Quincy Township (part 48 of 74)

Mr. Cupp, and the same is true of his son-in-law, ;\Ir. Sapp, is a verjradical republican. However, he has seldom sought official honors, though he was once candidate for state representative. Mr. Cupp is affiliated with Payson Lodge No. 379, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Quincy, also the Royal Arch Chapter and Knight Templar Commandery and Eastern Star, and has been active in Masonry for thirty-nine years. He was formerly identified with the Independent Order of Odd P'ellows. With all his well deserved fame as a horticulturist many people in Adams County know Mr. Cupp chiefly because of his practical philanthropy, and his charities though extensive have been unostentatious and chiefly known by their recipients. He was largely responsible for founding and building the Union Church in Fall Creek. Naturally his name has been associated with many of the large horticultural organizations. He was one of the organizers of the Mississippi Apple Growers' Association in 1897, was honored as its present for the first six years and later served another ioxir years as president and is now vice president. He was one of the organizers of the National Apple Growers' Association and its first president. The present head of the national organization is Senator Dunlap of Illinois. Mr. Cupp has for thirty-five years been a life member of the Illinois State Horticultural Society, is a correspondent of the State Agricultural Society, and for a number of years has been reporter of the annual crop, stock and fruit conditions in Adams County for the National Department of Agriculture. For three j^ears he served as president of the Adams County Fair Association and has been a director ten years. For a long period of years he served as delegate to the National Farmers' Congress. These delegates are appointed by the governor and Mr. Cupp received the appoiutment both from democratic and republican executives. Mr. Cupp was candidate for county clerk of Adams County on the republican ticket in 1918, and went dowTi with all candidates on that ticket. He, however, feels perfectly satisfied over the results, as there was a 2,000 democratic majority to overcome in the county.

John W. Egbees is one of the best knowTi citizens of Adams and Hancock counties, and while his chief business interests have been as a farmer he has also gained something of a public character, because of the ability with which he prosecuted many cases before justice courts and as an auctioneer. Mr. Egbers now lives on one of the good farm homes of Honey Creek Township, 21/2 miles northeast of Mendon.

He was born in Kocky Run Township of Hancock County August 8, 1853, son of Charles and Magdalena Egbers. His parents were both born in Germany and were married at New Orleans. They settled at Quincy in 1838, and had many opportunities to .secure choice land at the Government price of $1.25 per acre. They finally settled on the bottoms a mile from the Mississippi River in Hancock County. Their home was almost destroyed by the flood of 1851, and they then moved their residence back on the high ground and lived there the rest of their days. The father died at the age of seventy-two and the mother at eighty-three.

John W. Egbers grew up on the farm. From boyhood his ambition and inclination looked toward a public career as a lawyer. However, his mother's influence and strong will did much to thwart his purpose. His mother frequently said "We have raised seven sons, all farmers" and she made provision accordingly for her son John "W. Adjacent to the home place she bought land at $40 an acre, carrying $3,900 debt at nine per cent interest and insisted that her son should take possession and cultivate it. "While he yielded in this particular, ]\Ir. Egbers was determined to get the best education possible and train himself for a position of influence among his fellow men. He read law, and he also took steps to overcome his retiring and modest disposition. He attended many local schoolhouse debates, and was especially impi*essed by the fact that the president of the society at one time was so halting and lacking in knowledge of parliamentary practice that he could not even put a motion. It was his painful example that proved one of the influencing causes leading Mr. Egbers to train himself for public speaking. He took part in the local debates whenever possible and M'as soon recognized as one of the keenest and most resourceful speakers of the neighborhood. He also qualified to practice before the Justice Court and handled many cases for twenty years. He is disposed to take a somewhat humorous view of some of his eai-ly cases, and says that what he lacked in knowledge of the law and experience lie made up with a noisy plea and usually won his contention. At one time he had the reputa- tion of being the ablest pettifogger in Hancock or Adams County. He never carried this work far enough to be admitted regularly to the bar, and that has been one of the greatest regi-ets of his life. ilr. Egbers for some years was an able auctioneer and his services were in great demand for that. In the meantime the duties of his farm engaged his time and energies, and he also handled real estate. IVIr. Egbers owned a fine bodv of land, though inconveniently situated. This 120 acres Mr. Egbers sold in the fall of 1917 for $200 an acre. In 1917 he bought his present place, the old Felger farm in Honey Creek Township. He has a place of 167 acres, well improved, and has occupied its beautiful home and surroundings since the spring of 1918. The house was built a number of years ago of the verj' finest of lumber. There is also a lai'ge bank barn, and the homestead takes on additional attractiveness because of the fine grove of trees.

Mr. Egbers is a republican and a thorough believer in the protection principle. He has always kept in close touch with the world's events by reading and observation. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World. For three years he served a.s a member of the local school board and took his official responsibilities very seriously, visiting school every month.

At the age of twenty-one Mr. Egbers married Addie Massey. Of the three children born to their marriage two died iu one week from diphtheria. The only survivor is Oval, now a resident of Lima, Illinois. In February-, 1884, Mr. Egbers married Viola Peoples. They have three children: James R., who now wears the uniform of an American soldier and is in France; Ollie, Mrs. William Williams, of Hancock County ; and John Warren, a fanner in Hancock County. Sir. and Mrs. Egbers have as a member of their household Miss Laura Shaw, a bright and attractive young lady who is very fortunate to eujoy the privileges of the Egbers home.

John A. Hellee. Actively identified with the history of Quincy, there will ever be accorded to John A. Heller a tribute of honor as a man of sterling integrity, and as one who has contributed generously to the progress and prosperity of his native city, his benefactions having won for him the title of "Grand Old ]\ran," a name bj- which he is familiarly known throughout the city and county. A native of Quincy, he was born February- 1, 1844, in the house located at the corner of Seventh and Jersey streets, where his parents, George Philip and Elizabeth D. (Walthaus) Heller, were then living. The father was accidentally killed by falling from a house in 1850, leaving his wife with five young children to support.

Left fatherless in childhood, John A. Heller began early in life to assist his widowed mother in supporting her little family, his first employment having been in a local hotel, where he received .$1 a week as general utility boy. He gradually worked his way upward, being successively waiter and cook, and in 1874 opened a hotel in Quincy. In 1860 'Sir. Heller was cook on a Mississippi River steamboat, after which he spent four years at sea, being employed as eook and steward, and in that capacity visited every continent except Australia. Returning to Quincy, he then opened a greenhouse, and was successfully engaged in business as a horticulturist and florist for thirty years, but is now living retired from active pursuits, enjoj'ing a well-earned leisure.

A faithful, loyal and public-spirited citizen, believing nothing is too good for Quincy. Mr. Heller has donated liberally to various worthy causes. He was the first to contribute toward purchasing a site for the State Armory at Quincy, and toward the building of the new shoe factory, and later he won the gratitude of the people by giving ^6,000 in cash towards erecting a permanent home and exposition building for the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, of which he is an esteemed and useful member.

An intelligent reader and a keen observer, Mr. Heller is a self-educated man, having a comprehensive knowledge of science and nature. He has written many works of note, and in 1912 he presented to the Quincy Public Library 100 copies of his "Scientific Volumes." He also compiled in 1870 a chart of all the lines and signs of geometry, and a chart comparing zoology to geologj', and /both of these charts, and a cabinet containing upwards of 1,000 fossils and mineral specimens, he gave to the Quincy High School, ilr. Heller is a tirm believer in evolution, being a faithful disciple of Darwin, Spencer and Draper. As strong physically as mentally, Mr. Heller enjoys life, and expects to watch for many more years the wonderful developments of modern science and electricity yet to come.

Mr. Heller married Martha Jane Weidenhammer, who was born in Ohio, and died at her home in Quincy November 9, 1910, leaving no children. In politics Mr. Heller is independent.

John T. Hewitt is one of the most widely known stock men in Western Illinois. For many years his specialty, carried on at his farm in Honey Creek Township 2% miles east of IMendon, has been the breeding of the finest of Percheron horses and the Mammoth Jacks and Jennets. Some of the finest animals of these types in the world have been kept or produced on the Hewitt farm, and his industry has been one of the important factors in raising the .standards of livestock production in Adams County and over a wide territory around here.

Mr. Hewitt was born in Honey Creek Township March 9, 1856, son of William and Elizabeth (Kells) Hewitt. His parents came from County Cavan. Ireland, with four children, leaving on a sailing vessel January 1, 18-50, and on account of storms and other delays spending several months on the ocean before landing at New Orleans. They came up the river and landed a1 Quincy on the first of May and soon afterward settled in Mendon Township, where William Hewitt had relatives including his brother Thomas, who had come in 1849, and Samuel Heaney, who had accompanied Thomas Hewitt to this country. William Hewitt in order to make a living for his family and gain the experience necessary for independent agriculture, spent a year working for Deacon Weed on his farm in Honey Creek Township, and for three years was with Amos Scranton. At the end of that time he bought a tract of wild land, using the savings from his wages to make the first payment. He had also acquired one or two teams, and at once took up the improvement and development of the eighty acres which constitutes the present home. He built a log house, and though the land was all in timber except two acres he managed to live from its proceeds, largely from the sale of wood, which he cut and hauled from the place. William Hewitt lived honorably and usefully in that community until his death January 10, 1884, at the age of seventy-seven. His widow survived him many years and passed away in 1907. when almo.st ninety-five years old. William Hewitt built the good substantial house that is now standing on the farm in 1871, also liuilt and improved the barns from time to time, and before his death had acquired an additional eighty acres. After getting American citizenship he affiliated with the republican party and his sons have followed his example. He was reared in the Episcopal Church and was member of the vestry of the church at ^tendon. His wife was the oldest member of that church at the time of her death. William Hewitt and wife had the following children : Mary, who has never married and lives at home with her T)rother John. Robert, who when a young man went out to Nebraska and died in the State of Washington at the age of fifty. Eliza, who is the second wife of James Mealiff^, of Honey Creek To^niship : Jane, who was the first wife of James ]\Iealiff and died at the age of thirty ; ^Mattie, unmarried and at home : William, who died at the age of fifteen : John ; and Anna, who lives on the farm in Honey Creek Township, the widow of William Taylor.

John T. Hewitt since the death of his parents has shared the old homestead with his two unmarried sisters, and they have always lived together in utmost harmony and with great advantage and efficiene.y in their co-operation in business

As alreadj- noted, the principal industry of John T. Hewitt is stock raising and stock breeding. He has now and has had in the past a number of the splendid registered mares and stallions of the Perc-heron breed. In this industry he is one of the American breeders who are planning and preparing to render an important service to Belgium when the time for reconstruction begins. The Percheron horses, as is well known, originated in Northern France and Belgium and practically all the animals of that strain in the war zone have been destroyed or taken by the Germans. It will therefore devolve upon American breeders largely, especially those who are members of the National Percheron Breeders' Association, to restock France and Belgium when the war is over. During the la.st twenty years Mv. Hewitt has also bred the famous Mammoth Jacks and Jennets and is a member of the National Association of Breeders of Mammoth Jacks. While Kentucky and ^Missouri have a great reputation for their mule production, it is a fact well known among the leaders in that industry that many of the mules that come to maturity in those states are bred in Illinois. Many of the fine mules as well as the draft horses found on the farms of Adams County are directly the result of the enterprise carried on by Mr. Hewitt. He is one of the two men in Adams County who handle thoroughbred Percheron horses, the other being George Erich of Golden. Mr. Hewitt has exhibited his animals at many local fairs, and most of the owners and others interested in Percheron stock all over the country are familiar with some of the records and results of his farm and stables.

Mr. Hewitt is a republican, attends the Episcopal Church at Mendon. has filled all the chairs in the local lodge of Odcl Fellows and sat in the Grand Lodge and his sisters are active in the Rebekahs. He has served as school trustee for some years and in politics is a republican. The first petition for a rural free delivery route to go to Washington from Adams County was prepared by ilr. Hewitt, assisted by Mr. David Wilcox, then postmaster at Quincy. As a result one of the first routes establi.shed supplied Mr. Hewitt and his neighbors. That was about twenty years ago.

George Steixagel was for many years one of the capable citizens, progressive farmers and homemakers of Gilmer Township. He received inspiration as well as practical assistance in his work from his very capable wife, who as his widow still occupies the farm which their joint eft'orts gained for them a mile and a half east of Fowler on the Cannon Ball Trail.

The name Steinagel has been identified with Adams Countj^ for a great many years. Originally the name in German was Steuernagel. George Steinagel was horn August 3, 1855, in Melrose Township and died at his home December 25, 1909, at the age of fifty-four. His parents were Adam and ilinnie (Fisher) Steinagel. Adam Steinagel was a native of Germany and was married in Adams County. The principal provisions which marked the festivities celebrating their wedding consisted of potato pancakes. Adam Steinagel died when his son George was twelve years old. He left a widow and five children, the oldest being fourteen. The widowed mother had proved herself a most capable woman even before her marriage, since she had come alone to America and had provided the means by which her parents were able to come over. Mrs. Adam Steinagel lived on a 120 acre farm near Fowler, and gave her children a good education and upbringing. She died in 1899. Her five children were : George ; Julia, who died at the age of fifty-one. the wife of August Schroeder; Caroline, who lives with her brother Henry, whose home is near Fowler; and William H., who has the old homestead.

Georare Steinagel on April 9, 1885, married Caroline Lena ]Moolring, daughter of Henry and Henrietta (Renter) Moolring. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. George Steinagel located on a farm which Mr. Steinagel had owned .jointly with his brothers. He acquired as his share seventy acres and continued the partnership relations i;ntil about three years before his death. He and his wife then bought 172 acres additional, giving them a total of 242 acres. On part of the present farm Mrs. Steinagel was born September 1, 1865. Her father was at that time renting this land. When she was a girl eight years old she* went to another fann in that vicinity. Her father Hemy Lloolring, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1827, and was thirty-five years of age when he came to the United States in 1862. He arrived here with practicallj- nothing, and did farm work of the heaviest kind, cradling wheat and cutting timber. He married at Qnincy Henrietta Renter, also of German ancestry, and after their marriage they rented in Gilmer Township a mile and a half south of Fowler, and later lived in Ellington Township, and finally moved to the farm where he and his wife spent their later years in comfort and plenty. Mrs. Steinagle's father died November 15, 1900. Her mother died in 1899 aged sixty-five. They were the parents of five daughters and one son. The son now owns the old homestead. One daughter died in childhood and Emma at the age of twenty. Tlie daughter Anna is Mrs. Henry Kollmeyer, while Mrs. Steinagel's other sister married Mr. W. H. Steinagel, her husband's brother.

Sirs. Steinagel has distinguished herself as a very capable business woman. Her share of her father's estate she converted into the 172 acres that now comprises part of the Steinagel farm, and she was also deserving of much credit in assisting her husband in paying for the first farm. She now retains the active management of both places, and is in partnership with her tenant.s. She gives her close attention to stock and her judgment is one that is seldom at fault in the practical affairs of farm and stock husbandry, ilr. Steinagel was for some years a practical thresherman. He was also active in elections and was a republican, serving as tax collector, assessor and school director and for eight years as a justice of the peace. He was also a trustee of his church.

Mrs. Steinagel lives in a good counti-y home which was built about 1880. She has no children of her own, but her nephew, Fred Kollmeyer, who was with her seven years, is now married and living in the same neighborhood. For the last year she has also had Martha Hagemeyer as one of her household. ^Irs. Steinagel is active in the Lutheran Church at Fowler.

Henry Bornmann was born in Quincy May 1, 1846. His parents were John and Katherine (Bald) Bornmann, who emigrated from the Grandduchy of Hessen, Germany, and arrived in Quincy November 12, 1845. At the age of six Henry Bornmann was sent to school, which he attended for seven years. Then he was apprenticed in the printing office of the Quincy Tribune, a German daily and weekly paper. After he had served his apprenticeship of three years he was apprenticed to a tinner to learn the tinner's trade. At the age of eighteen he answered the call of President Lincoln for "three hundred thousand more,"' and enlisted in the LTnion army, serving as corporal in Company H, Forty-Third Illinois Infantry, to the end of the war, returning to Quincy with his company December 20, 1865. He then completed his apprenticeship with the tinner and worked as a journeyman until the end of 1867. In February, 1868, he returned to the printing business and worked for T. M. Rogers on the Rural "West, an agricultural monthly; then in the job department of the office until May, 1874, wlien he became foreman in the office of the Quincy Tribune. In November, 1874, he became foreman in the office of the Germania Printing and Publishing Company, and continued until November, 1885, when he resigned to accept the editorship on a new publication, the Quincy Teutonia. A year later this paper suspended and in Januaiy, 1887, he again entered the office of the Quincy Germania, finally becoming editor of the paper, which position he held for many years. September 1, 1914, he accepted a position as reporter on the Quincy Herald, being engaged as such until .June, 1917.

May 16, 1872, Henry Bornmann married Miss Katherine Uebner, of Pall Creek Township. She "died March 20, 1881, leaving two daughters, Rosalie

Maria, wife of Herman Stork ; and Clara Sophia, widow of Henrj' Budde. May 10, 1883, Henry Bornmaun married for the second time, chosing as his wife Miss Hanna Niehaus, boi-n in Quiney. Their children were : Ida Johanna, wife of Professor William Heidbreder; Hilda Wilhelmina, wife of William Lepper; J. Henrj' Bornmann, a chemist, in the service of the Government; Alma became the wife of John Rettig and died in 1913 ; Irene, at home ; and Ruth, a stenographer in the service of the Government.

0. Frank Waddell. The original settlement of Adams County was made by people of the sturdy old American stock, and the pioneers were the more representative of American ideals because they came from both the south and north Atlantic states, combining here the ideals and customs of practically all the original thirteen colonies.

Of that old American stock one of the earliest representatives in Adams County was the Waddell family, represented by I\Ir. Frank 0. Waddell of Quiney-

His great-grandfather, Jesse, married Elizabeth Griffin, and they had seven children. He was one of the early settlers of Adams County. Mr. Waddell 's grandfather was born in Monroe County, Illinois, in 1796, more than twenty years before Illinois was admitted to the Union. When the second war with Great Britain came on he entered the service as a scout, and participated in a number of engagements but escaped unhurt. He married Millie Thompson, who was born in Pendleton District of South Carolina in 1799. Her family had come to St. Clair County, Illinois, at an early day and she gi'cw up there.

In Morgan County was born James 0. Waddell on November 8, 1822. He was seven years of age when his pai-ents moved to Adams County and in 1829 settled on a tract of Govei-nment land four miles northwest of the village of Paysou. The title to this tract of land was granted during Monroe's administration. The grandparents spent the rest of their lives there, the grandfather dying a the age of seventy-nine and the grandmother at about seventy-five. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The grandfather affiliated with the democratic party until after 1856, when he joined the republican ranks. Of nine children three grew up and married and all had families, and 'all are now deceased.

James 0. Waddell was reared in Payson Township and at Paloma in this county married Miss Lu(nnda Ogle. She was bom in Butler County, Ohio, April 11, 1835, daughter of Edward and Mary (Young) Ogle, both natives of Pennsylvania. In 1845 they came west and settled in Gilmer Township of Adams County, and Edward Ogle died there in 1856, at the age of fifty-two and his wife in 1879. She was born in 1804. The Ogles were also a Methodist family, and Edward Ogle was a democrat in politics. Their children consisted of Jacob, Howard, Lucinda, Frank, Elizabeth, Rettie and Mattie, all of whom married. Mattie now lives in California, widow of Miles England.

James Waddell after his marriage lived in Gilmer Towaiship on the farm now owned by his son Frank. He died there February 18, 1894, and his wife on October 31, 1915. They were active Methodists. Of their children, Charles lives in Quiney, is married and has two children, Elliot and Bulah. Laura is the wife of Polk Pierce, and they lived retired at Canyon City, Colorado, and their daughters Grace and Lula are both married. The next in age is 0. Frank Waddell. Edward is a farmer at Shelton. Nebraska, and has a daughter, ilabel, who is married. The youngest child, Marj*, died after her marriage to Joshua Powell, who is also deceased.

0. Frank Waddell was bom at the old Gilmer Township homestead August 14, 1859, and was reared and ediieated in that communit.v. He succeeded to the ownership of the old fann and taking it up where his father's improvements left off he has made further improvements and gi'eatl.v enhanced its value under his ownership and control. To that fai-m he gave the best ener^ gies of his life and it is one of the most valuable country estates in the county,

In 1917 ilr. Waddell retired to Quincy and owns a beautiful bungalow home recently completed at 2040 Broadway. On April 5, 1917, he married Miss Ida Moellriug. Mrs. Waddell has spent all her life in Quincy and had a very active and successful business career as an employe and as a business woman on her own account. She was born in Quincy at the corner of Seventh and Jersey streets April 16, 1866, and was reared and ediicated in the city. Her father, Frederick Moellring, was born in the Kingdom of Hanover December 26, 1836, and died in Quincy September 8, 1914. At the age of seventeen he set out for the New World, making tlie journey on a sailing vessel to New Orleans and then coming up the river to Quincy. For a time he worked on a farm and in 1864 married Magdalena Tromm. She was born in Quincy July 22, 1841, and died December 19, 190.3. After his marriage ^Ir. Moellring became a moulder, and for many years worked in that line and was also a stockholder in the Excelsior Stove Company. He finally retired to his home on South Twenty-Fourth Street and died there. He and his wife were members of the Congregational Church. Five of their children died young. Mrs. Waddell's sister Minnie is the widow of Henry Lagemann, formerly a well known hardware merchant of Quincy, who died in 1901. Mrs. Lagemann lives at the old iloellring home on South Twenty-Fourth Street. She is the mother of three children : Herltert F. is twenty-four years old and a farmer; Clarence, born June 20, 1897. was educated in the high school and is employed by the Quincy Lubricating Company. Mildred born in 1901, had a high school education, was a student in the Gem City Business College, and is now with the Reliable Poultry Journal.

Mrs. Waddell was educated in Quincy and first learned the trade and business of hair dressing. After ten years she became a clerk with W. T. Duker & Company, and five years later joined the Halbach & Seliroeder Company, who conferred upon her the important responsibilities of buyer for the wash goods department, and she continued that work fifteen years, until a short time before her marriage.

Edward Everett Hollister is president of the Hollister-Whitney Company, one of the firms that have given Quincy distinction in the world as a center of manufactured products of wide distribution and great value. The company now confines its output exclusively to elevator machinery and equipment, but formerly manufactured a general line of mill supplies.

The business was established by Mr. Hollister in 1899 and was continued by him individually luitil 1906, when Mr. Frank H. W^hituey joined him and they incorporated as the Hollister-Whitney Company. Since then ]Mr. Hollister has been president and ilr. Whitney secretary and treasurer. Later they discontinued the mill supply part of the business. Their elevators and elevator equipment are now distributed through agencies at Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis and Indianapolis, and their goods are recognized as standard by the trade all over the Middle West.

The first plant was on the river levee, later they took over the old Herald Building on South Fifth Street, and in 1915 they constructed their present extensive plant, comprising a building 100x200 feet, at 211-219 North Second Street. It is a modern factory, with an immense window space, electric lighted and steam heated, and with every modern facility and sanitarj' equipment for the convenience and comfort of the large force of employes.

Mr. Hollister has been a resident of Quincy since 1887. He learned the milling business in early youth and being a man of great physical equipment was willing and eager to work at anything that would put him ahead. On coming to Quincy he was superintendent for the Taylor Brothers Milling Company four years and since then has been in business for himself.

The Christian names of Mr. Hollister indicate his historic family connections with old Connecticut. One branch of the family were the Everetts, known for many generations as people of distinction in old New England. The old homestead is at Glastonbury, Connecticut, where the Hollister house is still standing, one of the oldest homes in the state, and the Historical Society of Connecticut has officially recognized it as such. In the same village are the Hollister Mills, owned by the family for many years and still conducted for the manufacture of Bon Ami, a mineral cleaner taken from the soil of that section. Mr. Hollister's parents were Richard and Susanna (Hoover) Hollister, both natives of Connecticut. When Edward Everett Hollister was born they were living at Felicity in Clermont County, Ohio. Mr. Hollister was born there in 1860. When he was a child his parents moved to Bloomington, Illinois, and they lived to a good old age iu JIcLean Coiiuty. In this locality Mr. Hollister grew to manhood, accjuitted himself diligently in his work in the schools and also learned the milling trade. At Bloomington he married Miss Elizabeth Hull, who was born in ^McLean County. Her parents came from Virginia, were married in Illinois and spent most of their years in McLean County, where they were farmers and where they died when past eighty years of age.

Mr. and Mrs. Hollister have three children: Edward Everett, Jr., was educated in the city schools and is now chief engineer for the Hollister-Whitney Company. He married Miss Edna Linz, of Quinc-J^ Gladys, the second child, was born in Quincy, and is the wife of Harvey G. Richardson, who is in the oil business at Ponca City, Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, have two i-hildren, Edward and Mary J. The third child, Ruth, is the wife of E. Dale Reynolds, son of W. N. Reynolds, a clothing merchant of Quincy. ilr. and Mrs. Reynolds live in Kansas.

The family are members of the Congregational Church. 'Sir. Hollister has long been prominent in ^lasonic circles, being past high priest of the Chapter and eminent commander of the Knights Templar, and is also a member of the Scottish Rite Consistory.

Edward H. Dudley. The farm was the scene of Edward H. Dudley's labors and activities until about ten years ago, since which time he has lived nominally retired at Fowler, though he still keeps in close touch with business, with civic affairs, and with the manv interests he has formed and cultivated throughout his life.

Mr. Dudley was born in IMendon Township of this county April 19, 1849. His parents were James H. and Eliza Betsey (Bray) Dudley, of Guilford, Connecticut. James H. Dudley was one of the early settlers of Adams County, coming here first in 1835. After prospecting the land he went back to Connecticut to claim his bride. Her brother, David Bray, had already become a resident of Adams County and James H. Dudley's sister was the wife of Joel Benton, another pioneer of Adams County. James H. Dudley spent a long and active career in this county and for the last ten years of his life lived at Mendon. He died in his ninetieth year, and survived his wife nine years. His home place of 160 acres in Mendon Township is now owned b.y his son Edward H. and he also had eighty acres in Honey Creek. He began voting a.s a whig, later changing to the republican party, and was a member of the Congregational Church. James H. Dudley and wife had five children : Mary, who died in middle life, the wife of Michael Worman ; Sarah, living at Mendon, widow of Cyrus Myers ; Franklin F., a prominent farmer and land owner of iMendon ; Edward H. ; and Carlton, who left this country in early life, was a merchant for many years and died at Seattle, Washington, at the age of sixty.

Edward H. Dudley remained at home with his parents until he was twentysix years of age. January 20, 1875, he married, and then took charge of the old homestead, and after his father's death bought the interests of the other heirs and owns a farm that has responded to the enterprise of the Dudley family for over seventy years. This homestead comprises 160 acres, while he also has eighty acres of timberland. ]Mr. Dudley did much to improve and develop the farm, building a substantial home and a complete set of farm buildings. A mile from the homestead in Honey Creek Township he bought another place of eighty acres, and that is now occupied by one of his sons. Mr. Dudley gave his pei'sonal supervision to his grain and stock raising interests until 1907, when he left them in charge of his sons and moved to the Village of Fowler, where he built and now occupies one of the good homes. Mr. Dudley has never been an office seeker. For many years he has been an active member of the United Brethren Church of Elm Grove, the church being only half a mile from his old farm.

Mr. Dudley married Huldah J. Van Dyke, of Mendon Township. They had grown up in the same neighborhood. Her father William Van Dyke, the family name having originally been spelled Van Dick, was a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He married in that state Esther Cort and the.v came to Adams County in the early '40s, having at that time one child, Calvin. Joseph Cort, father of Mrs. Esther Van Dyke, came to this county in 1855 and lived in Mendon Township until his death when past eighty. William Van Dyke died at the age of seventy-nine and his wife, Esther, a few months after the birth of her youngest child, Mrs. Dudley. William Van Dyke and wife had three sons and three daughters : Calvin, who died in Mendon Township after he had attained the age of sixty years; Joseph, who was a farmer in this countj' and died at the age of seventy ; Mary, who died at eighteen ; Benjamin, who lives in California ; Mrs. Vesta Thomas, of California ; and Huldah, who was horn August 7. 1855, and after the death of her mother was reared in the home of her aunt, Mary McGrew. She was nineteen at the time of her mai'riage to Mr. Dudley.

Mr. and Mrs. Dudley have two sons. Herman C. occupies his father's farm in Honey Creek Township. He married Mattie Strickler. The second son, Edward Berton, who now has the management of the old homestead and has been successfully engaged in farming there for eleven years, is one of the prosperous citizens of the township and has done much to improve his propert.v. He married Gertrude Myers, and they have a daughter, Mildred. Beside these two sons Mr. and Mrs. Dudley reared an adopted daughter, Lizzie Epping, from the age of six until .she became the wife of Samuel Myers of Mendon Township.

George Starmann. Ha^'ing by means of industry, forethought and sound business judgment achieved unquestioned .success in his active career, George Starmann, of Quincy, for many years a dealer in paints, oils and wall paper, is now living retired from active pui-suits at his attractive home 829 Oak Street, enjoying all the comforts of life. A native of Germany, he was bom April 21, 1855, in the Kingdom of Hanover.

His father, Beniard Heinrich Starmann, was born and reared in Germany. Coming to the United States in 1837, he located in Quincy, Illinois, where he remained for a period of five years. Returning to the Fatherland in 1842, he there lived and labored during the remainder of his life. His wife, who was a life-long resident of Germany, bore him the following named children: Lecetta, of Germany; Henry and Vina, deceased; George, the subject of this brief sketch ; Marie, of Germany ; August, of Saint Joseph, Missouri ; Clement, also of Saint Jo.seph, Missouri ; and Ignus, deceased.

- A lad of ambition and courage, George Starmann left home when but fifteen years of age, crossing the broad Atlantic, and in April, 1870, located in Quincy, Illinois. He studied for awhile in the public schools, after which he served an apprenticeship of seven years at the painter's trade. In 1877, in company with B. S. Lock, he opened a paint shop at the corner of Seventh and Hampshire streets, and manasrcd it for awhile. He then started a store at 640 Maine Street, and with his partner ran it successfully six years. Mr. Starmann then bought out his partner's interests in the business, retaining the building for himself, however. Subsequently purchasing the building at 618-620 Maine Street, he entirely remodeled it, naming it the Georare Starmann Building, and there carried on a large and profitable business until his retirement in 1911.

Mr. Starmann married, November 16, 1882, Mary Elizabeth Feuck, a native of Quincy, and they are the parents of two children, George H., a chemist living in Chicago, and Rudoljih A., of Chicago, an auditor. Politicallj^ Mr. Starmann is a democrat, and much interested in local and national affairs. Religiously he is a member of Saint Boniface Church. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Columbus and to the Western Catholic Union.

"William D. Finley was a farmer and prominent citizen whose cai-eer was chiefly identified with Gilmer Township in this county, and it was on his fine farm there than he pa.ssed away in 1908. His was a character of great enterprise, ability, industry, and it was reflected in generous accumulations of landed property and also in the good will and esteem paid him throughout his life. Mrs. William D. Finley now lives in Quincy, and she is interesting as one of the surviving representatives of the prominent Judy family of this county.

The late Mr. Finley was born in Kentuckj^ in 1840 and was of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His father, Eli Finley, was born aiid married in Kentuckj' and later moved to Lewis Count.v, Missouri, where he was a successful fanner and stock raiser. He died in advanced years at Canton, Missouri. His first wife was the mother of William D. Finley, who was a small child when she died. He was the sixth among eight children, all now deceased. By his second marriage Eli Finley had two daughters, both of whom are still living.

Many families had similar religious experiences to the Finleys. Eli Finley and wife were what might be called hidebound Presbyterians, zealous in their own religious devotion and strict in making their children subservient to the same observations. As a result William D. Finley suffered a reaction after getting away from the influence of his parents, and while a thorough Biblical scholar and essentially religious, he was rather liberal in his practice. He was ten years of age when his father moved to Lewis County, Missouri, and he grew up there on a farm and gained a fair education. About the time he reached his majority he came to Gilmer Township in Adams County and was soon in the full swing of his cai-eer as a .stock buyer and dealer. He was as resourceful and enterprising as he was industrious, and engaged in few undertakings that did not prosper. Before the Civil war he drove cattle overland to California, a journey that required many months. Several years later he took a herd of eight.v or ninety stock across the plains, and in each trip doubled his money. From his business he acquired large amounts of land in Missouri, but eventually sold or traded, and took half price in cash and the other half in whiskey. This consignment of whiskey came to him at an estimated value of 90 cents per gallon. Just before the Ci%al war broke out he shipped this liquor to Dallas, Texas. It was put in a storehouse, and on account of hostilities he could not look after its further sale or consignment. After the war, much to his surprise, he found the .stock still safe in a storehouse, and he was able to sell it at $5 a gallon. Some of his proceeds he also used to acquire land in Texas, investing in about 1,000 acres near Dallas, some of which is now included in the limits of that gi'cat southern city. But he never realized any profit from this investment, since Dallas was a long time in recovering from the effects of the war and in starting its growth, and he finally sold his possessions there at just about what he had paid.

The old Finley place in Gilmer Township is in section 21, where he had 330 acres, constituting a farm of splendid improvements and value. He and his brother Lycurgus also bought 600 acres near Loraine, and his brother's interests subsequently came to him. This handsome property is now owned and occupied by two of Mr. Finley 's sons. Mrs. Finley and her daughter still own the 330 acre homestead in Gilmer Township. In 1917 Mrs. Finley left the farm and coming to Quincy built a fine bungalow at 2021 Broadway, where she

In 1860, in Gilmer Township, Mr. Finley married Miss Adelia A. Judy. Mrs. Finley was born in Gilmer Township in 1844, and was married at the age of sixteen. Her father was the late Paris Judy, who was born in Clark County, Kentucky, December 4, 1811, a son of Winepark and Anna Judy. His grandparents were natives of Germany and early settlers of Pennsylvania, where Winepark Judy was born in 1770. He moved to Clark County, Kentucky, in 1801, and died there in 1836. Anna Judy was born in Maryland ilay 15, 177S, was married in Kentucky in 1800, and died in Adams Countv, Illinois, August 6, 1844.

Paris Judy was one of the interesting pioneer characters of Adams County. He arrived in the county in 1834, and during that summer taught in Quincy in a little log house, this being the second school taught there. He also located and laid out the Village of Liberty in this county. He was not a wealthy man when he came here, but his good judgrment, industry and economy enabled him to accumulate about 1,600 acres of land, most of it in Gilmer Township, constituting a highly valuable property. Some of this land he secured at prices ranging from to $5 an acre. He and his wife lived in a log cabin, and they cooked their meals at a fireplace with a long handled skillet. Mr. Jud.v was also a merchant at Burton, and at one time kept a hotel at Columbus, when Columbus was on the stage road and when all travelers put up for the night at the Jud.v place. Paris Judy died at the old homestead in Gilmer To-miship in 1886. He married Nancy Markwell, who was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, July 30, 1817. She died when nearly eighty years of age at her home in Quincy. Both were active members of the Christian Church and they are laid side by side in Mount Pleasant cemetery. Paris Judy was a democrat in politics. He and his wife had seven children, the only son being James M. Judy. Paris Judy was the first assessor in Gilmer Township, and for many years also acted as ju.stice of the peace and school director.

Mr. and Mrs. Finley had three sons and one daughter. One son, Eli Paris, died at the age of twenty-one months. The son William J. now lives on one of the farms left him by his father at Loraine and has increased his inheritance to about 800 acres, so that he is one of the largest land holders and farmers in that part of the county. He married Rose Ewing, and their children are Theo, Mabel, William J. and Harold. The other li\'ing son, Frisby S., occupies the other farm formerly owned by his father at Loraine. He married Elizabeth Rutledge, of Adams Count.v. The only daughter, Sarah Agnes, is a graduate of the Qviincy High School and the Gem City Business College, and she has devoted herself to the companionship and care of her mother. Mrs. Finley and her daughter are members of the Christian Science Church.

W. Henry Heidbreder. A man of versatile talents, active and enterprising, W. Henry Heidbreder, a well known druggist of Quincy, has had a varied career, and in the many places where he has resided and the different industries with which he has been identified he has always been regarded as a man of integrity and worth, and is highly respected throughout the community in which he now lives. A native of Adams County, he was born in Quincy November 5. 1858.

His father, Frederick W. Heidbreder, was born in Germany. In 1851 he located in Quincy, Illinois, being the first member of the Heidbreder family to settle in Adams County. He was an extensive and successful conti-actor and builder, erecting many buildings in Quincy, where he continued a resident until his death, March 21, 1916, at the venerable age of eighty-six years. He was twice married. He married first Marv Lehman, who died a few years later, leaving three children. Edward, of Palmyra. Missouri ; Frances, wife of William Sehiichsiech, of St. Louis, Missouri ; and W. Henry. He married for his second wife Mrs. Maiy ]\Ieyer, widow of Henry Meyer, and to them one child was born, William, living near Marblehead, Illinois.

Beginniug work at the age of thirteen years, W. H. Heidbreder was for four years emploj^ed in the grocery of his uncle, Herman H. Heidbreder. He then took a course of study at the Gem City Business College, after which he was in an architect's office for six months. The following three years Mr. Heidbreder was in the emploj^ of Sonimer, Lynds & Company, wholesale druggists. Going then to Chicago, he was connected with a wholesale drug establishment for about six months, and then spent a short time in New York City. Returning to Quincy, he traveled for a manufacturing house for nearly a year, and then resumed his position with Sommer, L^Tids & Company, remaining with the firm five years.

Making a change of occupation and residence, Mr. Hpidbreder was for six months employed in the Mallenkrodt Chemical Works at St. Louis. Not especially pleased with either the work or the city, he became once more a resident of Quincy and an employee of Sommer, Lynds & Company, with whom he continued the nine ensuing years. In 1894, in partnership with August and George Heidbreder, he embarked in the drug business as head of the firm of W. H. Heidbreder & Company. He was afterwards associated with the fii-m known as Heidbreder & Drallmeier Drug Store, located at 1707 Broadway. Later he was associated with Mr. Hagemann, under the firm name Heidbreder, Hagemann & Company, their drug store being located at Fifth and Chestnut streets. The partnership being dissolved, Raleigh Earl bought an interest in the business on July 9, 1917, and the firm of Heidbreder & Earl is can-ying on a substantial trade, being well patronized.

]Mr. Heidbreder married, November 2, 1882, Matilda ]Meyer, who was born in Quincy. She died December 17, 1912, leaving five children, namely: Bertha, living at home ; Louise, wife of Raleigh Earl -. Edna, a teacher in the Quincy High School ; Helen : and Ralph. In polities ilr. Heidbreder is a stanch republican. Fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons, and of the Court of Honor. Both he and family are members of the Lutheran Memorial Church.

J. "Walter jMeyer is one of the sterling and energetic young business men of Quincy, and is manager of the Quincy Lumber Company at Fifth Street and Broadway. A good reason for his success can be found in the fact that he has devoted all his adult career to one line and one business. In April, 1906, a weeks before reaching his twenty-first birthday, he went with the Quincy Lumber Company as an employe, and rapidly mastered not only the complicated technique of lumber terms and figures, but acquired a thoroughly practical knowledge of the business from the commercial side. In September, 1913, he was promoted to manager of the plant.

This is one of the older lumber firms of Quincy and has been in existence for a great many years. The business was organized under its present form and title in 1903. The first manager was E. C. Dickhut, who was .succeeded by ilr. Meyer. The firm carries a large stock of building materials of all kinds and has a service that enables contractors and others to supply all their wants for the building of any t.vpe of structure from cellar to garret.

J. Walter ileyer was born in Quincy, May 25, 1885. He was educated in the public schools of ^Monroe City, Missouri, and graduated from the Gem City Business College at Quincy. The date of his diploma of graduation from the Gem City College is Februarj- 20, 1906. Just a few weeks later he entered the service of the Quincy Lumber Company, and that service has been continuous ever since.

Mr. Clever is of the substantial German aneestrj' that has figured so lai-gely in the life and affairs of Quincy from pioneer times to the present. His grandfather, Gottlieh Me.ver, came to the I'nited States prior to the Civil war, and is still living in Quincy, at the age of eighty-three. For many years lie was a leading cooper, a trade which he learned in Germany. Fred W. Meyer, father of J. Walter, is still active in Quincy and is connected with the Electric Wheel

Works. He married at Quincy Matilda L. Achelpohe, who was born and reared in Quincj- of German parents. Tlie Meyer family are Lutherans in religion.

J. Walter Meyer was one of a family of six sons and one daughter. He married at Qiiincy Miss Louisa Baumann, who was born in this city in 1887 and was educated in the public schools. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Siebers) Baumann, both natives of Quincy and of German parentage. Her parents still live at Quincy, retired, and are now past sixty years of age. The Baumanns are Catholics in religion and have furnished as a rule democratic voters, while the Meyers are republicans. Mr. and Mrs. ileyer have three children: Mildred, born November 12, 1909, now in the third grade of the public schools ; Walton Milton, born February 2.5, 1912, who has also begun his education in the public schools; and Russell Vii-gil, born September 21, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are active members of the Memorial Lutheran Church. He is financial secretary of the Modern Woodmen of America and in politics votes as a republican.

W. Guy Noll is president and treasurer of the NoU-Hauworth Company, one of the distinctive manufacturing and wholesale firms of Quincy. The firm manufacture and handle a complete line of overalls and other working clothes.

The present business is successor to the older C. S. Nichols Company, which was organized in 1903. with C. S. Nichols as president. ]\Ir. Noll acquired his early experience as a l)usiness man and commercial traveler with the firm, and was at one time junior partner. Mr. Nichols died in 1908, but the business was continued under the old firm name until January, 1911. Early in 1908 Mr. Noll was made vice president of the company, and later, after buying out the heirs of ]\Ir. Nichols, he reorganized as the NoU-Hauworth Company and became president and treasurer. His brother Leroy Noll is secretary, while Silas J. Hauworth is vice president.

The company has offices and salesrooms at 127-129 Noi-th Third Street and the modern factory is just adjacent on Hampshire Street. The factory is supplied with every convenience and sanitary comfort. The sales are made all over the west, northwest and southwest.

Mr. Noll practically grew up in the business, having entered this line of trade soon after he finished his education. Mr. Noll was born in Quincy, August 21, 1875, and was educated here in the grammar and high schools. His father, August Theodore Noll, was also a veteran commercial nian and died in April, 1898.

W. Guy Noll married at Quincy Miss Mary A. Prince, a native of this city, and she was educated in the city schools and also at Washington, D. C. Mr. and Mrs. Noll have two sons, Edward Prince, born April 3. 1908, and William Theodore, better known as Tedd.y, born Decemher 17, 1917. Mrs. Noll is an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church. Mr. Noll is a Roosevelt republican.

Andrew Doerr. For fully half a century the name Doerr has been identified with the hiisiness enterprise and social and religious life of Quincy. The late Andrew Doerr was a conspicuous figure in Quincy 's commercial affairs and a man entitled to the high respect and esteem he always enjoyed.

He was born in Bavaria, German.v, in 1842. He was a small boy when his father, John Doerr, died, and he gi-ew up the main support of his widowed mother. During his early life he served three years in the regular army of his country. About 1868 he and his mother and other members of the family set sail for the United States, and from New York City journeyed westward to Quincy, where his mother spent her last days and passed away at the age of sixty-five. All were members of the Catholic Church.

On coming to this city Andrew Doerr found employment in a cigar store, and began life on the very bottom round of the ladder. Then for three years he clerked in the Ruff dry goods house, aud with his experience and a verymodest equipment of capital he started a business of his own on Main Street. He was a hard worker, a good judge of merchandise, aud by close attention to his affairs he built up a large trade, and about thirty j'ears ago he bought a three story building at the corner of Main and Sixth streets and established there a complete department store. For a time he also managed a theater in the same building and booked many of the attractions which entertained and instructed the people of Quine.y of that day. Later he retired from the theatrical business and gave all his attention to his mercantile establishment. This store stands a monument to his thrift and hard working ability, and it was the source of the prosperity which the family enjoy.

Andrew Doerr died at his home 519 Oak Street in Quine.y April 22, 1914, at the age of seventy-two. He was very prominent as a Catholic, member of the Western Catholic Union and the Orphan Society, and in politics a democrat.

Andrew Doerr and Miss Adelaide E. Schulte were married at the home of the bride at the corner of Sixth and York streets, now the site of the Quincy Railway depot. Mrs. Doerr was born and reared in Quincy, and her people were among the most substantial early residents of the city. She is a daughter of Herman and ilary Ann (Rieker) Schulte, both natives of Hanover, Germany. Her father came to this country when about twenty-five years of age and her mother was fourteen when she came to America. They married in Quincy and later they built the substantial brick home which at the time was one of Quincy 's finest residences. Her father died here in 1858, when in the prime of life. He left two daughters, Mrs. Doerr "and Mrs. Mary Kireher, who are still living. The mother of Mrs. Doerr married for her second husband John A. Arning, who soon afterward enlisted in the Civil war and just at the end of three years of faithful service and on the same day he was discharged died of illness at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Two of his daughters are still living, Mrs. Theodore Duker and Mrs. Dora Schoe.

Since the death of Mr. Doerr Mrs. Doerr has competently aud successfully managed tlie large business which he established and built up. For j-ears she had helped her husband in the store and in the management of their affairs, and much of the success enjoyed by them is to be credited to her good judgment and co-operation.

Mrs. Doerr became the mother of three children. Josephine died in infancy, and the two li\'ing daughters are M. Dorothea and M. Helen, both of whom are graduates of St. Mary's Academy of Quincy, and are also gi-aduates in music and art. Dorothea is the wife of L. J. Kadeskie, living in Quincy. Helen married Francis O'Neil, a business man of El Paso, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. O'Neil have two children, Mary Dorothea and Marj- Helen.

Lawrence P. Boxfoet is one of the vice presidents of the Monroe Drug Company of Quincy, an organization that stands in the front rank of Quincy "s business institutions. The products of the company are known nationally and consist of Putnam Fadeless Dyes, Putnam Dr_y Cleaner, Putnam Oil, Jlonco, Glycerated Asafetida, Baking Powders, and Butter Coloi-s. Mr. Bonfoey has [been a resident of Quincy since January' 1, 1915, coming here from Chicago to take an executive place in the Monroe Dinig Company. He was born at Unionville, Missouri, in 1875, and is member of a verj- prominent old family there. His father, Beverly H. Bonfoey, was born in the State of Texas of French ancestrj'. He graduated from Yale College in the civil enginering course and afterwards moved to ]\Iissouri and became a well known lawj'er at Uniouville, where he is now li\4ng retired. He served as a member of the Missouri Commission, which handled much of the detail of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, and was on that commission for three years. He is a republican in politics and for two years was mayor of Uniouville. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Beverly Bonfoey married Anna Webb, member

Lawrence P. Bonfoey from high school entered the Missouri State University, and was graduated in the law department in 1905. He was admitted to the bar the same year after examination before a committee of which Judge Shelton, chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, was a member. Mr. Bonfoej^ has never practiced law but has found his most congenial and profitable pursuits in a business career. For ten years after leaving college he was in the insurance business with the Travelers Insurance Company. He had charge of several of their branch offices, being located at Buffalo, New York, Boston, Massachusetts, Philadelphia and from there going to Chicago, where he was in charge of the office in that city until he was assigned to come to Quincy.

Mr. Bonfoey married Miss Octavia Monroe, daughter of Edward N. Monroe, president of the Monroe Drug Company. Mr. and ilrs. Bonfoey gi-ew up in the same Missouri town, Unionville, where she was born thirty-three years ago. She was educated in the high school there and is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. After completing her college course she spent a year of travel and study in Europe, and returned home to marry Mr. Bonfoey. They are the parents of four children : Lawrence P., Jr., Frances Ann, E. Monroe and McBurney Webb. The family are all members of the Presbyterian Chiarch. Mr. Bonfoey is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite ^lason. having affiliations with the Lodge and Chapter of the York Rite in Unionville and with the Quincy Consistorj*. In polities he is a republican.

Henry A. Ridder. The business men of Quincy recognize as one of their oldest associates Henry A. Ridder, who has been continuously a dealer in groceries and food stuffs for over thirty years. There is probabh' not a single experience in the career of a successful grocerj-man which Henry A. Ridder has not had. For a number of years his store, one of the landmarks in the city, has been at the corner of Seventh and York streets, at 300 South Seventh. He began selling groceries from that point in 1890, and in 1895 he comi^leted the substantial and well appointed two-story structure that adorns the site, on ground 30 by 55 feet. This store he has filled with stocks of staple and fancy groceries, and he uses the second floor as his own home.

Mr. Ridder was born in Quincy, at the corner of Ninth and Broadway, October 23, 1865. He was educated in the parochial schools and St. Francis College, and at the age of eighteen entered the grocery business, being for three years associated with Fi-ed Wilier. Since then he has been a groeeryman on his own account. For seven years he had his business at Ninth and Broadway, on the same spot where he was born.

His father, the late John Ridder, was one of the pioneer German citizens of Quincy. He was boi-n in Westphalia, Germany, Pebruarj^ 10, 1831, of old German stock. He was well reared and educated, and when a young man came to the United States, arriving in New Orleans, November 25, 1853. The following year he was at Cincinnati, and on September 5, 1855, reached Quincy. Here he entered upon an apprenticeship at the blacksmith 's trade with the well known pioneer wagon makers, Rogers Brothers. After completing his apprenticeship he established himself independently in 1859, and his first shop was at Twelfth and Broadway in a building of historic interest, the old barracks which had been constructed years before for the training of soldiers. This building on the southeast corner of Twelfth and Broadway when first constructed stood far out on the prairie away from the main business portion of Quincy. John Ridder continued his business and built up an important manufacturing establishment, making farm and spring wagons, and also doing general blacksmithing, horse shoeing and jobbing repair. He always had a high reputation for the quality of his work. For a number of ;\'ears his associate in business was Edmund Rith, whom he later bought out. John Ridder retired from business at the age of seventy-one, and spent his last .years at the old family resi- dence in which he had lived from 3872. This home was at 823 North Twentieth Street, one of the early houses built in that part of the city. John Riddcr died there February 13, 1904, at the age of seventy-three. On June 16, 1859, he married Roseua Stuekenburg, a native of Louisville, Kentucky. She died May 1, 1908, -when about sixty-tive years of age. For a number of years they were affiliated with St. Boniface Catholic Church, and later were members of St. Francis parish. John Ridder was a democrat. He and his wife had a large family of children, six sons and four daughters. One of them died in infancy, and Lizzie and John are also deceased. One resides in Denver, Colorado, and all the others in Illinois, most of them in Quiney. These children are named Henry, Bei'tha, Jlollie, Tillie, Albert and Adolph.

Mr. Henry A. Ridder married in this city Catherine Rolf. She was born in Adams County and finished her education in St. Francis parochial schools. Her parents are both now deceased. Mr. and ]\Irs. Ridder have four children. Henry A. Jr., born in 1891, was educated in St. Boniface School and is now associated with his father in the business. He is still unmarried and lives at the family home. Helen C. was educated in the same school as her brother and is also at home. Sylvia C. received her education in St. Boniface School and St. Mary's Academy. Cornelius from St. Boniface School entered the Gem City Business College, where he is still a student. The family are all active members of St. Boniface Church and live in that parish. Mr. Ridder is a democrat and is affiliated with the Western Catholic Union.

Henry C. Mueller, who graduated D. D. S. from the Dental Department of Washington University at St. Louis with the class of 1899, has for years been recognized as a leader in his profession at Quiney, and enjoyed the professional honor of being president of the Adams-Hancock Dental Society. He is also a member in good standing of the other professional organizations, and is a member of the local Dental Club.

He has been in practice at Quiney since he graduated and in 1911 he took special preparation and training in Anesthesia at the Chicago Dental College. Since the building was completed he has occupied a suite of offices in the Illinois State Bank Building, the equipment and arrangement of these offices having been the object of special care, study and expense on the part of the doctor.

Doctor Mueller was born in Quiney, March 23, 1877, and prior to entering professional school was a student in the grammar and high schools. His parents were Stephen and Fredericka (Peiffer) Mueller, both natives of Germany and of fine old stock. They came to America when young, were married in Quiney, and spent the rest of their days here. The father learned the trade of gunsmith in his native country, and in Quiney learned and followed for many years pattern making with the Stove Works. He was one of the organizers and directors of the Gem City Stove Company, but for the past two years has lived retired, having attained the age of seventy years. His good wife died here in 1912, at the age of sixty-four. They were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the father is a very active and decided republican in politics. There were five children in the family: Emma, widow of Jacob Feisel, lives in Quiney, and her only daughter died at the age of twelve years; Doctor Mueller; IMiss Minnie, at home with her father; Lewis, of Montana, is married ; Anna is the wife of C. E. Brosie, in the monument business at Quiney, and they have a daughter, Florence.

Doctor ]\Iueller married at Quiney Hester H. Nauman, a native of Illinois and daughter of Rev. Philip and Melvina (Frederick) Nauman. Her father is now ninety-one years of age, a resident of Quiney, and a superannuated minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her mother died at Quiney in 1910. Doctor and Mrs. crueller have tliree children : Dorothy, aged twelve, now in the eighth grade of the public schools ; Lowell C, aged nine, and also a schoolboy; and Virginia, aged five. Mr. and Mrs. Mueller are members of the Ken- tucky Street Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a deacon. Fraternally he is past master of Herman Lodge No. 39, Ancient Free and Accepted ]\Iasons, is a Consistory Scottish Rite IMason, and is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World.

GusTAv M. Jackson. The oldest established retail and wholesale millinery business in Quincy and in Western Illinois is that now conducted by Gustav M. Jackson, who grew up in the business under his father and for more than ten years has .successfull.y directed the enterprise. His large and well equipped store is at 430 Maine Street on the Public Square. Mr. Jackson has done much to promote the wholesale feature of his business in the past eleven years, and his goods now go to retail shops all over the states of Illinois, Missouri, Iowa and Kansas.

Mr. Jackson is a son of Manheim and Caroline Jackson, both natives of Posen, a German province, originally a part of Poland. They grew up in that country but as young people before their marriage they came by sailing vessel to America. Caroline Jackson as a girl learned the trade of milliner, followed it for several years before her marriage, and her husband then joined her in the same line of business. They came to Quincy in the early days and were milliners here until 1866. By that time they had built up a good trade, but decided to sell out and return with their three children to their native land. Manheim Jackson soon found that his ideas had greatly changed since he left Posen, though the country and its people had not, and after three months he returned to America. Manheim Jackson was an originator in the millinery business. For a number of years his shop made women's bonnets exclusively. Just before the outbreak of the Civil war he formed the shape and made the first hat commonly called now the sailor shape, and he did much in subsequent years to give it its well deserved popularity. His first shop was on Fourth Street on the west side of the Square in a frame building, and he occupied four different places in the same block. He was a very active biisiness man until the last seven or eight years of his life. Pie died in March, 1907, when nearly seventyfive years of age, having been born in May, 1832. He had survived his wife some years. She was fifty-nine when she died. ]\Ianheim Jackson was a prominent Mason, member of Hei'man Lodge at Quincy, and was buried imder tlie auspices of that body. There were three children, Gustav M. being the oldest. Joseph M. is now in the United States internal revenue service at Springfield, Illinois. Fannie is the wife of Arthur K. Walker, of Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Gustav M. Jackson was born in the one hundred block on Fourth Street, Quincy, November 17, 1860. He attended the public schools of Quincy and also a college at Atlanta, Georgia. As a boy he was given a thorough training in his father's shop and is a past master of the millinery business in every detail. For some years he had a store at 513 Maine Street, but in 1914 located at his present quarters, where he has his main store room, 25x115 feet, fully stocked with the best creations of the milliner's art, and also uses the basement of the same size.

At Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. Jackson married Mi.ss Minnie French. She was born in Iowa in 1869, and at the age of five years her parents, Joseph and Hannah French, moved to Kansas. Her parents endured all tlie trials and vicissitudes of life in Kansas during the '70s and '80s, when they were regullarly assailed by grasshoppers, winds, drought and blizzard. Her father died there when Mrs. Jackson was a small girl, and her mother is still living, at the age of seventy-five, and makes regular visits to her daughter in Quincy. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have one daughter, Ruth Elise, born August 6, 1895. She is a graduate of the Quincy High School, of the Univer.sity of Chicago, and also took work in the Gem City Business College. She is living at home. Mr. Jackson is affiliated with Lodge No. 100 of the Benevolent and Protective Order

Eliz.vbeth B. Ball, il. D. The recognition extended by her professional brethren as well as by the general public indicates that Doctor Ball chose wisely when she determined upon a professional career, and she has rendered a splendid service both as a practitioner and as a factor in building up the institutions and the larger work of the medical fraternity of Quincy.

Doctor Ball is a graduate fi-om the department of medicine of the University of Illinois at Chicago with the class of 1907. She supplemented this thorough training by a year as interne in the New England Hospital at Boston, while in 1913 she did postgraduate work in London, England. Doctor Ball began practice at Quincy in 1908, and for several years has maintained offices in the Illinois Bank Building, 648 Ohio Street. For nine years she has been a member of the Blessing Hospital staff, and has been especially prominent in the Adams County iledical Society, which she has served as secretar.y since 1910. It was through Doctor Ball's influence that the county society undertook the publication of the Adams County IMedical News, which is published monthly by the secretary of the societj^, and contains all the information concerning current medical and scientific events of interest to the local profession and much that is informative, instructive and interesting to the general public. The Medical News has been published for five years, and Doctor Ball is its editor. She is also a member of the Illinois State Medical Society, and secretary of the medical section, and a member of the American Medical Association, and every year since she was elected secretary of the county society has attended the conference of the County Society Secretaries in the state.

Doctor Ball was born at Quincy and graduated from the Quincy High School with the class of 1902. The following year she entered the Uni\^rsity of Illinois at Champaign, piu-suing a literary course for one year before taking up her professional studies at Chicago. She is a member of the Greek Letter sorority of the University.

Doctor Ball represents Irish and English families. Her father, Nicholas Ball, was born in Ireland, but when a j-oung man went to England and married at ^lanehester, Jane Kinsella, who was born and reared in that city, member of a prominent English family. Her brother, Edward Kinsella, was one of the leading stock holders in the ]\Ianchester Ship Canal. Doctor Ball's parents three years after their marriage came to the United States in June, 1881, and from New York came west to Quincy, where her father 's uncle, Mr. John Nolan, had lived for some years. Doctor Ball is the only child of her parents, both of whom are still living. Nicholas Ball was for a number of years in the employ of Senator Browning until the latter 's death, and later with H. F. J. Rieker, the Quincy banker. Thej' are members of the Catholic Church, as is Doctor Ball. The.v attend worship at St. Peter's Church at Eighth and Maine streets. Doctor Ball was formerly director of the church choir and is still a member.

August "W. Werner, M. D. IMember of the Quincy medical fraternity for the past ten years, Doctor Werner is a graduate of the Bennett Medical College of Chicago with the class of 1898. Before beginning active practice he served as interne in Bennett Hospital at Chicago, and a large and valuable patronage has been bestowed upon his services and abilities since he located in Quincy. For the past six years his home and offices have been at 1401 State Street, where he erected a modern two-story, ten-room residence, w^ith a well equipped office attached. Doctor Werner is a member of the County and State ]\Iedical societies and the American Medical As.sociation, and is also a member of the Library Committee of the County Medical Society. For the past four j-ears he has been a member of the staff of Blessing Hospital.

Doctor Werner was born in Brunswick, Germany, October 27, 1871, and was reared and educated there as member of a family of the higher classes. He graduated from the gj-mnasium of his native town in 1891, and soon afterward eaiue to the United States and located at Quiney. Here he took up the work of wood engraving, which he had leai-ned in German}^ and followed it until he began the study of medicine.

His parents, August and Louise (Seifert) Werner, are still living in Germany, past sixty years of age, and both were born in the famous Harz Mountains, but have spent most of their lives in Brunswick. During his active career Doctor "Werner's father was a car master on one of the large railway lines through Brunswick. He is now retired on a pension. Both are active members of the Lutheran Church. Doctor Werner was the oldest of three children. His brother Oscar is manager of a large woolen house at Berlin, and has a family of two children. The only sister is Elsa, who came to Quiney to visit her brother and while here met and married Joseph Michalke. They now live in a town near Berlin, Germany, where Mr. Michalke is son of a prominent manufacturer of electric goods.

Doctor Werner married at Chicago in 1899 Miss Hedwig A. Almeuraeder, who was born in that city and was educated in the public schools and a business college. Her father was a native of Wiesbaden, Germany, and died in 1908, at Chicago, where he was prominent as a sculptor and artist. He was a cousin of Max Bruck, the great German composer. Mrs. Werner was only (nine years old when her mother died and her father afterwards married a prominent Chicago society woman. Doctor and Mrs. Werner have one daughter, Dorothy Sophia, born in 1900 and a graduate of the city high school with the class of 1918. Mrs. Werner and her daughter are members of the Unitarian Church. Doctor Werner is affiliated with the Royal Arcanum.

James Evans. His friends and neighbors have good reason to speak of James Evans as one of the fortunate men of Adams County, since he owns a large amount of its fertile and productive soil and has several farms and one of the best rural homes in Honey Creek Township. The Evans homestead is two miles northeast of Mendon. His good fortune is largely of his own creation. He has lived in Adams County seventy years, his family have been here eighty years, and while he had some material inheritance besides the worthy family qualities he acquired from his forefathers, it was a matter of good judgment, solid industry and long continued effort that brought him to his present position.

Mr. Evans was born at Quiney, January 27, 1849, a son of George and Mary Ann (Green) Evans. George Evans is appropriately numbered among the pioneers of Adams County. He was born in Gloucester, Ma.ssachusetts, August 19, 1813. A cooper by trade, he came to Adams County in 1837 and for fourteen years had his home at Quiney. In 1851 he obtained a place four miles south of Mendon, in the township of that name, and twelve miles northeast of Quiney. His place was on the line of Mendon and Ellington Township. In 1853 he moved to a new farm, which had a small frame house and a few acres cleared. The remaining timber he worked up annually into great quantities of barrels and hoop poles. His barrels were chiefly made for the flour milling industry and he also hauled many loads of hoop poles to Quiney. At his new home in section 35 of Mendon Township he acquired 170 acres, built a new house and barn, and surrounded himself with mucli prosperity. He died there at the age of seventy-two and his widow survived him several years. He was never a public man, was much esteemed for his good judgment and was regarded as a valuable man to the community. In 1848, at Quiney, he married Miss Mary Ann Green, who was born at Mavsville, Kentuckv, December 17, 1830. She came to Adams County when a child, and her father, George Green, became a well known citizen of Richfield Township. Mr. James Evans frequently visited his graudfatlier Green at his home in that township. George and Mary Evans had a familv of three sons and four daughters: James; Frank, who lived in Mendon Township and died when about fifty years old ; George, who occupies the old farm ; Etta, Mrs. James Rowbotham of Meudou Township ; Liua, Mrs. William Rowbotham of Meiidon Township ; Emma, widow of John Myers, living at Fowler; and Ida, who died one year after her marriage to DeWitt Wormau.

James Evans was four years old when his parents moved to the countr.y and being the oldest sou he put his strength to the test at an early age in helping his father clear awaj- the timber and brush. He lived on the home farm until he was twenty-five. He knows full well the severity of the labor required to clear and bring much of the land of Adams Count.y into cultivation. One of his earh' tasks was driving an ox team to a breaking plow. It was impossible for an ordinary breaking plow of that day to turn over the hea\'y virgin soil, filled with roots. Therefore, another team of horses preceded the breaking plow, hauling a coulter which cut a deep gash in the sod, permitting the following plow to turn it over. Frequently within his recollection breaking the land covered with hazel brush was accomplished by using four or five yoke of oxen to a heavy plow. Mr. Evans made his first independent home on ninety acres near Mendon, which had been cleared, and for which he contracted to pay $65 an acre. He went in debt, paid 10 per cent on the principle, and with abundant crops of corn and wheat met his payments and soon had it clear. He later sold this land to his brother-in-law, Frank Dudlej", for .$75 an acre. Mr. Evans then came into Honey Creek Township and bought 140 acres of his present farm at $65 per acre. There was an old house on the place, and practically all the land was under cultivation. It was the old Shue.y farm. Since then he has increased its area to 200 acres, and some of the land cost him only $50 an acre. His fine rural home was built in 190.3 and his barn two years later. Besides this place Mr. Evans owns ninety acres three miles south, and has 100 acres in Ellington Township, each with good improvements. Mr. Evans has figured rather prominently as a stockman in Adams County. For about twenty years he bought and shipped stock, and his operations in that field brought him a wide acquaintance over this part of the state. In those days it was an easy matter to buy cows at $12 per head. On his own land he has bred and raised some high grade stock, and in recent years his main dependence has l)een in hogs. Mr. Evans has always kept close to the land and has never sought ofiSce, though lie served at one time as constable.

At the age of twenty-five he married. In seeking a wife he did not have to go among strangers but found in a neighbor girl. Miss Nettie B. Myers, the most capable and the best woman he has ever known. She is a daughter of Henry Myers, of IMendon Township. Mr. and Mi's. Evans have a family of children of whom they may well be proud. Henry G., the oldest, lives near Coatsburg in Camp Point Township and married Edith Henning: Charles B. occupies a farm adjoining that of his father and married Isadore Wliite ; George R. is a farmer two miles southwest of Mendon and married Lena Bogart ; James D. is still at home : Fred A., who occupies the Ellington Township farm of his fatlicr. married Elsie Tieken, supervisor of Honey Creek Township ; Ella M. is the wife of John T. Austin, of the home community; Minnie C. is the wife of B. J. Brenner and they live at Lewistown, Missouri; and the youngest, Carrie, is still in the home circle. These children grew up with the advantages of a good home and with the best opportunities afforded by the local schools, each faithfully performed his duties while at home, and Mr. Evans assisted his sons and daughtci's that have married to secure homes of their own.

Theodore E. Mester. The name of Theodore E. Mester is identified with the biisiness interests of Quincy, where for many years he was a fertilizer manufacturer and gave substance and vitality to that particular industry and made it important both to himiself and as a source of added business to the community.

Mr. ]\rester represents families who came out of Hanover, Germany. His father, Charles Mester, came to the United States when a young man, and married his first wife in St. Louis. Her Christian name was Louisa and she was born in Germany. They came to Quincy and she died when in the prime of life, leaving two children, Ferdinand and Charles. Both these sons enlisted from Adams County for service in the Union army during the Civil war. They made a record of faitlrful service which is properly cherished by the family. Charles was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga, put in Libby prison at Eichmond, and died of stai-vation. Ferdinand served all through the war and spent his last years in the Soldiers Home at Quincy, where he died in January, 1916. He left three sons, all of whom are now married.

At Quincy Chai-les Mester married for his second wife Henrietta Webber. She was also a native of Hanover. Charles Mester spent the rest of his years in Quincy and died more than forty years ago, at the age of sixty-five. His widow survived him and passed away at the age of seventy-three. He was employed as a millwright in Germany, and followed the same trade at Quincy for a time, but later became a manufacturer of bone black, used extensively by sugar refineries. He shipped this product in large quantities to St. Louis.

Theodore E. Mester is one of a large family, namely: Edward, Louisa, Theodore, George, Lydia, Albert, Rosie, Melissa, Otto and Hattie. All these children grew up and married and had children of their own. Those still living, all residents of Quincy, are Theodore, Albert, Melissa, Otto and Hattie.

Theodore E. Mester was born at the home of his parents on Kentucky Street between Seventh and Eighth streets in Quincy, November 24, 1854. He attained his education in the city schools, and followed several diiferent lines until at the age of twent.y-seven he entered the business of manufacturing fertilizer. He conducted a factory and also dealt extensively in that commodity, handling the business under his own name and shipping a large output all over the surrounding counties. He was in business actively for thirty-five years, his plant being located on the south side. Since 1911 he has lived practically retired, and now spends most of his time at his pleasant home 1025 Monroe Street. He built his residence in 1890, and he and his wife have spent nearly all their married lives in those surroundings.

At Quincy, October 5, 1882, Mr. Mester married Miss Louisa Albsmeyer. She was born in Westphalia, Germany, November 11, 1855. Her mother died in Germany and in the spring of 1866 she and her father, Barney, set out from Bremen and after a voyage landed at New York City and then came on to Quincy. Barney Albsmeyer died in Quinc.y in 1892, at the age of seventy-one. He was one of the well remembered old residents of the city and was a faithful member of the Lutheran church at Eighth and Washington streets. Mr. and ]Mrs. Mester have also been active members of the Lutheran Church.

Of their children George, the oldest, is now deceased, and left three sons and two daughters, namely: Gladys, Earl, Lloyd, Loren and Ethel, all living. Theodore H. is a resident of Quincy. His first wife was Minnie Bergman, who died leaving a son, Irving. His second marriage was to Martha Peck, and they have a son, Howard. Lydia Mester is the wife of Albert Hageman, and they live at Quincy. Their children are Ruth, Erma, Marian, Louise and one deceased, Cornelia. Malinda Mester is still at home with her parents. Herman is a resident of Quijicy and by his marriage to Lillian Channell has children named Harold and Gale, and a deceased daughter, Louise. Llatilda is also at home. Edna graduated from the Gem City Business College in 1914, and is now employed as a bookkeeper at Quincy.

Henry A. Williamson. For almost sixty years the name of Williamson has been identified with important business interests at Quincy, as also with public movements and worthy enterprises. The late Henry A. Williamson established himself here in the oil business in 1860, and largely through his business capacity, unfailing good judgment and personal integrity this industry was developed so substantially and extensively in this section of the country.

Henry A. Williamson was born September 7, 1828, at Freeport, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Dr. Thomas B. and Harriet (Weaver) Williamson. His father died iu 1840, leaving a family of two sons and two daughters. Henry A. attended school until he was fourteen j-ears of age when he became a clerk in a general store and during his thi-ee yeai's with his first emplo.yer demonstrated commercial ability. In 1846 he became interested iu a lumber and general mercantile business iu Jeti'erson County, Pennsylvania, but conditions did not come up to his expectations and in 1847 he returned to Freeport and there embarked in the mercantile business and continued ten years.

In 1860 Mr. Williamson was made agent for the Aladdin Oil Company, which manufactured oil from cannel coal, and continued until this company began the manxifacture of oil from the product of the natural wells, when he severed his connection and then went into the oil business for himself and became wholesale handler for the Standard Oil Company, his territory covering that part of Missouri north of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad and in Illinois as far north as Dallas City and Macomb, east to Beardstown and south into Calhoun County, following the Illinois River, and having stations all over his district. ]Mr. Williamson had the advantage of possessing the confidence of John D. Rockefeller, with whom he was on terms of personal friendship. He was not only the pioneer in this great industi-y in Illinois but iu western sections of the country and his advice prevailed when new business moves were projected. As new oil fields were discovered, as production increased, new methods of refining came into use, new by-products were evolved, and, with the invention and general use of the automobile new demands on the industry were made, Mr. Williams in his own department kept pace with the times. His extensive oil interests at Quincy have been profitable to the city and have always been carefully and systematicalh- managed.

In 1851 Mr. Williamson was married to Catherine E. Robinson, who at death left one son, Thoraa.s B. The son died while a student at Racine College, when fourteen years old. In 1858 Mr. Williamson was married to Eliza M. Robinson. Of their five children two died in infancy, Helen M. survived until 1894, and Charles H. died in 1916, shortly after his father. Walter E., resident manager of the Standard Oil Company of Indiana, alone survives.

Mr. Williamson's business sagacity led to his association with numerous other interests, in some of which he was the leading factor. For many years he was vice president of the First National Bank of Quincy and when that institution was consolidated with the State Savings, Loan and Trust Company he became one of the directors of the latter bank. He was president of the Quincy Building and Homestead Association, the oldest of its kind in this city, was president of the Arrowrock Mining and Milling Company, a director of the Newcomb Hotel Company, a director of the Sommer Drug Company, and also of the Quincy Foundiy and Novelty Company and the Quincy Engine Company, and was one of the trustees of Blessing Hospital and of the Anna Brown Home for the Aged.

In his political life I\Ir. Williamson was a republican and was associated with many of the old party leaders in the state. All his mature life he was identified with the Masonic fraternity. He was a member of the Chapter of St. John's Cathedral, and in all matters pertaining to the Episcopal Church was most active and had much to do with bringing about the creation of the Quincy diocese in 1877, of wliose standing committee he was a member for manj' years. Full of years and the recipient of many material honors, Henry A. Williamson passed out of life on February 7, 1916.

Hon. Samuel H. Thompson. The weight of evidence afforded by statistics is in favor of the large fann well managed as against the smaller holdings long advocated under intensive cultivation. Adams County is a region of moderately sized farms, few if any attaining the great proportions of the individual holdings further west. Compared with the western country the estate of Samuel H. Thompson, 500 acres in one body, is not large, and yet is three or foh.ir times the average size of farm estates in this part of "Western Illinois. Its distinctive features, however, are not its number of acres but its value as one of the chief centers of livestock production in Adams County, and also as the home of a family of splendid citizenship, people awake and alive to all the affairs of their community and to many of those larger problems which concern the state and nation.