St. Clair County, Illinois - Chapter 2 (2 of 2 so headed), 1928 (part 3 of 3)

Rev, G W, Humphrey

eEORGE W. HUMPHREY, the son of Edward and MiUe Sulzen Humphrey, was born at Ellis Grove. III. on the joth of May. 187";. He was educated in the public schools, and in the Central Wesleyan College, at Warrenton, Mo., where he received an A. B. degree in 1902. He then joined the St. Louis Ger. man Conference. He has served the following pastorates: Bible Grove and FarinaCircuit, 1902- 03; (while here he was married to Elizabeth C. Floreth, on April 22. 1903), Highland, III, 1904- 09; (in the year of 1909, he went to the island of Cuba as a welfare worker, and as superintendent of a citrus fruit plantation); Wesley M. E. Church of St. Louis, 1918; Warsaw, III, 1919-21; Jackson Street M. E. Church of Belleville, III. 1925 to the present.

Rev. and Mrs. Humphrey are parents to two boys: Merrill George, an electrical engineer, born on January 18, 1904, and Kenneth Edward, a high school student, born June 27, 1911.

Gus J- Kunze

yf\K GUS I- KUNZE is a retired farmer, and III lives near Marissa. on Rural Route No. 2. ^^ Born on the Kunze Farm, March ist. 188S, he is the son of Frederick Ernst Kunze and Katherine Hot:, both of whom were horn in Germany. The father at one time owned a thousand acres of land; at the time of his death in Oct.. 1920, he left to his son, Gus. 240 acres, and the latter has added sixty acres more to this.

The son attended the public schools for some years, and w-orked for his father until 1907. when he married Emma L. Schmidt, on April 6th. and began farming for himself on a portion of his father's land. In 1916, he took complete charge of all his father's estate, managing this until his retirement in 192'). Mrs. Kunze, the daughter of Gotlieb and Catherine Dombach Schmidt, was born at Hills Town, Manssa Township, on Sept. 13th. 188?, and received a public school education. Her father died June i6th, 1910; her mother in Dec. 1891. They reared eight children.

Mr. Kunze is serving his third term as Township Supervisor; is president of the School Board. District No. 42, is a director in the State Bank of Marissa; a member of the Farm Union; a stockholder in the Forsythe Coal Co.; and a stockholder in. and the District Agent of. the St. Clair County Life and Casualty Company.

Walter Wiskamp

iy^ ALTER WISKAMP was born on a farm \\j in this county, Dec. ^. 1879. and had the advantages of a public school education. Walter first took up life insurance, which he followed until 1902. when he opened the Wiskamp Laundry at Nos. 8 and 10 South First St., Belleville. This he continued running until 1922, when he sold out the business, and in the following year, opened the business which he now manages at 108 S. Jackson St. He bought the property, and had built here a well-equipped, modern cleaning and dyeing plant. He is a good business manager and has a wide patronage. He belongs to several prominent organizations - the Elks, the Good Fellowship Club, the Commercial Club, and the Retail Merchants' Association.

Rev. Frank F. Otto

eEV. FRANK F. OTTO was born in Germany. He moved with his parents to St. Louis, Mo., where he resided until he became pastor of the Jackson St. M. E. Church, at Belleville, 111, in 1919-

Reverend Otto is one of the many valuable men who have become members of the Southern Illinois Conference by the merger with the St. Louis German Conference. At present. Reverend Otto is pastor of the Immanuel Church, at Edwardsville, Illinois.

John E. North

^R. .AND MRS JOHN NORTH, of Lebanon, 111. both have come from prominent and respected families of St. Clair County. Mr. North, who was born at Lebanon on July JO, 1868, is the son of Adolphus North and Pauline Bradsby. His father spent most ot his life on the farm, and died m Lebanon in 1917 and Pauline Bradsby North died in 1880.

Mr. John North attended his neighborhood school, and afterwards studied in the Southern Illinois Normal for one year, and in McKendree College for two years.

He decided to be a farmer and followed this vocation for many years, giving special attention to stock-raising. In 1908 he retired, and ten years later moved into Lebanon. But Mr. North was not satisfied to live in idleness; he has gone into the dairy business, and runs a branch receiving station for the St. Louis Dairy Company.

Mr. North has shown a practical interest in the welfare of his city and community. He was Highway Commissioner for four years (1912 to 1Q16); a member of the County Board from 1922 to 1925; Mayor of Lebanon from 1922 to 1926; and has been a school director since 1918. His father before him was one of the trustees of the Lebanon Township Schools for twentyfive years. Mr. North attends the Methodist Church, IS a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, and of the Rotary Club.

Father Joseph A. Roken

came to this city in 1925. Born m Philadelphia, June ^, 1869, he is the son of Henry R. Roken, who was for fifty years a prominent clothing manufacturer of Philadelphia, and ot Mary Ann Coleman. His father, who was born November 24, 1837, died on January j, 1919, some years after he had retired from business; the mother was born June 9, 1837, and passed away in 1909, on the 27th of November.

Rev. Roken received his early education in the public and parochial schools of Philadelphia; afterwards he studied at Mount St. Mary's College, Emmetsburg, Maryland, and took his special course, preparatory for the priesthood, at St. Bonaventia University, in Olean, New York. Soon after his ordination on June 9, 1900, he was assigned to the Murphysboro Parish as assistant to the Reverend Schauerte; from here he went to East St. Louis as assistant pastor of the St. Patrick's Church; next, he was made pastor of the St. Joseph's Church, at Equality, Illinois; transferred from Equality to St. Joseph's Church, Olney, Illinois, and in 1925 was appointed pastor of St. Andrew's Parish, Murphysboro, Illinois, from which he resigned after six months and came to Lebanon, where he still resides.

Father Roken has made many friends in the many places in Illinois where he has gone, and is considered a "good fellow." He owns a fine bird dog, and enjoys hunting which is his hobby.

GC. MULKEY, ticket agent for the Illinois Central Railroad Company, at Freeburg, Illinois, born at Mulkey Town (named after his great grandfather), Franklin County, Illinois. Attended publit school in native town, worked for father on farm until he was twenty years old. Took employment in shops of I. C. R. R. Company at Pinckney ville, Illinois, and at various positions on St. Louis division of same company. Later he began study of telegraphy, and in 1 9 1 7 was made city ticket agent and operator for Illinois Central at Freeburg,

At age of twenty-six, Mr. Mulkey was married to Miss Ora Lou Means, then twenty-two. Four children: Maud, born Aug. 9, 1901; Floyd, born Nov. 27, 190J; Austin, July iiS, 1910; and Inez, Dec. 12, 1912. Mr. Mulkey's parents - A. H. Mulkey and Theodosia Austin Mulkey.

L. KNOEBEL iif^ ILLIAM KNOEBEL was born on Jan- \^J 8, 1885, and reared on a farm near Lebanon. He was the son of Charles Knoebel, who died March 2';, 1922, and Emma Eberman Knoebel, who was residing in the city of Belleville, but who died July 5, iQ^?. Mr. Knoebel obtained his education in the Pleasant Hill and Cherry Grove schools. After his schooling was completed, he began working on his father's farm, and remained here for many years, until 1919, when he was ready to be married.

His marriage to Miss Elizabeth Rochell took place on the 19th of Feb., 1919. She is the daughter of John and Maria Lohmann Rochell, who are now happily engaged in farming near Trenton, Illinois. Elizabeth Knoebel was born near Lebanon, 111., on Dec. ij, 1886, and received her education in the Emerald Mound School, situated near her birthplace. For a number of years before her marriage she was engaged in domestic work in St. Louis She and Mr. Knoebel are the parents of three children: John C. was born Jan. 22, 1920; Emma M., on March 28, 1922; and Wilma A., on Jan. ij, 1924.

After his marriage, Mr. Knoebel began farming for himself on the farm of eighty acres which he now owns and which is situated near Belleville, on Rural Route No. 4. He has been a member of the Cherry Grove school board for the past two years. He is very industrious and his farm work engages most of his time.

Dr. Edward S, Rose, Dentist

OR EDWARD S. ROSE was born at Columbia, III, March 21, 1887. He was one of a family often children. His father, the well known Dr. Rose, of Monroe County, died July 26, 189'i, and his mother, Mrs. Lena Freckman Rose, was born on December 19, 1850, in St. Louis, Mo., and is still living and enjoying good health in Columbia. 111.

After attending the public schools. Dr. Rose studied in Smith Academy and in the Bryant and Stratton Business College, both in St. Louis, Mo. He then took up the study of medicine in Washington University, St. Louis; hut atter a year he shifted his studies to the dental school, from which he was graduated in igi 1. .'\fter one year of practice in MiUstadt. 111., he moved his office to Columbia, 111., and continued his practice here until 1921, in which year he came to Dupo. He has been quite successful here and has worked up a large business.

Mrs. Rose was, formerly. Miss Emma E. Lepp, and was born in Columbia, 111. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Lepp. Dr. and Mrs. Rose have a family of five children: Minnie M., who was born in September, 1912; William F., born in April, 1914; Edward F , in September, 1916; Raymond, in January, 191S; and the youngest, Margaretha, was born in October, 192J.

Dr. Rose is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, and a Modern Woodman of America. He serves on the board of council in Dupo, and he is also president of the board of trustees of the Evangelical Church of Dupo and a firm believer in the doctrine of Christianity. Dr. Rose is somewhat of a sportsman, and IS particularly interested in hunting.

William Housam

gFTER SPENDING more than thirty years of his lite as a miner, Mr. Housam retired from active mining in igog; since then he has been taking life easy. He is the son of Jacob Housam and Marguerite Penn, and was born in St. Clair County, near OTallon, on February 14th, 1859. His father was a well known carpenter in this city, and was one of the first to settle in OTallon. The family comprised four children - two boys and two girls. William was but two years old when his mother died in 1861, but his father lived until 1880, and died on April ijth.

William Housam secured his education in the public schools, and after finishing his school work, found employment in the mines working below for a number of years; at the age of thirty he was given the position of hoisting engineer, and held this place until he retired - altogether for twenty years. He was twenty-two years of age w^hen he married Miss Mary E. Dunkerly on September 22nd, 1881. His wife was born in England, and came across the waters with her parents when she was but three years old. Her father chose to settle in St. Clair County. Her birth, like that of her husband, occurred in February, on the 19th day of the month in the year i85j, and by a strange coincidence, she died in February, in 1909, just a few days before reaching her forty-sixth year, and three days before her husband's fiftieth birthday. She bore to Mr. Housam three children - WiUiam, Jessie and Edith. Both of the girls attended McKendree College; Jessie graduated from the Department of Music in I goo, and Edith studied in the college in 1908. The latter died on the 28th of January, 191 J. Jessie was married on October 8th, igog, to Chas. F. Behrens, and is now the mother of three children - Ellen, Alice and William. Mr. Housam makes his home with this daughter.

Mr. Housam has been active in the political life of his community. Before OTallon became incorporated as a city he was the president of the Village Board for several years. It was during this administration that OTallon was given the city status. He became the first mayor of the new city, and served in this capacity for two years. For eleven years he was a member of the city Council, and also served as a member of the first Board of Education in OTallon Township for three years.

At one time, Mr. Housam owned a great deal of property in this county, and since his retirement from mine work he has been attending to this property, giving some of his time to caring for his property near OTallon. Since 191";, he has not been in very good health, and therefore not able to take such an active interest in the atfairs of his city. Mr. Housam holds a membership in one fraternity, the Modern Woodmen.

QETER HERMAN, Jr., was born near Freeburg, on July 24, 1848, the son of a German immigrant who had settled on a 5"; 2 acre farm near Freeburg, lUinois, and who had married in March, 1844, Miss Elizabeth Lorty. He obtained a common school education in a school near his home and afterwards attended the Illinois State Normal University, at Normal, Illinois, where he prepared himself for the teaching profession, and taught for five years, until 1876, when he gave up teaching to become a merchant. On December 14 of this same year (1876) his mother died and his father followed twenty -eight years later.

On June 21, 1874, Peter Herman was married to Margaret E. Reinheimer, who was born in Germany m 185}. Her father, Frederick Reinheimer, settled with his family near Freeburg, and followed the vocation of farming. Her mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Baltz. The three children of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Herman are grown and married. The oldest, Fred W. Herman, was born on October ij, 187';, and is married to Annabel Baker; the daughter, Clara, born on March 2';, 1882, is now the wife of Dr. R. F. Lischer; and Wm. Hamilton Herman, the youngest, born on October u, 188}, married to Clara L. Reichert, of Freeburg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Reichert.

Mr. Herman continued in the general merchandise business until igoj, when he turned the business over to his son, F. W. Herman, who continued to operate it until the year 1912.

It has been a long and useful life that Mr. Herman has spent in this county, first as a teacher, and afterwards as a merchant. He has traveled extensively over the United States and Canada. He visited Philadelphia in 1876 when the Centennial Exposition was held in that city. Both he and Mrs. Herman are active members of the Evangelical Church, of which they have been members for many years. On Jan. 21, 1923 they celebrated their golden wedding.

Mr. Herman was, for eight years, a member or the village board in Freeburg, and for four years a county supervisor. He was first elected treasurer of the board of education on the 22nd of November. 1883, and has served continuously in this office to the present time - forty-four years. He IS one of the oldest Masons in this countv.

Rev. Ressho Robertson. D. D.

- 1.1. -'/I 1 --.-.tul and very nIxT ol the Southern llhnoB Confera native of Illinois and comes of a family of early immigrants from Scotland. His great grandfather on his father's side of the family was a Revolutionary soldier.

In 1887 Dr. Robertson was united in marriage with Miss Eva B. Horrell of Frankfort, Illinois, who has been his faithful companion and coworker throughout his ministerial career. As a pastor. Dr. Robertson has served some of the leading charges of the Southern Illinois Conference, including Carterville, Vergennes, Chester, GrayviUe, Duquoin, Harrisburg, St. John's, Edwardsville, Olney and Lawrenceville. From 1917 to 1923 he served as superintendent of Centralia District.

He was honored by his brethren of the Southern Illinois Conference in his election to the General Conference of 1920, and as first reserve delegate in 1924.

At the General Conference in Des Moines in 1920 he was active in the committee on the State of the Church, being a member of the subcommittee on General Reference; and also was active on the committee on Book Concern where he was Vice Chairman of the sub-committee on Property. He was a member of the Special Committee on Federation and was honored by that Committee in his election to its chairmanship. He is, perhaps, the only delegate from the Southern Illinois Conference who ever served as chairman of a General Conference committee.

A careful financier as evidenced by the leadership of his church in giving to benevolences, and an excellent preacher, as shown by the standing of the charges he has served. Dr. Robertson may certainly be classed as a noble Christian minister.

Ralph B. Rode

RALPH B. RODE yfVR. RALPH BECKER RODE, an expert IJI in Exodontia and Dental Diagnosis, with an ofEce at 519 Frisco Building, St. Louis, Mo., received his early trainingm the Brownstown public schools and m McKendree College. Dr. Rode was graduated from St. Louis University in 1016. was Chnical Instructor of Dental Dept. in 1917, was Supt. of Operative Clinic of Denta

Dept. in 1918, and Vice-Dean of the Dental Dept. - all of St. Louis University - in 1919-20. While he attended McKendreeCoUege.Dr.Rode was a member of the Platonian Literary Society, and during his professional life has been a member of the Delta Sigma Delta Fraternity, the American Dental Society, the Missouri State Organization, the St. Louis Dental Society, and the St. Louis Society of Dental Science.

For the past eight years Dr. Rode has been associated with Dr. George B. Winter, of St. Louis, who has an international reputation as an authority on Exodontia-Radiography and Dental Diagnosis.

Mrs. Rode was Miss Bernice Brown, of Brownstown. Illinois, and to this couple were born one child, Georgia Ann Rode. Dr. Rode's parents were Samuel William Rode, now deceased, and Anntonette Clain Rode, who now resides in St. Cloud, Florida.

>Y^cPHERSON SHEPARD, of Mt. Carmel, ^_|^ graduated in the classical course, cum liiude, in the class of 1909, and attended Harvard University the following year. He marmied Zola Elizabeth Stum, Crossville, who is a graduate of Illinois Womans" College and of Chicago Musical College. At present Mr. Shepard is associated with his father-in-law, A. M. Stum, banker and extensive land owner. Since leaving McKendree he has taken an active part in Republican politics, and only recently was a candidate of his party lor Congress.

George M. Thomas

CHE THOMAS ELECTRIC SHOP m OTallon, 111. is under the management of George M. Thomas, who has been the sole owner of this busmess since 1922. Mr. Thomas was born in this city, the son of Nicholas Thomas and Louisa Huber, on the 29th of April, 1889, and here he was educated in the high school, after which he studied in the Columbia Commercial College of St. Louis, Mo. Then he first worked in the office of the Kinloch Telephone Company, afterwards in a hardware establishment, and later as a travelling salesman. In 1918, he started in business for himself as a retailer of electrical goods, and, excepting a brief partnership with his brother, Walter Thomas, he has continued to manage the shop alone since that time.

His wife was Miss Julia L. Braun, to whom he was married August 12, 1914. They have two girls - Alma and Marylynn - the first born on March 29. 1917, and the other on November 9, 1922. Mrs. Thomas was born at Huey, III., in 1891, one of the eight children of Louis Braun and Sarah Kluth.

Mr. Thomas takes an active interest in the welfare of his community. He is a Mason, a member of the O'Fallon Business Men's Association, and the Vice-president of the local Rotary Club. Since 1920 he has served on the School Board of District No. 92, and is now the secretary of this Board. Mr. Thomas is affiliated with the Evangelical Church, and has been a trustee of its Board for several years.

R F TRAUTMAN, D. C, Ph C. >«R. R F, TRAUTMAN, a chiropractic \Jig physician at O'Fallon, Illinois, is a graduate of the Palmer School of Chiropractic, in Davenport, Iowa. He came to O'Fallon in 1923, from St. Louis, where he had practiced, at J 147 Arsenal Street since his graduation from the

Palmer School in the spring of 1922, and succeeded Dr. F. Sudhoff in the office which Dr. Trautman now occupies. Mr. Trautman was born in St. Louis, on Feb. 12, 1896, and there he received his pubUc school education, which included a high school training. During the vacation periods he worked to secure means for continuing his studies in the high school, and later, in the college. Thus Mr. Trautman is, in the true meaning of that term, a self-made man.

Mrs. Trautman w?s also horn in St. Louis, on Dec. 10, 1901. and was, before her marriage to Mr. Trautman, on June 10, 1926, Miss Louisa A. Oeters. the daughter of Edward A. Oeters, and employee of the government in the Department of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Trautman's stepfather. Dr. J. P. Herrmann, is also a chiropractic doctor, and has his office in St. Louis.

Dr. Trautman has been quite successful as a practitioner at O'Fallon; he enjoys a large patronage in his locality. He is a member of the Uni versal Chiropractic Association, and acts as the local examiner for the Universal Life Insurance Company of Missouri. Mr. Trautman is a Mason and a member of the Good Hope Lodge in O'Fallon.

Abraham Hirstein

ABRAHAM HIRSTEIN [R. ABRAHAM HIRSTEIN, of Summerfield, is one of St. Clair County's successful farmers. He was born in this county on Sept. 2';, 186^, one of the twelve children ot Abraham Hirstein and Barbara Gross, and received his education in the public schools. Until he was twenty-nine years of age he worked for his father on the farm, and then began farming for himself. Two years later, on Feb. 5, 1898, he was married to Caroline Kruger, the daughter of Nick Kruger and Sophia Elizabeth Upmeyer, who had, besides Caroline, one other daughter. Mrs. Hirstein was horn near Summerfield on Oct. 16, 187}, and was educated in the public schools. She is the mother of eight children, whose names and birth dates follow: Dora, Dec. 1896; Alice, March 18, 1898; Carrie Anna, Dec. 15, 1902; Theodore, Dec. 7, 1905; Alvina, May 4, 1908; Robert, Sept. 10, 1910; Marie, March 7, 1914; Adelle, Dec. 8. 1916. Their first daughter. Dora, is married to Henry Peters, and Alice IS the wife of Oliver Perschbacher.

In 190J, Mr. Hirstein settled on the large farm which he now occupies, and which he still manages. He has ever been an industrious, hardworking farmer, and to this is attributed his success. For many years he has been a member of the school board in District No. 4. He is also a member of the church, and is considered by his neighbors a good man.

ED PETRI /r?f D PETRI, who was born on January 15, y^ 1884, in the New Athens Township, is the son of Philip J. Petri and Margaretha Winter Petri. The father was a farmer, and had, besides Ed, four other children. After attending the public school, Ed did the natural thing for a farmer lad - he worked for his father on the farm for several years. At the age of twentythree he quit working for his father, and followed, from that time to the present time, different vocations. In 1907 he came to Freeburg, and was employed for a time by G. C. Huber, general merchant, after which he was employed by the I. C. R. R. Co., as a clerk. He went to Brookport in 1917, and here worked for the same railroad, as a cashier, and the following year he was made chief clerk in the railroad freight office at Mattoon, III. For five years, previous to the year 192';, he went back to his boyhood occupation and farmed for himself. But in 1925 he again took up railroad clencil work in Freeburg with the I. C. R. R., and is still with this company. Mrs, Petri was born on Oct. 8, 1887, in Freeburg, III. They have two children - Milton A., who was nineteen years of age the i8th of this May (1928); the second, Lillian M., was born on December 5, 191J. Mr. Petri is a Mason. In 192 s he was elected president of the board of education in his city, serving two years.

S. S. Hill

yiVORE than twenty-seven years ago, when 1^1 J Mr. S. S. Hill was a young man of nineteen, he began his career as a railroad man, starting out as a clerk for the L. and N. Railroad Company, at Ashley, 111. He has remained in the employ of this railroad ever since, advancing from the position ot clerk to that of operator, and from operator to agent, in which capacity he now serves at Belleville, 111., and to which position he was promoted in 1920. Mr. Hill was born at Ewing, 111., on the 2nd day of June, 1880. After the completion of a grade school course, he entered the Ashley High School, and soon after his graduation from the latter, he secured employment in the railroad office in his home town. Six years later he was married to Miss Edna L. Meyer, of Nashville, III, in which city she was born on August 21, 188^, and where she was reared and educated. She. like her husband, is a high school graduate. Their two children - Reha M. and Charles E. - were born at Mt. Vernon, Ind., the girl on February i, 1906, and the boy on Oct. 9, 1908. Both have graduated from the Belleville Township High School, and Reba, since her graduation, has taken a course in Washington University, of St. Louis. She is now a teacher in the public schools at O'Fallon, III. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have shown the wisdom of intelUgent parents in the education of their children.

Although Mr. Hill spends much of his time at work indoors, he is greatly interested in outdoor sports. He is a Mason, a Modern Woodman, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

May E. Young

/tVISS YOUNG is one of the well-known jil J school supervisors in the East St. Louis public schools. Since 1894 she has been teaching in this city, and since 190'j has held the position of principal, first as principal of the Second Street School, and later of the Froebel School, and finally, in 1918, as principal of the Froebel and the Emerson Schools. She was born at Waynetow-n, Ind., the daughter of Thos. D. Young and Mary E. Harvey, and received her grade school and high school education in this city. Later she attended a normal university, and after beginning her teaching in East St. Louis, continued her studies in Washington University. Teaching came natural for Miss Young, for both of her grandfathers were educators. Her father, however, was a cabinet maker; he was born in Indiana, in i8<io, and died in 1908; the mother, also a native of Indiana, was born in 18^4, and died in 1917. There were seven children in the family. When her family moved from Indiana to Illinois, in 189J, Miss Young was still in her girlhood. She had already made thorough preparation for her future career, but has done much studying during the years she has been teaching here. She is a member of the First Christian Church of East St. Louis, and a member of the Eastern Star, of which order she is a past secretary. Miss Young has traveled, and kept up with the educational progress of her times.

ffiR. KUEHN was horn in Mascoutah, Aug. ;, 1887, and secured his schooling in the puhhc and parochial schools of that city. He began his work as a printer and continued therein tor many years, working for the Mascoutah Herald and the St. Louis Post Dispatch. In 191^, he assumed the ownership of the O'Fallon Progress, and since then has devoted his time and energy to this enterprise. Under Mr. Kuehn's management, it has become the largest country weekly in St. Clair County.

Mrs. Kuehn, who was, before her marriage in Feb., 1910, Mary F. Meyer, was born near New Baden, on March 17, 1887. She is the daughter of the late Joe Meyer, a well known farmer and one of the pioneer settlers of St. Clair County. Three children have come from this union. The first child, Russell, was born in March, 191^; Stanley, their second boy, was born in November, igii; and their daughter, Katherine, in May, 1923,.

Mr. Kuehn also does a great deal of business as a 10b printer. He is active in the civic and social organizations of his city, being instrumental in the organizition and in the directing of the Rotary Club and the Business Men's Ass'n. Mr. Kuehn is also a member of the board of directors of the Building and Loan Ass'n and a director of the St. Clair-Madison Regional Planning Ass'n, an organization interested in the development of the Great East Side of the Mississippi River.

Roland Wiechert

eOLAND C. WIECHERT, attorney, was born on Feb. 26, 1892, in Belleville, 111., the son of A. C. Wiechert and Bertha Steudle Wiechert. After attending the high school, he entered Washington University, was graduated in 1913, with an LL. B. degree, and in 1914, started practice. He is associated with Kramer, Kramer, and Campbell, and conducts a general practice. He was elected a board member, in 1920, of the Belleville High School. Mr. Wiechert is an Elk, and a member of the American Legion. During the World War he enlisted as a private, was made second lieutenant three months later, and in 1918, a first lieutenant. He was married on Dec. 3, 1919, to Aurelia I., the daughter of Gustav Ludwig, of which union there are two children: Melbacorinne E. and Cathleen J., born Nov. 27, 1920 and Jan. 17, 1924.

John Hirstein

rOHN HIRSTEIN, a retired farmer, lives ffl in Summerfield, m his substantial residence which he built after leaving the farm m 1921. He is the son of Abraham Hirstein, a successful farmer of St. Clair County, and of Barbara Wittmer, and was born near Summerfield on March 25, i8s8. His mother died when he was quite young, and the father married Barbara Gross, by whom he had twelve children. John was the only child by his first wife. He received a public school education, and then helped his father on the farm until he was married in i88j, on Feb. 2';. His wife was Catherine Baer, the daughter of Jacob Baer and Elizabeth Langenwalter, and was born in Madison County, Dec. 27, i8'i6. Until her marriage she remained w-ith her parents, an efficient assistant in the duties of the home.

After his marriage, Mr. Hirstein secured 120 acres of land, and began farming for himself, and stayed on the farm for nearly forty years. He always delighted in pure bred stock, and raised many horses, cows, hogs, and chickens of this kind on his farm. He has received many blue ribbon premiums on his stock and poultry at the state and county fairs.

Mr. Hirstein was elected on the Lebanon Township school board in 190?, and has served as president of this board for many years. He 5tili enjoys helping on the farm.

Joseph A. Miller

CHE FACT that Joseph A. Miller helped to organize the bank with which he is closely affiliated, having been president of it since the first day of its opening, is sufficient proof that he is a man of brains and ability, in whose trust the people of the community place their money. He was born on the old Miller homestead on Aug. jo, 1S62, a son of Alexander O. Miller, who was born on an adjoining farm in 1826. The subject of this sketch, after attending the elementary schools near his home, entered the Southern Illinois Normal University. Later he taught school in Prairie du Long four years, and in the Smithton Township one year. During these years, in his spare time, Mr. Miller found great delight in farming, an occupation in which he started when quite young. He rented the farm that his parents owned, cultivated it, and got very gratifying results. This fine piece of land, on which he still lives, is on Rural Route No. 2, near Belleville. It was in June, 192J, that he helped organize the State Bank of Smithton, an institution that has met with splendid success.

Mr. Miller has contributed, to the young people, much constructive work as a trustee on the school board, which has been under his supervision for fourteen years. He is president of the Smithton Hunting and Fishing Club, the Freeburg Hunting and Fishing Club, is very popular, and IS recognized in his community as a leader m the improvement of farming methods. In addition, he has been supervisor of Smithton Township since 1915.

William Zoeller

ONE OF THE best known of New Athens' senior citizens is William Zoeller, a retired farmer and the president of the New Athens Township school board. Mr. Zoeller was born in New Athens Township on November 5, i8';2, one of the six children of Charles Zoeller and Katherine Schneider. Both parents, now deceased, were born in Baden, Germany.

William Zoeller, upon completing his schooling, took up farming, for a time, in partnership with his brother, Henry Zoeller, until th: death of the latter in 1876, after which year he farmed alone. In i88':> he married Louisa Sturm, who bxe him two girls and one boy. Emma, born on October 28, 1882, IS now Mrs. Fred Schwartz; George W., who later married Louisa Obernagel, was born on January 7, 1884; and Frieda, born on February 2, 1889, is now the wife of Walter Huber. On the first of January, i 91';, Mrs. Zoeller died, and two years later Mr. Zoeller was married to Mrs. Oscar Steinheim;r, whose husband had died in 1916, and to whom she had borne one daughter, now Mrs. Jacob Frantz, on February 4, 1897.

Mr. Zoeller has served on the school board for nine years. He is a director in the Farmers State Bank, of New Athens, in which bank he is also a stockholder. He especially delights to work in his garden.

Charles Frey

gFINE BAKER, an industrious and a good man is Charles Frey, of Lebanon, Illinois. Mr. Frey was born near Lebanon, the son of Joseph Frey and Elizabeth Wernig. on June 27.

1878. His father, who was a country shoemaker, died in 1879; his mother in igoi. Mr. Frey received a pubhc school education in the Union Grove School and afterwards studied telegraphy for six months. Until he was married he spent most of his life on a farm. For two years after his marriage he worked at the Pfeffer Milling Company, and the next two years at the Willard Stove Works, in O'Fallon, Illinois. From 1908 to 1913 he was insurance agent for the Prudential, and gave this up to enter the bakery business. In 1921 he moved to his present location, and has remained here since.

Mr. Frey has been twice married, first to Annie Wellen, on January 24, 1901, and after her death, to Carrie Boyce, on August 23, 1923. Mr. James Boyce, the father of his present wife, has served on the Lebanon City Council for many years. Mr. Frey is the father of six children, whose names and birth dates are: Sidney, July 20, 1902; Vera, September 23, 1905 (now married to A. C. Naumer); Melba, May 2}, 1909; Junealda, June 5, 1912; Mary Louise, November 12, 1923; Carl, Jr., May 13, 1925.

Mr. Frey is a member of the E%'angelical Church; is the financial secretary of the Odd Fellows, and secretary of a singing society. He has been the chief of the fire department in Lebanon since the department's organization in 1918.

Charles Lenz

CHARLES LENZ was born on August 7, 1868, in Belleville, Illinois; was employed on a Belleville tabloid in later life; worked here all his life - forty-seven years; holds office in Board of Education on Township High School; is a Mason. Mr. Lenz was married to Lena Jung, now dead, in 1892; one son, Peter. Married again in 1901, to Miss Lena Wenzel; one son from marriage. Mr. Lenz is president of the West Side Building and Loan Association, and is foreman at the Belleville Advocate.

Joseph J. Anton

-^-rOSEPH J. ANTON was elected mayor ffl of Belleville by a large majority in 1921, and by a larger majority was re-elected to this office in 192^. Mr. Anton is the son of a German blacksmith, Joseph Anton, who came to this country from Bavaria with his wife, Sophia Enzenaur Anton, in 1877, and settled in Stookey Township. The future mayor of Belleville was born on the 19th of March, 1862, and before he had reached the age of two, his father died. Joseph attended the parochial schools until he reached his fourteenth birthday and then was put to work in the coal mines, where he labored for many years. His mining career was broken by a period of ten years, during which time he was employed by the Belleville Gas, Light and Coke Company. Then he went back to mining. In 191 2 he was elected an alderman of Belleville from the Fifth Ward, and was re-elected for four successive terms, serving his city in this capacity altogether for nine years. At the end of this time he was a candidate for mayor of Belleville, and was elected to this office, and is still holding this office.

During Mr. Anton's administration, Belleville has undergone marked improvements, and has made noticeable material progress. A double electric track has been put down in the city, and street improvements to the value of half a million dollars have been made. And the city is now completing the second water line from Edgemont to Belleville. Other improvements have been made through Mr. Anton's efforts.

Harrison H. Hartman

EARRISON H. HARTMAN was born in Belleville, on the 12th of May, 1883. the son of Madlon R. Hartman and Mary Rumer; was educated in the grade schools and the high school of Freeburg, and afterwards attended the State Normal at Normal, lUinois. Following this, he taught school for six years in St. Clair County. Soon after his marriage to Edna I. Joseph, on February 28, 1914. Mr. Hartman ventured farming for himself on land near Freeburg, and here he has remained. Mrs. Hartman, the daughter of Louis G. Joseph and Laura Darmstatter, of Freeburg was born in New Athens Township. January 5, 1891, and received both a public school and a normal school training. She died on April 12, 1925, leaving to her husband three children: the first, Evelyn E., was born in June, igi";; Harrison L., in February, 1919; and the youngest, Mahlon Grant, in January, 1924. Mr. Hartman has taken active interest in helping promote agriculture in his county. From 1919 to 1926, he was secretary of the St. Clair County Farm Bureau, and is now serving as treasurer of this organization. In 1921 he was elected president of the Freeburg Community High School Board, retaining this position to the present day. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen.

Christian Heer

^R. HEER, one of Lebanon's most enterprising merchants, was born at Mascoutah, Sept. 26, 1880, finished the grades and one year of high school in Mascoutah, and worked for six years on his father's farm near New Baden. Then he clerked in a New Baden store for one and one half years, and went to Belleville, where he was employed for ten years as a clerk for the Lorenzen Grocery Company. In 1913 he came to Lebanon, bought out the general merchandise business of Mr. Traband, operated this at its former location until 1922, when he moved to the building which he now occupies. He has remodeled this building, and has now a large up-to-date store, toxioo feet, in which he carries quite a complete and high grade line of general merchandise. His attractive and tasty show windows always attract the attention of the passersby.

Mr. Heer's parents, Samuel and Rosa Baumen Heer, are both dead. His wife, Elizabeth Baer Heer, was born near Lebanon, Aug. 17, 1887, and received her education in the public schools of her community. Her parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Baer, are still living at the old home place. She was married to Mr. Heer on July 30, 191 1, and is the mother of four children - Crystal E., born July 12, 1912; Eldon S,, on March 31, 1914; Elfrieda V., on Nov. 1916; and Carol C, on Dec. 11, 1922. Crystal is a student of Piano in McKendree, and Eldon and Elfrieda are enrolled in the School of Expression.

Barnett Joseph

O'FALLON has, in Mr. and Mrs. Barnctt Joseph, two useful and dependable citizens. Mr. Joseph, son of Sebastian Joseph (died in 1884), and Anna Stark (died in 1907), was born near O'Fallon, on March i^, 1868. His father was a blacksmith and a wagon-maker by trade, but followed farming during the latter years of his life. Barnett secured his schooling in the Enterprise School, north of O'Fallon, and then worked on a farm until he was twenty-five, clerked in a grocery for a year, after which he entered the tinning business as a partner with Mr John Cc:n:r. This partn.Tship la.steJ cigS teen months, until Mr. Getner's death in 189";, after which Mr. Joseph went into business for himself. He had constructed, in igii, the business building which he now owns.

Mrs. Joseph, formerly Sylvia Bode, was born in Belleville, Jan. 21, i88o, the daughter of Peter J. and Katherine Schaefer Bode. The father lives in St. Louis; the mother died in 1917. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph - Russell B. and Hortense E. - were born on July 10, 1911, and July 14, 191^. Russell is a Junior in the O'Fallon High School. Mrs. Joseph is an active church worker, was secretary of the Eastern Star, i9i3-2<;, belongs to the Belleville White Shrine, and was president of the Martha-Mary Society, of her church, from 1923 to 192'!. Mr. Joseph is a Mason and a Shriner, and Evangelical, and has been a member of the O'Fallon School board for about eighteen years, the last few years on the high school board.

Edward H. Slieper

DEW ATHENS has one of the largest stores of general merchandise in Southern Illinois, and Mr. E. H. Slieper is the owner and manager of this store. He went into this business in 1918 as a partner with his father-inlaw, Mr. Fred Bertholdt, and continued as joint owner with him until 1923, when the latter retired from business and sold his part to Mr. Slieper, who, since that time, has managed the store alone.

Mr. Bertholdt was born near Lebanon, 111., on the 14th of December, 1861; he spent the first thirty-five years of his life on the farm. His education was secured in the public schools of Fayetteville, 111., and in 1896 he went into business in New Athens. Mr Bertholdt was one of the six children of John Bertholdt and Elizabeth Baehr. He was married on January 5, 1888, to Elizabeth Kirchhoefer, and four daughters have come from this marriage. Bertha A. is the oldest, and was horn January 20, 1890. She is now the wife of Dr. H. J. Schlesinger. Edna M., who is the wife of Edward H. Slieper (mentioned above), was born on June 2, 1894, and was married to Mr. Slieper on February 24, 1916. She is now the mother of three children - William, Clyde and Meridene. Cora L., the third child of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bertholdt, born January 6, 189(1, is married to Mr. Christ G. Voelker. The youngest daughter, Lillian C, is the wife of Mr. E. J. Traut and lives in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Mr. Edward Slieper, to whom reference was made at the beginning of this sketch, is the son of William Slieper and Emma Sauerwein, and was born at New Athens on May 18, 1894. His father was reared on a farm near New Athens, but in 1892 he moved into the town and engaged in the liquor business for a number of years, until he retired in 1918. Edward, one of his two children, received his education in the public school and in Central Wesleyan College, where he spent two years in study, after which he returned to New Athens and took employment with his father-in-law. Both Mr. Bertholdt and his son-in-law, Mr. Sleiper, are members of the Evangelical Church.

Edward W. Schmalenberger

EDWARD W. SCHMALENBERGER J^HROUGHOUT his life Edward W. IJ Schmalenberger has rejoiced in the company of children. This, indeed, is a noble hobby, and it is his best. Born in Millstadt, Illinois, on March 3, 1880, he attended school here, and in later life entered Western Normal, of Bushnell, Illinois, from which he was graduated in 1899. He then taught school and studied in the Southwestern Business College. Mr.

Schmalenherger was made an instructor in Southwestern College. He soon resigned and accepted a position as principal of the Dewey School, in Belleville, and is now holding the same position in the Signal High School, District i8i.

Mr. Schmalenherger was married twice. By the first union, to Katherme Ruhman, there is one daughter, Helen S. C, who is now a registered nurse. He was married again in 1908, to Rose Ruhman, a sister to his first wife. Four children were born: Ruth M., Warren W., Roselyn L. E., and Edward, Jr.

Mr. Schmalenherger is much interested in religious w'ork. He was president of the Southern Illinois Federation of Evangelical Brotherhoods. At present, he is president of St. Paul's Evangelical Old Folks' Home, in Belleville, and is a leader of the young men's bihle class of St. Paul's Church, well-liked and highly respected.

Frank Boman

iflNCE 1921 Frank Boman has resided in Mascoutah, where he owns and operates market. He was born on August 30, 1892 at Pierce City, Mo., where he received a common school education. After leaving school he worked tor one year in St. Louis, and then went to Freeburg. Illinois, where he secured employment in the meat market of Joseph Linder. and worked here for ten years , In 1 9 1 5 he opened a shop of his own in Freeburg, and ran the same \intil June 1921, when he sold out and moved to Mascoutah. He now owns two meat markets in Mascoutah, the second having been opened in 1923, and also a meat market in New Baden, which has been operated under his management since February, 1926.

Mr. Boman is married and has two children. His wife, Maud Browning Boman, and the daughter of John Browning and Alice Mahan Browning, was born in Freeburg on April 18, 1894, and was married to Mr, Boman on October 20, 1915. Her father was a miner and is well-known in Freeburg. He died in 1909, on the 24th of November; the mother is still living. Mrs. Boman was one of seven children, and is a graduate of the Freeburg High School. Their two children - Howard and Alys were born June 20, 1917 and December jo, 1920, respectively.

In 1926, Mr. Boman was elected a member of the Mascoutah School Board. He belongs to the Moose Order, as well as to the Commercial Club, the Turners Society and the Odd Fellows.

REV. M. C. FOLTZ, D. D. ijiHEN REV. M. C. FOLTZ built his first \\j church in Oblong, in 1914, Bishop Quayle. who dedicated it, stated that it was the finest Methodist Church in the world for the sue ot the town it was to serve. In 1924 Rev. Folt! built St. John's Church of EdwardsviUe, one o( the finest churches in the Conference. During all his ministry Dr. Foltz has been known as a builder.

Reverend Foltj got his elementary training in the public schools of Ohio. He received his A. B. degree in Taylor University, of Upland, Ind., and his honorary Doctor's degree from McKendree College in its Centennial year. For the past eight years he has taught "Human Behavior" and "Sunday School Work" in McKendree College - in the Summer School of Theology.

In 1898 Rev. Foltz married Miss Mae Farmer, ot Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The happy couple have four children - Thetis M., who is owner of a beauty parlor in Mount Carmel; Lucile, now Mrs. J. C.Jarrell, of Mount Vernon; Francis A., who holds a position in the National Bank of Commerce in St. Louis; and David B., a Junior in the Mount Carmel High School.

Ralph Cook

^R. RALPH COOK, a successful lawyer of East St. Louis, Illinois, was born June I-;, 1887, at Shawneetown, Illinois. He was a graduate of the East St. Louis High School and attended the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. For ten years Mr. Cook was a druggist, but later studied law at Barnes University, St. Louis, Missouri. He was admitted to the practice of law, m the state of Missouri, in July, 1917, and in the state of Illinois in July, 1919. In 1923 Mr. Cook was elected commissioner of streets and public works, East St. Louis, carrying the vote of that city by an overwhelming majority.

Mr. Cook enlisted for service in the World War in June, 1917, and served throughout. He was captain in Battery F. of the 124th Field Artillery. He is a member of the American Legion, Masons, Odd Fellows, and Woodmen.

In high school Mr. Cook played football, and at the present time is an enthusiastic football fan. He enjoys quail and duck hunting, and is a member of the Illinois Sportsman's League.

Mr. Cook's father. Silas Cook, was mayor of East St. Louis tor four terms and a judge for six terms. The mother, Sarilda Elizabeth Cook, nee Kinsall, formerly of Omaha, Illinois, died five years ago.

ONE OF the leading educators of southern Illinois IS Henry Galen Schmidt, principal ot the Belleville Township High School. Both his parents are descended from pioneer families, and one of his grandfathers died at the age of one hundred and five. Mr. Schmidt was born May 9, 1878. at Drake. Missouri. He grew up on a farm and received his elementary education in the country schools. By his own earnest efforts and persevering industry he made his way through college, being graduated from the Central Wesleyan, at Warrenton, Missouri, with the degree of A. B. A few years later he took work in the Science Department of McKendree and received the degree of B. S. m 1909. Since that time he has done graduate work at several universities - among them, the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago. He also took a summer term at Harvard. He has been connected with educational work at Belleville for many years. He taught Latin, and later, chemistry and physics, in the old Central High School. In 1915 he became principal of the Township High School, which position he still holds. However, his influence as an educator extends much wider than the local community. He is a member of the National Education Association, as well as of the state and county associations, and the Illinois High School Principals' Association. In his religious affiliations he is a member of the Methodist Church. Fraternally, he is a Mason, a Knight Templar, and a Modern Woodman. He is a member of the board of trustees of McKendree College, and received the degree of Doctor of Literature from that institution during the Centennial year. Mr. Schmidt was married Aug. 1902, to Miss Anna A. Wolter. of Fredericksburg, Missouri. She was educated in her native town and m private schools in Morrison, Mo., and in St. Louis. They have two sons - Webster R. and Blaine. The older is now a student in Washington University, while the younger is still a pupil in the grades.

L. F. Heer

gFTER a great many years of hard work, thrift, and service, L. F. Heer has retired to enjoy the fruits of his labor. He was born on June 7, 1858, in the Stookey Township, a son of Adam and Pauline Heer. The, former came to this country at the early age of fourteen. He took up farming, got married after a few years, and reared a family of five children. The subject of this sketch was one of these children. Like his brothers he rendered efficient work on his father's farm, working industriously, without

Judge M. J, White

Mrs. Heer was born on July 13, i86j, in the Smithton Township. Her parents were Fred Rhein and Charlotte Lenninger. She has two sisters and tour brothers. Immediately alter the marriage, Mr. Heer rented a farm. In Feb., 1902, he bought the 78 farm, near Belleville, and has lived m It ever since. Mr. Heer was elected to an office on the school board in 1897. He has also been a school trustee for four years. Besides farming, he holds the position of inspector, an office that he has held for fifteen years. Around his vicinity Mr. Heer is very popular and, although old in years, he is still a young man in spirit.

Judge Milburn J. White

NE OF THE clearest legal minds in the field of Illinois jurisprudence is that of Judge Milburn Judson White, of Mt. Carmel. He was born at Beaucoup, Illinois, March 24, 1873. His father was a physician, and afterwards moved to Okawville, at which place Milburn received his elementary education, and from there he came to McKendree in 1890. He was a student in the academy and college for a period of five years, during which time he was a member of the Platonian Society. He played football during the seasons of 1892, 1893, and 1894. In the last named year he was captain of the team. His father. Dr. S. N. White, was a student in McKendree in 1863, and a member of Plato, as also his son, Gordon, in recent years, so that three generations of the White family are represented in McKendree and in Plato. Mr. White did not quite complete the college course, but dropped out while in his senior year to take up educational work. Many years afterwards the college granted him the Bachelor's Degree. He was for three years principal of the high school at Enfield, and for some time superintendent of the schools in Eldorado. Then for a time he was cashier of the American National Bank, at Mt. Carmel. But after due deliberation he reached the conclusion that the law was his chosen profession, and changed to that field of work. In 1912 he w-as elected County Judge of Wabash County. After one term he declined the nomination for a second term and returned to the practice of law, to which he devoted his energies until 1926, when he again became County Judge. In 1921 he was nomi-

In 1897 he was married to Miss Mary May. They have four sons, namely: Lieut. Thomas B. White, who is a graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy, but now with the aviation corps in China; Lyman D., who is a graduate of Northwestern University, and at present, cashier of the First National Bank, of Mt. Carmel; James Gordon, who was one year a student in Mc- Kendree; and Milburn, Jr., now in high school.

Howard R. Rogers

CHE SUBJECT of this sketch was born in Murphysboro, III, on March 11, 1892. He was a son of Mathias G. Rogers, who died on Dec. 13, 1918, and Mary Armstrong, who IS still living in East St. Louis. He received his elementary training in the East St. Louis schools, and later entered the College of Commerce in this city. While m the employ of Morris and Company, he utilized his spare time by studying telegraphy. Later he moved to Hanover, and finished his study while under the employ of the Baltimore and Ohio Railway. He worked in the dispatcher's office for some time, and, in 1912, went into station work at Lebanon, under Mr. Abernathy. Since then he has worked on various points along the road. For the past five years Mr. Rogers has worked in O'Fallon, where he is under the employ of the Baltimore and Ohio as railroad agent.

On Aug. 29, 1912, Mr. Rogers was married to Miss Pearl Thompson. She was born on June 26, 1893, in Lebanon, Illinois, a daughter of Robert and Emma Mueller Thompson, both of whom are still living. After studying in the business college m Belleville, she worked as a stenographer. She is a member of the Eastern Star and the Woman's Club of O'Fallon. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are parents of two children: Howard R., horn on July u, 191 3. and Floyd R., born on May 6, 1922, who is now in high school.

Along educational lines, Mr. Rogers has done some fine work as a member of the Board ot Education, on which he has served for the past three years. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and is the present president of the Men's Bible Class in his community. He is a member of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers. Fraternally, he is a M.ison.

Rev. John W. Webster

REV. JOHN W. WEBSTER -- - rOHN W. WEBSTER, son of John H. W L Webster and Rose A. Overcast, born ^^^ Bedford County, Tenn.. July 21, 1871. -Attended public school, graduated from the Illinois High School.

Entered ministry 1894 and since then has been member of Southern Illinois Conference. First Church, Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Since then, pastor of thirteen churches in this conference. Last appointment State Street M. E. Church of East St. Louis, in 1926.

Rev. Webster married July 19, 1898, to Miss Ethel Crews, daughter of Barton and S. Crews, of Fairfield, Illinois. One son, John Vernon Webster, born in April, 1899, studied in Mc- Kendree College, and in 1922 graduated from 1 '.: Pauw University. Now with the National Surety Company, St. Louis, Mo.

Elmer G. Joseph

©HERE are few merchants who can prove as useful and necessary to the needs of the community as a druggist. Perhaps this explains the reason why Elmer G. Joseph has chosen this line. He was born near New Athens Township on Dec. 19, 1894, a son of Louis G. Joseph, who was a successful farmer in St. Clair County. The subject of this sketch has a good education. He attended the grade and high school of Freeburg, and in 1910, was graduated from McKen^ dree College. Some four years later, he was graduated from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. After taking employment in a drug store business in this city, he travelled for two years, for the United Drug Company. He resigned in 1920, returned to Freeburg, and was employed by C. G. Becker, druggist. Mr. Joseph was married in 1916, to Bessie Huber. He was elected to the high school board in 1924; is a Shriner in the Masonic Order; and during one year he was master of Freeburg Lodge. The recreation that Mr. Joseph indulges in mostly is fishing and hunting - a sport in which he spends many pleasant hours when not engaged in his professional pursuit.

Joseph Obernuefmann

CWO AND ONE-HALF MILES west of Lebanon is located one of St. Clair County's well-managed farms, the 120 acres owned Ijy Mr. Joseph Obernuefmann, who has lived here since 1920. Mr. Obernuefmann was born in Caseyville Township, Dec. 13, 1875. His father, Henry Obernuefmann, was a successful farmer, and is still living, though retired, in his home in O'Fallon. His wife, Mary Thomann Obernuefmann, died on April 26, 1918. Joseph, until he was thirteen, attended the parochial schools in Caseyville, and then continued his studies in the public schools until he was seventeen. He began working on his t.ither's land, stayed here for ten years, and after his marriage on Oct. 21, 1902, rented a farm for four years in Caseyville Township, and for five years, farmed on rented land near O'Fallon, then moved back to Caseyville, rented from his father, and remained here eight years, until 1920, when he bought his present farm.

His wife was a farmer's daughter, Mary B. Bechtlofft, born in O'Fallon Township, Sept. 28, 1879, and educated in the parochial school of Black Jack, and in the Enterprise public school. She and Mr. Obernuefmann have four children - Esther, Mary Ann, Joseph, and Jerome - born March 21, 190';; April 19, 1907; March 23, 1911; and Jan. 26, 1917, respectively.

Henry Reuss, Jr

nOCATED one and one fourth miles e.ist of New Athens is the mine of the Pep Coal Company, which supplies practically all the coal consumed in New Athens. Henry Reuss assisted in the organization of this comp.iiiy in 1920, and has been secrct.ir\ -f th, - m -iii.c that time. Mr. Reuss, one of - - 11 in St. Clair County, March : j iS< , a ,- in the public schools, and began his work ing career in the shoe manufacturing business. He soon gave this up, and went into the mines, where he worked until the above company w-as organized. He married, on Oct. jo, 1910, Matilda Ritter, a young lady of New Athens, born Oct. 1891, the daughter of Frank Ritter and Anna Sarlouis. She has borne Mr. Reuss one daughter, Ethel J., on Aug 27, 1911 . The latter is attending the New Athens High School, and is a member of the high school orchestra.

Loren E. Wilderman

LOREN E. WILDERMAN yi^R. LOREN E. WILDERMAN, of Free- 1|J burg, was born on the farm, the son of M. F. Wilderman and Emma M. Herman, on the 9th of January, 1884, attended the public school and was graduated from Washington University in 1904. For a short time he worked for the Bell Telephone Company as a draftsman, and then returned to the farm of his father.

On the 3rd of December, 1912, Mr. Wilderman was married to Miss Ada M. Huber, and on June 6, two years afterwards, their only child, E. Lucile, was born.

Mr. Wijderman is a stockholder and a director of the First National Bank of Freeburg. He has interests in the Mulberry Hill Coal Mine and is thoroughly acquainted with this business. He was one of the board of directors of the Freeburg schools for five years, and served as clerk of the high school board for three years. Mr. Wilderman has the reputation of being a hard worker, and he is a friend and proponent of education. In politics he is a Republican.

Walter Freudenberg

-iSflNCE the age of fourteen, Mr. Walter jl^J Freudenberg, of Belleville, has either been in the drug business, or studying to prepare himself for the vocation of a pharmacist. He was born in the city where he now conducts his business, on Dec. 26, 189J. His father died when Walter was quite young, and this deprived the boy of some of the advantages which a father can give to his son. But he secured a fair education in the Belleville public schools, and at fourteen began working in the drug store of A. Kissel, at 1401 West Main Street, where Mr. Freudenberg is now located. After four years he was able to continue his education, and entered the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, where he studied for three years, graduating in 191 4. During the time he was a student here, he worked as a druggist in St. Louis. He returned to Belleville, and worked as a clerk until 1919, when he bought out Mr. J. V. Simonds, the successor to Mr. Kissel, and has continued as proprietor of this store since.

Mr. Freudenberg is married and has two daughters - Jane, born Aug. 23, 1922, and Amy, born Dec. 4, 192J. His wife, formerly Meta A. Kuntz, is the daughter of Louis J. Kuntz (died Aug. II, 1914). who was engaged in the grape growing business. Her mother, Fredericka Eckel Kuntz, is still living. Her marriage to Mr. Freudenberg took place on June 21, 1917.

Mr. Freudenberg was elected on the Belleville school board in 1926. He is a Mason and a Shriner, a hard worker, and a congenial fellow. He enjoys hunting.

Virginia E. Hughes

GHE SUBJECT of this sketch was born on June 26, 1874, in Belleville, lUinois. She was a daughter of Louis W. and Cecilia Clement Hughes. The former was born on July 23, 1844, in Belleville. The latter was born on March 30, 1846, at Three Rivers, Canada. This couple were married on August 20, 1870, and were parents of three children: Virginia E., the subject of this sketch, born on June 26, 1874; Edna L., March 1. 1877, now married to Dr. George Rodemick of St. Louis; and Belle J., Dec. 12, 1882, married to William SchaumlefFel.

Miss Hughes received her education in the public schools. After attending the high school for two years she started to teach. She taught in Grassland, Illinois, for fi%'e years; was principal of the Rentchler Illinois School for five years, and the Dewey School for five years. She came to Union in 1912, was made principal, and has been there since. Miss Hughes has held the office of recording secretary for the county for many years. She is recognized around the communities as a fine teacher, is very popular and highly respected by everyone who has ever come under her pleasant personality.

Rev. Roy Kean

aP FROM thecoalmine to the ministry, through struggle and sacrifice, is the route Mr. Kean, M?thodist minister at Staunton, has taken. Born at Marissa, June 11, 18S9, he attended the Marissa grade schools; worked as a barber and in the coal mines; was graduated from Herrin High School and McKendree College; was student pastor at Troy, Glen Carbon, and Signal Hill; and was pastor at Mound City, Altamont, and Staunton.

On March 23, 1913, he married Pearl E. Margrave, of Mound City; they have two daughters: Frances Jane and Joyce Ann . Mrs. Kean attended Mound City High School, Carbondale Normal, and McKendree College, and belongs to the Eastern Star and White Shrine.

William F. Zerban

gLTHOUGH the subject of this sketch, William F. Zerban, has crossed the Great Divide, some of the records of his life, which was so well spent, are well worth mentioning. He was born in the Engleman Township on Oct. 20, 187";, a son of William and Sophia Lotz Zerban, who were the parents of six children. Immediately after his school work was over, he worked on his father's farm, and for several years as fireman. In 1903 h; came to Freeburg to accept a position as engineer of the Famous Coal Mines. Two years later he helped organize the Mulberry Hill Coal Company, and as a reward to his excellent work, he was appointed secretary and engineer of the Mulberry Mines. Mr. Zerban was married to Katherine Feder on Jan. 16, 1903. There are two children: Clarence W., a fine young fellow who was born on Sept. i, 190';, and Carmiha, born on Oct. 10, 1907. He helped to organize and build the new Freeburg High School and was a member of the board until his death on Jan. 3, 1927. Mr. Zerban's hobby was the growing of flowers, which he greatly loved. When he died many of his friends lost a real pal.

Alfred J. Steidel

^R- ALFRED STEIDLL for tha last twentyseven years has been employed at the Pfeffer Milling Company, in Lebanon. He w:as born on a farm one and one-half miles southeast of this city. May 22, 1S82, His tir.-it year of schooling was in the Oak ( ir . S 1, , i -..-.ir his home, but in 1890 his pan - I .nun,

After working three or loir ;..irr ...n tlu t.irm, he entered the mill in 1900, and has been here since. His father, Frank Steidel, died on New- Year's Day, 191 1 ; his mother, Johanna Burkhardt Steidel, passed away on October 9, of the following year.

Mr. Steidel married Miss Anna Britt, July 3, 1915- She was born in Detroit, Minnesota, on May 8, 1887, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. Britt. Her mother died when Anna was quite young, and she was taken into the home of her uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Rieger, of Lebanon. She received her education in the public schools of Mascoutah Township. One daughter has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Steidel, Stella Mae, on June 25, 1919.

For five years Mr. Steidel was an alderman in Lebanon, and for two years he has been a member of the school board. He was elected city treasurer in the spring of 1926. He belongs to the Odd Fellows, to the Knights of Pythias (now secretary), to the Evangelical Church, and to a local singing society, of which he is the secretary. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Steidel built the beautiful home in which they now live.

Fred William Klein

HRED WILLIAM KLEIN is one of Marissa's most popular and well-liked citizens. His modern drug store, with its complete stock of goods, IS one of this town's most frequented places of business. He was born in Lenzburg, Illinois, on July 13, 1889. Here he attended the public schools, and later on, he studied in the Commercial College, in East St. Louis. His interest in pharmacy being stirred, Mr. Klein entered the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in 191 1. In the same year, he passed the Illinois board examination. Mr. Klein came to Marissa and was employed by N. T. Jensen, druggist. With George Kunze, in 1912, he bought out his employer's business. This partnership was dissolved in 1921, for the subject of this sketch took over his partner's share, estaWishing the F. W. Klein Drug and Jewelry Company, In his employ is E, E. Gibson, a well-known jewelry expert of thirty years' experience. Mr. Klein, who is married, and has one son, Fred W., is an Odd Fellow and a Woodman. He finds enough time to enjoy these great sports: baseball, fishing, and swimming.

Henry Eberlein

©OTH the father and the grandfather of Henry Eberlein were engaged in the shoe repair business, and Henry has followed them in this business. His grandfather, George Eberlein, came to this county from Germany and established a shoe shop in 1864, and his son, George, worked for him until the death of the former, and then took over the father's business. George Eberlein, Jr., was born in iSti. in Mascoutah, was married to Katherine Mann, of Clinton County on March 5, 1881, and became the father of two children - Anna M., born December s, 1881; and Henry, born July 26, 1886. The lather died on Sept. 12, 1926.

Henry Eberlein was born in Mascoutah, was given a high school education, after which he attended the Belleville Commercial College, and then began working for his father. On August 18, 1908, he was married to Anna M. Bertholdt, the daughter of Leonard Bertholdt, a reputable miller and mine fireman of Mascoutah. Their daughter, Ellen, was born on the jrd of May, 1912. Mr. Eberlem worked with his father until the death of the latter, and then took charge of the business which he still manages and in which he has made up-to-date improvements. He is a member of the Evangelical Church, an Odd Fellow, a Moose, and a member of the Commercial Club. In 1926 he was elected to the Mascoutah board of education.

Walter W. Thomas

WALTER W. THOMAS ilrt ALTER W. THOMAS, of O'Fallon, 111., \Jy owner and operator of one of the largest hardware establishments in St. Clair County, IS the son of Nicholas Thomas, and was born in Belleville, III, Nov. 12, 189J. After attending school and Belleville Commercial College, took employment in O'Fallon hardware store. Then during World War, enlisted in army and served overseas as corporal. In 1926, after two other business ventures, Mr . Thomas bought out the A. Ohlendorf hardware business in the place where now located.

Two months after his discharge from the army, Mr. Thomas was married to Frieda E. Weil, daughter of Philip and Lena Weil, born near Lebanon, 111, on Jan. ij, 1895. Their son, Warren D. Thomas, was born Sept. 29, 1923,.

Mr. Thomas is Mason and Shriner. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, of the American Legion, of the O'Fallon Rotary Club, and of the local Business Men's Association, of which organization he has served as president.

George Raushkolb

©ORN in Belleville, July 19, 1856; attended public schools of that city; enrolled in Central Wesleyan College, Warrenton, Mo.; employed as clerk in book store, but soon took up clerical work in manufacturing plant.

Was married to Pauline Hartnagel, 1879. On April 18, i88j, entered retail grocery business, and for the last forty-three years he has been connected w^ith this same business.

His other activities: member of Retail Merchants' Association (president for two terms); member of M. E. Church and Sunday School for fifty -five years (also chairman of board of trustees of his church for many years). Mrs. Raushkolb is also active in church work, being president of Ladies' Aid Society. Mr. and Mrs. Raushkolb are the proud parents of five children.

ONE OF BELLEVILLE'S most alert, industnous. and up-to-date business men, one who IS well known and universally liked and who is busy in many civic and fraternal activities and organizations is R. C. Stoltz, senior member of the company of R. C. Stoltz 6? Son. whose store is situated at 20J East Main Street.

R. C. Stoltz was born December 5, 1887, at Belleville, 111. At an early age he chose business as his field of occupation and, upon completing his public school education, enrolled in a commercial college.

After he had finished his commercial education, Mr. Stoltz acted as bookkeeper and stenographer in the freight department of a large St. Louis estabhshment for some time and later was bookkeeper for the Herzler Heminger Company.

Not being content with working for other companies, and wishing to venture into the business world on his own initiative, Mr. Stoltz, in 1907, left his former occupation and opened a grocery business at 10-12 North Jackson Street, in Belleville. In 1921 he moved to his present location and has been there since that time.

On Jan. 6, 1907, Mr. Stoltz was married to Meta M. Wenzel and two children have been born to this union - a son, Leroy R., being born February 21, 1908, and a daughter, Vivian J., coming into the family July i?, 191J. Leroy attended the public schools of Belleville and was graduated from the township high school in June of 1926. He was then taken into his father's business as junior partner. He is now a Freshman at the University of Illinois.

R. C. Stoltz is a member of the Retail Merchants' Association, of the Belleville Board of Trade, and of the Turner's St. Clair Lodge No. 24, Chapter 106, Sacred Commandery, No. ';2. He is a Mason; a member of the Belleville Council 67. Fishing and swimming are his hobbies.

Christopher W. Siegel

CHE PROPRIETOR of the Lebanon Garage-Dodge Ser\.'ice Station, in Lebanon, 111., is Mr, Christopher Siegel, known to his friends as "Hoppy" Siegel. He is a native of this community, was born near Lebanon, September 12, 1872, and received his education in the Lebanon public schools. His father rented a farm near Lebanon, and for a few years after finishing his schooling, Christopher worked on this farm. Afterwards he was employed as a delivery-man for the Belleville Star Brewery. He entered the garage business in 191 1 and in 1926 put up a new building, which his growing business required. Just before opening his garage here, Mr. Siegel worked in St. Louis for a while for the Schrader Coal 6? Ice Company. On May 22, 1907, he was married to Zula McGuire, the daughter of John R. and Eliza White McGuire, of Lebanon. She attended the Lebanon schools, and for two years the Carlyle High School. Before her marriage, she had lived a short time in Denver. She is a member of the Rebeccas. Her grandfather. Dr. John M. White, and her great uncles, Hamilton and n.inicl White, were among the first students ,it Mc- Kendree Oillege, a significant fact at thi.-; time. when the college is celebrating its Centennial year.

Emil J. Weber

eMIL J. WEBER, one of the efficient business men of Lebanon, 111., a plumber, tinsmith, and sheet metal worker, and the owner of a first class hardware store, was born in this city June !-;, i88j. His father, Jo.seph

Mr. Weber finished the grades and spent three years in high school, before beginning his hfe's work in 1898 as an apprentice in the C. H. Sager Hardware Company. With the exception of one year (1901), when he worked at his trade in Duquoin, 111., he was employed in the above named business continuously for sixteen years, until 1917. when he went into business for himself. In 1923, h; moved to his present location.

On Nov. 8, 1906, he married Odelia R. Schutz, also born in Lebanon, Dec. 27, 1885, the daughter of Louis and Rosa Schmidt Schutz. Her father died on April 22, 1923; her mother is still living and in good health.

Mr. and Mrs. Weber have three children - Edgar, born March 8. 1911; Robert, May 19, 1917; and Gertrude, on July 1 j, 1920. All attend the home schools.

Mr. Weber is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, a Rotarian, and a member of the Evangelical Church, in which he is a trustee. He enjoys working in his garden and around his home. He is a good citizen and well liked here.

George A. Fischer

^R. GEORGE A. FISCHER, a hoisting engineer, living in O'Fallon, was born at Staunton, Dec. 29, 1870. His good wife, Sarah Kerby Fischer, was born in Murphysboro, 111., Dec. 6, 1874, daughter of Isaac Kerby (died 190J), and Emeline Marsh (lives in Webb City, Mo.) They were married Feb. 11, 189J, and have had ten children, seven of whom still live. Their names and birth dates follow - E. Matilda, Dec. 8, 1893; Anna M., August 28, 1895; H. Edward, July 13, 1897) killed overseas in the World War); George Arnold, Feb. 17, igoo; Katherine E., June 30, 1902; Lester D., Dec. 26, 1904 (died in infancy); Emil T., Jan. 15, 1906 (died at eight years); M. Estella, April 2^, 1908; Walter F., Nov. 23, 1910; Lillie, July 23, 191 3. The four oldest children, now living, have married. Mr. Fischer received a public school education at Staunton, and worked on the farm until he was eighteen, when he began working as an engineer, and has since remained at this occupation; located at Litchfield for three years, and the rest of the time, until 1897, '" Staunton. Since 1897 he has worked in O'Fallon. He holds memberships with the Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen, and the German Evangelical Church, and has been a member of the O'Fallon Township high school board for eight years. Mrs. Fischer is a Royal Neighbor, and a member of the Ladies" Aid Society of her church. Mr. Fischer comes from staunch German parentage; his parents, George Fischer and Mary Hugle, came to America in 1843 from Bavaria, Germany.

Mrs. Frank Stroud

^RS. FRANK STROUD, of East St. Louis, born at Washington, Indiana, on Sept. 6, 1892; received a part of her public school education here. Family moved to Flora, Illinois; graduated from McKendree College in 1914. One year, instructor in Flora High School. On November 2^, 1916, was married to Mr. Frank Stroud, of Altamont, Illinois, who attended McKendree three years - is at present head salesman for H. J. Heinz Company, of St. Louis. Mrs. Stroud is member of Methodist Church, and of Schubert Club of her district. Is a great lover of music.

Arthur Engelhardt

^R. J ARTHUR ENGELHARDT, in partnership with his father, runs a blacksmith shop in Manssa. He is the only son of John G. and Mary Hacker Engelhardt, was born in Manssa. Sept. nth, 1890, graduated from the high school in 1909, and went into his father's shop, which was then operated under the name of Engelhardt Bros., and worked here until 191 1, when he was made a partner in the business. In 1919, the name of the shop was changed to Engelhardt and Son.

Mr. Engelhardt is married and has one son, Arthur Paul, born July 6th, 1915. The mother, formerly Edna F. Jones, is the daughter of Jonathan and Clara (Dial) Jones, and was born in Manssa on Oct. 4th, 1893, was graduated from high school in 191 1, and studied music for one year in McKendree College. She was married to Mr. Engelhardt on Oct. 21st, 1912. She is a member of the Methodist Church, president of the Ladies' Aid Society, a member of her church choir, and of the Board of Education of the Marissa public schools.

Mr. Engelhardt is a Methodist, and the treasurer of his church, a past Master of the Masonic Lodge No. 881, and a member of the Eastern Star. He owns a nice residence and other property in Manssa.

John D. Johnson

aOHN DAVIS JOHNSON was born at Belleville, Illinois, April 19, 1844- He is descended from English and Scotch ancestors, who settled in Virginia and Pennsylvania. His father, Henry Johnson, was born in Philadelphia, Jan. i, 1801, and his mother, Elvira Fouke, was born at Kaskaskia, the capital of Illinois Territory, March 26, 181}; they were married in 1829, settled at Belleville, and in 1858 moved to St. Louis. Mr. Johnson was the sixth and IS now the only surviving child born of that union. He was educated in part in the public schools of Belleville, and at McKendree College, but quit the latter in 1861 for the purpose of enlisting m the Union Army, in which he served as a private and first lieutenant.

He married his first wife while in the service, m 1S64, and at the end of the Civil War, he secured employment as a deputy court clerk at St. Louis, and applied himself to the study of law. After five years of persistent reading, he was, in 1870, duly admitted to practice his chosen profession in the Missouri courts, and promptly began his career in the office of his elder brother, Chas. P. Johnson, who at that time was one of the leading criminal advocates of the West. Later the two brothers formed a copartnership, for the general law practice, winch continued for more than twenty years, to their mutual advantage and satisfaction. Mr. Johnson was later associated with several other able attorneys. He has, however, always confined his efforts entirely to the civil and commercia' branches of the law, and has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a conscientious, able, and successful practitioner. Of commanding presence, genial manners, and unfailing courtesy, a hard student, thoroughly versed in all branches of the law, an easy and convincing speaker and a tireless worker; no man in the profession has commanded more respect than he. McKendree College in 1880 conferred upon him the honorary degree of M. A.

In 1897, Mr. Johnson married Miss Anne Mclntyre, of Mexico, Mo., who still survives. He through his entire life has lived cleanly. Good health, which he and his wife attribute largely to Christian Science, has been an important factor in his life. He has forty-four living descendants - that IS to say, seven sons and daughters, all married and well settled in life, twenty-five grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Arthur Seibert

ON RURAL ROUTE NO. 4, out from Belleville, is the farm of Mr. Arthur Seibert, consisting of 122 acres. He located on this farm in 1918, but began his career as a farmer in the Shiloh Valley, in 191'!, after working at the molder's trade for a short time, and in the mines for nine years. Mr. Seibert is the son of a farmer, George Seibert, and of Lizzie Fritz, both of whom are dead. He was born near Shiloh Village, attended the Belleville Commercial College one year, and the Highland Park College, of Des Moines, Iowa, for six months. On July 4, 1907, he was married to Anna Mutte, a young lady of Shiloh Valley, the daughter of Theodore Mutte and Katie Meyer, who was born on March 13, 1884. She and Mr. Seibert have two children, Valerie, born Nov. 9, 1910, is now a Junior in the O'Fallon High School. The younger child, Levi M., was born Nov. 16, 1915.

Mr. Seibert was formerly a member of the K. P., and is now a member of the Shiloh Valley Grange. He has been on the school board of District 85 for seven years, and the president of this board since the spring of 1927. Mrs. Seibert is also a member of the Grange.

""Twas a place of meeting and friendly greeting The old stone steps by the Chapel door. Here learned teachers, student preachers. Seniors, and Juniors from class'room lore, J'iow rid of care, with a joyous air Together ascended the Chapel stair.

When I no longer am grounng younger. When e'er my long life's day is told; Its sun still shinmg yet slow declining, I would steer my bar}{ for McKendree old For God is there and Heaven somewhere J<[ot far from the head of the Chapel stair.