John P. Wenzel Biography

JOHN P. WENZEL. Prominent among the commercial resources of the city of Quincy must be included the trade carried on in agricultural implements, and among those most prominently identified with it is Mr. John P. Wenzel, who is a gentleman of wide and enlightened views, and one highly esteemed in business and social circles in this flourishing city. Combining energy and force with his experience, and giving close attention to his business, Mr. Wenzel gains more and more the people's patronage. Born in Adams County, Ill., in October, 1839, it is but natural perhaps that he should take more interest in the progress and development of his county than those who have moved in from other States. He has ever been noted for the deep interest he takes in all the affairs of moment in the county, particularly those relating in any way to the commercial resources of the city.
     The subject of our sketch inherits all the perseverance and energy for which he is noted from his German ancestors, who were wealthy and influential people of their native country. His parents, John and Margaret (Leibig) Wenzel, were born in the Fatherland, but at an early date emigrated to America, and in 1833 made a settlement in Adams County, Ill., They were the parents of nine children, of whom our subject was the eldest son. The latter was reared on a farm and received the advantages of a district-school education in Melrose Township. Like the majority of farmer boys, he divided his time between attending school and assisting his father on the farm, where he early became inured to hard labor. From the age of seventeen until nineteen, he was actively employed on the farm, but in the spring of 1858 he came to Quincy and began learning the blacksmith's trade. This he continued with fair success until 1879, when, in partnership with George Keller, he embarked in the farm implement business , under the firm name of Wenzel & Keller, and this still continues. They are located in a good business part of the city, occupy three rooms, 55X60 feet, and are doing a flourishing and very successful business. Energetic, reliable, conducting their business on the most elevated plane of mercantile honor and practically conversant with it in all its details, this firm has become one of the representative ones in this line in Quincy.
     In the year 1863, Mr. Wenzel was married to Miss Caroline Heilman, daughter of Jacob Heilman, of Quincy. By her he had one daughter, Lydia, wife of Ernest C. Miller, of Quincy. He was married the second time to Miss Ann A. Pilger, and they have the following children: Amelia, at home; Laura, a stenographer of Quincy; Albert, Arthur and Leroy.
     Mr. And Mrs. Wenzel are earnest and devoted members of the Methodist Church, and are classed among the highly respected and esteemed citizens of the place. They enjoy the comforts of a good home at No. 1037 Jersey Street. In politics, Mr. Wenzel is a Republican, and adds his influence to every cause that needs a helpful impetus and promises to be a benefit to the people at large. We take pleasure in presenting this worthy gentleman and his family among the prominent business men whose biographies are given in this work. Mr. Wenzel is a member of Gem City Camp No. 319, M. W. of A., and is a member of the People's Benefit Association.

[Source:Portrait and Biographical Record of Adams County, Illinois containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Chicago: Chapman Bros. 1892, Page 121, transcribed by Debbie Gibson]

Lydia B. Wenzel married Ernest C. Miller Oct. 7, 1886 Cert#4603 by William Wilkening MG
Amelia Wenzell married Charles Koeller Jan. 3, 1879 cert#473 by George Beuhner MG
[Source: Marriages of Adams County, Illinois, 1876-1890 Vol III, transcribed by Debbie Gibson]

Amelia M. Wenzel married John F. Brenner Nov. 8, 1893 cert#8729 ½
Lydia Wenzel married Henry E. W. Henze Aug. 28, 1892 cert#8014
Roy E. married Pearl E. Tucker of Canon City, Colo. May 8, 1912
[Source:The Quincy Daily Journal, Wednesday May 8, 1912, Page 7]

Arthur C. Wenzel married Grace Parsons Nov. 9, 1905
[Source:The Quincy Daily Journal, Friday, Nov. 10, 1905, Page 7]