Millstadt Township

Millstadt Township

In 1836, Simon Stookey was having a baru built on section four. Several men were lending a helping band, among them Joseph Abend, a bachelor saddler, and Henry Randleman. It was there proposed to Randleman that this would be a most eligible townsite. The matter was talked over. Abend said it was seven miles to Belleville, seven to Columbia, and seven to the lake, and he proposed the name of Centerville for the embryo city. Randleman acted on the suggestion, and on March 13th, 1837, Centerville was platted, forty lots being set apart in section 9, T. 1 S. R. 9 W. To the original site four additions were made, respectively July 15, 1837, sixty lots; October 27, 1842, eleven lots; October 28, 1842, fifty lots, and October 15, 1845, two hundred lots; all in the S. W. i section 9. August 27, 1847, George Heuckler made an addition of seventy-nine lots on W. i S. E. i, same section, followed by another addition, same party, of sixty-nine lots, November 25, 1848. Cornelius Gooding made an addition, north of town, of forty lots, August 1, 1850; James Glass, one of thirty-six lots, August 1, 1850. James Glass et al. addition of twenty blocks, March 25, 1852 : George Hencklcr, addition on the W. J N. E. \, section 16, and Joseph Kopp, addition, August 21, 1860, of thirty lots. Thus, from time to time, ample provision was made to accommodate the growth of the town. The name Centerville was retained until the year 1880, when the Board of Trustees, after giving thirty days' notice wherein to ofier any remonstrance, changed the name to that of the post-office Millstadt.

It was incorporated by the unanimous vote of her citizens, Oct. 26th, 1867. The first board of trustees were elected Nov. 2d, 1867. George W. Seiber, Adam Hoff'mann, John dinger, Henry Schultheis, and Nicholas Theobald, Trustees.

Dr. W. S. Van Cleve, now a resident of Belleville, was the first physician to locate in Centerville. Located here in 1845. His practice extended for fifteen miles.

Loyat Brater kept the first general store in 1849. Cumraings opened the first house for public entertainment, on the site now occupied by Brenfleck's Hotel in 1843. The original building was a two-story frame. Leonard Daub built a brewery in 1846. Continued in operation until 1874. In 1842 Conrad Schmidt had erected a brewery on section 16, south of Centerville, which was abandoned in 1849. All traces of its location are gone.

Valentine Brenfleck built a brewery in 1849, at a cost, including improvements made since, of $31,000. Operated it until 1878, since which time it has stood-idle. After it was first built, he stored his beer in a coal bank, west of Centerville, paying for the privilege two kegs of beer per annum.

Prominent among the enterprises of Millstadt, in fact the most important in the town, are two extensive merchant mills. That now owned by Becker and Sterns was first built in 1857-8, by Franz Baur. The present proprietors have added to its original capacity, by putting in a new Corliss engine, and erecting an elevator attachment, with a capacity of storing 40,000 bushels. The mill is provided with five run of stone, and can turn out 32.5 barrels of flour per day. Edward Schoening is Manager, and Chas. Jacobs, Clerk.

Franz Baur's mill was erected in 1876, at a cost of $-50,000, and has the latest improved machinery ; six run of stone, with a capacity of 450 barrels of flour a day. It is kept constantly busy, and manufactures an average of 300 barrels of flour per day, which is shipped chiefly to St. Louis, Mo., and Providence, Rhode Island. Jacob Theobald, Clerk.

Business Op Millstadt

. Hotels; "Planters' House," by Val. Brenfleck; "City Hall," l)y Joseph Carl; John Darr; Peter Kalbfleisch has a Hotel in progress of erection.

Cigar Makers; Francis Wilkens, No. 81, established 1862, makes from 75 to 80,000 cigars annually, for which a home market is found ; Wm. Tennis.

Secret Societies

In addition to these there is a local Union Aid Society, organized Sept. 23d, 1866, with seventy members, which meets semi-monthly on Saturday evenings.

Roach Town

is a small collection of houses in the S. h of the N. E. i of section 12, clustered about Roach's Mill. This mill was built in 1864. It is a frame building, one story with basement. Has one run of burrs. In 1867 a saw mill was attached to the grist mill. Owners are Samuel P. Roach & Son. This mill occupies the site improved by the erection of a mill by the grandfather of the present proprietor more than sixty years ago. Samuel and Matthew Roach also aided in perpetuating the reputation of the Roach's as mill owners and builders, by erecting one on Forbes' Creek, which was washed away the same year.

Crime : - A most atrocious murder was committed in this precinct March 19th, 1872, by whom or why are matters yet to be determined. Stelzenriede, his son and his son's wife, and two children were all killed the same night. The coroner's inquest developed the fact that their heads had been pounded as though by a billet of wood and their throats cut.

This precinct furnished three soldiers to the Black Hawk war, Joshua W. Hughes, who was 1st lieutenant of a rifle company, C. T. Askins, and Gregory.

There are churches, here and there, throughout the precinct, among them a Presbyterian, not heretofore referred to on section 28, T. 1 N. R. 9 W. For additional history of schools, churches, &c., see appropriate chapters in this work.

Biographical Sketches

Tais gentleman, who is now practicing medicine near Millstadt, is a native of Nassau, and was born at Naunstadt am Usingen, April 1st, 1838. His parents were John William Saltenberger and Elizabeth Miller. He was the third of seven children. In the year 1847 his father emigrated with the family to America. Landing at New Orleans, they came up the Mississippi to St. Louis, and after living in that city about a mouth, came to St. Clair county, where his father bought a farm of ninety-nine acres, a mile and a half south of Millstadt, where he lived till his death on the 18th of May, 1877. Dr. Saltenberger was about nine years old when the family left Germany. In the year 1858, at the age of twenty, he began the study of medicine with Dr. Peter Brower, at Millstadt. He afterward pursued the study of Latin under Dr. Gander of Waterloo, Monroe county, and was under his instruction at the time of the breaking out of the war of the rebellion. He went to St. Louis, and in April, 1861, enlisted in Co. H, of the 4th Missouri regiment. He took part in the capture of Camp Jackson, St. Louis ; was afterward stationed at Bird's Point, Mo. ; then at Cairo ; and then returned to St. Louis, where he remained till the expiration of his term of service, with the exception of making an expedition to central Missouri.

After his three months' military experience he resumed his Latin studies. In the fall of 1861 he entered the St. Louis Medical College, and after attending three courses of lectures, graduated in March, 1864. He first located at Bethalto, Madison county, but three months afterward removed to Ogle's Station, St. Clair county. February, 1865, he enlisted as private in the 149th Illinois regiment. He acted as hospital steward at Charleston, Tennessee, and then accompanied his regiment to Dalton, Georgia. For three days he had charge of the smallpox hospital at that place, and was then detailed to the brigade hospital as hospital steward. He was afterward hospital steward for six months and a half at Atlanta, and toward the close of the year 1866 rejoined his regiment at Dalton, Georgia. He was mustered out at Camp Butler, Springfield. After returning from the army he practiced his profession for six weeks at Vincennes, Indiana, and then was located three months at Freelandsville in the same state. He returned to St. Clair county in the summer of 1866. While visiting St. Louis he was attacked with the cholera, and after recovering, settled at Fayetteville, in this county, where he remained (with the exception of one year, during which he practiced at a place five miles from that town) till 1872, when he moved to Washington county, Illinois. In the fall of 1875 he returned to the old homestead to live with his father, who had been left alone by his brother's death, and has since been

He was married on the 11th of November, 1872, to Anna Liuisa Sumnicht, who was born at Pottsdam, Prussia, on the 10th of April, 1863. He owns the old homestead farm on which he has erected a substantial and handsome residence, a view of which appears among our illustrations. The doctor has always been a republican in politics.

George Jacob Lindauer

George Jacob Lindauer, one of the representative farmers about Millstadt, is a native of Gruppenbah, Wurttemburg, Germany, and was born March 21st, 1835. His father was George Lindauer, and his mother's name before marriage was Christina Glumm. The subject of this sketch was the third of a family of nine children, of whom eight are now living. His father was a farmer, and owned land in Germany. Mr. Lindauer was raised in his native town of Gruppenbah, and, as is the custom in Germany, attended school from the time he was six till he was fourteen years old. After leaving school he worked at home on the farm . In 1 852 the whole family emigrated to America. After a voyage across the Atlantic, which lasted fifty-two days, they landed at New Orleans in the beginning of the year 1853. From New Orleans they came up the Mississippi to Cairo, where they found the river frozen by the extreme cold weather ; and from that place they made the journey by wagon to St. Clair county, which they designed making their residence. His father settled in the High Prairie, four miles south-east of Millstadt, and died in 1863, His mother is still living on the old homestead farm.

When he came to America Mr. Lindauer was about eighteen years old. He was living at home, working on the farm till October, 1863, when he married Katherina Lindauer, daughter of Frederick Lindauer. Her mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Lepper. Mrs. Lindauer was born in the town of Millstadt. The same year that he was married he went to farming, half a mile west of Millstadt, where he has since lived and been engaged in carrying on agricultural operations. He owns one hundred and twenty acres of land. A picture of his farm and residence may be seen on another page. The names of his four children are Loms, Frederick, Carolina and Katherina. He has been one of the enterprising farmers of that part of the county, and has carried on agriculture with intelligence and success' He is known as an industrious and hard-working man, and has paid close attention to his farm and his business affairs. He possesses good busi- ness qualifications, and is one of the progressive citizens of that portion of St. Clair county. He has taken no specially active part in politics, nor has ever cared- to be a candidate for public office. He has generally acted with the democratic party, and believes that the principles of that organization are best fitted to secure the perpetuation of American institutions. His name is worthy of mention in this work as a representative of that numerous and industrious class of citizens of foreign birth, who have made their home in St. Clair county; have assisted in the development of its agricultural resources, and have secured for themselves the reputation of good citizens and useful members of the community.

Peter Kalbfleisch

Is a native of Millstadt, and was born on the I7th of April, 1846. His father, Peter John Kalbfleisch, was born in Darmstadt, Germany, and when a young man came to America, and was among the early German settlers of St. Clair county. He was a carpenter by trade. In the year 1837 he was employed in building the railroad from the bluff to East St. Louis. This was the first railroad constructed in the state. He helped to drive the piles across the lake at the foot of the bluff, where the water was then eighteen feet deep. He married Anna Elizabeth Barbara Oldendorf,. also a native of Darmstadt. Mr. Kalbfleisch's father settled at Millstadt where for some time he carried on the carpentering business, and then bought a farm, half a mile south-east of the town, on which he lived till he died. The subject of this sketch was the third of a family of five children, of whom four are now living. He was raised in the town of Millstadt. He was married in December, 1866, to Mary Keller, who was born on a farm near Millstadt, and was the daughter of John Leonard Keller.

After his marriage Mr. Kalbfleisch went to farming for himself, and was so engaged till 1874, when he met with a serious injury, a rifle being accidentally discharged in his hands, the ball passing through one of his legs, and carrying away pieces of the bone. This disabled him from labor for two years, and he expended a large amount of money for surgical advice. The effects of this wound rendered him incapable of active work on the farm, and he accordingly moved to Millstadt. In 1881 he erected a large brick building to be used for hotel purposes. This building is the largest structure in the town, outside of the mills, and a view of it appears among our illustrations. He has had nine children. The names of the five now living are Louis, Ida, Peter, Edward, and Anna. He has taken no active part in politics, or in public affairs, but has given his attention to his business.

G. Valentine Brenfleck

Has lived at Millstadt since 1848. He was born at Ilmspan, Baden, July 6th, 1823. His parents were Antoine and Marianna Brenfleck. He went to school from the age of six to fourteen, and was then apprenticed to the milling business. In 1846, at the age of twentythree, he emigrated to America. In 1846 and 1847 he was in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri, remaining a short time in each state, his principal object being to see the country. He worked at his trade for a short time in St. Louis and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. In 1848 he married Barbara Funsch, who was born il^Bavaria in 1824, and came to America in 1846. The same year in which he was married he settled at Millstadt. In 1849 he erected a brewery at that place. He was engaged at different business enterprises, and at one time owned two hundred and twenty-five acres of land. He also carried on a brewery at Waterloo. The payment of security debts deprived him of a great part of his property. He now carries ou a hotel at Millstadt, and is the owner of Union Park, adjoining the town. Four of his ten children are living. His sou, Valentine Brenfleck, is farming near Mt. Vernon, Jefferson county. His three daughters are named Lena, Sophie Barbara, and Carolina Katarina. He has always been a democrat.

Charles T.-Askins

Who is now the oldest settler in Centerville precinct, was born in Grayson county, Kentucky, May 27th, 1810. His grandfather. El ward Askins, settled iu Virginia, and was one of the army that accompanied General Braddock on his expedition to Western Pennsylvania, and was present at Braddock's defeat. Philemon. Askins, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Virginia. He had a brother by the name of John Askins, who served in the revolutionary war, and was considered one of the stoutest men in the American army. Mr. Askins' mother's name was Philenor Stayton. She was born in Maryland. Mr. Askins' parents, at an early date, moved to Kentucky, and first settled at Louisville, -where they lived for a number of years, and then moved to Grayson county. There were twelve children in all, of whom nine were born at Louisville, and three in Grayson county. Charles T. Asking was the tenth child, there being two younger than^himself.

In -the fall of 1819 Mr. Askins' father and mother came to Illinois, to look at the country and visit a daughter who had married John Bloom, and settled in Illinois in 1802. This John Bloom made the eighteenth entry of public lands in Illinois. The land which he entered was the one-half of section three, of township one south, range nine west. Part of this identical land is now owned by Mr. Askins. Liking the country, Mr. Askins' parents sent back for the younger children, who reached Illinois in Feb., -1820. They lived part of the time on the tract of land north of Millstadt (sec. three, township one south, range nine west), and part of the time near Venice, in Madison county. Philemon Askins died in St. Clair county in 1831 : his wife had died previously in 1826.

Mr. Askins was in his tenth year when he came to this state, in February, 1820. The school facilities in those days were extremely limited. He had gone to school a little in Kentucky, but after he came to St. Clair county,. there were for several years no schools in his neighborhood. He went to school for a while at Venice, and also at Jacksonville. The first school he attended in St. Clair county was in the year 1828. The teacher's name was Gallop. He lived at home till his father's death, and then continued to live on the old homestead, and engaged in farming on his own account. He was married on the 10th of January, 1854, to Mrs. Jane M. Drew, who was born in Gallatin county, Illinois. Her maiden name was Russell. He has since been occupied in farming on the same tract of land on which the family settled on coming to the county. He has had six children, whose names are as follows: Louisa, wife of George W. Vance, who resides in the State of Virginia ; John W. Askins, who died at the age of twenty-two ; Charles T. Askins, George Askins, Nancy Askins and May Askins.

He has always been a democrat in politics. He cast his first vote for president for Andrew Jackson, and has been a staunch supporter of democratic principles from that time to the present; and has voted for every subsequent democratic candidate for president, with the exception of Greeley in 1872.

He formerly held a commissioD as captain in the militia, in the old days when the whole male population of the county between the ages of eighteen and forty-five were required to muster three times a year. He served in the last campaign of the Black Hawk war in 1832, as a member of Capt. John Tate's Independent Company of Eiflemen. He took part in all the marches of that campaign. Mr. Askins was the democratic candidate for representative in the legislature, against G. A. Koerner, Jr., and was only defeated by twenty votes. For the last twenty years he has been a director in the county fair association.

Henry Huber

One of the citizens of St. Clair county of German birth who have become successful business men is Henry Huber, a resident of Millstadt, who for a number of years carried on business in that town. He is a native of Rheinfalz, Bavaria, and was born at Elmstein on the 4th of October, 1834. His father, Charles Philip Huber, at one time carried on an extensive business at Elmstein. A short distance from that town he bought a property which had .formerly been used as an iron works, and established a saw mill, an oil mill, and a flouring mill, all under one roof, and propelled by water power. Here he carried on business for some time, but subsequently lost a considerable part of his property by the payment of security debts for other people.

Mr. Henry Huber was the youngest of a family of seventeen children. His mother died when he wag four years old. "When he was six years old he went to live with an older sister, who had married and had gone to live at Kaiserslautern, Bavaria, and that town was subsequently Mr. Huber 's home till he was nineteen (19) years old. He went to school till he was thirteen. At the age of fifteen he began to learn the tailor's trade, at which he served an apprenticeship of two years. The idea of emigrating to America, where two of his sisters had previously gone, had occupied his mind for several years. In 1853 all the unmarried members of the family, two sisters and two brothers beside himself, five in all, sailed for the United States. His father had died in Germany previous to this date. Landing at New Orleans, from that city they ascended the Mississippi river to St. Louis, and thence came to St. Clair county, reaching Millstadt, where his sister lived, on the 29th of November, 1853.

Mr. Huber was then nineteen. His first occupation was as clerk in the store of his brother-in-law, F. M. Fass. He remained in this store one year and nine months, when he was taken sick, and after recovering from an illness which lasted about four months he entered the store of Jacob Miller, with whom he remained four years. He became thoroughly acquainted with the business, was industrious and attentive to customers, and in 1859, at which time Miller disposed of his business to Joseph McKee, there was an understanding that Mr. Huber should become Mr. Mckee's partner. This partnership lasted about one year, when Mr. McKee became anxious to quit the business, and Mr. Huber bought out his interest. From that time till 1865 he carried on the mercantile business at Millstadt, on his own account. He paid close attention to his business, and managed itwith enterprise and success. The period during which he conducted the store covered the war of the rebellion, when the rise in values and activity in business circles gave favorable opportunities to shrewd and enterprising business men. From 1860 to 1865 he acted as postmaster at Millstadt. Since the latter year he has been employed in no active business, but has lived in a comfortable and leisurely retirement at Millstadt. In 1866 he revisited Europe, leaving this country in April and returning in November. He reviewed the scenes of his early childhood days in the fatherland, and spent several months of pleasure in the midst of old acquaintances and associates.

His marriage occurred on the 5th of August, 1860, to Miss Sophie E. Krieger, who was born in St. Clair county, three miles west of Millstadt, on the 2d of February, 1843. She was the daughter of George Philip Krieger. Her mother's maiden name was Mary Justina Stemraler. From the time he could take any active participation in politics he was a member of the republican party. On coming to the United States his sympathies inclined, him to side with the free-soil party, in its contest against slavery and when he became capable of exercising the right of suffrage he cast his first vote for president for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and thus assisted in the election of the first republican president of the United States. He has, however, been no politician, and has confined his efforts to the support of the measures and candidates of the republican party. While proprietor of the store he carried on business on business principles, and was straightforward, honest, and energetic. His name is here presented as one of the successful business men of the county.

W. J. McBride was born in Loudon county, Virginia, on the 15th of March, 1808. His father was John McBride. His mother's name before marriage was Sarah Watkins. He was the third of a family of seven children. When he was five years old the family moved from Loudon to Hampshire county, Virginia, where two years afterward his father died. Our subject passed most of his useful days in Hampshire county. He obtained an average common-school education. He came to Illinois in 1829. His mother and the rest of the family also came to this state and settled at Belleville. Mr. McBride came to Centerville township, April 5, 1831 ; he married Dovej Harrison, daughter of Thomas Harrison. Her father was born in Georgia, December 13, 1779, moyed to Illinois in 1804, and settled in section six of township one south, range eight west, and about the year 1815 moved to section one of township one south, range nine west. Mrs. McBride was born April 30, 1814. In the year 1826 Thomas Harrison moved to Belleville where he bought an ox-mill which had been started by Wilkinson & Riiigold which he ran for some time, and then in 1831 started the first steam mill ever built in Belleville. He was subsequently prominently connected with the milling and manufacturing interests of Belleville. He died at Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the 27th of August, 1867. Mrs. McBride's mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Gilbreth, was born in one of the Carolinas on the 10th of July, 1782.

Mr. McBride lived some years after his marriage in Belleville and then settled on the farm in section one of township one south, range nine west, on which he lived till his death. He began life without any means except his own energy and industry, and succeeded in acquiring a competence. He was a man of good business qualifications. At the time of his death he owned three hundred and sixty-three acres of land. In early life he was a member of the Whig party and afterward became a Democrat. He became connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1830, of which he was a member for the remainder of his life. His time was devoted to his farm and his business affairs, and he was never a candidate for any public office. Of his seven children, four are now living. John McBride resides at Des Moines, Iowa.

Margaret Olive is the wife of J. C. Wilderman of this county. Thomas H. McBride is engaged in the practice of medicine at Joliet. William E. McBride, the youngest child, and the only son now living in the county, was born on the old homestead farm on the 1st of August, 1849. He graduated from McKendree college in 1871. He was married September 1, 1875, to Jennie L. Thatcher, who was born at Marion, Williamson County, and graduated from McKendree college in 1872. Her father, the Rev. John Thatcher, now deceased, was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

D. C. ScHMAHLENBERGEE, a picture of whose residence and blacksmith establishment in Millstadt shown on another page, is a native of Center ville township, and was born October 6th, 1850. His grandfather John Schmdhlenberger, emigrated to America in 183;5, and settled in St. Clair county in the year 1834. He was among the early German settl -rs of the county, and entered land in section twenty-one of township one south, range nine west, a mile and a half south of Millstadt, where Dr. John Saltenberger now lives. Jacob J. Schmahlenberger, the father of the gentleman whose names heads this sketch, was born in Germany, and was about ten years old, when he came to America, and about eleven, when his father settled in this county. When twenty- four years of age, he married Sophia Weckler, also a native of Germany. Her father had settled five miles south-west of Millstadt. After his marriage, he went to farming in section thirty-two of township one south, range nine west, where he has since resided. He owns two hundred and thirty acres of land. He has had five children, all sons : Daniel C, Jacob, William, August, and Frederick.

Daniel C. Schmahlenberger, the eldest child, was raised in this township. He obtained a common school education, and when seventeen, began learning the blacksmith trade at Millstadt. After completing his trade, he went to Wisconsin, and from 1872 to 1874, was working at the blacksmith business at Fort Atkinson, in that state. He came back to Millstadt, and in 1877 started a shop of his own, and has since carried on business. He was married July 31st, 1876, to Carolina Ohlendorf, who was born near Millstadt, and was the daughter of Henry and Philopena Ohlendorf. He has three children, whose names are Richard, Edward and Sophia. He is independent in politics, and generally votes for the man whom he considers best fitted for the office, without regard to the party to which he belongs.

Caspar Boemer

Was born at Warstein, Prussia, May 8, 1813. He was the only child of Frank Boemer and his wife, Clara, whose maiden name was Semmelmann. His father was a farmer, and died when Caspar Boemer was six years old. Mr. Boemer went to school at Warstein till thirteen, and afterwards was eighteen months at a college at Liepstadt and one year at a college at Geseke. In 1833 he volunteered in the Prussian army and served till 1836. After leaving the military service he determined to emigrate to America, and in company with his mother's brother sailed from Bremen and landed at New York, June 27, 1837. He was then twenty-four. After a few months stay in Ohio he came to St. Louis where he lived till 1841. He was married in St. Louis in November, 1840, to Catherine Rodemich, daughter of Philip Rodemich. She was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and came to America in 1836 when fifteen.

In 1841 he came to St. Clair county, and for five hundred dollars bought eighty acres of land in section eight of township one south, range nine west. lie had lost in St. Louis all the money he had brought from the old country and borrowed one hundred and twenty-five dollars with which to make the first payment on his purchase. There were then no improvements, not even a fence rail ,on the land. He began the improvement of the place, put in a crop, and through the winter season, worked in St. LquIs to secure money with which to meet the payments. He was obliged to exercise great industry and economy in order to obtain a start. Once in St. Louis, when left unable to work by a spell of the ague, he had to borrow money with which to buy bread for his family. His first crop of wheat he hauled to St. Louis, and received for it thirty -one and a third cents a bushel, and worked two days to pay for the use of the wagon in which the wheat was hauled. Under these circumstances it took some years to pay for the land. He built a small house in which he lived till November, 1846, when one night it burned to the ground, his wife and children escaping without even their clothing. In 1851 the first eighty acres were all paid for, and that year he bought twenty additional acres. He received that year eighty-five cents for his wheat, the highest price he had so far obtained.

From that time he was prosperous and successful. He mostly raised wheat, and more of it to the acre than any other farmer in that part of the county. He was ready to adopt modern methods of farming, and used on his farm the first threshing machine ever seen in the vicinity of Millstadt. As soon as he was able he bought more land. He still owns the eighty which he first purchased, oh which stands his present residence and farm buildings. His judgment in selecting this particular tract of land ©.1 coming to the country is justified by the fact that the location is considered one of the best for a farm residence in that portion of the county. He owns two hundred and fifty-five acres of land besides property in the town of Millstadt. He has had twelve children. Of these nine are now living. The oldest, Catharine, is the wife of Louis Diesel, a farmer of Centerville township. William Boemer resides in Millstadt. Frederick Boemer is farming near Millstadt. Mary married William Schuette, a millwright, who resides in St. Louis. The remaining children, Louisa, John, Henry, Henrietta, and Amelia, still have their homes under the parental roof. The youngest son, Henry, graduated from a commercial college in St. Louis in 1877, and for several winters has taught school.

In early life Mr. Boemer was a member of the democratic party, with which he acted up to the time of the war of the rebellion. In 1864 he supported Lincoln for the presidency, and has been a member of the republican party ever since. He has held no public office, but has been content with the quiet and peaceful life of a private citizen. During the many years he has resided near Millstadt he has been a respected member of the community, and maintained the reputation of an honest and upright

Charles L. Probstmeyer

Was born at Bockenem, Hanover, February 26th, 1835. He was the second of four children, of Henry and Regina Probstmeyer. His father was a middle class farmer, and died when the subject of this sketch was eleven years old. After leaving school at the age of fifteen, Mr.- Probstmeyer learned the butcher's trade. In 1857, he emigrated to America, and after living a year in St. Louis, became a resident of Millstadt. He followed the butchering business till 1865. Ficm that date to 1870, he was in the coal mining business, purchasing one mine and opening another. In 1873, he was electedjusticeofthepeace, and re-elected in 1877, and has been filling that office ever since -with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. Before he was elected justice of the peace he served two terms as constable. He was married on the 26th of March, 18£9, to Elencra Wagner, a native also of Germany.

Amokg the former residents of Centerville township was John M. Little, who died in 1865. He was born near Boonesville, Kentucky, on the 8th of November, 1814. He was the fifth child and only son of seven children of Henry and Elizabeth (Jackson) Little. In the fall of 1820, when he was six years old, his father moved with the family to Illinois, and settled in the Badgley neighborhood, north of Belleville. A few months after coming to this state his father died, and his mother soon afterward bought land in section five of township one south, range nine west; where the family settled, and where Mr. Little afterward lived till his death. He obtained an ordinary education, and was obliged to walk three miles during the winter months to school.

February 28th, 1838, he married Nancy Atchison, who was born July 23d, 1817. Her father and grandfather were both named George Atchison ; they emigrated from Pennsylvania, and settled in the American Bottom, in the present county of Monroe, and were among the earliest American settlers of Illinois. The place where they settled adjoined the old farm of Gov. Bond. Mrs. Little's father and grandfather lived in a fort for protection against the Indians, and her uncle, Alexander Atchison, was killed by the red skins. When Mrs. Little was twelve years old, her father moved to St. Clair county, and settled on land which he entered, four miles west of Belleville. Mrs. Little's mother's name was Elizabeth Smirls, whose father was an early settler of Jefferson county, Missouri.

John M. Little died on the 4th of September, 1865. He was a good citizen of the county. In his politics he was first a democrat, but became a member of the republican party when it was first formed. He was the owner of one hundred and seventy-two acres of land. He had ten children. Henry, George, James, and Emeline are deceased. Sarah is the wife of Joseph Leach, and lives in Harvey county, Kansas. Mahala married Monroe M. Stookey. Hester is the wife of Edward Anderson of Jackson county, Illinois. Elsie married James Proffitt, and lives at Alma. Jackson and Lucinda still reside at home. The three oldest sons, Henry, George, and James, served in the Union army during the war of the rebellion. Henry enlisted in January, 1864, in Co. E, 59th Illinois regiment, and served two years, or till after the close of the war. He returned home in bad health, and died June 9th, 1869. George enlisted in 1863, and while at Camp Butler, Springfield, died of the measles on the 3d of February, 1864, James enlisted in the 154th Illinois regiment on the 11th of February, 1865, and served till the following September. He came home sick from disease contracted in the service, and died on the 28th of October, 1865. Emeline married Alpheus Badgley. She died February 13th, 1875.

Eyan Baied, one of the early residents of Centerville township, was a native of Kentucky, and was born in Fleming county of that state, on the 18th of December, 1804. His parents were among the early settlers of Kentucky. His father died when he was small, and his mother having married again, he lived with his step-father till twenty-one years of age. He secured a fair business education in the old-fashioned subscription schools of Kentucky, held in log school-houses with floors of puncheons and benches of slabs. He was apprenticed to the tanner's trade, in Kentucky, at which he worked as long as he lived in his native state, and several years afterward. In 1827 he came to Illinois, reaching Belleville on the 27th of May of that year. He went into the tanning business at Belleville, and after carrying on that occupation some time, entered forty (40) acres of land in section four of township one south, range nine west, on which he moved and went to farming. This entry was made under Gen. Jackson's administration, and the original patent bears his name. While living at Belleville he married Mary Miller, daughter of Wm. Miller. She was born in Pennsylvania. Her father came to St. Clair county, and settled a short distance southwest of Belleville, and lived in a log house which may still be seen standing on the Centerville road.

Mr. Baird afterward entered additional land, and at the time of his death owned one hundred and seventy-one acres. He died February 8th, 1860. He was a man respected for his good qualities as a neighbor and a citizen. He was first a member of the democratic party, with which he acted till new parties were formed on the question of slavery, when he became a republican, and was one of the early members of that organization in St. Clair county. He never filled any public office, but gave his time to his farm and business aflfairs. He was an industrious and hard-working man, and all that he accomplished in life was the result of his own efforts. He carried on the tanning business for some time after moving on the farm. His widow is still living on the old homestead at the age of seventy-four, having been born March 7th, 1807. There were six children whose names are as follows : William, born Apl. 30th, 1831 ; Mary Jane, born Apl. 4th, 1834, died in infancy ; Edward, born September 23d, 1837 ; Margaret Ann, born December 20th, 1840, married Thomas Lask, and died February 11th, 1869 ; Elizabeth, born September 20th 1843 ; and David Winfield, born November 15th, 1847. The four who are living all reside on the old homestead farm, carry on farming operations, and own two hundred and eleven acres of land.

Jacob E. Henrici

JACOB E. HENRICI, Was born at Anspach am Usingen, Dukedom of Nassau, September 25th, 1833. He was the second of seven children of John George Henrici and Catharine Wueirich. Three brothers by the name of Henrici came from Sweden and settled at Anspach d-uring the thirty years war, and from one of these Mr. Henrici is descended. After leaving school at fourteen, he assisted his father in the brewing business. In the fall of 1846, he came to America. The family landed at New Orleans. While ascending the Mississippi, seventy miles below St. Louis, his mother was accidentally drowned, falling from the side of the boat while trying to draw a bucket of water from the river. His father settled in Marion county, Missouri where he died in 1856. After staying ten days in St. Clair county] Mr. Hennci found employment as a baker in St. Louis, receiving four dollars a month wages. In the spring of 1847, he worked at Columbia in Monroe county, and afterward went to Marion county, Missouri, and with his father established a brewery While living at Palmyra, Missouri, he married Elizabeth Lindenstruth born at Reiskirchen, Hesse Darmstadt, daughter of Christian and Catharine (Magel) Lindenstruth. In 1848, he returned to St Clair county. In 1849, he was employed in St. Louis as a coachman by a physician who, finding that he had a good education.

made him a clerk in his drug store. Mr. Henrici resided in Marion county, Missouri, fifteen months, and then in the fall of 1850, came back to St. Clair county, where he has since resided.

Before leaving the old country, he served three years in the German army. When the war of the rebellion broke out, a company of home guards was organized at Millstadt, in which he held the position of first lieutenant, and did the active drilling for the company. He was offered a lieutenant's commission in a regiment raised in the county for the war; but on account of his health was obliged to remain at home. He began teaching in the fall of 1861, and has taught school every winter since, with the exception of from 1862 to 1864, during which period he suffered from sickness. He has four children : Catharine, now the wife of Adam Bohley ; Conrad August ; Mary Magdalena, wife of Joseph Geissel of St. Louis, and Elizabeth. He was first a democrat in politics, and has been a republican since that party was formed. His education has been obtained by his own efforts, and is the result of self-study.

THENS is situated in the south-eastern part of the county. It is separated from Fayetteville on the north by the Kaskaskia river ; on the east and north-east from St. Clair by Big Mud Creek, ex cept that part lying along the line of Washington county ; on the south it is bounded by Randolph county ; on the west by Monroe county and Fayetteville precinct, from both of which it is separated by the Kaskaskia river. Geographically it embraces most of T. 3 S. R. 7 W. ; T. 3 S. R. 6 W., and parts of T. 2 S. R. 7 W., and T. 2 S. R. 6 W., in all 44,470 acres. It is well watered by the streams which are its boundaries, and numerous small affluents among them. Dosa creek, which enters the township three miles south of Marissa, on section 34, flows a northwesterly course, then westerly and southerly, leaving the township on section 33, seven miles west of where it enters. Belts of timber skirt the streams, but it is principally a beautiful prairie, in a high state of cultivation. Passing through it, diagonally, from northwest to south-east, is the Cairo Short Line Railroad, which furnishes means for transportation of surplus products, stock, etc. The honor of having been the first settler belongs to John Lively, who came from South Carolina, and located on section 34, T. 8 SR. 7 W. in 1805. On November 28th, 1816, he entered the S.W. quarter of section 34, where he lived for several years.

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

Is situated in the north-west quarter of section 35, T. 2 S., R. 6 W. It was laid off by Isaac Rainey, February 1, 1855, who, singular to relate, gave it the German name of Darmstadt. His ideas of a village were moderate, extending only to laying off thirty-six lots, one of which was already occupied by the blacksmith shop of Peter Rodemeyer, and another by a tavern, erected in 1845 by Henry

Kaylor. At present the town has a population of about 350. Prominent among its industries is a mill, built in 1863, by a company composed of George M Eckert, Hermann H. Voskamp, Leonard Kayser, Henry Koch, William Massmann, and Henry Eckert. This company made, May 11, 1864, an addition to the town of Darmstadt, calling it " The Mill Company's addition." The mill is now owned and operated by Martin Eckert. It has four run of stone. Its capacity is 200 barrels of flour per diem ; gives employment to five men ; cost about $30,000. Flour is hauled by wagon to Marissa station, six miles distant, thence shipped chiefly to St. Louis, Mo., and Cairo, 111. The mill has contributed much to the upbuilding of the town.

Pleasantly located, in the heart of a large agricultural district, Darmstadt, despite its inconvenience for railroad facilities, enjoys a prosperous trade. It is well supplied with schools, having a public and two private ones supported by the churches. There are two churches - the Lutheran, built in 1865, and the Protestant Lutheran, transferred, after its destruction by lightning, from its former site to a desirable location in the village. Built in 1877.

A lodge of the A. O. U. W., was organized February 10, 1878, with nineteen charter members. Has at present twenty-three members. Meets in hall owned by John Lehr.

Business Houses

Post-master - Martin Eckert. Was appointed when the office wrs first established, which was on petition in 1864, and has held it ever since.

Town Of St. Liboey

October 18, 1866, John Wessels laid out on the N. E. part of the S. E. quarter of the N. W. quarter of section 18, T. 2 S., E. 6 W. the town of Hermanntown. Close by was a Catholic church, erected in 1846, and to which the name of St. Libory was given. In the village was the general store of H. Euetter, who had established it in 1849. In 1856 the post-office, called " Mud Creek," was moved to this store, and H. Euetter was appointed post-master - so that, when the town was platted, there were three names struggling for the supremacy. Mills were built ; business prospered, and, although people built on all sides of the platted town, no additions were made thereto. In 1874 the name of the post-office was changed from Mud Creek to St. Libory, and by common consent other names have been dropped, so there is presented the anomaly of a village of perhaps 250 inhabitants, on laud not regularly platted as a town site» with a name not recognized in the public records, save by common consent. A large mill has stood idle for several years past, while a small custom mill, owned by Gustav Hessler, meets the demands of the community.

A coal shaft, operated by the St. Libory Coal company, is among its industries. It has a depth of 186 feet ; is operated by horse power ; employs three men, and has a capacity for turning out 300 bushels per day.

Conrad D. Hausmann

Was born in Hanover, Germany, December 8th, 1840. His father for many years a teacher in Catholic schools in his native'land. His mother's maiden name was Catharine Sutmiieller. His parents emigrated to America when he was a mere child, so youpg {hat he recollects nothing of the sea voyage, nor does he distinctly remember his parents, as his mother died shortly after their arrival in St. Louis, and his father, Matthias Hausmann, survived her bufa year or two. Thus he was left an orphan and through the kindness of friends, was placed in the Orphan Asylum, a Catholic institution in St. Louis. After remaining there two or three years he ran away and took up his home with Bennet Somer, who ktpt a boarding house and store opposite south market.- Ecmained with Somer about two years, when he was bound over by the clergy to a -.Mr. Garretson, a saddle tree maker. Mr. Garretson had been a teacher in Germany, hence he found himself in Here. he remained until he was twenty two years of age. .. During this time he acquireli a good practical business education, and a knowledge, of men which has proved of great service to him. He, mastered the saddlery and harness manufacturing business, and for a time in its prosecution was associated with P. J. Peters, subsequently with,. Thornton Grimsby. In the latter part of the war he entered into a speculation in Arkansas, purchasing goods in St. Louis in bulk, taking them to the front where he disposed of his wares to sutlers. He next became an agent for the Great Republic Life Insurance company in whose employ he remained but about four months, whereupon he became salesman for Shaefer & Co., corner Main and Chestnut streets, engaged in wholesale saddlery. Whilst in this employ he was singled out, because of his fitness for the work, as af signee of Peter Feltmen & Co., wholesale liquor merchants which business he closed to the complete satisfaction of all concerned, within a year. In 1868 he determined on a change of location, with a view to pursuing his trade of saddlery and harness making, and located in St. Libory, where he has since resided. Being of an active temperament he has combined with his regular trade various pursuits. Handled agricultural implements for four years ; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1873, which office he has held ever frince ; was appointed ass-ignee of the St. Libory mill company in 1877; was treasurer for his township for three years. So that he has been more than ordinarily active in a business sense. He was one of the projectors of the St. Libory coal mining company and was for a time its president. No undertaking in his vicinity calculated to promote its welfare has ever been set on foot whlph has not found in him a friend and abettor. He was united in marriage to Catharine Deirkcr, October 7th, 1869, by whom he has had four children, two of whom, Caroline and Ida, are living, and two are deftd Politically, Mr. Hausmann is a sterling democrat, and cast his first vgte;.fbr General McClellan, for President. He and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church. As a prompt, energetic business man ; as a fiiend of progress no man in the vicinity of St. Libory deserves more honorable mention than Conrad D. Hausmann.

No citizen of Darmstadt deserves better mention than George M. Eckert. He was born in Dietzenbach, Germany, Oct. 5th, 1827. JHia- parents, John George and Anna M. Eckert, came to America and located in St. Clair county in 1837. His father had been an inn keeper and farmer in the old country, and still pursued the latter calling in this.

George M. Eckert was-trained in the common schools, enjoying for a brief , time Ihe advantages of better schools of the same class at Venedy." He was "married to Regina- Voskamp, June 7th, 1853, by whom he has six children living, and three dead. The names of the living are Henry G., Charlotte, Hermann, Regina, Martin

-and Louis. Mary, George and Martin are dead. He commenced mining jyhece he now is in 1864. Had ran a horse-power saw mill frohi 1854 to 1859, then a steam saw mill until 1864, when the present grist mill was built. He has served as post-master for seventeen years. Is a consistent, unswerving, uncompromising republican. Cast his first vote for John C. Fremont, for president, in 1856. His son, Henry G., was secretary of the Darmstadt Garfield club last fall. He (Henry G) was married to Clara Schoen, Nov. 14, 1879, near Pierce City, Mo. Mr. Eckert is an active member of the Lutheran church. Bvery improvement conducive to the upbuilding and development of his vicinity finds in him a friend and advocate. No man stands higher in the estimation of his fellows than he.

In the enjoyment of a monopoly in his line, that of general merchandise, in the village of Darmstadt, is J. Reith. His business i» quite extensive and remunerative. He was born in Nassau, Germany, May 14th, 1835. His parents were J. Reith, Senior, and Catharine. His father, a tailor in the old country, came to America, landing first in New Orleans, thence to St. Louis, Mo. , where he pursued his business in 1864. In 1857 he came to St. Clair county. The subject of this sketch followed the same business for years, and still takes a turn upon the bench when occasion requires. He volunteered in company B, 43d Illinois regiment, as a private, in the early days of the war in 1861, in the three month's service, re-enlisted in the service at Cairo in the 9th Illinois, then again in company H, 149th Illinois, where he was elected 2d lieutenant. In all he served nearly five years with honor to himself. Although in many hard fought battles he never received a wound. He was married to Catharine Massann in 1868, by whom he has one child, a daughter, named Elizabeth. Politically he is an ardent republican. His first ballot was cast for Lincoln ; he has ever remained true to the republican faith. In business he is correct and straightforward. By his course he has endeared to himself his numerous patrons, and built up a fine custom which is constantly increasing.

DR. F. X. FISCHER, "Was born in Basle, Switzerland, March 29th, 1839. His parents were Franz Joseph and Elizabeth Fischer. His father practiced law for about forty years in Basle. An earnest, faithful barrister, he won for himself great esteem. Dr. Fischer came to America in 1866, landing in New York city, then went to St. Louis, where he cast about him for a location, and found it at Du Quoin, Ills., where he practiced, about two and a half years. From there he went to Lincoln, Ills, where he remained a year, moving again to St. Libory, where he remained until 1880, when he removed to Darmstadt, where he still resides. A view of his residence appears elsewhere in this volume. The doctor opened a drug store in St. Libory in 1876, which he still owns and manages- He received his medical education in the Universities of Basle and Zurich. Graduated at Zurich in March, 1857. Practised his profession in his native village until he determined on coming to America. He came here prompted by a desire to enlarge his sphere of usefulnesss, and to find a better chance in the prosecution of his profession. In the practice of medicine he belongs to that large class of progressive physicians who believe that too many drugs are administered - that nature instead of being aided - the true province of the physician - is hindered in her work of eliminating disease from human system?. He is independent in his convictions, and equally so in their expression. His ability finds recognition in a widS-spread, arduous and lucrative practice. His skill is unquestioned. He was united in marriage to Helena Wagner, in the Catholic church at St. Libory, by the Rev. Father Frederick Chmelicek, August 13th, 1873. By this union there are three bright boys. Otto, Leo, and Louis. His wife was born in Posen, Prussia, in 1857, yet her nationality is Polish. She came to America in 1871. Politically, the Doctor has identified himself with the democratic party, believing its principles to be right. He was naturalized in Belleville, in 1874, and in 1876 cast his first ballot for President. Contrasting the institutions of this country with those of his native land (Switzerland), he says there is no great superiority in America's republicanism over that of his native land ; that in the adaptation of practice to principles, Switzerland is in the ascendant. There is quite a similarity in form of government, but greater harmony there than here. Ofiice he never wanted, but his say in politics he will have. He and his family are members of the Catholic church. Although in the enjoyment of a large practice, the Doctor finds time for literature, for which he has excellent taste, as his selections of authors testify. The classics of ' University days are not laid entirely away, but serve to while away a happy hour. A skilled physician, a kind neighbor, a man of generous impulse, he enjoys a wide, and constantly widening circle of friends.