miles east of Mascoutah, where their union was blessed with seven children, who are all still living. Their namas, in the order of their ages, are : Batty A. L., Helen, Leonora, George W., Julia, Lucy, and Charles G. The family moved to Warreasburg, Mo., about the year 1873, where they remained until 1879, when they m^ved to BjUeville, 111., where thsy now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Rayhill gave their children a good education, most of them being graJuatas of institu Dions of learning of high rank. All tha children are m irrieJ but the youngest

Sarah was married to William Floyd in 1849. They lived for some time in Bond cjuuty, lUiajis, oa a farui ; afterwards moved to Lebanon, where Mr. Floyd engaged in merchandizing, and at the same time educated his children in thj exoelleat schools of that place. The family was blessed with six children, in the following order: Georgie, Addie, Hattie, Nannie, Henry T. and Ettie. Mr. Floyd moved with his family, in 1873 to Missouri ; lived in Sedalia and Warrensburg; afterwards moved to Green Castle, Indiana, where he now lives. He gave h\i children a good- education, some of them becoming qaitj proficient in the science of music.

Henry C , the youngest of all the children, after receiving a common-school education, entered McKendree College in 1847, at the age of fourteen. In 1852, in his twentieth year, he graduated in the classical course. During the ten succeeding years he was principally engaged in teaching ; was principal of the Mascoutah public schools from 1857 to 1862. In 1862 he enlisted in the U. S. Volunteer service, and was mustered in as quartermaster of the 117th Reg. 111. Vols. Inf't., on the 26th day of August of that year. His regiment was attached to the Western Department, whose field of active duty led them through parts of all the southern states bordering on the Mississippi river. He was discharged July 12, 1865, after the close of the war. He married Lucy C Power, who resided near Trenton, Clinton county, 111., December 25, 1855. They have had two children. The first, a daughter. May, died in infancy ; the second, Ella, was born January 16, 1861. The family moved from Mascoutah in 1867 to Warrensburg, Mo., where they now live. Mr. Fike has filled several places of official responsibility in his new western home. He was for four years a member of the board of education of the city of Warrensburg, Mo., and is now serving his sixth year as a member of the city council. He is a member and secretary of the board of regents of the State Normal School located at Warrensburg. Mr. Fike, in company with Nathan Land and Moses Land, erected a merchant flour mill in the city of Warrensburg in 1867, which they have co.,iinued to operate to the present.