St. Clair County IL Genealogy

The Osage Massacre

In the summer of 1833, following a treaty council breakdown, Osage warriors attacked a Kiowa village, resulting in a brutal massacre where many women, children, and elderly were killed, and the heads of the victims displayed in brass buckets. Among the captives were two children, Gunpä´ñdamä and Tunkahtohye, later purchased by Colonel Hugh Love for potential diplomatic gains. The ensuing U.S. military expeditions aimed to restore order and negotiate peace, but many faced logistical challenges and poor preparation, resulting in numerous setbacks and casualties.

Biography of Hon. Ninian Edwards

Judge Ninian Edwards, born in 1775, was a prominent lawyer, jurist, and statesman whose public service spanned nearly forty years across Kentucky and Illinois. After graduating from Dickinson College, he became a successful attorney and served in various political roles including Chief Justice of Kentucky and Governor of the Illinois Territory. Elected to the U.S. Senate upon Illinois’s admission to the Union, Edwards was known for his legal acumen and leadership. He passed away in 1833, leaving a lasting legacy in American history.

The Didier Family of Prairie du Rocher Illinois

The Didier family, notable French settlers in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, traces its roots back to Paulin Didier, who emigrated with his parents in 1847. The family initially settled in Cahokia before moving to a farm near Prairie du Rocher in 1854, where Paulin became a successful farmer. Born in 1845, he passed away in 1907. His wife, Leonline Bige, born in 1858, contributed significantly to their household and farm’s success. After Paulin’s death, she continued to manage the farm, focusing on chicken raising.

The Siegfried Family of Prairie du Rocher Illinois

Anton Siegfried, born in Germany in 1852, immigrated to Red Bud, Illinois, in 1872. After working on a farm, he became involved in the cattle and hog trade and opened a meat market in Ruma in 1891, subsequently adding a general merchandise store. Married to Mary Melly in 1878, they had eight children. A Democrat, Siegfried served on the school board and as president of Ruma. He also owned a 120-acre farm, illustrating his commitment to both business and community.

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

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.

Early Exploration and Native Americans

Ferdinand de Soto’s interactions with Native American tribes, specifically the Choctaws and Chickasaws, exemplify early European attempts to impose their ideologies of civilization and Christianity upon Indigenous populations. This approach set a precedent for further exploitation and oppression of Native Americans, as European settlers sought to acquire land and resources. Throughout history, tribes like the Chickasaws, known for their valor, remained steadfast allies rather than adversaries. This enduring alliance contrasts sharply with the overarching narrative of dispossession and extermination faced by Indigenous nations in North America.

Escape From The Robber Band

On November 8, 1819, the author and companions faced a night of dread while staying with strangers who displayed suspicious behavior. Armed and apprehensive, they prepared for a possible attack, realizing the danger posed by their hosts. After surviving the night, they departed the premises, eventually joining other travelers on the road to safety. Their journey continued through Illinois, revealing a landscape of both fertile land and dangerous inhabitants, leading the author to reflect on the challenges and characters of this new frontier.

Biography of Francis Xavier Paquet

Francis Xavier Paquet, born on January 15, 1811, in Quebec, was the sixteenth child of Joseph and Marie Madaline Paquet. Apprenticed in shipbuilding, he emigrated to the U.S. at seventeen, working for the American Fur Company. He later joined the lead mining industry and served in the Black Hawk War, earning commendation from General Scott. Married to Marie Louise Lannadier de Langdeau in 1836, the couple moved to Oregon in 1852, where they became prominent figures with a large family, contributing to their community’s development.

Biographical Sketch of George H. Moser

George H. Moser, a notable homeopathic physician from Arcola, Pennsylvania, was born on December 19, 1859. He graduated with honors from the Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri in 1890 and began practicing in Belleville, Illinois, before moving to Bond County and then Arcola in 1895. Known for his diagnostic skills and friendly demeanor, Dr. Moser quickly established a successful practice in Arcola. He married on December 10, 1881, and has three daughters: Lola, Viola, and Hattie.

Biography of Alexander T. Primm, Jr.

Alexander T. Primm, Jr. was born on April 12, 1864, in Belleville, Illinois, and became a prominent figure in St. Louis as vice president of J. Kennard Sons Carpet Company, where he started working in 1882. He hails from a notable lineage, tracing back to Alexander De La Pryme in France. Educated at Smith Academy, Primm excelled in his career and was involved in pony polo and the military remount service during World War I. An independent democrat, he is active in various clubs and well-respected in St. Louis’s business community.

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 Alonzo Leo Fitzporter, M. D.

Dr. Alonzo Leo Fitzporter, born on July 23, 1884, in St. Louis, is the son of prominent physician Dr. John L. Fitzporter. He graduated from St. Louis University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1906 and earned his M.D. in 1910. After an internship, he established a general practice in St. Louis and served as a first lieutenant in the Medical Corps during World War I. Married to Marie Krebs, they have one daughter. Dr. Fitzporter is actively involved in medical associations and the Catholic community.

Biography of Louis J. Oatman, M. D.

Dr. Louis J. Oatman, born on December 13, 1874, in O’Fallon, Illinois, was a distinguished physician and surgeon in St. Louis. He graduated from St. Louis University in 1893 and gained extensive experience through various hospital roles. Professionally, he served as chief medical examiner for multiple insurance companies and was active in medical associations. Married to Anna Martin, they had one daughter, Olive. A Republican by political stance, Dr. Oatman is also a member of the First Presbyterian Church and enjoys travel.

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 David Stainrook Booth, M.D.

Dr. David Stainrook Booth, born April 6, 1863, in Missouri, is an esteemed physician, educator, and author based in St. Louis. A descendant of a long line of medical practitioners, he graduated as valedictorian from high school and pursued medicine at St. Louis Medical College. Notably involved in railway hospitals, he excelled in neurology, serving as editor of the *Alienist and Neurologist*. An active member of various medical societies, Dr. Booth’s significant contributions to medicine include educational lectures and extensive writings on nervous disorders.

Biography of Irving H. Boemer, M.D.

Dr. Irving H. Boemer, born on September 13, 1889, in St. Clair County, Illinois, is a prominent St. Louis physician specializing in surgery. Educated at local schools and graduated from St. Louis University in 1915, he has served in various surgical capacities, including assistant surgeon roles at St. Johns Hospital and the St. Louis University School of Medicine. Married in 1918 to Evylln Kinney, he is affiliated with several fraternities and clubs and maintains an independent Republican stance in politics.

Biography of Jacob Kissel

Jacob Kissel, born in 1854 in St. Louis, Missouri, faced adversity early in life, becoming an orphan at nine. His industrious nature and German heritage propelled him into various clerking roles across multiple cities. Eventually, he settled in south Missouri, where he partnered with John F. Church to establish a successful business. A self-made man, Kissel exemplifies the potential for achievement through hard work and integrity. He married Adelia Dent in 1889, with whom he has two daughters, Clara and Alma.

Biography of Bartholomew John Bux

Bartholomew John Bux, born on January 6, 1864, in Illinois, moved to Kansas at six and eventually became a prosperous landowner and retired farmer in Meriden. His father, John Bux, a German immigrant and bricklayer, settled in Kansas in 1870. B. J. Bux acquired numerous farms across several counties and served as Meriden’s mayor while being active in local fraternal organizations. He married Susan Stadel in 1886, and they had two sons, contributing to the family’s legacy in the region.

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.