CHARLES BANWARTH, a senior member of the firm of Banwarth & Armitage, furniture dealers at Elizabeth, is, with his partner, carrying on a lucrative trade in this department of mercantile business. They also operate as undertakers, and Mr. Banwarth, on his own hook, conducts a blacksmith shop. In furniture, coffins, and carriages the firm has invested about $4,000, from which they enjoy a fair income. Being men of sound principles, and upright in their transactions, they are properly numbered among those occupying a leading position in their community.

A representative of one of the best nationalities on the face of the globe, Mr. Banwarth was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, Feb. 4, 1841, and when about two years of age was taken by his parents to Switzerland. The latter were Frederick and Catherine (Banworth) Banwarth, born and reared in the Fatherland. In the latter country they sojourned in the Canton of Thurgau, where Charles received an excellent education. He lived mostly upon a farm until eighteen years of age, then began his apprenticeship as a blacksmith and machinist, serving three years. Later he traveled all over Germany, following his trade as a journeyman, and in the spring of 1867 took passage at Antwerp, on a steamer bound for the United States. He came by the way of Liverpool and New York City, landed in the latter about twelve days from the time of starting.

From the first the objective point of our subject was Illinois, and he came directly to this county, following his trade for a time in Hanover village. He had been accompanied to America by other members of the family, among whom was the father, who settled in Elizabeth Township, where he lived until his decease, Feb. 15, 1885. Upon leaving Hanover our subject began business for himself as a blacksmith in Elizabeth, purchasing the establishment of John Helmick, and has since operated it to good advantage. He usually has two fires in his shop, and gives employment to three men.

Our subject contracted matrimonial ties, Jan. 22, 1873, with Miss Wilhemina Himmelreich, who was a native of his own country, and born Nov. 14, 1846. The parents of Mrs. Banwarth were Christian and Caroline Himmelreich, who were both born in the Fatherland. The father is still living, but the mother died in November, 1888. Mrs. Banwarth emigrated to America in 1872, and came at once to Hanover, Ill., where she was shortly afterward married to our subject. They are now the parents of three children: Caroline, born Dec. 3, 1872; Charles W., Nov. 4, 1875; and Minnie, Dec. 18, 1877.

Mr. and Mrs. Banwarth are members respectively of the Catholic and Lutheran Churches. Our subject, politically, is a supporter of Democratic principles. He has been a member of the Village Board of Trustees about four years, some of the time officiating as President. He came to this country without other resources than his own industry and perseverance, and has succeeded in accumulating a competence, including a comfortable home and a snug bank account. His business is conducted in that methodical manner which will insure for it continues prosperity.

The paternal grandmother came over to this country with the family when ninety-six years old, and died in Elizabeth, at the age of one hundred and three years.

Transcribed & Contributed by Carol Parrish Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889), p. 540