Allen D. Baird, who activity in commercial life is in the line of handling high grade general groceries, is a prosperous and well known business man at Jerseyville, where he was born November 11, 1875, a son of Abram S. and Mary L. (Pope) Baird, natives of New Jersey, who came to Jersey County about 1855. Abram S. Baird located in Jersey Township and there engaged in farming. He died March 22, 1886, and his wife died April 12, 1912.
Allen D. Baird, youngest of the five children born to his parents, attended the public schools at Jerseyville. When Twenty years old he began working for his brother as a clerk in a bakery, remaining with him for eighteen months. He then worked for himself in different line for four years and finally embarked in a baking business which he conducted for two years. Disposing of his bakery, he was engaged in painting, decorating and paper hanging for several years, but in 1914, he embarked in the grocery business, in the western part of Jerseyville, he store being located at No. 601 W. Spence Street, where he has since continued, and has built up a fine trade.
In November, 1904, Mr. Baird was married to Clara Simmons Rowden, who was born in Jersey County, September 9, 1872, a daughter of George and Lizzie (McKinney) Rowden, he born in Iowa, and she in Jersey County. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Baird are as follows: Russell, who was born August 2, 1908; Mary Elizabeth, who was born February 26, 1910; and Charles Abram, who was born October 24, 1911. In political faith, Mr. Baird is a Republican. He holds membership in the Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America. On his father's side, Mr. Baird is descended from prominent old New Jersey stock, the Bairds, the Drakes, and the Popes all being families of importance.
Edward F. Barnes , now deceased, for a number of years was included among the representive men of Jersey County, and was a successful farmer of Ruyle Township. He was born in Ruyle Township, March 6, 1875, a son of James W. and Caroline (Elliot) Barnes. After attending the district and a high school in his native county, Edward F. Barnes began farming. He was married on June 26, 1901, to Nellie M. Ketchum, born in Macoupin County, Il., September 8, 1874, a daughter ofLeonard and jane S. (Hayward) Ketchum, he born in Macoupin County, April 21, 1842, and she at Clifton, Madison County, Il., March 27, 1845. The grandparents, Ira and Phebe (Fitzgerald) Ketchum, were born in Vermont and New Jersey, respectively, while the maternal grandparents were Ansel and Lucinda Jane (Tolman) Hayward, of Massachusetts. The family of Hayward was founded at Plymouth, Mass. in 1635. After his marriage Edward F. Barnes moved to a farm he owned in Ruyle Township, which was situated within a quarter mile of his birthplace. This farm contains 120 acres of land and he improved it considerably, erecting substantial buildings and adding to its value in other ways. He also owned eighty acres of timber, and carried on general farming and stockraising. His death occured April 27, 1917, in a hospital in St.Louis, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes had no children of their own, but they reared an adopted daughter, Christina L. Carr, who was born December 17, 1899.
Mrs. Barnes attended the schools of her district. She is a member of the Kemper Baptist Church, to which Mr. Barnes also belonged and which he served as clerk and also was superintendent of the Sunday School. He was converted and baptized into the church May 24, 1889. In politics he was a Republican. He belonged to the Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, and Royal Neighbors, all of which he gave a good citizen's support in every way. Mrs. Barnes is now capably conducting the homestead.
Stephen F. Barnes, owner of 160 acres of fine Ruyle Township land, is now engaged in farming, although he has had a mercantile experience as well. He was born in Ruyle Township,Jersey County, Il., September 10, 1870, a son of James William and Caroline (Elliot) Barnes, natives of Virginia and Madison County, Il. The paternal grandparents, Elijah William and Margaret Barnes, came to Jersey County about 1833 and entered a large amount of government land. Lewis and Elizabeth (Reddish) Elliot, the maternal grandparents, were among the earliest settlers of Jersey County. After marriage, James William Barnes and his wife located on land his father had entered from the government, the entry fee having been earned by the grandmother of Stephen F. Barnes. James William Barnes became the owner of 240 acres of land, all of which was entered from the government with his mother's money, and he farmed it until 1898, and lived until 1908. After his death, his widow moved to Medora, Il., where she died December 11, 1914. There are five living children namely; Mary Jane, who is Mrs. Luther Livingston, of Neal, Greenwood County, Kansas.; Lewis and John, who live at Medora, Il.; Stephen F. and Oscar, who live in Jerseyville. Those deceased are: Edward, and Leona, who was Mrs. James Walker, died in 1908. On February 7, 1902, Mr. Barnes was married to Effie Fry, born at Rock Bridge, Green County, Il., a daughter of Lindsey and Alice (Hickman) Fry, natives of Greene County, Il., and Indiana, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have four children: Ruth, Paul, Hal and Mary. After his marriage, Mr. Barnes moved to his present 160 acre farm in Ruyle Township, forty acres of which has never been out of the Barnes family since it was entered from the government. He operated this farm until 1913, when he rented it and leaving it in charge of his brother-in-law, Fred Fry, moved to Medora, Il., where he bought a mercantile business and conducted it for two years. Selling it, he returned to the farm where he has since been engaged in stock raising and dairying, having a herd of ten cows, and handles cream, and has been very successful. The Baptist Church of Kemper, Il., holds his membership. He is a Democrat, and Kemper Camp M.W.A., holds his allegiance, and he enjoys his connection.
Henry F. Bayer, now deceased, was for forty years proprietor of a barber shop at Jerseyville, and was one of the city's respected citizens. He was born at Albany, N.Y., May 27, 1840, a son of Stephen Bayer, who was born in Prussia. He came to the United States and in Albany, N.Y., met a Miss Stuetzer, who was born in Bavaria, Germany. Their marriage took place in Albany, and afterward they came as far west of St.Louis, Mo., but on account of chlorea, they returned to Albany, and lived there until 1854, when they once more returned to St.Louis, Mo., and while there living in that city, their son, Henry F. Bayer, learned the trade of a barber from a man named Horning. In the fall of 1855 Henry F. Bayer came to Jerseyville and opened the barber shop he conducted for forty years, or until his death which occured February 9, 1901. He was a reliable , sober and industrious man and excellent citizen, devoted to the interests of his community and county.
On June 22, 1862, Mr. Bayer was married to Catherine Fuechter, born in Wuerttemberg, Germany, April 10, 1845, a daughter of John Michael and Anna Marie (Haberoth) Fuechter, who in the fall of 1851, came to New Jersey where they lived until 1855, moving to Jerseyville in that year, and there Mr. Fuechter engaged in business as a tanner. Mr. and Mrs. Bayer became the parents of the following children: Frederick, who lives in Jacksonville, Il; Edward, who died in infancy; William, who died at the age of thirty-one years.; Mary, who is the wife of Nathaniel Layman, of Wren, Ohio; Lena, who is Mrs. W.P. Hixenbaugh, of Moran, Kas.; Louis, who lives at St.Louis, Mo.,; Paul, who lives at Chicago, Il.; Henrietta, who is Mrs. Paul Meinhardt, of San Franscisco, Calf.,; Alvina, who lives with her mother; Otto, who lives in Long Beach, Cal.;Frank, who also lives with his mother; and Clarence, who is a soldier in the United States Army. Mrs. Bayer has lived since childhood in her present home and is very much attached to it. She belongs to the Evangelical Church. Mr. Bayer was a Republican and he belonged to the order of the Knights of Honor.
Joseph W. Becker,county superintendent of schools for Jersey County, Il., and one of the scholarly men of this section, is one of the best known men in Jerseyville. He was born in Calhoun County, Ill., January 6, 1865, a son of Gregory and Tressa (Daak) Becker,natives of Baden and Hanover, Germany, respectively.They were married in Calhoun County, Il.Having learned the trade of a turner in Germany, Gregory Becker went to Paris, France, were he worked at his trade until 1859, leaving the old world for the new in that year. After landing in the United States he came to Calhoun County, where he continued to farm until his death which occured in 1907. His wife passed away in 1879. Their children were as follows: Charles P., who lives at Kampsville, Il.; John, who lives at Silver Creek,Il.;Rebecca, who is Mrs. John Piper, of Kampsville,Il.,Frederika, who is Mrs. Edward thomas, of Kampsville, Il.;Joseph W.; Elizabeth, who is Mrs. Frank Tozier, of Kampsville, Il.; Dinah, who is Mrs. Joseph Brandenburg, of Silver Creek, Il.; Mary, who is Mrs. John Robinson, of Kingfisher, Okla.; George, who lives at Silver Creek, Il.; Katie, who was Mrs. John Carter died in 1909; and Henry, who is living on the homestead in Silver Creek, Il.
Joseph W. Becker attended the schools of his district, the Central Wesleyan College of Warrenton, Mo., and the Illinois State Normal School. Until 1891 Mr. Becker was engaged in educational work at Hamburg, Gilead and Hardin, Il.,but in that year he entered the journalistic field and for four years conducted the Calhoun Leader. Selling this newspaper in April, 1895, he came to Jerseyville to take charge of the Jerseyville Republican, which he conducted until 1912, when he sold to C.T. Kurtz. During that period, from 1903 to 1907, he also served as postmaster of Jerseyville, and then was assistant postmaster until January 1, 1914. In November of that year he was elected to the superintendency of schools of Jersey County, which important office he stills holds, being one of the most efficient and carefully trained men the people of this section have ever placed in this position.
In September, 1888, Mr. Becker was married to Maggie Cloninger, born at Mozier, Calhoun County, Il., a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Lakin) Cloninger, the former of whom was born in Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Becker have two children: Grace, who is Mrs. ?? T. Edwards, of Grafton, Il.; and Nellie, who is a teacher of physical culture in Sullivan County, N.Y. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Jerseyville holds Mr. Becker's membership and he has been superintendent of the Sunday School since 1901. In politics he is a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.
Fred J. Bertman obtained his education in the public schools and spent five months in the St.Louis University at St.Louis. He afterward assisted his father in the store until the latter's death, and then closed it out as his time and attention had to be given to the duties of deputy sheriff, in which office he served for two years. He was occupied for a time as a clerk in the bank of Shepard & Co., but the greater part of Judge Bertman's life since a young man has been of an official nature, his fellow citizens recognizing his efficiency and trustworthiness by again and again calling him to positions of public trust and responsibility. He has been active in both city and county politics for many years, a factor in the Democratic party until 1896, when he accepted policies of that party caused him to identify himself with the Republicans, wo which organization he is yet loyal. Mr. Bertman served several terms as township collector and was deputy county collector under three administrations. His record as alderman for nine years from his ward shows that he was faithful to its interests at all times and satisfactory to his constituents. When first elected a justice of the peace, Judge Bertman was continued in office for eight successive years, andhis return to the office took place in the spring of 1917.
In 1879 Fred J. Bertman was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Frances Massy, who was born in Jersey Co., Ill., and died February 17, 1881. She was the daughter of Henry C. and Catherine (Fitzgerald) Massy, the former of whom was born in St.Charles Co., Mo., and the latter in Ireland. To Mr. and Mrs. Bertman, one son was born, Herny C. who died in infancy. Judge Bertman is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He is a man of great force of character, enterprising and upright, and possesses many characteristics that Americans like to find in their public officials.
On February 17, 1892, Mr. Birkenmayer was married to Elizabeth T. Rich, born in Fidelity Township, a daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Grandy) Rich. Mr. and Mrs. Birkenmayer have one daughter namely: Irma, who is Mrs. Harvey E. Challacombe of Macoupin County, Ill. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Birkenmayer has served as a school trustee since 1900, and he has also been a school director. Fraternally he holds membership with Fidelity Lodge M. W. A. while his religious connections are with the Baptist Church.
William Birkenmayer attended the common schools of Jersey County, and grew up amid rural surroundings. On March 8, (187?-cant read last number), he was married to Anna Rich, born in Fidelity Township, a daughter of of Richard and Alzana Clarida Rich of Jersey County. After the marriage, William Birkenmayer rented his father's farm south of Fidelity for ten year, and then bought the Richard Rich Farm, 280 acres north of Fidelity. Although the farm was well improved, Mr. Birkenmayer has added materially to its value by his changes. He also owns 240 acres south of Fidelity,and carries on general farming and stockraising. Mr. and Mrs. Birkenmayer have two children, namely: Charles, who lives at Medora, Ill., and Richard who is serving in the United States Army. The only daughter, Iona, died at the age of seven years. Mr. Birkenmayer is a member of the Baptist Church and has been a deacon for some years. In politics he is a Democrat.
Bert H. Bowen was born near the Berkshire hills in Berkshire County, Mass., September 25, 1872. His parents were Nelson U. and Amanda (Glaser) Bowen, the latter of whom was born in the state of New York and died in September, 1916. The father was born in Vermont and during his active years was superintendent of a woolen mill at Adams,Mass. His death occured April 16, 1917.
Bert H. Bowen attended the public schools in Adams, Mass., until he was twelve years of age. The place is a great manufacturing center and young Bowen, like the majority of his associates, went into a mill to work as soon as his school period was over. He worked in a woolen mill, where he learned the art of weaving and continued until the age of seventeen, when he entered a factory at North Adams and started to learn the manufacture of shoes. Mr. Bowen remained in the factory until he was profient and so expert that he was made a foreman in the factory and continued in that capacity there until 1900, removing then to Newport, N.H. After five years of experience there as a foreman in a shoe factory, he accepted the offer of a like position at Manchester, N.H., where he served five years as foreman and one year as superintendent. In February, 1911, he came to his present field of work at Jerseyville. He has large interests here to look after, not only taking care of the scores of highly perfected machines with which this large plant is equipped, but in keeping up the effiency of 300 employees, including about ninety women, so that the plant product is up to expectation both in volume and in quality. In doing this Mr.Bowen shows justice to all and is held in high regard by all his subordinates. The plant occupies three floors of a building, having 3,000 feet of floor space, and the output averages 2500 pairs of shoes per day, the leading brands being: Red Goose, Weather Bird, and the Tess & Ted.
On July 2, 1894, Mr. Bowen was married to Myrtle White, who was born at West Holly,Mass., a daughter of Henry and Nancy White, both born in Massachusetts, the father at Hawley and the mother at Becket. Mr.and Mrs. Bowen have four children: Gertrude, Richard, Ronald, and Robert. Mr. Bowen and family attend the Presbyterian Church. He has always given his political support to the man irrespective of party,but has never accepted public office with the exception of membership on the school board. He is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, at Jerseyville. Through industry he has accumulated a competency as well as a high place in a vast corporation,both these facts indicating that Mr. Bowen has practical business qualities as well as mechanical skill. He is looked upon as one of Jerseyville's representive men.
Peter A. Bowler attended the local schools of his district and grew up to useful manhood, remaining at home til his marriage, which took place on January 6, 1876, to Barbara Short, who was born in St.Clair Co., Ill., a daughter of George and Mary(Stookey) Short, born in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Bowler have two children: Lee, who is at Ottawa, Kas., and William R., who is at home, being engaged in the horse business, and in assisting his father with the farm.
After his marriage Mr. Bowler was engaged in farming in his native county until 1892, but in that year moved to San Jose, Cal., where he conducted the Lick Hotel for nine months. At the expiration of that period the hotel destroyed by fire and he came back to Illinois and located at Jersey County, buying a farm of 130 acres, just south of the county seat,and here he has since engaged in agricultural pursuits. Many of the fine improvments upon the farm have been made by him,especially the buildings, and he has been very successful in his undertakings. In politics a Democrat, he has served in the city council from the Fourth Ward, for three terms. He is a member of the Baptist Church. In his work he has demonstrated what can be accomplished by persistent effort and untiring labor, and his success is deserved.
J.A. Borman attended the public schools of his district and assisted his father in conducting the home place. In December, 1891, he was married to Clara A. Cope, who was born in Jersey County, January 16, 1871, a daughter of Allen and Cynthia (Warner) Cope, natives of Jersey County and Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Borman have the following children: Josie, who is Mrs. Clifton Schudel, has two children, Everett and Walter, and lives in Richwoods Township; Bertha, who is Mrs. Paul Gilleland, has two children,Keith and Thelma, and live at Fieldon, Ill., and Jessie, who is Mrs. Edwin Reynolds, has two children, Vernon and Marguerite, and lives in Woodville Township, Greene County, Ill.
After their marriage, Mr. Borman was engaged in farming in Greene County until 1907, when he established himself in a mercantile business in Richwoods Township. He erected a new building on the sixteen acres he owns, for business and residential purposes, and has now a very satisfactory trade. Both he and his wife are Republicans, and he served for three years as commissioner of highways, and for the same length of tome was township collector. He was then elected supervisor, and is still holding office.Fraternally he belongs to the Royal Neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Borman are very well and favorably known throughout their community, and exert an influence for good.