Adams County IL

Adams County, Illinois, located along the Mississippi River in the western part of the state, was officially organized on March 30, 1825, from Pike County and named after President John Adams. The county seat, Quincy, was founded in 1822 and became a major early river port and transportation hub, drawing settlers from New England and the Upper South. Early settlement began in the 1820s, with land records available from 1823, marriages from 1825, and probate and court records beginning soon after, making it one of Illinois’ most thoroughly documented early counties for genealogical research. The area was originally home to Kickapoo and Sauk-Fox tribes, with Native land cessions formalized in early 19th-century treaties. The county’s rich agricultural land, access to river trade, and arrival of the railroad in the 1850s contributed to its growth. It is also notable for its strong German immigrant communities from the 1830s onward, which are reflected in Lutheran, Catholic, and Evangelical church records. Key genealogical repositories include the Adams County Courthouse, Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County, and various regional church archives.

Biography of Seth H. Powers

Seth H. Powers, born June 26, 1843, in Canada, was the son of Vermont farmer Richard Powers. Orphaned young, he moved to the U.S., where he trained as a blacksmith and machinist. Powers served in the Civil War with the Illinois Volunteers, participating in key battles before returning to his trade. He established a successful manufacturing partnership in Jamesport in 1880 with J.H. Higdon. Married in 1865, he and Anna Crawford raised five children and were active in their church and community organizations.

Biographical Sketch of Thomas J. Benjamine

Thomas J. Benjamine, born on October 1, 1858, in Union, Fayette County, Iowa, is the son of Abram R. Benjamine from Pennsylvania. After moving to Quincy, Illinois, and later Cameron, Missouri, he learned the trade of railroad agent and telegraph operator. In 1877, he settled in Jamesport, where he has served as agent for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway. Married to Fannie J. Harvey in 1879, they have one daughter, Clio. He is a respected Republican and a capable businessman.

Biography of Augustus Titus

Augustus H. Titus, born on July 17, 1843, in Illinois, had a diverse life marked by experiences in mining, farming, and frontier living. After crossing the plains to the Pacific coast and facing an Indian attack, he worked as a miner in various locations before settling on a farm near North Powder, Oregon. Married twice, he had seven children and became a respected figure in his community, known for his courage, judgment, and extensive knowledge in farming and stock management.

Biography of Adrian D. Nichols, D. O.

Adrian D. Nichols, D.O., represents the field of osteopathy as a successful practitioner in St. Louis, where he has worked since graduating from the Kirksville School of Osteopathy in 1907. Born on April 17, 1870, near Nashville, Illinois, he is the son of David William Nichols, a Civil War veteran, and Tabitha Ballard. Initially involved in railroading, Nichols transitioned into medicine, opening his practice in the Frisco building in St. Louis. He is actively engaged in professional organizations and has a growing family with his wife, Ethel Gray.

Biography of Rev. Joseph F. Lubeley

Rev. Joseph F. Lubeley, born on September 15, 1873, in Lockhaven, Pennsylvania, was a prominent pastor of Holy Trinity Church in St. Louis. The son of German immigrants, he pursued his education at St. Liborius School and St. Francis College, later studying at the Jesuit University in Innsbruck. Ordained in 1896, he served various parishes in Missouri before assuming leadership at Holy Trinity in 1908. Lubeley was active in civic and church organizations, contributing to community welfare and moral advancement.

Biography of Henry Greve

Henry Greve, born on March 6, 1856, in Velen, Westphalia, Germany, immigrated to the U.S. in 1873, settling in St. Louis in 1875. He became a prominent businessman as the sole owner and president of the John Wahl Commission Company, specializing in lead and zinc. Greve’s business acumen and leadership have positioned him as a key figure in St. Louis commerce, where he is also a director of the Liberty-Central Trust Company. A devoted philanthropist, he actively supports many charitable causes, including his local Catholic community.

Biography of William M. Bryan, M. D.

Dr. William M. Bryan, born in St. Louis on November 25, 1875, is a prominent figure in the medical field, specializing in ear, nose, and throat diseases. After graduating from Washington University and the Johns Hopkins Medical School, he served an internship in Philadelphia before commencing private practice in St. Louis. An esteemed educator, he held various teaching roles while actively participating in professional associations. Married in 1908, he and his wife have four children and are respected members of their community and church.

Biography of Reinhard E. Wobus, M.D.

Dr. Reinhard E. Wobus, born July 20, 1879, in Fort Madison, Iowa, is an accomplished surgeon specializing in surgery and obstetrics. He graduated from Washington University in 1905 and has continuously practiced in St. Louis, contributing to medical journals and serving on the faculty of Washington University Medical School. A veteran of the Medical Reserve Corps, he served during World War I in various capacities. In addition to his medical career, Dr. Wobus is active in civic organizations and is committed to lifelong learning. He resides in St. Louis with his wife and two children.

Biography of James Madison Harvey

James Madison Harvey, born on September 21, 1833, in Virginia, became the fifth governor of Kansas and a notable figure in its history. A skilled surveyor and civil engineer, he settled in Riley County in 1859, passionately engaging in his community and supporting Kansas’s admission as a Free-State. During the Civil War, he served honorably as a captain and later as a colonel. Elected governor in 1868, he prioritized agricultural growth and infrastructure, earning the moniker “Old Honesty.” After a brief term in the U.S. Senate, he returned to farming, passing away on April 15, 1894, in Kansas.

Biography of Edmund P. Melson

Edmund P. Melson, born on October 29, 1866, in Rail County, Missouri, was a prominent figure in the insurance industry, notably as the founder and president of the Missouri State Life Insurance Company. His leadership transformed it into a major insurance provider. Melson’s education included graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, and he began his career in life insurance in 1889. After retiring in 1918, he shifted focus to land dealings. A philanthropist and active community member, he was also a family man with two marriages and three children.

Biography of Dr. J. C. B. Dixon

Dr. J. C. B. Dixon, born on August 20, 1823, in Tennessee, is a distinguished physician and influential figure in Howell County, Missouri. The son of a farmer and a Revolutionary War descendant, he overcame early hardships to pursue medicine, studying under Dr. Miles and at Louisville Medical College. Practicing since 1850, he held various public offices, including mayor of West Plains. A Mexican War veteran and Masonic leader, Dixon is recognized for his contributions to the community and charity, witnessing Howell County’s growth firsthand.

Biographical Sketch of Henry King

Capt. Henry King, born in Salem, Ohio, in 1841, was a prominent journalist whose career spanned several states, notably Kansas and Missouri. Initially trained as a printer, he rose to become the editor of multiple newspapers, including the Daily Whig and the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. King’s influence was significant, earning him leadership roles in editorial associations and recognition at the World’s Press Parliament. A devoted writer, he preferred penning his work by hand, leaving a lasting impact on Kansas journalism until his death in 1915.

Biography of Jefferson L. Steele

Jefferson L. Steele, born in Illinois in 1847, became a prominent figure in Ottawa County after relocating there in 1884. A veteran of the Civil War, he taught school for many years before transitioning to farming and real estate. Married to Sarah J. Ford, he had several children, with only a few surviving him. An active community member, Steele was involved in multiple social organizations and the Methodist Episcopal Church, advocating for public education throughout his life.

Biography of George W. Kidder

George W. Kidder has dedicated his life to the development of Crawford County, particularly through his roles as secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and the Retail Merchants Association in Pittsburg. Since 1912, he has driven numerous civic improvements, including infrastructure enhancements and the promotion of local industries. Born in 1868, Kidder’s extensive business background spans various positions before his current leadership roles. He is also politically active and involved in community projects, alongside family commitments, including a strong connection to the Methodist Church.

Biography of Allen Dale Hileman

Allen Dale Hileman, born June 3, 1875, in Missouri, exemplifies the industrious spirit of Kansas’s modern business landscape. He runs a prominent real estate and insurance business in Cherryvale while also being involved with the Montgomery County National Bank. A descendant of a family with a strong military and civic legacy, he served in the Spanish-American War and became a respected member of the local community. Active in politics and civic duties, he is also a leader of the Cherryvale Band and committed to the Presbyterian Church. Hileman married Eve Fair, with whom he has two children.

Biography of William E. Corbett

William E. Corbett, a prominent figure in Shawnee County’s history, was born in Maine and faced early adversity with the loss of his parents. After gaining practical education while living with his grandfather, he sought adventure in the West, ultimately settling in Kansas in 1869. There, he established a successful farm and livestock business on 340 acres. Known for his hard work, integrity, and generosity, Corbett’s life was marked by both accomplishment and challenge. He passed away in 1907, leaving a legacy through his children and their contributions to the community.

Biography of John A. Pottorf

John A. Pottorf, born November 25, 1842, in Pike County, Illinois, has led a rich life marked by perseverance and service. After enlisting in the Union Army during the Civil War, he transitioned to farming in Illinois before moving to Kansas in 1884. With hard work, he amassed over 600 acres and became a respected farmer, particularly noted for hog raising. Married to Martha Lawson since 1866, they have four children and remain active members of their community and the Methodist Church, embodying values of fidelity and industriousness throughout their lives.

Biography of Thomas Jefferson Booth

Thomas Jefferson Booth, born on January 4, 1856, in Illinois, grew up in Iowa and Kansas, where he developed a strong work ethic on his father’s farms. After marrying at 23, he farmed before transitioning to cattle trading, and later to the oil industry. In 1894, he moved to Independence, Kansas, where he became a significant business figure, founding the Union Implement Hardware Company and owning the Hotel Booth. Booth, respected for his integrity, has also been involved in various fraternal organizations and enjoyed a fulfilling family life.