Lebanon Illinois

Illinois, Diocese of Belleville, Catholic Parish Records, 1695-1956

Illinois Bellville Church Records

A help guide for accessing the images of parish registers recording the events of baptism, first communion, confirmation (to 1907), marriage (to 1930) or death (to 1956) in the Diocese of Belleville (Illinois), Roman Catholic Church. The index to some volumes may reference pages within a given volume beyond current publication dates. As such, these images are not currently available. In addition to traditional parish registers, this collection includes a small number of census, church history, family and financial records. To assist the researcher I have broken down the available registers by county and name of parish, including the years covered by those parish records.

Biography of Ebenezer West

Ebenezer West was born in Indiana on February 9, 1829, and spent his childhood in Boone County. After marrying Julia Ann Robinson in 1850, he initially farmed before transitioning to various occupations, including working in a county recorder’s office and photography. He enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, serving with the Twenty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry, where he sustained injuries and was captured at the Battle of Shiloh. Post-war, he pursued merchandising and cabinet making, and served in the Missouri General Assembly. He later settled in Gallatin, continuing his career in painting.

Biography of Percy H. Swahlen, M. D.

Dr. Percy H. Swahlen, born on June 4, 1877, in Lebanon, Illinois, was a prominent obstetrician and gynecologist in St. Louis. He graduated from De Pauw University in 1899 and earned his M.D. in 1903 from the Marion Sims Beaumont College of Medicine. After internships and further studies in Europe, he began practicing in St. Louis in 1908. He served as a captain in the Medical Corps during WWI and held various esteemed roles in local hospitals and medical associations, becoming a distinguished figure in his field.

Biography of William A. Kelsoe

William Austin Kelsoe, born on February 1, 1851, in Greenville, Illinois, faced early adversity with the death of his mother. Raised by relatives, he excelled in education, attending McKendree College and later studying in Germany. His journalism career began in 1874 with the St. Louis Dispatch, leading to various editorial roles across multiple newspapers, including the Globe-Democrat and Post-Dispatch. Kelsoe played a significant role in public service, notably advocating for night streetcar service. He was also active in several literary and social organizations, contributing to the St. Louis community until his retirement.

Biography of Millard Fillmore Wood

Millard Fillmore Wood, born on November 12, 1850, in Illinois, moved to Montgomery County as a young teacher. He initially taught while improving a homestead, leading to a successful career in business and politics. Over the years, he held various roles, including county treasurer and city clerk of Cherryvale, and eventually became involved in sanitary contracting. A member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and various fraternal organizations, he married Ida E. Paxon, with whom he had two children, contributing significantly to his community.

Biography of Mark A. Leftwich

Mark A. Leftwich, born in May 1852 in Virginia, is a prominent newspaper figure in Oklahoma, owning the Coweta Times-Star. He learned the printing trade in Texas, eventually publishing several newspapers in Missouri and Nebraska before establishing the Coweta Times in 1905 and merging it with the Coweta Star in 1918. Leftwich, a Democrat and Mason, has five children and contributes to his community through his work and influence. His reliability and integrity are widely recognized.

Biography of Theodore F. Ismert

Theodore F. Ismert, president of the Ismert-Hincke Milling Company, has played a pivotal role in the Missouri Valley’s milling industry for over fifty years. Born in Lebanon, Illinois, in 1866 to French immigrants, he was educated both in the U.S. and France. Following in his father’s footsteps in milling, Theodore established a major processing plant in Kansas City and expanded operations across the state. A public-spirited individual, he is actively involved in community organizations and is married with five children, all of whom he has encouraged to pursue education.

Biography of Bernhard Warkentin

Bernhard Warkentin, born June 18, 1847, in Southern Russia, was a prominent Mennonite businessman and miller who played a crucial role in Kansas agriculture. After immigrating to the United States in search of opportunity, he established successful milling operations and was instrumental in introducing hard Turkey wheat to the region, transforming Kansas farming. Warkentin was also involved in founding several banks and supported Mennonite institutions like Bethel College. He tragically died from an accidental gunshot wound in 1908 while traveling in Syria.

Biographical Sketch of J. W. Farrar

J. W. Farrar, born on March 4, 1827, near Charleston, South Carolina, eventually settled in Illinois after various moves during his youth. He married Ann M. Talbot in 1851, with whom he had eight children. Over the years, he engaged in multiple trades, including farming and tanning, before establishing himself in Coles County, Illinois, in 1864. A dedicated community member, Farrar served as Road Commissioner and School Trustee, ultimately owning 310 acres of land earned through hard work.

Biographical Sketch of J. L. Aubert

J. L. Aubert, born November 3, 1830, in Licking County, Ohio, grew up as a farmer’s son before apprenticing as a carpenter at 18. He moved to Moultrie County, Illinois, in 1854, where he farmed and worked in construction, building local schools and churches. After living briefly in Shelbyville and Jacksonville, he began studying surveying under his brother-in-law. Elected County Surveyor of Coles County in 1875, he was married to Minerva R. Morgan in 1858.

Biography of Henry Babel

Henry Babel, born in Germany in 1826, emigrated to America in 1845 and eventually settled in California after a challenging journey. He established Babel Springs, a renowned health resort, alongside his wife, Elizabeth. Throughout his life, Babel engaged in various ventures, including mining and livestock, ultimately amassing wealth through farming and hospitality. He was known for his integrity and generosity. After his death in 1885, his widow continued to manage Babel Springs, enhancing its facilities to promote its potential as a health destination.

Biographical Sketch of Dr. Moses Spencer Jones

Dr. Moses Spencer Jones, born in 1842 in Illinois, was the oldest practicing physician in Orange County. After receiving medical education at McKendree College and St. Louis Medical College, he specialized in ophthalmology and aural surgery. He initially practiced in Louisiana before relocating to California in 1874, where he established a practice in Santa Ana. Dr. Jones married Cordelia J. Reierson, who he cured of blindness, but she passed away in 1887. He remarried Venia Avera in 1889, continuing his medical career dedicated to eye and ear diseases.