John A Hummert
In mentioning those of foreign birth who have become closely associated with the business interests of Adams County, Ill., we should not fail to present an outline of the career of Mr Hummert, for he is one who has fully borne out the reputation of
that class of industrious, energetic and far-seeing men of German nativity who have risen to prominence in different portions of this county. In everything connected with the growth and prosperity of his adopted
country, he takes an active interest, and as a contractor and business man he stands in the front ranks.
Born in Prussia, December 6, 1828, he is the son of Theodore and Alseban (Casse) Hummert, natives
also of Germany, and prominent citizens of their community. The father was a fuel dealer
and passed his entire life in his native country, as did also his wife. Until twenty-one years of age, our subject passed his days in his native country, but, possessing those sterling qualities so
characteristic of those of German nativity and which particularly fit them for almost any occupation in live, he took passage for America, and after an ocean voyage of eight weeks, landed on United States
soil. This was in 1848, and after a short stop in New Orleans he proceeded up the
Mississippi River by boat to St Louis, Mo., where he remained five years.
From there he went direct to Quincy, Ill., and began learning brick-making, which business he conducted with much success up to 1874, when he began contracting on the O. & K.
Railroad. Two years later, he began contracting for houses, and perhaps the best proof of his success in that capacity would be to point out the monuments of his handiwork in Quincy. In connection with
contracting, he was also engaged in pork-packing during the winter seasons. Later, he embarked in the grocery business, continued this with fair success for a time, and then branched out as a real-estate
dealer. The old adage, "Jack of all trades and a master of none" does not apply in his case, for he has made a success of all enterprises undertaken.
In the year 1851, Miss Elizabeth Luebbecke, of
St Louis, Mo., who was born in Germany, was united to our subject in marriage, and ten children were given them, viz: John, a brick-maker; Henry, a contractor; Joseph, a Catholic
priest in Earling, Iowa; William, a brick-maker; Aloysius, with his father; Frank, at home; Elizabeth,
a Catholic Sister in Chicago; Catherine, wife of Benjamin Walterman, of Randolph County, Mo.; Anna, a
Catholic Sister in Chicago, and Mary, at home. Mr Hummert resides at No. 637 Spruce Street, and has a
fine large brick house with all the modern improvements and built in the modern style of architecture. His lot is 200 X 250 feet, and is an attractive and very pleasant home. Mrs Hummert, who presides over this pleasant home, is a very entertaining and sociable lady, and by her quiet tact and pleasant,
agreeable manners has won many warm friends. They have reared their large family to be honorable and respected members of society and may justly be proud of each one of them. Mr and Mrs Hummert are exemplary
and faithful members of St John's Catholic Church.Portrait and biographical record of Adams County, Illinois (Chicago: Chapman Bros, 1892)
Transcribed by
Amy Robbins-Tjaden Thank you Amy |
