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GEORGE J.
L. HAUMESSER, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Shumway, Effingham
County, was born June 5, 1858, in Peru,
Ill., and was the fourth child in a family of
three sons and three daughters born unto George and Hellena (Moegling) Haumesser. The father was born in Strasburg,
Alsace, April 13, 1823, and remained in his native
country with his parents until twenty-three years of age, when he crossed the Atlantic to America to seek a location for his father. He spent
three years in the United
States,
traveling over the county and visiting its principal cities. Sending back a favorable report, his father was preparing
to emigrate at once, when he was killed by a falling tree. Subsequently George Haumesser, father of the Doctor,
went back to his native land and was married, after which he brought his bride to America.
Mr.
Haumesser was a mason by trade and followed that business until the autumn of 1870. He first went to St. Louis,
but after a short time removed to La
Salle, Ill. Subsequently he went to Peru, where he resided for eighteen years. In
1870 he purchased a farm in Fayette
County, Ill., hoping to making farmers of his boys,
and there remained until his death, which occurred March 4, 1890. The mother of the Doctor was born May 9, 1826,
near Strasburg, Alsace, and there acquired her education. She
remained with her parents until her marriage and then came to the United States with her husband. She died in Fayette County,
Ill., July 18, 1892. Her father was a soldier
under Napoleon I for over thirteen years, and after being disabled served as a gendarme until his death.
We
now take up the personal history of the Doctor, who remained in Peru with his parents until twelve years of
age, attending the public schools. He then went with his father to the farm, where he spent the succeeding six
years of his life, during which time he also attended school. At the age of eighteen he began the study of medicine.
He went to Keokuk, Iowa, and entered the College
of Physicians and Surgeons of that city, from which he
was graduated, receiving his diploma on the 1st of March, 1881. He was now fitted to enter the medical profession,
and on the 29th of April of the same year opened an office in Shumway, where he has since engaged in the practice
of his profession. He has built up a large practice and has gained an enviable reputation.
The
lady who bears the name of Mrs. Haumesser was in her maidenhood Miss Mary Reis. She was born in Perry County, Mo.,
July 14, 1864, and when quite small came to this county with her parents, who are still living on a farm about
two miles from Shumway. The marriage of the Doctor and his wife was celebrated November 20, 1883, and their union
has been blessed with five children, two sons and two daughters living. The first were twins, but one died in infancy.
The other, Mary, was born August 16, 1885; Louis was born August 8, 1887; Carrie was born April 16, 1889, and Martha
April 26, 1891.
In his political views, Dr. Haumesser is a stanch Democrat and takes quite an active part in local politics, in
fact is one of the leaders of his party in this county. He is now Coroner of the county. He was first elected to
fill a vacancy, and after two years
service was re-elected by the Democratic party in the autumn of 1892. He is also serving as School Director of
Banner Township, District 5, and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. He is now Secretary of the
Building and Loan Association, and was president of the same for two years. Socially he is a member of Shumway
Camp No. 1233, M. W. A., and himself and wife are members of the Catholic Church. The Doctor is recognized as one
of the leading citizens of this community, and has a wide business and social acquaintance. His skill and ability
have won him a large practice, and he is considered one of the leading physicians of this part of the county. He
is also an honorable, upright man, whose word is as good as his bond.
Portrait and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and
Richland Counties Illinois, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Governors
of the State, and the Presidents of the United States. (Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1887), p. 202. Transcribed by
Judy Rosella Edwards.
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